by John Amelchenko
by Gabbe Grodin
by Katherine DeGaetani
by Erik Schoonebeek
Photographs by Megan Flaherty, sculpture by Erik Schoonebeek
I am sad to be saying good-bye to the community that’s developed while in the Visual Arts program at Mason Gross, but I know I’ll stay connected to my colleagues in other ways, and am excited for the new adventures on the horizon.
Speaking of new horizons, Tyson and I got hitched!!! I have been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for a post-graduate research and painting project! Tyson will be joining me, and my project will involve studying the paintings of the German artist Adam Elsheimer and creating a body of paintings inspired by his work. I am very excited to represent the U.S. as a scholar in the visual arts in Berlin, Germany, for a 10-month period. Because Tyson works remotely, he will be able to accompany me on this amazing opportunity to live in one of the most important centers for art in the world.
At the New Brunswick courthouse
With our witnesses, Sandra and Tom
Gerry Beegan, who I teach BFA Thesis with, stopped by for a celebratory beverage!
At Harvest Moon
My classmates are awesome!!!!
We will have a ceremony with, and for, family and friends next year upon our return.
Flight out of Egypt by Adam Elsheimer, the artist whose work I will be researching
Also, my work has been juried into New American Paintings again this year! Make sure to check out the current April/May issue #93, where my work is featured.
Part of my layout in the current issue of New American Paintings
Cover of the issue my work is currently featured in
In February, I was the recipient of an Honorable Mention in the Visual Arts from the College Art Association, and attended the annual conference, this year at the New York Hilton. I attended a grant-writing workshop for artists, an art history session on Symbolism, a session on Dark Matters of the Art World, and a session on Art-making as New Knowledge. All were extremely interesting, and I plan to attend the next conference in L.A. in 2012—a great chance to network and hear new ideas about conceiving of the visual arts landscape, history and criticism.
Recently, a few of my paintings were included in the show “Touching Base,” curated by Robin Hill, at the Pence Show in Davis, CA. Although I was unable to attend the exhibit, I’ve heard from those who could make it that they really enjoyed it! The show was covered by The Sacramento Bee: LINK
And thoughtfully reviewed by The California Aggie: LINK
Due to the timing of all these exciting upcoming experiences, I will be coming back to CA at the beginning of May for a much-needed visit with family and friends, to celebrate my graduation, and to connect once again with the soil of my origin before heading off to foreign lands.
Although I haven’t had as much time recently in the studio as I would like, here are some images of my most recent paintings. Over spring break, I was fortunate to have Keith’s invitation to use his woodshop again, and the three of us assembled over 20 panels that I’ll be using for upcoming paintings. Again, I am indebted to Keith and Tyson for their generosity of time and manpower!
Looking at Deck Symmetry, 2011, 24" x 24"
Material Light, 2011, 12" x 12"
Emanation (hillside), 2011, 12" x 24"
I had to include this awesome poster made by Michael Shoudt for visiting artist, Peter Saul.
Now, as this semester approaches its end, a couple of other shows are currently being realized—that of the graduating BFA seniors that I’ve been working with while teaching BFA Thesis & Exhibition. It has been rewarding to work with these talented undergrads as they’ve determined and executed their own projects this year. Between critiques, planning group meetings, thesis paper feedback, and discussions about transitioning out of life in university, I have really gotten to know these students, and wish them the very best on the new journeys they will be embarking upon. Below are some images from the ambitious exhibitions they have put on.
Images from "Inner Space" BFA Show I
From left to right: Diana Whitener, Maria Giancola, James Falciano
by Michael Tewodros
by Byron Escobar
by Melissa Torro
Images from "Drawing a _______________" BFA Show II
From left to right: Dan Morowitz, Ilana Cloud
From left to right: Drew Ritger, Sasha Flimlin, Jenny Chang
by Pavol Olsavsky
by Tiffany Dodson
Finally, I want to let you know about an upcoming show in NYC that my classmates and I will be having at White Box. The dates of the show will be May 18 to June 7, 2011. The opening reception is Friday, May 20th from 6-8pm. Please come if you can!
Until next time,
XO CJB
