JMG Artblog

Viktor Schreckengost: 1906-2008

Viktor Schreckengost
Joshua Gunter/Plain Dealer

Viktor Schreckengost, Industrial Design Pioneer, died January 26, 2008 at age 101. John Spirk, a former student and owner of a Cleveland design firm, is quoted in a Wall Street Journal article as saying, "I think he was the most influential designer of the 20th century."  Adam Bernstein of the Washington Post wrote "Mr. Schreckengost was one of the world's most prolific artists of commercial goods, and his impact on the economy once was calculated at more than $200 billion." Read the articles below for a fascinating overview of this design giant's life.

Viktor Schreckengost Obituaries and Editorials:
Wall Street Journal Article
Washington Post Article
NY Times Article
Cleveland Plain Dealer Article
Cleveland Plain Dealer Editorial

More Information on this great artist:
Viktor Schreckengost Foundation
JMG Artblog post 8/1/06

Banksy: Bristol, England Artist

Banksy Tag Climb
Drawing
Banksy

I recently was told about a British artist by the name of Banksy. It is my understanding that no one knows the real identity of Banksy but there seems to be a great deal of  speculation about it. Here is Wikipedia's summary:

Banksy is a well-known pseudo-anonymous^[1] English graffiti artist. He is believed to be a native of Yate (near Bristol^[1]) and born in 1974,^[2] but there is substantial public uncertainty about his identity and personal and biographical details.^[3] According to Tristan Manco, Banksy "was born in 1974 and raised in Bristol, England. The son of a photocopier engineer, he trained as a butcher but became involved in graffiti during the great Bristol aerosol boom of the late 1980s."^[4] His artworks are often-satirical pieces of art that encompass topics such as politics, culture, and ethics. His street art, which combines graffiti with a distinctive stencilling technique, has appeared in London and in cities around the world.^[5]

His work is interesting, irreverrant and unusual. Check it out by clicking here.

Peter Reginato: Art in America Review

My good friend, Peter Reginato, sent me an email a few days ago telling me about a review of his work by Art in America magazine in the December 2007 issue. If you get a chance pick up a copy of the magazine and read about it. The review is not available on the internet presently so I will post it once I can.

Neall Alcott: 'Rittenhouse Square' Album Released

Neall Alcott, NJ singer and songwriter, has just released his newest album called Rittenhouse Square and has decided to use one of my photos for his cover shot.  Pretty cool!

Info about  the album from his press release:
My new album is called "Rittenhouse Square." It's my first full length album and thanks to the encouragement of listeners and friends, I decided to make the leap and go for a professionally produced CD.

Rittenhouse Square is a collection of 12 songs that I recorded between Jan. 2007 and June 2007. The songs are in the pop rock realm, with different influences (Beatles, XTC, Squeeze, Lindsey Buckingham, Michael Penn, U2, others) that are blended together.

I had a lot of fun putting the album together (maybe too much fun!) but I think it is worth it.

In order to push this baby out into the world, I created a special web page on my blog:

http://www.neallalcott.com

Photo by Jefferson Green, JMG Artblog

BUY Rittenhouse Square by Neall Alcott by clicking here.

Jon Eckel: Philadelphia Artist

The Knapp Gallery in Philadelphia, PA is presenting the work of a talented local artist in a show called Jon Eckel: Selected Works (Paintings & Drawings) from April 6 - April 29, 2007.

The development of Jon Eckel's style is clearly visible in the works (spanning a 2-3 year period). The most recent works are an eclectic mix of abstraction and realism. There are hints of Egyptian hieroglyphics and Matisse's lines within the paintings.

The show is worth a visit.

Update: More Art from Amy Williams

Amy Williams sent me a pdf with more of her artwork. To check it out click here.

Amy Williams: Illustrator/Painter (Ardmore, PA)

I am especially proud of sharing this artist's work on my blog. I had a special treat recently when I opened my email and found a note from one of my coworkers. She had been reading my blog and wanted me to take a look at some of her artwork to let her know what I thought.

Well I love your paintings! Especially this one I have posted here. It is a visually interesting and moving portrait by Amy Williams (Ardmore, PA). She is a recent graduate of a NY art school called the Pratt Institute.  The colors, the form, the use of acrylic and pastel all make her paintings eye catching and thought provoking.

Vincent D. Feldman: Philadelphia, PA

52nd Street Station
Vincent D. Feldman
Copyrighted

I learned about Vincent D. Feldman's photography by accident and I am very happy that I did. I saw his photographs relating to the buildings and areas of Philadelphia that have been abandoned or have been destroyed and I fell in love with his work.  The show can be seen from September 1-October 21, 2006 at Ursula Hobson's at 1600 Spruce Street in Philadelphia and is a must see.

To learn more click on the following:
Vincent D. Feldman
Philadelphia Abandoned Photographs

Duane Keiser: USA Today Article

"Cut Watermelon"; oil on linen, 11.5; x 7.25; 2006
Duane Keiser

I received an email today from Duane Keiser, A Painting A Day blogger and artist, telling me that he was the focus of an article in USA Today on August 23rd. Click here to read this very interesting article about Duane, art and blogging.

Viktor Schreckengost: 100 years/100 museums

I met Viktor Schreckengost several years ago at the Verne Gallery in Cleveland, OH. At the time I wasn't aware of who Viktor Schreckengost was or what he had accomplished.

Since that time I have read a great deal about the artist and seen many of his creative works in various museums throughout the country. He is truly a fascinating man from whom we all can learn a great deal. Cleveland should cherish and honor this icon in their community.

On a recent visit to Cleveland, a good friend of mine informed me that on the anniversary of Mr. Schreckengost's 100th birthday there are 100 museums exhibiting his work. Click here for an interactive map that highlights the various museums participating in this Centennial show. I would encourage one to visit as many of these sites as possible.

Additional Information:
Cleveland Museum of Art
NPR
ViktorSchreckengost.org
Einblog Post