Christmas 2016

When all the days are totaled

and all the sums are taken

we may decide, in all we tried

In each and all the ways

with all the things, with what living brings

 these were our "Best of Days." 

 MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU

Salvador Dali PREMONITION OF CIVIL WAR

It was painted as a response to the looming Spanish Civil War by the Master Surrealist; Salvador Dali. It rivals and is a foil to another artist’s statement on the same destructive force; Pablo Picasso’s Guernica. Dali’s miracle; “Soft Construction with Boiled Beans Premonition of Civil War” Is amazingly on point. Dali’s depiction of an entity/creature painfully and horrifically in the process of destroying itself is both alarming and seductive.

Dali’s creation is also in many ways cause for celebration. His colors are rich; his technique, his drafting skills are brilliant and the genius of his imagination is phenomenal. Rarely has any artist taken such an ugly truth as civil war and transformed that truth into something beautiful; something to study and treasure. Premonition of Civil War is a true masterpiece of priceless magnitude and monumental in stature.

In light of the recent election of Donald J. Trump this nation finds itself at tremendous odds. Protests that have taking place; largely in cities across the nation, demonstrate a bitterness and unparalleled divisiveness on many levels. Individuals are being attacked and bullied in schools while others walk out of their own schools in response and protest. This is a time of civil disobedience that I haven’t personally seen since the Nineteen Sixties. Actor Robert Di Nero said Trump’s election felt emotionally something like those he felt on "Nine Eleven," 2001. Decidedly one of the worst days in American History. I have to agree with Mr. Di Nero. Something of my own feelings of that time hauntingly returned to me.

A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. 

                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                           Abraham Lincoln

                          

Donald Trump’s presidency will not destroy the union. It in all likely hoods will not lead to civil war. But he will be passionately opposed when wrong and equally acknowledged when right. The nation will vote again in four years, we will choose quite possibly Mr. Trump’s replacement. It is too our good fortune and credit that we have such a system of government. At present Donald Trump chooses and prepares his administration, the protests continue, we continue to look to great art for comfort and inspiration…life and creativity go on. We are very much a nation of one with many different minds and visions. We are a nation of people and ideas of which the best of each will ultimately endure. 

Ron English "POPaganda"

Go out on the street…look for him on walls, in magazines and in galleries. The work manifests as sculpture, paintings and toys along with his own movies and cameos appearances. Ron English is just about everywhere. “POPaganda” is the name of choice he has dubbed his art and his claim to fame is with much warranted. That being said Ron takes on contemporary and counter-culture ideas and art. He is recognized in both streams and duly respected.  

The work is colorful, hyper-real and extravagant. His sometimes bizarre references on contemporary consumerism, culture and art history are amusing and at times disturbing. English does not believe in leaving his viewers with any lack of zeal. His hand is sure and the technique masterful.  He has influenced elections as much as any artist especially in the campaign of Barack Obama (2008). His work “Abraham Obama” was inspired from his feeling that there was a definite similarity between the 16^th President and the then to be 44^th president in looks, demeanor and historical relevance.

                                                                                         

You can look for Tony-the-Tiger, Cap’n Crunch and Toucan Sam as enlarged obese symbols of American obsessive habits and addictions in the English oeuvre. The Frankenstein Monster, the Incredible Hulk, the Marlboro Man and Homer Simpson are not spared English’s scrutiny and abuse. Creatures from the animal kingdom are hardly spared or excluded; English is very generous in his appetite for extreme satirical candor.

It is actually Pablo Picasso’s Guernica that English has referenced to the largest degree and number. His recreations and improvisation on the bombing of the small Spanish village (one of the world greatest and utterly heartless acts of crimes against humanity) that continues to intrigue and inspire the contemporary artist. His parody’s can be humorous and ironic but some are equal to the original even daring to surpass in horror the original.   

English continues to work and explore the infinite. He is an artist well into but still in his prime and expands his inextinguishable thirst for creativity. His journey is one that is open to the world. I can only encourage you as he would love you to join along.  

CELEBRATE AMERICA "Hillary Has Won" (Well; Maybe Not...)

CELEBRATE AMERICA

November 8^th Twenty Sixteen

By

James Jones

Celebrate in music, in letters and in song.

Celebrate with loud noises and in silent tears.

We are witness to History Tonight!

Hillary Clinton is elected The Forty-Fifth President of The United States of America.

She is the first woman to be so elected.

This is a Time of Greatness, of Miracle and of Wonder.

This is Her Time and Ours

Yes

CELEBRATE!

Addendum_The previous was something that I had really hoped I was going to be able to honestly say. The reality is; as you know, that Hillary Clinton did not win the election (at least not by the electorial college). Donald Trump is the President Elect; the American people have spoken. The moniker; Hillary Clinton President, is not to be. Our nation will move on and tomorrow, I'll write another blog.  

#ELECTION2016

                                                                                                     

This 2016 US Presidential Campaign and eventual election are both historical and by far the most unusual in recent times. The candidates; Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are no strangers to the American cultural and political scene; but as familiar as we are familiar with them both, we continue to read, hear and see daily releases of new potentially damning revelations. Trump’s allegations of misconduct with women and Hillary’s misuse of a private email server are at present fore-most.  People across the United States and around the world are alarmed, saddened and dismayed to new levels. Many consider the candidates to be the least liked, trusted and admired; ever. What do we do?

The options are not much different than they have been for a while. The first is vote for the person you genuinely consider to be the best; that shares your beliefs, aspirations and vision of the future. Second; vote the lesser of two evils. This speaks for itself. The third being there are two other choices; the Green Party and the Libertarian Party. Forth; you can write in someone, living, dead or ficticous. Lastly; stay home, don’t participate. Again; what do we do?

In light of all that is being hashed out mere days before the final debate between Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton  I’m blogging and posting some of my own (you might call propaganda) political/editorial graphics. I’m looking to amuse here and hope they will strike some nerve and resonate with you. Please; enjoy these offerings!  

Albrecht Dürer The Remarkably Mystic

His status and skills are mythic in stature among the greatest of artists. The legend of Albrect Durer hails from a time when attention to detail was expected and admired. Durer saw like few did and even fewer see now.  The results from the steady and marvelously sure hand of the man; Durer, enraptures and amazes in the best of ways. Durer hailed from a time when alchemy was a universal force. He surely must have known something of the arcane arts. No other explanation could suffice for his achievements. His works spell-bind, mesmerize and shockingly mystify

                                          .    

And since geometry is the right foundation of all painting, I have decided to teach its rudiments and principles to all youngsters eager for art.            

                                                                                        Albrecht Durer

In the nineteen sixties Durer’s “Praying Hands” were reproduced many times over. Plates, prints and plaques prominently adorned many walls and shelves in many homes. Reproductions were casted in bronze, carved in wood, printed on paper and fashioned in clay. The work was loved and well known but few knew the original artist's name. “The Praying Hands” were inspirational for the faithful and a popular standard of grace and elegance.    

The artist is chosen by God to fulfill his commands and must never be overwhelmed by public opinion.

                                                                                        Albrecht Durer

Durer was proficient as draftsman, engraver, painter and print maker. His works were imaginative and challenging; as well as spiritual. There is a gravitas to the work that rivals every era and nation in it's creation. Durer looked at the universe and marveled. He looked at every aspect of his/our world and was in awe. His goal was to capture in image as many things as any human could while honoring his God given talents. His eye was attuned to all; from the magnificence of the Heavens to a simple tuff of grass. The truth and beauty of Durer; captured in his work, lives vividly for all time.   

What beauty is, I know not, though it adheres to many things.

                                                                                         

                                                                                         Albrecht Durer

Neal Adams:The Art of Comic Book Art

This might be something of interest. There are those individuals historically and culturally ranking at the top of every human endeavor. Artists, politicians, scientists…those worthy of note. I recently joined the Neal Adams Appreciation Page on Facebook and have blogged about him here before. In the field of comic book art and graphic story-telling serving both as writer and illustrator Neal Adams remains consistently at the top. He is without doubt my personal favorite and probably among any list of the top three “All Time” favorites imaginable in this remarkably crowded field. Neal Adams: The Best-Ever-All Time!

The first illustration (top of page) from Batman Comics shows off his depth of cover illustration. The sense of urgency, the lighting and minimalist composition is shocking and intriguing to the viewer. It is a must read. What is the meaning of this unsolvable conundrum? How and why would Batman kill himself Bruce Wayne?

This next drawing is from Adam’s run on The Spectre Comics. It is a work that I am convinced belongs in the collection of MoMA or The Whitney. It should hang alongside Warhol, Lichtenstein and Johns. The composition is “perfection” the drama, shock, word placement and draftsmanship are all notable. This is among the finest that “Pop Art” has to offer. 

This is exactly what Adam’s does best; like no other (below). This page is original in design, layout and is cinematic in form. The dramatic lighting and attention to detail in the close-up portrait is amazing. His command of tool is masterful.

The Art of Neal Adams literally sings like no other. His is a treasure that to those who love and cherish his works is unsurpassed in an abundant field of brilliance.

In a Time of Sorrow: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

 Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec as Pierrot

Within the short span of the last sixteen months the Nation of France has been struck with three sobering, disastrous and murderous attacks. In this climate of uncertainty and mourning we reflect and pray as we of many nations look for solace, strength and understanding. A lesser nation than France might succumb to the senseless, wanton disregard for peace, liberty and the joy of living all people of good will seek to enjoy. The French are an exceptional people who will not succumb. Neither will the free world as we have to try to look away from the insanity toward the light of possibility. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s life and work remain a beacon of light for the entire world. The Artist Lautrec is one of France’s national treasures. 

Toulouse-Lautrec; a man possessing personal resolve and character celebrated the passions and joys of living in spite of personal obstacles. We will look to his work for it’s greatness and glory…this, as our hearts and spirits weep.

My first encounter with the art of Toulouse-Lautrec was when I walked into the “Art” department at my high school in South Western Virginia.  On the wall at the entrance amid the plaster casts, drawing tables and pottery wheels was a seemingly gigantic poster reading Moulin Rouge, Moulin Rouge, Moulin Rouge. The poster colorfully featured dancer La Goulue and the patrons of the world famous establishment in a moment of feverous excitement. I was at the time and remain transfixed by the work’s exquisite beauty, sense of style and most importantly daring nature.   Seeing it would be the greatest lesson I would ever receive in art. I had never experienced anything as lovely as this! I knew I was going to enjoy my journey into this larger world of art, history, culture and contemporary fashion. 

                                                             


I would take much from my beautiful and exuberant young teacher; Mrs. Wonderly. The Moulin Rouge poster was her own and not the schools. It was a way of enriching her student’s lives and adding her own flair to our class room. We would work and learn while the music of the day; Santana, Led Zeppelin, James Taylor and Cher played in the background.  Our lessons included not only the importance of technique but an enhanced and enriched way of seeing along with a genuine love of this most indescribable addiction;  Art.

Toulouse-Lautrec draftsmanship, skill and dedication were central to the teachings of Mrs. Wonderly and in turn our learning. Lautrec’s uniquely distinctive abilities, his tolerance in living and his triumphant joy over life’s obstacles are a reminder of all that is good in this world and in humanity. The wit and wonder of the man is a beacon of the best a single person can offer…a beacon in a time of sorrow.      

The WONDER WOMAN Trivia Game

Wonder Woman has been an ongoing cultural icon and pop superstar for years. She is a true character for the ages ranking among the best known characters of fiction including Laura Croft, Sherlock Homes, Huck Finn and Mother Goose. I wrote about Wonder Woman; her cultural importance and her mystery in a blog last year.“WONDER WOMAN & the Endurance of the Modern Myth.”  She continues to thrive in our hearts and minds as a figure of high regard, reverence and great influence.

A single blog should never hold all the history of an idea like Wonder Woman so I am revisiting her with a trivia quiz I created to amuse my friends. Take a look and see how well you are acquainted with the original…Wonder Woman!

1. Wonder Woman’s plane:

A-IS INVISIBLE

B-CAN ONLY FLY SHORT DISTANCES

C-WAS A GIFT FROM ZEUS

D-IS A CONVERTED P-51 MUSTANG

2. Wonder Woman was created in an effort to:

        A. HELP YOUNG BOYS GET THROUGH PUBERTY

        B. INSPIRE THE US MILITARY TROOPS

         C. BECOME A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUNG GIRLS

         D. HELP SELL LADIES UNDERWARE

3. Wonder Woman’s origin story tells us she was:

            A. A CLAY SCULPTURE BROUGHT TO LIFE 

      B. TELE-PORTED FROM MT. OLYMPUS

      C. FOUND BY HER MOTHER; QUEEN HIPPOLYTA, AS AN ORPHAN

      D. A YOUNG GIRL THAT DRANK A MAGIC POITION

4. Wonder Woman‘s creator; Charles Moulton also:

    A.  WAS A WWII FIGHTER PILOT

    B. INVENTED THE LIE DETECTOR MACHINE

    C. RAN FOR PRESIDENT

    D. DEVELOPED THE MEDICATION BEN-GAY

5. Wonder Woman was portrayed on TV by:

A. LINDA LYNDA

B. LINDA HAMILTON

C. LINDSIE GRAHAM

D. LYNDA CARTER

6. Wonder Woman has been romantically linked to:

    A. THE ELONGATED MAN

    B. WONDERMAN

    C. SUPERMAN

    D. MIDNIGHTER