Controversial Artist

Can you believe it?  I am now a controversial artist.  Does that mean I have arrived?  Arrived where?  

Allow me to explain.  I have had an exhibit of eight paintings at Acme Burger Company in Salt Lake City.  My wife, my son and his girlfriend and I had lunch there Sunday.  I noticed that one of my paintings was no longer hanging.  Did it sell?  I doubt it as no one called to verify the price.  Was it stolen?  What a compliment that would be!  We had lunch and I didn't mention the missing painting.  Monday morning, however, I went to Acme and found my painting in the wine cellar - hmmm, I thought about staying there and enjoying a bottle; however, it was a little early in the day, even for me.  But in the wine cellar, not even hanging on the wall!  Artwork should not be hidden away in a cellar or a storage unit (just remembered all those landscapes I recently placed in storage).  

With painting in hand, I ascended the stairs and met up with the owner.  He informed me that he had received too many negative comments concerning the piece and therefore removed it from the wall.  Now what am I going to do with this piece I call "Battle," (battle between the genders)?

Art in the Garden

On Saturday, October 19, the Utah Artist's League (of which I am a member) held an event, "Art in the Garden."  Music was provided by the Stratford Street Big Band (they were fantastic).  The garden was provided by Dr. and Mrs. Scott Smith.  Refreshments were served (I pigged out on sweets).  

I was the only contemporary artist present among 14 landscape artists.  At first, I thought no one would be interested in abstract art, but I talked all evening (my poor throat was dry - I needed some wine, but that was out of the question).  One lady asked me to explain my artwork as she didn't comprehend abstract expressionism (after talking, she said she understands it better).  I sold one piece.  I'm always excited even if just one sells.

Another event and another experience behind me.  Now, it's back to painting for my show and reception as featured artist at Art at the Main in Salt Lake City October 12 with the reception on October 16.  See you there.

Peach Days

Peach Days in Brigham City, Utah were just "peachy" (sarcasm).  Actually, I had peach cobbler twice and was disappointed that it was made with canned peaches.  I had peach fritters - hmmmm!  And I had peach pie made with fresh peaches - YES!  I wasn't there, however, just for the peaches.  Another artist and I shared a booth; unfortunately, most attendees were there for the peaches and socializing, not for fine art.  

I had decided beforehand that Brigham City wasn't ready for my abstract expressionism and took my landscape paintings.  They weren't ready for those either.  My friend and I did not sell a single painting.  Woe is me!  I cannot continue to spend money on these events and not even break even. 

Since wall space and storage space is at a premium in our home now, I packed the landscapes in plastic tubs and placed them in a storage unit.  Now tell me, shouldn't art hang on someone's wall?  Not tucked away and forgotton in a storage unit?  I still have a number of landscapes on my website, www.JerryHardestyFineArt.com - I might make you a deal if you really want one.

Meanwhile, I'm back working on my abstracts for an upcoming show in October as Featured Artist at Art at the Main in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.

Beyond the Border, San Diego

Beyond the Border International Contemporary Art Fair was held in San Diego, California September 2 - 4, 2009.  It was a first in many ways.  First time ever held.  First time for IAO Gallery to participate and first time for many of the IAO artists to participate in such an event, including myself.  First, we had to get there.  Have to give credit to Albert Wang for having the vision and making application.  Thanks Albert.  Have to give him credit as well for selecting a diversified stable of artists to participate and attend.  Again, thanks Albert.

After that process, however, we had to physically get there.  That in itself is an adventure.  I volunteered to drive my SUV and take as much art as possible along with Albert and Brian Staker, our drafted journalist for the event.  Twas a long, arduous trip - 13 hours in a cramped SUV.  Took an hour to get through Las Vegas; took an hour to bypass an accident on the interstate.  We were ready to climb out of that vehicle upon arrival.  Took three hotel luggage carts to remove bags, artwork etc. from the vehicle to our room.

Other artists began to arrive:  David B. Smith from NYC; Mindy Kober from Houston; Darren Breen from Provo; Mark Phelan from Boston; Andrew Wrigley and Rachel from Philadelphia; Jamison Sarteschi from NYC; Kay Tuttle an Tom from Denver; Stacy Wexler from California; Amy Caron from Salt Lake City; Mason Fetzer and Carlee from Salt Lake City; Circlegal from Salt Lake City with Zach from Canada; along with qi peng, Brian Staker, and myself from Salt Lake City.  At one point we had eight people in our hotel room (four on the floor and four in the beds).  A whole lot of rhythmical snoring invading the silence - wait there was not silence.  We took turns inhaling and exhaling.  Sounds of sleeplessness filled the atmosphere.

Wednesday, we set up the IAO booth.  It was exciting and electric with everyone scrambling in the ballroom to put the finishing touches on their booths.  Wednesday evening was the VIP opening.  Our booth garnered much attention and was perhaps the edginess booth present.  Along with the VIP event and Thursday and Friday, I passed out at least 500 of my own business cards.  And even though, IAO Gallery only sold two pieces, we were in good company - most galleries sold nothing.  We made some excellent contacts though.

Speaking of contacts, I, personally, had some excellent encounters, and received some excellent advice concerning my art.  One young lady was enamored with my work and chose to spend at least a half hour looking through my portfolio - that in itself was worth the whole trip as she inspired me.  Another gentleman plans to come to Salt Lake City for a studio visit (awesome).  And Mr. Allen (that's his first name) advised me to paint my life events (2 strokes and 2 heart attacks) into my work.  Now, how am I to do that - that's for me to determine, I suppose.  So far, nothing; although I've been thinking about it.

We experienced wonderful food, tasty wine and vodka; oh, and unforgettable laughter.  It was very entertaining, and I thought I was too.  Circlegal drew my picture based on a story I told.  Thanks Circlegal.  

The IAO artists became a family, perhaps a dysfunctional family; but what the heck, aren't most families?  Saying 'au revoir' was sweet sorrow (ugh, I used a cliche).  Some left Friday evening.  For qi, Brian and myself, it was packing up Saturday morning.  I don't understand it, 3 hotel luggage carts going down, four on the return.  We left San Diego about 11:30 mountain time.  Made several stops for gas and potty breaks.  We stopped in Primm, Nevada; I was walking around looking for a candy bar and someone slapped me on the butt.  Would you believe, it was Circlegal who had stopped at the very same location.  Small world.

We rolled into SLC about 11:30 pm.  I don't know about Albert or Brian, but I've been pretty exhausted ever since.