When I send out blast emails, I have a standardized footer on the bottom that allows people to opt out if they so desire.  I’m ethical in how I gather email contact lists.

I try to keep the contacts limited to either people I know, folks who have opted in, or folks who may be interested based upon other lists that they have appeared on.  Yes, I harvest contacts from mass mailings.  I am aware that others may do this as well, which is why when I send out a blast email, I address it to myself and blind copy everyone else. It’s a practice I wish more folks would follow.

There have been times when I have been included in a blast mail and did not wish to remain on the person’s list for one reason or another, so I politely ask to be removed, and I am removed. There have been times when I’ve been solicited by artist spam emails in the past.  The end result was quite interesting, and, judging by the comments, helpful to others.

It is in that spirit that I post about an email that ended up in my inbox recently. It was from Alborques Galeria Online <alborques@gmail.com>, and had only a web address and an attachment, which you’ll see reproduced here after the jump.

I visited the website and found it to be poorly designed and ugly to look at.  Very busy and not at all user friendly.  A little googling revealed what I thought — the guy is into SEO and is looking to build traffic to create revenue for his site.  Nothing wrong with that, but at least have some decent content.

I replied to his mail with a request to remove me from his list and then hit the REPORT SPAM in Gmail link. I’d encourage anyone else who gets this type of email from this guy to do the same.  The funny thing is that the address to which he sent the mail is not my marc.moss.art@gmail address.  Funny.

Click to enlarge

Victory Mints

Originally uploaded by love not fear

WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
-George Bush Orwell

Happy Independence Day

REBOOT_ East Wall

Originally uploaded by love not fear

Joe Nickel wrote a great article today in The Missoulian about the state of the arts in Missoula. Joe points out that a recent survey of data released by the Natioanl Endowment for the Arts reported that Missoula ranks 44th in the nation in terms of the percentage of local workers who make their living through the arts”. “Artists in the Workforce 1990-2005″ is a 150-page survey of data compiled from census records. A portion of the article was reproduced over at Talk Missoula, and it ended with a question:

What are the advantages and challenges of being an artist in Missoula? Name one project, resource or service that could be developed to promote and support Missoula’s professional artists, musicians and writers.

The problem with the question is the word “professional”. There are many artists here in Missoula who cannot make a living at what they do here, not because they are not talented artists or they don’t produce a good body of work, but because their contemporary art is too edgy or risky for Missoula and the people who visit here.

Missoula is on the cusp of coming into its own as a cultural destination for travelers across the world. One thing many of those travelers want when they think of visual arts is western themed or “outdoor” art. Because of that, much of the visual art produced by professional artists in Missoula is reflective of that need.

Thinking of Missoula *only* in terms of this type of art is doing a disservice to the many very talented contemporary artists who live and work in this city, producing a huge body of work that might sell for thousands of dollars in a more urban city like Chicago, New York or Los Angeles, but here, if they sell at all, it’s for a pittance. And that is if the work is even seen.

A resource I would like to see is a dedicated space *downtown* that includes a gallery and affordable studios for working artists. Missoula is lucky to have the Ceretana, and more recently, the Zootown Arts Community Center on the North side. Both of these facilities are beautiful and offer many opportunities for both artists and the Missoula community. I would like to see something similar downtown. A place for artists to show that is not a coffehouse, a restaurant, a computer store, a boutique. Somewhere that is for art and art alone, and a place for lesser known 8local* artists to display. I am not taking away from the Missoula Art Museum and what they have to offer our community. I’m suggesting something more, something different. Something that could help artists who *don’t* make a living as an artist work towards that goal by giving them the same treatment a professional artist might get.

To view the full results of the NEA survey, “Artists in the Workforce 1990-2005,” visit www.NEA.gov and click on “News.”

REBOOT_ East Wall

Originally uploaded by love not fear

When I arrived in their little office in downtown Missoula, I was greeted with warm smiles. S. was pretty excited to have me deliver the piece, and I was pretty excited to be able to sign it in her presence, help her decide where it should hang, and finally, hang it on her office wall. The women there provided me with a small metal hammer which was painted in “feminine” colors and had flowers on it. They got a kick out of it when I drove the nail using the provided hammer.

The piece looks great in her office, and I meant to photograph it, but was caught up in the contagious excitement of the women as they admired the piece. We talked about it for a while, before easing into friendly talk comparing office humor and other daily life conversations.

After it had been hung, E. commented that the wall looked a little lonely, that maybe S. needs more of my pieces to compliment the existing one. S. had already mentioned the possibility of wanting another piece, and I was glad to encourage her, picking up a dry erase marker and drawing on the whiteboard how the wall might look with the addition of two complimentary pieces.

As I left the office, I was remembering the first time I had completed a similar project. I remember how personally involved in it I was. This time was different. It was less about the emotion, and more about presenting the work in such a way that the emotion came through in a humorous way. I re-learned some of the things I learned the first time around, namely that vellum applied with spray adhesive is much better than self-adhering vellum.

This version of the project was much more coherent, all of the pieces being almost of uniform size, all being a uniform shape. I enjoyed using two different models for the photographs as well. And the distance and time between me and the models involved made creating the project more enjoyable. Yeah, I was stressed about finishing it on time, but I enjoyed the entire process more and was more deliberate in the way that I went about it.

Finishing the show felt good, and it generated a lot of brainstorming on my part for subsequent shows I’ll be doing. Brainstorming around concepts of content, but also around concepts of logistics about how I want to pull off the ideas themselves.

Right now work has got me pretty busy. Working three jobs currently. I’m tying to do something creative every day, and am constantly thinking about the next project, when i can start it. In the meantime, I’m learning how to use a new camera. I’ll be posting some of those photographs here as time allows.

REBOOT_ West Wall Upon Entrance to Gallery

Originally uploaded by love not fear

The show was a smashing success. About 80 people came through. We had a great spread of food from Worden’s. Folks dug it. Especially software developers. Everyone was laughing at the error messages and actually READING them, which was awesome.

The big coup is that people walking by on the street can see the show, and I hope I’m pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable in Missoula. Nowhere else in town can beautiful nude art be seen.

Oh, and I did sell a piece. A group of three women rolled through, two of which own a software startup in town. Two of the women bought a piece for their friend who was there for her birthday. She plans to hang it in her office.

The show will be up for the rest of the month. Anyone in the Missoula area who didn’t make it to the opening — stop by and check it out.

Thanks to all who made this possible: Bridgemaxx, Computer Central, Lucas, for the use of his truck, Patty, over at The Art Hang Up for the glass, Home Resource for the cabinet doors upon which the photos were mounted, and everyone who supported me as I worked like crazy to get this show together. You know who you are. I am eternally grateful to all of you.

Thanks!

Tags: 59801, art, art in missoula, arts and culture in missoula, collage, community, computer, controversy, creativity, culture, erotic photography, fun, love, lust, medium format, missoula, montana, photography, process, public art exhibitions, reboot, recycle, sculpture, sex59801, art, art in missoula, arts and culture in missoula, collage, community, computer, controversy, creativity, culture, erotic photography, fun, love, lust, medium format, missoula, montana, photography, process, public art exhibitions, reboot, recycle, sculpture, sex

LifetimeCompanion.dll could not be opened

Originally uploaded by love not fear

Cut all of the glass. Have assembled most of them, but will have to take apart and re-do about 6 of them because the vellum buckled.

I was using adhesive-backed vellum that I had forgotten is susceptible to humidity. Lesson learned. Have to re-print error messages and photos, then use spray adhesive to re-attach.

Need to buy more paint to finish the last piece.

As promised, the interview of me done by two Layola High School students, Trevor and Charlie.

Trevor and Charlie:   How did you come to have a show in the gallery?
 
Marc:  Well, I didn’t have a gallery show in April, but I have had them in the past.  To answer question 16, I’ve shown in Akron, Ohio, where I originate, once, and in Missoula about 8 times.  Some galleries will agree to let you show if you just walk in and ask, providing some examples of your work.  Others require you to write a proposal for exhibition.  I prefer face to face inquiries, but email and phone calls are a good first step.
T&C:  What does your series mean? 
 
Marc:  n/a, because it wasn’t a series.  It was a retrospective of previously displayed work, and there was no continuity among the pieces.
T&C:  How did you physically create your series?
 
Marc:  Again, n/a, because it wasn’t a series.  It was a retrospective of previously displayed work, and there was no continuity among the pieces.

 
T&C:   How did you determine a price for your artwork?
 
Marc:  I’ve written about this before.

 
T&C:  Do you sell many artworks?
 
Marc:  Not enough, but yes, I do sell some.  2 years ago, I sold enough one summer to pay my rent for four months.  Recently, I’ve exhibited less, and therefore have sold less.

 
T&C:  Tell us about your art studies. Did you major in art, go to art school or did are you self taught?
 
Marc:  I took a drawing class — figure study — in high school, as well as a photography class.  I have not formally studied artwork beyond that.

 
T&C:   When do you make art?
 
Marc:  When I’m not at work, I try to make art in the evenings and the weekends.

 
T&C:  Where do you make your art?
 
Marc:  In my apartment and in my garage, which serves as a studio.  Photography — on the streets and in nature.

 
T&C:  Have you always worked in the same medium?
 
Marc:  I work in a variety of mediums and am always experimenting.

 
T&C:   When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
 
Marc:  When I was 6 years old.

 
T&C:  What was the inspiration for the demonstration and the destruction of your artwork?
 
Marc:  This could be a lengthy answer, but for now, I’ll just say that The Open Field Artists contacted me to participate in this performance art.  They were the Secret Agents.  The inspiration was their “Secret Agents” collective character is meant to provoke questions among the viewers of how our current government is treating its citizens.  Our civil liberties are constantly being taken away, and they applied that to public art displays.
T&C:  What was the reasoning for having your gallery in the alley way?
 
Marc:  I’ve written about this before too.  After you read it, if you still have questions about why I like to show in alleys, let me know.
T&C:  Your work was currently in Taco del Sol, what’s your favorite thing to eat there if you do in fact eat there?
 
Marc:  1/2 size fish supreme, black beans, hot sauce and sometimes jalapeños.
T&C:  What draws you towards creating collages?
 
Marc:  Media agencies and corporate media have expended large amounts of money and time creating an art form which takes things out of context to manipulate viewers. We, the viewers, are bombarded with imagery and words until we become numb to their contexts and meanings. I take what this media gives us and build new contexts from it. Disjointed juxtaposed images with contrasting meanings work together forming new concepts, fresh ideas and layers of meaning. Recycling and renewing old ideas, thoughts and feelings from the discarded often brings unexpected, and always fun, results.
T&C:  What has been the overall reaction of the people who viewed your art?
 
Marc:  My art is well received, but probably a little too contemporary for Missoula audiences.
T&C:   How many other shows have you done in the past?
 
Marc:  See answer to Q1.
T&C:   What was the main inspiration for your pieces?
 
Marc:  It depends on the piece, or on the series of pieces.  Generally speaking, I draw from personal experiences/emotions, or ideas about how the word works or how I think it should work.
T&C:  What advice would you give a beginning artist who wants to be successful?
 
Marc:  Make. Art.  Lots of it.  Never take “no” as an answer.  Practice.  Pay attention to finance classes available to you.  Pay attention to history and to current events.  Imitate artists you love in order to learn from them.  Explore.  Ask lots of questions.
T&C:  What do you think about our current president?
 
Marc:  He should be ashamed of himself.  Only 258 days left. (as of the writing of the interview).
 
T&C:   If you don’t mind me asking, who are going to vote for in the upcoming election?
 
Marc:  You can probably guess.

Last month, I set up a DIY art show in the alley next to The Catalyst.  A fellow artist, Gretel Stoudt, had an opening exhibition inside The Catalyst.  I noticed an unusual amount of high school students milling about, some of them with clipboards and notebooks in hand, heading into The Catalyst.  I realized that it was an art class field trip to First Friday Gallery Walk. 

Many of them stopped by the alley to admire my work.  Two of them asked if they could have one of my cards and contact me later for an interview.  I gave them a card, and last week they got ahold of me with an email interview. 

They asked some good questions, and I tried to answer them as best as I could.  But I did so on the condition that they also submit to a similar interview.  They agreed.  Here is the interview I did with them.  I chose my question to mirror the questions they asked me.  Tune in tomorrow to read the interview they did with me.

Originally uploaded by love not fear

INTERVIEW WITH CHARLIE PRITCHARD AND TREVOR DIEHL

Marc: Where is your favorite place to see art in Missoula?

Charlie: I like to see art in public places like parks, street corners, and alleys I think its better than a gallery because all kinds of people will see it not just people that like a certain type of art.

Trevor: Sometimes the Art Museum and random restaurants like Taco del Sol and Bernice’s Bakery.

Marc:  Where is your favorite place to find art online?

Charlie: Probably www.artnet.com

Trevor: Banky’s website and now trying to find art that’s from the Cannes Festival.

Marc:  Who are your top 3 favorite Missoula artists?

Charlie: Marc Moss, Andrea Brew, Dennis Sloan.

Trevor: I’m a horrible person for this but I literally don’t even know three.

Marc:  Who are your top 3 well known national/international artists (dead or alive)?

Charlie: Basquiat, Banksy, Keith Herring.

Trevor: Banksy, Jean-Michael Basquiat, Jasper Johns.

Marc:  What is your favorite kind of art to view and why?

Charlie: I really like graffiti art because I think it makes the place it’s at unique and original

Trevor: Impressionism and Graffiti. Probably because I’m trying hard right now to understand and create art like that.

Marc:  What is your favorite kind of art to make and why?

Charlie: I also like to make street art for a couple of reasons, first is that it can be seen by people who love and hate it and second is that it requires alot less drawing (Something that I’m not very good at). I also am trying to make music too.

Trevor: Graffiti stencil art because…the culture around it and everything makes it interesting to me. If doodling in class counts as art (which I’m guessing it does) thats my second favorite kind to make.

Marc:  If you were going to have an art show in Missoula and could show anywhere, where would you want to show and why?

Charlie: Good question, I’d want to have an art show under the Higgins Bridge, and I guess because it would be just a fun place to have my art.

Trevor: Maybe in the Wilma theater or on top of a building or something,

Marc:  What is your favorite thing to eat @ Taco del Sol?

Charlie: Oh, this is an easy one, 12″ Fish Supreme with refried beans, medium sauce, and a Jumex nectar to drink.

Trevor: Easy. 12 inch fish supreme w/ mild sauce

Marc:  Have you ever publicly displayed your artwork/poetry/fiction? If so, where?

Charlie: No, but maybe sometime in the future.

Trevor: Only within the walls of Loyola Sacred Heart.

Marc:  What is your favorite thing about summer?

Charlie: Not being in school and being able to just hang out downtown.

Trevor: All of the free time and riding my bike everywhere.

Marc:  What inspires you when you create art?

Charlie: I get inspired by Music.

Trevor: Weird things that I see in town and things my friends and family do.

Marc:  What is your favorite thing about high school?

Charlie: Well, to be honest it’s probably graduation now.

Trevor: Besides all the homework…not alot…I guess my friends.

Marc:  What do you think about our current president?

Charlie: I think he is the most inept president this country has ever had and will ever have. I’d go on but I’d end up getting a migraine thinking of all the problems he created in the world.

Trevor: I think he has sprung the US into a downward spiral that will eventually lead to the destruction of the middle class. I don’t like him.

Marc: If you could vote, Trevor, for whom would you vote to be President of the United States in the upcoming election? Charlie — are you registered, if not, why not, and for whom will you vote?

Charlie: Yes I am registered and I am going to vote for Obama in the primary and general election when he’s the nominee.

Trevor: I’m voting for Obama…or Ron Paul.

From the New York Times article:

A painter, photographer, printmaker, choreographer, onstage performer, set designer and, in later years, even a composer, Mr. Rauschenberg defied the traditional idea that an artist stick to one medium or style. He pushed, prodded and sometimes reconceived all the mediums in which he worked.

Building on the legacies of Marcel Duchamp, Kurt Schwitters, Joseph Cornell and others, he thereby helped to obscure the lines between painting and sculpture, painting and photography, photography and printmaking, sculpture and photography, sculpture and dance, sculpture and technology, technology and performance art — not to mention between art and life.

Read the entire article here.