Secret Galleries and the Art of Home Repairs

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We had an art show a few weeks ago

with a single attendee..

the handyman who came to repair our wall.

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He examined the paintings that surrounded him

while he worked..

and as the plaster dried

he walked around

staring at all the art.

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He spoke to us about our paintings

and shared stories of his own collection of art..

his father’s landscape paintings

which he treasured.

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As he was leaving

he thanked us for the experience

and his unexpected trip

into an art exhibit.

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This is art the way it is meant to be

not cloistered away in a sterile, white-walled gallery

but as a part of everyday life..

living in our homes

like family.

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Opportunity, Wealth and the Art of Service

image: Detail from “The Bridge” by Michele Bledsoe

 

There was a period of time

where my paintings were on display every month..

but now I feel myself pulled in a different direction.

I still participate in exhibits occasionally

but my focus has been more on

what good can I do through sharing my talents

rather than how much money can I make

by selling them.

 

Though service I’ve found that

the opportunities are endless..

and the results make you rich beyond measure.

To Russia, With Love

“Forever” by Michele Bledsoe

My art has never been so far from home before..

It’s a small painting,

but this little snail

has managed to travel a great distance.

My husband and I are honored to have our work on display in Moscow, Russia..

EXHIBITIONS – Russian Stuckism: Registered in Moscow and Moscow Region

We do not speak Russian,

but our paintings do..

Art is a universal language.

 

Scene from inside the gallery at the Russian Stuckism: Registered in Moscow and Moscow Region Exhibition.

Another scene from inside the gallery: “Forever” by Michele Bledsoe, and “Diver” by Richard Bledsoe

 

 

Painting and the Art of the Common Cold

Hanging “The Edge of Reason” by Michele Bledsoe for SPINELESS: The Invertebrate Art Show

I have had a cold for the past couple of days.
The first time I’ve been sick in years.
There is a roll of toilet paper
next to my easel
so I can blow my nose
in between brush strokes.

The desire to paint is irresistible..
and art is good medicine.

Brush Hairs, Imperfection and the Art of Being Human

Michele Bledsoe’s paintings at a recent exhibit.

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Inside an art museum, when you look at the people around you, you can always tell who the artists are.

They are the ones trying to push their faces up against the artwork. Balancing gracefully over velvet ropes to lean in as close as possible to the art. They examine every inch of a painting.. every brushstroke. The tiniest detail cannot escape their inquisitive, hungry eyes..

At least until security tells them they need to take a few steps back.

Maybe it’s just me.

At the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., as I was leaning in to examine The Human Condition (La condition humaine) by surrealist painter, Rene Magritte… I noticed something astounding.

Near a corner of this amazing work of art, there was a brush hair stuck in the paint.

A brush hair stuck in the paint!

Sometimes, that happens to me, too.

Suddenly, I realized that even Rene Magritte was not above experiencing the same little moments of imperfection during the artistic process that I experience. He was not some unearthly creature performing feats of flawless skill and mastery over his materials…

He was simply another artist

passionate and imperfect

just like me.

Art has nothing to do with perfection..

Art is all about being human.

 

 Richard Bledsoe talks about art, Remodernism.. and the beauty and weirdness of life.

When You Can’t Make Up Your Mind… Paint With Your Heart

“Dear Franklin…” by Michele Bledsoe

When I was invited to participate in the upcoming exhibit, BOOKED: Contemporary Literary Art, I got a really late start on my painting. The exhibit is a group show which embraces the art of the story teller, and pays tribute to beloved authors whose works have moved us, inspired us, and enriched our lives.

The problem was – I couldn’t make up my mind.

I love to read, and have so many favorite books. The deadline was approaching, but I just couldn’t decide which one to choose.

It occurred to me that I was thinking too much.

So I stopped using my head and painted with my heart.

“We Need to Talk About Kevin” by Lionel Shriver is a brutal book. Horrific, yet beautifully written. It took me by surprise.. and left me wandering around stunned for days after I finished it.

This is where my art wanted to take me..

and when I let go

it stopped being the painting I thought I should do

and became the painting I was meant to do.

Big difference.

Minutes to Hours

“A group of artists present their visions of life lived in the glare of TV.”

Richard Bledsoe, curator of Under Television Skies

I am one of the many artists participating in the upcoming art exhibit, “Under Television Skies“.

My painting “Minutes to Hours” (above) is still a work in progress..

Last weekend, Richard and I were at First Studio installing the show, so I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peak at the exhibit. I probably wasn’t as useful as I should have been, but I simply could not stop staring at the art.

What a beautifully cohesive show.  The overall effect is impressive: TV inspired art exhibited inside a TV studio. It was truly amazing to see how intensely this group of talented artists embraced the theme – and in doing so, have revealed something uniquely personal and intimate about themselves. It took my breath away.  “Under Television Skies” is a testament to how art can speak without words. Each individual piece tells a story… and gives you a peek into the very heart of the artist who created it.

This is the power of art.

 

UNDER TELEVISION SKIES

FIRST STUDIO / 631 N 1st Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85003

Opening Reception: Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, 6-10pm

Third Friday: Dec. 19, 2014, 6-10pm

Closing Reception: Jan. 16, 2015, 6-10pm

Starting at 7pm “Don’t Touch That Dial” Spoken Word Performance

 

 

The Journey to The Secret Kingdom

Photo by Sebastiao Pereira

Richard Bledsoe’s in-depth article offers a unique perspective on the story behind the creation of The Secret Kingdom.

THE JOURNEY TO THE SECRET KINGDOM (part 1).

THE JOURNEY TO THE SECRET KINGDOM (part 2).

THE JOURNEY TO THE SECRET KINGDOM (part 3).

Small Things with Great Love..

“Do small things with great love.”

Mother Theresa

I have made some large paintings in my time, but mostly I prefer to work small.

I like to scoot up real close to my canvas and work lovingly with my tiny brushes for hours on end.. applying layer after layer of color. It is an intensely intimate experience that I enjoy very much.

Throughout my years of exhibiting work in galleries, I have had many people tell me that I should paint larger. Explaining to me that larger work would have more of a presence… would get more attention somehow.  In group shows, my little paintings may be overlooked… hiding away in corners.. lost in the shadow of larger pieces.

Sure, I imagine there are many people who go through life and only notice the big things.

Big buildings. Monster trucks. Giant paintings. Huge sculptures.

But there are also people out there who will notice a tiny flower reaching out through a crack in the pavement of a crowded parking lot.

I guess I am one of those people.

Little moments of beauty are everywhere.. but they are only visible to those who will take the time to look closer.

So, I will continue make my small paintings.. with great love.