Tanglefoot Studio - The After Party

You just knew that there had to be more to report about last night's Private Tanglefoot Studio Event.

After most cleared out, we realized food was needed and so a few finger pokes to the phone and a pizza was ordered.

Those who stuck around got to watch Feats of Strength performed by Michael, Vince and Jon. While Kelly and Kristin looked on, holding the "bank" was Jay who was the unofficial bookie for this event.

While no one got seriously hurt other than egos, there were lots of conversations about who really won.


I love this photo of Kristin sitting on Vince. I guess she has figured out the best way to tame the Sicilian Samson is to fill him full of beer and just tip him over.

Over the course of the next hour or so, we all just relaxed, kicked back with a few beers and spirited conversations covering topics like Art, T-Shirt design, Herman Miller Design and Vince's favorite topic - Duck.

Ok, this wraps up a three week looooong run of art deadlines, publishing events and 9-5 work projects. In short, I am exhausted and look forward to doing nothing this weekend but laying around.

Well, I can lay around once all the art is delivered.

Tanglefoot Studio Opening

Last night's 1st Spring Private Tanglefoot Studio event for collectors was a smashing success.

So much so that this special invite only event which gives our collector's the chance to hang out in the studio and preview new work, will become a scheduled for next year.

Judging by the many red dots on the gallery walls, many took advantage of this intimate setting and walked away with some great art not yet seen by the public.

A big thank you to all those who attended and made this a memorable night. Our next public opening will be in November 2006 for Tanglefoot Open Studio- Sweet 16.

Thank you to all who came out to support local art.

Cheers!
Tommy

p.s. A big thank you to Plenty Creative of Grand Rapids for their professional support in all we do. While we can dress ourselves, they make us look good in code.

Friend or Faux - Artist Statement

Friend or Faux
American Pop Series
Artist Statement

A few months ago I was invited for the 6th time to be an artist at UICA’s Live Coverage. This widely popular fundraising event has an artist create art while on location throughout the course of an evening. This allows patrons the opportunity to experience the work in progress.

For most this is a great time to perform for the public and I must admit, I secretly enjoy this aspect.

But the reality of this one night at UICA is the long hours I put in as I prep what I can perform “Live” over the course of the evening.

So much of my work travels a long path of time to get to the final image that most often at this event I end up creating an experimental piece just slightly out of step from my gallery work.

This year I was encouraged to think outside the box and try performing a live silk screening project. So for Live Coverage 2006, I produced 4 colorful images in the style of Warhol.

As I spent time reviewing the final pieces I began to realize this poppy format was opening up a room not available to my other works.

The ability to respond to pop culture in my work has always been problematic when my work is mostly melancholy in tone. Those close to me know of my love for satire and the commentary I engage in as I move through my day-to-day life interacting my environment.

So this new body of work seemed fitting for me to leave the water’s edge of Lake Michigan and wander down the path of American Pop.

My imagery choice was solidified when a recent study announced that our celebrity obsessed and fame driven culture saw more folks voting for an American Idol contestant than the candidates in the 2004 Presidential Election.


At first my thought was “we get the country we deserve,” but then I was thrown back to Warhol who tapped our culture like an art world prophet.

Most are familiar with Warhol’s statement that "In the future everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes” But later he added with laughter, "In fifteen minutes, everybody will be famous."

As I reflect on what we choose to celebrate, I see a country geared up with dreams of guns, glamour and sex, a host of politicians seeking to buy elections through tons of cash or with campaign costume posturing, and a very real cultural war on gays, immigrants and anyone not viewed squeaky LOC clean.

At the heart of this struggle is the nagging question at every turn within our culture, “What is considered Friend or Faux?”

This creative exploration has opened dialogue within my work not present prior.

Many thanks ultimately to UICA who continues to provide the best place to engage in creative dialogue for nearly 30 years. They truly are a “friend” to the Grand Rapids art scene. –Tommy


Link: Tommy Allen Art - Preview Page

Rapid Growth Media: Props

Yesterday I received a phone call from Paul Schutt co-creator of New Issue Media's website RapidGrowthMedia.com as well as ModelDMdeia.com and PopCityMedia.com.

In our brief conversation he wanted me to know that the Creston Investing Guide would lead on the front page of the website.

"This is the first time we have led with an Investing story on the front," Paul adds, "We really liked the feel of this piece."

But before I can take all the credit, as always, I must also share the props with my Editor, Andy Guy.

Thank you Andy for making me look so good in print.

LINK: RapidGrowthMedia.com

Update - Collector's Show Preview: Complete

After many long 2 AM nights reminiscent of my college days, the brand new Friend or Faux: American Pop Series is ready to hang. This raw, stripped down process was an exciting week for me.

Not once did I feel the pressure often associated with creating my Polaroid and Digital works.

In fact, I found I really enjoyed the silent conversations I would have with each piece as I explored the meaning of American Pop Culture.

And like almost every other artist (except Deborah Rockman), I will spend today hastily creating the words to explain in a statement what the mix of guns, sex, politics and soap have to do with American Pop Culture.

So if you have not RSVP'd for the show or simply are too far to attend, I want to place 3 of the 28 pieces created on my blog.

Yes, I am very tired but I have a slight buzz from this collection of new images.

Enjoy!

Update - Collector's Show Preview: Wet Ink

Update - Collector's Show Preview: Under-Painting

Collector's Show Preview: In Progress

The Tanglefoot Open Studio exhibitions allow me the chance to wander down creative paths not offered within the galleries that show my work.

This journey of images often unlocks doors for me and sparks creativity.

Over the past 15 years I have found creative play to be the best release when one needs to step away from the system one becomes too comfortable.

A few decades ago I remember the powerful embrace of my first encounter with Warhol. (He was a terrible kisser)

This preview is a nod to Andy and my connection to this region and my questions of celebrity, American culture and the influence these things can have on our life.

Most of all, I seek to bring a sense of humor in all that I do with this new body of silk screen artworks.

Again, this image is just a preview of a piece in progress. It is my wish to have 12 pieces from this series.

Cheers!
Tommy

Link: tanglefootstudio.com

3 Things Wrong with Easter in Flint

1. Stop hanging cute shit from the tree I planted as a child.












2. Our Uncle Ralph DOES NOT look like Dick Cheney, so stop trying to bring politics to Jesus' Big Day.















3. I am pretty sure the Easter Bunny does not leave Beef Ravioli.