Art/Photography

SFAL 4 Memories: Justin Gerard

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(Photo by Tara Larson Chang)

In the post about Cory Godbey I mentioned my pre-SFAL plans to purchase work from artists of whom I had not previously been a patron, at least of original pieces. In the booth next to Cory Godbey were two more of my long-time favorite artists, Annie Stegg Gerard and Justin Gerard.

Both Annie and Justin are regular attendees to Spectrum Fantastic Art Live events, and somewhere in between the first event and the fourth, these two creative, kind individuals found one another and got married. One of these days I would love to own an Annie Stegg Gerard original painting. This year my focus was on Justin Gerard’s work, and one eye-catching piece in particular.

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Art/Photography

SFAL 4 Memories: Cory Godbey

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(Photo of Erin and Cory Godbey, taken by Tara Larson Chang)

A week ago today began the weekend that was Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 4. This was my second full year as part of the SFAL Committee and although last year was amazing, this year took things up a notch. Different event space and a new layout contributed to the word “intimate” being bandied around as a descriptor of the show and on a personal note I would have to agree.

The entire weekend felt relaxed. There was a feeling of intimacy on the show floor, during the programming, and at the Spectrum 22 Awards Gala. Even as a non-artist, I felt like I was among family throughout the weekend. It was that feeling, that was present even as early as show set up on Friday morning, that informed my experience throughout the weekend. The result was that the people I spent time with and the treasures I brought into my home reflected a desire to reconnect with myself. Things have been so busy in my work and private life that this weekend proved to be a time to not only give of myself to make the show special for artists and attendees, but was also a chance to bring that child who first became aware of the power of art through Peanuts comic strips and Edward Gorey illustrated books back into contact with the adult who can still look at a piece of art and be transported into another world.

One of the artists who has made that connection easy, ever since I first saw his work in the Spectrum: The Best of Contemporary Fantastic Art annual, is Cory Godbey.

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Art/Photography, book news

Interview with Cathy Fenner

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I once again have the pleasure of sharing my passions over on the incomparable SF Signal. Cathy Fenner has a new art collection that she has edited which debuts Memorial Day Weekend at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 4, and then will be available at the regular online retail sources.

The interview reveals her inspirations for the book, discusses the cultural shift that is happening with women creators, and touches on the positive and negative aspects of the internet in our current world. It is a great interview, and I hope you will check it out, share your thoughts, and also share the link on your social media sites.

And also be sure to grab a copy of the book online next week…or better yet, come to SFAL4, get it signed by Cathy Fenner, Lauren Panepinto, and several of the artists featured therein! And we can hang out, too!

Film News

May the 4th Be With You

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I am one who enjoys a good groan-worthy pun, but though I appreciate the pun-ish fun of the annual May the 4th Be With You celebration of Star Wars Day, I’ve never done anything to join in the celebration…until now.

Tonight Mary and I are going to host a couple of young ladies from our church who are, God bless them, Star Wars fans themselves. Always does the heart good to see the next generation down from yours embracing the same geek goodness that you fell in love with as a child.

So after work I’ll do a little thematic decorating, pop some popcorn, and fire up the home theater system to enjoy one of the Star Wars films. We’ve left it up to our guests to decide which film.

Your assignment for the day: find a way to work the phrase “I have a bad feeling about this” or “It’s a trap!” into normal conversation.

What about you, are you doing anything to celebrate May the 4th?

Eclectic Musings of a Renaissance Geek