Crit Group Takes a Walk

Molly invited her students to come to tonight's monthly critique group. Expecting a larger crowd than usual, we decided to move things out to the cafeteria portion of the basement, as we did the last time she invited students. People arrived slowly, but they did come, so we had at least 20 people there, including several of the regulars. The top photo shows all the art (click to enlarge) that was brought in. We led off with Sandy's experiments in abstraction, coming out of a workshop at the Belmar Arts Council. Molly sought opinions on a commissioned piece, seen in the bottom photo. Since the piece is designed to be a bar top, I suggested we look at it flat rather than upright. It did make a difference. Michelle brought some collage pieces that were passed around so we could enjoy all the details. Harriet brought in something "old and crusty", but interesting nonetheless.

Having spent the entire past month making boxes, I had nothing new to show. However, the only person here tonight who was also here last time was Molly, so I decided to bring the first boardwalk block out to show again. This worked out quite well, as I got some input I hadn't heard before. For example, one person asked me if there was anything in the image that identified it clearly as New Jersey. The closest thing I could think of was the Derek Jeter shirt the kid is wearing, but those can be found across the country. This particular scene really could be in any boardwalk or summer carnival across the country for that matter. Something to consider for future prints though. Another thought that the kid placing his coin didn't seem that excited- not having fun. Maybe, but he's based on a sketch of an actual kid playing such a game in Seaside. Still, another thing to consider for subsequent prints. Also questions/comments about whether the prints will represent individual boardwalks or composites, are they about boardwalks now or in my past, how will the Japanese influences play out, and more. I hope to get back to art making soon, now that most of the exhibition stuff is past, but I have some thinking to do as well.