We've noticed the trend, too. Artists are collaborating more often these days and many of these group shows are taking place in restaurants, bars and other (hitherto) unlikely establishments across the city. A recent gig -- "Buy This So We Don't Have to Rob You" -- at Traffic Jam and Snug (which we wrote about last week) is a perfect example.
Well, you deserve another serving of perfection, so please be advised that on Saturday, April 4 you can sample the fare (liquid and otherwise) at the Woodbridge Pub.
Plus, you'll be able to see what Taurus Burns and Kathy Leisen - two of Detroit's most talented artists - have culled from their most recent works.
This is the real deal. Between them, Burns and Leisen have exhibited at practically every gallery in Detroit, and something distinctly evocative of our city (and its spirit) is discernable in every canvas.
Metromix took timee away from the hoops and shot some questions to featured artist Burns.
Detroit is almost always the subject of your paintings - its landscape, its people, and its moods. What do you see and find in this city that prompts you to pick up the brush?
When I first began to paint Detroit, I was motivated by a desire to get know this city firsthand; after living here for 10 years I still felt very much like an outsider.
From the beginning I was surprised at how visually beautiful the city is. Really, still, I'm inspired by the environment, and most of my Detroit paintings have been absent of people because I was focused on the simple pleasure of experiencing the way light defines the urban landscape.
There was something else that also sparked this series. Detroit is (in)famously defined by fears and prejudices. Once I had resigned myself to the fact that I'm going to continue living in the city, I felt a need to confront my own fears and prejudices about it by getting out and experiencing Detroit firsthand.
In essence, when I paint the city -- I'm looking to connect with the real Detroit, real people in real communities who are keepin' it real.
While many of the previous paintings have focused on the downtown environment, lately I've been interested in painting the communities around the city. I have recently begun a series that I call the "Neighborhood Watch" paintings -- paintings of men guarding and protecting the community...
We harp on this string alot, but a tanked economy always means trouble for artists and galleries. Are you still optimistic? How do artists cope when the wells run dry?
My paintings have been selling very well in the past year and a half, in large part due to the affordability of smaller scale works and the popularity of the Detroit paintings.
I love that -- even now -- people are still buying art, and to me it makes sense. Whereas many of the things that we buy lose their appeal over time, either because they physically disintegrate or the good feeling they provide wears thin, good art never loses its appeal.
Art is valuable in ways other possessions aren't. Art is uplifting, personal, heart-felt -- human.
Artists generate their own energy. We artists are creative and resilient, and can get by with slim resources. We lend our hands to each other, we share materials, we help each other get shows and write grants. I don't see the state of the economy slowing down any of my artist friends.
On the contrary, it's inspiring greater creativity. I just met with an artist friend yesterday who plans on turning the empty lot next to her house into an outdoor neighborhood community art space. I remain optimistic!
Which painters have inspired you the most?
Kerry James Marshall for his poetic renditions of African-American life and culture. Kehinde Wiley for his bold revision of African-American male identity.
Diego Rivera for his ability to represent spirit, society, politics, technology and human evolution in his monumental murals.
I still love the Bay Area painters of the '50s who built bridges between realism and abstract expressionism.
Art in a pub or bar may strike some people as a bit incongruous, but a recent show at Traffic Jam and Snug was a hit. Is this marriage between potables and paintings something new or unique to Detroit?
Art in a bar is great because it gets people talking and thinking in a relaxed atmosphere. It might inspire people who don't normally attend the local galleries to do so, but more importantly art doesn't have to be seen on a museum or gallery wall to be enjoyed - it just has to be good.
Where can we see works by you that are on "permanent" display?
I've done nearly 200 paintings in the past two years... and they can all be seen on my website www.paintDetroit.com
