We had the best Equinox party. A fun group of old and new FOG friends, song and talk, art and snacks. A few bottles of wine, too, to welcome in the new season.
Celebrate the Equinox With Us!
There are a couple of alluring events coming to FOG this weekend and the next. We’ll again be celebrating the change in seasons at FOG on Saturday, September 22, from 4-6 pm. The Autumnal Equinox actually arrives at 6:54 pm for the punctilious amongst us - and you know who you are.
Jeanie and I will serve up our seasonally appropriate ditties, and there will be libations and treats. So let’s gather as a community in welcoming our new season.
On Thursday, September 27 from 5:30-7:30 pm, we will be hosting a meet-and-greet for Gordon Mar, our local candidate for supervisor. He’ll introduce his ideas and thoughts for our district - and I think you will be impressed. Come a little early and you can hear Jeanie and me at our regular 5 o’clock sing-a long slot.
Both events will be taking place under the magic spell of Darryl Sapien’s spectacular show.
Darryl Sapien's Opening
The artist beside MELENCOLIA.
Is it time for the talk?
YES! Sound the foghorn!
Darryl gave a fascinating talk, explaining how he finds objects, brings them to his studio, and holds them hostage – sometimes for years – until they tell him what they want to be. The piece of art below was inspired by a discarded WELCOME mat, and is called WORN OUT WELCOME V.
from Darryl's website: "My studio work concentrates on transforming found and appropriated objects into three dimensional paintings or assemblage. Every object I incorporate into an artwork has a story to tell, and every story dictates the work’s final form. Each object suggests a unique metaphor and initiates a chain reaction of thought, image, language, and material. In painting an image on a three-dimensional found object I seek to create a dynamic synergy between the image and the object’s former function. I like to think of the process as a dialog between myself and the object I’ve chosen to work with. The finished work should awaken a dormant potential, with image and object converging into a unified statement amounting to more than the sum of its parts."
Go Outside and Play!
FOG will be closed Labor Day weekend and will reopen thursday, September 6.
Let's Send Anne to Miami
Anne Herbst's painting, 21st Century Horse, has been selected as a regional semi-finalist in the Bombay Sapphire Artisan 2018 Competition.
We have the power to send Anne and her painting to the next level – Miami Art Week – by voting for her!
If we can get together enough votes, Anne's work will be exhibited at SCOPE in Miami Beach, and at the Artisan Series Finale Celebration in December. (This is where the National Grand Prize Winner will be chosen.)
VOTE HERE!
We're allowed to vote once a day, from Aug. 22-Oct. 26. Let's do this!
21st Century Horse oil on canvas 32" x 42" 2017
21st Century Horse was inspired by the drawing above, 20th Century Horse, that Anne did 50 years earlier when she was six years old.
Dazzle Painting
“A Hundred years ago, high tech was a paint job,” the New York Times wrote about how artist Tauba Auerbach used a British artist's technique-“dazzle painting" to paint this 87-year-old New York fireboat. Can you imagine that the best technology in WWI to avoid German U-boats was a dazzling paint job? Norman Wilkinson was the British artist who devised this clever strategy. Kudos for such a wonderful article combining art, history, and the fantastic ability of artists to make a difference.
Come on over to FOG and check out Carol Blakley's paint jobs–she dazzles too. You want even more dazzle? Check out Anne’s work, another artist painting way out of the box... -Peter
Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times
Time for Carol Blakley's Opening
photo: Peter Munks
From 1 to 5, we had the most wonderful time.
There was a wonderful talk by our wonderful artist,
...and some wonderful tunes by the Fog Family Players
Drop-Ins
This incredible group of high school students dropped in as we were hanging Carol Blakley's show.
the students, who are in a summer program at Lehigh University, and our Anne
What Went Down at Carmen's 12th Birthday Party
This is fun, but will we ever get to open presents?
OK. Which one should I open first? This one ...
...or this one?
We played with my new toys.
The party snacks were great!
Can we play a game now? Please?
How about Pin the Tail on Anne?
I will never forget my party.
When Does the Party Start?
Saturday, July 28, at 4:00
Carmen's Birthday Party
12 years and going strong! We are so happy to host this celebration of Carmen’s 12 years around the sun. Anne and I rescued Carmen from extremely dire circumstances when she was 1 1/2 years old. After a difficult period of learning to trust humans, she has settled into a remarkably happy and beautiful life. We all go to the beach every day, and Carmen loves her daily adventure. Since she was diagnosed with congestive heart disease, we have cut back from 6 to 2 miles a day, but that is plenty of time for her to frolic, swim, run, and shine. One of her favorite beach activities is to run with long strands of kelp in her mouth - which puts a smile on many a surprised face. She surely has put many a smile on our faces, and continues to do so. So come on by, have some cake, and give her a special hello on her special day. -Peter
Where are our goody bags?
Stop On By
Stop on by to see Paige Laverty's All things Ocean.
Jolly Rancher by Paige Laverty
Also, next Saturday the 28th we're going to be celebrating Carmen’s 12th birthday - she’ll be here to greet you from 4 o’clock til closing. -Peter
Come to my party!
Dancing With FOG
It was timely reading today’s Chronicle article by Tom Stienstra: 'Tis the season for "Dancing with Fog." Indeed our namesake fog has once again enveloped us in its deep fold. Gone the crisp clarity of last week and in its place our summer layering of soothing gray. Our nightly walks with Carmen are once again enshrouded in the moist haze of our marine curtain. Enjoy our misty Ocean Beach, or come to FOG and catch Paige Laverty’s stunning take on all things ocean. -Peter
Paige Laverty's Opening
Paige Laverty, better known as @thesaltylenz, in front of Summer Days.
Lots of surfer girls in attendance ...
Does this person look excited about her work? We are too!
Paige gives a WILD talk about how she shoots her images way out in the ocean without a surfboard.
Surf's up! Hanging Paige Laverty's Show
We were so excited to see Paige today, along with a truckload of her Everything Ocean photos!
Please join us this Saturday from 1-5 pm for her opening. She'll give an artist's talk at 2 pm.
FOG’s 3rd Annual Summer Solstice Celebration
Anne Marguerite Herbst Remembering Saint Remy oil on canvas 9" x 12"
Come join the FOG family as we welcome in the longest day of the year with anthemic airs, salutations, libations, and tasty snacks. Anna Galactica (our artful and fearless leader) might even join the festivities with her interpretive dance. But even if she can’t make it, we can all gaze at her atavistic, shamanistic and primordial paintings to enhance our solstice vibes. Druids and pagans are especially welcome. See you from 4:30 to 6 on Thursday. -Peter
A Delicious Book-Signing
Shanta Nimbark Sacharoff has a new book out called Cooking Together: A Vegetarian Co-op Cookbook. This afternoon she read to us, and then gave a demonstration using herbs and spices, and explained their role in various cuisines. She taught us how to make chutney, and served Chai and crackers! We ate it up.
A Visit From Joe
Two more weeks left to come in and see Joe’s exquisite show.
Joseph Zirker came in today with his daughter Lisa and her companion Danny from Thailand. Anne joined us and showed off a new painting. Joe will be back in the gallery this Saturday after Shanta’s book reading and cooking demonstration at 2. Joe is working on a new abstract acrylic project and asked Anne if he could have a show in two years (he’ll be 95). –Peter
Just a reminder: Stop in to meet Shanta Nimbark Sacharoff this Saturday from 2-3 pm! She'll be giving a book reading and cooking demonstration followed by a book signing.
Joseph Zirker's Opening
Walk into the gallery, and the walls practically vibrate with joy. A poem that Zirker wrote a few weeks ago explains why:
THIS SKIN I'M IN THAT HOLDS AN
ANCIENT ARTIST'S HEART AND SOUL
THINS AND STRETCHES COLD WITH
EACH SUNSET'S DARK. YET, ONCE
AWAKE, A HORIZONTAL DREAMER
DREAMS UPRIGHT, BRIGHT LIGHT
SHINING COLOR, LINE AND FORM,
WIELDING BRUSH WITH CANVAS
TIGHT, SLOWLY MOVING, SHAPES
RELEASING FROM MY HAND AN
INNER JOY.
–Joseph Zirker May 12, 2018
Countdown
Getting really excited about Joseph Zirker's opening tomorrow!
In Memory of Mamade Kadreebux
Last Saturday Anne and I went to Berkeley to attend Mamade Kadreebux’s memorial. Mamade had a joint show at FOG with Anne in November of 2016, and during that month he introduced us to his world.
Mamade Kadreebux
Born in Mauritius in 1946, Mamade spent a nomadic, spiritual life exploring and illuminating the globe. A philosopher, holy man, photographer, painter, and poet – he led an enchanted life, in turn enchanting all he met on his journeys. A truly mystical and magical presence, his was a true spirit of healing, love, and peacefulness. Mamade spread his love of life and art to all, and everyone at the gathering expressed their deepfelt admiration and thanks. He made life better for all he touched, and we at FOG were fortunate to be in his thrall. -Peter
