What is it about the brown chewy/crispy crust, with little pockets of air, the tangy zest of the tomato sauce or the richness of the stringy cheese that makes pizza so popular? In a recent survey 33 million Americans said that if they could only eat one food for the rest of their lives it would be pizza. Pizza is consumed in 98% of American households and 33% of those surveyed said they would choose it for their last meal.
Something about the combination of pizza ingredients invites artistry. Did you know that in Japan there are masters who dedicate their entire lives to perfecting just the right combination of dough, salt, cheese and sauce in just the right oven to provide the ultimate sensory experience for those lucky enough to be seated in their restaurant.
This past week I got to have the experience of pizza as an art form while my chef son, Jack, created a series of pizzas in 14 variations of dough, and toppings. Watching him toss dough and experiment with a limited palette of ingredients reminded me that art is everywhere and everyone is an artist.
Creating art in a series is a powerful way to build your skills and develop your unique artist voice. Working in a series allows you to think deeply about a subject and to tell your story from a variety of viewpoints. It permits you to experiment with a variety of techniques and ideas so you can decide which to embrace and which to let go. Additionally, knowing that you have a clear end goal: a certain number of works to complete helps you to feel a sense of accomplishment and achievement. Mastery develops through practice and a series is a great way to improve your technique whether working in paint, dance, music or food.
My friend George Herrick healed his cancer creating and photographing years of daily stone cairns and he celebrates the joy of his garden with daily mandalas created from the fallen petals. Josef Albers didn't paint squares; he painted different color combinations which he always portrayed within squares. Claude Monet explored the color of light at different times of day changing canvases as he worked through the day to the one appropriate for that time and that type of light. The coherence of your work is your artist's voice. When you work in a series it is also easier for you and others to write words about your work. Imagine sitting down to write the entry in the catalogue which explains your life’s artistic legacy; which themes, materials, style, subject matter would choose to define your work?
How to go about choosing a theme? Consider what you are passionate about. Look around you and you will find inspiration speaking to you everywhere. When looking for a theme consider varying Subject Matter (place, an object, a motif, a concept, a story), varying Technique (design, color, pattern, media), and/or a single or range of Emotions or even a Business Motivation such as (an exhibition, a book, collectibles or a brand) Your choices can be as simple as my son’s pizza ingredients. Your only question to ask yourself is if your art reflects you, and the way you see the world. I am here if you need my support as you explore your themes and questions through your art.
Jack’s 14 pizzas brought me many gifts this month. I am thankful for all that my son and my students teach me about the importance of experimentation, repetition and play in learning. For the rich and inviting aroma of baking bread and cheese that filled my house this past week and for the opportunity to taste, discuss and compare so much deliciousness. I am even thankful for the extra pounds. What are you thankful for this month? Where can you invite play and variation to your artistry? Reach out if you would like feedback on the art you are currently creating or if you would like to join me for the May events below.
With Love & Blessings
Susan
Variations, by definition, begin with a theme and alter it. The wealth of techniques for varying the theme without destroying it creates the beauty of the form. I, too, could create a theme, expand it, turn it upside down, turn it inside out, or flip it front to back. I, too, could do all kinds of imaginable operations to it. - Twyla Tharp
When should students begin preparing a college application art portfolio?
It is highly recommended to start SOON, BEFORE the summer of their junior year of high school. But they can start as late as the summer before senior year.
Why should artistically-minded students prepare a college application art portfolio?
An Art Portfolio makes them stand out from the crowd when applying to top-ranked universities, fine arts colleges or high schools.
What should go into an art portfolio?
An art portfolio is not simply a collection of artwork. It is a compilation of carefully selected and photographed images which demonstrate critical thinking, artistic and technical talent. It is a visual résumé of the dedication of the student designed to make them stand apart from the thousands of other applicants.
How to build a successful art portfolio?
If you have a student who is a visual thinker, willing to push the boundaries of their own work and serious about improving their options for college, I want to hear from you! Schedule a time to discuss how she can collaborate with you to build a portfolio that will give your student the greatest chance for success.
Susan Convery recently retired from 8 years as the advanced drawing and painting high school art teacher at American Heritage School in Plantation FL. Her students received national accolades and were accepted into top-ranked Ivy League Universities and art colleges often with significant scholarships.
She offers private, highly personalized summer classes to artistically-minded US & international students virtually on Zoom and in person at her home in Plantation, FL.
May is my celebration month. There is mother’s day, my birthday, the arrival of spring flowers, the end of the school year… so much to celebrate. And what better way to celebrate than with a few hours dedicated to the appreciation of the beauty and deliciousness of cupcakes! Inspired by the work of Wayne Thiebaud we will use thick acrylic paint to contrast the shape, color and texture of a cupcake with a simple background and plate. This month we will learn about the art concepts of complementary warm and cool colors, impasto. and halation. I am hard-pressed to think of anything more sweet and joyous than painting, appreciating, and sharing my love of cupcakes with you.
Materials for this event are available if you live in the Fort Lauderdale area. I will drop off a bag containing everything you need (including the cupcake!) to you the day before for an additional cost of $40 per person. Please reach out at least one week in advance (May 22) so I can get everything together and delivered to you.
You will need:
Acrylic paint – basic colors.
10" x 10” Canvas or canvas board
Paintbrushes in varied sizes
Palette for mixing paint (Can use a white plate)
Water jar
Apron
Wet wipes/ paper towels
Beautiful Cupcake
Please join me on Saturday, May 29, 2021 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm on Zoom. Sign up on Eventbrite using the link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mindful-cupcakes-zoom-painting-event-tickets-152752158819
