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by Blackie Dammet
the art show opening night was a big success and
great fun. the grand rapids art community is mostly nestled into the trendy
first 3 or 4 blocks of south division--just south of the traditional
downtown area. hundreds of artists live in this area of rehabilitated older
buildings and store fronts. studio 71 south, where our opening night show
was located, is smack dab in the middle of this intellectual and artistic
caldron. and not surprisingly most of the attendees were artists from the
neighborhood--although friends and family and art lovers came from all over
-including my out of town guests lori and her daughter jessica from
philadelphia and katie from the east village in new york city. unlike most
art show opening nights ours had a blistering musical performance by the
band 'tentacle' which our art show headliner sue stanek also fronts as
singer in this hip electronic band with her down to earth punk and blues
voice etching the brick walls with new scars and sending the danceable
guests into a frenzy. the food and drinks were fast and furious. the art
of sue stanek and jenny wood and myself was well received; and for my part
almost too well received as i had to endure interminable praise and
congratulations which ultimately made me rather uncomfortable. we had
priced some of the works i didn't really want to part with yet at very high
prices and still got interest. other pieces i had already sold or promised
were also very popular. and my most favorite pieces were not on display at
all. the most popular of mine on display were "steel and magnolias' and
'scream' (see my pix). we partied well into the night, and factions
re-ignited at other artists' lofts. my thanks to all the myspace
friends who supported the show, sent congratulations and comments, and
especially to misha from wisconsin who sent flowers that rivaled any of the
other art on display. and finally, i'd like to thank anthony for his
positive and constructive inspiration and financial support that enables me
to paint. the show runs thru april 7 at Studio 71 South, 71 S. Division,
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
www.studio71south.com black
Above: The only photo of the show that we have right now. Susan Stanek sings in her band Tentacle at the art show. Left of her is Seth Beute on guitar, and SS ink washes of torsos adorn the front window. The ink wash torso series is featured in the film Broken. www.broken-movie.com
Below are just a few of the items that were on display at the Susan Stanek Show
Above: Monochromatic Sunlight. Sculpted paper on canvas. sold
Above: Blue Beta, white clay
Below: large scale canvas paintings
Above: Interaction with a Painting The painting is looking at you. The viewer becomes part of the painting. The word "you" represents that. The barbed wire represents the separation between the viewer and the painting. The girls looking back at the viewer are tearing the canvas down, which says that the art is trying to break down barriers.
Above: The Untold Story. Oil Paint, Marker, Sculpted paper, red pepper seeds, Pencil, Turpentine, Glue and a written story in lower left corner.
Above: Dark Seer. Black Gesso, Acrylic, Pencil, Marker, coffee, glue and a stained paper towel
Susan Stanek
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