Friday, October 6, 2006 

This past Friday night The Broward Art Gallery celebrated it’s 56^th Anniversary with a gallery opening and Reception at their site in Wilton Manors.  I was among 150 who viewed the 38 pieces on display and was able to see some old friends, meet some newly acquainted ones, and get a personal tour from the Hostess.  On hand were two other works by my new friend Alisha Riddle and was able to steal about ten minutes of her time to discuss not only her piece at ArtBravo at ArtServe, but also the two current pieces she has The Blower’s Daughter and New Slang.  Also, I was glad to see an old familiar face, Carlos Eduardo, who I have featured many times and always enters local exhibitions.  All of this and more made for a wonderful experience at a localized neighborhood gallery.  

What I found funny was that when I got home and looked over the program, all of the works that I loved or interested me in some way or detail—did not win any prizes.  However, you will notice the things that I found interesting and hopefully you will take the time to stop by and check out what treasures I found.  The Broward Art Gallery is located at 2430 NE 13^th Avenue in Wilton Manors.  Honestly, NE 13^th is the street perpendicular to the Wilton Station Clock Tower and the Good Shepherd’s Thrift Store and is at the end of the street.  If you would like more information, you can contact them at www.browardartguild.org or at 954*396-3213.  Funding for the Broward Art Guild is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Affairs Council.   

Here are a list of my favorite pieces, stop by the gallery and see them for yourself.  The show will be up until October 28^th.
 

Carlos Eduardo

Under Cover

Photo

$150

Carlos Eduardo is one of the best all-around people I am glad to know and respect highly not only for his keen eye and pinpoint precision and accuracy—but for his big heart and true sincerity towards others.  I met Carlos almost a year ago and literally cannot remember how we met but am glad for every day since.  This picture is very much his style; --a simple object either alone or with others, that is almost like a Sniper’s View of something that shows you something either minute and miniscule or grandiose and overwhelming all into one view.  Angles are very important, and he always manages to make you feel like you are looking through his eyes.  What I like about this photo is the fact that the umbrellas are clean, crisp, and white and all in a line and to me could be any country club in Florida or the back patio of some hotel like The Delano where poolside waiters are walking around in crisp white chef coats and white gloves. 

Alisha Riddle

New Slang

Acrylic

$1,200

Alisha Riddle

The Blower’s Daughter

Acrylic

$1,200

Alisha Riddle is one of my very favorite newest friends in the art world of Southern Florida and only met her at ArtBravo on Thursday, October 5^th.  Having a piece in the ArtBravo show at ArtServe, I was literally drawn to her piece, The District Sleeps Alone Tonight.  I was able to spend about ten to fifteen minutes alone with her this night and we covered such things as technique, style, inspiration, and how it takes for each piece.  See, the thing is with all of her paintings is the fact that they come from inspiration of lyrics to songs, whether it be from movies, CDs, or whatever have you, you know the song that gets stuck in your head, the line that makes you step back, or the phrase that makes you gasp and takes your breath away—these are the inspiration.  Secondly, she uses whatever colors it makes her feel at that exact moment and blends it over the raised plastic letters that spell out her expression.  The District Sleeps Alone Tonight was inspired by the movie Closer, and in the movie The Garden State when Natalie Portman first meets Zach Graff in the clinic’s waiting room, she hands him her headphones and has him listen to a song—New Slang, which says, “Looking in the good life I might be doomed never to find.”  In The Blower’s Daughter by Damien Rice, the words “No hero in her sky, the pupil independent” is another lyric and was something that she was listening to and was inspired.  We have agreed to an interview within the next couple of weeks, so be on the look out for this Hollywood resident in the weeks to come!

Richard Lampasona

Old German Town

Pen and Pencil

$400

This is a pencil and pen depiction of, literally, an Old German Town.  I like it and even tough the skyline is quite stark white, it forces the viewer to look at the depth and detail Richard has brought out. 

Lori Quintiliani

Life During Wartime Part 2:  Tell Me No Lies

Mixed Media

This is a very angry picture that moves me to a constant stare.  It is also disturbing and is reminiscent of Leigh Bowery, who was infamous for making people uneasy, ending his career with such disturbing performances as giving birth onstage.  I wish I could have seen a performance before he died.  However, this piece is amazing and mesmerizing. 

Alan Warren

So, Where’s My Cracker Bitch?

Watercolor

I am impressed with this watercolor, even though I am not particularly a fan of watercolor art, but it is quite labor intensive and delicate.  However, the most impressive thing about this picture is, simply, its name—So, Where’s My Cracker Bitch?  I don’t know if I would own it, but I loved it and laughed when I saw the title. 

Arlene Magloire

Isobel

Oil

This painting is beautiful to say the least.  It is very Art Deco-esque and the colors used are warm and inviting.  The silhouette, shape, and depiction of this female, Isobel, is not anything that would be offensive to a home, office, or business.  This is another piece that could be placed on a stark white wall and bring life to any room.

Juan Carols Soto

Time Remembered

Acrylic

This painting is very interesting in the way that it is like both a Rembrandt self-portrait and Dali with the melted clock.  Even though this is an original work, its style is very rough and almost emotionally obscure.

Martin Blender

Oil Figure 3

Oil

This is one of those pieces that are classic yet not cheesy and amateurish like something found in the home of a 20 year old.  This is something that would be found in Will Truman’s apartment on Will & Grace, that you would expect something from that person—more than just a cheap ha-ha naked thrill.  Martin has taken the time to study and capture the essence of the human male form without making it feel cheap or lower class.  The image has multiple brushstrokes per square inch and with the color, lighting, shading, and contrast, gives the image an almost marble-esque quality that is fascinating.  Even though I want it in my house, it would look great in a waiting room of a plastic surgery office.