January 7, 2009
Happy
New Year!
As I begin to settle into 2009, I am filled with optimism. I believe because
of these trying economic times people are pulling away from materialism
and moving towards spirituality. Spirituality means different things to
different people, but I think we can all agree that when the going gets
tough, we look for a deeper meaning to this life. People start talking
with one another on a more meaningful level. We look outside our own situations
for stories that inspire us. We strive to be better individuals. We focus
on our family and friends and spend more time enjoying one another's company.
These things cost us nothing but are forever rewarding. I was fortunate
enough to spend some time with my nephew, Sean, over the holidays. He
is a young artist of the age of ten. Through his eyes I could see the
world again as a young artist does. He inspires me to stay optimistic
and believe that anything is possible. He is also really funny. He creates
animations using simple tools that are humorous and clever. Over the holidays
we posted them on YouTube and you can see them for yourself on the Seanimation
Channel. I'll be uploading future releases throughout the
year, so if you like them, please subscribe. We're trying to start a Seanimation
Sensation!
Southern
Nevada Center for the Arts
Good news to report at the Southern
Nevada Center for the Arts. We are having our Grand Opening
Event over the weekend of January 23 - 25. We will have a variety of activities
going on daily such as art demonstrations, live music, poetry readings,
and other special events taking place inside the center as well as in
the center courtyard. Event hours will be Friday and Saturday, 10am -
8pm, and Sunday, 12pm - 5pm. The Center is located at 450 Fremont Street,
on the second level of the Neonopolis. See our website for more information
and directions. This will be a great time to tour the 30 galleries and
artist studios, including the one I share with Teresa Testa.
New
Works and Website
Some have you may have already noticed that I have redesigned my website.
I had simply outgrown the previous format. It has a new look and is easier
to navigate. You can browse through my full portfolio and view select
merchandise available through my online shops. There's also valuable information
for collectors, as well as helpful links for collectors and artists. I've
also included links to the environmental conservation organizations that
I support by contributing a portion of all my art sales. I've started
several new series of works. The Studio Series
has been initiated in order to make some of my work more accessible. They
are painted more quickly and more spontaneously than my traditional work
which I am now classifying as my Collector's Series.
This is in response to the art market's demand for more original artwork
as opposed to giclee reproductions. I've started a few new themes as well.
The painting
flow explores themes of Yoga such as balance,
energy and well-being. My new BIO
series investigates deep sea creatures that have bioluminescent capabilities
such as BIO•POD,
BIO•PLUSH,
and BIO•TRYST.
I've also started a series that compliments the sculptural work of Teresa
Testa. We call this the Companion Collection,
and I have completed two pieces peach
and dance
inspired directly by Teresa's sculptural porcelain. Other new works include
keeper, bean,
flirtation, and my violet
series.
What
Is Art?
Lastly, I would like to leave you with the age old question of "What
is art?" I recently came across this humorous animation that really
does answer the question better than any textbook could. I hope you enjoy
it!
Bonnie Kelso
www.bkelso.com