March 26 2011 Entry

I am happy to announce that three pictures of my paintings will be in the Spring of 2011 edition of RAIN Magazine. RAIN Magazine is a literary magazine published by Clatsop Community College. The Magazine has been a fixture in the cultural community of the Oregon North Coast and Southwest Washington areas since 1973. The three paintings that are to be represented are “Outer Libations”, (weird bar painting), “Breathing Heavy”, (western painting) and “Finding Astoria”.  (other worldly view of Astoria with two creature characters). Thanks to RAIN Magazine for the opportunity to exhibit my paintings in their magazine.
Below is a segment that I have been wanting to do since the birth of my web site. It is about artists and other interesting folk that I believe should be recognize and also to publish conversations that I have with them. The first artist is Marc Spanjers of The Netherlands. It is a brief exchange that we had almost exactly a year ago. My good friend I have been discussing on the subject as of late, so I believe it is relevant to that discussion. Again it is brief. Thanks.

The Artist To Know:  Marc Spanjers. The Netherlands.            www.marcspainthing.com
Painting, graphic/prints, photography, comics, writing etc
“Been drawing, painting, making a mess since I was born. Painting on the street since 1989. On canvas since 1996.
I believe good Art (which also can be “bad” art) is indeed something that is a long process within the artist itself and in big it reflects like nothing else the current time we live in. It is also a huge collaboration between human beings and a reaction to that society and the things that matter to the artist.
It should not become a trick or just something “nice” but a process, a fight between the painter and the Paint, to keep it really interesting. At the same time we can’t come up with something “totally” new every week.
It is a battle that is played out on canvas in where the painter also fights itself. It has to question what he/ she is doing and so can become one painting an answer to the other or a new vision etc. That is one of the reasons my works are often really different in “style” and expression. I will always try not put up the same trick every time and I will use the best way/form to express what I want to. Even if that means something completely new and I don’t know if it will be any good. I believe that’s at least a way to keep things happening and interesting. Keep on making this world a colourful one and keep your hearts alive.”  -Marc Spanjers
Part of a brief dialogue between Marc Spanjers and myself on public art a year ago.
Mar. 15, 2010 07:08 pm
David:
There isn’t any thing I want more than to create my paintings out side in the real world, the real art gallery. Being a painter that doesn’t use spray paint makes it incredibly difficult to do this for me. And of course the materials I would use cost a lot more than spray paint. Submitting proposals to institutions for grants seems to be the most realistic avenue for me, but we all know how hard it is to receive one especially for some one that is outside of the art world and doesn’t have a name. I certainly want to participate in anyway I can. Thanks.
David

Marc:
Hello David, outside is wonderful..also you get more reactions and direct contact between viewers which can be fun. You can ask people with big walls if you can do them (maybe they will pay for the costs too). Out of ten times surely one will say yes often…so you might have to ask several people/walls. You can also ask for wall/tunnel or so at the local Authorities. Explain them the need for a legal place and the benefits. I’ve got experience with that so I can always help you with some advice/legal rights etc if you want.You don’t have to ask permission of course..like big billboards or wooden fences in the city..or wastelands, grey walls etc..you can just paint them. Its your world too (just don’t get caught hehe). My open call was meant as a sort of wake up call. They have taken away some many paintings/murals and graffiti here in the Netherlands..its a shame they wipe out culture like that..I’m not talking about some monuments they cleaned..no the viciously are cleaning it all..even great legal walls..because they give the “wrong”example to kids!!??? Can you believe that? They are making Holland a true puppet state.
The paint doesn’t have to cost more than the cans. just buy cheap (outside) Acrylic latex paint. You can mix the colors and do really big walls with it. Its also possible to use both on the same wall of course.
When I spray on walls I mostly paint the wall first with latex paint.So the paint from the cans doesn’t get soaked into the wall..colors are brighter etc. Maybe you can try it out in some old empty factory or so. (I’m also thinking about doing an group expo one time with just canvas paintings combined with mural painting etc on this subject..maybe you could participate too but I don’t have a true plan for that yet. I hope you keep on painting and remember..the world is yours too! Keep your hearts alive. Peace

Images of Marc Spanjers. More with Marc hopefully soon.