Sunday, June 20, 2010

Lost



Life comes at us in waves at times…
Of happiness and then of sadness,
There are seasons in our lives that change us.
However, being grateful in all things has become so difficult for me,
Especially at times like this.
Where you loose a family member.
You must trust, for me God.
I pray that each day; I am reminded that the only thing that stays the same is change.
Not to become complacent and remember to enjoy the journey.
To be grateful for each moment of time, appreciate the little things…
All those clichés that we hear over and over again, but never really do,
or at least I didn’t anymore..
I became so self indulged in my own little world of work, work, and more work!
I was loving my life. And then bam!
It all changed.
Life and chores just took over, I am even afraid to come here and share,
Like…
posting my articles… such a cop out.
I am confused about life.
I need to get back to the basics.
My drawing has always been there.
I thought this blog would be about enjoying the journey and sharing it, sorry.
I hope that this dreary post will be the end of it.
I hope that I can find my way again.
This is my formal post, to reclaim my life.
C

Friday, June 11, 2010

Artistic License - Elemental Expression; Jana Scott and Jeff Kuratnick





As most of you know; this week has been difficult for me.
So I am posting my last article; for the Weekender.
I hope to be back in the saddle writing here again soon.
Again, thank you for your kind words and prayers.
Caroline

More photos can be found on the Weekender website.
Elemental Expression:

by Caroline Denaro
Weekender Correspondent

Last week’s First Friday art walk in downtown Scranton provided a motivating abundance of art; the two-artist “Fire and Rust” exhibit at the Artworks Gallery and Studio was a pleasure that further enhanced Scranton’s art scene.

At a time when digital photography is annoyingly everywhere, the large-format, abstract photography reigned triumphant in “Fire and Rust.” Jana Scott is a talented portrait photographer whose first fine art collection is an impressive start. Creating a noteworthy buzz, Scott’s stunning images of rust capture more than meets they eye. The glistening, metallic paper photos are bold and vibrant. The cohesive presentation is more than just a diligent study of rust; it is a visually stunning presentation of color and detail with an underlying meaning.

The implication or theory she infuses throughout her body of work is that one should grasp the real treasures in life, things not seen, like hope, faith and love. Inspired by a spark of creative ingenuity, she totally embraced her vision. She based her theory upon the biblical expression “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In the words of Scott: “Where is your hope? Is it in material things or spiritual things? What is your time, energy and money spent accomplishing? Are you chasing treasure that will rust away?”

Abstracting a recognizable image into one that is nonrepresentational does not apply to Scott’s collection of photographs. The artist has specifically highlighted the rust, abstracted the forms, and captured the true essence of decay by enlarging and enhancing. Exaggerated size, color and the use of a reflective surface further covey the paradigm similar to archetypes dealing with shinny, bright, objects made of gold being evil. Those particular choices, either subliminal or intentional, lend even more strength to her negative connotation of rusting treasure.

Her streamline vision, technical skills and imagery strongly suggest an educated foundation. Even if one hadn’t known about her intentions, one would still find these works strongly intriguing and resonant. The evolution of her career in fine art, already on the right path with limitless boundaries and choices, make this artist one to watch out for.

Art shouldn’t be viewed alone and admired in isolation, cordoned off from the circumstances which surrounded the creation as the post-Freudian epoch. The conceptual vision of an artist can be an extension of his or her creation. Great artists combine all facets of their own beliefs about spirituality, personal emotions and life experiences into their works.

The technically strong and dramatic works by sculptor Jeff Kuratnick are another example of theories and ideas that permeate into the artwork and run consistently throughout. Although this young and exuberant artist is known as a teacher; clearly he can hold his own in a show, as he does in “Fire and Rust.”

A graduate of Shippensburg University and Keystone College with a bachelors degree in education, Kuratnick’s artistry is also apparent in his teaching style, with concentration given to ceramics and sculpture. His kind and friendly persona make him the perfect choice as Artworks’ special needs teacher.

Easily approached, the artist passionately explained his journey from the heart. Coming from a family of stonemasons, Kuratnick continues the genetic legacy.

Evident in his style, he combines natural, fluid forms with sturdy structures to create beautiful vessels, bowls and tea sets. Kuratnick’s fashioned vessels are similar to brick or stone walls built by the masons he so fondly emulates. His heritage is that underlying factor which runs consistently throughout his vision.

Youthful exuberance was no key to his technical mastery; he displays crisp and clear nuances between the use of tone, color and texture. Also understanding the abundance of glazes and choices to be made, the color was executed masterfully, with cool blues and deep earth tones that further encompass the connection to earth. My only point of contention was that more skill solving should have been exercised on the tray of the tea set.

Both artists will be on exhibit through June 24 at Artworks
(503 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton, 570.207.1815 570.207.1815).

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

M. John Scanlan Funeral Home: Obituaries

M. John Scanlan Funeral Home: Obituaries

This information is available for all my friends and family.
Thank you for all your prayers and kind words.
All our love; Caroline & John Denaro

Monday, June 7, 2010

ARTISTIC LICENSE: Abstract photos and ‘Exteriors’ Carl Backlund & Annmarie Ciccarelli




On a personal note: Thank you for your warm thoughts and prayers!
I will be busy this week with family,
I have posted my last review and hope you enjoy it.
Please share your thoughts!
Sincerely; Caroline

ARTISTIC LICENSE: Abstract photos and ‘Exteriors’
by Caroline Denaro
Weekender Correspondent

Carl Backlund’s photography exhibit “Perceptions in Manhattan” is a cohesive body of abstract, architectural photography. Complex compositions, bold color design and disorienting geometry create a picture of space wherein solid forms become pure abstraction at its finest.

The body of work consisting of 19 color photographs is a visual treasure of abstract art. Large steel shapes, bright colors, billboards and angles compile this exhibit’s subject matter. However unappealing it may sound, the impact is stunning and quite delightful.

Backlund tends to omit any human form; he concentrates solely on the structures, balancing texture, pattern and form with complicated compositions. Transforming the familiar skyscraper’s busy, intricate form into something minimalist and profoundly simple, the city’s essence is truly captured.

Backlund gently plays an ingenious balance of masculine and feminine by using organic shapes and forms either sublimely, through billboard signs, or visually, through form and color. Isolating the subjects’ form and shape with color blocking used by abstract painters is an underlying theme displayed in the photos.

The primary influence of Backlund’s style is abstract art. Abstract photography is not necessarily going to mean the same thing to everyone. Abstract denotes what can be interpreted but not seen. Underlying threads within abstract art are imagination, the subconscious and thinking theoretically. Abstract photography is unique to most types of photography, where the basic rules of accurate focusing and composition hold no value.

The abstract photographer is more like a painter using his creative imagination to create stunning works of art. The artist simplifies the composition down to the essence of strong graphic shapes, color and line to create a work of art which is unique from the original. Leaving more to the imagination, helping us concentrate on texture and color rather than the whole subject. Backlund’s use of fresh color combinations of plum, blue and warm gold tones are more reminiscent of a fine art painting than an architectural photograph.

He frames the prints of pristine quality without glass, allowing the viewer to actualize the vision in its entirety, without the glare and reflection of lights. The only harsh criticism of Backlund’s photographs I have is that they are small. I believe they should be enlarged for even greater impact.

Creating abstract art may appear easy. Patterns appear everywhere in nature and especially with manmade construction, especially architecture. However, creating a great abstract photograph that is original is extremely difficult. Combining conventionally photographic principles, scientific intellect and grounded in visual art theories and principles, Backlund is a true artist.

Backlund’s work will be on exhibit at The Camerawork Gallery through June 28. Located below the Marquis Gallery (515 Center St., Scranton), it’s the vision of three local photographers — Ivana Pavelka, Rolfe Ross and Michael Poster — and is dedicated to hosting exhibitions of fine photography made by local photographers.

Although the talent is top-notch, I would prefer to see these works of art out of the basement hallway and into a larger space, one more fitting for the talent that lies within. However small, the Camerawork Gallery has a part of the Laundry Building, a unique experience in shopping. The vibe is more than a bookstore; it’s a community meeting place which hosts author signings, book discussions, poetry readings, writing groups and gallery exhibitions, including the current artist, Annmarie Ciccarelli.

Worth the climb up to the third floor, Ciccarelli’s “Exteriors” is located at the Anthology Bookstore in the back corner. Ciccarelli’s work is abstract and impressionistic, a blending of artistic styles. If you were to mix the painting styles of Andre Derain and Robert Delaunay, you would have the painting style of Ciccarelli.

Abundant, bright colors dance along the canvases, transforming an exterior vision. The abstract composition includes straight edges and organic shapes. Although there is nothing tangible, the painting hints of a building with life. The paintings are done in acrylic medium.

Ciccarelli is exhibiting more than 12 works all similar in vein, now through June 3.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Prayers for Stephanie


Just the words…
Life support
Can bring you to your knees
Your deepest fears, a nightmare
No you aren’t dreaming.
All you have known will be changed.
And then in a moment
It gets worse.
Disconnecting Life Support
pulling the plug…
As most of you know, my dear sister in law Stephanie Kimble is suffering.
I love her.
I love her smile,
I love her exuberant personality,
I love her joyful soul,
I love her simple ways of looking at life,
I love her strength,
I admire her.
I can go on and on…
for pages about this wonderful sister.
I am scared, I will miss her,
I write this and ask for prayers all evening long.
In the morning we need a miracle.
Could asking God for a full healing be too much?
She is in terrible pain.
Is that selfish?
No I don't believe it is; there are two beautiful children whom have already lost their father. It is so unfair.
Please Lord send a miracle.
Caroline
The picture is of my niece, Stephanie, and her son.