<![CDATA[Cagney King - Artist - Artist Blog]]>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:44:31 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Gallivanting Cagney]]>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:38:12 -0800http://www.cagneyking.com/1/post/2010/02/gallivanting-cagney.htmlHello Art fans! It has been a while since we have chatted! I want to start off by sharing with you a really cool opportunity that came my way from Kunst Art in Belgium. They have a very cool website called Start Looking featuring artist’s videos and interviews, and they asked if my video from my show at Wug Laku’s Studio & Garage could be included! Of course I was very excited and happy to oblige! You can click HERE for the link to my video. While you are there be sure to check out the site…it is very cool! I love thinking I’m on an artist site right along side Chuck Close and Francis Bacon!!

Let’s see…what next. Ah Yes! I was invited to attend an Artist’s Salon at the beautiful studio of Artist Elle Siskind. About six artists got together and we spent an afternoon chatting about art and reviewing each other’s work in progress for critique and input. It was awesome! I took a painting that I had been struggling with, as well as a painting sketch for a new painting. I got terrific feedback and know now exactly what I need to do to get the struggling painting back on track. Sometimes I get so close, and spend so much time on a painting that I forget to step back and really SEE it. I learned first and foremost – don’t forget to breathe, step back and LOOK at what I am doing. Oh that poor canvas…but no worries…I’ll fix it! The biggest fun for me was to be able to ‘talk art’ with a group of people with like interests. This made for a very enjoyable afternoon for me!
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And finally, I went to a Dr. Sketchy’s event that was held in Broadripple. Those events are always so much fun! Some of you may remember my interview with the founder of the Indianapolis Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School. For those of you who would like a little nudge reminder, or for those of you new to my blog you can listen to that interview below. Great time had by all, and it is so much fun to work from live models. Plus, the Burlesque troop really goes out of their way with costumes, themes and in keeping the evening lively! 

So, as you can see I have been keeping myself busy! (Which is good…I can’t get myself into too much trouble that way!) In-between I am of course working in studio and keeping things very messy there. As usual, I have very much enjoyed all of your comments and e-mails. Do keep them coming!  Until next time, Rock on!

Dr. Sketchy's Interview Part I

Dr. Sketchy's Interview Part II

]]><![CDATA[Attack Video!]]>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:49:31 -0800http://www.cagneyking.com/1/post/2010/01/attack-video.htmlSo what do you get when you give nine artists of different artistic backgrounds and disciplines over five gallons of paint and 90 square feet of canvas? I’ll tell ya! You get an ATTACK the WHITE live painting event! The event was a chaotic success!  Check out the video below and see for yourself!

For more background on the event click here!
]]><![CDATA[On the Easel - Attack!!]]>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:53:31 -0800http://www.cagneyking.com/1/post/2010/01/on-the-easel-attack.htmlPeace and Love Art Friends! And may I add a…BRRRRRRRR! WOW, Mother Nature has really decided to Chillax this winter! Ahhhhhh, but don’t let that bother you too much! There is plenty of warm stuff to do inside. Like, for instance, Attack the White coming up on this Friday!  

All of my fellow studio artists from The Artists Upstairs Studio Group will be working up a sweat and attacking a 4’x15’ canvas! I am SO excited about this event. Sure, the weather outside is indeed frightful, but the event is going to be just delightful!! Eight plus artists, each of their own discipline and design all spontaneously working off of one large canvas with music pumping in the background…wow, I say Let the paint fly! We will be attacking this canvas with no forethought or pre-designed notions. We are just going to let our emotions, our talents and our ‘what the hell’ instincts kick in. We will be responding to each other, the music and the crowds. At the end of the evening we will either have a complete mess, or a beautiful and collaborative work of art! Nothing like this has been done before to my knowledge, so I think it is going to rock this conservative little mid-west place on earth! Picture
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What excites me the most about it is the collaboration with the other artists. We are going to all be working together and just letting it happen as opposed to being hidden in our studios all snug within our comfortable little worlds. Many of the artists have mentioned to me how they are going to have to put aside their inhibitions and fears and break outside of their comforts zones. That, to me, is just cool as hell.

So…if you are in the area, and are looking for something to do, and a warm place to break the cabin fever winter blues – then consider coming out and witnessing ‘Attack the White.’ You can click HERE for Directions. You can also click HERE for other stuff going on as part of the on-going 2nd Friday events!
Below is an article that ran on the front page of the local paper about the event!
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On the Easel – I have been working away at some new work in my studio. I have finished a couple of pieces. The first I am calling “Dead Dreams.” It is a mixed media piece with the primary media being pastel. I used to do quite a bit with pastel, and it felt really good to go back to it. I have to admit that I was very much inspired by an exhibition I went to at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia in Spain of the work of Paula Rego. Seeing her work up close and personal really inspired me to get back into pastels, especially on a larger scale.
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The next piece I am calling “Re-Born.” This piece came about in my continuing journey with textures. Constantly working with new material ideas, the combination of materials and the resulting textures is so exciting to me! This piece involves for example the result of some studies that I did involving carpet glue, wall paste, concrete, cat litter, marble dust and tile grout. I know, I know...I can’t help myself. As you can tell, a walk through Home Depot takes on a little different meaning in my world. But after working with the various materials, I have come upon some textures that I find visually exciting and fun to explore. So as you look at this abstract piece, I hope you will see how they have all worked together to create a motionless emotion.

I also have some other pieces in concrete that I am still working on. They are not quite ready to reveal yet, but I am getting close! One I am going to call ‘Taking Control of Horizons’ and the other I am debating between ‘Drip’ or ‘Don’t get Wet’ I can’t decide. Perhaps in my next blog I should reveal the painting and let you decide the title! That would be cool. I think I’ll do that! Be ready to put your thinkin’ caps on!
And lastly on the Easel is a portrait painting of the beggar lady that I discussed back in an April post. (http://www.cagneyking.com/1/category/april%20show/1.html). I have FINALLY gotten back into it and have started blocking in some colour and will soon begin on my skin tones. She is up on the easel in Studio 8 – so come by and check her out! And, since she is in what we artists call the ‘ugly’ phase you can go ahead and paint on her at this point to if you want! Just ask me and I’ll hand ya a brush…just don’t be upset if I cover it up laterJ 

I hope everyone has buckled down and is ready for a whole new year!

I hope to see everyone very soon! Keep your e-mails and comments coming…I just love it!

Until next time – Rock on!
]]><![CDATA[December Radio Show! 'Tis the Season]]>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:56:49 -0800http://www.cagneyking.com/1/post/2009/12/december-radio-show-tis-the-season.htmlPeace and Love my Art Friends, Peace and Love!

I’ve been on holiday in beautiful northern Michigan for the last week or so and haven’t had a lot of time in studio; however, I did find some time to do some sketching and planning for some new paintings that I’m very excited about. Just to tease you a little bit, I am taking my concrete work to a new level with even more texture and more mixed medium usage – if you can believe that! As always I have been experimenting and testing some new ideas and I really like the direction it is taking me! So be on the look out for some really keen stuff!Picture
In the meantime, I have some new works in progress that will be on display in Studio 8 for the 2nd Friday Artists Upstairs Open Studio Event! So if you have some time and are looking for a place to warm-up this Friday Evening then head on over to Greenfield and enjoy the festivities. Lots of holiday themed activities will be taking place (‘tis the season right?) including a parade of lights through downtown and the lighting of the Christmas tree complete with choirs a’ caroling! Everything get’s underway around 7 PM and you will have plenty of time to stop in and visit all the artist’s open studios on the 2nd Floor of the Creative Arts and Events Center! You can click HERE for a list of events; and you can click HERE for directions!
I’m both sad and excited to say that this post will bring you the last installment of the WHBU Artist in Residence Radio Show. My good friend and host, Leland will be moving on to other opportunities. The reason I am sad is because I just loved talking about art on the radio, and the reason I am excited is because of the great opportunity my friend will get to experience as he moves on and I wish him all the luck in the world!

So, without further delay – grab yourself a tin of fizzy pop, sit back and relax, and listen to the December radio show!
Hope to see everyone hovering around Studio 8 tomorrow night! I’m kind of a hum-bug when it comes to all this holiday jazz, but that won’t stop me from talking about my art and sharing my new work with you!

Until next time – Rock on!
]]><![CDATA[November Radio Show & Fibanacci 42 ]]>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:01:20 -0800http://www.cagneyking.com/1/post/2009/11/november-radio-show-fibanacci-42.htmlGreetings art lovers and fans! Time is just flying by and the paint and concrete have been flying as well in King Studios! I have been getting a lot of questions about my new work and I’m pleased to announce that at the November 2nd Friday Open Studio night at the Creative Arts and Event Center –  I will indeed have some new work to share with you in Studio 8! I’m also excited to share with you that my Juarez Painting Series will be on display in the J. Ward Walker room – all hanging together for the first time ever! If you have a chance to come out to the event I would love to see everyone and chat about my new work. Click HERE for directions. As usual you will be able to find me hanging about Studio 8 on the 2nd floor, as all the Artists Upstairs Studio Artists will have the welcome mats out for you. It promises to be a fun night of music, wine and of course ART. For some insight and more discussion about my work, be sure to scroll down and check out the November installment of the WHBU Cagney King Artist in Residence Radio Show.Picture
I have received several e-mails about the picture featured on the November E-mail flyer. It is a detail from my ‘Fibonacci 42’ mixed media painting. Mixed media including but not limited to concrete, tempera, graphite, acrylic, collage, and oil paint. But of course the only way to really enjoy it is in person, and you guessed it, I will have it hanging in Studio 8 for you to spend some quality time with. You can also read a little more about the background of the painting HERE in my journal. And you can visit the CURRENT page to see it as well.
Well…back to work! Lots to do before the Friday Night show. And remember, “when asked what to do with the weight of the world on his shoulders; Atlas merely shrugged.” And then I’m pretty sure he went to an art exhibit to help lift his spirits.
Until next time!
Rock on!

Listen to the WHBU Cagney King Artist in Residence Radio Show!

]]><![CDATA[Now Showing! New Painting Video]]>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:03:44 -0800http://www.cagneyking.com/1/post/2009/10/now-showing-new-painting-video.htmlThings are back in full swing for King Studios! Needless-to-say, I have jumped back in with both feet and I’m off and running on several new projects. It took me a little bit to get back into a schedule again, but I think at last count I have about five paintings in various stages, each with their own energy and spirit that calls to me at various times. So…I am keeping myself very busy! 

I have been promising and hinting at a video about my most recent Juarez series painting. And ta-da! Here it is! I am calling this painting ‘Juarez Bass Man’ and it is a 36x72” Mixed Media painting. This fellow may very well be the last in the Juarez series – I am tossing and turning over one more that has been swimming in my brain pool – but I’m not sure. Of course if I do paint this last painting that is living in my head, then that will make a series of 6 paintings which is a very nice even number as opposed to 5 which is an odd and dodgy number. We will see what time and temperature bring my way! Maybe I will and maybe I won’t – but I probably will, maybe. In the meantime – enjoy this video!
A now, a brief editorial rant, for those of you with above average intelligence that may find yourself offended or distracted by the opinions expressed here, read no further and enjoy your day. Keep your comments and letters coming, I absolutely adore them! 

For the rest, read on…for THIS is a small example of why Americans are such entertainment for the rest of the world. 

A friend of mine shared this link with me about a news story of a man, in his own home, who at 5:30 in the morning was spotted - by a woman and her son walking outside - going into his kitchen for a cup of coffee in the buff…IN HIS OWN HOME. The woman was apparently offended, as the yenta bitch took it upon herself to call the police and report the man. The very man, who was in his OWN F&@#$%ing home, minding his own F&@#$%ing business. And now IF charges are filed it could result in a misdemeanor and a possible jail sentence of one year. 

This is the kind of stuff that makes me crazy! Thus, the reason my friend shared this with me, as he likes to see me crazy. With all the things going on in our country that are so devastatingly horrid - such as gangs of kids beating honor roll students to death with broken rail road ties; armed gunmen shooting pregnant women; people busting into homes and slaughtering families for $20 and some change; armed boys sticking up children at bus stops for their lunch money and i-pods; women and men – not to mention old ladies; being mugged at ATM’s for their grocery money…does this really seem necessary?  

One, and let’s get this straight America – nudity is not a representation of evil. The body is a beautiful vessel in every shape and form and everyone has one, and depending on the model it may come with a vagina or a penis! (...and in some cases both) Get over it.

Two – mind your own F&@#$%ing business! What in the hell gives someone the right, to a)peek into someone’s windows and judge the activity therein – especially at five-f’ing-thirty in the morning – and b)take on the responsibility to take action against this person. What is next!? Will she be errantly peeking into someone else’s window while walking the dog or her son outside, and notices someone watching an R-Rated video and turn them in to the police for watching a ‘dirty’ movie in the confines of their own home, in which someone in the film might have cussed or was naked? This is the kind of petty, backward, close-minded, pea-brained crap that makes me get that wrinkle in my forehead that won’t go away…the one that surrounds the little vein that pops out. I have suspected it for years, but now I know – yep…that little vein is indeed a stupidity detector, and unfortunately it is not going to go away anytime soon.
]]><![CDATA[Back From Europe! October Radio Show...]]>Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:39:24 -0800http://www.cagneyking.com/1/post/2009/10/back-from-europe-october-radio-show.htmlEvery time I return from a European holiday, I return with a renewed perspective on life. I have been blessed now to have traveled to Italy, Ireland, Spain, Germany and France. Each time I travel to Europe, I am immediately impressed with how they have their priorities in the right order. Albeit cultures differ, there is still a sense of calming down, and keeping what is truly important in the forefront. Those priorities are family, friends, God, food and shelter, and then work and chores. Whenever I return, I find myself renewed and committed to relaxing and remembering to place emphasis and offer time to what is truly important and is the supporting structure of who I am. At the end of the day, when work is done, the paint is put away and the quiet has settled in, it is my family and friends that will be with me. If all is lost, and I should ever find myself struggling – it will be my family and friends that will see me through to the next means. I try to hold onto this feeling of relaxation and renewed energy and it does stay with me to a degree, but I admit (sigh) that it is difficult to hold onto in this fast paced, work driven, high anxiety society with an emphasis on ‘things’ rather than living in the moment and enjoying each other; begins once again to take over my senses and occupy my time. It drowns me in a struggle to balance all that I hold dear.

Well, once again, I am setting a goal for myself to stay true to the correct (in my mind) priorities and to slow down, enjoy and appreciate everyone and everything I have and will have as I move forward. I need to remind myself to slow down and weigh each moment and decision against what is truly important in the end. This means fighting against the ‘ASAP’ disorders; the ‘hurry up’ disorders; and especially the ‘I need it now’ disorders. It is OK to let the phone ring if in the middle of a conversation or busy with a project. And e-mail won’t explode if it is not read every 2 minutes. I definitely plan to carry this feeling of relaxation into my studio and with my own work. 

Speaking of 'work', this brings me to the subject of my most recent work! I have finished a few new paintings that I will be showing off at the next 2nd Friday Artists Upstairs Open Studio Event (October 9th) so please swing by Studio 8 and check them out. Click here to view a flyer highlighting a few of the things going on with the event!I also have some new work that is in the discovery phase right now on the easel, and the more I explore and test my ideas the more excited I am getting about working toward a finished painting…so keep your eyes out for some up-and-coming new paintings as well. I am also working on a new video of my most recent finished painting in the Juarez series. 

RADIO SHOW! Please click below and settle in for some Cagney Radio! I have posted the latest installment of my WHBU – Artist in Residence segment.

Until next time, I encourage everyone to breathe deep with me, and enjoy the moment you are in to the fullest. Love one another, and stay true to yourself and to your life!

Rock on!

WHBU - October Radio Show

]]><![CDATA[Off & Running to EUROPE!]]>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:06:41 -0800http://www.cagneyking.com/1/post/2009/09/off-running-to-europe.htmlHello Cagney Fans!
I would be at fault if I did not drop everyone a blog line to let you know I'm going galabanting across Europe for a while! I'm going to start out in Germany, and then who knows from there! I have high hopes for Paris, Amsterdam, Switzerland and some stops inbetween!
I will miss everyone while I am gone!
I will try and drop some blogs along the way, but no promises since I'm not even sure what I'll be doing! Which is the great fun of it all!
I wish everyone art in thier life, good times and happy dreams while I'm away.
I have been painting in Studio 8 and will have some new paintings to share with you when I return as well as some good stories I'm sure!
Until next time - Bon Voyage and Rock on!]]><![CDATA[Chalk Dust Settles - Cagney Wins!]]>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:08:25 -0800http://www.cagneyking.com/1/post/2009/08/chalk-dust-settles-cagney-wins.htmlHello everyone! I thought I would share the results from our First Annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Fest, held at the Creative Arts & Events Center on Friday, August 14th. The Event was great fun! As it turned out, the artists got a bit competitive, and one in particular challenged me to a chalk duel - or chalk off as it were. Well, game on! I had originally planned on just helping with the event, but alas, I had to accept the challenge - that is what one does in such cases. And as chance would have it, I just happened to have all my supplies at the ready for just such an occasion. The categories you could compete in were Lincoln Theme (to coincide with a Lincoln exhibit and his 200th birthday (or what would have been his birthday...whatever - you get the point); Copy a Master, or Free Form. Each assigned portion of the sidewalk was 36x36".  Well, in keeping with the spirit of the day, I chose to do the 'ol blue coat Lincoln. So I set to work, and after six hours of on-and-off again work sessions I rendered out my own Lincoln portrait.  (As well as a sunburn and near heat stroke, but that is another story.)Picture
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So here he is in all his glory - 'Cagney's Lincoln'.  At the end of the day I ended up winning the People's Choice award overall, and first place in the Lincoln category! I had a great time, and the First Annual Sidewalk Chalk Fest was an overall success! The overwhelming question of the day from the attendees was - 'Aren't you going to be sad if it rains and washes your painting away?' In which I responded in turn - 'No. That is the premise of chalk on sidewalk in general. But it also reminds us to appreciate what we have in this moment, because in the next it could be and will be gone.' That is the true lesson and cool parallel for me.
So bring on the rain! I'm thinking now I'll take pictures as it deteriorates and does wash away and then morph them into a video...now that would be cool!
Until next time!
Rock On Everybody!
Cheers!
]]><![CDATA[Radio, Lincoln & Chalk Dust]]>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:40:16 -0800http://www.cagneyking.com/1/post/2009/08/radio-lincoln-chalk-dust.htmlHello everyone! I'm still reeling from my show - Cagney at Wug's going on in downtown Indianapolis. The Artist Reception was fabulous! I met so many new people and have some great new contacts to add to my artist circle! It was so awesome to see everyone! Don't forget that the show runs through the end of August and is open Friday's and Saturday's from 12-4 pm!
The fun just doesn't stop there though! NOW, I'm gearing up for the Artists Upstairs Open Studio 2nd Friday event! It is going to be 'chalk' FULL of excitement. Why the play on the word 'Chalk' you ask? Well, since you asked!
We are kicking off the 1st Annual Sidewalk Chalk Fest! Participants have until 7:30 Friday night to finish thier sidewalk art and then it will be judged. The theme can range from Abraham Lincoln to copy a Master or Freeform - anything goes! I think it is going to be great fun and the weather promises to be grand. Why Abraham Lincoln you ask?
Well, since you asked - the J. Walker Ward room of the Creative Arts & Events Center is playing host to a traveling exhibit from the Indiana Historical Society called - The faces of Lincoln. This is an awesome exhibit sponsored by the Hancock County Historical Society, Riley Old Home Society, Creative Arts and Events Center and the Hancock County Arts and Cultural Council. There is even going to be a Lincoln impersonator there! (Which is kind of wierd in a 'I'm afraid of clowns...' kind of way - but educational I suppose. )
So...I think you are starting to get the idea - what could be more fun than re-living the life of Lincoln, covering yourself in chalk dust and then parading around a great building to chat with all the Artists Upstairs in their open studios about wine, cheese, ART and clown phobias!? 

You can hear more banter - including my idea to play off of the fact that Lincoln is actually buried (Yes Mr. Impersonator - he is dead, and not on an island re-drafting the Gettysburg address for Elvis...) under a huge slab of concrete! If you know your Lincoln history you will know that they did this so people would stop stealing his body for ransoms. Which, of course, puts us on a whole other road of wierdness that I will spare you of traveling for now!
So my chalk art might just end up being...well...a blank peice of concrete entitled - Lincoln's Tomb! We will have to see...
Come out to 2nd Friday celebration and be sure to seek me out! 

In the meantime - Rock on! 
Enjoy August's radio installment of Cagney King - WHBU Artist in Residence!
 
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