Author: ArtsyChowRoamer

Galleries:

A SAFE HAVEN OPTION

“I found I could say things
with color and shapes that
I couldn’t say any other way-
things I had no words for.”

Painter – Georgia O’Keeffe

Being an anglophile, I find a good “cuppa” soothing when things are going sideways.  So it was no surprise really when I decided to “zoom” my good friend at Thomas Deans Fine Art to have a chat, share that cup of tea and catch up on all things quarantine.

I have been missing the usual Friday night art openings in Atlanta on Miami Circle where his and many other galleries are located.  I could always count on one nearly every month with a fabulous dinner somewhere swanky afterwards.

Paintings above by Christina Renfer Vogel; L to R-Sidelong, Flowers from Katie, Near Miss

THOMAS DEANS FINE ART

I had been wondering how Thomas was doing since the quarantine but I also wanted to pick his brain about where he thought things were going and how the long pause might affect him specifically and the gallery business in general.

Once we got settled in with our tea, he shared that while he had some decent sales on line he still felt a little weird.  After all, none of us have ever gone through anything like this before. Some people liken it to WWII; scared of the unknown and having to pull out ration cards and conserve things like gas, meat and silk.

Still others say it is much more like what they went through waiting on a polio vaccine.  The not knowing of where it might strike next making everyday life very scary with real ramifications of crippled legs and iron lungs.  I couldn’t have imagined what that might have been like-but we’ve all got a much better idea now.

Paintings above by Ana Guzman; L to R-Atlanta Beltline, A Summer House in Late July, Yellow Tulips

HOW TO SAFELY REOPEN

Not knowing is the hardest so Thomas decided to take a very slow approach to safely reopen the gallery for business.  As Georgia prompted businesses to open, he only offered shortened hours on Saturdays from 11-4 and by appointment only.

Since he does a lot of work with interior designers that allowed him to service their project needs in a way that was safe and clean while still using social distancing.  He began full weekly hours again on Tuesday, May 26th. Visitors have been minimal through the week with more on Saturdays as people begin to venture outside.

Paintings above by Benjamin Frederick; L ro R-Living Room, Orange Shirt, The Lookout

ESCAPE YOUR FOUR WALLS

A gallery business is not going to have high traffic volume normally and Thomas feels they can sanitize between visitors so it is a safe haven for escape during these times.  Concepts like “virtual exhibitions,” which have been around for a while, have now become a central focus of the art world.

With his March exhibition completely canceled, his April show, Four Figurative Painters, opened on his website and has been extended through June 20th. It features the work of four different artists: Christina Renfer Vogel, Ana Guzman, Benjamin Frederick and Evan Jones.

“My work comes from looking around me,” says painter Frederick. This straightforward statement aptly describes the paintings of his three colleagues. Perception is the unifying factor for them; expression through paint and inspiration from the everyday world, it’s just that simple—and that complex.

For Frederick, time spent with his family provides rich inspiration.  He synthesizes everyday experiences into something universally understood.  “Speed” is of the essence to Ana Guzman. She works quickly to capture the sensations and energy of life in rich, thick pigment; a technique perfectly suited to capturing the face of Atlanta.

Jones draws heavily on Americana and the South, putting diverse elements into his works to create a “stew” of imagery.  Vogel sees herself as an observer, painting moments of human interaction that are personal, anonymous, and private but speaking to femininity, beauty, and home.

In an art world accustomed to grand gestures, all four of these artists use their considerable abilities as painters to remind us of the small daily delights that we too often overlook but perhaps have a greater appreciation for these days. You might also enjoy reading another post on Thomas Deans. The video below will show you more of the exhibition.

KAI LIN ART

Next, it was time to check in with another gallery friend that I had been texting with throughout this quarantine period; Yu-Kai Lin of Kai Lin Art located in the booming Westside Arts disctrict of Midtown. I first became aware of him when I read a wonderful graduation speech he gave at Emory.

He is a graduate himself and goes back often to speak. You might like to read another blog post I did on that speech about Confessions of a Creative Wannabe. Not only is he a gallery owner and art enthusiast but he is a world class piano player and hangs out with artsy, poetic writer types-ya know what I mean?

From CreateHer exhibition on view now'; L to R-Madison Clark, Annamarie Williams & Jamie Kim

POSITIVE AND CREATIVE

Right off the bat he was positive even during a pandemic. He seemed assured his business and his gallery would not only be fine but survive and thrive. While the rest of us were wondering what to do with our bored selves Yu-Kai was posting pics of the latest artsy books he was reading.

He was also working on his book about being a creative. When I asked him what he would do if this went on and he maybe had to have a Plan B-he immediately responded with “write a play”. Say what? I mean don’t you kind of have to know somebody in order for a play to be produced and put anywhere?

He’s got a friend. Who’s done it before. Who has money. Lol. Ok no worries there and no time a wastin’ with this guy. He is going to utilize every minute he is given to strive to be smarter, more creative and blessed even in a world that seems in crisis right now.

I feel like I need to go lie down or meditate or something in order to keep up.

From CreateHer exhibition on view now; L to R-Lela Brunet, Cameron Bliss & Mallory Brooks

CREATEHER EXHIBITION ON VIEW NOW

Yu-Kai has extended his CreateHer exhibition til the middle of June as he begins to reopen for regular hours Wednesday, June 3rd. The exhibit is a curated show with 39 female artists working in a wide and diverse range of styles and mediums located across the Southeast.

In continuation of their core values of inclusion and representation, they have invited several new and returning voices. The styles and subject matter of artworks range from playful interpretations of architecture to abstraction of the natural world.

Other works focus around explorations of the mind’s psychological tendencies and obsessions. Technique and materiality range as well from painting to printmaking, textile design to interdisciplinary practices. Yu-Kai gets excited when he talks art and he loves that this show is all about female energy and power.

From CreateHer exhibition on view now; L to R-Andrea Garland, Elizabeth Stockton & Krista Gecco

SAFETY FIRST

Because we can’t gather in more than groups of 10 people (at this time according to science) Kai-Lin has decided to provide a continually evolving and rolling exhibition schedule. Meaning, they will always be putting up and taking down art and changing things around as pieces find a permanent home and new works come in from their regular stable of artists.

They will be handing out disposable masks to those visitors who do not have them along with hand sanitizer at both entrances. Printed price lists will be on request and they highly suggest visitors call for an appointment so they can make sure they are scheduling hourly visits with an abundance of safety and caution.

In the style of the 17th and 18th century salons in France, they are going to be gathering small art groups of creatives (artists, poets, writers, patrons etc) for hosting curated bi-monthly meet ups over the next year. If you are interested in joining their salon, email them at info@kailinart.com and you will be put on the list.

CONCLUSION

With people spending so much time at home, they begin to think about enhancing their surroundings, especially when so many other activities are curtailed. Collectors are always looking, but even casual buyers appear to be doing so now and doing it online.

Something a lot of us thought might never happen.  Seeing art in person is very different from a photo-it just isn’t a car but that was then and this is now. Thomas and Yu-Kai both believe they’ll see increasing online sales over the next year. They both upped their buying online games with changes to their websites and catalogs.

This may also actually help with the normally slow summer in Atlanta.  With fewer people heading out on vacations, local foot traffic in the galleries should increase as people look for safe, uncrowded environments to enjoy.

Large gatherings of course, such as opening night receptions, are out of the question - at least for the foreseeable future.  Those days will have to wait for the promised vaccine in order to be a viable option again.

None of us are prognosticators, but we know that this crisis will leave a permanent imprint on the way we do things in our society. The gallery business, like many others, will change as well.  For now, we’re all happy to share a cup of tea, a little chat time and some beautiful artwork. Escape your four walls and go visit a gallery; they really are a safe haven option right now.

If you liked what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Artful Ideal. Hey, you know I don’t want you to be a stranger! Let me hear from you on what things you feel safe to get out and do right now. Until next time…

Cheers,

ArtsyChowRoamer

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TO MY READERS: This post appeared in a shortened version June 1st in my column The Curious Corner for Smoke Signals Newspaper.