January 11th, 2010 · 1 Comment
After a brief hiatus, I’m back and armed with the details of a wonderfully comprehensive and informative gallery exhibition I attended last night at The Katonah Art Museum in Katonah, NY. Well I have to say that, with my literary and art history background, my appreciation and expectations were high for this show: Bold, Cautious, True: Walt Whitman and American Art During the Civil War Era.
I felt like the gallery was arranged just for me, tying in Whitman verses with artistic renderings of high-profile figures and societal issues of such a historically important time period. Ringing true of the recent American Stories exhibition I just previewed at the Met, viewing this exhibition so soon after American Stories helped draw figurative lines that connected the two, allowing me to visualize a broader scope of artistic trends and issues of the time. Most noteworthy for me were two contrasting portraits of Walt Whitman used in different editions of his masterpiece Leaves of Grass.
First was Samuel Hollyer’s “Portrait of Walt Whitman” from 1854, used in the 1855 version of LofG. Picturing him in workmen’s clothes, Whitman stands with one hand on his hip, one in his pocket, defiant of societal norms and polite conventions of the time. The other portrait by Charles Hine, painted in 1860 was used in the 3rd edition–the first to be published by a publisher (Thayer and Eldridge). Whitman particularly loved this one because, although he still didn’t give in to conventions, he felt it portrayed him as a more refined literary figure despite the criticism he was up against at the time.
Not always attracted to portraiture, I found myself particularly gravitating toward these paintings, as well as a George P.A. Healy portrait of Abraham Lincoln only days after his election into office. They seemed to say much more about not only the progression and development of these men but about the state of the Civil War, slavery, and the types of efforts that were being made, in various forms, to contribute to ending the ongoing conflict.
Renowned author and Lincoln expert Philip Kunhardt gave a lecture, “The President and the Poet: The Converging Lives of Abraham Lincoln and Walt Whitman,” following my viewing of the exhibition. An exceptionally interesting parallel between author and president, Kunhardt spoke of the similarities (more than I realized) and differences of author and president.
Drawing up side-by-side pictures of the men on a presentation screen, Kunhardt demonstrated similar paths and progressions in their lives until the point of Lincoln’s assassination and Whitman’s death as an older man. He also outlined their backgrounds–both farmers’ sons, devoted to bringing unity to the nation, and both not giving great concern to their physical appearance– describing how each influenced the other significantly. Lincoln, reading aloud from Whitman’s work, appreciated his zest for life and patriotism for his country, Lincoln’s prose becoming more Whitman-esque along the way. Whitman, admiring Lincoln so much that it fueled some of his greatest works of poetry (“When Last the Lilacs in the Doorway Bloom’d” and “O Captain, My Captain”), supported the president even when he faced criticism.
Having researched Whitman, Emerson and the likes, I was hoping to gain additional information from Kunhardt’s notable background. Articulate, engaging and informative, that’s just what happened. I’m anxious to read his literature! I do plan to go back to the gallery and explore a few areas that I didn’t get to sift through as thoroughly as I would’ve liked and will pick up the oversized hardcover catalog book as well. The beauty of living 15 minutes away from such a beautiful museum!
The juxtaposition between several elements of art—literature and painting—with an important historical backdrop was impressive and rewarding to view.
The exhibition runs through January 24, 2010– so catch it while you can!
Tags: Uncategorized
December 9th, 2009 · 2 Comments
Tags: Gift Guide 2009
I’ve added a page with a list of the current most popular children’s books according to the New York Times’ Bestselling list for Children’s Picture Books and Children’s Chapter Books.
The current helpful lists are:
Children’s Books: Gift Guide 2009
Oprah’s 10 Terrific Reads of 2009
New York Times’ 100 Notable Books of 2009:
Fiction/Poetry, part 1
Fiction/Poetry, part 2
Nonfiction, part 1
Nonfiction, part 2
Tags: Gift Guide 2009 · Publishing/ Literature
No matter who you’re buying gifts for this holiday season, books are always the perfect solution! Affordable and practical, they create the opportunity to truly personalize gifts. Think about the person’s interests and you’re bound to find a book about it! Here’s a great place to start– I’ve compiled these lists with easy-access links to each title. Simply click and buy! Amazon has discounted prices, so most of these books fall under $20! Stay tuned for a Children/Teens list coming by Friday!
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OPRAH’S 10 Terrific Reads of 2009: Her book choices for the well-renowned Oprah’s Book Club is like a golden stamp of approval from a true lover of literature. Every book she chooses becomes a hit!
Oprah’s 10 Terrific Reads of 2009
NEW YORK TIMES‘ 100 Notable Books of 2009: The golden throne of literary success. Even a nod in their Book Review section is the true mark of exceptional literature that is sure to entertain, educate and enlighten! Choose a book from this list and you really can’t go wrong!
NYT 100 Notable Books 2009: Fiction/Poetry, part 1
NYT 100 Notable Books 2009: Fiction/Poetry, part 2
NYT 100 Notable Books 2009: Nonfiction, part 1
NYT 100 Notable Books 2009: Nonfiction, part 2
Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for more gift guide ideas!
Next up, Children and Teen Book Guide 2009.
Next Week: Etsy Gift Finds.
Subscribe to my email (in the sidebar) to be alerted when these guides are posted!
Tags: Culture · Gift Guide 2009 · Media · Publishing/ Literature
November 19th, 2009 · 1 Comment
It was announced today that 74-year old artist Jeanne-Claude has past away due to brain aneurysm complications. The environmental artist became famous creating temporary works of art throughout the world with her husband, Christo. Their website tells the story of this couple, who met in Paris in 1958, discovering they had the same birthday, and have created work together for 51 years.
The couple is famous for their “wrapping” technique—though it was not always used in their work—of using fabric to encompass a (usually famous) landmark, whether in urban or rural environments. Their ingenuity, however, brings about a far more important result as it alters one’s perception of a certain atmosphere. There is something beautiful about the intentions of this work and about the way it is able to be shared with some many people, as they simply walk to work or experience their days. The art is physically temporary and fleeting, yet remains always in its observers’ memories.
These works took years to come to fruition—preparatory plans, materials and execution (but most especially permissions from authorities) proved time-consuming, yet the passion was in their hearts and so it came to be 20 times: Their art is more recently well-known for their New York, NY “Gates” exhibition in Central Park during which orange fabric awnings were set up throughout the park, free to catch the sunlight, reflect shadows, brighten the park’s environment and wave in the wind (26 years to complete: 1971-2005). Other projects included wrapping the Pont Neuf in Paris, France (10 years: 1975-85), Wrapped Reichstag in Berlin, Germany (25 years: 1971-1995) and many more.
During the undertaking of these vast landscapes in the execution of their works, Claude and Jeanne-Claude asked for nothing but the ability to perform their art and share it with the world. They’ve asked for no scholarships or grants and no money from [Read more →]
Tags: Uncategorized
I’m so excited that my Etsy shop, Wild Magnolia Studio, snagged a coveted Treasury last night! For those who don’t know, Treasuries are curated by an Etsians and feature a collection of 12 items from anywhere on the site. Our Treasury is called Falling Into Autumn and displays all items that have warm orange tones. A color we are both drawn to, the items themeslves really make this collection special! It’s on display through Saturday. Here it is:
Tags: Etsy Artists · Etsy and Art Projects
If you’re in the New York area, you may want to check this out. I’ll be there if I can!
I’d love to bring attention to the fact that NYC independent bookstores are finally being due acknowledged. The first ever NYC Indie Bookstores Week is fast approaching. Spread the word and support these stores that are under the stronghold of the international chains! Taking place from November 15- 21, 2009, Independent Booksellers of New York City encourages you to step into your local indie store and promote them.
About ibNYC.org:
The IBNYC is an alliance of independent booksellers working together to promote the cultural, literary and economic benefits of shopping at New York City’s diverse collection of bookstores. We are united in our goal to keep indie bookstores thriving and raise awareness of the vital contributions that these local businesses make to the city’s rich tradition as a center of publishing and bookselling.
It’s the perfect time to poke your head into that little bookstore you’ve passed a hundred times, always saying “I have to remember to stop in there sometime.” With an impressive 3-page events listing of readings, signings and discussions throughout the city, next week leaves you with no more excuses. What better time to take a peek into that store than during a week that celebrates the thriving culture of independent bookstores despite rising kindle and ebook sales, Amazon purchases through the roof and chains opening on every corner?
Best yet, help jumpstart this celebration with powerhouse Arena’s kick-off party! On November 11th, jump on over to DUMBO, Brooklyn to check out author talks (including Kurt Andersen), live music (including Jones Street Station), refreshments (including cookies) and giveaways (including a poster signed by New Yorker cartoonist Bruce McCall) from 7-10pm. More details here.
As a literary junkie and an art nut, I’ve been dying to check out (and work at?) powerHouse Arena. An art publisher with a bookstore, gallery et al. Love this. If I can’t make it this Wednesday, I’ll absolutely get there soon. I suggest you do as well.
In the meantime, here’s a Google Map of NYC independent bookstores.
Among my favorites is Housing Works Bookstore Café—a non-profit bookstore with an old-fashioned mahogany library-feeling décor, complete with a bar that sells wine and beer, cozy chairs and fabulous events. The best part of all: Profits go toward helping homeless men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS in NYC by providing them with housing, meals, medical benefits and more. Especially in the bitter cold of winter, this mission is remarkably important.
Tags: Culture · Media · Publishing/ Literature · Recommended Sites and Resources · Writing
November 3rd, 2009 · 2 Comments
Was the “Young Archer” Created By a Young Michelangelo?
The statue of a “Young Archer” is on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to gather further expert studies on whether or not this work can be attributed to the Renaissance master Michelangelo. Though unfinished, broken and with far less attention to detail as his later works, it is still believed that a teenage, learning Michelangelo did in fact create this piece—At least that’s what Metropolitan Museum of Art curator Jim Draper wholeheartedly believes.
Curator of the exhibit, Draper is one of the main advocates for attributing the statue to a young Michelangelo. His job, in a very imprecise nutshell, is to deduce centuries worth of history based on what’s not physically in front of him as much as what is. I had the distinct pleasure of listening to him speak yesterday, the day before this lovely statue was revealed to the general public.
Worn by time and weather, the Carrara marble statue used to stand about 4 feet high. Depicting a young boy of approximately 12 years old, it appears that, though the arms of the piece have been broken off, he was reaching across his chest for a bow from the quiver (carved in the shape of a bear paw) on his back. Some scholars disagree with Draper’s acceptance of this attribution. This crossing of the arm over chest with the head turned in the same direction is not in line with his typical sense of contrapposto—the natural stance of a statue such as the artists’ famous “David”. Providing all of the facts for why this can be believed as a Michelangelo, Draper seemed determined to make a case for why he believes it is.
Much of the arguments for why it is a Michelangelo seem to go back to the fact that this was a work done by a teenager still learning the ropes of sculpture from his mentor Bertoldo di Giavanni. The statue is undeniably non-proportional as the boy’s thighs are elongated and his knees remain imprecise, but a 14-15 year old youth would likely not understand anatomy in the detail that the grown man who created “David” and other such works knew. It seems to me anyway that the muscular definition of “David” wouldn’t be as present in the body of a teenage boy, archer or not, and the preciseness isn’t there because he was learning and, as is typical of some of Michelangelo’s pieces, it remained unfinished.
With ten years at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, only time will tell as studies progress about whether or not “Young Archer” can truly be attributed to Michelangelo. In the meantime, the exhibit opened today, so feel free to go there and decide for yourself!
Other Recent Museum Previews:
American Stories preview: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Tags: Art News/ Art Projects · Culture · Museums
October 28th, 2009 · 2 Comments
I’ve had this problem lately of missing time with two essential things in my life: Friends and creative writing. Luckily my friends love writing and I’ve managed to figure out a way to combine the two via computer.
While I love my friends dearly and always try to make time for them, there are some times I just can’t make it work and busy schedules prevent me from seeing them. Meanwhile, work prevents me from my creative writing endeavors. So, I’ve started a Yahoo Groups site for me and my friends to share our writing. (This works just as well in Google, MSN, etc.) Try starting one of your own!
How It Works:
The page consists of a forum board. Each week starts a new thread on that forum board.
1) Every week, we take turns choosing an assignment (Trust me—It’s much more fun than school). This lends variety instead of one person picking every week. Any genre is up for grabs: poetry, short stories, stream of consciousness.
2) We spend that week completing the project. In our own time, at our own pace.
3) At the end of the week, we all post our interpretations of the assignment onto the board thread and comment on other member’s contributions under their posted work.
Now, I’ll never call this a substitute for sitting in a coffee shop with a close friend laughing and catching up on each others’ lives, gossiping, giving one another advice and spending true quality time with each other.
Nor would I call it a substitute for grabbing my beautiful leather-bound, tattered journal–sheets worn from my travels, ink soaking through the pages– and sitting in the corner of my favorite spot in my yard, coffee in hand (notice the trend), gushing my stream of thoughts into the only place where they really truly make sense ALL of the time (to me at least!)
This project is the best substitute I’ve found. It, more than most things, allows us a window into our friends’ feelings, views and crutches. I’ve learned a lot about my friends through this project and then when we DO meet at the coffee shop, we’re all caught up on our lives and can get into the juicy details instead of surface-level updates.
Do you have a way that YOU combine time with friends with a hobby you’re passionate about? Scrapbooking parties, tennis classes, etc. Tell us about it in the comments section!
Tags: Writing
October 26th, 2009 · 4 Comments
I’m so excited! I just received the Vinyl Underground bag and it looks great! Vinyl Underground is one of my photographs that was chosen to be printed on laptop messenger bags! It is already for sale online 
The colorful photograph features vintage vinyl records of iconic musicians lined up in a row. It’s a great (and useful) gift for music lovers!
Best yet, I was given a promo code for friends and family and since YOU are my friends, here it is: Receive 15% off your order when you enter: “xmas-giving” at checkout. AND between now and the end of the year, get Free Shipping! Just in time to save on your gift purchases– Can’t get better than that!
The bag holds most laptop sizes securely with a well-padded laptop pocket. Made with tough 1680D Polyester, the bag has 2 compartments (the main one zips closed) and a strap long enough to wear comfortably (as in the picture shown).
* Bag Dimensions: 18.5″ x 15″ x 4″
* Padded Laptop pocket dimensions: 12.5″ deep, 14″ wide and 1.5″ thick.
Okay, okay. Enough self-promotion. Sorry! (blush).
Tags: Art News/ Art Projects
