THE ARTISAN ART • MUSIC • LITERATURE • PERFORMANCE • CUISINE • FASHION • DESIGN
Vol II Issue III
November 2023
MAGAZINE
A Blending Of Lives And Paint John Bayalis
Margaret Bayalis
The Artisan Magazine
November 2023
1
Cold War’s Comforts 48” x 36” Ready to make its debut along with several new works at Woodfield Fine Art on October 13th
Works in permanent collections of: The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art Daytona Museum of Arts and Sciences Florida Gulfcoast Museum of Art American Embassy, Madrid, Spain
Support Locally Owned Shops in Gulfport Fl., and enter to win!* Enter to WIN Amazing Gift Baskets Created By Gulfport Merchants Chamber Members!
SHOP LOCAL SHOP OFTEN
1 Shop GMC businesses 2 Save your receipts 3 Present receipts on Dec. 16 to receive one raffle ticket per receipt.
Presented By:
Scan QR code for more information
LanceRodgersArt.com
2 November 2023
*How to enter:
visitgulfportflorida.com
The Artisan Magazine
Denis Gaston
Eric Doctors The Artisan Magazine
November 2023
3
-
CONTENTS
P.O. Box 791, St. Petersburg, FL 33731 www.TheArtisanMagazine.com
813-842-3818 info@TheArtisanMagazine.com
CONTRIBUTORS
COVER
Maureen McDole
Poet, Writer and Speaker. Founder/Executive Director of Keep St. Pete Lit, Poet
LuLu Agüero
Artist/Writer Born and raised in Ybor City
Bob Devin Jones
Founder, Producing Artistic Director at the studio @ 620
Rose Cervantes
Poet & Program Officer at Pinellas Community Foundation
10 Bayalis Art
Edward Craig
Writer. Volunteer Gardener/ Docent at Sunken Gardens. Studied at Indiana University.
John and Margaret Bayalis
John Curtis/Mary Khosh St Pete arts supporters from Westminister Shores
Don't miss an issue!
You don't want to spend the rest of your life wondering! Subscribe today.
ADVERTISE
SUBSCRIBE
CALLS TO ARTISTS
ART JOBS
SCAN ME
A FEW OF OUR "PARTNERS":
AND MORE The Artisan Magazine is published monthly and is distributed to more than 300 businesses and street boxes throughout Pinellas County. Submit articles, photos, events and news to: info@TheArtisanMagazine.com.
FEATURES 8 MAACM
14 MTBH 16 The Ringer
COLUMNS 5 Select Happenings 18 The Write Life 18 A Quixotic Tale 19 Poet Rose Cervantes 20 Indigo Jones 23 The Artist Registry
©2023 The Artisan Magazine. All rights reserved. The views expressed within are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Editorial submissions are welcome. Publisher reserves the right to reject or edit submissions for length and clarity. The Publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. The Artisan Magazine reserves the right to reject or edit advertisements. The Artisan Magazine is not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space.
4 November 2023
The Artisan Magazine
SELECT HAPPENINGS
Shop Local Campaign Gulfport
FMoPA Calling Photographers
22nd Annual Members' Show Call For Entries Now Open
The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is excited to announce the launch of their 2023 Shop Local Campaign. With a commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering community spirit, the Chamber invites residents and visitors alike to join in the celebration of the holiday season through conscious and intentional shopping. Key Highlights of the 2023 Shop Local Campaign: - Extended Duration: The campaign kicks off on November 1st, and will run until the 3rd Saturday IndieFaire on December 16th, 2023. -Prizes Galore: Every receipt from a Gulfport Merchants Chamber Member is a chance to win fantastic prizes. The drawing will take place at the Holiday Market-themed Indie Faire on December 16th, 2023, at 7 PM. Participants need not be present to win. - Expanded Indie Faire Hours: Responding to popular demand, the market hours for the Indie Faire have been extended from 2 PM to 9 PM. - Fun and Festive Additions: Expect more at the Indie Faire with additional fun and festive elements to enhance the holiday shopping experience.
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is now accepting submissions for its 22nd Annual Members Show. Museum members may submit their photographic art for the show on or before November 26, 2023. This year's submissions will consist of five categories: Portraits, Documentary, Nature, Abstract, and AI-Enhanced Photography* AI entries must be based on a personal photograph, solely utilizing AI for image enhancement. All submissions will be installed in the Museum's Community Gallery. Photography industry professionals will jury
To stay updated on all the campaign developments, follow @visitgulfportfl on Facebook and Instagram.
winners in each category of style, and attendees of the exhibition will have a chance to vote for their favorite. First place winners from each category will receive a prize awarded by our sponsors. To participate in the show, each artist must already be a member of the Museum or sign up for a membership at the time of entry. For information on how to register, visit: https://www.fmopa.org/members-show-2023-2024/
Florida CraftArt Festival
Arts Annual 2023: THE PARTY
being held on Thursday, November 9th from 6-9 pm at the Gallery at Creative Pinellas. All proceeds support our artist and cultural organization grants, and student summer camp grants
Arts Annual 2023: Discovery, November 9th- December 31st! Creative Pinellas' largest Arts Annual showcase yet with over 40 of Pinellas County's most prominent artists that ignite our creative scene! Arts Annual 2023: ARTSventure! Saturday, November 11th
Martha’s house - Anna Sandoval
from 10 am to 4 pm, we are starting with a Veteran's Day tribute followed by an arts and crafts market with live performances, engaging craft activities, and a variety of food trucks.
VOTED “BEST INDEPENDENT ART GALLERY” - ST PETE LIFE MAGAZINE
November: Textile & Tactile Fiber Painting • Felted Landscapes • Mixed Metal Jewelry
A yearly autumn destination for art, the Florida CraftArt Festival, favored by enthusiasts, collectors, and holiday shoppers alike, returns to downtown St. Petersburg for its 26th year. Go the weekend before Thanksgiving, Saturday, November 18th from 10-5 p.m. and Sunday, November 19th from 10-4 p.m. at the crossroads of Central Avenue and Fifth Street, and inside the expansive gallery of host organization Florida CraftArt where the holiday exhibition, UnWrapped: Handmade Holidays, will be in full swing.
The Artisan Magazine
More info here:
See ad on page 7
November 2023
5
SELECT HAPPENINGS DRV Gallery Hosts a New Exhibition, Live Music, and Creative Workshops this November Gulfport’s DRV Gallery continues its second season of artist exhibitions, creative workshops, and live music with a full calendar this November. On November 1st, the Gallery issued a call for entry to its Second Annual Art for a Cause exhibition. Artists are invited to apply at DRVGallery.com to showcase their original work and raise awareness for a cause of their choice. This juried show will showcase 20 artists selected from the first 50 applications submitted and will be juried and judged by St. Petersburg artists Janie Haskins and Jim Kammerud. Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be announced at the opening reception on January 4, 2024.
Creative Pinellas
Beyond Placemaking Grant
Creative Pinellas is pleased to announce the launch of the Beyond Placemaking grant, supported in part by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) as part of the federal agency’s Grants for Arts Projects initiative. This is a successful continuation of the relationship that Creative Pinellas has built with the federal funding agency, and follows a $500,000 NEA grant awarded to the organization for subgranting to artists and arts organizations. Creative Pinellas will subgrant $10,000 directly to each of the 10 professional artists who will collaborate/partner with a non-profit art, social service, health, community, or environmental organization in Pinellas County, or actively serve the Pinellas County area, to bring the project to life.
For more info on this grant:
The selected arts projects are intended to:
• Enhance the arts & cultural offerings in Pinellas County • Create public projects that inspire innovative community solutions Contribute cultural1:46 economic development 1/8p-ads•nov.qxp_1/8 adsto10/2/23 PM Page 1 • Grow audiences and build new audiences through effective outreach & marketing
See more on DRV's calendar here
The 10 grants of $10,000 each will be awarded for creating projects that will improve the lives of people living, working, and visiting Pinellas County through art and creativity, using a community engagement project that acts as a connector between people, community and locations. Specifically, we will look for projects that are: Brenda McMahon Gallery Prepares for Holiday Season -Collaborations with multiple artists or organizations or -That partner with artists or organizations from historically under-resourced comwith Fiber Arts Show and ArtJones Studio Tour munities in Pinellas Counties, or shopping season, with last year’s -That create a sustainable model that can be replicated and adapted for use in Brenda McMahon Gallery’s annual fiber show being one of the more popu- other communities throughout the United States
arts show has become a must-shop holiday arts event in the region since its inception four years ago, and the gallery is pleased to continue its tradition this November – with a twist. On Friday, November 3rd, the gallery opens Tactile & Textural, an exhibit featuring two fiber artists and one jeweler. Fiber artists Anna Sandoval and Zoe Quinn Kelly, along with jeweler Diana Hirschhorn, will be on hand for the opening of the showcase of their work at the gallery from 6:30-9:00 pm. This year marks the fourth consecutive year that owner Brenda McMahon has showcased the fiber arts during the holiday
lar shows of the year at the gallery.
Smokin’ Hot! ArtLofts Artists - November Upcycled pipes and cigar boxes Visit artists who create, show and sell their work on site. Jewelry, painting, sculpture, photography, stained-glass, mixed media and more. Open for Second Saturday Art Walks 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Come on Up
www.theartlofts.com 10 Fifth Street North, DTSP upstairs from Florida CraftArt Gallery Bring in this ad for a free drink next ArtWalk
https://brendamcmahongallery.com
Inaugural Exhibition Icons of Black and White September 14 - December 3 1630 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa
813.221.2222
www.fmopa.org Philippe Halsman, 1906–1979, Marilyn Monroe, Life cover variation, 1952
6 November 2023
The Artisan Magazine
T I C K E T S AT M Y PA L L A D I U M . O R G O R 7 2 7 - 8 2 2 - 3 5 9 0 T H E PA L L A D I U M C H A M B E R S E R I E S PRES ENTS
The Ehnes Quartet
performing works of Haydn, Britten, and Schumann W E D N E S D AY N O V. 1 5 , 7 : 3 0 P M HOUGH HALL
BUY TICKETS
253 FIFTH AVENUE N, ST. PETERSBURG, FL Smokin’ Hot! • MYPALLADIUM.ORG
ArtLofts Artists November CALL FOR ARTIST ENTRIES
Important Dates
Upcycled pipes and cigar boxes presents
art for a cause
Submission Deadline: December 8, 2023 Notification of Acceptance: December 18, 2023
A juried exhibition for artists to support the cause of their choice.
Art Drop Off: Dec 23rd & 30th, 11am-4pm
January 4–20 2024 5401 Gulfport Blvd, Gulfport, FL
Opening Reception & Awards: January 4, 2024 6-8pm
The exhibition will be curated by Janie Haskins & Jim Kammerud of the WADA ArtsXchange with awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
Art pick up: Jan 27th & Feb 3rd 11am-4pm
Apply online at DRVGallery.com
Visit artists who create, show and sell their work on site. Jewelry, painting, sculpture, photography, stained-glass, mixed media and more. Open for Second Saturday Art Walks 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
PRESENTS
ARTIST EXHIBITION NOVEMBER 3-25 featuring the works of
Come on Up
10 Fifth Street North, DTSP upstairs from Florida CraftArt Gallery www.theartlofts.com
RHONDA CARE
Bring in this ad for a free drink next ArtWalk OPENING RECEPTION NOVEMBER 3, 2023 6:00-8:00 PM 5401 Gulfport Blvd, Gulfport, FL
DRVGALLERY.COM
The Artisan Magazine
November 2023
7
The American Arts and Crafts Movement Gets Its Due St. Petersburg, Fl By Lisa Lippincott
L
et it be said, first of all, that the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement (MAACM) is a niche, destination museum. So niche, in fact, that it’s the only one of its kind in the world, and many would say that its presence is long overdue. While dates can be a little slushy, the Museum considers the arts and crafts movement in America to have been in existence from roughly 1890 to 1930. In the simplest terms, the movement began in England as a philosophical and aesthetic rebellion against industrialism, banality, and ornamental excess. Championing a revival of artisan-crafted goods, a sparer, more practical sensibility, and thoughtful, measured embellishment, the crusade rippled outward, and upon reaching U.S. shores it caught fire, enjoying wide expression here. Rudy Ciccarello, a passionate collector of American arts and crafts movement artifacts and the man behind the museum, is an Italian-born philanthropist who made his fortune as a pioneering pharmaceutical
8 November 2023
juggernaut. Arriving in the US The “Ovoid,” (a massive, and then polish to perfection. in the late 1960s as a trade eye-catching, white-scaled Standing beneath the stairs and analyst at the Italian consulate architectural feature towering gazing upwards through the in Boston, Ciccarello expanded above the main entrance) was center, another clever element on his education over time, not dreamt up by chance; it’s a is revealed; the overlapping earning degrees from Boston canny bit of foreshadowing. Its arcs resolve themselves into an and Northeastern Universicurving, inverted-vase silhouapproximation of a Mackintosh ties—the latter in their school ette was arrived at by averaging rose—a familiar motif created of pharmacy. After some years the forms found in the collecby renowned Scottish archispent working for the former tion’s pottery holdings. It also tect/designer Charles Rennie locally-based Jack Eckerd Corcontains four capsule galleries Mackintosh, who borrowed poration (more from, and in turn commonly influenced, the known as Eckarts and crafts The fifth floor furniture collection, mostly simple, erd Drugs) movement. sturdy and wonderfully clean of line, is largely a the nascent Let it be entrepreneur known that testament to the hardiness of quarter-sawn oak. left to form his the Dali does own company, not possess the eventually growing it into the (one on each exhibition floor) only remarkable set of treads second-largest distributor of that house some of the crème in town. specialty pharmaceuticals in the of the collection. The first floor level concountry. Entering into the grand tains a cozy reference library It should come as little suratrium, a lofty, well-lit space that accessible by reservation and prise that a museum dedicated rises five stories and terminates appropriately kitted-out in to a movement as design-forin a dramatic set of skylights, it’s quarter-sawn oak millwork and ward as arts and crafts should impossible to miss the remarkfurnishings, including coffered be as beautifully realized as this able ringlet staircase at the ceilings, leather-topped study one. Architect Alberto Alphonopposite end of the expanse. tables, wainscoting and, of so’s airy, light-filled edifice, Spiraling from the second floor course, bookcases. The shelves designed in close concert with to the fifth, it wears a creamy contain a selection of period Ciccarello and crafted in service exoskeleton of Venetian publications as well as contemto the collection, is itself a stunplaster that took a team of four porary materials focusing on ner, inside and out. artisans an entire year to apply the arts and crafts era. Many of
The Artisan Magazine
the items in the thoughtfully-curated gift shop relate closely to the collection, including a massive, seven-volume hardbound catalog of its lavishly-documented holdings. The Arts Café, a charming, counter-service eatery bedecked with Eero Saarinen tulip chairs, dishes up sweets, sandwiches, flatbreads, and more. I was delighted to find that a limited cocktail menu is also on offer, because few things are as refreshing as a crisp gin and tonic when the out-of-doors goes masquerading as a sauna. The exhibition galleries begin on the second floor, and, as one might expect, they are pleasingly spare and highly-presentational. Each floor is predominately devoted to one or two segments of the collection, though there is some intermixing. There are several environmental installations, but most objects are displayed singly, inviting the viewer to consider each table, each lamp, each vase as a work of art unto itself, elevated well beyond its practical purpose. The museum has far more to it than can be
covered in this brief article, so I will preface the following descriptions with this: you must go and experience it for yourself, and if you can, get a docent tour. There are fascinating back stories to many of the objects, and much to be learned about the social conditions of the day. The collection itself serves as an excellent primer on the basis of good, solid design, the knowledge of which has saved many an object from the pits of vulgarity. Dedicated primarily to architects of the period, the second floor is home to many standout artifacts including an elegant section of stairs rescued from the Adler and Sullivan-designed Chicago Stock Exchange, which fell to the wrecking ball in 1972. Numerous splendid specimens of Frank Lloyd Wright windows, furniture, and decorative objects are on display. The lavishly-carved redwood entry hall of the Greene and Greene-designed James Culbertson house, evicted from the home during a bout of remodeling, can also be found here, meticulously reassembled in it’s entirety—minus the front door
which is a faithful reproduction. The swaddlingly dim, organic nature of this particular room, combined with its unusually broad, squat doors, might put one in mind of a certain Tolkein novel, but it is a marvel nonetheless. Other Greene and Greene objects figure prominently in the collection as well, many demonstrating an elegant, strongly Japanese-in-
A special exhibition space currently focusing on metalwork covers the gamut from furniture hardware to lighting and much in between. A sizeable newel-post urn by Frank Lloyd Wright and a tremendous Greene and Greene lantern represent two recently-acquired specimens in this temporary, albeit extended, exhibition. Boasting one of the largest
examples by various designers and makers sprinkled throughout the museum. The tile and faience collection is similarly robust, with both individual and installed tiles on view. One of the showpieces of the collection is the “Iris Bathroom” a petite, perfectly-preserved lady’s oasis (circa 1914) entirely covered in both “off-the shelf” and
spired aesthetic. The third floor lighting galleries are not only a celebration of artistry, they are mercurial love letters to electrification. In the then-recent move away from flame illumination, makers were experimenting with fetching ways to tame the harsh glare of incandescent bulbs, and wicker, copper, mesh, and, most notably, leaded glass, were all artfully pressed into service.
collections of American art pottery on permanent display, the MAACM has excellent representation of many of the most important and highly-respected makers of the day: Newcom, Grueby, Rookwood, and others. In keeping with the chaste, naturalistic leanings of the time, sinuous forms, silky-matte glazes and tranquil, organic tones dominate. While a large portion of the fourth floor is devoted to their display, there are stellar
custom-designed tiles from the Grueby Faience and Tile Company. As was the case with the Culberson hall, the renovating homeowners recognized that, while not to their taste, the room was of significance and they patiently allowed its meticulous salvation. The fifth floor furniture collection, mostly simple, sturdy and wonderfully clean of line, is largely a testament to the hardiness of quarter-sawn oak. After
The Artisan Magazine
nearly a century of use, the tables and cabinets still stand square and ready to serve for a further hundred years, if asked to do so. There are numerous examples of Stickley, Roycroft, and a hefty percentage of the total (though modest) output of the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony. And, having grown up near his rambling studios in southeastern Pennsylvania, it was a lovely surprise to see the honorable inclusion of a stupendous conference set by George Nakashima circa 1980s. A hero among contemporary woodworkers, the late master embodied the arts and crafts ethic to a T, fully honoring the integrity of his materials and elevating what many before him perceived as flaws into features. If you go, and you should, the MAACM is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, and from noon until 4:00 pm on Sunday; they are closed Mondays. In a smart bit of planning, the museum has its own garage with ample on-site parking. Please visit the website at museumaacm. org for tiered pricing and other admission details. •
November 2023
9
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
JOHN BAYALIS John Bayalis, born in 1950, showed an interest in art early on being educated in the Northeastern U.S. He was influenced by the works of Hopper and Wyeth and realism became the primary importance for him. Mr. Bayalis earned a BFA degree in art and an MFA degree in painting at the University of Delaware and taught all levels of art from elementary school through college. He pursued an active studio and exhibition schedule throughout his career, being affiliated with fine art galleries throughout the United States including The Leslie Levy Gallery in Scottsdale, Az. and the ACA gallery in New York City. He has also participated in juried exhibitions throughout the world. Bayalis resides in St. Petersburg, Florida with his wife Margaret, a painter as well. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and has traveled in Ireland, England and France conducting painting workshops and working on location. Among his honors are an award of a DSAC individual artist’s fellowship grant and selection for The Watercolor Page in AMERICAN ARTIST magazine where his work graced the cover. Recently he was featured in Watercolor Artist magazine and Fine Art Connoisseur. His works are included in private and corporate collections throughout the United States.
10 November 2023
The Artisan Magazine
10 QUESTIONS What is it like, two artists in a marriage?
Mutual admiration and trust in each others art instincts are important. From the early stages of a work I seek out feedback and impressions from Margaret to solidify my commitment to it. It is very special to have a life partner that shares a love of the arts.
What artists do you admire, and why?
I have been influenced by many artists particularly realists painters Johannes Vermeer, Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth and Richard Estes to name a few. Their subject choices, compositional elements and techniques have effected my own choices in painting. I have explored different subjects over the years which can seen in viewing the works from my current show at Woodfield Fine Art. I have experimented with various levels of realism and composition which is evident in the works in this exhibition.
Do you do prints of your originals? Limited Editions? I have issued limited edition giclee reproductions of select paintings. These are available upon request. They are printed on archival paper using light fast inks and I supervise the scanning and printing process.
How many buyers of your art would you consider collectors of your?
25% or so of buyers return to buy additional works which I define as a collector. My works have also been purchased museums and corporations.
Do you do commissions?
Yes, if it fits into the framework of my subject matter and techniques.
How many pieces of art do you think you’ve sold in your life? I would list sales as: Major works ( 30"×22" and larger): 300+ Smaller paintings, drawings, plain air lworks: 500+
Valuation and pricing can be difficult for some artists. Do you use a formula, or are you passed that?
I base pricing on the production time, materials and scale of the work, as well as previous sales of related works.
Are you aware of any of your pieces that have resold in the market for a higher price than what you sold it for? Not that I am aware of.
Do you feel that collectors mainly buy because. 1. They just love the work and want to hang it on their wall. 2. Look to make money by reselling the piece? 3. Just want to support the artist? Other? I feel buyers usually relate to a work on a personal level. When they connect to it that way, then want to have it . Collecting can be a consideration if they have purchased previous works and find a new one that relates to the earlier connection.
Have you painted something that you will just not sell?
Yes I have produced personal works that are not for sale. These are subjects and moments that are special to me.
The Artisan Magazine
November 2023 11
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
MARGARET BAYALIS
John & Margaret Bayalis Exhibit at
Woodfield Fine Art/St. Pete Nov. 10th - Jan. 6th
12 November 2023
The Artisan Magazine
Margaret Bayalis began painting at an early age and was attracted to the human figure as a subject. In 1971 she received a B.A. degree in the French language from Montclair State University and later did further studies in graphic design/illustration at the University of Delaware. Bayalis spent her career as Director of Information Services at Wesley College in Dover, Delaware where her artistic skills were further employed as a courtroom artist and in freelance illustration work. She continued to pursue her fine art career as well. Over the years, Margaret explored the use of various media including pastels, colored pencils and watercolors, eventually settling on her preferred medium of oil paint. Bayalis has received numerous awards and critical recognition for her paintings which have been exhibited throughout Florida and the northeast. Her work has been included in national and international juried shows including, the 2015 National Juried exhibition in Baton Rouge, LA and the 2016 Women's Works International exhibit in Woodstock, IL. In 2020, during the Covid pandemic, Margaret initiated a project called, ‘Faces Not Numbers.’ Bayalis employed her oil painting skills to donate portraits to families who lost loved ones to the pandemic. At first a local effort, FNN grew into an international project. The artist received extensive media coverage throughout Florida and the Northeast. Bayalis’ paintings are in numerous private and corporate collections internationally. Margaret is represented by the Woodfield Fine Art Gallery in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. She resides in St. Petersburg with her husband John, also an artist.
10 QUESTIONS What is it like, two artists in a marriage?
It’s been an exciting journey to have shared a common interest in art. We enjoy visiting museums and galleries together, watching art-related movies and looking at artwork on line. Though our styles differ, our tastes are compatible. We have managed to share a studio together for years!
What artists do you admire, and why?
From an historic point of view, I am drawn to the Modernist period (circa 1860 to 1950). This period includes the Impressionists & Post impressionists, the Nabis, the Fauvist and early twentieth century painters. Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard, Alice Neel, Egon Schiele, Lucien Freud, and Elaine de Kooning are among my favorites. Contemporary artists whom I admire are Michalene Thomas, Kehinde Wiley and Zoey Frank to name a few. All are noted for figurative painting. My body of work for the upcoming Woodfield exhibition features figurative works. My use of vibrant color reflects my love of the Fauvists.
Do you do prints of your originals? Limited Editions?
Currently I am marketing originals and offer giclee reproductions upon request.
How many buyers of your art would you consider collectors of your?
I consider all of my buyers to be potential collectors. I estimate that roughly a quarter of my clients own more than one piece of my artwork.
Do you do commissions?
I do, but with certain parameters. To me, an authentic painting begins with an idea in the artist’s mind. I am open to taking a commission if a client’s concept is compatible with my technique and subject matter.
How many pieces of art do you think you’ve sold in your life?
Over a 40 year career which includes art festivals, plein air competitions, charitable art shows, gallery shows, etc., I have sold an estimated 800 works. These include sketches, oil paintings, watercolor paintings, commissions and free lance artwork.
Valuation and pricing can be difficult for some artists. Do you use a formula, or are you passed that?
The price of one of my original oil paintings is determined by the size of the piece, the hours I’ve put in on the painting and materials.
Are you aware of any of your pieces that have resold in the market for a higher price than what you sold it for? I am not.
Do you feel that collectors mainly buy because. 1. They just love the work and want to hang it on their wall. 2. Look to make money by reselling the piece? 3. Just want to support the artist? Other?
It has been my personal experience that people who buy my work respond to it on a visceral level. If they feel a strong connection with the subject matter, they may wish to purchase it. My paintings depict scenes & situations in which people can picture themselves.
Have you painted something that you will just not sell?
I have done oil paintings of family members that were done for our personal collection as well as paintings that my son and daughter-in-law have in their home.
The Artisan Magazine
November 2023 13
Homes - With Artistic Inspiration As a lover of art, there is more to living a healthy, engaged, and stimulating life than thoughtlessly purchasing a piece of art and just sticking it someplace. While buying fine art, say a painting that moves you, or a sculpture that fills space with body and soul, one must decide how it fits into your own personal zeitgeist. You loved the piece and simply had to have it, so you bought it. Maybe it’s the central focus of your space, or a piece others may not see – something just for you. No matter what that piece is you cant live without seeing it everyday. The space you choose to live in should be designed from the ground up as a gallery, a museum, where before the very foundation is laid, every thought is taken into consideration in how to arrange and display the art in your life.
How did you get your start as a builder?
When I was a growing up there was no question that I wanted to spend my life creating. I built tree houses, converted my parent’s garage into living quarters and held a variety of roles in the construction field. When I was 15, I left high school to work as a carpenter. I really enjoyed the physical part of the building process and being able to see buildings materialize by my very own hands. I eventually went back to school to get my BArch and an MBA. By the time I was in my mid 20’s, I was selected to be the project manager for the first Ritz Carlton combined hotel and condominium project in Boston. I then became the youngest project executive of a top 5 national construction company. I was re-
The Artisan Magazine talks with Richard McGinniss of MTBH
cruited to Florida to develop a 13,000 acre/20,000unit land development program which now has over 10,000 residents. I was also Senior Vice President or President of several high-end waterfront and condominium projects totaling over a billion dollars. My last position before forming MTBH was Senior Vice President of the $850M reimagination project of the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, NC. I was also chosen to complete the execution of the transformation of the town of Kannapolis, NC from the largest mill town in the world to a world-class research campus. Despite these exciting and rewarding experiences, my biggest thrill has always been and continues to come from creating one-of-a-kind homes that create value and emotion for those who live in them.
Why is architecture art?
Architecture is art that people live in. Our company’s aspirations are to create environments that inspire people on a daily basis as opposed to providing shade and shelter. We focus on a high level of design that provides places that inspire and delight in their everyday experiences.
Tell us about the different factions of your business?
The different divisions of our business include Wright House, Y Homes, MTBH Custom Homes and MTBH Urban. Our team is restless and creative by nature, so instead of following the typical builder mentality of repeating well-worn designs, we do the opposite. We challenge ourselves to develop fresh and organic approaches to housing needs at a variety of price points. Y Homes is a program we developed allowing people to share their homes with others by way of renting sections of their space if they need additional income to withstand the burdens of the current high interest rates while capitalizing on the high rental rates. Our Wright House program is our midsize semi-custom program that we build throughout Tampa Bay. Modern Tampa Bay Homes (MTBH) is our high-end custom home brand, and MTBH Loft Collection is our new foray into infill development where we’re currently focusing on the Grand Central District of St. Pete at 2700 Central and 2250 Central. 14 November 2023
The Artisan Magazine
Current projects?
We are currently working on a variety of projects, predominately high-end custom homes throughout the Tampa Bay area, including multiple high-end waterfront homes. We also provide what we consider more attainable homes which we’re building on the south side of St. Pete. We strive to bring the same level of design and high-quality finishes to all our homes in each of our series’ offerings. Our team is very proud of what we've achieved at 2700 Central Ave. We've embraced local artists to be part of our program and have incorporated their carefully curated collections into the living experience. We are excitedly offering a $5,000 bonus to purchase creations from local artists. Another excited announcement is MTBH’s new office was selected as one of the prime locations for this years
SCAN For More info on
MTBH
and their programs St. Pete’s SHINE Mural Fest. Having had one of our buildings newly painted by an artist from California has put the final touch on the living art experience.
How does your approach differ from the typical developer/builder?
Being a design centric team, our focus is trying to create different types of products for each of our customers on each of our sites. Simply put, MTBH is not a cookie-cutter developer. We are strongly driven by unique approaches and listening to the responses of the people in our community who share their individual desires. This is achieved within the opportunities that the site presents as opposed to just building from a plan that has been built repeatedly. We find it impossible to get excited about that kind of repetitive performance. As a collaborate and eccentric team, we much prefer to create every project as an individual work of art. “We build homes for people who are the ultimate arbiters of their own taste … people for whom second-best is never enough, and cookie-cutter is out of the question.”
What is the price range you work in??
Being the most attainable product in a tough market for buyers, our Y Home offerings start in $600K’s range. Our Wright House program, while still an affordable product, starts around $800K with semi-custom options. Moving onto our other product lines we have our custom homes where prices begin in the million-dollar range and go upwards from there depending on the client's desires. The urban products line we offer is starting near the $1.5M mark.
Has the explosion in the real estate market
affected you?
It has affected everybody, unfortunately. Becoming a harder market to work with than it was before the pandemic, we are having to find creative ways to navigate these new challenges. We are faced with increasingly higher prices of land, an increasingly higher cost of construction, and now it's a trifecta with the increase of interest rates. Although the market seems to be strong for a builder, it has become more of a struggle because of these different factors.
Central in conjunction with our new office space. We feel this is going to be a wonderful opportunity for all the people who aspire to a higher level of design sophistication, facilitating access to products and services that they may have never been exposed to before. Creating fine, artistically relevant living space is an art and a craft. It takes professionals that have vision and experience. And that vision and experience is exemplified by MTBH in the Grand Central Arts District in St. Petersburg, Fl.
What are you proud of?
One of the many cool things that we've done in Grand Central is focused on creating architecture that's compatible with the love of art. Our model at 2700 Central, which is also representational of what we're doing at Ad Lofts at 2250 Central (adloftsstpete.com) demonstrates the ability to integrate art and architecture in a way that's very powerful. We think that the whole idea of Grand Central Arts District is this incredibly burgeoning, vibrant place to live that is celebrating and embracing the arts while incorporating art into people's lives. MTBH feels that we've done a very successful job in demonstrating how that can work. Not only are we creating architecture, but we're also creating living spaces that embrace art and a creative lifestyle. Another part of our soon-to-come plan is that we're creating an alliance with Porcelanosa™, which is an international company based in Spain offering a wide line of products. They provide high-caliber surfaces, kitchen products, plumbing selections, and a collection of much more. As we continue to grow MTBH is now going to be opening an affiliated retail showroom representing Porcelanosa™ at 2700 The Artisan Magazine
November 2023 15
MUSICIAN
THE RINGER By Edward Craig
16 November 2023
ARTIST
Local musician Josh Nelms elevates every gig he plays with his...
Listen to Josh w/The Matthew Frost Band on YouTube:
transcendent blues guitar
more than perhaps the preeminent Eddie Rosicky & Josh Nelms blues guitarist in the Boho Sideshow Bay Area. Accordat Bayboro Brewing ing to them, he’s a genial, unselfish, mature professional he Ringer motif is a familiar who goes out of his way to support one in sporting lore. The the folks he shares the stage with. white guy who can’t jump but He’s both a great lead player and a lights up the playground basgreat rhythm guitar player, as well as ketball court. The horse no one has a sensitive accompanist. heard of which wins by four lengths. Those polite habits started early The guy nobody recognizes who for Josh. He was born in Tampa and runs the billiards table to take home raised nearby in Plant City. He recalls the trophy. Or sometimes, it’s your brother-in-law filling in on your bowl- a wholesome Florida childhood of bike riding and fishing in ponds that ing team and rolling a 220. Whether sounds like something right out of it’s due to modesty or deliberate The Andy Griffith Show. However, secrecy, a good ringer takes advanthat would change when he was ten tage of this element of surprise to years old. His mother bought him a achieve maximum impact. $100 guitar from Service MerchanIf you are a newcomer to the St. dise, and just like that, the course Pete live music scene, there’s not of his life was redirected. There is a much about guitarist Josh Nelms to cruel maxim musicians quote half in tip you off that you’re about to hear jest that if you steal a man’s wallet, something surprising—and high imhe’ll be poor for a day, but if you pact. Josh is a musical ringer. He’s a teach him to play an instrument, he’ll fairly anonymous-looking, burly bear be poor for the rest of his life. The of a human with a sparse ponytail truth or falsity of that aside, Josh and a deadpan expression around landed with a solid teacher, local strangers. His eyes don’t exactly guitar fixture Ed Wright. Wright, who sparkle. He’s not a snappy dresser. influenced a number of Bay Area He has no pet name for his trusty guitarists over the years, started Fender Telecaster, no snappy stage getting Josh gigs for money at age name for himself. He rarely headeighteen. As a youngster Josh was lines shows. But then! Ah, then you close with another Tampa/St. Pete hear him play, and your perception guitar god, Damon Fowler, and both of him radically changes. His soarhustled jobs working with the Bay ing, searing blues solos are auditory Area blues legends of yesteryear rollercoaster rides which threaten like the late harmonica great Rock to rip the ears right off the sides of Bottom and guitarist Sarasota Slim, your head. He has been lighting up who got Josh some vital exposure at the music venues around St. Pete an early age touring around Florida, for decades now with his playing, Georgia, and the Carolinas. while simultaneously dodging the In his formative years Josh was a spotlight everywhere he goes. rock-and-roll guy, listening to bands Among musicians, no introduclike the Beatles and the Stones, but tion is needed. He is the gold standard. However, they will tell you he is then he heard Jimi Hendrix play, and that flipped a switch and got him
T
-
started playing the blues. Along the way he picked up other influences, harder rock like Cream, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. He even dabbled in country when that helped pay the rent—Waylon, Willie, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash. You can hear how comfortable he is in all these musical genres if you follow him from band to band (and Josh does like floating from band to band). He plays regularly around town with Matthew Frost Band, with Kid Royal’s Holy Smokes, as well as Eddie Rosicky’s eclectic retro-lounge act Boho Sideshow, among others. Plus, he now hosts his own blues show (rare for him) two Sundays a month at the Ale and Witch. Just don’t expect him to use the microphone much. He leaves that to other people. His thing is tearing that Stratocaster a new…well…you know. If you’re lucky, and the stars align, you’ll catch him entering The Zone, when, he claims, “there’s no thinking required.” It’s just him telling stories, straight from his soul out through his guitar, his back bowed, his eyes rolled back in his head, which shakes from side to side, cheeks vibrating with the intensity. Those are the moments his followers are there to hear, that’s when his virtuosic solos become transformative, when he starts lifting the show to another level. He claims to be comfortable living in this, his moment. Not that he didn’t go through a rough patch in recent years, all musicians did during the pandemic (no one was handing them PPP checks). As if that weren’t enough, Josh lost his father and his beloved mastiff Lucille one right after the other, which really tested him, but he weathered the storm. Now he has the universal respect of his peers, and with Covid finally in the rear-view mirror, he has his share of
The Artisan Magazine
Josh Nelms at The Ale and The Witch
work again. When he’s not playing, he likes being a homebody. He claims to cook a mean batch of barbecued ribs. Looking at him, one can believe it. Career highlights come and go. He made a record with singer Betty Fox at the iconic Mussel Shoals Sound Studios a few years back and met some big-time musicians. One of these days he could be snatched up by one of them. But he doesn’t sit around worrying about when it might happen. He smiles and quotes the legendary Warren Zevon, who appeared on TV after being diagnosed with a terminal illness and wryly encouraged his many fans to simply “enjoy every sandwich.” For fans of live music and great guitar playing in the Tampa/St. Pete area, it’s more like, find out where Josh is playing, and enjoy every show. They are meaty musical sandwiches guaranteed to fill you up and leave you well satisfied.
Richard Minster’s
Minsterpiece Gallery Uniquely Original Art
“Selfie”
615 27th St. S., Unit C Saint Petersburg, FL 33712 richardminster@gmail.com (727) 655-8234
The Ale and The Witch
RADIO THEATRE PROJECT 2023-2024 SEASON DATES November 20 December 18 January 22 February 26 March 25 April 22 MONDAYS AT 7PM TICKETS $20/$15
Downtown St. Pete’s Craft Beer & Live Music destination since 2011
NOVEMBER ‘23 MUSIC CALENDAR FR 11/3 - 7:30-10:30pm ................................................................................................The Road to Nowhere (tribute to theTalking Heads) SA 11/4: 5-8pm ..................................................................................................................Matthew Frost Band SU 11/5: 4:20-7:30pm................................................................................................... The Petty Experience (tribute to the music of Tom Petty) FR 11/10 - 7:30-10pm ........................................................................................................Rich Sheldon Band SA 11/11 - 7-10pm ..............................................................................................................................Row Jomah SU 11/12 - 4-7pm........................................................... Sunday Blues Session w/ host Josh Nelms & Special Guest Doug Deming &The JewelTones FR 11/17: 7:30-10pm.................................................................................................................The Joint Chiefs SA 11/18: 7-10pm ....................................................................................................The Applebutter Express SU 11/19: 4:20-7:30pm ................................................................................................A Bob Marley Tribute w/ Greg Roy &The Pressure Band FR 11/24: 6-9pm ......................................................................................................................Someday Honey SA 11/25: 7-10pm.................................................................................................................................. Antelope (a tribute to the band Phish) SU 11/26 ...............................................................................Sunday Blues Session w/ host Josh Nelms
• Open air multi-level outdoor courtyard • All ages
A CHRISTMAS CAROL? • No cover charges ever • All shows are subject to change for any variety of reasons
The Greatest Christmas Story Ever Told By Two People... A DESTINATION THEATRE PRODUCTION
DECEMBER 2-3, 2023 Saturday and Sunday 2PM & 7PM TICKETS $20/$15 THE STUDIO@620 620 1ST AVE S. ST PETE, FL 33701 WWW.STUDIO620.ORG
Downtown Location (Tower Plaza Courtyard)
111 2nd Ave NE Saint Petersburg, FL 33701 The Artisan Magazine
November 2023 17
THE WRITE LIFE By Maureen McDole Founder and Executive Director of Keep St. Pete Lit Maureen’s weekly podcast The Write Life can be found at:
www.maureenmcdole.com
"Often fear is the same emotion as excitement. It means you are breaking ground." -Anya Hindmarch “I feel terrified all the time; I feel like I am constantly living in fear.” This is what I told a friend recently after experiencing a period of life-changing transitions, which had left me disembodied. She told me that maybe what I was actually feeling was excitement for the new and not fear. They can feel the same. This insight blew my mind. It's a gigantic perspective shift to not fear change, but to appreciate it, because new energy is coming into your life. Thinking this way moves you into a mindset of exploration rather than a mindset of anxiety. Sometimes we can get so caught up on the ending of the old, we miss out on the beginning of the new. I have found since adopting her viewpoint that an immense amount of relief has come over me. I was always on high alert before, because my excitement always felt like fear. If I started something new I often second guessed myself, constant questioning if I was making the right decision. I wasted precious energy that could have been used in more productive ways. Feeling excited is a lot lighter than feeling anxious all the time. Anxiety wears on you and can make you feel worn down and tired, which zaps your creativity and motivation. It can also sidetrack you, bringing you down roads that can lead to dead ends, which you would have known to avoid
18 November November2023 2023 18
if you trusted yourself and the process. Before I couldn't understand why I kept putting myself in situations that felt so fear based. I wondered why I couldn't just chill and had to constantly push myself out of my comfort zone. I now see that I really enjoy starting a new project or executing a new idea. I feel more alive living this way. Now I have more confidence and see that many of my ideas have worked and if they did fail, I still learned something. I am now practicing the art of starting a project with a sense of excitement. Looking at life this way frees me up to enjoy the process and not rush towards the outcome. I used to think that the end was the only time to celebrate. Now, I can celebrate the whole journey. What a lovely way to live! When you’re a creative person you’re often moving into unknown spaces and charting new territories. There is a profound level of courage that comes with living at the edge of the known. Why not look at all of life this way? If you're moving into or out of a relationship, a job, or going through any other major life transition try to keep a level head (often easier said than done) and trust that life is about evolving and growing, accepting that change is better than remaining still and stagnant. Life can be a work of art living this way.
LITERATURE
A Quixotic Tale 31 year old Celestino Garcia was a proud Spaniard who contracted polio as a child. His ability to become a wellknown thriving barber was not affected by the disease for years. In 1914 his mother was so distraught with the loss of several of her 10 children due to wars and other catastrophes in Spain that she insisted the family migrate to America. At Ellis Island they all were admitted to the US except for Celestino. By that time he was in a wheelchair due to the progression of his polio. He was deemed incompetent to earn a living. As his family tearfully waved goodbye, he decided to go to Cuba. That way he was close enough to visit them later in St.Louis. He immediatedly set up shop as a tailor in Cuba and enjoyed quite the lucrative business. As a young man he was seen proudly riding a chestnut stallion, sporting a white panama hat and a huge handle bar mustache. Instead of brandishing a sword, he weilded a black barber strap. He was quite popular and partied frequently with friends. He caught the eye of a beautiful young teacher named Felicia who walked by his tailor shop daily. She had seen him on his horse and thought him quite dashing. Soon she and her colleague started picking up hand sewing from the tailor to make extra cash. Felicia became enamored with Celestino and the couple courted in the tailor shop. Her parents sat next to the counter, while she sat across from Celestino. It was only until her father granted permission for his daughter’s hand in marriage did Celestino reveal his paralysis and that he was confined to a wheel chair. The couple became engaged in 1916 and wed shortly thereafter. Celestino and Felicia immigrated to
the US through New Orleans. Celestino was now allowed into the U.S. simply because Felicia was deemed a professional. The couple traveled throughout the country having 3 children in 3 different states. They later visited Cuba and had another child there. Obviously parts of his body were working quite well! They returned to the U.S. so Celestino could continue working as a tailor. Sadly Felicia contracted breast cancer. Celestino was devasted! How could he save her? He thought if he could find a community that approximated the culture, flora and fauna of Cuba it would hasten her recovery. He moved his family from Chicago to a thriving Latin mecca called Ybor City in Florida. Felicia soon gave birth to twin girls. By the time the twins were 3 years old, Felicia had passed. Celestino was shocked but he had 6 children to raise. Through the purple and white octogon sidewalks of Ybor City, he proudly navigated his wheelchair as a trusty stead and weilded his barber strap as his whip. His flock of 6 children delightfully followed him as he stopped at different government kiosks which gave out sugar, fruit and milk to families in need. They survived the great depression and he lived to see his 6 children grow up and enjoy his 13 grandchildren. The old rattan wheelchair was retired and he lived bedridden at each of his children’s homes until he passed at a ripe old age. And sometimes during a hazy sunset, I swear I can see an old rickety wheelchair rolling through the clouds with a whitehaired Spaniard cracking his barberstrap! YewHaw! REST IN PEACE ABUELO!
LuLu Agüero Artist/Writer HEAT, COLOR, PASSION, HUMOR Lulu's artistic talents are truly remarkable, transcending language and capturing the essence of life's energy. Born and raised in Ybor CityHer ability to infuse her Latin flair into her works, whether on canvas or in her writing, is a testament to her unique perspective. Her upcoming novel Lore of Ybor - shines a light on her briar patch, including all of its mysteries and twisted truths. Artistpsychic@gmail.com
The Artisan Magazine
POETRY Restless Pollen
Where I learned strength In a home built with the hands of chaos, I learned strength by counting my skin cells over and over. Found solace in repetition. Found strength that 7 always 8 9 And 10 always comes home.
In a lullaby I found nightmares of a sweetness crawling over taste buds, and I cannot taste. Instead yellow footprints dance and I want to follow
I learned strength in the plastic rubber bands of my braces tightening, tenderizing each gap between tooth Pulling myself together. Slowly. Quietly. Nearly still but constant.
Sleeping inside these tulips are dead bees. We ignore this etch-a-sketch reality. Insist dreams don’t fade when we open our eyes.
I found strength in my mothers spine. That always seemed big enough to have space For 5 kids to grab hold. And cling to love Even when our hands get tired. I found strength in dark places filled with The type of love Only realized by pain. the type of love that blends and bends and sends me to places of peace. I just need to figure out how to mend all off pieces.
The Joys of the Closet Closet as portal not prison Closet as backstage VIP access I choose who enters I choose who sees me I choose me and I choose you
In a lullaby I found the moment the song ends To be the moment I unravel, unhinge from this story. Off-script, I want to be the bee before it dies. The plot is dripping into the soundtrack. If I don’t die playing the harp then the song must still be playing. If no one’s around to hear the harpist snap a string — Do we keep dancing without music? The breeze carries forgotten melodies memories mysteries and maybe bee miracles. Pollen disappears shows up on damn near everything. If I must be restless I beg the bees keep your stingers attached. We need wildflowers willing to sway along the highway as we sit stuck in traffic from point A to point B.
My closet holds me My closet holds the world I’m building It’s Eve’s Domain It’s the Second entrance to Narnia My Own Paradise, my own Hell My own sin, my own redemption I marinate in my mind, digest my desire And I imagine how your voice sounds like in the morning.
The speakers in dreamworld are blown. Extension cords torn. Discarded harp strings made wind chime. Some of us dancing. Some of us dead. This lullaby doesn’t put me to sleep I’m waiting for the end of a song I can’t recall. Meanwhile Those who feast on bees Flies mites spiders raccoons Enjoy the tune But only know the words to the chorus. I can’t sleep.
I don’t hide here. I think here I breathe in and the breath doesn’t stick to my chest here… I exhale… I memorize the frown lines on my face Shake them out like a broken etch a sketch And invite time from the night-shift in, As I practice smiles in the mirror. I don’t hide here. I hold myself here. When I was 15 my boyfriend locked me in a closet. It took me 12 years to realize how safe I was with a door between us. I’m a locksmith. I’m a time traveler. I’m a Drag King in the making. I’m a revived caterpillar Eating the leaves I like in the closet. Get use to the sweetness in my mouth. In my gut. In my wings. My chrysalis is warm kindness, a naked knowing…. Undressed, I don’t hide here. I hold myself. Together - here Closet as portal, not prison.
Rose Cervantes
Rose Cervantes is a Cuban creative committed to building community. Her poetry and art center on mental health, Latinx heritage, and the dualities of the human experience. Rose is fueled by uplifting people who don’t fit inside “the box” of dominant white culture and passionately creates vulnerable spaces where art encourages authenticity. Outside of Rose's creative work, she balances the following roles: Program Officer at Pinellas Community Foundation, Half of the artist duo behind Collect Your Thoughts, Mi Gente Mi Pueblo Mover. Rose proudly embraces her Latine, Gay, Femme, and mental health labels to help pave the way to a more inclusive world. She loves dancing, sour candy, and her rescue animals, Penelope and Frederick.
The Artisan Magazine
November 2023 19
OP-ED
‘But I could have told you Vincent this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you... “ Don McLean
"Indigo" Jones
ACTUALLY HEARD THEM SEEING AN EXHIBITION OF VAN GOGH SEVERAL DECADES AGO AT THE MET IN NYC THERE WAS A PORTRAIT, A SELF PORTRAIT, THAT LOOKED DIRECTLY AT ME AND THERE WERE THESE LETTERS TO HIS BROTHER THEO, IN VINCENT’S OWN CURSIVE HAND I QUICKLY LEFT THE MUSEUM, A CRACK OPENED THAT SELF PORTRAIT AND THOSE LETTERS CAUSED ME TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE CRACK WAS ME TOO
For some several weeks hence I re-union with a dear old friend one who speaks with great eloquence whose paintings I ardently recommend... although Vincent received scant recompense whilst he was alive among us he indeed was amongst whilst he was alive... b d jones... THERE IS AN AUTUMNAL HUSH... A HUSH AS WHISPER, WHISPER AS PETITION IT IS ALMOST A PRAYER... A HOMILY IF YOU WILL, A PRAYER THAT SURROUNDS AND INFUSES MANY OF THE WONDROUS PAINTINGS OF VINCENT VAN GOGH EVEN PAINTINGS SUCH AS STARY STARY NIGHT HAVE THAT AUTUMNAL HUSH WHEAT FIELD WITH CROWS... OH THOSE DAMM CROWS SELF-PORTRAIT (PARIS) SELF-PORTRAIT WITH FELT HAT THE BEDROOM (ARLES) VERY SIMILAR TO MY BEDROOM IN SILVER LAKE IN THE HILLY EASTERN ENVIRONS OF LOS ANGELES STILL LIFE WITH BIBLE OR THOSE EXQUISITE POTATO EATERS PAINTINGS THAT COULD ONLY HAVE COME INTO THIS WORLD SOMETIME AFTER AUGUST SOMETIME AFTER HARVEST SOMETIME AFTER THE DELUGE AFTER THE DISTURBANCE IN THE SKY... THAT DISTURBANCE WHEREIN HEAVEN OPENS AND THE RAINS LOSES PURCHASE OF THE SKY... THE RAIN HITS THE GROUND AND MAKES MAD EMPLOYMENT TO THE SOIL "GROW WHY DON’T YOU, GROW!” VINCENT MUST HAVE COME INTO THIS WORLD ON A MORNING SUCH AS THIS IT WARMS ME TO THINK SO IT IS THIS WARMTH THAT RADIATES FROM YOUR SUNFLOWERS... WHEREVER OR WHENEVER YOU PAINTED THEM VINCENT AND SO VINCENT PAINTED HE DREW... ILLUSTRATED HE IMPRESSIONED HIS LIFE ONTO THE CANVAS WITH BRUSH STROKES AS THICK AS MEMORY, DELICIOUS 20 November 2023
Bob Devin Jones
Self
AND EQUALLY AS MENACING AS A MURDER OF CROWS VINCENT ARTISTANED HIS LIFE NEARLY EVERY DAY EVERY DAY THAT HE WAS CLOTHED AND IN HIS RIGHT MIND WHICH PERFORCE WAS NOT EVERY SINGLE DAY ALWAYS WINNOWING IN HIS ANGEL EFFORT WHICH IN THIS PRECISE CONTEXT THERE IS A PARALLAX VIEW THAT MIRRORS MY OWN JOURNEY TO AMSTERDAM MY FOURTH VISIT IN FOUR YEARS AND A FIFTH VISIT IN 1984 WHICH PRECEDED THE LATTER FOUR AND ONLY MY SECOND VISIT TO THE VAN GOGH MUSEUM
AND IN THE LAST YEAR OF THE PREVIOUS CENTURY WHILE VISITING LOS ANGELES I SAW A TRAVELING EXHIBITION AT LACMA ENTITLED ‘VAN GOH’S, VAN GOH’S, THIS WAS TO BE MY FIRST INSTRUCTION OF SEEING HIS MASTERFUL PAINTING OF THE POTATO EATERS IN PERSON I FIRST SIGHTED THE PAINTING THREE GALLERIES FROM WHERE I WAS STANDING... STANDING BY THE STILL LIFE'S I HAD A DECESISON TO MAKE I DID NOT WANT TO JUST WALK UP TO THE PAINTING AND INTRODUCE MYSELF SO I AMBLED A CIRCUITOUS ROUTE... BACKWARDS AND JUST BEFORE I REACHED THE POTATO EATERS I SAW STILL LIFE WITH LEMONS... I JUST STOOD THERE, IN AWE, IN GRIEF... IN GRATITUDE, RADIATING BACK THE WARMTH OF THE HARVEST AFTER ABOUT TWENTY MINUTES OR SO, I MADE MY ACQUAINTANCE WITH THE POTATO EATERS... AH THAT HUSH... THAT AUTUMNAL HUSH I HAD A SEAT AT THE TABLE...
THERE ARE TWO ANTECEDENTS... THREE ACTUALLY LAST MONTH WHILE IN AMSTERDAM LISTENING TO VIVALD'S FOUR SEASONS AUTUMN ON BBC RADIO 4 I HEARD THE PAINTINGS OF VAN GOGH The Artisan Magazine
Potato Eaters
515 22nd Street South, Unit F 727.318.3223 SoftWaterGallery.com
Closed Closed Sundays
Thursday - Saturday Noon - 6pm and by appointment
Welcome to Keep St. Pete Lit! Do you read? Do you write? Do you live in or around St. Petersburg? Well then, check out Keep St. Pete Lit, where we celebrate and promote the area’s literary community. Whether you’re a writer, a reader or just love the arts, we want you to help us Keep St. Pete Lit. Founder Read and Write on, my friend! Maureen McDole
The Gift of Art
A Group Exhibition by Members of the Gulf Coast Artists’ Alliance
Visit our site!
OPENING RECEPTION November 11 • 5 - 9pm
KEEP ST. PETE LIT celebrates and promotes greater St. Petersburg’s literary community – past, present and future – through arts, education and events with a literary twist. We are readers, writers and lovers of words who strive to bring an approachable, engaging literary component to St. Petersburg’s vibrant arts community. Our headquarters are located at 2622 Fairfield Ave S. St. Petersburg within The Factory St. Pete.
The Artisan Magazine
2604 Central Avenue Downtown St. Petersburg 727.485.8655 stpeteartworks.com November 2023 21
Think you have a novel in there? (Most of us do)
A Tale of Two Authors For most people a novel is something they climb into. A familiar place, extra cozy. You are about to enter the creative world of two local authors, and sample the worlds they create. EmiIie Richards, age 75, grew up in Gulfport, most recently of Sarasota. John Vanek, also 75, spent most of his life in Cleveland, moving to St. Petersburg 15 years ago. Both were attracted to writing at the point of developing their professional lives, Emilie in mental health, and John in pre-med. This is where the similarity ends. Emilie is a professional writer who has become a senior. She has published 80 novels, 15 million copies in 21 countries and 16 languages. Ten have been made into TV movies in Germany. John is a senior who became a professional writer, after a life as a physician. His fifth novel was released October 10th. “I was writing for fun” Emilie says, “when I noticed that the mother of one of my piano students wrote novels and was successful. From the moment I sat down to the computer, I loved it.” John’s entry was writing poetry and short stories, plus two early “practice” novels that will never see the light of day. Participating in Eckerd College’s Writers In Paradise played a pivotal role in his journey to the printed page. “Write what you know”, the most frequent advice given to novices did not always work for Emilie. She creates completely imaginary worlds, which emerged out of extensive research. “I never used situations or characters I had seen or experienced in my personal life”, probably not a bad idea for a therapist and minister's wife. “Sometimes you are better to write what you don’t know. If you know something well, you might forget the pieces that your readers will find most interesting.” John writes from what he knows. His principle character, Father Jake Austin,is a dedicated man of the cloth who has strong feelings for the woman he once loved and lost. They are modeled on “two Catholic priests I knew well” and a female friend who is blind. His novels may “start with a dream, waking at 3 AM and writing a chap-
22 November 2023
ter” (which eventually may become chapter 10 or 11) “I write from the seat of my pants. This will get re-edited four or five times. The first drafts are for my readers, the last for myself. I may not be a great author, but I am a great revisionist.” Having done extensive research Emilie writes with more certainty, but still a lot of editing. She writes an “outline”. (Some publishers require a 50-60 page synopsis.) It takes a lot of work to appear effortless. “I put myself in the character's persona” Emilie says “looking through their eyes. It’s like watching a movie. I may say ‘by golly that’s not right’. The characters decide for you.” “I know them like my best friends. For me it’s almost as if the character would say don’t do this.” John writes his mysteries in the first person, “so it’s easier for the reader to identify with the protagonist. The problem for me as a writer is that as the plot unfolds, the reader can only know what the protagonist knows.” Writing comes a lot from reading. Emilie read “everything I could on writing” when she started. “Characterization is my strength.” John reads widely and this makes it into his writing. “I started as a poet”, which is his writing strength. The market for romance fiction exploded in the mid 80’s which opened up the market for female authors. Emilie rode the wave, but that is the distant past as she moved on to “books with issues, genre fiction where everybody knows the mystery will be solved in the end, but the characters go through hell to get there.” An early 2000 series in the women’s fiction genre takes you into the world of quilting, from the Shenandoah valley to Guatemala, five novels and a collection of novellas. More recently a series of four has been set in Asheville, and there are several domestic suspense novels. John’s series finale, “Epiphany” is about “stolen church funds, a pedophile priest, a hospital ghost, an exorcist, and a crazed car bomber. What could possibly go wrong? Just another day at the office for Father Jake Austin” “A novel wants to befriend you, a short story almost never.” Joy Williams
Title and first paragraph by Emilie Richards
Title and first paragraph by John Vanek
“Blessed is the Busybody”
“Bedeviled”
Teddy was getting ready to bury the cat again, and old Moonpie, whose nine lives had been used up before he was fully weaned, was not protesting. Like me, Moonpie had given up hope that Teddy would quickly outgrow this phase of her development. Too old for protest but too feline for compliance, our silver tabby hung in my daughter’s thin arms like a burlap sack loaded with buckshot. Drag me off the picket line if you have to, Mr. Sheriff, but I’m not going to make it easy for you.
The Artisan Magazine
Sheriff Tremont Tree” Macon eased his cruiser onto Route 58 and began a slow and silent journey north toward town. No need for sirens and flashers. The time for action was past. Neither of us spoke. There were no questions to answer, nothing to say. What could you say? Life - as a great thinker once said - is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. Only today it was also shrouded in a body bag.
Scan QR codes to find your next favorite artist
ARTIST REGISTRY
In partnership, Celebrate St. Pete and The Artisan Magazine will provide a free profile for every art-related business in The Artisan Magazine on Celebrate St. Pete's online directory, and include a post in at least one of the following of the online directories sections; Daily Post, Article, Event, Photo, Product, or Video.
FINE ART/CLASSES
FINE ART/CLASSES
hello@shelbydillonstudio.com
Krporter@centralartclasses.com
Coastal paintings, fine art prints, and online painting classes for all levels.
Central Art Classes: The Downtown destination for art classes. All ages. Taught by professional artist K.R. Porter at the ArtLofts.
FINE ART - PAINTING
MULTI-MEDIA
Shelby Dillon 919-886-7046
Patricia Tierney Moses The Factory St. Pete 2622 Fairfield Ave. S.
727-599-7144
IG: @pangelatierney Tricia@ptierneymoses.com
K.R. Porter
727-481-6612
Richard Minster
Carrie Jadus cjadus@gmail.com
727-318-3223
Jadus is a Tampa Bay Artist, her work is exhibited in galleries and private collections all over the world.
727-273-5011
www.blaquejackstudios.com IG: @blaquejackstudios blaquejackstudios@gmail.com
PAINTING
Nancy Cohen
Nancycohenstudio.com
I use many different mediums, such as enamel, acrylics, and pastels.
Classical fine art paintings, studio visits welcome. Represented by Woofield Fine Art.
727-655-8234
917-921-6821
SCAN TO DOWNLOAD
PAINTING
FINE ART/PAINTING
lrodgersart@yahoo.com
larry@larrymaynardartist.com
Lance Rodgers’ thoughtful narrative paintings have been displayed in numerous galleries and museums.
“An American Tonalist” Fine Art Painter of Florida Wetlands
Lance Rodgers 727-365-4662
SCAN TO DOWNLOAD
SCAN TO DOWNLOAD
CERAMIST
PAINTING
Janie Haskins
Artmosphere Studio 21 327 14th Ave S St Petersburg FL 33701
richardminster@gmail
SCAN TO DOWNLOAD
PAINTING
PAINTING
Blaquejack Studios
Brenda McMahon
Larry Maynard 727-403-1315
SCAN TO DOWNLOAD
PAINTING
Jim Kammerud
janie@janiehaskins.com
brenda@brendamcmahon.com
Colorful, impressionist oil paintings of coastal scenes, shorebirds, and Florida life.
Custom designed sculptural ceramic tile and Japanese inspired vessels.
Contemporary figure paintings and portraits
PAINTING
CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING
dyaelk@gmail.com
Jthomas@cmdigroup.com
An organic expressionist, Yael Kelley’s paintings are in collections internationally.
Learn the art of Chinese Brush Painting
614-330-5463
PAINTING
Cheryl Yellowhawk
Cherylyellowhawk@verizon.net
727-599-6568
Vibrant florals, nature, still-life, wedding bouquets, women, children, commissions, oil and pastel painting classes.
518.692.7742
D YaeL Kelley
727-365-6664
The Artisan Magazine
Warehouse Arts District St. Pete
614-353-9556
Workshop with Jo-An
(617) 921-6880
Fall Classes Session 2 (Nov 9, 16, 30, Dec 7, 14, 21)
November 2023 23
“Brilliantly Nuanced” - The Art of John and Margaret Bayalis
Exhibit dates: November 10th, 2023 through January 6th, 2024 Opening Reception: Friday, November 10th from 5 to 9 pm
Plus, see the work of 34 other local artists in our main gallery!
t...
Only a
2323 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, Florida 727-254-6981
Open til 9pm for ArtWalk
www.woodfieldfineart.com woodfieldfineart@gmail.com 24 November 2023
The Artisan Magazine
