J.Wecks In Italia

My good friend Jenn Weckselblatt is currently painting in Venice, Italy as part of the New York University program for the arts. While I am highly, highly jealous of her place in the country I love, I think I love her new GIANT paintings more. The gesture of the paint and, as usual, her command of light is astonishing.
I have known Jenn since Arcadia and have always been jealous of her ability to create a glowing light unlike anyone else. Her change from working smaller to larger seems to thus far be a good transition; allowing her to create larger, more expressive strokes in her works.

Call for Entries: MELT

For our third show, we're introducing our first theme. It is a simple idea of something we view everyday in life. It is common. But to everyone it is something a little different.
Food.
Meals.
It is the basis of many still lives by most, if not all, artists at one time. To you it could be what nourishes you. To another it could symbolize a struggle with vanity. Some don't have enough, while others decorate and decorate creating elaborate pieces of art to catch your eye.
Please take this theme in the most abstract of ways if you must.
I look forward to see what you come up with!

Submission cost: $20.00
Deadline: August 13, 2010

Send all submissions (also include a self address stamped envelope) to:
Megan Coonelly
2908 Elbridge St
Philadelphia, PA 19149

Please include:
Artist Name:
Title:
Medium:
Price:
Email:
Website:
Phone:

Any questions please email at tbdartists@gmail.com

Artist of the Week: Meg Coonelly

As the inaugural post I think it's important to know where the TBD came from. We will focus this week on Founder, Meg Coonelly. Due to the fact that I am Meg Coonelly and I am writing these entries, I will not be speaking in the third person. Sorry to disappoint anyone.

I have considered myself many things over the years, but the most important title to me is the title of artist. I remember all through college my Dad asking me what I planned to do as an “artist.” My response was always simple “I would figure it out.” The truth was I had no idea. I almost took the Forrest Gump approach to situations responding with an “oh, ok.” Just move forward with the idea and execute it; one thing will always lead to another. That is how TBD Artists was formed. It was an idea on a whim and it is through the support and confidence I have in the TBD and its fellow artists that keeps us moving forward.

Education wise I attended Arcadia University, and I could easily be identified as the person with paint all over her clothes, literally. Researching artists was a pleasure and it was how I found my “all-star” team of artists and influences. My All Star Team Includes: Paul Cezanne, Wayne Theibald, Frank Auerbach, and John Singer Sargent. Theibald's cakes and carnival prizes intrigued me and while many thought of his work as “pop,” he merely painted of nostalgia. I look to that in my recent works (pictured above). To a normal eye they are studies of fruit “paired off”. To me they are studies of relationships. I attempt to continue to pour myself in my work whether finding inspiration in fruit, desserts, or a coffee cup.

Holy Redeemer Thirft Shop

Coming this September, TBD Artists will be putting together a show at the Holy Redeemer Thrift Store.
Why a Thrift Store?
Why do people show in coffee shops? Is it for the exposure? Is it for the diversity in clientele? Probably both.

Why have I been involving different organizations in the TBD as of late? I think it is important for us not to only look out for ourselves and our abilities and our mission of being seen, but also that we can make a difference with other organizations with a similar cause. How are our causes similar? We desire exposure to be noted as either an artist or as a vessel to do good and make a difference in a community. Art can change communities, it can empower them no matter where they are seen. Art is alive everywhere and should be viewed everywhere. Whether it is at the small coffee shop, the thrift store, or the swanky gallery in Chelsea.

If you would like more information regarding this show, or any other upcoming show please contact Meg at: tbdartists@gmail.com

Keep Creating!!

Food for Thought

(#1, Random Food photo#2, Britt Miller, #3 Meg Coonelly, #4 Jennifer Weckelsblatt)


Coming late summer the TBDArtists are being welcomed back to the James Oliver Gallery (most likely August). While those details are being finalized let's talk theme.
As most of you know I am really interested in focusing on a food theme. "MELT" if you will. I don't expect only glorified paintings of apples, muffins, and coffee cups. It is merely a thin guideline to go with.
Case in point: I paint food. I paint food a lot. It is a basic subject matter for any still life. I gravitated towards it because for me it helped me explore certain relationships in my own life (I.E. Meg Coonelly's "Pairs of Pairs"). I have always used food to express many aspects of everyday life and what I encounter, much like Wayne Thiebaud painted many, many cakes, carnival prizes and candies out of childhood nostalgia. Or as Elizabeth Murray pointed out that Cezanne's fruit was also charged with sexual frustration (and by the looks Madame Cezanne gave in every portrait...) can you blame him?
I look forward to seeing what will come out with this theme, if you have any questions or are looking for guidelines, please ask.
Any medium will do!

tbdartists@gmail.com

There are more shows on the way as well. In November/December we've been asked to show at the Eris Temple Artspace. More to come about that show as well.

FourBlocks.

Really? Really! Four blocks. How many times have I walked four blocks in Mayfair and it was ok. I'm lucky. I've been told I am lucky. I never realized why until now.

PYT you've lost someone. I am trully sorry.

I've never had food there nor have I met her; but I know the thought process. The thought of safety being upheld. It had to be safe. It was only four blocks. What can go wrong?

Now that safety is torn down. I hope to GOD they find this person. To make me feel safe again not only in Mayfair but in the persuit of home. Because let's face it wherever home is, that is where our heart is.

Donation can be made at: pytphilly@gmail.com

First Friday! Britt Miller!

BookSpace will be featuring the brilliantly colorful work of Britt Miller and Fishtown's Art by Nathan for the month of June. Music and adult beverages will be served or feel free to BYOB!

Start Time:	Friday, June 4, 2010 at 7:00pm
End Time:	Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 12:00am
Location:	BookSpace (Philly Book Co)
Street:	1113 Frankford Avenue
City/Town:	Philadelphia, PA