Mayans Were the First Graphic Artists

After reading a recent article in the New York times about the discovery of a ninth-century-workshop of Mayan scribes in Guatemala,  I realized these guys were the original graphic artists; beautiful, simple, powerful line work. Please note: The National Geographic Society, which supported the excavations, will describe the research in the June issue of its magazine.

I think it's funny that they have to mention, "Rest assured, however, that nothing written on those walls foretells the world coming to an end on Dec. 21, 2012, as some have feared through a misinterpretation of the Maya Long Count calendar." HAHA! Like they'd have the guys in mural painting bootcamp  practicing that. 

The article also mentions The Horse's Mouth, an odd movie staring Alex Guinness who plays what appears to be a rather bawdy artist who finds a wall that yearns to be painted on; I've added it to my Netflix queue.



Like a bunch of guys in the 70's, my brother had a Mayan calendar belt buckle in high school. I found it a few months ago while going through a junk drawer. Apparently you can buy these things new from Amazon. Who knew?

And...funny enough...I've already been invited to a "We'll All Go Together When We Go" movie night @ Joe and Brian's on December 21 to celebrate the Mayan calendar end of the world. I voted that we watch Apocalypto.  Prediction - Mayan wear - all things Mayan - will pick up steam as we approach that date.

Stutz Artist Annual Open House

This past weekend was The Raymond James Stutz Artists Open House.  It's always a treat to navigate your way around the enormous Stutz Building. That little van is adorable!

Not really a good photo, but it sort of captures what Open House must mean for these folks. The guy in this studio created photographs of these vintage doll heads on black backgrounds. You can see the heads on the back shelf. The window above displays the warehouse look that is Stutz. Flowers and drinks in front signal guests are coming for Open House.

This was taken in a jewelry studio, but the cat stole the show.

 

My favorite piece, Pink Moon,  by Adam Collier Noel. It appears to be a mixed media/image transfer of some sorts. I've always been fascinated by image transfers; they seem so magical. I found his Etsy shop of prints.

 Photo taken right outside of Lydia Burris' studio.  I remember seeing her mother's work over the years and just wishing I could do that.  Her mother Catherine Burris was a painter and assemblage artist, among other things. I didn't realize she'd passed away until this morning. I remember going to an art show at the Columbus Commons and actually getting to see Catherine's work up close. Her husband, and I realize now a young girl who must've been Lydia, were watching over Catherine's pieces. I stopped by to comment how beautiful I thought Catherine's was. The husband told me that, "Some people think it is scary and some people think it is beautiful."