THE NEARNESS OF ART
FEATURING
LAURA HOLLICK
by
Lydia Schrufer
____________________
It’s
October, the weather is cooler, the kids are back in school,
you no longer have to skim the pool or mow the lawn, and the
art world goes into overdrive. If you’re wondering what
to do tonight, or where to take the kids during the weekend,
check out your local or regional newspaper under the art and
entertainment section, where you’ll find listings for
all the art exhibitions and gallery openings in and around your
neighbourhood.
Going
to art galleries and other art venues is not only visually stimulating
and thought provoking, it’s loads of fun and for the most
part free. Even if you decide that the art on exhibit isn’t
to your liking, you will have experienced and learned something
new. In contrast to blockbuster museum exhibitions, there are
no entrance fees at art galleries. In fact, if you attend the
vernissage -- the opening evening of any art show that
introduces the artist and his or her work to gallery guests
and interested media -- you’ll most likely be treated
to a glass (or three) of wine and a few nibblies.
Contrary
to what many people think, art galleries are not daunting, foreboding
places. You will be met by welcoming gallery representatives
and perhaps the artist him or herself, especially if it’s
opening night. Galleries attract interesting people and stimulating
conversation, lending credence to the adage: “the more
the merrier.” Give it a try and get into the good habit
of seeing as much original art as possible. Who knows, you could
be among the first to discover and own, at bargain prices, the
art of the next great artist. And if you’re looking to
meet new people with similar interests, I would pick a real
art gallery over unreal Internet dating any day of the week.
SCANNING
THE VIRTUAL ART SCENE
Still
in the spirit of discovery mentioned above, don’t overlook
the tool by which, with a simple click, you can explore the
art world globally: the Internet. The World Wide Web not only
features thousands of galleries and artists’ biographies
but also wonderful images posted by artists from all over the
world. Artnet,
for example, is not only encyclopedic in its coverage, it includes
links to other equally interesting web sites. Among search engines,
Google is excellent. Art magazines, which usually print web
addresses of artists and the galleries that feature them, can
be fabulous sources of information.
Laura
Hollick, a multi- faceted artist, introduced herself to our
publication through the Internet, and is one of our
graphic contributors this issue. Even though
we have never spoken, I've scanned her
website and now feel I have a
good grasp of her opinions, art and philosophy. Not being able
to journey through her studio or gallery is definitely not the
obstacle it used to be. Through her website I can tour her categorized
art at my convenience. And from there, if I want to know more
about Laura Hollick, or a particular work’s texture, frame
or price, I can correspond electronically.
So
my message to you is get out there and get involved with art.
Whether the artist is in your neighborhood or from a distant
land, the world’s art is now your oyster. Bon appétit.
For
more information on the artist, please contact Arts Editor
Lydia
Schrufer.
