Maurizio Cattelan

Maurizio Cattelan is an amazing and inspiring sculptor. His work has been described as humorous, provocative, disrespectful, tragic, hyperrealistic, and more!

Here is a link to a video of his work being installed at the Guggenheim in New York.
This museum was recently discussed in my modern art history class. Many artists dislike installing their work here because they feel that their art competes with the architecture itself and it is a difficult design for display. Watch the video to see how Cattelan overcomes this obstacle on a grand scale!

David Molesky

While on the topic of water paintings, I must include the work of David Molesky.

He's done a series of water paintings that are very realistic and yet he includes a lot of color.

In some of his paintings it seems as though the water is appearing figural or at least personifying in some way. This is just an image of water, nothing else, and yet it is extremely energetic and alluring.

David Hockney

Ok first of all, I love David Hockney's website and how you have to agree to not copyright any of his images prior to entering the site. All artist's should have that feature. 

Secondly, his work is great. He is yet another artist who exhibits a true and well warranted appreciation for nature and color. It is evident through his portfolio that he has done several series of subjects in his work, which is a great way to enhance your skills and understanding of the subject matter. Furthermore, he has experimented with various forms of art media and artistic expression, including stage design. I too try to dabble with series in my work and I am not yet limiting myself to one medium. 

"A Bigger Splash" 1967 acrylic on canvas

I chose to include this image because the water relates to my own work, but his other pieces are worth looking at!

John Stoney

I came across sculptor John Stoney when I was researching the art educators at the University of Texas. Among their sculpture professors, I was especially drawn to his work. Much of it seems to be about animals and the environment, but with a very unique twist that is very much his own.

This sculpture is made from plastic and aluminum; entitled "You Can't Go Home Again." I love the way he sculpted the waterfall, which is an element of nature that I'm particularly interested in. Talk about natural beauty. The detail of this work shown below changes everything about this beautiful piece though and further relates to my own work:

This fallen whale creates a narrative and thus makes this piece powerful and emotional.

Claes Oldenburg

I've been studying Swedish sculptor Claes Oldenburg in my modern art history class recently. He's famous for his large scale, humorous sculptures like those shown below:

This images are so straight forward, but when shown publicly at this enormous scale they become such a statement! I wonder what one of my own sculptures would say if it were done at this scale and placed in a public venue? 

This is the first image that I ever saw of Oldenburg's and I have loved him ever since. Here he is created an environment with his sculptures, which is exactly what I wish to do with my various sea creatures. He sets each individual art piece behind glass and they are transformed into a pseudo bakery. Whereas my sculptures behind glass will be transformed into a pseudo aquarium.

Red Swing Project

Another organization that I learned about through E.A.S.T. is the Red Swing Project. This project is designed to "inspire playfulness around the world" by placing red swings in random locations. It would be hard to walk by one without jumping on for a swing. 

Their website provides information on how to get involved by hanging up your own swing or donating materials. It's simple and straight forward; I love the concept.

This particular swing is located in Chicago. While walking through East Austin during the studio tours I noticed a couple swings hanging around town, one of which was being heavily used by both children and adults. Sucess.

Austin Creative Reuse

I went to E.A.S.T. (East Austin Studio Tour) a few weeks ago and found a lot of inspiring artists and ideas. Among these includes Austin Creative Reuse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation and creativity based on the reuse of materials, basically.

I love the idea. This organization seems to be fairly new, as they are in need of much help still. I think most artists are inclined to conserve and do well for our environment, so I can certainly see this organization taking off quickly.

How we can easily help:

• Donate items like art supplies, materials, buttons, toilet paper rolls, etc. etc. 
• Join their volunteer mailing list

Ray Troll

Another friend recently introduced me to the Alaskan "fin artist" Ray Troll. He appeared on the Discovery Channel during Shark Week, one of my personal favorite weeks of the year, exhibiting his artwork that all shares a common sea theme. My friend Alex saw this program and informed me of his shark art, because I am currently sculpting a great white shark. However, after looking at his website, I am drawn to his sculptures of Alaskan fish that he collaboratively created with sculptor Gary Staab.

The subject matter and 3 dimensionality obviously relate to my work. The fact that these fish are a part of an environment of fishes relates to my senior show proposal, and yet each of these animals stand alone as individual pieces of art. Furthermore, as can be seen by the two fish here, it seems as though Ray and Gary have created individual personalities within each fish. This is a crucial element of my own creatures.

"The Night Megalodon Came to Call" pen, ink, watercolor, 2000

I love the humor!