For Arts Sake

When we look at history, this first thing we notice is the art work they left behind. We learn so much about the past from the art these people left behind, of war scenes, everyday life, culture, politics, buildings, natural disaster, plagues, the thoughts they had and so much more.

It teaches us so much and is a documented history of the past, along with books and music . I think we often look down on spending money on the arts, but sometimes it is the best thing we can leave  for future generations to know who we are, and what we learned to pass on. From Mesopotamia, which is arguably the cradle of civilization, to ancient China, who in fact was in many ways was thousands of years ahead of the rest of the world in innovation, making paper, the printing press, gunpowder and so on. It is the written word, and art they left us that teaches us. 

I really admire longevity. Some of the greatest people lived long productive lives. I think art is good for you. Not the drama sometimes, oppression, stress, but all that is way overwhelmed by the sense of fulfillment, and just making something out of nothing. An idea. A canvas. Paint. Perhaps doing something that never been seen before. There is something magical about it, without getting too philosophical. 
I think Andy Warhol said it best, (but like many quotes and works attributed to famous people, who actually said or did what is sometimes arguable.) He said, "Don't worry about what people like, and while they are deciding if they like it or hate it, make more art." Or words to that effect. I think this is true. There are no rules. Pick up some supplies and go to town. Take a music or art class. You never know. At the very least, whatever you do has never been done before, or at least exactly as you would do it. It is yours. A creation you made. And also very therapeutic and enjoying. And who knows, it could lead somewhere.

I am far from an art expert. I don't even know if I like half the stuff I do, but I keep painting. Drawing. Hope I always do. 

But anyone can paint, and when I see some others works, I get a little jealous, not in a competitive way, but just think, "why didn't I think of that?" or, "Wow that's good, raised the bar a little on that one, wow". Or, sometimes I think, " I have to have that!" It inspires me, and also I get enjoyment out of seeing it, especially some of the oil masters. Their work is breathtaking sometimes, and if I had the money, I would buy one I saw of the foot hills of the Sierra. You were almost there, and could even smell the oaks and dry grass, it was amazing and left a huge impression on me. Also MC Escher is a huge idol of mine,  so is Picasso and many more, from songwriters to authors. Way too many to name.

And music. Listening to music has inspired many artists to create art. They go hand in had and are both, in my opinion, the heart of art and creativity.

Art basically took us out of the dark ages and into the renaissance. People like Leonardo da Vinci and Michael Angelo come to mind. Sebastian Bach and Mozart. Some were locked up, some praised, and were famous, but all had one life mission, to create. Modern arts and musicians, helped revolutionize modern thought. Again there are two many to name. But please research some of these people, and you will be amazed at all they did and how they influence the world. 
There's been too many great artists to list, but again, what they left us is priceless. 

We have so many talented artists in town. Most have day jobs as well, some are retired, some live pay check to pay check, truly starving artists, but artists come in all walks of life. In fact we are all artists in some way.

One person painted a soup can and made millions. Other studied fine oil painting and also make good money sometimes, so there are no rules. Some do it for the sheer enjoyment, to share their work. Others have other reasons, expression and so on. Some have meanings, some do not. But it all has meaning if someone enjoys it. 

We are having an Art Gallop on Main street and some off streets on November 4 th, from 5 PM to 9 PM ( Some hours may differ). Shops and stores will be staying open late and showing art work by local artists. Also showing off their shops, stores and restaurants to people, and I have to say we have some awesome places here in Martinez, great food, people and goings on. We really live in a great place.

Some places will not be allowed to serve wine at this art gallop. We are working hard to change that. My next stop is city hall to research the details of this issue. I am confident we will once again be able to serve wine to adults at our art shows, and if you feel like a beer or a wine, there are may places around you can have a glass of wine, like Roxx or other restaurants who are allowed to serve wine and beer. Or if you want a real Martini, there are also many bars around, and just take a walk. We have a lovely city and lots to do. Music, fun, people, you can't beat it for a night out.

Just please walk , take a cab or have a designated driver, and have fun. Please search "Art Gallop" on Patch for the latest on the goings on. I hope to post some pictures after the next art gallop and write a fallow up.

You know art an be a lot of work. I just started five new paintings and the hours and hours it takes, practice, not spilling red paint over 10 hours of work, and all the other things, my day job, that life thing, family, ( which is always number one ) and all that, it is a challenge sometimes to do it all. Like you don't know what I a talking about. People who hold down two jobs and raise a family to boot have nothing but my deepest respect. Now that is a job! And I am not complaining, in all I love this.  And as we know, we can not do it all. Give your self a break if you don't. I will leave the fine oil painting alone, for now. Maybe someday. Glass blowing? hmmm. Now that might be on my short list. And Arch Welding Well, There are an endless list of hobbies and possible careers to be discovered. Candle making. you name it.

Just remember there are no rules in art. Get yourself a canvas and paint and see what you come up with. Have fun. And please come out Friday night and take a look around It is a nice walk and you get so see the whole of Main Street, shops, stop inside, say hello, make friends, meet some fellow artists and se what they are doings. You might find your ideas are not so bad, and maybe you can show your art someplace. And don't be discouraged. I was turned down more than once at different galleries. But never give up. I put it this way, if I have only one out of a hundred true fans, I will have almost 3 million fans in America alone. Not bad. : ) 
If you can afford it, please buy a work of art, or put a $5 in a musician's jar. Music and art are to me on of the spices of life. When you think of all it gives us, entertainment, joy, thought, inspiration, or just a plain distraction from the mundane, I think it is well worth a few bucks if we can. 

The list of stores, shops and restaurants on Main Street Martinez staying open late Friday showing art is endless. Just take a walk up and down Main Street and you will never run out of cool places to visit and people to see. Who knows, I bet you will run to some friends.

 I will be showing at Roxx, which is a huge honor for me. It is just one of the many cool places On Main Street  for us to enjoy. Please also check Patch for all the other great places, restaurants, bars, shops, businesses, as well as "Art Gallop" so see all the other great places and things to do in down town Martinez. 
In fact I am dong all my Christmas shopping this year on Main Street, with items and gift certificates. Who couldn't use a gift certificate to The Good Stuff Guitar? I could! )

 I love this town!