DON'T mention them!!!

This blog is about my art....

But what seriously annoys me, is that the media in the whole world, talk all the time about the lawsuit of a serial killer from Norway, who murdered about 77 young people... and about the lawsuit of a male person in the Netherlands, who is that sick in his head, that he has had the most perverse sex with babies and children. And these are only a few examples...

WHY???
WHY do we need to be remembered all the time of these sick people.
Just do NOT mention them!!!
If no one talks about them, if they are ignored.... they are punished more.
They just love the attention.

The media themselves are sick too
I think it is very important that people stay critical and that the people stay informed about what's happening in the world.... But I get a nasty taste in my mouth, about the reporting of a large part of the media nowadays.... it's all about the money here too. Who's the first to report about the next murder??? Who will be the first to film, photograph.......
Really sick...

How wonderful would it be if the media would start looking for the bright sides of life more...
All this negative, awful and bad reporting... it does the world no good.

My art on TIMES SQUARE New York City?????

Okay... this is really me...

I decided to participate to this awesome looking art competition....

But now I just found out that it appears that if I had enough money, I would be able to just BUY ME IN TO THIS COMPETITION...

and if I do 'Your work is guaranteed to be shown on a 21 ft by 12 ft sign in Times Square'

Duh?????

Only if 77 people within less than 1 day click on 'COLLECT ME' on my page, I will be able to enter the competition.... not that my art will be shown on Times Square jet. And okay, since I am not very good in networking I think I can forget about it.

I'd better get back to what I'm good at: painting.

;)

If you do believe in miracles and want to try to help me get my art to Times Square .... stop dreaming! I withdraw my participation. I don't want to be part of this.

LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT

just been born... still got a long way to go to grow up

I've been pretty successful lately in painting and sales of paintings, despite of the economic crisis. But suddenly LIFE itself has hit and overrun - like a truck - every fiber of my body and soul. The rollercoaster takes me to places I've never been before, without taking into account whether I want to go there, or not. Life can bring and take. It's what you do with it, how you react on it and it's in the manner of seeing, that moves your understanding. I don't know where we are going, but I know I can do it.

Watching life through a lens

Watching life through a lens, 50x20x4 cm | 20x8x1,5 inch

Another painting in the Girls in Paint series is ready.
It is a small painting, but it is so detailed, that it took me a long time to finish it.
The model is sitting on her pink cloud, watching life through a lens. Everything looks so promising and beautiful to her...
On the hunt for positivity in the tormented world we live in, with spring in the air, this little painting makes my life a little more beautiful.

It was a good intention to shut myself off, of the rest of the world... but completely impossible because of the horrible tragedy which has hit my hometown.
Every parent's nightmare: 22 children and 6 adults (15 children -from a class of 22 - and 2 adults were from my hometown Lommel) - died Tuesday in a touring-car accident in Switzerland. 24 injured and traumatized for the rest of their lives.
Terrible!! The grief is like a blanket over the city. Today at 11 o'clock a minute's silence out of respect for the victims and their families and the flags are at half mast throughout the day. My thoughts are with the relatives.
Every day I understand less about life... if we do not shut ourselves off every now and then, we could easily get crazy. Looking for the positive side of life... and their are dozens of positive sides.... let's not forget that.
But today it is time to gireve.

Immerse in paint

Back to work, in stead of worrying about the world... this feels soooo much better.
I'd best shut myself off, of the rest of the world, and stay in my own beautiful environment.
'Life is what you make it', I always say, so I'd better stick to my own words and conviction.
And hey... spring is in the air!! Yeeehaaaa!

Esther Barend has decided to protect the Earth!!!

Would it be a good idea to join the 'save the planet - publicity stunt hype' which is ruling our media?

Every self respecting brand nowadays announces to protect the oceans (Davidoff Cool Water), save the Filipino Crocodile (Lacoste) or reduce carbon dioxide emissions (L'Oreal). This is just a small selection of what I read in the media during the last week.
Those brands are so fulfilled by their own benefactor-act that they use it as a marketing tool, hoping more people will choose for their brand because of their good heart. I even dare to claim that some of them picked a good cause on purpose, with the aim to serve as a publicity stunt!
I'd say this is just a lot of bragging, automanipulation, look what a great brand/company/person I am... everyone should buy MY products!!

I wonder if more people would buy my paintings if I'd announce that I've been reducing carbon dioxide emissions for ages, only eat meat once a week, have reduced water-usage to a minimum, am not a big consumer, take the bike instead of the car whenever I can, donate a large amount of money to the Red Cross every year and although I already apply sustainable energy when- and wherever I can, I have decided to become even more sustainable????
Nahhhhhh, I don't think so!

Sources:
http://www.basenotes.net/content/1056-Davidoff-Cool-Water-to-Partner-National-Geographic-Society-Pristine-Seas-Programme
http://www.mabuwaya.org/index.cfm?p=FF6A11E6-DD6F-66C2-42E5874FDDB529EC
http://www.wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/retailing/loral-italia-introduces-a-zero-emissions-project-5760410

I'm tired feeling miserable

I've been ill for 4 days now and I'm really fed up with it already. I NEVER have a cold and it has been decades since I last had the flu... It seems like it's coming out now all at once. I am way too impatient to just lie, sit, lie, sleep, read, watch tv, check FB, and do nothing else than sneezing and coughing and feeling miserable all the time, but I decided to surrender to it. Well.... There is not much else to choose from. Also... since I'm never ill and there are MUCH worse things in life, I don't have anything to complain about! Anyway I tell myself that it has a purpose, and although I really believe it does, I hope I feel better very soon. This is soooo boring and tiring. ....  And there's a painting waiting for me to be finished.

My art in CATAPULT Art Magazine

Check this link:

http://issuu.com/catapultartm/docs/catapult_0312.v7?mode=window&backgroundColor=%23222222

And take your time, because there is a lotttt to discover.

Enjoy it!

Life is full of Hairpin Bends....

During the past years it's taking me longer than ever before to create a painting.
I am never without ideas (happy!!) and the composition (the big picture) is there quite quickly, but next... it is all about the details.
With lots of patience I've been working on my latest painting: Hairpin Bends, 120x40 cm | 47x16 inch.

The title of this post already explains the title of the painting.
Life = Change.
Since our planet and its residents are experiencing a lot of changes which keep on accellerating, we have to adjust all the time.
In order to find a new balance, this means that sometimes we have to make AND take a lot of hairpin bends.
Taking hairpin bends sometimes also includes taking risks. But hey.. that is life. Living without taking risks is dull.
Then again... sometimes there is nothing to choose. This is what it is, take it or leave it.

Wires of life

'Get Under the Wire'

After the explosion of colors in my last work - The Year of the Dragon - I wanted to make a work in black and white. Well, almost only black and white, since I added only one color (in several tones of course!) to it. When I look at my painting now it's finished, I just cannot believe that I've worked on it for weeks (with a pause of 5 days because I had the pleasure of having my fellow artist Bayo - mexican but living and working in Austin, Texas - and his wife staying at my house). It has a lot of details, but at the same time it looks so simple to me. I've been 'in this painting' for so long that I can not look at it objectively anymore.

It is called 'Get Under the Wire', 100x160 cm | 39x63 inch.

Get under the wire, is an english expression, and to me it's that + the exact translation of the words and a lot more. 

Talking of Bayo, his work is really awesome!!! He was in Belgium to attend the opening of his solo exhibition 'Let me in' at ARTISHOX Art Gallery. If you live in the neighborhood, just go there and take a look at his fantastic work. The show runs until March 4. If not, and you are curious: visit www.artishopix.com. You can order his work online! And don't forget to take a look at the work of the other artists, as well as mine on artishopix!!!

Cleaning up

Mucking out my studio and take stock is not my idea of having fun...
Many pots are almost empty, but since I don't want to waste anything I'll scrape out the paint until the last drop.
Not the most adventurous thing to do....
The good thing of cleaning up is that I find back things I lost a long time ago.
By now you must have understood that I am not the most tidy person in the world....
The definition 'chaotic' fits better.
Anyway... I have to continue my 'quest'. Writing this blogpost was just an excuse to take a pause from doing work I don't like.

In the middle of a new painting

Finally the sun is shining... although tomorrow it will be raining again. Like it has not been raining for almost the entire month of December... grrrrrrr.
What really worries me though is to hear the sound of birds which usually announce spring... and to see buds on trees and bushes.... which always gives me this good feeling! But not in the first week of January!!!
But worrying does not help....So I better enjoy the sunlight shining into my studio big time!

I've started a new painting on the second day of this year and I just can't let go of it.
It grows under my hands and everytime again I watch it like it's a miracle. Maybe that is what drives me...?
There still is a lot of work to do on this painting and I don't know how long it will take to finish it. I've learned to be patient (well only considering my paintings).
It is called 'The Year of the Dragon' which is about to start (on January 23), my Chinese sign, so my year. Curious what it will bring! I'm going back to my painting now.

Last day of the year....

A challenging brand new year lies ahead of us.
Unstable times, worsening economic crisis and accelerating climate changes do not really make people carefree...  To put it mildly...

We can dive into it, and stay under water.... But we better act creative, pick out the positive sides of the changes and take up the challenge to drag out the best and enjoy every single minute of it!
Anyway, that is what I do, and plan to keep on doing. I can assure you, it's proving a success and makes one feel better!

I wish you luck, health and wisdom, positive energy and creativity in all aspects. Keep your eyes wide open and embrace life.

Welcome 2012!

The machine goes on and on..

For a lot of reasons this time of year, as long as I remember, never has been my favorite one.
Winter can have its charm, but not when it's wet, cold and grey...
Especially the wet and grey part are not my cup of tea.
Time for contemplation.

No painting now... I'm taking a break.
Well, my hands do.... but in my head the machine goes on and on.

Making plans for my new series.
I can't hardly wait to start it. But first it has to simmer, and next it will start to itch.
That's good!
When the itch becomes unbearable I'll start painting.
I'm already curious for the results!

picture by Esther Barend

UNDERLYING ANXIOUSNESS

Spot painting by Damien Hirst

First: I am not only an artist, but I'm also an art lover. Loving art to me means that I can leave my own taste at home, and 'judge' contemporary and older art by its quality, originality, unicity and power to impress/touch the heart/get under one's skin. And (for older art) also the time/period that it was made in. Usually I only react on art and artists when I really think it's great (or when an artists asks my opinion, but then I will always give constructive criticism). I don't like to talk bad about art, because negative criticism can say as much (or more) about me, than on the art(ist) in question and I also do not want to disappoint people.
But now... I'm sorry, I really need to speak up. Not because I think that I am better! NO... because I think a lot of artists, including myself DESERVE better. At least as much as Damien Hirst...
Or I'd better turn it around? He does not deserve more than a lot of extremely talented/their-ass-of-working/high quality/unique/original artists do....? 

Maybe I just have to see it this way: he's the lucky one....?!
 
What's this all about?

Damien Hirst, who is said to be one of todays leading contemporary artists, confided to the Los Angeles Times, that his SPOT paintings look "sort of happy — like Skittles or kids' sweets" but "when you see them together you get kind of lost in them. There's an underlying anxiousness."..... Wow, what a story!!!!  
I can't believe that buyers fall for that crap! I get an underlying anxiousness as well when I look at those paintings... because I can NOT understand that people pay a lot of money for something so UNoriginal and dull (times at least 300 !!!! ... Is that original ?????).

Hirst's SPOT paintings are exhibited in all Gagosian Galleries all over the world. 
YES.... GAGOSIAN!!!!!! 
 
Gagosian is a leading gallery. I mean... if I could work with them... that would be like winning the lottery... okay okay I will stop dreaming out loud.
But really... I do NOT see another reason for them to work with Damien Hirst than the fame of his name.... or differently said: the money they can earn with his fame. Or do they really LOVE his spot paintings and butterflies???
I know that a gallery is not a charity institution. They have to earn money just like everyone else does. But there really are artists on this planet who have more exciting art to select from!
Of course, Hirst has done a lot more than his Spot paintings and his Butterfly paintings. I actually like his shark (and other animals) period... because it was innovative. But I cannot say that about his recent work (of the last couple of years). I think it's highly overestimated and personally I do not understand that an artist of his level wants the Spot paintings to be known as his! I'm sorry... I would not! I would love to advice Gagosian on some very good other artists though!

I need to add that I am not a jealous person. I really wish the best to everyone, especially to those who work hard to reach their goals (in each field). I wish the best to Damien Hirst as well (so Damien don't take this too personal!). By the way Damien, there are some other artists as well who would easily fit in this post, instead of you.


Source: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-et-damien-hirst-20111210,0,4972793.story

Reflection by MOVIETTES FILM

Below you will find a link to a video that has been 

made by Moviettes Film for Monkdogz Urban 
Art Gallery in New York City. It concerns the launch
on DOC NYC Film Festival in New York of CALVET,
the documentary directed and produced by Dominic 
Allan on the extraordinary life of my fellow artist at
Monkdogz: Jean Marc Calvet. Also he filmed on the
opening of the solo exhibition of Jean Marc
afterwards 'INVASION' at Monkdogz Urban Art.
I was there and I can tell you, it really is a very 
good reflection of the happening and the atmosphere.

Currently the documentary is running in several 

theaters all over the U.K. 
Check www.calvetmovie.com for more info.

http://player.vimeo.com/video/32578831?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0

Impression Solo show at Van Bellen Art

Just a few pictures of the solo show at Van Bellen Art in Willemstad the Netherlands which started Sunday Nov 27 and runs until Dec. 31 2011.

More info, check www.vanbellenart.nl

Get Inspired! Magazine

It's great when your art is published on an ART WEBSITE which presents high level quality art. Mine was! Get Inspired! Magazine is a multi talent platform where artists and designers can get their daily inspiration divided in different sub groups. The magazine tries to deliver you high quality work from the best artists and designers in the world. Get Inspired! Magazine is, and always has been, independent.

Click here to see the result:

http://getinspiredmagazine.com

The next big thing.. (last one this year!)

The last exhibition of this year is coming up. It will be at 'Van Bellen Art' in Willemstad, the Netherlands and it's a solo exhibition.

I'll be attending the vernissage on Sunday, Nov 27, 14.00-17.00 hours. 

It would be so nice to meet you there!

The exhibition will last until Dec. 31.

Van Bellen Art successfully represents my work since mid 2011.

Willemstad is a beautiful old town near Rotterdam. It's an ancient fortress, and really worthwile to pay a visit to. First there was Willemstad in the Netherlands (1584), later on another Willemstad was founded on Curaçao.

Making someone happy!

Mrs. Tilly van Deursen, the winner of

'Come fly with me' was so happy with her price, that she came to visit me in my studio this afternoon to receive the painting in person.

More publicity on my art ....

What a surprise to see my art appear on

the russian website Antigorod

 

+

Sweet-station (scroll down)

+ in the magazine MaxLife Antwerp (also preview online) 

http://issuu.com/max-life/docs/maxlife-antwerpen-2/7

+ an article on my painting 'The ultimate conjunction' in the magazine MANAGER

Film and exhibition in New York

Pictures here of, of course NEW YORK - the theatre - Director of CALVET Dominic Allan and me - Jean Marc Calvet (the artist himself!) standing in the doorway at the beginning of the movie - Questions and Answers after the movie and next.... INVASION to the opening of the solo exhibition of Jean Marc Calvet at Monkdogz Urban Art Gallery on 150, 52nd. street - pictures made by me.

The day after the launch of CALVET I wrote an entire review on my iphone. 

I just had to get it out!

But somehow I could not publish it on my blog. So now, back home, I'm going to publish it after all. And a little bit more.

Sunday morning, NYC:

I'm sitting at Starbucks on 7th Avenue, drinking a green tea and thinking over what I've been experiencing during the past days here in NY.
The Calvet movie was just stunning. It has been launched yesterday at the DOC NYC festival in New York City.
Not that it is an action film with a lot of special effects... It's just this amazing extraordinary story told with so much openness
(I don't know if that word exists) and integrity that it hit me right in the heart.
It just rolled over me and afterwards it just blew me away.
Maybe because I know Jean Marc in person, maybe because of his honesty and not keeping up appearances...
Maybe because of the integrity of Dominic Allan the director of the documentary...
Maybe because of the intriguing music of Edith Progue... But I think it's everything together.
I've been following the proces of the movie since 2008, when I started working with Monkdogz Urban Art,
the gallery both Jean Marc Calvet and I work with in New York.
I've get to know him a little bit over the past years, am close with the gallery owners Marina Hadley and Bob Hogge, got to know several people
who are involved with the movie, like Dominic Allan and Edith Progue... I feel really priviliged to have been able to
attend this very special happening and the opening of the solo exhibition afterwards.
It was really crowded and there was this awesome undiscribable positive vibe...
It's the day after and I'm still walking around with this crazy smile on my face.
Just being happy I think and enjoying life. I'm going out there again now, in the sunshine
Just took a look at the NY marathon at Central Park and now heading to Times Square. I just love New York.

Opening of INVASION by Jean Marc Calvet, at Monkdogz Urban Art Gallery, 150 East, 52nd street, New York CityLots of very enthusiastic people and art lovers and buyers :)

I can only say this: go see the movie somewhere, somehow. It will be shown in several theatres in Great Brittain from Nov 24 until Dec. 13. and also will be launched on more film festivals all over the world. More info, check: www.calvetmovie.com and check Calvet's art on www.jmcalvet.com

And see here the Questions and Answers - interview after the movie.

http://youtu.be/bFPGrgcrHig

 

ATTENDING THE LAUNCH OF CALVET IN NEW YORK

Today is a very special day. Finally the movie about my fellow artist Jean Marc Calvet is being launched on the DOC NYC Festival in New York City. I'm one of the guests (YESS) and afterwards I'll be attending the opening of the solo exhibition at Monkdogz Urban Art Gallery on 150 East, 52nd street. The show will last Nov 10, so if you want to take the opportunity to see his work: GO THERE! If you want to meet the artist, Jean Marc Calvet will be there every afternoon!

I arrived in New York yesterday and met with Dominic Allan, the director and producer of the film. We mailed several times over the past year, and it was great to finally meet in person. Of course Jean Marc was there too, painting, installing and having fun... It will be a great day today and maybe I'll meet one of you too!
I know one thing... when the film starts and the music comes up, the goosebumps will be there! Thank you for the wonderful music Edith Progue! (I've heard it about a thousand times)

My art on DAILY ART FIXX

I'm really very honored to be one of Daily Art Fixx's favourite artists! 

For Wendy Campbell Daily Art Fixx began as a way to immerse herself in art – for education and inspiration. Over the last  two years, DAF has grown beyond her expectations to include artist profiles (both historical and current), most visual art genres, and themes such as Women in the Arts, Art-e-Facts, E-Learning, Eco-Art, and more. I check every day what new artists and art Wendy has discovered on our planet Earth. I can assure you, she's got taste!

Another blogpost on my art, this time the girls in paint. Check it yourself!

DAILY ART FIXX

AND THE WINNER IS

Mrs. TILLY VAN DEURSEN from Bladel, the Netherlands!

There already were a lot of subscribers and in the past few weeks I had a lot of new subscribers from all over the world. In the last few days a lot of visitors of the art fair in Cologne subscribed to my newsletter as well.

So congratulations to Mrs. van Deursen!

The art work will be delivered as soon as possible!

Come fly with me

The day after BLOOOM - a review!

I'm happy but soooooo tired. Last night I hit my bed at 03.00 hours and did not sleep well. BLOOOM, especially yesterday was too impressive to digest it all. Not only the exhibited art overall, but I received many many heart warming compliments on my work... People even came back after seeying the entire fair (sometimes 2 or 3 days one after another), to tell how they felt about it. I can tell you, it did something to me. Also, sometimes it gave me a strange sensation. It's like it was not about my art but about someone else's. Art Fair and Blooom together showed so many wonderful art that for me it's an honor to have been one of the participating artists. There have been made tons of pictures of my Girls in Paint... if I would have asked one euro for each picture I would have earned a lot of money!! One guy made about 20 detailed pictures of every painting from every point of view (of course without asking)... I would not have been surprised if he would have photographed the backside of the painting as well.
Anyway, I participated with ARTISHOX Art Gallery who also represented Philip Bosmans', Derek Stenning's and Michihiro Matsuoka's work. This combination was soooooo good! Lots of reactions on everyone's work. People drooling in front of Stenning's amazing astronauts, disarming smiles in front of Matsuoka's lovely creatures and astonished faces followed by happy smiles looking at Bosmans' paintings. It was so interesting to observe all those reactions, smiles etc....
It was an awesome reunion with artists I met last year like Pier Paolo Quaglia and his wife Cindy, Skeleton Hearts' Lisa Crawley, Elmer Presslee, Daniel van Nes, Christian Rothenhagen. Of course my dear friends and both artists Raf Veulemans and Miraschi! Also I met again with clients and people who were interested in my art last year came back. Great!
I really did miss Anthony, Claire, Nick and Sacha, but I met some lovely artists like Paul Tobin all the way from New Zealand, Birgitta Sundström Jansdotter, Kanter Dhaenens and our neighbour Ella Buzo from Cabinodd. I'm sure I'm forgetting people, I'm sorry.. the hard disk in my head is overloaded.

A few pictures here. The rest will follow later on facebook.

Finally, this evening the raffle will take place. One of the subscribers to my newsletter (old subscribers and new!) will win my painting: 'Come fly with me'. You can still subscribe until 18.00 hours my time!

From now on: My art available for smaller wallets as well

I'm very proud to announce that from now on, one can worldwide order professionally scanned fine art prints in limited editions of my work AND fine art prints on Diasec for affordable prices on www.artishopix.com

The scans are extremely sharp. You can see every brushstroke! And the prints are awesome.

Line Up ARTISHOX @ BLOOOM

| Next weekend! Oct. 29 - Nov. 1 2011 |
| ART FAIR BLOOOM | COLOGNE GERMANY |

 
| Derek Stenning - CANADA |
| Michihiro Matsuoka - JAPAN |
| Esther Barend - NETHERLANDS |
| Philip Bosmans - BELGIUM |

THE PLACE TO BE!

I'm preparing for BLOOOM, the creative industries art show in Cologne! At the end of this week the second edition of this wonderful art fair, linked to ART FAIR 21, will get started!
Like last year, my art will be represented by ARTISHOX Art Gallery. My newest colorful series 'Girls in Paint' will be exhibited for the first time here. ALSO... very affordable but nevertheless professionally scanned fine art prints will be available! I'm very proud my art will be in the wonderful company of the awesome works of Japanese artist Michihiro Matsuoka, Belgian artist Philip Bosmans and Canadian artist Derek Stenning.
I'm really looking forward to reunite with the friends I made last year, artists from all over the world! But I feel sorry too that some are not going to be there. Nevertheless I know this is going to be a great event!

 

Blooom is far from average! Whether you want to be surprised and amazed by stunning art, would like to buy unique art for affordable prices or only want to get inspired... THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE!
On Friday evening Oct. 28 it will get started with a vernissage. Next open every day from 12.00 - 20.00 hours until Tuesday Nov. 1 until 19.00 hours. More info www.blooom.de
The booth of ARTISHOX is situated in the 'Südflügel' of 'Staatenhaus am Rheinpark'. I'll be attending the fair for a couple of days so maybe we'll meet there! :)

Do you want this painting??

Picture of the entire painting

Come fly with me

60x24 cm | 24x9 inch

The only thing one has to do, is to subscribe to my newsletter

http://www.estherbarend.eu/newsletter.php

The raffle will take place on Nov. 2, 2011 and I'll announce the winner through this blog, the newsletter and facebook

WIN ONE OF MY PAINTINGS!!

The images are macro details of the work.

Subscribe to my newsletter on my website, 

http://www.estherbarend.eu/newsletter.php 

and make a big chance to win a new painting of my hand.  

On Wednesday November 2, I will raffle an art work among the subscribers of my NewsLetter.
The painting is 60x24 cm / 24 x 9 inch, acrylics on canvas. The title will arise with the work which is still under construction.
The winner will be announced through my newsletter, my blog and on my facebook page

Do not worry, I will absolutely NOT give nor sell your mail address to others.
I don't like that kind of practices.
One can always unscribe.
 

Do not hesitate to spread the word! :) What goes around, comes around!

Nice publicity

Chasing time

Crazy world we live in and time passes by so quickly that I can hardly keep up with it.
September has flown, only one day left and October is about to start! I'm chasing time. I've been working like crazy, so much is going on!
And now, after this awful summer with much rain, and hardly any sun has ended ( I had already put away my summer clothes) NOW summer has started!
The average temperature in the past week has been higher than in July and August all together!!!
Summer in the Fall... What will the Winter bring???

Anyway... I've finished my assignments and moving on to the next point on my list...
In one month Blooom, the Creative Industries Art Show in Cologne will get started and I still have some work to do for that!
 

Corporate identity

Wow, what's in a name!

Today 'The Ultimate Conjunction' was revealed, with great interest, at Big Media Group.
Through ARTISHOX Art Gallery I got the assignment to create a large painting for this worldwide operating enterprise.
The headquarters of Big Media Group is situated in a very modern premises, with large white walls, a lot of light through large windows, and real trees growing inside of the building.
Big Media's main task is to connect enterprises through their magazines, which are regional oriented. The company has very strong values, and their staff is very loyal. The company is modern, dynamic and innovative.
Those aspects made the inspiration for my painting: connection - cooperation - weaving - fusion - together - going for the ultimate result - dynamics.

It is always exciting, but fortunately the C.E.O.'s of Big Media were thrilled, and their staff as well.
Anyway, I am so proud that my art is in their house!

Big Media Group is also on Facebook.

The Ultimate Conjunction, 150x300 cm / 59x118 inch

 

Next...

Small detail of the blurred painting... me busy applying the last details.... the finishing touch. The client is the first one to see the complete painting. 

Okay... the large painting is ready!
During the process of creation a painting gets under my skin deeper and deeper.
I've been absorbed by it for about 3 weeks now, and I just had to crawl out of it and let go.
Upcoming week: presentation to the customer. The company wanted a screamer... one you can't pass without being moved by it (in one way or the other).
I think it will be very hard to NOT notice this painting. Nevertheless, the main thing is that the customer likes, no... loves the painting. Exciting!
Ben (Artishox Art Gallery) thinks the work is great and although I'm very satisfied with the painting myself, I know I'm going to be nervous about the reaction of the client (as always).

Not that I can sit down and relax now.
I've started another painting on commission.
And I have to create a few more paintings for the upcoming art fair BLOOOM in Cologne - Germany  (end of October), and for a new solo exhibition at Van Bellen Art in Willemstad - Netherlands (December)
Last year the first edition of Blooom, the creative industries art show, in the 'Staatenhaus am Rheinpark' in Cologne, was a success. It is linked to ART Fair 21, the very prestigious art fair which shares its facilities and space with Blooom from Oct. 29 until Nov. 1 2011.
This year I'll be represented once again on BLOOOM by Artishox Art Gallery, together with 2 top artists and 1 very talented emerging artist. EXCITING!
Besides all that, I'm busy with a few other things... It's a bit too much all together, and I have to set my priorities all the time,  but hey... nothing to complain about.
I just have to remind myself every now and then that I need to relax, that's all.

LARRRGGGGE

A few sneak preview-images made during the construction of the composition. The final result will be different.
And yes... I dyed (painted) my hair too.

Since about 2 weeks I'm busy with an awesome assignment which I got through Artishox Art Gallery: creating a large painting (and I love making large paintings!) for the reception of a big international media enterprise. 
This is also called 'Corporate Art'.
In my opinion this sounds too commercial.
Whether it is for a company or for a private person, for me art on commission always is a challenge.
I usually go to the site where the painting should hang.
The space, the interior/ the company, their image/ the people and their personality.... these all are very important issues for me to be able to define an image in my head of how the painting should be.
In my own recognizable style of course. I don't accept commissions that do not allow me to use my own style.
And every time again I succeed to surprise myself. In fact, when I think about it, assignments are partly responsible for the evolution in my work.
No pain, no gain.... the client only has to buy the painting when he/she is completely satisfied with my piece of art. Maybe that is the motivation which keeps me sharp.
Anyway, I see the current painting growing, and I already love it. Think it will cost me about 1 more week before it is ready.
Hopefully the client will be happy! If not, I will keep it and make another one.

The day after....

detail of: 'She's got it'

Gray weather overhere in the past 2 months, with only a few days of sunshine... it doesn't bring out the best in people. The art of living is to enjoy every ray of sunshine and to realize that there's a lot of misery in the world, which is much worse than a bad summer situated in the luxury of the western world. But when the extreme weather blows away a complete music festival like Pukkelpop in Hasselt - Belgium (nearby my hometown), 5 people died, 10 very heavily wounded, 140 wounded.... one feels humble. My thoughts go to the victims and their beloved ones.

In my art I try to make the sun shine.

It's my way to deal with life.

More new paintings to be found on my website:

www.estherbarend.eu

Last days of Solo Show

Party - life is what you make it - diptych, 140x30 cm

Next Friday, Saturday AND Sunday are the last days of my solo exhibition at ARTISHOX Art Gallery (July 29, 30 AND 31!)
Of course afterwards there's still work in stock and available through the gallery.
So if you want to seize the opportunity to see some of my latest paintings for real, this is your chance.
Friday and Saturday from 12-18.00 hours, Sunday 13-17.00 hours, Witte Nonnenstraat 18, Hasselt - Belgium http://www.artishox.com

WAKE UP!!! WAAAAAAAAAKKKKE UPPPPPP!!!!

photo courtesy Walker Pickering

No, I'm not a US resident. So, hey, maybe I should just shut up.
But since the world has become so small through internet and social media, we are all related to eachother, somewhere or somehow.
Moreover, it is said that someone from outside who's familiar with the facts, can see the state of affairs more objectivly.


What happens in the USA affects the world.
Furthermore their happen to live a bunch of people in the USA I really love.
That is why I have to write that I'm just dumbfounded about the fact that there is so much counteraction against Barack Obama. Of course Obama is not perfect, he ISN'T a god... but he does his utmost!!! In my opinion Barack Obama is a president to be very proud of. He knows what integrity means and sets out to save the country from ruination after Bush's devastating leadership.
Bush left something that looks suspiciously like a garbage dump, and now Obama and his administration have the thankless task to clean up the trash in only 4 years.
This almost impossible task has become even more impossible, because of the constant counteractions by the republicans who's only goal seems to be 'power'.
Not the welfare of ALL their residents is the most important issue on their agenda, but the next presidential elections.
But hello.... HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
What about COOPERATION to save the USA??
Do I have to spell it out?
OH MY GOD....
Work together people, and save your country.
Use the money meant for the presidential campaigns for your country.

I know it's not enough, but it will have a better destination.
Rebuild the US... so you can start living the REAL American Dream!
After reaching that goal, you can start quarreling again about who will deliver the new president.
Anyway, the competition will be much more righteous by then.

More photos of Walker Pickering: http://walkerpickering.com/

Feeling privileged...

Sometimes I feel guilty for feeling happy, while at the same time there's so much misery on our planet.
Tsunamis and earthquakes, civil wars, religious wars, people starving in Africa, idiots shooting dozens of innocent young people in Norway...
The blindness of the people for the pollution of our planet, overfishing of our seas, the consequences of the meat industry, etc....
People trapped in their personal situations/relations/problems, often without the perspective to be able to change a thing...
I tell myself that I'm just a tiny player in the whole and there's not much I can do to change all this. I take my responsibilities, help where I can, and there is not much more which I can do.
I tell myself that 100 years ago it would have taken days/weeks before news from other countries/parts of the world would have arrived, and that it does not help to carry the weight of the world.

I tell myself that it's better to focus on the positive sides of life, than the negative, without ignoring them.
So I try not to get influenced too much by the news of the world, to seize the day, to enjoy and be thankful.
But hey... isn't life extremely bizarre? Beautiful and devastating at the same time...

There's too much ignorance in this world and I really don't know if this will ever change...
It should be possible to invent an improved version of life...
I think that's what still drives us artists

I can plunge into my paint, dream away in creation and in the results. I therefore feel privileged.

In front of 'A true bottle redhead' from the 'Girls in Paint' series.