We've Seen the Light! Lopresti's Show "Afterglow" Goes Up in Washington and Catches the Attention of Local Press!

Check out the article on artist Eric LoPresti in the Washington Paper the Tri-city Herald! The article coincides with LoPresti's show "Afterglow" in Richland, Washington. LoPresti grew up in Washington. His current series of diptychs juxtaposes photorealistic renderings of aerial landscapes with abstract color gradients. The article talks about his beginnings in neuroscience, a serious turning point in his artwork, and his achievements as an artist. Yay for awesome local rags that cover awesome emerging artists!

Artist Ross Racine Interviewed on Breakthrough Radio!

Last week artist Ross Racine gave an interview to the Art Uncovered program on the hip Breakthrough Radio. Racine makes his surreal aerial images of make-believe suburbs that are configured into obsessively geometric patterns and often take simple, banal shapes. In the interview he speaks about the digital process he uses to make his images as well as his inspiration. He addresses the “vocabulary” he takes from Google Earth and his obsession with the aerial view. Racine and his interviewer pontificate eloquently on subjects such as abstraction and figuration and about how the aerial views conflate the micro and the macro, alleging to be whole towns but taking on the appearance of circuit boards. They talk about Racine’s upbringing in Montreal and discourse on the American dream. The interview provides great insight into Ross’s work and is a good listen, with segments interspersed with awesome indie tunes!

Also, be sure to check out Ross’s work in Lost Horizon at ARTJAIL on 50 Eldridge St. open from October 14 - November 13!

This post is because I love Jenny Morgan, screen shots, and New York Magazine...

Dear Jenny Morgan, you sure are a looker! Like the Spice would like to congratulate the lovely Jenny Morgan on her work being featured in the most recent issue of New York Magazine. That's right, her latest work is all over page 124 and it's just gorgeous. The front of the issue is black and white with the words "Who Runs New York?" You know, I figured that I would give you a visual just in case you wanted to go out and buy 4 or 5 copies for yourself. Jenny was approached to do a portrait of New York socialite and fashion icon, Lauren Santo Domingo and the above image is the end result. Pretty sure Rachel Zoe would definitely find it hard not to direct an "I die!" toward this piece; it is stunning.


That's right, lower left corner of the above screen shot: "Painting by Jenny Morgan." How cool is that? Congratulations to Jenny, and to the rest of you, it's time to buy your own copy!

In the words of Tyra Banks: You wanna be on top?

Well, we don't know about you all, but we here at Like the Spice seem to be experiencing the euphoric rush of feeling on top of the world. Curious about my Tyra Banks reference? (It's from America's Next Top Model, btw.) Curious also about the above screen capture? Might I tell you a bit about it? Well, it just so happens that Like the Spice was put on NYC Go's list of must see galleries. Great news huh? We are honored to be listed with many of the well established New York galleries that we have so admired over the years. The article describes Williamsburg as "a hotbed of hipness and home to many of the City's bands, performers and visual artists," what a cool place! They talk about our monthly dinner series and the prime location. We now are officially cool. And if the official guide to New York says that our dinners are delightful then maybe, if you haven't already taken our word for it, you should sign up for our next one featuring Chino Amobi: RSVP to "Cravings"! To read the full For Art's Sake: NYC Gallery Guide click here. Many thanks to "the official guide to New York City" for the positive acknowledgment!

Treasure Frey Sparkles at Artist's Dinner! Puns on Her Name Never Get Old!!

Though the silverware and wine glasses sparkled brightly at the latest instantiation of Like the Spice’s Artist’s Dinners, the delightful table was ultimately out-shown by artist Treasure Frey and her work. Guests started showing up around eight and were met with Frey’s colorful mixed-media pieces and a glass of Sangria. After getting to linger on each work and talk with the artist, everyone sat down and the intimate evening began in earnest.
Frey spoke eloquently about her work and her career. She discussed the evolution of her art as well as the differences between working in New York and L.A.. After the talk, everyone savored a delicious meal catered by the buzz-worthy new local restaurant Traif. The conversation flowed all throughout dinner, dessert, and last glasses of wine as guests discussed Frey’s work and art more generally. The evening was a huge success. Even the public speaking-shy Frey admitted to having a marvelous time!

Gallery-goers Agree! Treasure Frey's Show a Gem!

The weather was crisp as if to announce the momentous fall season that began in galleries all over Williamsburg last week. Here at Like The Spice we couldn’t wait to open the doors to L.A.-based artist Treasure Frey’s first NY solo exhibition, Shards. The streets were buzzing with gallery-goers anxious to check out the latest like Ran Ortner’s paintings at Causey Contemporary, Stephen Mallon’s photographs at Front Room, and Patrick Martinez’s video installation at Parker’s Box. Like the Spice was hopping with people anxious to see Shards. Guests schmoozed, drank wine, and examined Frey’s meticulously executed, colorful and dynamic collages. The artists, friends, and art-appreciators in attendance admired the work and got a chance to meet the artist herself.

Shards consists of new multi-media works. Frey uses gouache, tape, and acrylic paint to create layers that suggest three-dimensional forms. Her work vacillates between the geometric and the organic, the abstract and the figurative. It is delicate with a Modernist edge. Frey uses clusters and crystalline constructions to evoke different natural forms that in some works seem stable and in others threaten to dissolve or explode into chaos.

Whether people came to Like the Spice explicitly to see Shards or were simply drawn in from their general exploration of all the art events happening in the neighborhood, everyone had a good word to say about the work. The adorable Frey was beaming throughout the night and for good reason: people couldn’t stop complimenting the show! Shards is up at Like the Spice until October 10th. Be sure to RSVP on our website for the next instance of our Monthly Dinner Series on September 24th featuring Treasure Frey!

A Sudden Rush...

Yes it was a bit damp, and yes, some of us were in flip flops as if we believed being ill equipped would fend off the rain, but in spite of the weather the unveiling of Rachel Beach's first outdoor sculpture, Gold Rush, at the opening of the Emerging Artist Fellowship Exhibition was a grand success. There were quite a lot of people there exploring the beautiful grounds of the Socrates Sculpture Park and taking in the local flora while admiring all of the pieces in the show. It's clear from one lap around the amount of labor, time, and dedication that all of the fellows put into this occasion and Like the Spice would like to offer a rousing applause. It is definitely something to see, rain or no. Rachel's piece is just spectacular, tall and delicate at some angles, and then massive and towering from others. At times the illusion changes and the piece goes from being a compilation of many beams to being a structure consisting of just one or two vertical pieces. Yes, ladies and gents, it transforms! And now, for all of you patiently awaiting a peek at Rachel's newest piece here it is....Whooshhhhh!!

I know, I know, it's cloudy and dark and maybe not entirely in focus but doesn't it remind you of one of those paparazzi shots? It does! Well, that is because Gold Rush is the newest celebrity in town. With its breathtaking height and the way it literally changes shape and form and becomes something totally different as you walk around it and interact with it makes it our new favorite attraction. Want an autograph? Great, go to the Socrates Sculpture Park which is only a hop, skip, and jump away (or, if you are me it's the N Train to the Broadway stop in Queens). Hope to see you there soon!