Loaded Questions: Meet Our Emerging Artists!

Loaded Questions: Meet Our Emerging Artists

With 12 brand new artists entering the gallery at once, we thought it might be fun to present our talent with quick fire questions. Below you will find questions and answers for the twitter generation. Get to know our bright new talent in 50 words or less!  We asked the artists the following questions:

1. In three words, describe your work
2. What helps you stay creative and inspired? What influences you?
3. What would you like people to know or think about when they are looking at your work?

Jeana Marino

1. Sensual, Strength, Radiance

2. I envision music and how the brush dances on a canvas. I am inspired by love , light and movement...particularly dance.. The female form inspires.

3. I have never taken an art class. One day picked up a paintbrush.  Four months later was showing my work. I paint for a purpose.  I would like you to know my pieces are all about the human experience. Additionally, my hope is you will find yourself in them.

Mark Westphal

1. It Be Fierce

2. My grandmother would take me on early morning walks when I was young, and she would sing songs and tell stories and all the while picking up things off the street and pin them to her sweater. By the end of the walk, bits of foil, fallen leaves, wild flowers, and bright twine have been combined into a lovely corsage like nothing seen anywhere, and she would wear it all day. She had true style, and gave me permission to be myself from her love and creativity.

3. I would so love to have THAT power…alas. 

John Weber

1. Junk to wow!

2. Other artists are really important to me in keeping me creative and also serve as influences

3. How much? 

Rene Norman

1. Color, composition, texture.

2. Yoga & hiking in nature. I am also constantly immersed in interior design magazines.

3. My work is always evolving. I work in an intuitive and childlike manner. I want to feel free to get lost and discover. 

Amy Long

1. Tacky, soulful, witty

2. Ice-cream! And my personal experience of what goes on around me and moves my soul

3. How awesome I am…Just kidding! I just want viewers to think about the piece and enjoy that experience. 

Jenny Meyer

1. Modern, abstract, whimsical. 2. I'm really inspired by popular culture and different forms of entertainment, such as: games, toys, and cartoons. I rely on a lot of animation, illustration and picture books to gather imagery. Pop art has had a big influence on my work. 3. I hope my work inspires people to see the world in a different light and put them in a cheerful mood. 

Sean Kim

1. View, Emotion, Reminiscence' or 'Restoration of Human Emotions'

2. Taking a second look at daily life keeps me inspired

3. I want them to think about the idea of re-connection and what that means to them. 

Rebecca Bennett

1. Vibrant, Ethereal, Zen

2. The most productive days are the days of strict experimentation and play with no intended finished outcome. Being a part of a group of working artists in our community also keeps me moving forward.

3. My intention with the Sprout Series is to evoke an inner calm while at the same time bringing a sense of whimsy and levity. These pieces can be grouped or stand alone to make an otherwise unused space vibrant. 

Mandi Ballard

1. Tactile, Unexpected, Peaceful

2. I stay creative by being in touch with my passion for my process and am inspired by simple observance of the life surrounding me

3. Despite appearances, nothing is truly simple. 

K.C Collins

1. Imaginary friends, playscapes, and base camp 2. Solid work habits are the path to "inspiration" and "creativity." I draw influence from a lot of different people, places, and things.

3. Most people turn their cell phones off when they go to the movies. It would be nice if they did that when looking at a painting.

Art Buzz Austin Artist- MANDY BALLARD

I work with textiles. The ability of a piece of fabric to start as a plain sheet, blank and white like a canvas, and then become so much more, fascinated me as a young child and continues to inspire me. I cannot imagine working with any other medium.

My work is abstract, inspired by the simple life I am surrounded by. A glimpse of the frog or turtles who live in my pond, or of the flowers I plant each each spring, prompt a a trip to the dye vat to capture the feeling of each experience. From there I build layer upon layer of dye color, wax, silk screening and paint. I brush and dip and finally build in more depth with stitch.

I never start work with a particular goal in mind, but gradually develop a direction that I hope brings to the viewer a bit of the same enjoyment and pleasure I take in art made from humble silks, cottons and linens.-MANDY BALLARD

Art Buzz Austin Artist- MARK WESTPHAL

Being this planet's eldest certifiable bohemian living a lavish life of distressed gentility, i recently came out of the vapory clouds just long enough to realize that if i wanted original art on my empty walls that i would have to make the art myself. (I had a similar realization regarding "cooking" years earlier.) Knowing that i have a flair for the mindnumbingly tedious coupled with a mothlike penchant for absolutely anything shiny, sequins seemed the logical medium for my expression.
As for my artistic inspirations, i could literally go on and on about post-Justinian Byzantine mosaics, the deathless glories of Ravenna, and my admiration for the godlike, ever experimental Leonardo da Vinci, but, really, what artist in their right mind wants to invite such comparisons to their own humble exertions? the very idea...so let's just say MY inspiration comes from the costume jewelry of Elsa Schiaparelli. The dancing of Fred Astaire. And my monthly blood sacrifice to my beloved landlady who kindly forgives my blaring Beethoven, the only thing to listen to while fantasizing you are making "great art" out of a board, some glue, and a bunch of sequins.
Deep down inside, I know that my art is comparable to the colored rock or pinto bean matadors and ballerinas of the early sixties, crafted out of a box by loving hands at home, but then again, isn't marble sculpture just hitting some rock with a hammer? it isn't what it is that is important, it's what it IS that is important. Deep Meanings? Revealed Truths? Hell, I dunno...My art changes with Light, constantly moving while standing perfectly still: that is more than enough for me.- MARK WESTPHAL

Art Buzz Austin Artist- RENE NORMAN

" let go & jump in. this is my approach to making art. i have neither a pre-determined plan nor a particular message in mind. my interest lies in creating my own form of organized chaos that evokes a sense of calm. tension and restraint  are also at play.

color & composition are my two driving elements. i am just to name a few. nature, architecture and interior design also influence my work. inspired by a number of artists: rothko, diebenkorn and martin, this series of work implements a variety of media including

acrylic, colored pencil, tape, thread and paper. all of this is my attempt to conjure relationships within & around the boundaries created by these lines. i work intuitively in a reductive manner by adding and editing layers and gestures. "
-RENE NORMAN

     

Art Buzz Austin Artist- KELLY MARSHALL

I once heard, “Life has it’s up and it’s downs, it’s heartaches and it’s parties” – this is the flow of life and this is what I paint, My studio is full of people, acrylic people, some of them I know others I just know their stories.
My grandmother was what I call a great “Texas Artist”. She painted phenomenal landscapes, barns, bluebonnets and roses, all in oil. Growing up in a different era, I don’t have the time or the patience – so I use acrylic on canvas predominately for the quicker gratification, I can’t imagine waiting for the oil to dry!
In my work you may notice the eye is sometimes larger than it should be – you’re right I have never been formally trained but I do believe that the eyes are the windows to one’s soul. I want you to know what my person is feeling…are they heartbroken, the life of the party or living quietly in the shadows? Sit back and enjoy the people!
- KELLY MARSHALL

Art Buzz Austin Artist- JOHN WEBER

  "As an apprentice , I have found myself in the shadow of a great artist. My daily work is building stainless steel kinetic sculpture, through the influence of my mentor, I have been introduced into the life of art, and a world of possibilities. Ive been working with stainless steel for just over three years and have been building my own sculpture for a short time longer. Through my apprenticeship I have the resources and inspiration to bring my own ideas and visions to life. My pieces are all recycled stainless steel, and range from many different styles, from organic, to industrial. My art has introduced me to new artist, new ideas, friendships, organizations, collaborations , and partnerships. I am most motivated by working with, and sharing ideas with other artist, especially those who survive through their art. I feel these influences are the most important for an artist who survives by his or her craft. My pieces are a direct reflection of my imagination , and influenced by the growth and struggles of a young artist. My art offers a unique insight, in the way that all of the steel in my pieces was produced for a different intention, and I have made it into what you see."

-JOHN WEBER

Art Buzz Austin Artist- JEANA MARINO

"I paint Figurative Art (creating unique ways of seeing feminine energy ).
My approach to painting is placing emphasis on representing specific emotions and various abstractions using color and heavy brush strokes. Within each image an open invitation is presented. Individual influences come from movement and music; particularly the human silhouette. Medium of choice is acrylic and my technique is formed as I go. Repeatedly, my work is descriptive in spirit – natural shapes and form taken from the world at large. My paintings have been described as “capturing a ritual of vitality”. It is difficult to determine when a painting is finished, but usually I instinctively know when the moment has arrived. I can say more often than not, my paintings finish themselves. There was a time when I questioned a piece, made a change, and then tried again. Now-a-days, I allow it to just simply BE." -JEANA MARINO

Art Buzz Austin Artist- AMY LONG

"I paint to illustrate my experience of the world around me. The situations and depictions I choose to discuss are those that I feel need to be addressed. My art is a means to help resolve my feelings/thoughts towards various problems: stereotypes, gender roles, double standards, political motives, and the corruption of mass media. The scenes that I articulate in my work are strategized in a way to reveal multiple layers of meaning and interpretation that can be both celebratory and critical at the same time. Through this complexity, my goal is simply to inspire thought from viewers" - AMY LONG

Art Buzz Austin Artist- REBECCA BENNETT

“Using the sensual qualities of oil, I create layered abstractions which explore the dynamics of color, line, and texture. The viewer is encouraged by their abstraction to interpret their experience of the work rather than the work itself.

My work is born of a manipulation of oil paint while the canvas lies on a flat, horizontal surface. I use brushes, palette knife, and/or mineral spirits to move the color. The paint and oil create jewels of sensual, layered, vibrant, color which move on the canvas. Using viscous liquid mediums allows me to explore this movement and fluidity.Recently, I have enjoyed incorporating the horizon line. 
What emerges is a piece that is abstract but recalls the landscape. My process is one in which the artist and the paint are equal partners negotiating the surface of the canvas as if the paint had animate qualities”    
~Rebecca Bennett

Art Buzz Austin Artist- SEAN KIM

"Visual art has always been my passion since I was very young. I feel alive when I paint or draw. I feel chills running through my veins when I try out a new technique in oil painting or simply enjoy the thrills of topping off a new tube of oil paint.
My artwork mostly involves human figures or in abstract forms displaying human emotions. That is what connects me to the public. My artistic inspiration comes from my Korean heritage. I was born in South Korea and moved to the States at the age of 16. I love to bring out the beauty and tranquility of the Korean tradition and accentuate it with contemporary flair in bold, vibrant colors. That’s why my portfolio is comprised of multi-cultural, visual look with traditional Korean color schemes and vivid textured shades from oil painting.
Everyday common things, such as livelihood of life, simple daily routines, and dynamics of human nature are the main drivers of my artistic creativity. It could take weeks or even months to complete a painting. Last few days of the project are the most difficult times as I don’t stop until I am absolutely satisfied with the artwork. I am not perfect, but always strive to be.
Artists I got inspired are the artists from Baroque periods and Post-impressionism periods, such as Caravaggio, Vermeer and Van Gogh. Inspiration I get from these artists who had been revered for many centuries and artistic stimulation from my cultural background made me the artist I am now"
~Sean Kim

Art Buzz Austin Artist- K.C. COLLINS

"In the past several years my work has shifted from a strong narrative to a colorful, evocative, and melancholy picture that straddles the line between still life and landscape. Most recently the imagery has been referencing imaginary friends, tree forts, theatrical stages, congested tabletops, patterns, and playscapes with references of transition, construction, and rebuilding.

Sometimes the work is about trying to solve a visual “problem”. Sometimes it’s a reaction to the previous piece. Either way an individual painting doesn’t live in a vacuum. The work is an on going process looking at the past and ahead to future."

~K.C. Collins

Art Buzz Austin Artist- JENNY MEYER

"My work explores various forms of entertainment including: games, toys and cartoons. I enjoy taking imagery from pop culture and abstracting concepts by taking them apart and rearranging them. The foundation for my paintings originate from drawings and collages. They transcend into narratives filled with shape invention and color expression. My desire is to take the audience to a more optimistic place with my whimsical outlook. My work symbolizes playful objects with an eccentric point of view."
~Jenny Meyer

Art Buzz Austin Artist- DENA WENMOHS

"It never occurred to me to ask permission to do anything, whether it was riding my horse into a grocery store when I was 4, running a ranch alone after becoming widowed, or creating a painting using no grays.

Everyone is creative in some way. Some create order, while others create chaos. I like to think that I create a feeling of joy. I am passionate about art and I think it shows in the series of women that I paint. I grew up in a family of men, married, and raised two fine sons, and then not until becoming widowed, did I come to appreciate the value of women in everyone’s lives. And thus started the series………..

I own an art workshop and retreat facility that inspires me to create more, learn more, and paint more. I have nationally recognized teachers here at The Bunkhouse on a regular basis. They each influence my life and my art in some way. I surround myself with artists and we energize each other on a weekly basis.

I paint brightly colored acrylic paints on canvas and board.. Drops become blotches, then patterns. Paints are allowed to flow, mysteriously suggesting where to go next as ideas form. And they are always a surprise. I don’t even want to know in advance, what the painting will become. I let layers and layers do that for me.

I try to observe life around me, remembering experiences from good times-and hard times. The story builds on canvas like a writer develops a mystery from a general, broad outline. Paintings take place almost magically in layers, gaining momentum. Characters emerge as a story becomes more complex, making a statement, comment, opinion, joke, or a lesson from past experiences with people, family, and friends. it up) These works are meant to influence the viewer in a positive way, creating and provoking a feeling of humor, nostalgia, or wonder.

I hope you will find out something about yourself just as I learned about myself while painting each piece."

DENA WENMOHS

Art Buzz Austin raises awareness for Mission to Mexico; MTM

Art and Humanity come together in support of a very important cause.

On September 17th @ Art on 5th Art BUZZ Austin~ Artist Reception

Our goal is to raise awareness and resources for MTM!

A portion of all art sales will go to Mission to Mexico.

Mission to Mexico is a 501c (3) nonprofit organization which for the past 12 years has provided assistance to the residents of a Nuevo Laredo Colonia. On a bi-monthly basis volunteers from the Austin area drive to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico to provide groceries, lunches, medical care and a rotating distribution of either blankets, backpacks filled with school supplies, Holiday gifts or other necessities for the critically underprivileged. 

THANK YOU,

Art Buzz Austin

Our Featured Emerging Artists

Art BUZZ Austin  •  Sept. 13th-18th  •  Mon-Sat 10-6

MEET the  ARTIST RECEPTION: 
Friday September 17, 6:30-9pm

Featuring:

John Weber

Jenny Meyer

Jeana Marino

Dena Wenmohs

KC Collins

Rene Norman

Rebecca Bennett

Mark Westphal

Sean Kim

Amy Long

Kelly Marshall
Mandi Ballard

WHAT's the BUZZ about? Friday September 17, 6:30-9pm

http://www.artbuzzaustin.com/

 

• Sept. 13th-18th • Mon-Sat 10-6

"MEET the ARTISTs" RECEPTION:

Friday September 17, 6:30-9pm 

 “Art Buzz Austin” will showcase a collection of Austin’s emerging artists and the event is sure to keep everyone Buzzing with excitement!!! 

Art on 5th Gallery Austin's largest contemporary gallery (over 5,000 square feet), showcases Austin's most eclectic collection of local, national, 
and international artists.

The artists will be displaying work in a variety of media, from pop cardboard cut-outs, to playful abstracts in oil, to contemporary mixed media paintings, 
to whimsical stainless steel sculptures. 

Prices start at $200 and are reasonably priced to encourage collecting these hard-working and talented Austin artists. A portion of all sales from the artist reception benefit MTM a non-profit organization seeking to bring relief to impoverished families and children across the border. 

go to ART on 5th home page

Voted the best gallery by the Austin Chronicle.

1501 W. 5th St., 78703
(between Loop 1 and Lamar)
(512) 481-1111
Mon-Sat 10-6