Michelle L. Herman at VisArts

Michelle L. Herman will be showing her work at the Common Ground Gallery at VisArts in Rockville from April 2–May 14 as part of the MICA MFA in Studio Art 2020 Thesis Exhibition. 

Michelle L. Herman is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans theoretical and philosophical research, feminist and disability politics, comedy, and conceptualism. Herman’s work broadly traverses the margins between ability and what is beyond our reach: particularly the limits of perception, attention, connection, and categorization in the digital age. Through installations, sculptures, and video Herman investigates the ways in which we negotiate and push these boundaries every day. Herman has shown nationally in both group and solo exhibitions at locations such as the Hillyer Art Space, Arlington Art Center, Visarts, the Washington Project for the Arts, the Corcoran, The Smithsonian Institution, and The Kennedy Center. Herman’s work has been written about and featured in Hyperallergic, New American Paintings, The Washington Post, NPR, and East City Arts. Herman is an alumna of the Maryland Institute College of Art (MFA, 2020) and the Sparkplug artist collective sponsored by the DC Arts Center.

Read the essay by my good friend Kristen Hileman here.  

How to sign artwork

 One of the most curious things that I have puzzled about in the many decades of making art, presenting art, selling art and dealing with both artists and art collectors (as well as art dealers), is how often artists anguish over a signature.

There are gazillions of ways to screw up a work of art with a signature - the most common one is where a work of art is marred by a giant signature in glow-in-the-dark silver color marker or some hideous color like that.

Even a tiny and elegant signature can distract from a work of art if placed in the wrong area of the work. Imagine an elegant abstract, such as a Mondrian, with a signature in the middle of one of the color geometric shapes.

And, the real truth is that if you care at all about art as a commodity, then I will tell you that most collectors, especially the savvy ones, will always ask about the signature, if one is not apparent at first inspection. You can give them all the certificates of authenticity on the planet, but they want that siggie somewhere.

"A Picasso with a signature may be worth twice as much as one without a signature," said Mark Rosen, former head of the print department at Sotheby's, which sells approximately thousands of prints per year with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $100,000. "Chagall did a series of prints called 'Daphne and Chloe' and those that are signed are worth 10 times as much as those that are unsigned. Otherwise, they are the same prints."

By now you're itching to yell at me: "Lenster! What is this? Damn if you and damn if you don't?" 

Nope - it's just damn if you don't; just do it in the proper place(s).

Some easy to remember DO NOT Rules when signing artwork

• Never sign with a gigantic signature; a normal signature (or even smaller than normal) will do fine.
• Never sign anywhere on the surface where it interferes with the composition.
• Never sign with that glows, shimmers, is metallic or will fade.
• No need to put the little "c" inside the circle "copyright" sign by your signature. You already own the copyright no matter what!
• If you sign on the back (verso in Sothebyse), make sure that it doesn't bleed through!
• Don't sign using inks that will fade in time, or worse, separate, such as "Sharpies" do after a few years, when they acquire a yellow border around the faded black ink.

You want to know where to sign, right?

Cough, cough...

By the way... I'm meandering all about signatures on two dimensional work; you sculptors are all on your own, as long as you don't pull a Michelangelo on the Pieta stunt.

Where to sign two-dimensional work

1. On the back (make sure that it doesn't go through and can be seen from the front); in fact, the more info that you can put on the back to help art historians of the future, the better.

2. On the lower margin of the piece (usually the right margin, but that's up to you).

3. Photographs can either be signed (and numbered in a small edition, cough, cough) on the verso (there's a million "special" photo-signing pens for all you photo geeks; they "write" on photo paper and dry in nanoseconds and don't smear, etc.) Or you can sign them if you leave a white border all around the printed photo. Even signing the mat in the lower margin in pencil was in vogue in the last century and is OK.

If you don't believe me about the power of a signature, then just go online and research the difference in price between a signed Picasso (most of them) and the two dozen or so fully validated, authenticated and documented unsigned Picassos (the ones that he gave to one of his ex-wifes that he hated).

That will learn y'all a lesson about signatures and art, Jethro...

Art Fair Types

As we approach (we hope) the end of The Covidian Age, and art fairs (hopefully) make a come back, and as we prepare to do art fairs in NYC, Miami, Houston, London, and maybe Seattle, I thought that this would be a good time to republish this post from 2004:

---

One of the more eye-opening things in attending an art fair is seeing the dynamics that go onto the decision to buy a piece of art. Put together a few thousand people, paying an entry fee to enter the fair, an assortment of dealers, and a huge diverse variety of offerings and it's an education in people watching.

The married couple: 

"Do you like it?" 

"Yeah, I like it- it's just what we've been looking for." 

"Where would we put it?" 

"We have a couple of spots that it'd fit."

"Do you really like it." 

"Yeah, how about you?" 

"Yeah, I kinda of like it." 

"Should we get it?" 

"If you want it." 

(five minutes later) "Let's think about it." 

"OK" 

[To me] "Do you have a business card?" 

The couple (not married): 

Her: "Do you like it?" 

Him: "Sssoright" 

Her: "Where would we put it?" 

Him: "Dunno." 

Her: "Do you really like it." 

Him: "So'OK.. Yeah, how about you?" 

Her: "Yeah, I kinda, sorta, really like it." 

Him: "Dunno though" 

Her: "What? You don't like it?" 

Him: "If you want it." 

(five minutes later) Him: "Let's think about it." 

Her or Him: "OK" [To me] "Do you have a business card?" 

The Single Woman (SW) with a Woman Friend: 

SW: "WOW! Now, I really like this!" 

Friend: "Yeah... it's nice" 

SW: "It's exactly what I've been looking for!" 

Friend: "I have a friend who does work just like this..." 

SW: "I am really drawn to it!" 

Friend: "Are you really sure you like it?" 

SW: "Uh - yeah!... why? Don't you like it?" 

Friend: "Yeah... it's OK" 

SW: "I think it's really good... I think it's the first piece in this whole show that I really like." 

Friend: "There's a few more booths we haven't seen." 

SW: "I think I'm going to buy this." 

Friend: "Are you sure?" 

SW: "Uh - yeah!... It's a good price too.... why? Don't you like it?" 

(five minutes later) SW: "Do you have a business card?" 

The Single Woman (SW) with a Man Friend: 

SW: "WOW! Now, I really like this!" 

Friend: "Yeah... Cool" 

SW: "It's exactly what I've been looking for!" 

Friend: "I think it's a lithograph" [it's actually a charcoal] 

SW: "I am really drawn to it!" 

Friend: "Are you really sure you like it?" 

SW: "Uh - yeah!... why? Don't you like it?" 

Friend: "I have something like it... I got it cheaper though..." 

SW: "I think it's really good... I think it's the first piece in this whole show that I really like." 

Friend: "You like lithographs?" 

SW: "I think I'm going to buy this." 

Friend: "Are you sure?" 

SW: "Uh - yeah!... It's a good price too.... why? Don't you like it?" 

(five minutes later) SW: "Do you have a business card?" 

The Single Focus Dream Buyer: [Walks straight up to one piece, never looks at the rest of the work in your booth] "I'll take this" 

[Me] "Thank you... it's a very striking charcoal drawing - will be that be a check or charge?"

 "Charge" 

[Me] "I can send you more information on this artist..." 

"That will be great - I love this work - it's exactly what I'm interested in!"

[Me] "I have a few more pieces here, would you like to see them?" "

No, thanks..."  (He/She buys it and walks away)

The "I'm glad you're here guy (IGYHG)": 

IGYHG: "Hey! I've been looking for you!" 

[Me]: "Hi, how are you?" 

IGYHG: "... been walking this whole fair looking for you!" 

[Me]: "Yeah... lots of dealers this year... glad you found us!" 

IGYHG: "Howsa been goin'?" 

[Me]: "Yes... quite good actually..." 

IGYHG: "Well, let me look at what you've got!" 

[three minutes later] IGYHG: "Well... I'm glad you're here... see ya next year!"

The "I Shudda Bought It Last Year Guy (Shudda)": 

Shudda: "Hey! You're here again!" 

[Me]: "Hi, how are you? Yeah... It's our 7th year here..." 

Shudda: "... been walking this whole fair looking for you!" 

[Me]: "Yeah... lots of dealers this year... glad you found us!" 

Shudda: "Howsa been goin'?" 

[Me]: "Yes... quite good actually..." 

Shudda: "Well, let me look at what you've got!" 

[three minutes later] Shudda: "Where's that really good watercolor of the fill-in-the-blank?" 

[Me]: "Uh... I sold it last year - but I have a few more pieces by that artist." 

Shudda: "Ah! - I really wanted that one! Do you have another one?" 

[Me]: "Well, no... it was an original watercolor, and I sold it; but I have ---" 

Shudda: "I really wanted that piece; and it was a good price too..." 

[Me]: "Maybe you'd like some of his new work..." 

Shudda: "I shudda bought it last year" [Walks away] 

Shudda: "You gonna be here next year?" 

The "Where's That Piece Guy (WTP)": 

WTP: "Hey! You're here again!" 

[Me]: "Hi, how are you? Yeah... It's our 7th year here..." 

WTP: "... been walking this whole fair specifically looking for you!" 

[Me]: "Yeah... lots of dealers this year... glad you found us!" 

WTP: "Howsa been goin'?" 

[Me]: "Yes... quite good actually..." 

WTP: "OK... last year I saw this piece... it was a fill-in-the-bank and I should have bought it then! " 

[Me]: "Yeah... that is a nice piece." 

WTP: "I've been thinking about it for a whole year" [Looks around the booth and doesn't see it]

WTP: "Do you still have it?" 

[From here there are two paths...] 

Path One - [Me]: "Uh... I sold it last year - but I have a few more pieces by that artist." 

WTP: "Ah! - I really wanted that one! Do you have another one?" 

[Me]: "Well, no... it was an original watercolor, and I sold it; but I have ---" 

WTP: "I really wanted that piece; and it was a good price too..." 

[Me]: "Maybe you'd like some of his new work..." 

WTP: "I shudda bought it last year" 

[Walks away] WTP: "You gonna be here next year?" 

Path Two [Me]: "Let me get it for you... I have it in the back!" 

WTP: "Great" [I bring it out and give to WTP] 

WTP: "Yeah this is it! It's great!" 

[Me]: "This artist has done really well this last year and ---" 

WTP: [Handing it back] "Excellent! I'm glad you still have it... until what time are you going to be here?" [Walks away...]

Skies over Gig Harbor, Washington

Things that you find in storage: "Skies over Gig Harbor, Washington", these are several 1980 watercolor assignments from the University of Washington School of Art that I did while a student on a field day trip to Gig Harbor.

#gigharbor #gigharborwa #gigharborrealestate #gigharborliving #universityofwashington

Why most of the DMV's museum curators... are not DMV curators

 This quote from this article in Washingtonian is as true today as it was when first published...

“Curators from the Hirshhorn or National Gallery would rather take a cab to Dulles Airport to look at emerging artists in Berlin than they would take a cab to Adams Morgan to look at emerging artists here,” says Lennox Campello, an artist and former gallery owner. “They don’t do a good job of tending their own back garden.”

Anatomy of another commission

More later on what this new commission for a nice Illinois couple will end up as - but here are the draft sketches... the last one borrows heavily from a Romantic period piece that I once saw in a museum (can't recall the artist).

More get a thick skin ops!

 As I preach - artists need a thick skin!

Dear Florencio,

On behalf of the Washington Project for the Arts, I would like to thank you for submitting your work to the open call for our Collectors' Night 2021 benefit auction. And to thank you for your patience. With the extended deadline, we had many more submissions to review and consider in relationship to the auction's theme "Am I Altering Your Aura?" and the Audre Lorde quote. We regret to inform you that your work was not selected for inclusion in the auction this year.

We know that you invested time and energy in this process and that this might be disappointing news. If you are interested in remaining connected to WPA, we encourage you to sign up for our e-newsletter or to follow us on Facebook or Instagram--if you haven't already. We post opportunities throughout the year and we review submissions to Open Call for Ideas on a quarterly basis.

As we come up on a year of the pandemic, we look to the future with hope and wish you all the best!

Sincerely,

Emily

Emily Fussner, Event Manager

WASHINGTON PROJECT FOR THE ARTS

Maremi Andreozzi and Wayson Jones at Adah Rose

 Awright folks - the Covidian Age is almost over (one hopes) - time to start getting back to visiting galleries, creating art, doing art fairs...

Start here:

"May You Live In Interesting Times" -- Maremi Andreozzi and Wayson Jones at Adah Rose Gallery

Maremi has created a remarkable and sensitive group of portraits of women entitled "History Adorned". Some of the women are famous, others have only recently begun to have their fascinating stories told.  They range from teachers to doctors, queens to courtesans, scientists to poets, couturiers to activists. Each is painted in silhouette, ageless and beautiful. Their adornments; brooches, lace, earrings, hats and dress are exquisite and give them each a wonderful uniqueness.

Maremi grew up and lives in Alexandria Virginia. She earned a BFA from Cornell University and a MFA from Clemson University. She was an artist in residence at the International Artist Residency in La Macina di San Cresci in Chianti, Italy. She has exhibited at the Tephra Institute for Contemporary Art, the Smith Center, the Rachel Schlesinger Art Center/NOVA, the Torpedo Factory, Radford University, Glenview Mansion and the Howard County Council for the Arts. Her work is in many private and public collections including Marriott Corporation and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. This is Maremi's first show with Adah Rose Gallery.

The paintings of Wayson Jones are a mere six by six inches, yet each has a monumental presence. They are tactile, lavish, alluring and modest. The physicality of paint is explored in each painting and the beauty of color. Some of the paintings have a rich impasto with bold gestures and energy. Other works are smooth as silk. Wayson has a background in music and each painting performs in wonderful and powerful ways.

Wayson is a painter, musician, and spoken-word artist. He received a degree in music from the University of Maryland and later went on to perform with the renowned poet Essex Hemphill, as part of Washington DC's burgeoning Black gay and lesbian arts scene of the 80's and 90's. The two performed at DC Space, Blues Alley, The Kennedy Center, The Painted Bride (Philadelphia), LACE (Los Angeles) and LaMama Theater (NYC) They appeared in works by filmmaker Isaac Julien and Videographer Marlon Riggs. Wayson's visual art is informed by his performance experience and an exuberant approach to materiality and process. He has exhibited at the Black Rock Center for the Arts, Arts/Harmony Hall, Northern Virginia Community College and DCAC. 
Wayson received a 2017 Individual Artist Fellowship from the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council. His work is in numerous public and private collections including the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the MGM National Harbour. This is Wayson's first show with Adah Rose Gallery.

March 3- April 10, 2021

Open by Appointment Most Days

Adah Rose Gallery

3766 Howard Ave

Kensington MD 20895

301-922-0162

www.adahrosegallery.com

Thick skin

 I'm always preaching that artists need to have thick skins... 

Dear Florencio,

 Thank you for applying for an Independent Artist Award (IAA) from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC). Unfortunately, panelists did not recommend your submitted work for an IAA this year. Please know that this decision in no way diminishes the fact that MSAC values the work of every artist in our state and honors your contributions to improving the quality of life for all Marylanders. A list of the 2021 MSAC IAA Panelists as well as a complete list of artists selected for 2021 awards will be posted on the MSAC website, msac.org, by May 15, 2021.

Information about MSAC’s regular grants and programs - including Creativity Grants that support independent artist’s projects and Professional Development Grants that support learning opportunities for artists - can be found at msac.org. Additionally, MSAC offers an array of online offerings, including professional development topics, which can be found on msac.org/events/virtual-events

We also look forward to launching our new website in the coming weeks, and invite you to create or update your Artist Registry profile so MSAC can showcase and promote your work for sale. Please keep an eye out for instructions to update your profile soon. To stay connected with the latest Maryland arts events, opportunities, and news, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @mdartscouncil.

Thank you again for participating in this year’s program, and we encourage you to apply again in the future. Should you have any questions, please connect with Program Directors, Emily Sollenberger or Laura Weiss for further information.

Thank you,

Maryland State Arts Council

Patria y Vida

Titled "Patria y Vida", this video is incredible! Why? Because it comes out of Cuba and it is Black Cubans taking the lead in the start of a new Revolution to get rid of the Marxist yoke!

They're coming!!!

The 17-year-cycle of cicada invaders is coming! That's Anderso when he was around 4 playing with a couple of the giant bugs!

Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan
1979 pen and ink drawi g by F. Lennox Campello done whila at art school

 

Roger Clemens

Roger Clemens
1984 litho by F. Lennox Campello

 

Dan Marino

Dan Marino
1983 litho by F. Lennox Campello

 

Tom Suever

 xx

Tom Suever
1980 lithographh by F. Lennox Campello done while at art school

The Morrigan

 Just came across this print of The Morrigan being offered at a gallery in Virginia - see it here.  This work was done in 1999 as an homage both to the late, great Frank Frazetta as well as my obsession with Celtic deities.

"The Morrigan"
1999 Edition of 10 signed and numbered prints
from an original drawing by F. Lennox Campello

The Morrígan or Mórrígan, also known as Morrígu, is a figure from Irish mythology. The name is Mór-Ríoghain in Modern Irish, and it has been translated as "great queen" or "phantom queen". In this Frazetta-like depiction, her powerful legs stamp upon the world. She is often seen as the goddess of battle and war and of sex.

You can buy it here. They have a lot of other 1990s works of mine for resale!

Opportunities for Artists

Artists wishing to be considered for an exhibit in the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) galleries are invited to submit a general exhibit application. The HCAC Exhibits Committee meets quarterly to review applications and select artists for the exhibit space. Artists, ages 18 and older, working in all media and styles including time-based and installation artists, are encouraged to apply either individually or as a group. The Committee also welcomes proposals from curators and organizations.

For detailed entry guidelines, visit this website or email exhibits@hocoarts.org. The next deadline for submissions is April 1, 2021.

HCAC manages two galleries at the Howard County Center for the Arts with over 2,100 square feet of exhibit space. The HCAC gallery program was established to enhance the public’s appreciation of the visual arts, provide a venue to exhibit the work of local, regional, and national artists in a professional space, and provide leadership in the arts by presenting a broad spectrum of arts in all media from both emerging and established artists.

HCAC presents 11-12 exhibits per year of national, regional, and local artists, including two-person, small and large group, juried, curated, and community shows.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, gallery hours may be subject to change. For current gallery hours, or to learn more about HCAC programs and exhibits, call 410-313-ARTS (2787) or visit hocoarts.org.

Art scam alert!!!

Beware of this mutant trying to rip off artists!

From: Barbara Flower barbaraflower1327@gmail.com

Subject: Aqua Marine Needed Urgently

Hello There,

          My Name is Barbara Flower from TEXAS. I actually observed my Husband has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess he likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too,  You are doing a Great job. I would like to purchase one of The "Aqua Marine" Series, as a surprise to my Husband on our anniversary. Also, let me know if you accept CHECK as mode of Payment.

Thanks and best regards

Barbara.

This showed up at an auction recently

Two Canadas over Brechin, Scotland by F. Lennox Campello, c. 1990

 

Art Scam Alert!

 Beware of this rip off master trying to steal from artists:

Subject:  Artwork Enquiry

From:  "Gilbert Henry" henrygilbert360@gmail.com

Good day, my name is Gilbert Henry from California, CA. I have been on the lookout for some artworks lately in regard to me and my wife's anniversary which is just around the corner. I stormed on some of your works which I found quite impressive and intriguing. I must admit you are doing quite an impressive job. You are undoubtedly good at what you do.

With that being said, I would like to purchase some of your works as a surprise gift to my wife in honor of our upcoming wedding anniversary.

It would be of help if you could send some pictures of your piece of works, with their respective prices and sizes, which are ready for immediate (or close to immediate) sales. My budget for this is within the price range of $1500 to $7000.

I look forward to reading from you in view of knowing more about your pieces of inventory. As a matter of importance, I would also like to know if you accept a check as a means of payment.

Best regards,

Gilbert Henry