Russell Vanecek loves birds and bird watching. That love, and membership in Sustaining All Life, “an international grassroots organization working to end climate change within the context of ending all divisions among people,” has inspired him to create “friendlier, more joyful paintings” than he had in the past. “Now it’s about what it’s like to be in nature.” From Vanecek’s website: “I use images that not only represent meaningful events, animals or people in my life, but also represent our common humanity.”
His latest work, including the mask he’s wearing made from one of images, reflects an observation that birds are always in motion.
“Birds rarely sit still, they blend into the landscape changing colors several times a day, and according to the season.”
“My paintings are full of swirls and texture—they’re about birds’ movements and sounds.”
Find more information about the paintings photographed here on Vanecek’s website and Facebook page. And here is a link to information about his selection of face masks. Vanecek also produces a line of notecards made from his paintings, $4 each or 3 for $10, email: [email protected].
Warfield sent the following response to what’s she’s viewing through her camera lens these days:
“I live in the city and am out walking my dog quite often. Since the pandemic began, I’ve noticed people averting their eyes from each other much more often and simply avoiding any type of social connection. With all of the division over wearing masks, it occurred to me… does social distancing necessarily have to mean social disconnecting? I believe in wearing masks and keeping a responsible distance, but I think it’s important to remember that behind those masks, we are all still human. It is still possible to “see” each other. What do the eyes tell you? What does the body language tell you? A little kindness goes a long way. Let’s stay connected…”
To learn more about this project, click #HumansBehindTheFaceMask, and to view more of Warfield’s stunning photography visit her website.
When mosaic artist Mike Murphy (photographed at BookFest STL 2018 with Marianne Murphy) was asked how he’s holding up during the pandemic, he said in response:
“I would say the effect has been mainly that I don’t seem to have the same level of creativity prior to all of this. But the studio has still been a great destination to help me get my mind away from a constant stream of Covid AND Politics.”
Murphy creates his mosaics from cut glass, beads, found objects & costume jewelry. Above, “The Green Man.”
Assorted tabletops
“Cityscape”
Murphy added: “Recently my art expanded into three-dimensional mosaics when I became inspired by the female form and saw the possibilities that glass might play in reinterpreting and enhancing the ideal shape of a mannequin.”
For more information and to contact Murphy, visit his website.
I hope you’re enjoying these posts as much as I am bringing them to you. Stay tuned for more CWE-based artists and what they’re creating over the next week.