In Praise of Small Pots
by Sebastian BlackieWalking through the Louvre for the first time I am reminded that artists have always used scale to impress. I am confronted by the physicality of paintings I have known all my life as reproductions. D…
You Cannot Judge the Past by Today’s Standards
“Did you find any fingerprints?” Patrick asked as I climbed the steps of his stone front porch. I was returning the two Native American pots he had allowed me to borrow to photograph, sketch and reall…
Raven Halfmoon
Empathy is our ability to put ourselves in another person’s place, seeing a situation from their point of view. According to Dr. Brene Brown, “The empathetic person will recognize the person’s struggl…
Shell Wadding – A Slippery Story
by Sebastian BlackieI must admit when I was asked by the Goldmark (goldmarkart.com) gallery to write a piece on the use of seashells as wadding I had forgotten the philosopher’s admonition. I assumed it was an ancient Ja…
Theaster Gates “Black Vessel” @ Gagosian Chelsea, New York
Theaster Gates first began to draw widespread attention for his transformation of a derelict block in South Chicago into a community-service center including a library, which might seem surprising for…
Phil Rogers: Eulogy
It is my privilege to speak about Phil Rogers. This larger than life, charismatic and courageous Welshman.