The Work of Artist Carlos A. Rosell

Artist: Carlos A. Rosell
Age:  50
DOB: 11/07/1968
Born: Havana, Cuba
Resides: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
Area of Specialization: Sculpture, Painting, Photography and Music

In his work Rosell reflects his self-taught search for constructive messages for the actual problems of today. He mixes different techniques and with  vast evident coloring in the paint, as well as, the sculpture has enriched the sensibility of mankind. Thus, permitting his reality of a mixture of innocence and exaggerated surprise , this is an extra ordinary condition for attentive artist. You may find greater expectations because they belong  to a social and existent condition for those who were least favorable because of the change of the signs of times,  maybe because they have signed for the dramatic realization of their historical ability

As an Artist Do I Have the Right to Refuse my Work to Someone I Disagree With?

I cannot tell you how much this question has haunted me over the past few years. 

Those who know me know that I am a man of many strong opinions, especially regarding extremists of any kind. My work often attacks head on the issue of extremism both here in the United States and abroad. I hold nothing against anyone who carries a different belief than I do. But I hold everything against those who would shove those beliefs down the throats of others. 

Labyrinth Journal - Marko Alabaster

Artist Marko Alabaster 
Nantwich, Cheshire, United Kingdom
Visual Artist


Journal Entry: 03-16-19

There were many reasons I wanted to create this blog, beginning with the stigma attached to mental illness. Stigma is such a dreadful and damning word, because people are mentally ill, they are denied basic humanitarian rights and often shunned or derided in the public eye. This should not be the case, and I hope to change this perception in some way. This blog outlines my struggles and how coming to terms with not only my illness but myself, opened up a whole new world. Art. 

The sign of a successful art event that you participate in, is not always calculated in pieces sold. Equally important is how successful your networking was, how many contacts with other artists, potential buyers and how much you learned about the art market in your area. The more benefits you get for a longer period of time, the more successful the event was. Don't always look at money being the only factor. Its a circus sometimes. Be the ringleader not the elephant.

Art Hiding in Plain Sight (UPDATED)

"Nightmares" is a prototype for a new series called "Words". Each piece will explore themes of our world using single words to project the main message of the piece. "Nightmares" uses articles taken from the New Orleans local newspaper regarding a murder/suicide had taken place about ten years ago. The boyfriend had murdered his girlfriend and dismembered her body, placing different body parts through the kitchen of the home. While cannibalism was never proven, some speculate that it may have occurred before the boyfriend killed himself. 

If your using social media to promote your art and create a following for your work, DON'T be ambiguous. Clearly define that you are an artist in all your profiles. Don't try to be witty, coy or sarcastic. Don't use ridiculous screen names. If they don't know your an artist and what kind of art you produce, then why the hell should they bother to follow you? 

The Ghost in the Soda Shop Mirror - An Artist to Authors Short Story by Ryan Rosenberry

Artists to Authors is an exploration of the how art influences authors. Artist Grey Cross has opened his entire portfolio to any author who would like to choose a piece of art and create a short story around it. You can find more information on the project at: 

The Artist to Author Project

     

Most people looked to religion when they found out they were dying, Cassie looked to herself. This was a one of the thoughts that ran through Vincent’s head as he shuffled down the street.

     He stopped in front of a 30’s styled soda shop. The store front had shown signs of wear and tear over the last few months. Appearances and repairs had not been kept up with. losing the one you loved had a way of killing his motivation.

     Above the door hung a simple yet retro looking sign. It was also was in need of repair, still it displayed the name Cassie had chosen years earlier. The Cat and Canary Soda Shop. He let out a long heavy “sigh” before unlocking the door and stepping inside.

     He stood in the entryway letting his eyes adjust to the dim light inside. He decided to keep the place closed today. He told his employees it was for “repairs.” He would lie if they asked what he repaired. He placed a closed for repairs note on the door and walked in.

     Like most days, the large bar back mirror behind the counter was the first thing to caught his eye. And like most days it brought with it memories of Cassie.

~~~~~~~~

     

The Work of Artist Marko Alabaster (New Work Added)

Marko has an incredible grasp of color. Even though its still a work in progress, there is something compelling about the scene and the color scheme used. There are some artists that just come by their talents naturally, while others take years of schooling to achieve the same. Marko is definitely one of those that comes by it naturally. 

The Feral Forest - An Artist to Authors Short Story by Ryan Rosenberry

Artists to Authors is an exploration of the how art influences authors. Artist Grey Cross has opened his entire portfolio to any author who would like to choose a piece of art and create a short story around it. You can find more information on the project at: 

The Artist to Author Project

     

"Why does he smile so?" Hazel glared down at the man below her. "He's on his death bed in this vile rodent infested hut, still he smiles." 

"He smiles because he thinks he is safe." said the caretaker who watched over him.

"Safe from what?" Hazel swatted away the flies that buzzed around her. "Most of the villagers want to see him punished, by any means necessary."

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore

This sculpture uses real dried giant mushrooms illuminated using a stylus with metallic paint. Using natural items like mushrooms is one of my favorite sculpture mediums. This piece surpassed my expectations. 

It will be on display and for sale during the Mardi Gras season in New Orleans. For information on where to see it or for purchase, contact the studio at greyacross@aol.com

The Artist's Question of the Day

How many hours a week do you devote to your art? How many hours would you prefer to devote to your art each week? (answer below)

The 40/60 Rule

The 40/60 rule is a simple guideline I use when creating art. It means that I use 40% of my time to plan out the piece of art. The remaining 60% is pure inspiration. We can get bogged down in the planning of our art, or exactly the opposite, we do not devote enough time to the planning.

By using the 40/60 rule it allows me to consider the planning of a piece of art without losing that crucial spontaneous inspiration necessary for the creation of great art.

New artists can get bogged down in the process of art. So much so that they lose their inspiration. By applying the 40/60 rule they can eliminate many of the small problems that creep into the art process while at the same time maintaining the all important inspiration that drives us all.

DON'T LOSE YOUR INSPIRATION! 

The Mardi Gras 12 Days of Pop Up Art

To all our New Orleans artists friends

Starting on February 22nd, Uptown New Orleans goes through Mardi Gras heaven/hell for 12 days as the 2019 Mardi Gras parades begin rolling down St Charles Avenue.

Grey Cross Studios new outdoor alley studio is located only a few blocks from the parade route and for that time period there will be like a zillion people moving through our neighborhood. We are in the final stages of building an outdoor lit alleyway studio where art can be displayed. We will be opening up the alleyway to passersby who would like to stop and ogle the art (and hopefully buy) while going to and from the parade route.

We are inviting any artists who would like to participate in a Pop Up art show that will last through the 12 days leading up to Fat Tuesday on March 5th. We will be opening the alleyway any time there is a parade happening which pretty much means every night and many days till Fat Tuesday.

We will take art from artists, sculptors, photographers, etc. There is limited space so we are asking that you limit it to three pieces in total. The art will remain at the studio until the holiday is over. If there is inclement weather the art will be moved to the inside studio until the weather passes.

We are asking a small $10 fee to artists interested. This is to offset costs for any hanging or special supplies we may need during the show. This is NOT $10 per piece. Just a flat $10 and we will not be taking any percentage of anything that sells.

If you would like to reserve a spot for your art or have questions, contact me through email at greyacross@aol.com and I will be happy to let you know specifics and drop off dates.

We also invite artists and friends to feel free to come see the parades and hang out with us anytime during the Mardi Gras season.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!!

~Grey~

PS Please pass this on to any New Orleans artists who may be interested! But don't wait too long, spaces will go fast and the parades start soon!

Art Experiments - Styrofoam & Mortar

Experimental Artists live to explore new techniques. Sometimes its important that we approach and art experiment without any preconceptions of what we want to create. 

The experiment above began with only one goal, to see how mortar reacts to styrofoam. I'm coming at it from the idea of creating a surface that has multiple dimensions. 

Creating an Art Team (Show Prep 101)

Are you ready to put on your first art show independently of a gallery? 

I think a key to a successful show that you put on yourself is the strength of the team you get to help you put it together. I think as artists we tend to want to do it all ourselves and that is where we can often fail.

Having a team of volunteers to help you with the basic details takes (some) of the weight off your shoulders and lets you concentrate on being the artist.