This 5' x 6' painting on canvas provides a colorful backdrop for your home, business or workspace offering warm tones and serene passages of value and color.
elephant in the room
in painting, the henhouse
painting
(bermuda) east beach, 5" x 7", water-based media on panel, 2016
painting bermuda
pierre bonnard
in drawn, painting, the henhouse
Happy birthday to postimpressionist painter and printmaker Pierre Bonnard.
demystifying the artist statement
Dear Lester Monzon and Lester's Gallery Who Should Know Better if Lester Doesn't,
Biography suggests that one speak about one's life. That's how it works. In the field of art. We use statement, biography, resume or CV. The differences are distinct and important. I have offered a more understandable and accessible version of your "about" statement even if you have titled it "biography". And while I translate this statement-biography to poke fun at artist statements in general, I wonder if Monzon or his gallery actually means to say what he/it has said? In other words, is the statement, like the paintings, also a kind of joke, and if so, why?
Sincerely, kds
Lester Monzon, Googley, 2010 / acrylic and graphite on linen / 9 x 12 inches, courtesy Lester Monzon + Mark Moore Gallery
(original "biography")
By collapsing of architecture, space, and art history, Lester Monzon's work dissects the notion of context. Colorful gesticulations conceal sections of rigid patterning, a tete-a-tete between abstract expressionism and hard-edge abstraction that implies a gentle lampooning of the taxonomic tradition. Monzon upends the formalism and segregation innate to the fine art world, and fabricates a composite genealogy of painting - a pithy resolution to an otherwise vapid debate. Monzon's luscious brushstrokes slyly creep into a Hirst-esque field of dots or Noland-like plane of stripes, like the resurrection of a once-declared dead practice through a satirical hand. In his recent work, Monzon applies this critique of contextual art to mark-making in public spaces; be it graffiti on tiles in a public bathroom, stains on the sidewalk, or the popularized notion of "street art.
Damien Hirst. “Zirconyl Chloride,” 2008. Household gloss on canvas. 84 inches diameter. Courtesy Gagosian Gallery. © Damien Hirst/ Science Ltd, 2012. Photography Prudence Cuming Associates.
(translated "statement")
Lester Monzon makes pictures that refer to architecture, how architecture sits in space and art history. Sometimes he paints in a messy way and sometimes he paints very precisely. In Monzon’s world, both of these actions refer to traditions of abstract expression and hard-edge abstraction. With this, Monzon offers an artist’s inside joke: my paintings, in capsule, offer a system of classification for art history. He doesn’t want you to worry about what issues* arise in the art world because you can accept his quick and concise summation of art history in place of others’ uninteresting and bland solutions**.
(Skipping ahead to technique without transition) Monzon uses a lot of paint. If this paint were a person, he is a sly personality that can impersonate dots or stripes (that Monzon associates with the artist Hirst (dots) and the artist Noland (stripes)). By impersonating dots and stripes, Monzon (or this sly person who is paint) miraculously brings dots and stripes back to life because they had been dead*. You should realize that this is satire.
These days, Monzon is taking his version of funny to the streets - literally. He is painting on dirty sidewalks, on the tile in public restrooms or in some place that is called “street art” that has been made popular.
** Monzon graciously removes the viewer from a “vapid” solution to a “pithy” one
In summary, I think Mr. Monzon might engage someone to write more precisely about how and why his painting and his work merits discussion and appreciation. This statement does no service to him, his work or to the viewer. The work can be satirical and difficult to understand. The statement should not. It should additionally be an explanation and give, if not a roadmap, at least a cardinal direction toward better knowing the work and the artist.
Kenneth Noland, Via Light 1968, acrylic on canvas, 54 x 113 inches, Courtesy of Lelie Feely Fine Art
thistle symbolism
The layered symbolism that has developed surrounding the thistle flower begins with its spine-like stems and spiky blossom connected with the crown chakra or third eye. The color purple (named from this predatory mollusk!)has long been associated with royalty, good judgment and spiritual enlightenment. You can read more about additional connections that have been drawn throughout time and by varying cultures here.
Or you might recall or rediscover your own experience of the thistle through this painting.
(flora) thistle, 24" x 24", water-based media on panel, 2015-2016 available via spalding nix fine art
katherine sandoz art featured at "the english room"
in painting, the henhouse
What a thrill to be interviewed and featured in the "Artist Spotlight" over at The English Room. I have known designer + curator Holly Hollingsworth Phillips for about five years as we are perennial participants at The Southern Coterie Summit. In that time, I have enjoyed (+ studied) Holly's interior design + lifestyle blog, her strong and sophisticated color play, and - no surprise - her great skill in finding the best kaftans to be had across the globe.
Please enjoy the feature, all the great artists spotlights that have already been offered and all that Holly graciously shares via The English Room.
(flora) bromeliad, 48" x 48", water-based media on panel, 2015-2016 , available through spalding nix fine art
i love southern writers
in drawn, painting, portrait, the henhouse
it's complicated; i cannot (tell a) lie.
flannery o'connor
southern discomfort 2016
This painting and those made by some twenty other savannah artists will be made available by silent auction on April 1st, 2016 from 6-9 pm at Non-Fiction Gallery in Savannah. All works are inspired by Flannery O'Connor and her works. Proceeds benefit the Flannery O'Connorchikdhood Home.
Please email me if you wish to bid by proxy.
flannery o'connor in gucci, 10"X 10", water-based media on panel, 2016
art broker as relationship specialist
in painting, the henhouse, theories
Why are art dealer/brokers such connoisseurs of human relationships?
They tend to be highly sensitive people, often with very particular threads of interest. They spend their time canvassing the world and its objects for more information to support their own theories revolving about their chosen subject or subjects. Because art so often employs storytelling - or its making does - art brokers can match people with art and objects. The best ones do this with a passion equal only to the that of the object's maker. This informs them when they consult or advise in matters of art or the heart*.
If you find yourself unable to find a gift, symbol or presentation of your profound and unconditional or unconventional love for someone, find an art broker. They see the past, present and future with a lens focused on beauty, love and expressions of all materials and manners.
katherine sandoz (sufa15) wip, 36" x 36", wbm on panel, 2015 -
begonias | say "it" with art
in painting, the henhouse
Prove you really care for someone's future by giving the gift of art. Paintings, drawings and sculptures (plus) last - a very long time. They contain messages, symbols and sentiments that are universally understood. Art has eons-tested efficacy in pulling heartstrings.
Find a piece that can speak all the words you cannot or the ones you want remembered.
This small-sized, but meaningful painting, housed in a hand-made, free-standing frame, is now available through Spalding Nix Fine Art.
(su1516) begonias, 5 3/4" x 3 5/8", water-based media on panel, 2015-2016
Begonias suggest symbolically the promise of mystery, rare finds and the rich and sweet darkness of desire. Its energy is that of a wide-eyed and compassionate child of nature. The perennial flower is associated with the sacral chakra and the number nine. A rub made from crushed flowers and leaves will aid in healing sores, cuts and burns.
azalea + bee painting meaning
Azaleas are known as symbols of abundance, fragile passion and from the Chinese, "thinking of home" as well as a representation of wealth. If you place azaleas, very toxic if prepared properly, in a black vase, this constitutes a death threat. A flour made from the dried flower and mixed in a carrier acts as a pesticide and medical research suggests that parts of the Chinese azalea can treat varying respiratory and rheumatic illnesses.
The bee's important role in our ecology is echoed throughout time in myth and in presentations of contemporary culture. While they are often symbols of royalty, power, vision and creativity, they are also considered symbols of Cupid's "sting" as well as of love, courtship and marriage. In Chinese works of art, if the bee appears on the flower, there is a suggestion of fruitfulness within the marriage or partnership. Within Hindu symbolism, a pairing with the lotus means reincarnation, on the forehead says transformation. Six is the sacred number of Venus the goddess of love and bees work in sixes - that is to say, hexagons. Numerologists believe 6 represents love as is multiplies odd and even (2,3) but is highly stable, symmetrical and balanced. Six energy is creative, conciliatory and nurturing. (Azaleas often offer six petals at the base of the flower.) Color associated with six is red and indigo.
katherine sandoz, (suwi1516) azalea, 3 5/8" x 5 3/4", water-based media on panel, 2015-2016
flamingo
in men in hats, drawn, the henhouse, painting
An apt totem for the beginning of 2016, the noble king of the marshes signifies new experiences, filtering and discarding what is not beneficial, discernment, rebirth, creativity and vision. Additionally, this steadfast migrator draws power from the water and is considered to be a heart healer. His color arrives from the pigmenting of the food (carotenoids, especially) the bird eats.
katherine sandoz, mixed media, january 2016
sweet '16
Happy new year to all!
i ♡ camellia season
Mother Nature at it again!
not staged or arranged!
otome camellia
It's the most wonderful time of the year because it's camellia season. This gorgeous bloom was once called usu otome, then Frau Minna Seidel and now "Pink Perfection". I haven't quite represented it's state of pink or perfection, but I'll be thrilled to try another in time.
otome, 3 1/2 x 4 7/8, water-based media on panel, 2015 (available unframed)
Please visit my shop if you are interested in acquiring this piece or another or feel free to make an inquiry here.
saaabmb15 | peter makebish
The paintings of Paul Kremer and Les Rogers dare you, "C'mere! Come here!" They say, "Hey, girl! Wanna listen to some music, hear some poetry, let the sun beat down on your head, shake your hair, your haunches? Care to think about heartbeats, the power of color and shape-making, mind and space shifting in a secret, through-all-the-ages-and-time-but-it's-ON-now language?"
Not so fast, sister. The award for excellence in transforming live, genuinely engaged human beings (who can be plied with greetings, information and the promise of owning the most-best painting-makings currently exhibiting) into cold, lifeless stone forever goes to Peter Makebish. His craft in curating a vibe, turning up the music, creating poetry and dashing hopes and hearts is so honed and precise, I named this award after him.
Congrats, mon frère Pierre.
katherine sandoz portrait of peter makebish at untitled art fair, miami, florida, december 2015
lulu henle portrait
in portrait, the henhouse, painting
A very recent portrait of actor, musician, artist and my sister, Lulu Henle by artist Troy Wandzel.
troy wandzel, lulu henle, 10 3/4" square, oil on panel, 2015
sandoz art awards
Old program - giving out awards - new name: Sandoz Art Awards. Like the Swiss Art Awards, I have 11 awards (or more) to bestow. While I don't offer winners 25,000 CHF and an artist residency in Mexico (!), the gallery, person or piece of art does have a portrait or drawing made in homage to the achievement.
artist denise duong photographed by katherine sandoz, oklahoma city, june 2015
naughty or nice?
This year, for those deserving, I'm recommending paintings - always. I'm also suggesting works on paper as they are often a very unique and unusual offering of the artist's process and presentation. They travel light, safely and cheaply. Last, cost of this work tends to come in slightly lower than those on more substantial substrates.
I have a number of smaller works on paper available on SANDOZIA. You may consider some mid to large scale works through the Spalding Nix Fine Art shop on 1st dibs. I also have some very large works (8 feet plus) at the studio. If you wish to inquire about these, please call or email me.
For the naughty set: coal. It's a traditional and classic way to communicate the required message. For 2015, artist made stockings in paper, fabric or upcycled materials are de rigueur. Maybe you are just the artist?
(color fields) water's edge, 8' x 12', water-based media on paper, 2015
blue eyes
detail from a current collaboration with artist Troy Wandzel:
water-based media on wood panel, session 4