See pieces in Booth D08 at Scope Miami 2010
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Feather 1
acrylic enamel on birch ply, reclaimed beam, 48 x 7 x 5 in
Yup, we're going to have to go with "Kick Ass Sculpture Park". That's right ladies and gents, Socrates Sculpture Park is one of the coolest places in NYC and will now be even cooler because Rachel Beach has just completed her first outdoor sculpture and it will be unveiled in all of its glory at the Emerging Artist Fellowship Exhibition opening on Sunday, September 12th. This is such a wonderful opportunity to see one of our own in the context of this GORGEOUS fall weather. Just think about it, the chance to be outside and take in an educational and aesthetically stimulating day of sculpture and the outdoors without sweating buckets? I know, it sounds amazing to me.
Now, you may or may not be familiar with Rachel Beach's sculpture (shame on you if you are not), but they are just spectacular; situated firmly in the border between sculpture and painting, illusion and reality, masculine and feminine, representation, abstraction and decoration, her work is crafted around cultural and biological limits. By playing painted illusion against sculptural reality each sculpture/painting creates a crisis of perception, an irresolvable tension between what you see and what is possible. Now think about this on a large scale, I mean huge. I am talking about something that incorporates all of the above elements but with a type of weight and illusion never seen before in her work. Exciting, right? So go and check it out this Sunday, September 12th from 2-6 rain or shine!!
Want to learn more about the park? Socrates Sculpture Park is the only site in the New York Metropolitan area specifically dedicated to providing artists with opportunities to create and exhibit large-scale work in a unique environment that encourages strong interaction between artists, artworks and the public. The Park's existence is based on the belief that reclamation, revitalization and creative expression are essential to the survival, humanity and improvement of our urban environment.
We’ve been so busy here at Like the Spice that we’ve barely had a moment to write in depth about all the great things that have been going on in the past month. While it’s the summer here in Brooklyn, and the hot weather has a tendency to make those lazy afternoons even lazier, we haven’t slowed down a bit!
This past month some of our artists’ hard work has generated quite a bit of buzz. We’d like to congratulate Reach Beach on her feature interview with Bomb Magazine which can be found at Bomblog. Discussion revolving around the transitions in her work and fundamental content from which she derives her inspiration provides great insight into the nature of her thinking and process of making. Of her work Rachel states that is has "to do with the structure of monuments and ideas. I was way more interested in the edge of an object, how objects work in the world, how perception works, how we see, and how our brain works versus how something physically is, and the line between those two things. " Bomblog writer Lynn Maliszewski refers to Rachel's work with the following metaphor. "Like a stockbroker gender-bending on the weekends, Beach’s objects straddle a line between two existences, clouding the viewer’s vision of truth." The developments in her work are truly promising as she will embark on several upcoming new projects. We are especially excited about the installation of her outdoor sculpture in Socrates Sculpture Park as this kind of context for one of her pieces is sure to open a new and exciting kind of dialogue.
We are also excited to congratulate another LTS artist, Eric Lopresti, who is featured in Assembly Journal. We were most intrigued to read about the sources for his imagery which are undeniably linked to the location of his childhood home, the conditions created and residue left by our country during World War II, and what he refers to as “the aftermath of traumatic conflict and the terrifying beauty of the American sublime."
We are truly engaged by any opportunity that allows our readers and collectors to know more about our artists, their work, and sources of creativity.
In keeping with this sentiment, this past Saturday we held an artists’ studio tour in which we visited the studios of Jason Bryant, Allison Edge, Eric Lopresti, Jessica Stoller, and Rachel Beach. This event was a fantastic opportunity for collectors to see how some of our LTS artists functioned in their working spaces (a place quite sacred to an artist) while providing the opportunity for one on one discussion. The day was pretty hot, but the work in our artists’ studio’s were even hotter, and everyone had a fantastic time, sipping on wine, munching on refreshing thai food, journeying to each studio for in depth discussion while viewing works in progress and finished pieces all the like. For a tour, it was an especially personal, informative, and special experience.
While all that has passed, there are still plenty of exciting events to look forward to this summer at Like The Spice. "Marked: A Show of Figure" will only be open for two more weeks so come by and check it out before its too late! Friday, August 13th we will open "Summer Sampler Group Show", displaying some favorites along with a bunch of new and exciting works from LTS artists.
And while we are closed for only one week on August 23rd-September 1st, September 10th is the opening of Treasure Frey's Solo Show. This will be Treasure's first solo show at Like the Spice and we are pleased to install her pieces which satisfy the eye by cleverly marrying the whimsy of bright color, bold form, and geometric constructions.
This next month will prove to be a satisfying and exciting close to Summer and a great lead into another fine season of fantastic work at Like the Spice in the Fall.
Yes, you can say it. It's hot and Like the Spice Gallery is on fire! Well...not LITERALLY, but with the reception from Art Hamptons 2010 we might as well be called a shooting star. Booth number 423 attracted on lookers from all ends of the venue. The fabulous scenery of Bridgehampton was the backdrop for an exploration of what our gallery has to offer. As one of the top new art fairs in America Art Hamptons ceases to amaze guests. We came, we hung, we conquered and we loved every minute of it.
Even with the ninety-two degree weather visitors came in droves, accompanied with commentary such as, "This is really spectacular.", "How wonderful.", and a simple but affirming "Oh yeah."
The artist works' that traveled with us included pieces from Dean Goelz, Rachel Beach, Ross Racine, Treasure Frey and Reuben Negron. Also new works by Jenny Morgan, Jason Bryant and and Jessica Stoller were on display, rounding out the Like the Spice team.
Time seemed to zoom by as our artists' continued pulling in fans with their abundant technique and skill on canvas.
To sum it all up we had a wonderful time and absolutely looking forward to the next, as you should be too! If you didn't make it you missed out on some fun under the blazing sun. But you can always stop in to Like the Spice and check out the pieces up close and personal. We have been as busy as bees providing YOU with the best.
P.S.
Check out the wicked awesome "Camera Panoramic Effect Action" in this photo, Oh yes. We went there.
We don't need no water let the... wait we do need water, at least that's what the kind young gentleman told us as he walked into our booth. Feast your eyes on our space at Art Hamptons.
Like the Spice booth number 423.
Just when you thought that we couldn't possibly have the time to participate in anymore events this summer this post is here to inform you that next week we will be at the beach! Well, sort of... Next week, July 9th - 11th we will be in Bridgehampton for the ArtHamptons Fair inhabiting booth #423. Set in Sayre Park’s 5 bucolic acres in Bridgehampton, this year's fair is going to be awesome. Of the work accompanying us will be new pieces by Jason Bryant and Jessica Stoller.
We will be unveiling a new piece by Jenny Morgan as well. Fabulous works by Reuben Negron, Rachel Beach, Dean Goelz, Ross Racine, and Treasure Frey will also be up in our booth. Make a weekend getaway of it and take the Jitney or the LIRR; take in some rest and relaxation at one of the Hampton's lovely beaches and then come to the fair for a spectacular art-filled adventure. This isn't your typical fair either as there is plenty to do inside and out and about in the surrounding area of the park...
ArtHamptons returns as one of the highlights of the Hamptons summer season. Now in its 3rd successful year, ArtHamptons has established itself as one of the top new art fairs in America. Expect to see a mesmerizing display of post-war and contemporary art, presented by a renowned lineup of international galleries. It’s all assembled in a museum-like setting. There’s important art pieces for every budget and level of art collector. It’s all here for you, from paintings, works on paper and printed editions to photography, art glass, ceramics and sculpture.
Begin your visit with a little sculpture exploration; enter the grounds through Hans de van Bovenkamp’s spectacular sculpture “The Sagg Portal”, destined to be one of the most dramatic art fair entrances ever. Meander through an acre of memorable sculptures in the pastoral Sculpture Garden featuring welcoming hospitality tents. After that get a little history when you peruse a museum-like solo booth display dedicated to the Russian modernist and Hamptons Bays painter David Burliuk (1882-1967). Explore a 1950’s-70’s retrospect on legendary East Hampton painter Syd Solomon (1917-2004). See? Plenty to do so make sure to e-mail us for your complementary day pass! Hurry while we still have them! See you there...
See that? Who could that be? Why, it's Manish Vora of Artlog.com, taking a break at the AAF to get his shoes shined by artist Greg Haberny! What more could you ask from opening night?
With Greg in one booth, and LtS in the other, you can be sure that there's plenty of great art happening each day this weekend. Even after day one, we've made some great new friends and kissed a few of our pieces goodbye. And all the excitement! The traffic! The way we forgot to take pictures because we were so exhausted from excitement and traffic!
But don't you worry, because we ran into our new pal Rafael Fuchs from Rafael Fuchs Art Photography and he shot a bunch of pictures. We're thinking you'll find them here on his blog once he sorts them all out. Rafael was a really great guy and we expect to see him again, so watch this space, and we'll remind you when they're up!
In the meantime, want a little sneak peek of the booth? Here's a brand new Rachel Beach we're proud to have on display. It's called "Strange Loop" and we bet you can just imagine what that's gonna look like in person...
...but why just imagine? Why not come in and check it out? Also, don't forget, we've got different work every day, including Chino Amobi, Rachel Beach, Allison Edge, Treasure Frey, Dean Goelz, Eric LoPresti, Jenny Morgan, David Mramor, Bennett Morris, Reuben Negron, Leah Oates, Nicki Stager and Jessica Stoller, and that means you'll never see the same booth twice. Plus the I Heart Brooklyn Party is happening on Thursday night, so you know Thursday's gonna be a wonderful time. Stop in, enjoy the excitement, say hi to Greg Haberny, and check out some Affordable Art!
Loyal LtS lovers will know that one thing we simply don't do... is stop. But this Spring, oy vey! Can you believe we're doing TWO art fairs, back to back? We really need your moral support on this one, so let's tell you when and where you can come and give us good cheer.
First of all, we're going to Chicago! This weekend we'll pack up the van and race to the Windy City to attend the Next Art Fair at the Merchandise Mart (click here for directions). Our artists will include Rachel Beach, Greg Haberny, Jenny Morgan, Leah Oates and Nicki Stager. PS: Click on the image below for a sneak peek...
And that's how we like it! Which is why we're never shy about telling you what else all of our wonderful Like the Spice artists are doing hither and yon. Especially yon. This time, we've heard from Jenny Morgan and Rachel Beach!
Rachel's first, but only because she'll have her opening TONIGHT, Wednesday, March 24th, at the Lower East Side Printshop as part of the group show out of the chaos and darkness…. Take a glance at the press:
Borrowing a phrase from Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man for the title, the exhibition showcases artworks that investigate the ever-changing concept of the American Experience and the American Dream. The artists in the exhibition use several printmaking mediums and a range of materials to address our complex connections to mythology, history, and society. Overall the exhibition conveys an overarching sense of transition and metamorphosis that characterizes our current place in the world.
In fact, we had so much fun, we broke the camera!
This is the very last picture our sweet little device managed before it conked out and we had to switch to iPhones and what have you for the rest of the night. But c'mon, look how much fun everyone is having! That's because it was a non-stop party atmosphere during our Friday night opening extravaganza for The World We Live In, The Worlds We Create. Here artist Brian LaRossa says Cheers!
It's been a while since we had a group show, so it was quite the thrill to have so many wonderful artists scurrying about the gallery. Plus, seriously, can you believe how great all of this sculpture is? If you haven't already, head to the sneak preview page and get a sneak preview. Just don't think we're showing you everything. We have to keep a few surprises to make you come and visit!
It's been nearly a year since LtS made room for sculpture, so we're very pleased to be showcasing it again. From Diana Puntar's beautiful Lived Live Evil Devil (you can't miss it, it's hanging from the ceiling in almost every single shot) to the incredibly delicate porcelain from Jessica Stoller (pictured below), this show has already started captivating our guests, both new and old.
And that's not the half of it. We're also boasting the complex geometry of R. Justin Stewart, the eye-catching marvels of Langdon Graves, the battery-operated animals of Misako Inaoka, the brilliantly exciting peephole of Patrick Jacobs, and the fascinating map-based creations of Matthew Northridge. Honestly, it's such a joy to come to work! But this show isn't just about wowing the staff. The World We Live In, The Worlds We Create has been a hit with all our visitors, including many other terrific Like the Spice artists. Below's a shot from when we bumped into Rachel Beach and Ross Racine and some guy in the middle we don't have a link for. But you know what? We like him anyway. And see how they're all smiling? That's what visiting The World We Live In, The Worlds We Create can do for YOU!
The World We Live In, The Worlds We Create is open from this very second until April 4th. Come and create your own little piece of it.
We've been all over the East Coast for the past week... and it shows! We've gotten some very nice press from some very nice people. Care to see? Of course you do!
Trendceteramag covered us here in New York, with a very nice review of Jenny and David's work. It includes spiffy sentences like this one:
Putting the two together, who are in many ways polar opposites, likely forced them to challenge themselves by stepping outside their boundaries. Jenny, with her precise ideas and mastery of form, and David, with his spontaneous approach and infectious personality, together result in a one unified passionate artist.
A review like that, you can't help but enjoy. Head over and check it out!
Then there was our dear friend Hrag Vartanian. He came all the way to Miami to see us, wasn't that nice? He even pretended to blog about many other exciting Miami events so no one would suspect. But don't worry, Hrag, we know you loved us best. It shows in sentences like this:
Always adventurous, Marisa chose to forge a new path away from the traditional art fair booth, and she moved her wares to a hotel suite on the South Beach strip where collectors, critics, and friends of Like the Spice could enjoy private viewings accompanied by wine and informal conversation — it was a lovely experience.
Hrag has a nice little review of the latest pieces from artist Rachel Beach as well, so be sure to take a look.
Finally, back on the homefront, we got a little shout-out from L Magazine. Great to know you stopped by, guys!
Remember, if you haven't yet seen Civil Union, you've only got one more weekend left. Make it count! Come and visit!
Even in the middle of all this rain, we know a Beach that never stops being hot. Of course, we mean Rachel Beach! Hey, shut up, it was too funny. At least you could be laughing politely.
Anyway, our gal Rachel got herself mentioned at DailyServing.com, a nifty little art blog that clearly knows what's what. With quotes like:
These painting/sculpture hybrids reference the language of ornamental detailing, modern abstraction, and contemporary design, both in technique and appearance.
and
The painted areas are an illusion of volume rendered on the flat surface of the object.
it seems pretty clear they're fans. Head on over to DailyServing.com and check out the full article. Consider it a Beach trip!
...seriously? Not even a smile? You guys sure are an awfully tough crowd.
At the very last minute, Curiouso Pizzeria & Ristorante came the rescue with a seriously scrumptious spread of tiny meatballs and crisp salad, decadant eggplant rollatini and lemony chicken. If you haven't been to this awesome new local spot you need to plan a Saturday around it. Not only do they make DELICIOUS pizza and pasta (I'm eating a seafood linguini from them right now and I swear to god it's the only thing helping me survive my sangria hangover) they're run by the nicest guys we could hope to have as neighbors. Also, their website rocks hardcore. We sent them a video of us dancing to the funky background music. I think we should throw a Curioso/Like the Spice block party later in the summer, don't you?
Off the Clock: The Artist Assistant Show is up until September, so make sure you stop in to see it! Remember, for the rest of the summer we're open Wed-Sun 12-7 (And Mondays by appointment). See you soon!
Dear All Car Rent a Car,
If you didn't want to go out with us, all you had to do was say so. Why did you have to ignore our phone calls, then answer only to lead us on? It hurt us when you acted like you didn't remember that you'd promised us a 15-seater passenger van. Like all your vows meant nothing to you. You seduced us with your siren song of a one-time payment of 159.99. What changed? We just can't give you what you want anymore. Don't you know that you can't put a deposit down on love?
And still we tried to love you. We took your van. Were you trying to tell us something when you almost gave it away to a church group minutes before we arrived? There are better ways to break up with someone than tricking them into returning a van all the way out in Brighton Beach with no money in our pocket and way to get home. We've had it, All Car Rent a Car. We took the un-airconditioned death box on wheels that you gave us and turned it into a motorized love-machine.
Of course, that's a quote from the wonderful Dolly Parton, but after this weekend at the Affordable Art Fair, we found we could understand her exactly. The AAF is designed to present art that's high in value but low in price, so we've taken some of our most valuable artists along for the ride. We're pretty proud of our little corner of the show. Just take a look!
Don't we have a lovely booth? You just know you've got to stop in and see it in person. Long time LtS groupies will have already noticed that we're showing some fresh new work from the incredible Jenny Morgan. We've also got two brand new watercolors from Reuben Negron that are just amazing. Consider it a preview of his upcoming show, Dirty Dirty Love, which opens May 22nd. Reuben's hot stuff and he's gonna get attention, so you should sign up for his dinner right now. You won't want to miss it, we're certain.
Our team of Lovely Assistants are on hand and waiting for you! We've even put up a few Sunday surprises that aren't reflected in these photo. The AAF is open until 5pm on Sunday night, and we're in booth E-103. Wouldn't it be a nice way to spend Mother's Day?
That's right, this weekend was another absolutely delightful installment of our Monthly Dinner Series. This time we welcomed Allison Edge, the artist behind our current show, Crystal Days, now open through May 17th. Allison's an absolute joy to be around, so naturally, she attracted a few of our favorite people.
Here's our good friend Mandy having a wonderful time with artist Jenny Morgan. If you look closely you can see Allison preparing herself in the background. She had a lot to talk about!
It wasn't just all about making artist Rachel Beach laugh. Allison has been making art for a long time, so she's learned plenty. We got to hear all about her early work in college, her time as an assistant to Jeff Koons, and how and why her life moved from kittens to rock stars. She even brought a slide of something she did in third grade, and everyone was delighted! Just be aware that If you want that particular piece, you might have to bid against her mom.
While all this was going on, dinner was served. The carnivores loved the steak, the herbavores loved the stuffed peppers, and the dessertivores went crazy over the berry tart. Jenny let us take a picture of her tart, but made us promise not to get in the way of the fork.
After the meal, we got to hear about the upcoming India Street Mural Project. Designed as a way to mix community and art, the project is an effort to create a series of murals around India Street here in Brooklyn. You can view the submission pdf on Council Member David Yassky's site and donations are welcome. Help the world get a little more art, won't you?
Even though we caught Mandy refusing to pay attention, Eating On The Edge was a complete success. And our previous Monthly Dinners have been just as fantastic. Plan now for our next one, coming next month, with the fantastic Reuben Negron. You won't want to miss it!
