Chicago: SOFA Part 2

Part two of the SOFA show from Chicago. While I find this piece to be bizarre, this 18" high kimono is made of mini glass beads. I cannot fathom how long it took to produce. The detail is remarkable.

This oil painting popped from the wall. The fabrics were beautifully rendered. The exaggerated proportions of the figures lends to the unsettling feeling of the image.

This was a large ceramic piece that looked like it should feel somewhat soft and at the same time had a rock like quality to it. I really had to keep myself from touching it.

This oil painting was about 3 x 5 ft. It was positioned so when you rounded a corner, it surprised you. The depth in this painting is disorienting. It is a strange interior to render, as the style isn't American architecture. This painting is about a well rendered perspective. To make it more effective, I feel like it should be an image/space that the viewer can relate to. Hence, it should be an interior style that American's are familiar with because it is being viewed in the USA. This image, as is, would probably be amazing in Italy.

Yes, this is a sculpture... While the realism is unbelievable, it is also a bit of a one hit wonder. I know it sounds harsh, but its also a little creepy in real life.

This is the piece that SOFA used for their promotional cards and marketing. I'm surprised they chose this piece because it is edgy. Although, it was probably a smart move as they got me to go to the show and probably brought a contingent that wouldn't usually attend. I wouldn't have been so convinced to go, if I had seen a more traditional folky piece. Overall, the show was good. There was a lot that was too crafty for me. I definitely appreciate the craftsmanship of the pieces. It is a breath of fresh air to see well made objects. That is definitely something that is lacking in the modern art world. I will probably wait a few years before I attend another show.

Chicago: SOFA Part 1

This past fall I went to Chicago to visit some friends. While there, I finally went to a SOFA, (The International Exposition of Sculpture, Objects, and Functional Art) show at the Navy Pier. I have always shied away from going to a SOFA show because I was worried that it would be too crafty for me. But, I thought I would give it a chance.

I was surprised that there were a number of works that I liked. It was nice to see a variety of objects that were well made and smart, idea-wise. I did not take notes on who the artists are in relation to their work. If anybody has information on the works I am showing, please let me know so I can give the appropriate credit to the artists and galleries.

Although I am into knitting, fiber arts in general do very little for me. Often times, I find that they seem to be stuck in a 60's to 80's time warp. However, this piece had a tactile quality that drew you in and made you want to run your hands over it. It is off set nicely by the dark wall.

Corning Museum of Glass set up a live demonstration of glass blowing. I minored in glass at Parsons School of Design. Although I haven't worked in glass in a number of years, I still get so excited to see glass blowing. It's magical!

A ceramic piece like this is hard to categorize. On one hand, it is sort of ugly and sloppily made. On the other hand, when I look at it I feel like I am looking at a 3 dimensional representation of someone's dream or nightmare. Since that evokes a feeling, it must be speaking to me on some level. So, does that render is successful?