The Evolution of ‘The Chain’—From ‘Ruby’ to a Symbol of Resilience
Artistic expression is a journey, often leading creators to reinterpret their work as new inspirations emerge. My painting, now titled “The Chain,” exemplifies this evolution.
Original Inspiration: ‘Ruby’ and Thelonious Monk
Initially, this piece was named “Ruby,” crafted during a period when I immersed myself in the soulful melodies of Thelonious Monk’s “Ruby, My Dear.” Monk composed this ballad for his first love, Rubie Richardson, infusing it with deep emotion and complexity. The painting reflected this sentiment, capturing the intricate nuances of affection and memory.
Transition to ‘The Chain’: Embracing Symbolism
As time progressed, my focus shifted toward exploring themes of empowerment and resilience. This led to the incorporation of a chain motif, inspired by historical representations, notably those associated with Queen Elizabeth I. Chains in art often symbolize authority, strength, and interconnectedness. By integrating this element, the painting transformed, embodying a narrative of enduring strength amidst adversity.
Current Exhibition: A Fusion of Past and Present
“The Chain” now stands as a testament to this artistic journey, blending personal emotion with broader societal themes. The subject’s Mozambique ruby ring, a creation of my own, harmonizes with the chain, symbolizing the fusion of tradition and modernity. I invite you to experience this evolution firsthand at the Providence Art Club, where “The Chain” is currently on display. The Providence Art Club is at 11 Thomas Street, Providence, RI. The Winter Member’s Show runs March 9-27, 2025.
Note: For those unable to visit, I will share images and further insights in upcoming posts.
To learn more about the Mozambique ruby you can visit the following sources: Adastrajewelry.com and SDGEMLAB.
There have been several posts about The Little Pictures Show at the Providence Art Club on Thomas Street in Providence. So, as an artist member since 2002, the ritual continues today. This show is the 120th Anniversary of the Little Pictures Show & Sale 2024.
The Providence Art Club has over 600 members, with more than half of them being women. The Providence Art Club is an arts organization that was founded in 1880. It’s located on College Hill in historic buildings that house the club’s studios, galleries, and clubhouse. The club is known for being the first major art club in the United States to admit both men and women.
Please support local artists and visit the Providence Art Club Little Pictures Show this year.
Here are some of the pieces I will be showing. I hope you like them!
Don’t miss the splendid Little Pictures Show 2023 at the Providence Art Club! Start Christmas shopping at your local business on 11 Thomas Street, Providence, RI.
Note they are closed on Thursday, 11/23, Thanksgiving. The galleries re-open the weekend of Friday, 11/24 – Sunday, 11/26, regular hours from 12-5 pm daily. The show runs through 12/23/23.
Hello world! It has been a long time since posting. So, I start with an image using acrylic on archival paper. However, the problem is which piece to pick. As I look back, I note the abstractions painted during the pandemic. Following the abstract paintings came a post for the Little Pictures Show 2021. Jewelry and painting are my passions.
Now, though COVID still roams among us, I move on. So, art is always my first step, then forward with caution. Chronologically, images coming up will follow from the current Artwork folder on the desktop.
Shallow
So, let’s turn our attention to “Shallow,” a meaningful piece for me. It’s a medium dear to my heart.—acrylic on archival paper. “Shallow” was not only accepted into a national juried show but also received an award of merit and found a new home with a collector.
Title: Shallow
Medium: acrylic on archival paper
Size: w: 30″ x h: 20″ unframed
Date: January, 2022
I would be remiss if I didn’t shout out to my cousin, Billy Montella. I’ll never forget when he brought me a large folder filled with Arches paper from his studio! All the pieces I show here started from that folder. What a gift!
Girl with Prasiolite Ring
Below is a work that precedes Shallow. It appears previously in my blog showcasing the prasiolite ring. Then, happily, my prasiolite ring sold at the 2021 Little Pictures Show at the Providence Art Club. The painting was in the Winter Members Show 2022 and then went on to show at the Blithewold Mansion in Bristol. And subsequently, sells at that show.
Title: Girl with Prasiolite Ring
Medium: acrylic on archival paper
Size: w: 20″ x h: 20″ unframed
Date: December, 2021
Do awards matter?
I did want to add the question. Are awards important? Let’s say I always thought if I won just one, I’d be happy. But, in the end, they don’t matter as much as the art itself. The most important thing is to create something that speaks to you and hopefully touches others. Awards can be a good recognition but shouldn’t be the sole focus or measure of success.
It would seem that awards should be nothing but roses, but it’s a subject that goes much deeper, to the core of art’s value and how our industry works.
What Awards Mean, Really by Greg Ruth
If you want to read an interesting take on awards, check out Greg Ruth’s post “What awards mean, really“. It’s no secret he is ‘not a fan of art trophies’. On the other hand, the article from Contemporary Art Issue claims awards are an important recognition in the contemporary art world.
Art prizes are important in the art world. They recognize excellence and help artists grow in their careers. They also encourage innovation and collaboration among artists.
The Art Prize Explained August 23, 2023 CAI
Figurative Art on Archival Paper 2023
“In Your Dreams” Shown at the Winter Members Show 2023“The Eternal Sunshine of Caterina Maina” Shown at the Fall Members Show 2023
Jazz Corner
“Ruby” “Someday My Prince Will Come”“It Never Entered My Mind”
And finally, I wanted to share something with you all. Recently, I’ve been able to reconnect with my creative side and get back into blogging. Thanks to my creative brothers-in-law, Michael and Padraig, for inspiring me to do so. Padraig has some incredible wildlife photography on his upcoming website. So, I will post some of his amazing photos here and there. Feel free to give them a like if you enjoy them as much as I do.
Thanks for your support! I’ll try not to make everything about me.
To help my writing process, I used these Grammarly AI prompts: Prompts created by Grammarly – “Simplify it”Prompts I wrote – “Authentic to an artist” – “I still need to think about my direction before I can write about it.”
First held in 1904, the Little Pictures Show & Sale is the oldest and largest exhibition of its kind in the United States. This year, the beloved tradition turns 117 and continues to be a strong source of pride for the historic Providence Art Club. The show will feature over 600 works of art sized at 16” x 16” or less and priced at no more than $300.
So, I am delighted to be a part once again of the Little Pictures Show & Sale. In fact, my little pieces of jewelry will be on sale at irresistibly low prices. And, there is still plenty of time to enjoy all the amazing talent at the Providence Art Club on 11 Thomas Street in Providence.
Visual is what I’m all about and writing down the bones is how I have to begin because writing is not my first language. Since I was a kid I placed my marks wherever I could. This included wood (furniture sometimes), paper, stones, and sidewalks. You may have had the same experience. Is it art? Hell, who knows. I know whenever there has been a terror deep inside me it has been a go to place. Make marks and they will tell you something.
Some of us have been lucky enough to have guides to get us started in life. I had two, Ginger and Janey. Don’t remember what they looked like. I can’t ask anyone because no one else saw them but me. This is the best part. If I didn’t like something (like soup for instance) I’d just say, “Nope can’t do, Ginger died from that.”
Where was I? I’m hitting the keys not knowing where I am on keyboard or page. It is a river of thoughts and comments. Bear with me. So, these two girls followed me til I was around 5. If I tracked them to here it would help to know what they thought of COVID-19. They would probably remain mute; not their style to comment on stuff they don’t know. But they did know darkness, they knew the signs you use to list it.
Pandemic acrylic on paper
On March 12, 2020 I went down to the basement studio where I do larger art work and metalwork. I could hear the news on tv from upstairs as the corona virus was taking its toll on the population in Italy. I painted the first piece posted to instagram and thought where do I go from here.
So, by March 13 I found myself seeking asylum again in my basement trying to pour out the fear and anxiety as it was growing. Is it art? It is my replacement for medication and whatever drug of choice once did the trick in assuaging the discomfort.
Untitled_2
On March 13, 2020 the United States coronavirus death toll 100. March 14, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency. COVID-19 is the technical term for the novel coronavirus. By March 18 the London Museum was the last museum to close its doors.
March 26, 2020
“Bin Cao, vice president and director of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing, has worked on the front lines of patient care in Wuhan for the past few months. In closely monitoring the disease, he and his team are beginning to unlock some of its secrets. Cao talks to Josh Sharfstein about how the situation has changed in Wuhan, what we can learn about safeguarding providers, the primary risk factors for death, and the ongoing research that may reveal new treatment methods.“
Coronavirus began in Wuhan, China…A Doctor’s Perspective from Wuhan March 26, 2020
I started to keep a journal of COVID-19 as it spread globally. I created slideshows periodically with the data posting it to social media. Paintings were done on a range of materials from Arches paper, rice paper, canvas and masonite.
368 deaths bring its total to 1,809 in Italy March 15
The National Gallery London last to close, March 18
“The separation of health and environmental policy is a dangerous delusion”
US total cases: 85,356 total deaths: 1,246, 3/27/20
Italy: more than 10,000 coronavirus fatalities, 3/29/20
Total confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa: 5,999 3/30/20
8,000 fatalities and 295,000 cases in the US, April 4, 2020
Deaths: Italy 16,523 Spain 13,798 US 10,993 4/7/20
Africa 13,273 confirmed cases, 721 deaths 4/11/20
Total deaths US: 20,071 Italy: 19,468 Spain: 6,353 4/11/20
Spain total confirmed cases 213,024; total deaths 22,157 4/23/20
US total confirmed cases 866,646 total deaths: 49,759 4/23/20
Coronavirus across Africa: 25,040 cases; 1,240 deaths 4/23/20
China total confirmed COVID-19 cases 83,878, deaths 4,636 4/23/20
‘Structural inequalities’ in the US for coronavirus vulnerability
…minorities are being disproportionately affected by the virus
Italy’s Daily Virus Recoveries Surpass Cases for First Time 4/27/20
3,098,391 total confirmed cases globally, 4/28/20
1,008,066 confirmed cases in the US 58,126 deaths 4/28/20
At the time of this writing there are 3,784,085 total confirmed cases of COVID-19. This includes 1,231,992 cases in the United States, 213,435 cases in Spain, and 214,457 cases in Italy. Total deaths globally are 264,679.
RIGHT NOW:
“The Texas Supreme Court ordered a salon owner released from jail after she defied virus restrictions and reopened her business.”
Opening Reception Sunday November 10, 2019 12-5pm • Gallery Hours, Seven Days a Week 12-5pm
“First held in 1904, the Little Pictures Show & Sale is the oldest and largest exhibition of its kind in the United States. This year, the beloved tradition turns 115 and continues to be a strong source of pride for the historic Providence Art Club. The show will feature over 600 works of art sized at 16” x 16” or less and priced at no more than $300.”
Providence Art Club 11 Thomas St. Providence, RI 02903
I am so happy to be exhibiting at the Little Pictures Show again this year! Diverse media from over 100 artist members in media ranging from paintings, drawings, photographs, collages, hand-pulled prints, hand made artist books, along with sculpture, ceramics, glass, and jewelry. Cash and Carry. Don’t miss this event to help support the arts in Providence!
Triangle Sky: sterling with aquamarine ringPurple Rain: sterling with amethyst ringEternity Wrap/Choker with amethyst beadsAbstraction: sterling silver ring with white topazWeaving Comb: bronze with sterling plateBudded branch with aquamarine in sterling Vase of Flowers oil on masonite
The thing about chaos, is that while it disturbs us, it too, forces our hearts to roar in a way we secretly find magnificent.
Christopher Poindexter
Diary entries
After the workshop at the Providence Art Club on Diving into Abstraction with Karen Rand-Anderson, I started a new sketchbook. These early entries were done while listening to podcasts and/or just letting the mind go. It may not be great art, but it is certainly a great meditation practice!
Daddy’s pencils
Hurricane
Forbidden fruit
Reading the natural mind
River running
Another sunset
Imprint
The Fine Art of Chaos
In an age of global instability, the threat of chaos looms. Chaos and Awe demonstrates the aptness and relevance of painting as a medium for expressing the uncertainty of our era.
Edited by Mark W. Scala Essays by Media Farzin, Simon Morley and Matthew Ritchie
I would be remiss if I didn’t include in this post the recent publication from MIT Press “Chaos and Awe”. This catalogue of the major exhibition at the Frist Center for the Visual arts in Nashville represents a dialogue that has haunted me as a visual artist. Is painting dead? How do I create amidst the chaos and alienation of this world? This opens the door to seeing the deep existential necessity of expanding our “perceptions of knowledge, intuition and spirituality”. I highly recommend reading and perusing the beautiful images in this book as it explores painting as a relevant means of expression and cathartic experience in extreme times.
Code and Chaos
I discovered another aspect of chaos and abstraction while learning code. So much that is beyond me draws me in just the same. I remember the first time I discovered generative art and thought how can I do that? The basics are as follows from medium on generative art:
Randomness is crucial for creating generative art. The art should be different each time you run the generation script, so randomness is usually a large part of that.
Algorithms — Implementing an algorithm visually can often generate awesome art, for example, the binary tree above.
Geometry — Most generative art incorporates shapes, and the math from high school geometry class can aid in some really cool effects.
SVG Animation
We are biologically trained to notice motion: evolutionarily speaking, our survival depends on it
Sarah Drasner
SVG Animations by Sarah Drasner
This book was the next step for me to dive deeper into the possibilities of abstraction and animation. Vector art saved as an SVG opened the doors to my first animated logo!
I continue to research the link between chaos and art as it influences my work. There are so many links to share on this topic here’s just a few:
“Sunset I” airbrush – not photoshop 🙂 on paper 1980’s
Abstract drawings to limber up for lost wax casting
charcoal and conte crayon on newsprint
graphite on newsprint
graphite on newsprint
bronze brooch created from an exercise where I made a model derived from another student’s drawing 1994
Renderings as a Jewelry Designer for Precious Metal Manufacturer
Earrings and Pendants in 18k gold with diamond pave painted in gouache on paper. 1999
Fabricated Metals and lost wax castings – 2000 to 2017
Sea Pendant
Sterling Silver Earrings with Fluorite Drop
Abstract Ring
Freelance – Spinner Ring
Bell pendant
dot dot dash
Sinewy
Pinkie Ring/Pendant
Snake Ring
Snake Ring 3/4 View
Diving into Abstraction again . . .
Karen Rand-Anderson “Diving into Abstraction Workshop” Demo
In 2017, I had the pleasure of taking a workshop at the Providence Art Club with painter Karen Rand-Anderson titled “Diving into Abstraction”. Eyes closed drawings were part of the direct response to the media and paper close at hand. It reminded me of the sketches I did a long time ago when learning model making. Seemed like a full circle back to this class and I was very grateful for the trip!
“FIRE” mixed media on paper One of the first exercises I did in Karen’s class.
Part two follows with more about the role of abstraction in fine art, design and technology where 3D software and animation is an essential tool as a graphic artist and chaos is happening with JavaScript!
“Metamorphosis has always been the greatest symbol of change for poets and artists. Imagine that you could be a caterpillar one moment and a butterfly the next.”
Louie Schwartzberg
Butterfly Box Top View
Bottom View
Freshwater Pearl Necklaces
Top View
Dragonfly Stretch Bracelet with Vintage beads
Bottom View
Turtle Love Set
“Try to be like the turtle – at ease in your own shell.”
Bill Copeland
Turtle Love Box
Sterling Silver and Aventurine Necklace sterling silver tag and glass teardrop beads
Back View of Box
Tiny Boxes
“A mighty flame followeth a tiny spark.”
Dante Alighieri
Tiny World Top
Open Box
Tiny World Bottom
“Angelus Novas” hand painted box
Box constructions from canvas, hardware and acrylic paint. Jewelry styled to fit the theme.
“A woman is like a ghost without jewelry.” Indian Proverb
LLabrie 