On President’s Day, I fell right into an Oprah episode.  When my Tivo was working, I fell into Oprah when I decided the time was right (is this sounding like a Viagra commericial?).  Anyway, she did an entire show on the new Dr. Seuss movie that is coming out starring Jim Carey, Carol Burnett and Steve Corell. 

Jim Carey really is a magical person. He is spiritual, centered, and has AMAZING energy.  He had that audience in the palm of his hand. 

What does this have to do with art and painting?  Well, when he was alone with Oprah on stage, the discussion segwayed over to how he loves to paint.  And, he said “I just set up my stuff in the middle of my living room - and get up and paint whenever I feel like it.”  Just like me!  I have a studio/great room.  So, I love Jim Carey for that (and other zen and cool things).  By the way, it is interesting…my two fish really have an affinity for him.  They bang around in their bowls whenever he is around!

We brainstorm quite a bit and one day we were discussing my paintings and came up with the idea of creating a video of them to music.  It ran of his video network and was subsequently picked up by Google, AOL, MSN and a variety of other video services. Gosh, that reminds me, I’ll need to search YouTube to see if I’m there.

In the meantime, here’s a link to enjoy my fire paintings to music:

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/paintings-with-fire/174618377

And, of course, thank you Jaffer for doing this!

I must see new things and investigate them. I want to taste dark water and see crackling trees and wild winds. Egon Schiele

The painting has a life of its own. Jackson Pollock

An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision. James McNeill Whistler

The subject comes first, the medium second. Richard Prince

The people who call my work ‘abstract’ are imbeciles.. what they call ‘abstract’ is in fact the purest realism, the reality of which is not represented by external form but by the idea behind it, the essence of the work. Constantin Brancusi

I dream a lot. I do more painting when I’m not painting. It’s in the subconscious. Diego Rivera

A sincere artist is not one who makes a faithful attempt to put on to canvas what is in front of him, but one who tries to create something which is, in itself, a living thing. Giorgio Morandi

 Reflected Arrows 1974 Jeffrey Smart

It’s not a matter of painting life, it’s a matter of giving life to painting. Jeffrey Smart
 I’m trying to create flesh architecture. I aim to get a sculptural feel for groups of bodies, as well as create performance art. Banksy

Hunter, by Banksy

She also allowed me to have my paintings professionally photographed by one of her talented designers:  Ssonyo.  My paintings would not have been so beautifully represented if it had not been for these photographs.

And, most recently, she asked Ssonyo to design the header for this website.  It is so very beautiful, and so classy. 

So, I am most grateful to Gretchen and Ssonyo for all of the amazing support.  If you ever need “the best of the best” design firm, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Gretchen:  www.culture22.com.

I would also like to thank my good friend Jaffer Ali, CEO of NextEra Media.  Jaffer was kind to include me in his “quote of the day” and is helping me put together a video of my paintings to music that will be airing on the www.evtv1.com network.  I have been blessed to have met Jaffer back in 1994 while he was launching a direct marketing campaign for Riverdance.  A fellow direct marketer - he’s able to see into the future with a brilliance that has allowed for his company to evolve and grow.  Take a look at www.evtv1.com and you can be entertained for hours!

Graham Giovagnoli has been extremely patient and helpful to me.  One year ago, I never would have imagined that I would have one blog, let alone two.  Graham taught me how to navigate Wordpress - and when I would get into a snarl (as I often did), Graham would help.  So, I am extremely grateful to Graham!

Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art.  Leonardo da Vinci

Everything vanishes around me, and works are born as if out of the void. Ripe, graphic fruits fall off. My hand has become the obedient instrument of a remote will. Paul Klee

Art which did not begin in emotion is not art. Paul Cezanne

I try to apply colors like words that shape poems, like notes that shape music. Joan Miro

I must see new things and investigate them. I want to taste dark water and see crackling trees and wild winds. Egon Schiele

On August 19, 2007 The Bamboo Lounge played host to an exhibit of my work, and that of abstract artists Mark Dodd and Douglas Gamble.

 Tracy Thiron, CEO of Bamboo (check them out, they are very cool: http://www.bambooinc.com/ ), was kind enough to let us take over her amazing agency space on North Avenue. 

Over 75 people attended, and I was able to sell four paintings during the exhibit. 

Many thanks for Brenna Walters, our official caterer and bartender, Brian Thiron, and all the family and friends who attended that support us!

Here’s a link to the evite:

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=QJBTPFXLXHXOLLYGBYQV

Some comments from those attending and unable:

Gretchen Oettenger

So upset we won’t be able to make it. I guess I’ll just have to keep looking at your fabulous paintings hanging in my office. I feel so privileged to have the first commissioned artwork from you.

Brenna Walters

I can’t wait to see all the paintings together!

Tiger Madding  

Looking Forward To It!!!!! Thanks for the Invite; I’ve seen some of the paintings and WOW!!!

Fern Silver

Laura: Thanks for the invite. Can’t wait to see you again and the exciting paintings. If your paintings reflect the great spirit you are, I know I will be wowed!

accesastrl

Laura, I’ve seen some of your definitely inspired, moody paintings and want to see more of your birthings

Laura: This is really exciting. I’d love to make the opening but it is doubtful/to maybe.  Congratulations on your show. I’ll definitely get to the gallery. Bill Haljun

John Obrien

Laura, You are truly an inspiration to us all. Live the dream. I’m there in spirit. Look forward to you making it a road show and coming to Atlanta one day. Great quote: this one is all you… “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep”…. Scott Adams

Mike Welch

Hi Laura, Gosh, I’d love to be there. Best wishes for a huge success! The website is awesome!! Abraco, Mike.

Sandy

Laura So sorry to miss this big event. I’ll be cruising Alaska but thinking of you. The invitation is beautiful, your art is awesome; you are on your way. Congrats!

On November 10, 2007, Hayley Savage opened her first art gallery in New Albany, Ohio.  I am proud to be her friend and a selected artist featured in the gallery.  I am proud because Hayley has an incredible eye for artists, and has been a successful marketer for many years.

The opening was a “smashing” success - packed full of interesting people.  It was so great, Hayley was not able to leave the “pay here” area of the gallery the entire evening!

Here’s a description of Hayley’s Gallery from her website:

“Comfortable and inviting, Hayley Gallery is New Albany’s premier art gallery. Located in the site of the original New Albany firehouse built in 1945, we offer serious collectors, individuals who have recently discovered art and admirers alike the opportunity to discover and mingle with artists, gain insight into their creative process and purchase original, one-of-a-kind artwork that will be enjoyed for years to come.”

You won’t find a more interesting collection of contemporary art, furniture, glass, sculpture, jewelry and more, all presented in a relaxed, yet elegant museum-inspired setting.”

For more information about the gallery, go to: www.hayleygallery.com