Artist Collaboration at The Blackstone

Installation view of "Study 12" and "Study 10"

My paintings along with the works of Chicago artist CJ Hungerman are on exhibition at The Blackstone Hotel through September 23rd, 2013.

The Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel
636 South Michigan Avenue
Exhibition is in the Art Hall on the 5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60605

This exhibition was curated by Indiewalls out of New York and I have to say that they have been totally wonderful to work with.

 

Collaborative Artworks

For the opening, CJ and I created 2 collaborative paintings that were auctioned off with the proceeds going to benefit art in education at the McClellan Elementary School in Bridgeport.

We both started a 30 x 30" artwork and then half way through switched and finished each other's painting. This turned out to be a pretty fascinating exercise. I was surprised by how self-conscious I felt working on another artist's piece. Painters don't tend to naturally  collaborate so this took me out of my comfort zone in a really good way.

I finished the top artwork on the left. It's a kind of Danish Modern meets Comic Book Crazy titled "Alien Invasion of Geometric Landscape".  CJ gave me such a tight and fully developed artwork that I decided to just enhance and support what he had already done through color and geometry. I thought the final piece was really dynamic and am happy to report that there was a bit of a bidding war for it. (both artworks sold that night - yes!)

As I look at these 2 pieces now, I can see how both of us responded pretty strongly to the start we were given, which ended up in 2 strangely cohesive artworks. We plan to do more collaborative work in the future - next up a large scale painting. Stay tuned... 

Argo Tea tasting at the  opening reception with my painting "Flower Green" in the background (the matching bandanas were purely coincidental!)

Installation view of "Spring Dream". This piece is hanging outside of one of their haunted conference rooms - seriously.

Installation view of "Scarf no.2"

Thank you so much to everyone who came out and supported me during the opening - especially my collectors - you know who you are :-).

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The Golden Triangle - "Made in Chicago"

 Installation view of "Abstract Study (red)"

Fourteen of my works were recently on display at The Golden Triangle in Chicago. The Golden Triangle has a richly eclectic collection of European and Asian antiques and artifacts as well as their own modern works hand-crafted from salvaged hardwoods. It is a compelling blend of ancient and modern that transcends chronological and national boundaries. Every piece they have is gorgeous and stands the test of time.

I believe in the power of my artwork to maintain its relevancy and function well in a variety of interiors from traditional to transitional to modern. I was excited, but have to admit, a bit nervous as to how well my paintings and works on paper would perform visually at The Golden Triangle. Thankfully, co-owner Doug Van Tress had the experience and vision to curate just the right mix.

Viewing my work in this context has been a real eduction. I now see possibilities that did not previously exist for me. This is a great exercise for collectors as well - taking contemporary work out of the "white box" gallery and showing how it can function in a furnished space. Thank you to the team at The Golden Triangle for giving me this opportunity.

Also showing are 3 very talented artists - Margaret Harris, Laurel Feldman and Jacob Wener of Modern Industry. The show runs through May 31st, 2013:




"Made in Chicago"
May 16-31, 2013
The Golden Triangle
330 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312-755-1266

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Painting Progression: Houndstooth Series (scarf)

I take for granted the painting process - how these things evolve in my studio. On a whim I documented the progression of this painting. I have been experimenting with pattern and the source for this particular image came from a news photo of a Syrian rebel. I removed everything from the photo but the scarf wrapped around his head to reproduce in this painting. The collision of my formal studies in color and pattern with a disembodied war image unsettles me in a way that I have not yet been able to fully articulate, but am compelled to investigate further.

"Houndstooth Series (scarf)" 2013

Oil on canvas

64 x 68"

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My Work/Live Studio Space in Pilsen

Installation view of "Houndstooth Series (orange loops, red squares and landscape)" with "Abstract Studies (purple) and (yellow)" in back corridor. "Untitled" painting and "figure study" on left by lamp.

"Houndstooth Series (blue bird)" and "Repurposed Failure Series"

I recently opened my studio as a planned 3 day event during a weekend in November. By the way, I am ALWAYS open by appointment. Just contact me by email at pamela@pamelastaker.com to set one up. Having this scheduled event gave me a chance to finish several projects and to do some much needed cleaning and organizing – oh joy!

I'm on an angle street somewhat off the beaten path, even though I am conveniently located very close to Chinatown and the South Loop. Angle streets are funny that way. There are no numbers on my building so I hung a battery operated wreath with multicolored lights on my front door.  Location marker and holiday decorating done in one fell swoop. I have much hope that the wreath will remain on my door throughout the holidays and not get swiped. This may be misplaced hope - but so far so good. It's such a friendly little guiding light. Who would ever steal something like that? Nobody I hope, but this is the city after all.

Smiley and Chukwu

The dogs got an invigorating and exhausting 3 day stint of "play and stay" at the kennel. They get boarded together in the same room and are crazy about going - every single time. Best Friends Pet Care sends me emails with pictures of them at playtime and a note about what a great time they are having. Their report cards this time indicated that Chukwu was hilarious and a social butterfly - that Smiley is an old soul - and that they are both champion eaters. Yep, that sounds about right.

"Sitting Cat 1 & 2" variable edition series

I had a really beautiful turnout for my open studio weekend and am so grateful for the generosity of support that I received through words and actions. Thank you to all who took time out of your very busy schedules to come and see me and in some cases purchase my work!

"Camp" on left, "Houndstooth Series (red purse)" in center and "Spring Dream" on right.

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Acquisition News - Vanderbilt University

Installation View of "Abstract Study (lamp)", "Abstract Study (smoke and arrows)" and "Abstract Study (tree)"

I am happy to announce that Vanderbilt University's Finance Department just acquired several of my paintings and  mixed media collages. I'm really excited to be able to share these installation photos with you. So often I send my artwork out into the world and I never get to see it again in its new home. Receiving these images was a real treat and I feel proud of my babies! This is why I do what I do. It is my hope that these works will be edifying to their new family – enhancing the environment and fostering creativity. That's what artwork does for me and I hope that is what my art does for others. So many thanks to my Nashville art advisor for making this project possible.

Installation View of "Study 2", "Study 8" and "Study 13"

Installation View of "Tropical Landscape", "Twist", "Landscape", "Dark Landscape" and "Splash"

Installation View of "Nature Abstraction 1" and "Nature Abstraction 2"

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The Chihuahua Makes it in the Picture

"Figure in Landscape with Dog" 2012, Oil on canvas, 26 1/2 x 64 1/2 framed size (framed in wood floater with silver leaf finish)

ANATOMY OF A FIGURE PAINTING COMMISSION

Cuteness Overload

Exhibit A: The Site Visit

In early June of this year I met with my dog loving client and her hugely talented designer/architect to take a spin through my portfolio, view the location and discuss the ins and outs of this commission. I took measurements and photos. I took notes. I answered questions and gave assurances. While organizing my thoughts, notes and photographs I realized that I had captured a curled up bundle of furry cuteness sleeping on a bright orange blanket on the sofa back. This was a stroke of good fortune -- the Chihuahua was definitely going to make it into the painting. I did feel a little guilty however, as the Pug and Jack Russell Terrier just weren't in the right place at the right time.... such is life.

Sketch Studies

Exhibit B: The Sketch Studies

I created 3 digital sketches to start the ball rolling. I wanted my client to have several diverse and solid options for selection making. Options are good. Even better - I can and did at this point make several changes - mixing and matching elements and tweaking color. I think I went through 2 revisions in all before getting final approval on the 3rd image to the right. This took around 2 weeks - no big thing. 

Exhibit C: The Painting Process 

I wanted to keep my client updated as I made progress on the commission. I sent JPEGs and encouraged studio visits. This is what I calmly and affectionately refer to as the "DON'T FREAK OUT THIS IS JUST THE UNDER PAINTING" stage of development. I mean it - no freaking.

The Under Painting

Exhibit D: She is Finished Framed and Installed (anthropomorphizing of the painting object is optimal and in fact encouraged - enjoy!)

Installation View of "Figure in Landscape with Dog"

Installation View of "Figure in Landscape with Dog"

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Collage + Screen Print = Awesome

Untitled mock-up for mixed media screen print

I've been experimenting with different print processes to add another element to my mixed media work. I took a screen printing class this summer at the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, which was kind of awesome. I am totally intrigued with the possibilities of this medium. On the left is a mock-up of my first project. I am collaging vinyl & patent wall covering material and screen printing over the top of it. This is going to be an edition piece. The green and pearl white areas are the patent material so they have a shine to them and the ink over the top is matte so there will be a nice push and pull between the different surfaces. I will be offering this piece as well as a few others from this series in my upcoming newsletter so please sign up for my list at the link below!

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