Art in Music -- Biographical Narratives of Van Gogh, Pollock, Gauguin in Song

Biographical writings tell the truth like it is factually, while narrative songs tell the truth like it is emotionally. The songs for today's theme of art in music share the biographies of three famous painters with tragic early deaths.

Don McLean  -- Starry Starry Night

This beautiful, but sad, ballad about the artist's fate explores the too-frequent phenomena of post-humous fame. "They would not listen, they did not know how. Perhaps they'll listen now." This song is one of my all-time favorites, regardless of it's inclusion of art, the composition is gorgeously melodic and the lyrics are dramatically moving.

Red Crayola -- A Portrait Of VI Lenin In The Style Of Jackson Pollock, Part 1
The re-telling of Pollock's life as told by this avant-garde rock band focuses a little more on his artistic style than his biography, but still this seemed the best category for this song. The group changed their name to "Red Krayola" soon after this song, but neither name brought them much fame. This rare and hard to find song from the band's early days is an obvious ode to the group's art school influence.

Jimmy Webb -- Paul Gauguin on the South Seas

A piano and voice narrative about the artist's life, this musician mellowly describes the painful struggles that caused the artist to escape to the French Polynesian islands where he lived the remainder of his days. The bitter disenchantment Gauguin experienced with his close friends and relatives is sharply contrasted by his free-spirited tropical life in "paradise."

--

Stay tuned for more "Art in Music" posts...

In researching the musings of various musicians about the topic of visual art, I found songs including mentions of art are somewhat limited in quantity, yet profoundly inspiring and memorable. I chose to sort my findings according to a few common themes and then present a review of each group on the following schedule:

• ODES (Part 1) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- June 8 (4 songs)
• LOVE songs, some hopeful and others confused, referencing art -- July 6 (6 songs)
• HUMOROUS songs about art or specific artists -- August 3 (5 songs)
• BIOGRAPHIES of specific artists' lives -- September 7 (3 songs)
• ODES (Part 2) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- October 5 (4 songs)
• BALLADS of heartbreak, using art as a metaphor -- November 2 (3 songs)
• REALISTIC narrations of pain, hope, struggle, and life, presented with references to art -- December 7 (5 songs)

Art in Music -- Humorous Songs About Picasso, Cezanne, and More...

Today's theme of songs that mention art -- "Humor." If you can't handle sarcasm when it comes to your favorite topic of art, then these songs may not be very humorous to you. But if you enjoy a good laugh and are willing to see the funniness of certain kinds of art, artists, or art debates, then you'll be able to appreciate the obvious amount of deep knowledge of art history required to compose these lyrics and thereby create these humorous tunes.

Modern Lovers -- Pablo Picasso

This hilarious rendition of Picasso's love-life confirms what many people believe -- the mysterious and thoughtful lives of artists are sexy and desirous. The indie rock band puts it bluntly, "Well some people try to pick up girls, And they get called assholes, This never happened to Pablo Picasso, He could walk down your street, And girls could not resist his stare..." Well, whether it was the girls chasing Picasso, or Picasso chasing the girls, who's to say; but we do know for sure that Picasso was well-known for having many extra-marital lovers.

Talking Heads -- Artists Only
This Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, including two members who were also visual artists, knew the trials and struggles of the artist's life. This funny song showcases the inner thoughts of creatives as they sing, "You can't see it til it's finished!" and "I don't have to prove...that I am creative!" Haha, every artist can surely relate.

David Bowie -- Andy Warhol

This recording begins before the music starts with a funny intro of Bowie correcting the recorder's pronunciation of Warhol's name. "It's "Warhol", not "Warho," he reiterates. Once the music begins, the song shares stories of Warhol's fame and glory, as well as bits of his high-rolling lifestyle.

Joni Mitchell -- Turbulent Indigo

If you didn't already know that Joni Mitchell was a multi-talented woman critically acclaimed for both her music as well as her paintings, you should. As a serious artist, she often included little pieces of art history knowledge or art-making techniques into her songwriting. Here, she presents the truthful and ironic dilemma of the wealthy high-society status that Van Gogh's paintings have, yet how he himself was lowly and unwelcomed. "The madman hangs in fancy homes, They wouldn't let him near!" Doesn't this make you question our current white-wall gallery approach to art?

5 Chinese Brothers -- Cezanne

Here, the singer proclaims the much-debated tale of Cubism's beginnings. Was it Picasso or Cezanne? This guy clearly states it was definitely Cezanne, sharing the information in a matter-of-fact and charming way. Personally, I got several laughs out of the song -- not for it's historical assertions, but for it's funny presentation.

--

Stay tuned for more "Art in Music" posts...

In researching the musings of various musicians about the topic of visual art, I found songs including mentions of art are somewhat limited in quantity, yet profoundly inspiring and memorable. I chose to sort my findings according to a few common themes and then present a review of each group on the following schedule:

• ODES (Part 1) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- June 8 (4 songs)
• LOVE songs, some hopeful and others confused, referencing art -- July 6 (6 songs)
• HUMOROUS songs about art or specific artists -- August 3 (5 songs)
• BIOGRAPHIES of specific artists' lives -- September 7 (3 songs)
• ODES (Part 2) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- October 5 (4 songs)
• BALLADS of heartbreak, using art as a metaphor -- November 2 (3 songs)
• REALISTIC narrations of pain, hope, struggle, and life, presented with references to art -- December 7 (5 songs)

Top Five Artist No-No's for Submitting to Exhibitions

How do you interact with various artist opportunities and calls for entries? How do you think galleries, publications, museums, and other art venues view you, the artist, who has submitted to their opportunity? Many artists assume they are simply a number in a database when it comes to open calls for entries and juried exhibitions. In fact, this is usually not the case, and there are some steps you can take to avoid having a bad reputation associated with your name, or, oppositely, get in good.

"Do you mean that an artist's reputation affects his/her acceptance to the exhibition?" No. Well, not exactly. If the opportunity follows a "blind" juried style, then your reputation and name will have nothing to do with your acceptance. However it may affect your potential for awards and honors, additional opportunities, and extra promotion of your work -- all of which typically happen outside of the jurying once your name is revealed. This is where it's good to know the etiquette of email, phone, and written correspondence with the potential opportunity you plan to submit to.


Here's the top five worst things you can say/do to mar your artist reputation when submitting to an artist opportunity:

1. "Can you just do the application for me? Here's my images and resume." - This is basically like saying, "I don't have time for your silly art opportunity, but I just know you'll like my work so much that you'll want to help me any way you can!" While you truly may too busy to figure out the application yourself, that is not how the opportunity host will view you -- it will come across as laziness. If you really don't have time for preparing the application materials required, then this may not be the right opportunity for you, or at least not the right timing in your life. An alternative could be to hire someone to do it for you.

2. "I just submitted my application, and now I'm emailing to tell you about my great upcoming exhibition somewhere else!" If the call for entry opportunity requested your resume, then put that awesome upcoming exhibition information on the resume. If the opportunity did not ask for a resume, then you probably shouldn't send this kind of information as it can be seen as annoying and irrelevant to the call for entry at hand.

3. Adding their email address to your monthly email newsletter list. This happens so frequently that it seems a daunting task to spread the word to artists everywhere about this big no-no. If the person/museum/gallery/magazine did not sign-up for your list, then at least ask before you add. Sometimes they'll say yes, sometimes they'll say no, but asking permission eliminates the likelihood that your message ends up in the spam box harming your newsletter's reputation further.

4. Not saying "thank you" when accepted. Congrats - you received the acceptance letter, meaning your work was found to be a good fit for this opportunity! Why not say "thank you" to the opportunity host and/or jurors? A simple reply to the acceptance email is sufficient, and words of gratitude go a long way to keeping your name in good standing for potential future opportunities that are not juried. Not saying thank you is actually noticed and makes the opportunity host wonder, "Aren't they excited?" or worse "They seem rude, unappreciative, etc."

5. Being a jerk when not accepted. As disappointing as it is and as much as you believe your work was the best fit for this opportunity, don't be rude to the opportunity host because of your so-called "rejection letter." Trust me, that tiny little email with "@#$%! you!" written in it will definitely get your name remembered, but not in a positive light. Avoiding the temptation to lash out can prove more beneficial in the long run. Instead of relieving your anger by writing that email, try writing your feelings in a journal, creating a new piece of art, or sharing your disappointment with a friend.

Art in Music -- Love Songs for the Artist

Love, one of the greatest emotions known to humanity, is often hailed for its good and its bad in all art forms, including music. In continuing the series of art in music, this week's theme is "Love." The songs listed here bring together an intersection of musical genius, art history knowledge, art appreciation, and experiences of love. Enjoy!

The Weepies -- Painting by Chagall 

This indie rock group combines the musical talents of Deb Talan and Steve Tannen -- together the couple form the band "The Weepies." The song is obviously inspired by the duo's personal love. Talking about the night they first met, Talan says, "...we stayed up all night playing songs for each other, drinking a bottle of wine and trading an acoustic guitar back and forth in a tiny apartment." Tannen adds, "That night has lasted ten years so far." The reference to art is in the chorus as they sing, "We float like two lovers in a painting by Chagall." Marc Chagall was a painter of Jewish descent born in what is now Belarus in 1887. In many of his artworks, figures seem to float in dreamlike landscapes and a common theme of love is prominent in his work.

Teenage Fanclub -- Escher

Comparing a relationship to an M.C. Escher artwork, the songwriter states, "I don't know if I'm going up or down with you." I'm certain we've all experience the uncertainty that sometimes comes in love, either in its early stages or after a bad fight. This beautiful metaphor here with the work of mastermind artist Escher is a perfectly fitting way to describe this feeling of doubt and excitement.

Nick Cave -- Something's Gotten a Hold of My Heart

While this song doesn't directly mention any particular artist or artwork, it does reference the art-making practice of painting. Nick sings, "Painting my sleep with a color so bright, Changing the gray and changing the blue, Scarlet for me and scarlet for you."

Alabama -- You Only Paint the Picture Once 

Country fan or not, give this song a listen as it's sure to put tears in your eyes as you think of the years past and the years to come spent with the love of your life. While the entire song speaks about the act of painting, the chorus puts it best, "While the brush is in your hand, make sure it's just right, before the colors dry, you can't change it once it's done, you only paint the picture once." What a poetic explanation of the commitment required in marriage and the continuing effort involved to make it last.

Carlisle Belinda -- Shades Of Michelangelo

"With a stroke of love, on the canvas of my soul, I'm painting a perfect world, with shades of Michaelangelo" repeats the chorus of this dramatic song of hope and endurance. Of course, the mention of the great master of sculpture and painting Michelangelo is what makes this song an artful one. He's, of course, best known for his David sculpture and the amazing mural of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling.

Semisonic -- Sculpture Garden

When you're in love it seems that time slows down and yet, at the same moment, there is never enough time. All you can think about is spending every second with him/her. This songs speaks to that other-worldly sense of awe and beauty found in each moment of being in love. In reference to art, the singer describes the soft night and aesthetic features of a sculpture garden he's walking in with his love.

--

Stay tuned for more "Art in Music" posts...

In researching the musings of various musicians about the topic of visual art, I found songs including mentions of art are somewhat limited in quantity, yet profoundly inspiring and memorable. I chose to sort my findings according to a few common themes and then present a review of each group on the following schedule:

• ODES (Part 1) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- June 8 (4 songs)
• LOVE songs, some hopeful and others confused, referencing art -- July 6 (6 songs)
• HUMOROUS songs about art or specific artists -- August 3 (5 songs)
• BIOGRAPHIES of specific artists' lives -- September 7 (3 songs)
• ODES (Part 2) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- October 5 (4 songs)
• BALLADS of heartbreak, using art as a metaphor -- November 2 (3 songs)
• REALISTIC narrations of pain, hope, struggle, and life, presented with references to art -- December 7 (5 songs)

Street Art at the MOCA in LA - Review & Photos

With the first major exhibition of street art in the USA, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles is leading the way for the rather ironic movement of placing graffiti in sterile environments (ok, maybe not sterile, but compared to the warehouses and train tracks of traditional graffiti "galleries," the white wall space of museums and art venues is comparably cleaner and hospital-like.)

This brings up the question, does street art belong in a gallery or museum? In some ways it seems to go against everything that makes it what it is -- undercover, for the people, and raw.

But, perhaps the move to bring graffiti indoors is simply a tipping of the hat to an art form long under-recognized for its potential for powerful messages and striking imagery. Of course, the famous UK street artist Banksy has helped in putting this medium on the dinner plate of serious collectors and critics. In fact, he has generously sponsored a free day for visitors to attend the exhibition at MOCA LA. Every Monday during the "Art in the Streets" show, Banksy has paid your way.

And that brings us to my visit yesterday.

Having been sponsored as a free day for anyone to visit, the "Art in the Streets" exhibit was THE most crowded museum exhibit I have ever been to (aside from opening receptions, etc.) There was a constant flow of visitors coming in the door and you often had to wait your turn to view a particular piece of art. (See the YouTube video we filmed while there for an idea of the crowds.)

It was a nicely installed show, with a good assortment of wall art, framed works, installations resembling graffiti studios, sculpture works and objects, and an illustrated timeline. Some of the works are photographed below.

My favorite aspect was that even the women's bathroom had been graffiti-bombed in bubble-gum pink with black outlines spelling the name "Annabelle!" It was striking that the restrooms were so clean, yet had the marks of spray paint. The most humorous part of the exhibit, to me, was the gift store -- it was so popular that a guard had to be placed at the door to keep the numbers of people inside down to fire-code quantities. I guess "exit through the gift shop" took on a very literal meaning for some. ;)

The exhibit will be up until August 8, 2011 with every Monday from now on sponsored with free admission for all (if you're driving, you will still have to pay $8 to park -- hey, it's LA!)

From the Banksy exhibit

Craig R. Stecyk III display

Visual Overture editor Arlissa Vaughn with Kenny Scharf mural

Wall of Shepard Fairey art

Not sure which artist this was, but note the interesting comparison to ancient Grecian pottery

Art in Music -- When Lyrics and Compositions are Inspired by the Visual

Ahhh... art and music -- the two go together so well! Musicians have always found ways to incorporate visual art with their music through disc covers, posters, videos, and merchandise. But what about art in music? Some musicians have more than a passing fancy towards fine art -- some are visual artists themselves, collectors of fine art, or art historians.

Presented today are the first in a series of reviews of music that references the field of visual art in some manner. Today's theme -- "Odes" -- shares a few of the songs that are an homage to specific artworks, artists, or art movements. This is only part one of this theme, and only the first of seven blog posts about the topic of art in music in general!

Nat King Cole -- Mona Lisa

"Do you smile to tempt the lover, Mona Lisa? Or is this your way to hide a broken heart?" coos Nat with his beautiful voice and classic style. This song is a short, but well-done ode to Leonardo da Vinci's mysterious painting of Mona Lisa and to the overall mysteriousness of women.

Peter Gabriel -- Fourteen Black Paintings

This dramatic ode to Mark Rothko's black paintings speaks of the political and internal struggle of humanity. The chilling musical composition, in addition to the simple poetic lyrics are very thought-provoking. "From the pain come the dream, From the dream come the vision, From the vision come the people, From the people come the power, From this power come the change."

The Nields -- Georgia O

With a "Lillith Fair" attitude and folk-rock style, The Nields sing about the songwriter's muse, Georgia O'Keefe. Speaking of a strong emotional connection to an artist long-dead before the songwriter's lifetime, this song reminds me how powerful art is.

King Crimson -- The Night Watch

Opening with a long instrumental intro, the lyrics then provide a detailed description of Rembrandt's style and ideology, perhaps even describing a specific painting (but I haven't yet figured out which one.) Boasting of beautiful violins and guitars, this ode to the artist also gives hopeful to the future through it's lyrics and melodic tune.

--
Stay tuned for more "Art in Music" posts...

In researching the musings of various musicians about the topic of visual art, I found songs mentioning including art are somewhat limited in quantity, yet profoundly inspiring and memorable. I chose to sort my findings according to a few common themes and then present a review of each group on the following schedule:

• ODES (Part 1) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- June 8 (4 songs)
• LOVE songs, some hopeful and others confused, referencing art -- July 6 (6 songs)
• HUMOROUS songs about art or specific artists -- August 3 (5 songs)
• BIOGRAPHIES of specific artists' lives -- September 7 (3 songs)
• ODES (Part 2) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- October 5 (4 songs)
• BALLADS of heartbreak, using art as a metaphor -- November 2 (3 songs)
• REALISTIC narrations of pain, hope, struggle, and life, presented with references to art -- December 7 (5 songs)

Earth Day for Artists, Art Centers, and Galleries -- Top 5 Eco-Friendly Products and Services

Earth Day is one of my favorite holidays, to use the term loosely. The celebration of life, nature, humanity -- all that makes our planet so beautiful and valuable. Like most other holidays, there has been a growing subconscious effort to commercialize the day and profit from it. While today I'm sure you'll be bombarded with various emails advertising earth-friendly products or events, I hope this blog post will provide a slant pertinent to the lives of artists and art professionals -- how to be less wasteful, cleaner, and natural in the studio, at the gallery, and in the classroom. Here's a list of various things you can implement as you consider the earth and our interactions with her.

Top 5 Earth Day Recommends for Art Professionals:

1. Roma Frames - providing earth-conscious framing products made of sustainable and renewable sources

2. Hahnemuhle Bamboo Paper - perfect eco-friendly paper for sketching, watercolor, and fine art prints - request it from your giclee printer, or available in a pad from Dick Blick Art Supplies

3. ProPay - charge your customers' credit/debit card and send them an email receipt instead of printing a paper copy, also offers micro-reader options for easy use at festivals, etc.


4. Entry Thingy - accept online submissions from artists for your art festival, exhibition, annual call for artists, or juried competition (Gallery Thingy, the sister of Entry Thingy, is also a useful tool for displaying/selling art online)

5. Marvelous Marianne's Savvy Soap - comes in both a hand and brush cleaner, available from Daniel Smith Art Supplies (20% discount if clicking this link!)