A Red Square is an Angry Shape

You know, after a post like that in the morning, the day would only have been made worse by another national disaster. (Natural, Terrorist, Supernatural, Political- you take your pick.) I guess it's all right to be shaken.

A healthy dose of fear is a good thing. It keeps you objective. The way we all couldn't be if we watched Fox News- or rather, any news at the time of post 9/11. It was unnerving- I remember sort of shaking my head at a customer writing a check. When I said I couldn't believe it was September 11th already, she commented on the weather.

Maybe the anti-media documentary on the Independent Film Channel on the TV over my shoulder is getting to me. I wouldn't be too terribly suprised.

But today was a fairly normal day for me.

Went to the art fair in Clayton before I had to go in for work. I mean, a little church-hooky never killed anyone, right? (Besides Sampson- well, I won't get into old testament here. It'd just come down around my ears. *rimshot*) Picked up Gram, drove out and wandered to the Breadco before the booths opened. We weren't there for long- but what we saw... wow.

I want to learn how to create like that.

Maybe that's one of the reasons I support Tarrith so much- I know he has the skill to do it. I was picking up postcards left and right for artists that impressed me beyond words. There was a chain-mail artist, countless jewlers that I'd never be able to afford on my paycheck, oil paintings of water that you just wanted to touch and watch ripple. A gorgeous oil canvas of a red rose dripping with fresh dew. A timeless photo bearing a quote from JRR Tolkien. An incredible lover's embrace of pastels on asphalt that is washed clean- gone so that the lines are visible for Sunday afternoon traffic. Impossibly large cherries which would win at any county fair- at least at first glance.

My favorite illustrative art peice was by Gary S. Bowling. Part of his "Garyoglyphics" series, it comes with a written story that I don't dare summarize here, mainly because I don't want to miss anything. (Not to mention copywright infringement.) Aptly titled "So it is Written", the punchline to the story is something that most New Yorkers would appreciate. Or buisnessmen. You can can find his website here. Maybe if you ask nicely he'll share the story.

Because I refuse to go back to the previous topic of doom and gloom, I think I'll leave you with some three helpful tips of looking at an art peice, when you're on the cusp of buying at next year's art fair.

(Because, of course, one art class makes me the only expert in the entire world.)

1) If it is abstract, can you feel what the artist wants to evoke? Are you swayed into anger or serenity? Desire through perversion? Or is it a case of "Ooooo... pretty colors would match my room". The latter will most likely leave you with an empty pocketbook, and perhaps a few cutting words from your signifcant other. But you'll have a pretty picture!


2) Ask the vital questions "Inquire", "Desire", and "Require".

"Inquire" - What magical spell has the artist placed on you in order for you to pick up his four-hundred dollar golden-dipped-pewter cufflinks. What are they made of- are they worth the price? And for that matter- do you care?

"Desire" - Well- DO you care? Take price out of the equation for the moment. What would you give to own it. Your first born? Your last two paychecks? Five? Ten? Will it give you unlimited fulfillment day after day to look at that incredible painting of a woman as a peacock feather on your wall daily?

"Require" - Can you afford to eat if you buy this painting? Will you lose your boyfriend over this? Girlfriend? Does your wardrobe really need a three-hundred dollar sweater that doesn't go with anything at all? Practicality is key. If it doesn't have a place in your home, then don't take it home. If it doesn't have a place in your life... you get the picture.


3) So you're sure it's not a rip-off, and you went ahead and bought it- did you? DROP IT OFF IN YOUR CAR!!! Two ladies were clutching brown bags like they were holding the tomes of the ancient ones, having probably just dropped somewhere between seven hundred and one thousand dollars between the two of them. Don't let paranoia happen to YOU!


Until next time,