310 ART- Exhibitions and News

Skyscapes

2011-10-07T08:56:00.002-04:00

an exhibiton of Enviornmental Expressionist work

by Painter Elizabeth Lasley

310 ART

Riverview Station North

191 Lyman Street, Studio #310

Asheville, NC 28801

Oct 8 – Nov 5

Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat from 12-4 and by appointment

For more information call the gallery at 828-776-2716

New paintings by Elizabeth Lasley are intricate, evocative and thought provoking. Densely layered with a grid of recycled materials, the work combines the structure of geometric abstraction with lyrical masterly painted expressive cloudscapes. As the painting intertwines with the grid structure a new genre is born that Lasley calls “Environmental Expressionism”
A long time Asheville resident, Lasley began her Skyscape series in response to Asheville's slogan "Land Of The Sky". From this inspiration, she documents the transition from the "grid" source of energy, toward alternative energy and the effects this will have on our region.

Lasley explains the content of her work this way:

“My concern about the environment is the continued effects of pollutants on people and other living beings that results from our current way of generating power. Our region of Western North Carolina is known for it's clean air and magnificent skies, hence the slogan "Land Of The Sky". Sadly this claim continues to be threatened, as air/sky quality is threatened both here and across the country.”

To express these concerns, Lasley layers a grid pattern of collaged elements in most of her mixed media work. This represents two definitions of the concept of “grid”. One relates to the ubiquitous electrical systems of high tension electrical cables that distribute electricity all over the county. Bringing attention to the sources of this energy and the resulting pollution, she creates a visual geometic grid of horizontal and vertical lines in her layered collaged work. This visual expression provides connecting points and suggests locations and intrastructure that supports both our culture and the composition of the paintings. Interlaced with the grid are painted renderings of sky landscapes layered in an intuitive process that express the relationship of the natural world with manmade power structures.

“I would like for my work to be seen in several ways. I am calling to awareness of our environmental issues. Then, I wish to document our growing consciousness of these issues, the societal shift in producing clean energy and offer a hopeful, joyous nod to those who are at the forefront of making these changes.”

Lasley started working full time as an artist in 1999. She is a regular exhibitor at 310 ART in the River Arts District of Asheville where she also teaches courses in mixed media painting. She participates in numerous art exhibitions nationally as well. In 2010 she won three top awards nationally in juried exhibitions. Her most recent acceptance was with the North Carolina Museum of art in Raleigh, where her work was juried into the first annual museum show called," Art Of The Auction".

“Play with Perception” - An interactive art exhibit by Julie Robinson

2011-08-31T07:26:00.001-04:00

310 ART Gallery

191 Lyman St, Studio #310 at Riverview Station North

River Arts District, Asheville, North Carolina

September 1, 2011 – October 6th, 2011

Opening Reception: Saturday, September 10 from 5 PM to 7 PM

“I wanted to create a show that would engage and involve the viewer in my paintings.

I’m always fascinated to hear how people respond to my work, especially because my art is abstract and completely open to interpretation. I notice how viewer comments often shift my perception and deepen my awareness of each painting.

It’s an interesting phenomenon to me how we are all so interconnected and always surprising to me to learn what is going on in someone else’s mind.

As a painter, I thought it would be interesting to actually incorporate a collective viewer response on panels that would become part of the exhibit and become a springboard for a new body of work.”

-Julie Robinson

For the duration of the show, viewers are invited to interact with the work and become active participants. Each painting in the exhibit has a partner commentary panel for viewers to write and draw their responses to the two questions posed: What is the first word that comes to mind? and What is the predominate feeling you are experiencing.

Along with the show will be avideo of the pieces of the art in the exhibit. This is posted on Julie’s website and on Facebook. Also concurrent with the show there will be a Facebook photo album and running commentary.

The exhibit is designed to play with your perceptions.

View Play with Perception Video here

Contact: Julie Robinson Juliewrobinson@mac.com, 828-505-3546, www.julierobinsongallery.com

or Fleta Monaghan fleta@fletamonaghan.com 828-776-2716

Wild Ones and Wax!!

2011-07-04T09:15:00.012-04:00

“Wild Ones & Wax”

A group show at 310 ART Gallery
191 Lyman Street, #310
Asheville, NC 28801
Call 828-776-2716 for more info
http://www.310/ art.com

July 1st – August 31st 2011

Reception Saturday July 9th

Doors open at 11am with demos

Wine, cheese and music from 4:30-6:30

If you smell the sweet scent of honey when you enter 310 ART Gallery it means that artists are in the adjoining studio painting with wax. This year a group of dedicated painters have been meeting to share ideas and work together while creating works in encaustics. This ancient form of painting involves heating beeswax and pigments and painting while the wax is hot and movable. Gentle reheating with a torch or heat gun fuses the surface of the painting creating a durable surface that can last centuries.

Bet Kindley says of the process, "It can be very calming to work in encaustic as the scent of beeswax fills the studio and the hiss of the torch sounds like the ocean. But it can be wild. I've singed my hair and set things on fire."

Happily, no fires have occurred during the Fab Friday Encaustic Studios at 310 ART, but the spirit of fun sparked the concept of “Wild Ones & Wax,” a group show this July and August featuring the encaustic painters who work at the studio together. A “for artists by artists” gallery in the River Arts District of Asheville, 310 ART features work of both emerging and well known artists. The encaustic artists exhibiting are Fleta Monaghan (owner of the studios), Bet Kindley, Terri Monette, Desiree De Mars, Randy Siegel, Sandee Johnson and Marsha Balbier.

“We want this to be a fun and evolving show, where artists can put up newly completed work throughout the two months. Each time you visit you will see new pieces of art, perhaps just completed in our Fab Fridays. There are so many techniques; you will be amazed at the possibilities. If you drop in during one of our studios, you can see the process first hand. We also have beginning classes if you are interested in learning the medium,” says Monaghan.
Sandee Johnson, an artist who has recently moved to the River Arts District from Europe says, “In recent years, the resurgence of interest in encaustic art and new techniques that involve either hot or cold wax has swept the globe. Asheville’s art scene is no exception. When I watch the wax medium melt, puddle, harden and shine, it remains a sensual pleasure. Encasing objects or encapsulating collage materials with beeswax reminds me of the amber fossils found in the Baltic countries, capturing and preserving within nature’s subtle layers. So many other techniques such as printmaking, drawing, sculpture, painting, photography and other mediums can also be enhanced with the encaustic process, making the finished artwork even more intriguing.

The artists share, inspire one another and are constantly seeking new means of expression. Kindley notes, “Working with these encaustic artists is energizing and inspirational. We celebrate one another's successes and I feel very fortunate to consider them my friends as well as colleagues."

The personal connection with nature while working with the wax is compelling. Desiree De Mars talks about her personal and spiritual experiences. “ For me, the aroma of the beeswax is revitalizing and awakens personal memories of raising bees and life lived in harmony with nature. From my personal research in the practices of the ancient bee masters, I have learned there is energetic information transmitted through the healing properties of the beeswax. It is my hope that through my works you too may be touched by the grace and power of this understanding.”

Hitting the Ground Running for 2011

2010-12-31T10:04:00.015-05:00

Horses, Paintings by Fleta Monaghan, Sculpture by Tiffany Ownbey, On the ground, abstract work by Martin DeWitt

Mixed Media by Elizabeth Lasley

Mark Holland (left Floral) Elizabeth Lasley and Julie Robinson

Julie Robinson

Karen Weihs (left wall) Mary Farmer, Tiffany Ownbey sculpture

Karen Ives

Elizabeth Henderson

Our gallery is fantastic! I want to share some pictures of the current exhibition with you, and I hope you can come in to see the gallery every so often this coming 2011. This work will be on exhibit through Jan 13th, and most you see here for several months thereafter. We will be changing our featured artist spot (the horses) in January so I want to let you know what is coming up for the Winter/Spring season.

Don Pippen will show his recent Mountain Landscapes from Jan 13th - Feb 28th. Be sure to stop in to see his show!

Betty Carlson and Bob Martin, our favorite artist couple will exhibit work from March 1 through April 13th. The show is titled "Duet" featuring fiber work, oil paintings, and sumi-e works with Betty's haiku poems.

From April 15th through May 15th we are hosting the first National Women in the Arts Fundation show at the gallery. Titled "River of Art, from NY to Asheville" the work pays homage to the women who have inspired us in our art. We are thrilled to welcome our collegues from NY and other states for this small works show!

From May 4th through the 30th selected 310 ARTists will exhibit at Gallery 86 in Waynesville, NC. The show is titled "310 ART, Contemporary works from the River Arts District". I will be curating and installing the show, and am looking forward to the opportunity to showcase some of the great talent of the teachers and artists affiliated with the gallery. A Gala Reception on May 6th coincides with the first "Art After Dark" in downtown Waynesville from 6-9pm.

In June we will have plenty of new work up for the summer Studio Stroll, and huge event held the second full weekend every June and November. The dates are June 11th and 12th from 10-6.

See you in 2011

2010-11-11T14:29:00.004-05:00

If you are in Atlanta, drop by the new boutique gallery in Buckhead. The Art House opened Nov 4th!! http://thearthouseatlanta.com/

See some of my new oil and cold wax paintings on exhibit for the Grand Opening.

Fun things this Summer!

2010-08-31T18:15:00.004-04:00

Mary Farmer taught two encaustic workshops, and both classes were filled! It was a fun three days to make lots of paintings and learn many techniques of the medium. Mary will be back Oct 30th for an Advanced Demo. I hope everyone can make it back for the class, more to learn! Here are the participants in the August class with Mary (Top row right). Peanut had a good time too!

It was hot everywhere, but we still got out to paint at the park, and here is a view of the French Broad River. This park is just a few minutes from the studio and has everything visible to make a beautiful painting: Sky, clouds, trees, river, people, dogs, benches, cool breezes, striking shadows and the pleasure of being outside.

We will be returning to the park this fall. The colors will be beautiful as ever, and the cooler fall weather is welcomed!

August 2010

2010-08-12T06:33:00.006-04:00

Greetings! I realized it has been quite a while since posting! Our new gallery was a year old in April, and things have been busy. We have had a number of featured artist exhibitions, and will continue through the fall season with new work each month.

River's Edge Studio is currently hosting classes taught by some wonderful artists and scholars. Coming this month (August) are classes being taught by
Lorelle Bacon - Colored Pencil

Mary Farmer - Encaustic

and this fall we will have

Jane Snyder - watercolor

Lorelle Bacon - Portraits from life and Miniature Art classes

Elizabeth Lasley - Mixed Media and Assemblage

Mary Farmer - Encaustic, advanced Demo

Bob Martin - Landscape Sumi-e

Karen Weihs - From Field to Folly, painting Seminart

Susan Stratton - Art History Lecturer from Emory University

and ME (Fleta) - Landscape, Painting Basics and our regular advanced Studio/Critique classes plus the Studio three day invensive.

I have been painting away, teaching and doing lots of administrative work and I am looking forward to more painting time later this month when I take my "Vacation". Since painting is pleasure, a voyage into the realm of imagination, I dont need to go far to travel. Drop by and see what is going on in the studio.

I will post a bunch of pictures soon!! Promise!

Yours in Art,

Fleta

At Clingman Cafe

2010-01-14T08:24:00.002-05:00

Now at Clingman Cafe, in the River Arts District of Asheville! New Paintings this January 2010. Please stop by and see the new work, and some things completed earlier in 2009

1000 Markets Site

2009-10-24T11:20:00.002-04:00

I am selling online now, and I created this site all myself! You can find some new work at

http://www.1000markets.com/users/fletamonaghan

If there is something you are interested in purchasing that you do not see on this site, please email me. Please note that I am only shipping to customers in the United States at this time.

Here is a piece from my new series of smaller paintings, the Elements Series. The paintings measure 20" x 20" and are full of color. This Oil Painting is titled "Elements-Emerald Sky".

310 ART

2009-07-23T09:04:00.004-04:00

Laguna Verde, 34" x 34" Oil on Canvas by Fleta Monaghan

There are now 10 artists exhibiting at 310 ART Gallery at Riverview Station North, and soon we will have the work of two more Jewelers. You can see painting in Oils, Acrylics, Encaustic, Watercolor and Gouache, Sumi-E art, Sculpture and Filigree Silver Jewelry with hand cut gem stones!

Please come visit us! We will have a web site soon, so you can see some of the work of the terrific artists in the Gallery. All work is ORIGINAL, from the hand of the artist to you. We believe the collector should have authentic art, with value that lasts for generations!

The Revolving Arts Gallery and other News

2009-06-14T07:07:00.002-04:00

Some of these paintings are now in Hendersonville at the new Revolving Arts gallery. I've been painting! There are some new pieces I will post soon, just need to get some photos done. In the mean time, take a look at Ted McIrvine's Art Spectrum Blog. Ted visited RES and 310 ART and wrote a nice piece of his impressions of the studio and advanced class. Thanks Ted! (You can subscribe to Teds Blog for up to date info about the Art Scene in WNC)
http://www.artsspectrum.blogspot.com/

The Revolving Arts Gallery

2009-06-10T07:49:00.002-04:00

A wonderful contemporary Gallery has opened at 511 South Main Street in Hendersonville, NC. I am delighted to be exhibiting in this very modern space right in the heart of town. Please drop in when you are in Hendersonville!
http://www.fletamonaghan.com

310 ART Opens!!

2009-04-02T08:00:00.004-04:00

It has been a busy winter at the studio. A new gallery space has been created at River's Edge Studio, and it all happened fast and furious. The project involved painting floors and walls, putting up drywall, improving the lighting, adding doors, baseboards, and the final work of our Trompe L'Oeil door which invites art lovers inside. Many thanks to Randall, Isabel, Maureen, Elizabeth, Kathy, Mark, Nick, Mary, Sean and Helaine for pitching in with work and contributions to make this happen quickly! There is still work to do, but the art is up, and the door is almost done (Maureen is a pro at Trompe L'Oeil murals and signs) and we have already had a very well attended Open House, and visitors from Maryland, Kentucky, Atlanta and lots of visitors from WNC. We are looking forward to a fun and busy spring season here in the River Arts District at Riverview Station. You can find the gallery at the north end of the building, behind the painted door. I will post more photos soon. Above is a shot as the work was being installed.

Studio Painters - Diversity of Style

2008-10-16T20:30:00.005-04:00

One thing is for sure, the painters working together at River's Edge Studio each have their own vision and style. We encourage one another to fine our individual visions and paint what we want!

Color II Workshop - Pigments and How to Use Them

2008-07-16T13:00:00.002-04:00

NEW, added to the schedule!
This class is for intermediate and advanced painters. Find out which paints are opaque and which are transparent, what tinting strength means and how you can use these properties when you paint. Learn how to read the labels on your paint tubes and how can you save tons of money when purchasing paints. Make a lightfastness chart using your own paints. How does particle size effect the appearance of paint? What is direct and indirect painting and how do you paint in these styles? Bring all your paints, a few brushes, solvent if needed (odorless) and four sheets of canvas paper.(This class has been added to the schedule, so write in the class name if using the online registration form.)

This is knowledge that all serious painters must have!

Course Details
Sat, Aug 16th, 9:30 - 3:00
Tuition - $65.00, includes detailed reference handout

Bob Martin, Guest Artist at RES in June

2008-07-02T09:27:00.004-04:00

It was a pleasure to watch Bob Martin, lifelong artist and resident of Candler NC, demonstrate his palette knife techniques at the studio in June 2008. The painting above was completed in three hours of delightful demonstration and discussion. Participants rushed out to purchase palette knives after the demo, and there has been plenty of experimentation in the studio classes since at RES. One painter remarked that trying palette knife painting made her realize just how good a painter Bob is! He made it look so easy (it is not, try it!).

I am looking forward to hosting another demonstration/lecture this fall, where Bob will demonstrate and discuss his sumi-e techniques. Watch for the fall schedule, and sign up for the email newsletter at http://www.fletamonaghan.com/ for notices of upcoming events and classes delivered right to your email inbox.

Thoughts on Donating Art

2008-05-26T19:39:00.002-04:00

Every artist everywhere must get dozens of requests to donate their art. If we gave to every cause, there would be nothing left to sell! The financial life of most artists is challenged, so why us? For an essay and comments on this subject go to Joanne Mattera's blog - here is a link:
http://joannemattera.blogspot.com/2007/06/no-i-will-not-donate-to-your-auction.html

Guest Artist Bob Martin visits River's Edge Studio in June!

2008-05-14T10:51:00.003-04:00

Bob Martin Demonstrates – Painting with the Palette Knife
Sat, June 21st, 11:00am until 1:00pm
$30.00
Watch while Bob Martin creates a painting from start to finish with the palette knife. This relaxed session includes an informal lecture by Bob while he works, and active discussion and question and answer during the demo with participants.

Call or email for more information and to register -828-776-2716 or fleta@fletamonaghan.com

Space is limited!

About Bob Martin
Born on Long Island, NY in 1932, Bob began painting at an early age. His many professional credits include working as an illustrator for the 6th Army training aides at Fort Ord, California and at the Army Language School in Monterey, California beginning in 1952. In 1954, after apprenticing for an architectural illustration firm in Los Angeles, he left to freelance in architectural rendering, a skill he continues to practice. He worked as an illustrator for Bob Jones University for 10 years (1974-1984), continuing in the architectural work as well.
His public work, still extant, includes a fresco secco mural for the Church of Religious Science, Las Vegas. He illustrated the book “The Voice Celestial” by Dr. Ernest Holmes, Dodd-Mead, publisher, in 1960.
Bob has five children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and now lives in Candler, NC with his wife, Betty Carlson. He continues his painting in palette knife oils, sumi-e and sumi-e with watercolor.

Classes Start, Snow Comes, and we keep painting!

2008-01-23T19:25:00.000-05:00

Studio classes started last week, and in spite of sleet, snow and very COLD days, we were able meet on the scheduled days. We shared so much work at critique, it was clear that many stayed busy painting over the holidays. I will be posting some of these paintings soon. River's Edge Studio is expanding in Feburary, and the classroom will soon be available for painters to use on a part time basis. With the addition of the ajoining studio, there will be much more room for classes, some extra storage space, and more space for my own work area too. I am looking forward to it!

Since the Studio/Critique classes were filling fast, 6 new dates have been added to the schedule. These new dates are not on the workshop page, so if you wish to attend, email or call for available sessions that still have space.

A highlight of the holidays was the dedication of Betty McClung's painting, "The Life of Christ". Betty donated this oil painting to her church in the memory of her Husband, John, and it now has a place of honor. It was a special event and Betty's painter friends enjoyed the dedication, and the lunch to celebrate the occasion. We have watched while Betty developed this work and are so happy to see it in its permanent home as Betty had intended.

Just a Thought

2007-11-21T18:40:00.001-05:00

People who are afraid of being copied are worrying about nothing. There is no such thing as an original idea. (June Szueber)

Studio class at River's Edge

2007-11-14T17:29:00.000-05:00

We have a great group of artists working together at the studio. This is a recent picture of painters hard at work. Lots of art work is created, and we love to share our ideas and help and support one another in our creative efforts. We all grow as artists when we get inspiration from our collegues. I'm so lucky to have the privilege of working with a great group of artists! It makes the day a better one when we can create in harmony together.

Set designs for "The Convent of the Devil"

2007-11-14T17:20:00.000-05:00

I was honored to be part of a multi-national performance project recently. A collaboration between ACDT of Asheville,NC and Asheville artists, and dancers, choreographer and composer from Merida Mexico, this show is about the Urbain Grandier affair. Its a dark true story - Alexandre Dumas and Aldous Huxley wrote about it and Ken Burns made a movie. The cross above is part of my set design that was just shipped to Merida for a Dec 1st performance. It has been a great experience - and there were no indifferent viewers in the audience at the debut of this provocative show.

Featured Artist at Woolworth Walk Gallery this August

2007-07-27T06:39:00.000-04:00

I have the Featured Artist spot this August at Woolworth Walk Gallery. A reception will be held August 12th from 2:00 - 4:00. Hope you can come and see some new work.

"Freedom of Expression" Exhibition- Students at River's Edge Studio showcase their work

2007-06-21T10:22:00.000-04:00

Isabel Taylor's interpretation of The Statue of Liberty

John Clifford's Statue rises like the Sun

River’s Edge Studio painters are pleased to present a special show at the Dripolator in Asheville from July 1st through 31st. Painting in oils, acrylics, pastels and mixed media depict each artist’s interpretation of The Statue of Liberty created specially for this exhibition.
Abstract Interpretation by Robert Lashaw

Maureen O'Leary's Statue in Stark Relief

In addition, other works punctuate the diverse styles of the artists who paint together and participate in group critiques and other studies held at River’s Edge Studio.

Kathy Hemes' Statue in Abstract style
The artists exhibiting are Jen Barton, Sara Bentley, John Clifford, Kathy Hemes, Robert Lashaw, Julia Masoka, Betty McClung, Fleta Monaghan, Maureen O’Leary, Bee Seiburg, Randy Siegel, Isabel Taylor and Angelika Wagar. The Dripolator is located at 144 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC.

Betty McClungs Mystic Vision - Ellis Island

These are just a few of the paintings that will be on display this July. The public is invited to a reception Saturday, July 7th from 5:30 until 7:30. For more information about the show and River’s Edge Studios call 828-776-2716 or email fleta@fletamonaghan.com.

Painting in the Park

2007-05-30T06:46:00.000-04:00

Betty is painting in the Amboy Road Dog park in this photo, as a participant in the Landscape Intensive workshop in May 2007. We had perfect weather, and enjoyed the views of the French Broad river while we practiced plein aire painting techniques. There is nothing that can compare to working on location and getting up close to nature.

This beautiful park is just minutes from the studio, and as an added benefit, we saw many dogs taking a walk with their people, out for a lovely day in the sun.

Portrait Studies

2007-04-18T20:07:00.000-04:00

We worked on portraits last weekend in class. Everyone chose a family member to draw and paint from photos. There were three portraits of grandchildren (CUTE!), a teen daughter and even an ancestor who was an American artist living in Paris in the early 20th Century.

It is challenging to work from photos, so we practiced ways to give the feeling of life, movement and the artists personal style in the paintings, and practiced underpainting. Everyone worked hard and did a great job. Fun!

Interview for the Asheville Citizen Times

2007-01-14T10:02:00.000-05:00

PORTFOLIO: Fleta Monaghan
published January 14, 2007 12:15 am

credit: SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN-TIMES
Fleta Monaghan used young painter Carlee Freeman as the model for “St. Lucy” (acrylic on birch panel, 16 by 16 inches, $950). All subjects for Monaghan’s historical/allegorical paintings are local artists, some involved in dance and performance and some in music. Prices at Monaghan’s show range at North End Gallery range from $245 to $8,000.
Enlarge this photo

THE ARTIST
Name: Fleta Monaghan.Business: Visual artist, teacher.Studio/gallery: River’s Edge Studio at Riverview Station, 191 Lyman St., Asheville.Media: Acrylic, oil and mixed media painting.Contact: 776-2716, fleta@fletamonaghan.com.

How do you describe your art?
“I am concerned with the need to continue to improve technically and to explore ideas that carry a message beyond the immediate visual experience. I usually begin with some idea and intention. It is like starting out on a treasure hunt — I know I am looking for something, I have some clues, I just don’t know where I will end up or what I will find. For me, this is stimulating and exciting.”
What are you doing that no one else is?
“About a year ago, I began exploring the sculptural aspects of the painting as an object that will fit into a space. Now I am taking this idea further, using both color and compositional perspective concepts with the actual size of the canvases to create paintings that fill space in different ways.”
What influences your work?
“Paying attention to the small things is very important. A visual experience that is studied and remembered, a spoken word, a poignant poem, a joke and a laugh, a stunning performance, a dream — all these things can go into a big mix of ‘clues’ that can set me off on a new path. I have found that if I try too hard, I miss some simple thing that I can draw or paint that will open a new door.”
When is your most creative time?
“I like to get up early, plan my day over coffee, go the studio and work undisturbed until about 3 or 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Morning hours are the most productive. I reserve time for business tasks and personal interaction on days that I will not be painting.”
How did you get started in your art?
“I was drawing, using ‘learn to draw’ books, by the time I was 6 or 7. By 12 years old, I was copying Botticelli paintings with pastels, and I began painting in oils as a young teen. It has always been a natural inclination, the only profession that seemed natural and right.”
What or who is your favorite muse?
“I am indebted to the women artists I know who have devoted their lives to art and shared their knowledge, thoughts and encouragement with me and many others. Finding the muse is the easy part — the muse is everywhere. Taking the risk to live the life of an artist is another matter. So, thank you Susan Collard, Elma Johnson, Connie Bostic and all the other wonderful women artists I know.”
Who is the artist you most admire?
“I most admire artists who continue to experiment and grow, are intellectuals as well as practicing artists, who constantly step outside their comfort zones, take big risks in their art and live quixotic lives. I love seeing art so much that it is impossible to choose a favorite. I do love Kahlo, Gauguin, Monet, Dali, Krasner, Nerdrum — the list goes on.”