TAG Interviews Joe Pinkelman

Joe Pinkelman is exhibiting paintings and ceramics in his show New Work: The Heaven and Hell Series.
He answered some questions from us:

Are there any challenges working with the artisans in Jingdezhen, China?
In general, Jingdezhen has been great because it is a place where you come in with an idea and you have incredible technicians that help you realize that idea in ceramic form. They literally have 1000 years of experience behind them. It isn't a challenge working there because it is very first world in environment so all of your needs are met.

Self Portrait #1, stoneware, wire, 21 x 15 x 10"

You have a couple of 2d drawings in this show. 
Is this something new for you? Or work that you just haven't exhibited at TAG before?
I've always worked in a 2-D medium so I wanted to include some images in this recent show.

Trees #1, oil/charcoal on paper, 44 x 33"

Has your day job influenced your art?
My job doesn't influence my work, rather various life experiences.

What is the biggest challenge that you face as an artist? 
I think ceramics is a very abstract medium like poetry and music, yet unfortunately in our culture it (ceramics) goes quite unappreciated except as a craft medium. That however doesn't deter me from working in the medium.

Do you have some questions for Joe?
Come ask him at the Artists' Talk at TAG on Saturday, June 8, 3-4pm.
The show runs until May 15th.
There will be a closing reception on Saturday, May 15th from 4-5pm.

TAG interviews Andrea Kichaven

+ & - / Textured Terrain is Andrea Kichaven's current show at TAG.
On Saturday, June 8, she will be at the gallery to talk about her work.
We asked her a few questions:

What excites you about the medium/genre that you work? 
My excitement for a new piece begins with the canvas size and the blank canvas. I look at all the canvases and one will just speak to me, as if it is saying, "paint me!" I am not afraid of the blank canvas. The first thing I do is layout the page and divide it into sections. I suppose this is my graphic design background speaking.

Una Nueva Vida (Renewed Life), 2013 Mixed media on canvas, 36 x 36"

Can you share about your technique? Or is it a secret?
The title of my current show is + & - / Textured Terrain. The + & -, or addition and subtraction, refers to my process of layering color and texture. My grounds are made with texturing pastes and gels to create texture. Then I build color and texture one layer at a time. Once I add a layer of color, I quickly wipe away most of it and then seal it so that I can add another layer. This process goes on for many layers (10-30). My hope is to have fragments of each layer coming through from beneath, leaving a history and creating depth. Often, more texturizing layers are added for more depth. Complementary colors are used to add harmony and unify the different textures throughout the piece. I believe that my work in monotypes (a type of printmaking) inspired me down this road of experimentation of textures, colors, and layers.

How do you know when a work is finished? 
I generally don't know where I am going and I rely on my instincts during the process. Eventually the piece tells me when it is finished, and whether the environment I have created needs an animal or not. I have a collection of animals (hand painted photographs, illustrations, renderings, paintings) and if the piece calls for an animal, I will add it. I prepare the animals separately so that I don't spoil the grounds I have created thus far.

Traves de la Bahia (Across the Bay), 2013, Mixed media on canvas, 24 x 24"

Tell us about your studio -- where do you create?
My studio is my converted two-car garage. I generally work on three to four pieces at a time, so I also utilize the garden tables for drying between layers.

What would you like your viewers to take away from their encounter with your artwork? 
I hope that the textures and colors draw the viewer into these abstract environments and provoke their imaginations and curiosity.

This is your first show at TAG. Have you had any surprises? 
Becoming a member of TAG has been a wonderful experience. I am enjoying the camaraderie of the other artists and the professionalism of the gallery.

Do you have some questions for Andrea?
Come ask her at TAG on Saturday, June 8, 3-4pm.

TAG Event: Rage Against the Disease Art Auction -- Sunday, June 2

An art auction to benefit Cure CMD.
Sunday, June 2
3-6pm
Auction closes at 5:30pm

Live music and refreshments
$10 tickets, sold at the door.

Many TAG artists have donated works for the auction. Bids will start at $100.