A Rare Bird

LONDON / A rare copy of John James Audubon's "Birds of America," billed as the world's most expensive book, is up for sale alongside a first edition of Shakespeare's plays at auction on Dec. 7. One of only 100 or so remaining copies of "Birds of America" is valued at between $6.2 million and $9.2 million, while a Shakespeare First Folio from 1623 is expected to fetch at least $1.54 million. Sotheby's books expert David Goldthorpe said the two tomes are "the twin peaks of book collecting." It is one of the most significant — and beautiful — published works of natural history; only 119 copies remain, and all but a handful are in museums, libraries and universities. More

Jay Shinn

RIFF

Eileen Cubbage / Jay Shinn

Alice Gryphius Kunstraum • Gryphius Strasse 10 • Berlin

Eileen Cubbage and Jay Shinn are American artists participating in the Takt International Residency Program in Berlin . Their new works on paper make novel use of traditional themes and materials as a sublime aesthetic pervades both bodies.  Psychological and metaphysical space is explored with rigor and sensitivity as both artists develop their own specific language to investigate the perplexities of essential form and substance. Both artists subvert the perfect form, allowing elements of surprise to decreate the known. 

Cubbage juxtaposes fields of meticulous silverpoint drawing with geometric swatches of matte acrylic paint on mylar. Taking small cues from poetry, philosophy, history, biology, her drawings evolve into playful riffs of shifts in form and stand as metaphor for decoding subtleties of social relationships. The core of the work lies in its ambiguity— the depiction and deciphering of complex boundaries between similarity and difference, foreign and familiar, serious and absurd. Shinn also investigates abstract boundaries—his seemingly simple forms achieve an optical reality of both the visible and invisible. His pairing of sparse symmetrical geometric forms with the restricted materials of white spray paint and transparent paper creates apearances of illusion, depth, and shadow with an ethereal gravity. Shinn's luminous forms create a tenuous, inextricable balance between the physical world and the imagined. 

Gallery Openings September 11, 2010

Sarah and I had a busy, but enjoyable evening last Saturday.

We began with Nancy at the Conduit. Conduit Gallery Website The crowd had gathered early and buzzing about the exhibit.  Nancy always introduces us to new and exciting things.

Dragon street began with Carrie and Kristi at the Cameron Gallery which was a washed in color!  Cameron Gallery Website Carrie’s work is always full of brilliant color and her canvases were joined by Barbara Meikle and Aleta Pippin from Santa Fe.  Visiting with the artist always gives you insight and perspective as you view their works.

Holly Johnson is always a “must” see! Holly Johnson Gallery Website  The “Manhattanville project” by Mark Sheinkman now through October 9 is an exhibit which cause you to think about the style and puzzle over the designs he has created with graphite and eraser. 

Missy greets us as we look around at pdnb.  pdnb Gallery Website Marc Ribound’s exhibit is fascinating. His work will be at the Trammell Crow beginning in October.  It is always good to see familiar faces as we visit the galleries.

The new gallery on dragon is Cohn Drennan Contemporary. 
Cohn Drennan Gallery Website Cohn and his bride has a great space and it was filled with friends and visitors exploring the new gallery and exhibition.  We wish them well and welcome to our growing community!

As usual the place where you almost need a reservation was next. Craighead Green Gallery. Craighead Green Gallery Website Do you suppose they run a bus from downtown?

You always meet people you know and see good art work. Kenneth and Steve contribute much to our art community and promote young artist in our area.

A handsome, tall young man from Colorado is featured at the Marty Walker gallery. Marty Walker Gallery Website  The works are unusual and bold.  Marty new designed space was filled with well wishers and art lovers.

The last two galleries are new to the Dallas scene, but the owners are not new to Dallas art lovers or the art community.  They have made their mark as professional and insightful gallery owners and managers for years.

Galleri Urbane Marfa/Dallas is the work of Ree and Jason Willeford. Galleri Urbane Website  They have the Marfa location which many of you have visited and now the location on monitor street.  Suzanne Unrein work is pleasant to the eye and with explanation and insight Sarah was able to see what is not all that obvious from a casual glance.  For me sharing time with Jason and Suzanne our Florida heritage was discussed.

Jason gave me a gift not appreciated by most, a jar of canned mullet!

For us west Florida “red necks” it is better than “Tennessee moon shine”!  I foresee a beautiful relationship!  Now, how can I top his gift?

Cris Worley Gallery adjoins Galleri Urbane. Chris Worley Gallery Website If you a part of the Dallas art community you know Cris.  She is everybody’s favorite art professional!  Her gallery opens to an enthusiastic crowd most captivated by the “baby” portrait.  The entire exhibit is beautiful displayed and pleasant to the eye.

Sarah and I wish her well, she is special to us!  With her background and professional savvy the Cris Worley Gallery is a great addition to the Dallas art community!

A wonderful evening, good wine, good art and good friends!  What more could you ask?

James-Sarah Ard

Gallery Opening

James and Wayne attended the opening of the Gallery opened by Chris Worley on Septemeber 9th. Chris's new gallery is located at 2277 Monitor Street in Dallas. See the website for information on the current exhibit and a calender of events http://www.crisworley.com/.