Double Art Call: Hispanic Heritage Month

Sueños Americanos (American Dreams)
This curated art exhibition will focus on works by Latino artists celebrating contemporary Latino culture. The exhibition is open to visual artists working in a variety of mediums and styles. A common occurrence in Latino culture is the search for a perceived “American Dream”.  Migration into the US is often part of that perception.  Inside the United States, Latino Americans often juggle the traditions of their given heritage with integration into American culture. This exhibit will explore the dualities of the Latino American experience and how they uniquely inform the artistic voice of each artist represented.

Location: COVE Gallery at Pinellas Arts Village, Pinellas Park, FL


Ritmo Latino (Latin Rhythm) 
This curated art exhibition is open to all visual artists working in a variety of mediums and styles. The focus of this exhibit is celebration of Latino culture through representations of music, food, people and general iconography. Tropical imagery is also welcome.

Location: Cider Press Café, St. Petersburg, FL

Artists may submit up to 10 quality images (at least 500x500 and no larger than 1000x1000 pixels) of available works. Each entry should measure no less than 6" x 6" or more than 30" x 40" (a few exceptions might be considered). All work must be properly wired and ready to hang upon delivery.

Commission split is 30%,with 70% to the artist. Please submit images along with Title/Medium/Size info for each to: jgascot@gascot.com

Submission deadline: Saturday, August 26.
Acceptance notifications will be sent by Wednesday, August 30.

All accepted works must be delivered on Saturday, September 2. 

-Cider Press Café, 11 am

-COVE Gallery, 1 pm

An opening reception for Cider Press' exhibit will be held on a soon-after TBD date.
Two opening receptions will be held for COVE's exhibit, one on a soon TBD date and the other on September 30 4-8 pm during Pinellas Arts Village 4th Saturday Art Walk.

If you wish to receive email notifications about future artist calls or if you are submitting for this one please join the Artist Call email list via the link below:

 http://eepurl.com/bIofsz

Sangre Taina/Taino Blood

Sangre Taina, acrylic and ink on canvas, 16" x 20"

Trinity Within

It's no secret that I have issues aplenty with organized religions. In my opinion they seldom serve to empower and free the individual. Quite the opposite, actually. There are of course, as with all things, exceptions and I do know and hold the utmost respect for people who have found evolved and inclusive ways to navigate religious waters.
However at odds I might find myself with the concepts and rules of organized religions, I can't help but be continually inspired by its imagery, folklore and pageantry. It is a clear and undeniable influence in much of my work. I strive to use this imagery in ways that might be empowering to the viewer.
In this piece, Trinity Within, I propose a female Holy Trinity, as I find feminine energy to be the strongest and purest. I'm sure my attraction to female energy isn't unrelated to having been raised solely by women. I have always enjoyed a point of view that is well aware of the changes women can set into motion in this world and the powers they possess. It is by no coincidence that they have always been in a struggle for equality and on the forefront of change.
In my paintings I propose that strength is always within us and we need not depend on or subscribe to biblical routines to find the solution to our problems, let alone reach a place of inner-peace.
The flowers in Trinity Within hold special meanings. Water Lilies (a recurring element in my work) represent rebirth. Cosmos are often seen as symbols of love and peace. Most importantly, the Bird of Paradise represents the exploration of unchartered territories and the search for one's personal paradise.

Trinity Within, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36"

Shirley on Central

During my travels last week I saw a flash of Teal and the word AIR to my right while driving up Central Avenue. I slowed a bit and immediately thought I NEED TO PAINT THIS WOMAN! When I was done switching artwork at Pom Pom's, just a block or two up the street, I drove back in hopes she would still be there. I pulled up and rolled down my window. 
"I'm an artist. Can I take your picture? I need to paint you." I said.
"You want MY picture? ME?" she replied, followed by "Tell you what, how about a late birthday present? My birthday was December 2nd."
"I have a few bucks in my wallet."
"5 dollars. Can I get 5 dollars to get me a sandwich?" she negotiated.
Enjoy your sandwich Ms. Shirley Ann. You made my day. I can't wait to paint your picture and I hope I run into you again so I can bring you a print of it when it's done.

Shirley (Central Avenue, St. Pete), acrylic and ink on canvas, 30" x 40"

When Your Kids Write Home (Sorta)

It's always a a pleasure for me to hear from someone who purchased one of my pieces, for whatever reason. It is especially thrilling when you were not present and had no idea of the work's final destination. Even more so, when their adoptive mom or dad is writing you to provide them with a sister.

Hi John, 

I hope this email finds you well. 

About 7 years ago I purchased the painting below in a shop in Rincon, Puerto Rico. I would like something to compliment this painting since they will be hung side by side. It does however need to be the same size. This one is 12x19.  

Please let me know if you can paint something for me in the size specified and kindly quote me a price. I like the “Believer” (too big) you have posted on Esty or perhaps something similar with different flowers and different hair color. I trust your judgment and I love these colors…brights work well.

Also, my cousin lives in Tampa and is willing to pick it up for me from St. Pete thus I wouldn't need shipping costs to get it to Miami since she will be here for the holidays.

I await your reply and thank you so much.

L.

Red with Callas, acrylic on canvas, 12" x 19"