Buzz from BZTAT!

This site has moved.

2009-11-26T01:11:00.004-05:00

This site has moved. Please go to BZTAT Studios for new updates.

Thank you!

End of an Era: The Buzz from BZTAT is Moving!

2009-11-25T03:02:00.003-05:00

Artwork by BZTAT

I began this blog on May, 2008, and it has had quite a run! It started out slow, but once it started to get some notice on Twitter and Facebook, it grew to be a very beautiful thing. It became a wonderful vehicle for me to share my thoughts about my art and its inspiration, and it gave me a chance to tell the world about the great things happening in the Canton, OH Arts District.

In fact, it was so useful, it has now outgrown itself! This will be the last post from this blog location, as we are moving to a new and improved location.

I have developed a more expansive site that not only includes a blog, but also includes more expansive website features. Instead of having a blog and a website, I will now have both in one dynamic site.

I no longer will have "The Buzz from BZTAT!" or "Art Adventures Studios". From this point forward, it will be "BZTAT Studios". Look for a future newsletter, however, that will be called "The Buzz from BZTAT!"

I thank all of my followers here, and I hope that you will continue to follow me at the new site. Those of you who follow me on email or RSS feed, please subscribe at the new site, www.bztat.com. Please let me know if you have any difficuties.

New adventures await us as we enter a new era. I look forward to them with great gusto!!! Thanks for making the precediing era so wonderful and adventureous!

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

New Name and Website Coming Soon!

2009-11-22T15:24:00.005-05:00

I am happy to announce some big changes coming this week with my website and blog! On Wednesday, November 25, 2009, I will be redirecting both this site and my website to a brand new location where I will combine the two into one fabulous site!!! Thanks to my friend Liz Hover, who has helped me design and develop the new site, I will have both blog and online gallery functionality in the new location. This will allow me to communicate with followers and display my artwork all in one place.

Because I will be blogging from the new location, I will not be blogging from this location after the change. This site will redirect to the new site automatically (I think). I am not sure how that will affect those of you who follow me via RSS feeds and email. I will post directions so that you can start following the new site, as I doubt the existing follows will transfer over. If you enjoyed following this site, I think you will enjoy following the new one even more!

I hope that the transfer is painless and bug-free, but if it isn't and you have difficulties, please feel free to email me at: bztat@artadventuresstudios.com.

As I change web/blog sites, I also will be changing my studio's name. It will no longer be Art Adventures Studios. My studio's new name will be BZTAT Studios, which more clearly identifies me and my artwork as a brand.

Liz and I are still working out some design issues, so I will wait until Wednesday to give you the new URL. Even then, we may still have a few things to work out, but we want to get things going then to give you some online holiday shopping options if you are interested. I am looking forward to the changes, and I hope that you will enjoy them too!

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

Follow works in progress by BZTAT on Twitter by searching #bztatptg.

Art Adventures Studios
Buy Artwork and Gifts by BZTAT
Art Adventures Studios, located in downtown Canton, OHnear Second A pri l Ga lerie and the historic Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography.

Thought for the Day

2009-11-21T16:38:00.005-05:00

Artwork by BZTAT

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." - Milan Kundera

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

Second April Galerie "In the Company of Friends" group show

2009-11-13T15:17:00.007-05:00

"BZTAT's Red Studio"

Artwork by BZTAT

I don't show in galleries much. I prefer to connect with customers through my own studio or online. Second April Galerie is the exception. It is a gallery a block and a half from my studio operated by my dear friends Brennis Booth and Todd Walburn. Second April is a magical space. If you live in or visit Canton, you must see it!

Tonight begins Second April's latest showing of phenomenal artwork from regional artists. It features the ceramic works of Akron Artist Bob Yost and 30 other artists. The painting you see above is one of my latest works that is in the exhibit. It is a combination of 3 canvases, with the entire piece spanning 9'(W) X 4'(H). The piece hangs in a loft area of the gallery, an area that I refer to as the rafters. It is a high space that takes a bit of acrobatics to crawl into, but I was an intrepid soul!

I have also created this piece for the show.

"Fauve"
Artwork by BZTAT

This is a smaller piece (16" X 22") painted on textured wood. Both pieces pay homage to some of my art historical influences. Henri Matisse, whose bright colors and simple abstractions are a major influence in my work, painted a painting entitled "Red Studio" where he included actual paintings in the studio on a red background. I decided to paint my own version of the "Red Studio". Also, Matisse and a group of his contemporaries were called "Fauves", French for wild beasts for their style of work. I used this term to describe the yellow cat in my second painting.

There is an opening reception for the exhibit tonight from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Second April Galerie is located at 324 Cleveland Ave. NW in Downtown Canton. Hope to see you there!

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

BZTAT's National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week Celebration

2009-11-05T08:38:00.008-05:00

Artwork by BZTAT

November 1-7 is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States. My furry Friend Romeo the Cat has teamed up with Big Paw Designs and Peoplepets.com to encourage everyone to celebrate our local rescues and shelters and let them know how much we love and appreciate all they do! Romeo is encouraging everyone to do something for their local shelter this week, and he is featuring a different act of kindness each day on his blog.

Since this week has First Friday in it, the Canton Art's District's monthly art party, I decided to invite the Friends of Stark Pound (FOSB) to come down and join me in the studio this Friday. The great folks of FOSB will be there with information about adoptable pets and other important items. They also are planning to bring a couple of dogs, one of which will be my doggie pal Lexi Lou, who is featured in the picture above.

Please come down and visit us in my studio this Friday, and enjoy all the other festivities in the Canton Art's District! And do something special for YOUR local animal shelter!!!

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

Thought for the Day

2009-10-26T10:39:00.001-04:00

"Just meowin'." --Brewskie Butt

If you are interested in a pet portrait of your animal, info about the process can be found here. Please send an email about your interest to: bztat@artadventuresstudios.com before making an order.

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

What's on BZTAT's Easel? Pet Portrait of Lucy the Cat!

2009-10-23T23:10:00.016-04:00

Artwork by BZTAT

Many of my commissioned pet portraits come from places far away from me, which is fun and exciting. Local commissions, however, offer me the chance to actually meet the pets I am to paint. Lucy is a cat in Canton, and I was so thrilled to meet her! She is quite the snuggler, and I got to pet and scritch her ears to my heart's content. I enjoyed meeting her person, as well.

Calico cats are a challenge to paint, as their markings always fall into interesting patterns that can be hard to abstract into simple shapes. Luckily, I have a calico of my own, Slick, so I am familiar with these challenges. Lucy actually looks a lot like my Slick, so their images look similar. Lucy's eyes are much more serious looking, and her markings fall into different shapes, but overall, the process of painting the two different cats was similar.

My first step was to paint the background black and then block in colors and shapes. Using my usual layering technique, I refined the colors and shapes, building up color by painting many layers of varied colors on top of each other. Each layer reveals some trace of the underneath layers.

I really liked how these initial phases were going, except for one thing. The shape of the head really was not Lucy's shape. Although I am not one to stick to strict details for an animal's likeness, it is important to get the essentials correctly depicted to give the viewer an accurate reflection of the animal's character. I made some adjustments.

The background of Lucy's painting reflects the paneling on the wall of her home, since she is an indoor cat.

I really enjoyed meeting and painting Lucy! Here is a photo of her person as she picked the painting up from my studio. She seems pretty happy with it, don' you think?

What's on BZTAT's Easel? Pet Portrait of Murphy the Cat!

2009-10-21T14:07:00.015-04:00

Artwork by BZTAT

Meet Murphy, the light of my Twitter friend @DJillPugh's life! Murphy is one of 5 cats in her home, and since she is getting up in years, her family wanted to commission her portrait. Portraits of her housemates may follow some day, as well.

Murphy is a grayish tiger-striped cat with a pinkish nose and whitish cheeks. Everything is "-ish" with Murphy, as her colors all sort of blend together. This is a great challenge for an artist whose style is to paint bold distinct shapes with strong outlines and bright colors. Murphy also has a glass eye, which I did not deny, but also did not emphasize in the painting.

I tend to paint grayish cats in blue tones; striped cats with very simplified implications of stripes. More than anything, I rely on a depiction of the animal's facial intensity to give the portrait a likeness of the animal's character, rather than attempt to realistically render the animal's exact coloration and markings. I find that this is what my patrons seem to enjoy the most about my paintings--how they reflect the animal's character.

My first step with Murphy's portrait was to paint the background black and then block in colors and shapes.

Using my usual layering technique, I refined the colors and shapes, building up color by painting many layers of varied colors on top of each other. Each layer some trace of the underneath layers.

Murphy and her family have not seen the actual finished painting yet, but they have seen photos. The painting will be shipped in the next couple of days. I hope she enjoys it. I sure enjoyed painting her!

What's on BZTAT's Easel? Basset Hound Sneeky Pete!

2009-10-19T09:52:00.008-04:00

"Sneeky Pete" by BZTAT

August and September were incredibly busy months for me, so I am just now trying to catch up with blogging about some of the work. I completed this painting a few weeks ago and wanted to share about it.

This painting is Sneeky Pete, a Basset Hound who lives in my hometown, Canton, OH. His people stopped in my studio on a First Friday and commissioned me to do his portrait.

Sneeky Pete is an older dog, and he has had eye surgeries that have affected his appearance. His people wanted his portrait to reflect his earlier appearance, so I worked from older photos as well as more recent ones. It was sort of a challenge, but it was an interesting one.

My first step was to create a reference image from the photos provided using PhotoShop. I then painted the background black and started blocking in colors and shapes.

I refined the colors and shapes, building up color by painting many layers of varied colors on top of each other, always leaving some trace of the underneath layers.

Sneeky Pete's family was very happy with the completed painting! Others in his family may appear in future BZTAT works.

If you are interested in a pet portrait of your animal, info about the process can be found here. Please send an email about your interest to: bztat@artadventuresstudios.com before making an order.

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

"Perfect World": A Video for Blog Action Day 2009

2009-10-15T09:00:00.002-04:00

In honor of Blog Action Day 2009, I have put together this montage, reminding us of how important it is to take care of our world. Climate change is real. Please take some time to reflect on the dangers we present to the natural balance of the world, and rededicate yourself to being the change our world needs.

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

Follow works in progress by BZTAT on Twitter by searching #bztatptg.

Art Adventures Studios
Buy Artwork and Gifts by BZTAT
Art Adventures Studios, located in downtown Canton, OH near Second A pri l Ga lerie and the historic Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography.

Taking Care of Stray and Feral Cats

2009-10-14T09:18:00.003-04:00

Although this is my art blog, most of my art is about the love of animals. Most of my followers are animal lovers. So today I am posting a video that really is educational, not artful, just because I want to share it with other animal lovers.

It saddens me how our communities take such a heartless approach to dealing with domesticated animals living in the wild. We have alternatives. Please share this video with others and advocate for Trap-Spay/Neuter-Release programs in your community. Thank you Alley Cat Allies for the video.

President Obama: Nobel Laureate

2009-10-09T12:42:00.007-04:00

We all awoke to the surprising news that the President of the United States Barack Obama had won the Nobel Peace Prize. In listening to his acceptance speech, it is clear that he was as surprised as anyone about the news. Even so, he accepted it with grace and humility with the challenge to everyone to share in its significance.

There are those who disagree that he should receive the award. He is new in his role of President, and has barely scratched the surface of what we hope that will accomplish in his lifetime. The results of what he has done so far are not yet tangible.

The work of peace is abstract, intangible and nuanced. President Obama has done more than is visible to the naked eye, simply by remedying the horrible swashbuckler posture that our nation had taken on over the past 8-9 years. He has brought the qualities of dignity, respect, wisdom and diplomacy back to the White House. And he has stared down critics from all sides with grace.

I think that makes him VERY deserving of the prize.

For a day, lets put aside the political bickering and celebrate what the rest of the world sees in this great man's ability to inspire and lead.

Celebrate your pride in President Obama with a T-shirt or gift from Art Adventures Studios!

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

Follow works in progress by BZTAT on Twitter by searching #bztatptg.

Art Adventures Studios
Buy Artwork and Gifts by BZTAT
Art Adventures Studios, located in downtown Canton, OH near Second A pri l Ga lerie and the historic Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography.

Poem: An Ode to Abandoned Pets

2009-10-08T09:58:00.005-04:00

Artwork by BZTAT

Poem by Paul Digby

As the nights turn colder.

Four green lights, eerie orbs in the dark
Glint, then blink.
A rapid scamper behind blown hydrangeas
sends one kitten under cover
As another
darts across a moon-dappled lawn.

Other litters mewl into the world
Spawned by unwanted, abandoned creatures
Who screamed in the company of night
The part-time, pass time members of families moved on.
Doors closed, key-turned - blank as walls.

Scamper. Scarper.
"Scram!"
So many walls.

Inside warm homes we wonder at the incapacity
of others to care.
In warmth we sink into sofa somas
and feel out the problem.

"If only people were more responsible!"
say the responsible.
"If only people thought!"
say the thinkers.
"If only people cared!"
Say the carers as they tend the newest addition to their litter.

And their litters litter their living rooms,
Their bedrooms
Their hallways and their basements -
They purr up their trash-cans
Fur up the corners
Massage de-clawed, unflawed paddy paws and mewl.

Other cats rustle into corners under decks; within outhouses,
and prowl sidewalks.
They jaywalk - till light dash, then dart and hide.

KITTENS NEED HOMES - PLEASE TAKE ONE!
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!
PLEASE TAKE FIVE!

The haves have already
And cannot afford the time for concern.
The have-nots cannot
afford
- to concern themselves,
this time.

We need a new name - say the etymologists
We need a new outlook - say the onlookers
We need more money - say the controllers

Outside, under a hydrangea bush, soft dark turns to cold - and eyes close.

--By Paul Digby

My dear friend Paul sent me this poem, inspired by his compassion and sadness about the welfare of abandoned animals that roam the streets in our communities. His poem inspired the artwork that you see above.

With the rise of home foreclosures and economic disasters facing families, family pets are being left to the wild all too often. We need to do more in our communities to help families maintain their pets during economic hard times. We need to do more to encourage spay/neuter programs. We need to help abandoned animals find homes. Can you help? Please consider donating time, money and your spirit to your local animal rescue group. And if you can take in a new pet, please consider some of those at your local shelter. You will be so glad that you did!

BZTAT and her official spokescat, Brewskie Butt, support Friends of Stark Pound in Stark County, OH. If you would like to donate to this fine group, please check out the First Giving widget in the sidebar. Thx!

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

Boomer: Painting of a Dog

2009-09-29T08:02:00.018-04:00

Artwork by BZTAT

August and September were such busy months for me, I have hardly had a chance to keep up with it all! From the Animal Instincts show, the Art of Kindness Paint-a-thon, working on a major commission for the Stark County Goodwill Community Campus (stay tuned--more to come about this), and developing the "Downtown Cats" mural project, I have been in a painting frenzy. And that doesn't even include the pet portraits that I have been creating! It's all good, because it is all what I love to do.

I completed the above portrait a few weeks ago but never got a chance to write about it here, so I thought I would go back. This was a very special portrait for a friend who lost his beloved dog Boomer in May of this year. Boomer was an American Eskimo Spitz who brought great joy to my friend's life for 13 years. My friend asked me to do a portrait of Boomer to remind him of all their great memories and adventures.

I started by abstracting an actual photograph of Boomer in his younger days using Photoshop filters to get a reference design for the painting. The reference design was then traced onto a canvas using an overhead projector.

I began as I always do, by painting the background black and blocking in colors for the basic shapes. I use a process of building up color by painting many layers of varied colors on top of each other, always leaving some trace of the underneath layers.

The completed painting is truly one of my favorites, partly because it was so special for Boomer's person, but also because I enjoy the overall artistic impact of the image.

Boomer's daddy was very happy with it as well.

Thought for the Day--Change the World

2009-09-28T03:12:00.018-04:00

Artwork by BZTAT

Can you? Are you? Will you?
Will it be a better place when you are done?

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

Hoedown Pawpawty on Twitter today!

2009-09-26T14:36:00.005-04:00

From Brewskie Butt, official spokescat of Art Adventures Studios...

Yo Brew's Posse! We are havin' a hoedown pawpawty today (Saturday September 26--Sunday September 27, 2009) on Twitter! Time to get yer farm on and get into all the fun! You can find all the info about the pawpawty here on @FrugalDougal's blog and you can follow all the action here on Tweetgrid. It isn't on the schedule, but sometime today, I will hold a contest for a free print by @BZTAT during the pawpawty! The answer to the contest question will be somewhere in a post on this blog, so be sure to review the most recent posts. Be sure to follow me, @BrewskieButt so that you can send me Direct Messages for the contest.

The pawpawty raises money for a different animal charity each month. Be sure to contribute to Soi Dog Rescue, this month's designated charity.

Hope to see ya at the pawpawty!!!!

Have a BREW-tiful day!

The Brew

Life is an Adventure!

Follow works in progress by BZTAT on Twitter by searching #bztatptg.

Art Adventures Studios
Buy Artwork and Gifts by BZTAT
Art Adventures Studios, located in downtown Canton, OH near Second A pri l Ga lerie and the historic Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography.

Sensory Feast National Juried Show--Second April Galerie

2009-09-24T08:14:00.003-04:00

"Window"
Artwork by BZTAT

I featured this artwork on a previous "Thought for the Day" post. I brought it back today because this piece, a digital photo, was selected to be shown in the Sensory Feast National Juried Show at Second April Galerie. I thought that I would share a bit more about the inspiration behind the work.

“Window” is a digital image that I created through digital imaging filters, abstracting an original photograph that I took of a broken window. I actually took the photo for documentary purposes when a friend’s store was broken into. A failed burglar broke the window in a presumed attempt to steal merchandise, but was chased off by an alarm and an alert neighbor. Nothing was taken, except the sense of security and optimism held by the proprietor.

I was intrigued by the way the window glass shattered into a very beautiful pattern, despite the ugliness of the event that created it. It left me feeling philosophical, contemplating the sad quality of humanity that leads some to take from others. My friend was resilient, however, and beauty was found in some silver linings. And beauty was found in the random pattern of light playing with the broken glass.

Amazing beauty can be found in the most broken of things for those strong enough to seek it and brave enough to endure the process of resilience.

The Sensory Feast National Juried Show features artwork from local Canton artists and artists from around the country. I was privy to a sneak peak at the show yesterday, and it is a fabulous showing of artwork! The official opening of the show is Friday, September 25 with a reception from 5 pm to 9 pm. Lite refreshments as well as entertainment by Steve Jensen and Malcom Gold can be expected. A First and Second prize as well as a People's Choice (which you get to decide that evening!) will be presented. Second April Galerie is located at 324 Cleveland Ave. NW in the heart of the Canton Arts District.

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

"Downtown Cats" mural in Downtown Canton

2009-09-19T06:37:00.008-04:00

Illustration of "Downtown Cats" mural to be placed on
a building in Downtown Canton, OH

I am very excited to announce my largest commission ever: The "Downtown Cats" mural that will be placed on the building currently occupied by HEAP in Downtown Canton, OH. The building at 201 5th St. NW is in the heart of the Canton Arts District next to the historic Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography.

The mural depicts 4 cats sitting in windows shaped like those on surrounding buildings looking out onto a cityscape. Who are the 4 cats? The most famous downtown cats around, of course! Brewskie Butt, Art Adventures Studios official spokescat, and his housemates Noah, Slick and Who, will each be featured in one of the windows.

The mural will be painted in the studio on wood and then will be attached to the building. Each "window" will be approximately 4 ft. X 8 ft. Although I intend to blog about each step in the process, the formal unveiling of the mural is planned for July 2010.

I am very grateful to Tim Belden and the Timothy S. Belden Charitable Fund for commissioning the mural and for being such a solid supporter of the Canton Arts District. Tim is the genius behind the Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography, which has brought world class photography to Canton. I am also very grateful to Robb Hankins of ArtsInStark, the County Arts Council, for his support in developing this project, and to the Canton Development Partnership for their support.

There are so many amazing things going on in the Canton Arts District, and I am thrilled to be a part of all the excitement! Canton's downtown is being reinvented by the arts, and despite the economic difficulties facing the entire country of late, Downtown Canton continues to grow. As I post about the development of this project, I will also report on other great projects going on in the district.

Don't you wish you were in Canton?

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

Thought for the Day

2009-09-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

Artwork by BZTAT

"I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me--like food or water. "
–Ray Charles

Art of Kindness event raises $2500 + for Friends of Stark Pound!

2009-09-12T19:24:00.009-04:00

Art of Kindness paintings by BZTAT

On Thursday, September 10, 2009, I engaged in a 12-hr painting marathon at Second April Galerie to raise money for Friends of Stark Pound animal rescue group. It was an intense but productive 12 hours! The 4 paintings pictured above were created and auctioned off, raising a total of $520!!! Proceeds from the entire Art of Kindness event totaled well over $2500!

We weren't sure how it would work, but I wanted to open up the auction of my paintings to Twitter fans. As it turned out, it was a huge success. All four paintings were sold to my official spokescat Brewskie Butt's Twitter fans! I cannot thank them enough for their interest in my artwork and their donations to Friends of Stark Pound!

Here are the individual paintings with the names of the top bidders:

White Dog by BZTAT

Purchased by @IamZorro

Blue Cat by BZTAT
Purchased by @Cheriswan

Yellow and White Cat by BZTAT
Purchased by PrettyKitties53

Brown and White Dog (Sylvie Dog) by BZTAT
Purchased by @SylvieDog

We also had donations from @PerrytheBirman, @Whskr, and @Gabby_da_Tabby.

Friends of Stark Pound and I are very grateful to all who came to the event at Second April Galerie and to those who participated via Twitter. Proceeds go directly to animals in need in Stark County.

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

Tribute: Prayer for September 11, 2001

2009-09-11T10:45:00.004-04:00

Artwork by BZTAT

Prayer for September 11, 2001

Dear God,
Today a part of my land
And a part of my people
Was reduced to a cloud of
Smoke, rubble and dust.

As the pain and dust linger,
Please help me to join hands
In peace, not rage,
With other spirits
Who seek to rise above.

I wrote this prayer on September 11, 2001, filled with sadness and both hope at the same time. The prayer was answered--I did join hands in peace with many people around the world in peace. Unfortunately, many others chose to do the opposite.

I was changed by the events of that day. I could not create for weeks. My artwork became more purposeful and expressive. Even now, as I create pet oriented art, there is always a purpose. Creating for the purpose of uplifting souls is always a part of my work.

The drawing above is the first artwork that I created after September 11, 2001. It took me many weeks to accomplish it. It will forever be one of my most favorite works.

My hope is that someday, peace will prevail in our world. Today, I again join hands with kindred spirits.

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

Art of Kindness Paint-a-Thon and Silent Auction

2009-09-06T13:48:00.011-04:00

Artwork by BZTAT

Are you interested in getting a great deal on some original BZTAT artwork and helping out an animal rescue at the same time? Here is your chance!!!

On Thursday, September 10, 2009, I will be engaging in an exclusive “Paint-A-Thon”, painting animal themed artworks non-stop from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm at Second April Galerie. All works that I create in that 12 hours will be auctioned off in a silent auction to benefit Friends of the Pound, a Stark County, OH animal rescue group. You can bid on the artwork either on site at Second April Galerie or online via Twitter.

The Paint-A-Thon is in conjunction with a fund raising and animal adoption event entitled the Art of Kindness. Billed as “An Evening of Fun, Food and Furry Friends!”, the Art of Kindness will include an animal themed art exhibit showcasing local talent; a silent auction of pet-related items; music by Roger Phillips and Ken Weiss; food and drink; and lots of furry frivolity. Dogs and cats available for adoption will be on hand to greet those who attend.

Artwork by BZTAT

Several artists from the Stark County area have contributed animal-themed artworks to be shown in a very special art exhibit. The showing is curated by Brennis Booth, co-owner of Second April Galerie.

“We are thrilled to have some of the finest talent in the area represented in this showing,” said Booth. “We are also happy to help out Friends of the Pound, where our own dog Chance came from. He has brought so much joy to our lives.” Second April plans to donate all of their proceeds from the sale of the artworks in the exhibit to the rescue organization.

Friends of the Pound is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to coordinate community outreach, rescuing and fund-raising efforts for the puppies and dogs being held in the Stark County Dog Pound. Friends of the Pound operates in cooperation with the Stark County Dog Warden's staff to significantly enhance the quality of life for the homeless puppies and dogs and to increase their opportunities for placement through adoptions or rescue groups.

Artwork by BZTAT

The Art of Kindness fun begins at 5:00 pm on September 10 at Second April Galerie (324 Cleveland Ave., NW) in downtown Canton and lasts that evening until 9:00 pm. The art exhibit will remain on display until September 19, 2009.

Bidding on BZTAT artworks will begin at 5:00 pm EDT and conclude around 9:00 pm EDT on September 10. I will have assistants tweeting photos of the works on Twitter as I am creating them and after they are completed. Follow #bztatptg on Twitter to get the latest updates. If you would like to submit a bid, please send a tweet with your bid amount and #bztatptg written in the tweet. Your profile must be visible in Tweetgrid for us to receive the bid. All bids must be in $5.00 increments. A 10-minute warning will be tweeted to announce the conclusion of the auction 10 minutes before bidding stops.

I suggest that you follow the action on Tweetgrid to get real time updates. (We are not responsible for any technical difficulties that may occur as a result of Twitter or associated application interruptions.) Bids will also be taken on site at Second April. Should a Twitterer win the bid on a painting, shipping will be free within the USA. International shipping outside of the USA will be the responsibility of the winning bidder.

Artwork by BZTAT

Even if you do not want to bid on the artwork, I hope that you will still participate and help retweet the action! We want to make this the best fund raising event ever for Friends of the Pound. Thanks for your support!!!

If you would like to donate to Friends of the Pound, you can do so through my spokes cat Brewskie Butt's fundraising page or by clicking on the widget in the sidebar.

Contact: 330.451.0924 or secondapril at sbcglobal.net for information about Second April Galerie. For Silent Auction donations and information about Friends of the Pound, contact Rose Hayne at rhayne at neo.rr.com

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

Animal Instincts: Gallery 6000 Art Exhibit

2009-08-28T21:16:00.017-04:00

"The Boss"
Artwork by BZTAT

Although my artwork explores many themes, painting animals is my greatest joy and passion. Animals connect with our spirits in a way that humans cannot, and that phenomenon is a constant wonder to me. Animals also have a way of revealing the most human qualities in us, a paradox that continually amazes me.

Knowing that animals are a favored theme in my artwork, you can imagine my excitement when I was asked by my friend and fellow artist Tom Wachunas to be a part of an animal themed art exhibit at Gallery 6000 at the the Kent State University Stark Campus!

I created 5 artworks for the “Animal Instincts” exhibit, each one exploring a different element of style. The works range from whimsical playfulness to a more pop art style of pet portraiture. Two paintings take on a deeper psychological exploration, one in a paradoxical whimsy; the other through a colorful exuberance balanced with a somewhat cryptic title. All are painted with acrylic paint on wood.

“The Boss” (see picture above)—Anyone who lives with cats must learn quickly who is the Boss, and it certainly is not the human of the household. This painting of the ultimate Alpha cat of my own household, Brewskie Butt, takes a humorous look at the feline-human dynamic that “cat people” know all too well.

"Predatory Instincts"
Artwork by BZTAT

“Predatory Instincts”—This work takes a playful look at one of our most basic instincts. To some extent, we are all predators at heart. In this picture, the cat spies the fish, his typical object of desire, yet it is not clear who will be the winner in this scenario. Will the cat capture the fish and enjoy a tasty dinner, or will he doom himself to ridicule as he fails in his attempt to overpower another? All too often, our predatory instinct becomes our undoing—not our nourishment.

“The Look”—In recent months, I have developed a somewhat new style in order to capture the essence of actual animals in commissioned pet portraits. The new style has been described as Pop Art by some. It is a little more hard-edged and descriptive, yet still non-literal. Most of these paintings still have my characteristic bright colors, however, this particular painting did not lend itself so well to that. I kept the colors more monochrome because the painting dictated it. The animal depicted is a friend’s Border Collie named Rosie. (Rosie's"human" has requested to purchase her painting at the conclusion of the exhibit).

"Anonymous"
Artwork by BZTAT

“Anonymous”—This work is reminiscent of a smaller painting that I created for an earlier series entitled “Anonymous Feline Spirits”. The earlier series has 4 cat images painted in a similar ghostly fashion with a limited palette. All of the works reflect upon the callousness of communities that fail to invest in spay-neuter programs to control feral feline populations, instead euthanizing healthy animals needlessly. It is a very sad commentary on our society that we chose to eliminate animals instead of helping to manage them in their habitats in effective ways. I grieve for the anonymous spirits of these lost animals.

“Survivor”—As a child, I grew up next to a horse farm, and I drew many pictures of horses in my youth. This work, however, is my first formal painting of a horse. I have been inspired by equine artist friends in the Canton Arts District, and I wanted to challenge myself to take on an image that was new to me.

This particular horse has a story of survival that has moved me deeply. The horse depicted is an actual animal that twice fell into the hands of people who mistreated and neglected her. Twice rescued, she has required considerable patience and compassion to restore her to health and beauty. Her current owner understands her well, as she too has a story of survival that is moving and inspiring. Both have amazed me in their zest for life, emerging from the direst of circumstances to not only survive, but also to thrive. The will to survive is, perhaps, the most astounding of animal instincts.

Kent State University Stark is proud to host the Gallery 6000 exhibit, entitled "Animal Instincts". The exhibit, which is open to the public, is displayed in The University Center (Professional Education and Conference Center), 6000 Frank Avenue NW in Jackson Township.

The Animal Instincts exhibit will be on display from September 1 through November 20. Each of the displayed pieces is for sale.

Kent State Stark will host an opening reception on Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Rebecca DeHart at 330-244-3518 or rdehart@kent.edu. The reception is free and open to the public. Representatives of the press are encouraged to attend.

Animal Instincts features the distinctive visions of four artists who are passionate about the animal kingdom. While each artist has a unique visual approach, all four communicate not only a clear appreciation of the character and beauty of the animals they depict, but also a personal sense of stewardship.

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT

The Cat Who Captured a Soul

2009-08-16T23:38:00.007-04:00

"Reunited"
Artwork by BZTAT

We often use the words, "awful", "sad", tragic", "horrible disease", etc. when we talk about Alzheimer's Disease. I don't.

My life has been significantly altered by Alzheimer's Disease. In 2004, it became clear that my mother was afflicted by Alzheimer's, and I moved her to Ohio from her beloved Houston, TX. She was not happy with the move, but ever the resilient phoenix, she adjusted. Having her as a more active part of my life and being responsible for her care were adjustments for me as well.

My mother lived in an independent living facility for four years until she needed a higher level of care and was moved to a nursing home in 2008. Her constant companion, Kitty Kat Who (named after the Lillian Jackson Braun murder mystery series) lived with her for those four years until the move to the nursing home. Kitty Kat Who came to live with me and my three cats. Until today, Mama and "Who" had not seen each other since their moves to different homes.

Today, they were reunited for a brief moment.

After researching ideas for a commissioned artwork for an Alzheimer's organization, I spontaneously decided to bring my mother to my art studio for the first time ever, and I brought her beloved kitty in to visit. I wasn't sure what would happen.

The look on my mother's face and her utterance of "MY KITTY!" when she saw her cat assured me that she clearly recognized him. And despite the fact that he was completely disoriented by being in a new place, he warmed to her instantly. He endured holding and petting from her that he will not allow me even when he is comfortable. I was nothing short of amazed.

I guess, it makes sense, though. I have always been amazed by my mother. She has always been my idol.

Despite the fact that she had a difficult childhood, experienced unfulfilled dreams of being great at SOMETHING, and fell into motherhood without really having a calling for it, she always found a way to come out on top. She was intelligent, creative and gifted in social exchanges--all the things I wanted to be.

Motherhood was not easy on her or her three children. But she succeeded despite herself. Two of her offspring have raised amazing children of their own, and all have excelled in their respective careers.

Alzheimer's is an insidious disease, and I feel strongly that further research is needed to combat it at every level. That said, I do not believe that we should write off those who are coping with it, and surviving it, as lost souls in the twilight of their lives.

My mother is a vibrant and active individual. She goes through the routines of her day as she struggles to cope with the daily challenges before her. Although often nonsensical, she converses with others and engages in social interaction at every possible opportunity. She is vulnerable, and she is afflicted. But she has dignity, and she has purpose. And most days, she has peace.

My mother has lost much. She no longer has the intellect she once had, and her memory is a wash. Although still very social, she lacks the grace and instinct she once had in conversational banter. Once very adventurous in creative activity, she now gets anxious and frustrated whenever I seek to engage her in some artistic activity.

But my mother is not defined by what she has lost. We are all defined by what we have gained, and what we have maintained, but most of all, what we have passed on to others.

My mother has passed on a lot to my siblings and me. A love for animals. A love for intellect. A love for creativity. A love for life.

Loss is inconsequential in the face of such gain.

I do not know if I will bring my mother back to the studio again to see her kitty. Such trips away from her home can be hard on her. Bringing them back together for this one moment, though, reminded me of how animals can bring us back to the most important parts of our being. They touch our souls in a way that cannot be forgotten.

There is ugliness in Alzheimer's Disease, but there is also beauty. I thank my mother and her cat for helping me see the beauty today.

Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT