Signs

My first time in Highland Park today and to say the town has this erie perfect feel about it is an understatement. Click on the photo to discover what I'm talking about...

The Endless Suspended

Three up and coming fashion designers collective known as Endless Suspended showcased their latest collections at Prairie Productions last night. This is Chicago photographer Michael Roberts all natural light studio, where everything from table top product to full set shoots to the most lavish of weddings take place. I was there for Moire Conroy's designs, my favorite shown center below a two layered off white coat with two hoods and five lapels. She has an eye for modern clean lines in the direction of utilitarian but a feminine twill that exude confidence and doesn't intimidate or scare off the opposite sex or anyone else for that matter. The night was a big success and lots of fun. Check out local designer boutiques for these presently one off creations.

A More Than Pleasant Surprise...

When you find yourself supporting one friend or another by attending some show or event on a weekly basis, it is more than invigorating the energy and inspiration you can receive in return. That aside, today I went to the cultural center (who really needs to have their own website seperate from that disaster of design and king of confusion they presently share with the city) to see my friend Ausberto perform in a chamber music recital. Now this isn't his usual thing and as I was soon to find out, was not his thing today. He was taken sick the night before and could not perform. Regardless, I took the hike downtown on this most beautiful of Sundays and found a seat in the center of the room towards the back. The room itself is amazing and my photo below does not come close to doing it justice. I sat almost transfixed for 2 hours. The flute and the clarinet were sheer delight, where as the piano and oboe left something to be desired...execution and (for want of a better word) performance style! Lastly, the singer had a beautiful voice, however I wish she had been singing in French as the lyrics themselves were less than inspiring. These recitals are going on throughout the summer and are free, so you should give one a try. Third floor 3pm start.

Something To Say

I came across this Polish artist's website, whilst checking out someone else's, which I had also clicked through several other images and url's before my attention was sufficiently grabbed. Anyone who knows my work will understand the gravitational pull behind choosing the first image below. Rubbish! But what I really appreciate about this work, is the use of public space as the gallery. I have more than sincere gratitude for artists who put their work out on the streets. It completely changes the notion of art being only available to a defined group of people. Something that must be seeked out and scheduled by those wishing to experience it. Or those who can afford it. Whether public art makes more people attend more shows and exhibits, I would like to think so. But the least I can hope for, is to sneak into the subconscious and reappear in a daydream or the setting of a dinner table. The work itself is more often than not, accessible to anyone who takes the time to break out of their stride and refocus glazed over eyes. Nemrod's work speaks volumes by asking us to fill in the blanks. Empty equations and expletives are adhered to crumbling walls in forgotten fields and underpasses that lead far away. Is he looking to the masses to complete the questions, so we might find answers that can lead to something better? I would like to things so. In the mean time, I'm happy to have found this Polish artist, whilst in my Chicago living room.

Local Flare

last night I went to Kyle Obrito's fundraiser for a new film he's making. Not only did I get to support Kyle and see mutual friend, Justin Schmitz perform in a short film, but I also got to meet and chat with an artist who's work I had only been introduced to and become an immediate fan of one week prior. With his vast collection of National Geographic magazines, Stephen Ecihhorn painstakingly cuts out pre-existing landscapes, seperately them down to their very individual being and then recreates new landscapes. Upon first approach his work appears to be the most detailed of paintings, but get up close to discover the even more highly intricate layering of razor cut foliage. Catch his work locally at Lumpen and at Penelopes on Division...he'll be in New York before you know it!