Joanna Concejo

I recently discovered this artist through another blog I follow- and I really love her illustrations. This piece I particularly love b/c the blue is so rich against the grey, and I love it when artists use "found objects' such as this envelope.

Artist Brendan Flanagan

Kind of creepy, kind of abstract, but delightful and unlike any painting style I've ever seen! This Canadian painter is sure to be something you've not seen before.

www.brendanflanagan.ca

Artist Beverley Ashe

And on with the painting! This is the kind of art I never had to try to like, or even look back twice. I loved it from first glance.

I've had the work of this painter in my favorites for years now. I see she has had no shows in 2011 though, and there is not as much work displayed on her website.

Still, there are a few impressions that knock me in the face right away. Even though I love this work and like to look at it, there is something undeniably disturbing about the content.

The artist has chosen to place this quote on her website....I think it explains it all!

"If all this is really a dream, then I might as well spend it trying to look at what scares me.....instead of running away." ~Pema Chodron

www.beverleyashe.com

Artist Ann Hamilton

So of a different flavor, artist Ann Hamilton may be unlike anything you've ever seen before.

It took me a while back in the 1990's to really appreciate installation art and/or performance art. But now I totally love it.

I came across Ann Hamilton's work via a documentary which I must say helps you experience the work way better than this simple photo below.

The piece below is just one of many by Ann Hamilton. This one is entitled: myein from 1999 meaning "to close the eyes or mouth."

The piece consists of a reconstructed version of the United States pavilion. Inside, around the perimeter of the room, a constant flow of very fine, fuscia powder falls from the ceiling over walls covered in Braille. You can't touch the Braille nor read it, so this makes it untangible for the viewer. What is tangible though, is the constant whispering of the recordings of Abraham Lincoln’s second Inaugural Address spoken in phonetic code.

Simply amazing.

www.annhamiltonstudio.com

Photographer Alison Shaw

Have you ever had a certain place tucked away in your mind that you know at some point you just have to go to?

That's how I feel about Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. I think my obsession with Cape Cod began sometime back in 2006 when I came across an article about Mary Oliver and how she has spent her life living and writing in Cape Cod. I fell in love with her story and the seemingly simplistic way of life there.

Somehow, through my fascination with Cape Cod I came across the lovely work of photographer Alison Shaw who lives and works in Martha's Vineyard. Below are images from her studio and surrounding area.

www.alisonshaw.com

Artist Alexander Jansson

If you would have asked me when I was 16 or 18 or even 22 if I liked illustration or animation, I would have responded with a decisive "NO".

But now and for quite a while now I find myself really enjoying it, and seeing the beauty and intricacy of this artform.

I have grown to appreciate the sometimes lightheartedness of it all. And so I leave you with a taste of the wonderfully talented Swedish artist: Alexander Jansson!


"Monsters in a flying hat"

"Monster daddys new bike"

"The traveling mute singers"

www.alexanderjansson.com

Artist Abelardo Morell

Below are two images from Abelardo Morell featuring
his unique Camera Obscura method.

These are absolutely beautiful and stunning in all aspects.

Wouldn't it be unforgettable to spend just one night in a room like this?

This art can be experienced not only by looking at photographs of these installations but by being there too.

More of his work can be viewed at his website: www.abelardomorell.net

Artist Sarah Trouche

I came across this French born artist on the internet, and was struck by her nude & surreal photographs. I think I am always easily captivated by photographs involving the nude figure in natural as well as civilized environments. I always wonder though what drives artists to use nudity in their work, as I am an artist that does the same thing.

I found a short statement from this artist in which she said:

"Live, photographer, video based artist. i try to always interogate my immediate environment by short lived actions that i photograph."

But I think "Why?"

“My work is everything that engages my curiosity
drawing painting dance sculpture video installations
It is performance
“l’instant pregnant” – a moment frozen in time and space, in a unique frame of suspension
A short-lived moment that summarizes the entire story
You stand as i perform; you make your trip
the trip becomes a ritual, mine and yours
A collective time, sacred in action
a “mise en scene” of symbols, constructing a new time and space
My work is about this time “in between”
it is experience, composition, color,
“entre ciel et terre
entre rêve et réalité
entre légèreté et pesanteur”

All images by Sarah Trouche

More at her website: http://www.sarahtrouche.com/