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	Art For All People® A Bright White Spotlight For Emerging Artists February 2012

CATCHING UP

LISA COOPER: MY HERO, SUPERHEROES IN CONTEMPORARY ART

New York Art Dealer Lisa Cooper www.ElisaContemporaryArt.com is opening a new exhibition of artists who are using superheroes as central figures in their work. The show is called, "My Hero, Superheroes in Contemporary Art." I had a quick chat with her about the show.

MICHAEL: Hi Lisa, Why are you doing a Superheroes show?

LISA: There are several key reasons for this show now. Over the past few years, I've seen some incredible artwork using comics and superheroes. For this exhibition, I've brought together several artists I've never shown before, all of whom have strong and very different creative visions, techniques and styles. I first saw the work of New Orleans-born (and now California) artist, Don Morris several years ago. His undulating and architectural paintings are created using comic strips. From a distance, the work is abstract, textured and colorful, but as you get closer the characters and the dialogue come to life. I'm attracted to artwork that you continue to explore and come back to finding something new every time. Last year, I saw the mixed-media painting, "Leaps Tall Buildings" by Easthampton, New York artist, Peter Buchman. It engaged me with the iconic imagery, words and movement. And while I was reviewing submissions for an online exhibit for CurateNYC last December, I was introduced to the work of artist Jerome Walford. Part of being a gallery owner and art consultant is always being on the lookout for unique and engaging work. A common thread recently has been the Superheroes and Comics. The show idea naturally came together. My gallery, www.ElisaContemporaryArt.com, is located just outside the city, in the family-oriented community of Riverdale. This exhibition is an invitation into the art world for those who may otherwise feel intimidated about coming into the gallery. On a certain level, it makes the artwork and gallery experience more accessible. That's a key part of my mission; to make great art a part of everyone's life and accessible to all. On a personal level, I want to celebrate the selflessness that superheroes often embody — putting the greater good of others ahead of their own needs and wants. They also often exemplify the potential (or at least a single element) in all of us. I think both points are important for all of us to remember, share and celebrate.

MICHAEL: Very cool. Some people consider this type of art mere animation and comic-bookish. What do you think?

LISA: Anyone who comes to the show will be inspired by the creativity, technical skill and vision of our artists. The roots of this work can be found in the Pop Art of the 1960's and some of today's great artists including Roy Lichtenstein.

MICHAEL: Apart from buying art, what do you want people to take away from the show?

LISA: I would like all, but kids in particular, to connect with the art and spend time exploring it. If that first comes by identifying with a character they know, that's a great entry point. We're also doing a series of special events including two art workshops for kids led by our artists. I hope the show inspires all to explore their own creativity, build their skills and confidence, connect with other and help evolve the superhero in each of us.

MICHAEL: Fantastic. Thanks Lisa. I'm sure the show will be a big hit.

"My Hero, Superheroes in Contemporary Art," opens at Elisa Contemporary Art, 5622 Mosholu Avenue, Riverdale, NY on January 27^th. Gallery hours are Friday and Saturday 10-6 and by appointment.

SCOTT SPENCER: AT THE MET

Hi Michael,

I finally did New York ... the Met, MOMA and all the touristy stuff. I could spend a whole week, 24/7 at the Met and not get my fill there. Man, I'm still on art overload, over here. That place is huge and packed. I was glad to see all the people sucking it up.

There was an Alexander McQueen exhibit going on at the time so there was this long, serpentine line of up and coming designers inside waiting to get an eye full of his dresses on display. I had to skip that part, but got a pretty good look at the rest of the joint. So many cool paintings I'd only seen in pictures.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must for anyone with even a remote interest in art, art history and cultures past and present. For an art lover, it's a visual orgasm. For me, as a painter, to be surrounded by that many original paintings was a tug-of-war for my attention. I ping ponged back and forth from work to work. It was uber-crowded on that particular day. (I can't just move along in an orderly fashion like the rest of the museum goers on a busy day -- you might have noticed that when we did the Tutankhamun thing here in L.A.). I felt pressed for time and wanted to see as much as possible. There simply isn't enough time in a day to fully absorb and appreciate all the Met has to offer. Needless to say, I spent most of my time with the contemporary art.

I sort of shift into dream mode when something really has my attention. Time stops and I get lost in the moment. The brushstrokes of paintings pulsate. I think I see sculptures move out of the corner of my eye. Other people in the room disappear. Surrounded by all that creative energy, the history, the stories behind individual works, I go frantic trying to soak it all up. I want to touch the art so badly. I want to stay there forever and learn by osmosis. But I can't. There's more art around the corner.

I've gotta go back. New York is just too cool for school. Don't know if I could live there, but wow.

Peace,

Scott

Now, if you'd like to see what talented artist Scott Spencer can do, check this out ... http://www.artmajeur.com/spencer/

ERIC ARMUSIK

Thank you Michael, I am working on many things. Due to the success of my Marathon Portrait and the Fire Sale last year, I've begun a blog http://www.noartistshouldstarve.com to empower other other artists. I've begun coaching several artists individually. I've started to write on the subject of art marketing for a few publications, namely Professional Artist which will have an article out in July.

I am also going to be doing my first live art marketing event in March with art marketing guru Aletta de Wal. She contacted me and this will be the first of many events where we will combine art marketing advice with my real world expertise on selling. I am being recognized for my ability to sell on my own without the help of a dealer or art galleries. I've always believed we are better at selling what we make than any outside agency. My confidence in this has allowed me to have better successive years in this business even amid the recession. This year is no exception. I am doing well and I want to see others do well too.

I have had students travel as far away as from China this year to study painting with me. In winning the Chairman's Choice Award in last year's Art Renewal Center International Salon, a competition that drew some of the greatest realist artists in the world (with 1800 entries from over 30 countries), I've become a name in this genre even without the help of academic training, an artistic family or upbringing and without living in an artistic sphere of influence. I am successful at getting the word out in person and on the web and I've been doing so now for over 14 years online and 17 years offline. I have a number of great paintings going on like the "Temptation of Christ" that I just finished. See my website http://www.ericarmusik.com.

I have several large commissions for churches coming up soon too. I've been doing a lot of portrait work and selling off my originals. Rather than planning out a lot of shows, I've begun to focus directly on selling and attracting a massive amount of business. I am looking to expand my brand more and more worldwide in order to compound my success and grow my value. Things are going well and I wish to teach others in my business to do the same. The gallery model is dead. We need to be visionaries and entrepreneurs. Check out my blog http://www.noartistshouldstarve.com and you'll get an idea about what I am working towards.