Juan Alonso-Rodriguez

Snow in Seattle

2012-01-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to take a walk in the much dreaded Seattle snow. The plan was to take a lot more photographs but after getting cold feet (literally) I decided there were plenty of beautiful shots of parks and other lovely, snowy spots around the city taken by other people and decided to stick with some odd shots. These first three were taken at the Convention Center Bus Depot.

The photos below were taken outside my studio in Pioneer Square.

Looking towards the back of the Grand Central Building and Occidental Park

The iconic (and currently for sale) Smith Tower; once the tallest building west of the Mississippi

Occidental Park

Greetings!

2012-01-17T00:59:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling a little confused lately about the proper (if there is such a thing) way of greeting people. I'm not talking about "hello". I am talking about that awkward moment when you are confronted with another human and you have no idea what their greeting preference is. Is he/she a hand-shaker or a hugger? Is it one kiss on the cheek or one on each? Or is it the exhausting one cheek then the other then back to the first one? HELP!
People from different cultures have different customs but am I supposed to know theirs ahead of time? Since I live in Seattle, should I just pretend there is an invisible barrier that should not be crossed and just pleasantly wave? Then there is that thing about straight vs gay. Most gay men I know do the hug thing although I know a couple that tense up as if one was going to stab them in the process but for the most part it's almost expected. When I greet a straight man, however, I'm never sure if they're strictly hand-shake guys or if they're the new, progressive, all-my-girlfriend's-friends-are-fags-so-I'm-OK-with-a-hug type. What usually ends up happening is that I stick my hand out to be on the safe side and they're trying to be accommodating by offering a hug so I end up hand-poking their stomach as they attempt to do a one side hug. Weird for everyone involved who all end up looking a bit caveman-ish.
So I 'm putting this out there. For discussion. For assistance, advice and guidance from my more sophisticated and worldly friends. Here's to smoother greetings in 2012!

New Work: Numero 651

2012-01-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

Numero 651, 2012, acrylic ink & gel on Claybord, 14" x 11"

Photograph of an outside wall of the house where I grew up in Havana, Cuba, 2011

First New works of 2012: Tendedera #1-4

2012-01-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

On my recent trip to Cuba I was reminded of the custom, likely out of necessity and lack of dryers, of hanging clothes out to dry out of balconies. The four paintings below, meant to hang side by side were inspired by these "tendederas". Funny how what may be considered an eyesore by some can inspire artwork and recall sweet memories of childhood and family.

Tendedera #1, 2012, acrylic ink on Claybord, 12" x 12"

Tendedera #2, 2012, acrylic ink on Claybord, 12" x 12"

Tendedera #3, 2012, acrylic ink on Claybord, 12" x 12"

Tendedera #4, 2012, acrylic ink on Claybord, 12" x 12"

JOURNEYS

2012-01-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

In anticipation of SAM's upcoming exhibition, Gaugin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise, SAM Gallery is featuring a group of artists whose work has been influenced by relocation or travel.

ARTISTS: Juan Alonso-Rodriguez, Rachel Brumer, Romson Regarde Bustillo, Dionne Haroutunian, Kathy Hastings, Curt Labitzke, Stan Raucher, Monika Steiner.

SAM Gallery - Art Sales & Rental, 1220 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

January 12 - February 11, 2012

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:30 am - 5 pm

Opening Reception: Thursday, January 12, 5-7 pm

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T11:11:00.000-08:00

There is something to be said about experiencing difficulties in life so that when good things come your way, they are truly noticed and appreciated. 2011 has been amazing in many ways for me and the positive has thankfully outweighed the negative in these last twelve calendar months. It is my hope that 2012 continues and improves on that trend.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

New Work: Atlantic & Pacific

2011-12-18T12:04:00.000-08:00

Atlantic, 2011, acrylic ink on Claybord, 40" x 30"

Pacific, 2011, acrylic ink on Claybord, 30" x 40"

Thankful

2011-11-24T09:18:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day is the designated holiday to express our gratitude for all that is good in our lives and although it is a great sentiment for one day, I believe we as a society should consider acknowledgment (at least to ourselves) of our good fortune a bit more often. I have been very fortunate this year and I am grateful for many things. I am in good health, I feel privileged to be able to continue to make art and I have had a very productive and successful year at that including a public project that has significant personal meaning and have continued to sell studio work even in these tough economic times. I have a roof over my head and a relationship that continues to grow stronger as we approach our tenth year. I am grateful for the friends that I hold dear and whose kindness make my life so much better. This year in particular and with the help of many folks, I am happy to have met a whole other family I knew I had but had not yet met. My family reunion in Cuba; being with both of my sisters in the same room and meeting the rest of the family who were born after I left was by far the most significant and life-changing event in my life this year. I am very, very thankful.

New in the Studio: Reds (After Havana)

2011-11-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

Reds (After Havana), 2011, acrylic on wood panel, 48" x 48"

(detail)

New Epiphany School Mugs

2011-11-14T10:01:00.000-08:00

Last year I had the privilege of creating several artworks for Epiphany School including the sculpture below inspired by the idea of a child with arms up to receive knowledge. I have agreed to have my design on the beautiful new Epiphany School Mugs. If you are interested in purchasing some (at $8 each they make great holiday gifts), please contact Greg Jones at 206-720-7663 or gjones@epiphanyschool.org or just stop by the school during hours of operation.

Epiphany School

3611 E Denny Way

Seattle, WA 98122
206-323-9011

New in the Studio: 11" x 14" prints

2011-10-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

The ten images below will be available starting Thursday, October 27, 2011 as archival quality photographic prints in an edition of 25 numbered prints and one artist's proof each. They are all 11" x 14" images matted to 16" x 20" (or larger upon request) with white archival 100% cotton rag mats and backings. Introductory price: $200 (until December 31, 2011).

Update 10/24: I am saving A/P's (sold) and numbers 1/25 and 2/25 as complete sets. Individual images start at 3/25.

Barcito

Sala, Santa Maria

Cuarto, Santa Maria

Gallito

Comedor de la Lourdes

Escalera

Padrinos

Corredor, Luyanó

Cocina, Luyanó

Paredes

Juan Alonso Studio
214 1st Avenue South, Suite B15
Seattle, WA 98104
juanalonso1@yahoo.com

New in the Studio: Cuba Greeting Cards

2011-10-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

(click image to enlarge)

Set of 5 different images, all taken by me during a recent trip to Havana, Cuba - September 2011.
Offset printed on thick 14 pt. gloss cover and blank, writable uncoated inside, 6" x 4 1/4" cards with white envelopes.

Set of 5 cards with envelopes - $10 (plus 9.5% sales tax in WA state)

Available at my studio:
214 1st Ave S, Suite B15,
Seattle, WA 98104
206-390-4882 (phone orders)

cash, checks and credit cards accepted.

Also available at Francine Seders Gallery http://sedersgallery.com/

Eight Days in Havana - September 2011

2011-10-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

On a trip to visit my sister Silvia in Key Largo in July 2011, it was decided that my absence from Cuba lasting forty-five years would come to an end; and soon. I left Cuba in 1966 just shy of turning ten leaving behind among other relatives, my father and two sisters. My mother had passed away in 1962. My father died in 1991, my sister Silvia came to the US in 1995 and only three years ago she was reunited with her son Daniel, his wife Belkys and their son Daryl when they also migrated and settled in Key Largo, Florida. Both of Belkys’ parents also live there.
For years, I wondered what it would be like to return to the place where I was born. I had dreams; I had nightmares, and remained unsure of how I’d feel if I did go. In all honesty, I was afraid. It wasn’t fear that anything would physically happen or that I wouldn’t be able to return; it was the uncertainly of whether I could emotionally handle a trip to the place (and time by association) that has been a source of trauma as well as inspiration in my life.

Santa Maria del Mar, Havana, Cuba, September 2011

On Monday, September 19 at 1 pm, our Gulfstream Air flight #252 took off for Havana, Cuba. On the island, people were expecting Silvia, Daniel, Belkys and her mother Mercy but they had no clue I was joining them on this journey.
The flight itself was insignificant. In forty-five minutes, we were there and the familiar sight of the royal palms came into view as we landed at Jose Marti Airport.

Havana - Day One – Monday, September 19, 2011
My first realization that I was no longer in known territory was when I went to the restroom while waiting for our luggage. I noticed there was neither toilet paper nor paper towels present and as I was leaving, a woman that had been “guarding” the door handed me a piece of tissue to dry my hands and mentioned I was free to tip her. I had two thoughts: 1- I did it all myself. 2 -She should feel free to give me something that would actually dry my hands without leaving little clumps of wet TP all over them if she wants a tip. But tipping is everywhere, I came to find out, and there were plenty of other bathrooms I encountered throughout my trip where the “attendant” didn’t even give you anything and just sat there with a little tip jar; but I digress. Soon after arrival and fortunately under cover, rain started to pour. Ah…I love those heavy tropical rains!
Waiting for us were my grandnephew Humberto, his wife Naelys, my cousin Rafael and a couple of friends of Daniel and Belkys, Ernesto and Sairy, whose wedding would be the following Thursday. Humberto, Naelys and Rafael were the first to be surprised by my visit. When I left, Rafael was three years old. I had communicated via internet with Humberto so I felt I knew him a little bit. It was a great feeling seeing all of them in the flesh.
After dealing with currency exchange and car rental, the first place on our itinerary was El Rincón http://www.guije.com/templos/rincon/index.htm; the church of San Lázaro (unrecognized by the Catholic Church; patron saint of the poor and healer of wounds; specifically legs; his saint’s day is December 17). Although this was not on my top ten list of things to do in Havana, I do believe it gave me an opportunity to immediately bond with Humberto and Naelys, if nothing else, over our collective sadness for all the folks gathered around the church, some in wheel chairs, some missing legs, all poor, who were in spite of it all, still believing a healing miracle was still possible and likely imminent.
After the somewhat disturbing imagery of the beggars, the crippled, the beauty of the rundown church, the many folks selling healing candles and rosaries and the holy water fountain in which I did not soak, we headed off to surprise my niece Ivette (Ive).
I remember going to the house in the Parcelacion Moderna neighborhood when Ivette’s grandparents on her father’s side lived there. I remember the new indirect lighting and how neat and fussy her grandmother Anita was. I wonder what she’d think of the home’s condition now.
The beauty of surprising someone when you are part of a group arriving is the ability to blend in until you are directly facing the surprised party. I wish I could have a printable snapshot taken by my own eyes every time this happened during my trip. The look of surprise, confusion and joy was priceless: Every time. This makes me want to surprise more folks but I know I must be careful with that. Before going to see my sister Miriam, Ivette made sure she had taken a whole pill not just half of her blood pressure medicine, por si las moscas (just in case).
At Ivette’s, I also met her husband Manolito and my other grandnephew Alejandro who is twenty-two. I frequently correspond with Ive by email and it had been pretty difficult to not blurt out to her that I was also going to Cuba. I purposely evaded questions knowing that I would have the opportunity to answer anything she wished to ask once I was there. She could now stop worrying that I was avoiding some topics for unknown reasons.

With Ivette

From my niece’s place we went to check into the Hotel Deauville located across the street from El Malecón http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malec%C3%B3n,_Havana . There was construction happening on the Malecón side which made unloading a bit more precarious, particularly in Havana traffic. The rooms were adequate with no frills but I was happy to see there was indeed toilet paper and the toilet had a seat, something I came to find out is a luxury for many Cubans. From now on every time I hear a woman complain about men leaving the seat up, I will wonder what complaint Cuban women have found as its replacement.

El Solar: A solar is a type of living quarters popular in Cuba which arose as a solution for poor people who could not afford apartments or homes of their own and remains popular today. This is usually a one or two story building with a narrow, central open air space with several rooms opening to it. The spaces may vary in size but not every space necessarily has its own bathroom or kitchen. It is a very communal type living situation. Some time back, solares became synonymous with a lower class of citizens but they are not necessarily so. As an artist, I found this particular one we went to; beautiful and fascinating; and the feeling I got from the people I met there was that they truly functioned as a family.

From the hotel, we headed to the solar in central Havana where my nephew and his wife had lived: An amazing place full of life and closeness in every sense of the word. I did not envy the physical cramped spaces but I did feel that what these folks had for one another as cohabitants in this place was pure and true. That was remarkable. The welcoming we all received was warm like the Cuban heat even in the late afternoon as the sun was setting. At this point, everyone still engaged in conversation, I realized all I had to eat that day was a roll at breakfast time. I was hungry.

After many hugs and goodbyes, we headed to El Asturiano restaurant near the Capitol Building. This place was atop many flights of stairs and although it was primarily a pizza place, I opted for Cuban food. After all I went to Cuba, not New York, Chicago or Italy.

At El Asturiano

The last stop before going back to the hotel was to the neighborhood of Luyanó where the house I used to call home is located. That was intense. Still living in the house is my cousin Marinita and her husband.
I went through the house recalling each room the way it used to be and remembering whose room each one was. The time when my emotions got the better of me was when I stepped into my parent’s bedroom. This was the room where I last saw my mother as she was dying. This was the room where I last saw my father sleep. This was the room where I slept both as a baby and later on after my mom was gone. This was the room where I saw an apparition I believed at the time was Saint Barbara; even though now I have some different theories about that event. I felt them: I felt all of those presences, and all those emotions overwhelmed me. I felt what I imagined it would feel like to be stabbed and at the same time enveloped in the most ethereal love in order to make the pain tolerable.
It was a quick moment that almost seemed insignificant in comparison to all the other sensory experiences of my trip, yet looking back it may have been the most important. I am very grateful for that experience.
To say I was exhausted, mentally and physically, when I went to bed that night would be an understatement and the next day would be full and start early. I slept soundly.

Surprising Marinita

My parents' bedroom

Our house in Luyano

Havana - Day Two – Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Some days you wake up with a sense of surrealism. Am I really here? Has it really been forty-five years? In some ways it did not feel like it and in some it was painfully clear. I was no longer a child. Forty-five years later I am weathered like many of the buildings in what used to be my city. I can no longer claim my innocence and I am probably a bit jaded. I was reminded of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz: I was most certainly not in Seattle any more but I was nowhere near ready to click my heels back home.
Day two in Havana began with breakfast at the hotel which was included in the price. From there we were off to La Habana Vieja (Old Havana) which is by far the most picturesque and refurbished part of the city and where most tourists are likely to be found. There a lot of people walking these narrow streets. One cannot escape the sense of history that these beautiful old buildings have witnessed; the influences from so many parts of the world that are all inaccessible to the Cuban people. Cubans are not allowed to travel outside their own country except for a few special circumstances. This city is in Europe and Africa and America and its people have roots in all of those places too; you can see it in their faces but most of all they are undeniably Cuban.
After doing a little shopping through the artisan marketplaces and much more picture taking, we (Silvia, Belkys, Daniel, Rafael, Humberto and Naelys) were on our way to surprise my sister Miriam who lives in the Soviet construction style neighborhood of Alamar with her husband Marcelo. This surprise went off pretty much as the others. I was lost in the crowd until it was time for “the reveal” and I was met with the love of a sister from whom I have been far away physically but certainly not in my heart. It felt right; like we could pick up right there from the last time we saw each other. And we did. There we were also joined by my nephew Julito, his wife Leticia, their incredibly smart five year old son Javier and their month old girl Anabel as well as by Alejandro and his girlfriend Talia. Finally all of my parent’s offspring; three children, three grandchildren & two great-grandchildren were all together in one spot. Only Daryl (Daniel & Belkys’ son) who stayed in school in Key Largo was missing. We all took pictures and went through old photo albums my sister had as I tagged some to scan for myself.

Surprising Miriam

A much needed shower and change at the hotel and we were off to find a place for dinner. We toured the once very posh Vedado neighborhood which was quite impressive with its oversized mansions but unfortunately this was at night so not so ideal for photography. We finally settled on dinner at Dos Gardenias Restaurant which turned out to be an excellent choice. More on this with a story that will make you never think of bread and butter quite the same way again a bit later on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4MCsK3ZXLg

At Dos Gardenias - Belkys, me, Silvia, Daniel & Mercedes

Havana - Day Three – Wednesday, September 21, 2011
One of the things I was most excited about doing in Havana besides being with family, was to visit my family’s old beach house. I shouldn’t call it old, really, since it was built the year I was born. My family helped with the building of the house itself; fabricating all of the iron work, designed by my father and the furniture by my uncle who was also my godfather. We would go there on the weekends and in the summer. I recall it always being alive with parties and overnight guests, and some unwelcomed ones like plenty of mosquitoes and tarantulas. I loved that house and as a child I always wanted it to be our main home.
So off our group went loaded with cooler full of beer, sodas and snacks.
I can’t say I was shocked at the condition of what was once a magnificent home but I couldn’t escape the thoughts of what if it could have been kept up. (Such beauty gone to waste). This home being a little newer does not have the charm of the older run-down buildings in Old Havana. This is a 50’s style modern house with clean lines that should remain pristine.
I asked everyone to let me video the house by myself without any distractions; to let me discover for myself what I would find without anyone else’s input. It’s what I needed to do. I will be editing this video to post as soon as I can; it’s an eye opener for sure.

The beach house - then and now

So what could be better to change the mood than to head down to the beach itself! So down the hill we go. This hill used to seem huge to me when I was a kid only to find that I now climb about two or three times that size a hill every day when I walk home from work in Seattle.
The beach was a treat. What a gorgeous spot! The water was clear, the sand with barely a slight orange tint was clean and the best part was the lack of a crowd. We created our own.
We spent a few hours there talking, walking, swimming and drinking and then headed back to the hotel where soon after a huge thunderstorm kept us for a couple of hours. After a quick bite, we went to meet the couple that was to wed the next day at the Roca nightclub. I ordered a vodka/soda with lemon and got a bottle of sparkling water and a demitasse cup with vodka that had already had a lemon squeezed into it: Hmmm…ok. Just about everything about the place was a bit odd. While waiting for the headlining comedian who was actually funny, we had to endure a very annoying MC and overly loud music for a place that at that point had no dance floor. We sat in silence or often yelling at each other across the table.

Havana - Day Four – Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thursday was mostly taken up by the festivities of Ernesto and Sairy‘s wedding. We headed to Reparto Electrico where the couple lives. I became instant personal stylist to the groom since he was to wear a tie but wasn’t too sure about his knotting abilities. I’m glad some of my skills came in handy in Cuba. Shortly after everyone was just about ready to get the party started, another thunderstorm came along and turned the lovely decorated yard into a muddy mess. Luckily, as usual, the storm came and went and the wedding went on without a hitch. Well, a coconut almost fell on the bride’s head and everyone’s shoes were unrecognizably covered in mud but other than that and with the help of Santero rum, it was a fun and memorable event.

(L-R) Humberto, me, Mercedes, Ernesto, Sairy, Silvia, Belkys, Daniel & Naelys

Havana - Day Five – Friday, September 23, 2011
Daniel & Belkys were due to fly back to Miami at 3pm on Friday so we all got up, had breakfast and went back to Old Havana so they could pick up some last minute items to take back: Mostly rum, and with good reason. It’s good stuff. Besides the known Havana Club (from the place that used to be Bacardi), there is also Ron Santiago de Cuba, Ron Varadero, Ron Santero, Ron Mulata and a few others.
After saying our goodbyes, Rafael, Silvia and I went to the cemetery (Cementerio de Colón) http://cementeriocolon.blogspot.com/ to see my family’s plot. I longed for some sort of closure and since I was not informed of my mother’s death as a child and I was not in Cuba when my father died. I wanted to see something tangible that marked their passing but I was disappointed since I was expecting some sort of marker with everyone’s names but it was not so. There were a couple of names that went back to 1913 but no name that I recognized as someone I knew; mostly my grandparents’ relatives. I did however take some comfort in having a little more information about the final resting place of my parents and later on got to see the book detailing dates and certificates of all my relatives buried there.
Friday was the first day I was able to rest a little between outings so I went to the hotel swimming pool and then took a short nap before heading out to dinner at Castropol, a place a few blocks from our hotel across from El Malecón with Silvia, Humberto, Naelys, Julito, Alejandro and Talia. We chose this place because dinner was courtesy of a couple of friends of mine from Seattle, Andria and Robert, that had been to Cuba a few months back and met my family. They all went there and I thought it would be nice as a nod to them to go back to the same spot. We had a great meal and as we were standing outside the place taking even more photos, the maître d’ came downstairs to ask what we had done with the accounting ticket that was missing from the plate containing the bill and cash. Whatever this paper was, none of us had seen it but it was apparently important enough that he was practically accusing us of taking it. What for? I wondered. At first I thought I had miscounted and not left enough money but that was not the issue. I’m still puzzled about that little incident. Of course, it would have been a different story if this would have happened in the US, but in Cuba? Where are you going to go? Who will you complain to? For the most part the competition is still the same owner; the state.

(L-R) Humberto, Naelys, me, Talia, Alejandro & Julito

Havana - Day Six – Saturday, September 24, 2011
Saturday was “Art Day”. We started off at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes which houses the work of Cuban artists past to present in chronological order. I was fortunate to have Susana, a friend of Humberto & Naelys who has a degree in art history volunteer to be my unofficial art guide. Besides being extremely knowledgeable, she was a beautiful and lovely young woman that I was very happy to meet. From there we went on to the Arte Universal located in the gorgeous old Asturian Center Building which includes the work of international artists. On view was an exhibit of the School of Caravaggio, including his very own Narcissus. The building, however, took center stage.
After all the fine art and a little Cuban coffee reinforcement, we indulged in the guilty pleasure of the slightly sad Museum of Natural History. A bit of a letdown but it had to be done. Dinner was simple and sweet that night; just pizza by the hotel pool restaurant under a breezy starry sky.

(L-R) Ivette, Naelys, Julito, Javier, Miriam, Susana, me & Silvia

Havana - Day Seven – Sunday, September 25, 2011
Rafael picked Silvia and me up at the hotel and then headed to make a couple of last minute purchases before going to his house to spend most of the day. Come to find out, Cuba makes good rum and perfume, so I bought two bottles of each.
Rafael and his wife Lourdes live in the house right next to the one where I grew up in Luyanó. They “inherited” the house when our former neighbor passed away. This visit also allowed me to go back to my old house and videotape there, meet my cousin’s daughter Ingrid, her husband and daughter and chat with Marinita a bit more.
Rafael and Lourdes are both very talkative, yet their children, Rafael and Daniela hardly said a word and were both eager to head back to their video games. Some things are the same here and there.
A beautiful Cuban meal of pork, rice, black beans, yuca and two different types of plantains was served. Although it was delicious, I was not feeling my best, so unfortunately I felt I had to take it easy with food. I even decided to lie down for a while and on cue, the daily thunderstorm put me right to sleep for almost two hours. I must have felt at home. Earlier plans of going to El Morro and La Cabaña for the cannon firing ceremony http://www.havana-guide.com/cannon-ceremony.html at 9 pm were scrapped due to continuing rain. This is something I look forward to experiencing next time I’m there.

Lourdes with her dog Lia

Havana - Day Eight – Monday, September 26, 2011

Our last day in Havana was going to be a family day, so the whole nuclear gang headed back to Miriam’s apartment in Alamar. It was a perfect day of talking, cooking, drinking and eating. I was looking back at the last few days with the wonderful feeling that I had a real family to the south of Florida. It felt (and feels) real and good and generously filled with love and caring. We joked and laughed and we all hoped this sort of gathering could be possible much more often. This was truly a joyous occasion.
In the evening I headed back to the hotel to pack with a head full of mixed emotions of having rediscovered a family I must now leave again.

Julito, Javier, me & Humberto at Miriam's

(L-R)Naelys, Humberto, Belkys, Leticia, Alejandro with Anabel, Daniel, Talia, Ivette, Javier, Julito, me, Silvia, Rafael, Mercy & Miriam.

Havana – Back to Miami - Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Ivette and Julito took a two hour bus ride in the morning to our hotel just to say goodbye. Humberto and Naelys were also there but they live much closer and walked. I’m not fond of goodbyes since I have not enjoyed them in the past so I put on as brave a face as I could conjure up and tried to keep my mind as blank as possible in order not to completely break down. I tried to think of the work I’d have to catch up to once I was back home. Rafael drove us to the airport and once again the plane full of tired Cubans that had momentarily returned to their place of birth, was now headed back to that skinny strip of land that stretches south and almost touches Havana.

People
My main reason for going back to Cuba was family and that did not disappoint. I can honestly say that the almost instant affection I felt for the folks I met I also felt was equally reciprocated. I felt nothing but warmth, love and acceptance from my close relatives. Seeing my sister Miriam after so long in a way felt as if it had only been a few months; her essence was the same and she reminded me of my mother. My niece Ivette was just like I imagined her to be, especially since I had the advantage of communicating with her via email for the last couple of years. Her brother Julito is a kind, kind soul. I couldn’t help but feel closer to him when I saw the emotions on his face as he spoke of greeting my father when he would come home from school every day. It touched me. I was happy to meet his wife and two children. The boy, Javier, is truly a great kid; hyperactive and very, very smart. My first introduction to him was my sister asking him if he remembered her talking about me to which he responded, “Yes, I don’t forget anything”. He later insisted on teaching me how to play baseball, suggesting I start with throwing the ball since batting was much more difficult.
The two people with whom I spent the most time were Humberto and Naelys who were fortunately both on vacation while I was there. They are both amazingly kind, giving people that I would want to be close to even if they were not relatives. The bond was pretty instant and the fact that we had a lot of time to spend together made it even stronger and I got used to seeing their beautiful faces in the hotel lobby just about every morning. Humberto’s younger brother Alejandro brought the spirit of youth into the mix and I am looking forward to staying in touch and watching where he goes in this life he has ahead of him.

Naelys & Humberto

My cousin Rafael went out of his way to make sure we were having a good time and taking the role of chauffer made sure we were where we needed to be. How he managed to drive the streets of Havana with such ease, I don’t know; years of practice I suppose but I would have been terrified. He is the type of person that you can definitely count on and what he says, he means and his wife Lourdes is pure delight. She deserves a page all to herself. She is beautiful and glamorous and more alive than most people I know. She welcomed us from Los Nortes (the norths) and our names all had articles preceding them. I was not Nani (family nickname when I was a kid); I was El Nani and my sister was La Silvia.

Rafael & me - then and now

I would be remiss not to mention the folks that made the journey back with me. My sister Silvia with whom I had a reunion in 1995 after 29 years apart was my constant companion and support when dealing with the more difficult aspects of the trip. My nephew Daniel and his wife Belkys were the energy behind the group and took the driver’s seat when it came to planning and mapping our visit with great gusto and I appreciated them for it very much. And last but not least, there was Belkys’ mom Mercedes who provided comic relief when she least suspected she was doing so; like the time I made an observation about the lack of toilet paper in bathrooms and she understood I was talking about the waitress not bringing us bread and butter. From that moment, bread and butter took on a very different meaning and our group on both sides of the puddle that separates the US and Cuba will never think of it the same again. On another occasion when we were at the beach, she was having difficulty walking on the sand and so some of the guys were carrying her to the shore on a chair. Apparently when I nicknamed her Cleopatra, she took it to heart and when the guys put her down momentarily to rest, she casually said, “Go on, continue”. She was the belle of the ball, a lot of fun and I’m very glad she went.

Mercedes with Rafael, Daniel & Humberto

So what about the people there? I’m always a little annoyed when folks I know come back from a trip to Cuba and mention how happy the people there seem as if not understanding why anyone would ever want to leave such paradise. Well, if you are a tourist and are going out to tourist spots, clubs, beaches or restaurants, why would people you find there not be happy? Also, if you have few resources and your chances of achieving some goals are limited by your circumstances, you either curl up into a little ball or you try to make the best with what you have. Cubans are resilient. The word resolver is common with Cuban people and it means more than solving a problem; it is to go beyond whatever is required to make something work. It is and has always been part of the culture.
People seemed friendly and kind and sometimes a bit desperate to make a little cash. There are people everywhere trying to resolver. Taxis of all shapes and sizes are everywhere and everyone is trying to get you one. There are people selling all sorts of things everywhere as well from fruits to peanuts, to touristy trinkets. The only folks that I thought looked more reserved were the ones working in places like the hotel and in restaurants. Many of them seemed uptight or nervous to either offend the tourists or to perhaps do or say something that would get them in trouble with their boss. Some seemed a little robotic.

Living in Cuba
Life in Cuba is harsh and nothing, nothing is easy. Food is still rationed and most folks have to figure out, primarily through the black market, how they are going to have enough to eat. This is made a bit more difficult by the fact that most people’s state salaries are simply not enough which is why you see so much entrepreneurial inventiveness when you are out and about. I saw way to many people working in places like hotels and restaurants, pretty much doing nothing which I suppose is the state’s way of keeping unemployment low but unwittingly or not, not being able to pay each person sufficiently. To make it more confusing, Cuba has two currencies; one for its citizens and one for everyone else that visits the island and in some stores only one or the other is accepted, leaving the people who live there to feel somewhat like second class citizens in their own country.

Food ration card

The bus system has improved somewhat but it is still unpredictable. You may be waiting for a while and if it breaks down on the way, you’re out of luck since that might just be the only vehicle assigned to that particular route. Most of the roads are half pavement and half pot-hole. Drivers have to maneuver them like pop-ups in a video game while at the same time avoiding other cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and the many pedestrians that are constantly crossing in front of traffic and apparently have an aversion to sidewalks. There is very little upkeep of the infrastructure in Havana and I can only imagine it is worse in more rural areas.
Water is sometimes a luxury. In Alamar, my sister gets water every four days and must store as much as possible to last until the next ration. This should include water to boil so you can drink and cook with, water to bathe and clean and also to “flush” toilets since most toilets do not flush on their own due to faulty old rusty pipes. Also missing from toilets are seats; not sure why those are not available. Perhaps they are but like many other commodities, their price may be out of reach for the average Cuban. And back to toilet paper (or bread for butter), make sure you take your own especially if you are out in public, which also goes for napkins and paper towels or any other way to dry your hands in a public bathroom, that is if the sink is actually working. Let me remind you, I was in Havana (the largest city and also the capital of Cuba), not anywhere near the countryside. You also need to watch out for santanillas, tiny reddish ants http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_an t that wreak havoc if they land on you. They supply an intense pain and burning sensation that is hard to fathom when you realize how small they are. I thought they were a myth until I finally got to see a line of them marching up a wall like an army of little red militant youths and I was happy I did not fall prey to their aggressive behavior.
One of the most interesting, if not bizarre new developments is the introduction of sucedáneo which is a coffee additive that literally translates to a substance or element that can replace another by having similar properties. This could be basically anything that looks like coffee that won’t kill you but everyone will tell you that it doesn’t taste very good, whatever it is.

The mystery of sucedáneo

The architecture in Havana is beautiful and even the “ruins” have a majestic feel. It is a city of contrasts where the most meticulously refurbished building is flanked by two that are on the verge of falling down. There is a contrast in the way of life as well. Basic needs are a struggle to acquire yet there is a sense of needing less if for no other reason than simply being unaware of what things exists to make life easier and also not being bombarded with advertisements of things you must have. I had the feeling that the things the average Cuban cares about are a lot more grounded in reality and necessity than in desire or fantasy and that they are resigned to the fact that although changes have been coming, the pace of these changes will likely make it impossible for the middle-aged or older people to ever notice the difference. Very few folks have access to internet since it is mostly illegal for the average citizen and cell phones are extremely hard to get and very expensive.

As I spent more time there taking it all in, I began to understand the people a little bit more. I understood the curiosity of some who wanted to know more about the outside world which they are not allowed by their own leaders and for their own good to visit and explore. I understood why tourists are so highly regarded and treated like royalty and everything deserves a tip; and I happily obliged. I understood why if there is an opportunity to celebrate something, one must jump on it with great enthusiasm and I understood why if there is music playing, you simply must dance.

A Drive Down Juan Alonso

2011-10-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, there is a street named Juan Alonso in Luyano, the neighborhood where my family lived in Havana.
Although I'd like to claim it for myself, I have no idea who the original person for whom it was named was.

Passages - Sarah Spurgeon Gallery at CWU

2011-10-06T09:15:00.001-07:00

The CWU Sarah Spurgeon Gallery is pleased to present the exhibition "Passages: Contemporary Latino/a Artists," which will be on view from October 8 through November 5, 2011. We hope that you will join us for the opening reception that will take place on Friday, October 7, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The exhibit features works by six Seattle-area artists of Central American, South American, and Caribbean heritage: Juan Alonso, Wanda Benvenutti, Eduardo Calderon, Marcio Diaz, Tatiana Garmendia, and Adela Gonzalez. The exhibit is presented as part of Central Washington University's celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month and sponsored by the Center for Latino & Latin American Studies.

Juan Alonso will be giving an artist's talk on Friday, October 14, at 4:00 p.m. in Randall Hall, room 117. A recipient of the Seattle Mayor's Arts Award in 2010, Mr. Alonso has exhibited his work throughout the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. His paintings draw upon his early childhood experiences in Cuba.

http://www.cwu.edu/~art/spurgeon_current.html

Sentinels - Night Shots

2011-10-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Sentinels, 2011, commissioned by the Washington State Arts Commission
in Partnership with Seattle Public Schools
for Chief Sealth International High School, West Seattle.

Havana, Cuba - September 2011

2011-10-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

In the following weeks I will be working on writing about my recent trip to Cuba. I am currently still editing photographs for slide shows and a select few that I will be printing to exhibit. The five images below will be packaged as a set of cards, hopefully very soon. All images were taken in Havana, Cuba, September 2011.

El Gallito, Juan Alonso, 2011

Santa Maria del Mar, Juan Alonso, 2011

Stained Glass - Havana, Juan Alonso, 2011

Ladder, Juan Alonso, 2011

El Morro, Juan Alonso, 2011

Attitude Adjustment - Regreso a Los Nortes

2011-09-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

A view out my hotel window, Havana, Cuba, September 2011

I am back in the US staying in Miami or "en los nortes" (as my cousin's wife, Lourdes calls any place north of Cuba) for a brief attitude adjustment period before I get back to my organized life in well-behaved Seattle. I have only begun to sort some pictures and collect my thoughts but I will be posting a lot more as I begin to digest all that I have experienced in the last 8 days. I am exhausted, jubilant, re-newed, fulfilled, saddened, and just about any other emotion you can throw at a person in a short period of time. Cuba is a harsh reality but the love I found there is beyond measure.

Jumping the Puddle - An Overdue Journey Back Home

2011-09-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

July1958, Santa Maria del Mar, Havana, Cuba
(L-R: my mother Laudelina, me, my sister Silvia, my sister Miriam, my father Juan)

By the time this entry posts to my blog, I will be in Havana, Cuba. The reason for the delay is because my visit will be a surprise to my relatives remaining on the island; some I've met and many have been born since I left in 1966. I've never been back since primarily because I didn't feel emotionally ready to do so. Although my mother passed away before I left, I was never actually told she was dead. I quickly figured it out but I never let on that I knew in a sort of reciprocation of protecting my grown-ups' feelings as they were misguidedly trying to protect mine. I don't know whose bright idea that was but it hardly matters any more as I wouldn't have anyone to demand any sort of explanation for his or her actions. My father died in 1991. At that time I was not yet a US citizen and the only way I could have flown there safely to see my father before he died would have been through the Red Cross. Unfortunately they were a little busy with the first Gulf War and I was not a high priority. One of the things I'd like to do in Havana is to see my parents graves. Closure is good.
Also in the picture above are my two sisters. After 29 years, Silvia and I reunited when she was finally allowed to leave Cuba and come to the states in 1995. Miriam stayed behind and this will be the first time I will see her after 45 years. At the time I left, her daughter Ivette was almost one year old. Since then, I have gained another nephew Julito who is married and has two children of his own and two other grand-nephews born to Ivette (Humberto & Alejandro). Of all of them I have communicated the most with Ivette via e-mail in recent years and with Humberto who has also married, and is able to communicate more freely via internet through his job. I am very much looking forward to meeting all of them.
Besides family members, there will be the return to the homes where I lived as a child which I will likely find very worn and in need of repair but I suspect their "souls" will be intact.
I'm terribly excited to finally visit the place where I was born and reunite with family members. My sister Silvia, my nephew Daniel and his wife Belkys who all live in Key Largo, FL will be joining me on this reunion and will be my guides and my support at times when I'm sure things may feel a little overwhelming. I will be taking a lot of photographs and videos so I can share with my friends back on this side of the pond. I know I will have some good stories.

Wish me luck!

New in the Studio: Puddle-Jump

2011-09-14T16:55:00.001-07:00

Puddle-Jump, 2011, acrylic on wood panel, 48" x 48"

(details below)

(detail)

New Public Work: Sentinels

2011-08-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

In 1956, the year I was born, my family built a house in Santa Maria del Mar, a beach in Havana, Cuba. Many components of the house were built by family members. My father (pictured above) designed and fabricated all the iron work including the railings also in the picture. I have many fond memories of that house, have always admired his designs and finally got the opportunity to use those railings as inspiration for one of my own projects. Through these Sentinels, my father's legacy is able to live on and continue to inspire.

SENTINELS, Juan Alonso, 2011, stainless steel

commissioned by:
Washington State Arts Commission in partnership with Seattle Public Schools
Installed at Chief Sealth International High School, Seattle, WA

This is a tribute to our ancestors, to those who have passed down information to us so that we may do the same; to our teachers, those who inspire us, our heroes, our protectors, and those who create a legacy. To Chief Sealth, father figure of our city; and to my own father, whose designs inspired these sculptures and whose kindness has always been my biggest source of strength.

New in the Studio: Fly & Junuary

2011-08-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

Junuary, 2011, acrylic ink on Claybord, 40" x 30"

Fly, 2011, acrylic ink on Claybord, 30" x 40"

Now available at Francine Seders Gallery: Cold-fire Series

2011-06-13T20:10:00.001-07:00

Cold-fire #1, 2011, acrylic ink on Claybord, 14" x 11"

Cold-fire #2, 2011, acrylic ink on Claybord, 14" x 11"

Cold-fire #3, 2011, acrylic ink on Claybord, 14" x 11"

Cold-fire #4, 2011, acrylic ink on Claybord, 14" x 11"

Cold-fire #5, 2011, acrylic ink on Claybord, 14" x 11"

http://sedersgallery.com

Art at The Finerie

2011-06-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

If you are not already aware of The Finerie and you enjoy fashion, you should be; and if you also like my work and the opportunity to help find a cure for breast cancer, this is your chance. For the rest of this month, I will have several works available there and will donate 20% of any sales to the Susan G Komen foundation.

Please stop by and say hello to Tanya or Michael and let them know I sent you.

http://thefinerie.com/

Thanks.

Rambling On About Education

2011-06-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have always been pro-education, maybe because I always wanted a good one but never had the opportunity or maybe it's just common sense to realize it's a good idea. Regardless of my reasons for wanting one and my lack of a formal education, I have made a point of trying to continue learning and being informed and aware of the world around me. In my opinion, it is the answer to most, if not all our problems.
Ah...problems. The world has a lot of them so I'd like to offer my most humble suggestions to folks of all different points of view in an effort to persuade you that focusing on education may not completely remove all that ails us but it would be a huge improvement.
For all of us bleeding-heart liberals that want to get rid of poverty because everyone deserves a decent life even if you're not born into aristocracy, blah, blah, blah, we already vote yes on every single school levy but I'm not here to preach to the choir. I'd like to address some of you with whom I may not agree or associate on a daily basis. I'd like to have a little chat with you a little closer to the right.
About crime: There is no excuse for bad or criminal behaviour (which BTW also applies to the white-collar Maddoffs of the world) but I do believe that certain conditions may have an effect on some individuals that may not be able to see alternatives to a life of crime. Some of you feel that crime is inherent in minority populations without looking deeply into why it is that perhaps you, (yes, you) are partly to blame.
Hear me out: If the US wants to continue to brag (even though we officially don't "brag") about being the greatest country in the world, we cannot continue to do this if we do not make sure that every child gets a proper education; a proper foundation. I realize that this should start in the home but the reality is, not everyone that is able to breed, is able to provide stability for a child, most likely due to lack of education. This opportunity for education should be equal for all citizens, because for those who are racist enough to think that a darker color of skin is synonymous with crime, once again you need to dig deeper into our past as a nation and the conditions put in place to make sure that some groups are "kept in their place".
As long as there is no equality in education, there will continue to be a disproportionate number of minorities in prison, not necessarily because they have committed more crimes but simply because they do not have the resources for a good defense, which requires money, which requires employment, which requires (guess what?) some form of education; some form of preparation to propel them into the world. The laws, primarily written by white males are tilted towards keeping not just minorities, but also women and the white poor in the same class and situation the wealthy and large corporations that are currently running things would like to have them. This, I don't understand. I understand wanting power, but at what cost?
If a poor child, of any color, is given the opportunity to have an education; to participate in a social setting which is nourishing and nurturing, is taught by a decently paid and dedicated teacher, you are already raising their potential. You are giving this child the option of opening his/her mind, to think beyond wherever their family has been stuck. You are fueling their desire to think. This is a child that may be open to the idea that desperation is not all there is and some opportunities are in reach. To those who are so concerned about crime and welfare abuse, try giving those kids options; options only attainable through education.
So what about other problems in the world such as the oil crisis, financial woes, global atmospheric change (even if you are dense enough to not think it's real, just humor me here), religious conflicts, etc.
Solution? Education. If more minds are equipped to think scientifically, the more likely it is that we will come up with clean air, profitable solutions to energy that would create jobs and also help raise the status of whichever nation is first in these fields of innovation. The more educated the people of third world poorer countries are, the less of a burden they would be to wealthier nations. The better educated women are in some parts of the world, the more they will realize their worth and gain the courage to stand up to the moronically patriarchal societies intent of maintaining the status quo. Better educated politicians would be more likely to at least attempt to resolve conflicts through negotiation instead of war, shedding the high school testosterone mentality that is so currently abundant. The more people are informed (I mean really informed, not just what they think their "holy" book says) about the different religious beliefs around the world, the more likely they would be to reason and be content with their own personal faiths and less likely to fight over mythological ideals.

So, to politicians and others in power, I say you to keep in mind that you may have money and power now but it may not be around forever and if you should ever find yourself in a less favorable place, you may wish you had treated those "beneath" you with a little more dignity so they, in turn, might do the same for you.

Plant the seeds of respect, opportunity and most of all, education. You may still want a maid and a good gardener but you really don't want them pissed off at you.

Off to Texas, Y'all!

2011-05-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

Well, folks, I am off to a little adventure in Texas. We begin in Schulenberg for my sister-in-law's wedding, then off to gallery-hunting in Houston and finally some R&R in Austin. Yeehaw...!
Stories to come, I'm sure.

New in the Studio: Timbiriche

2011-04-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Timbiriche, 2011, acrylic on wood panel, 72" x 72"

Timbiriche (detail)

Seattle as Collector

2011-04-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

SEATTLE OFFICE OF ARTS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS TURNS 40
40th Anniversary Exhibition at Seattle Art Museum

May 11 - October 23, 2011
Free and open to the public

Opening Reception
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
6:30 to 9:30 pm

New in the Studio: Mine

2011-04-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

Mine, 2011, acrylic on wood panel, 36" x 72"

Home Again

2011-03-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

Standing right beneath the lightning
Counting, waiting for the thunder
Don't know why I don't feel frightened
Taken over by the hunger
Something told me to go out there
Deal with consequences later
Had I waited any longer
I don't think I would have ever braved that night
Searching for you in the pouring rain
Wishing for luck that you'd do the same
Praying to heaven I'd find you
And be home again

Diem Chau and Japan Relief Efforts

2011-03-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

My dear friend and brilliant artist Diem Chau is doing something unique to encourage folks to help relief efforts in Japan. Here's a link to her blog for information:

http://tinyhaus.blogspot.com/2011/03/for-japan.html

My Birthday, 1st Thursday and Planned Parenthood

2011-03-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

First Thursday, April 7, 5-9 pm My birthday is coming up soon and continuing my yearly tradition of focusing attention on groups or organizations that could use some assistance instead of dwelling on my age, this year I am hosting an event to raise funds for Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest.

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppgnw/stand-pp-36227.htm

No cards or presents please, just help me make a difference by bringing your good birthday wishes and checkbooks to help an organization that has helped millions of families in the NW. * Suggested donation $10 minimum; more if your budget allows. * I will donate 25% of the sale of ANY of my works that evening. * If you're not in the market to purchase art or cannot attend the event, you can help by BRINGING/SENDING A CHECK FOR (MIN $10) made out to PLANNED PARENTHOOD of the GREAT NORTHWEST to my studio address below. Juan Alonso Studio Grand Central Arcade 214 1st Ave S, #B15 Seattle, WA 98104

QUESTIONS? juanalonsostudio@gmail.com

Thanks to the following businesses for donating food and /or beverages: Table 219, Cafe Paloma, Grand Central Bakery, Six Avenue Wine Seller.

Want to donate on line?

http://www.ppaction.org/site/Donation2?df_id=3100&3100.donation=form1

Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4YEPbVj6ys

March, 2011 at Francine Seders Gallery

2011-03-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

http://www.sedersgallery.com/emails/1103_MarchEmail.htm

Francine Seders Gallery
6701 Greenwood Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103-5225
206-782-0355
www.sedersgallery.com

March 4 - 27, 2011
Reception: Sunday March 6, 2-4pm

New work by Juan Alonso, Dina Barzel, Gail Grinnell, Anne Hirondelle, Anna McKee, and Bradd Skubinna will be featured at Francine Seders Gallery March 4 through 27. There will be a reception Sunday March 6 from 2 to 4 p.m.

A change was already apparent in Juan Alonso's work at the time of his last show at the Seders Gallery in 2010. It's more fully realized in the paintings in the current show which appear less architectural and more spontaneously rendered. The small, vertically-oriented works from the Aqua series are more colorful as well, composed of subtle blue and brown horizontal stripes that waver and shift beneath drips and fields of translucent white. Juan Alonso was a recipient of the Mayor's Arts Award and a GAP grant from Artist Trust in 2010. He had shows at TASTE Restaurant at the Seattle Art Museum and the Circa Gallery in Minneapolis as well as Francine Seders Gallery.

For the past two years Dina Barzel has been working with silk in its natural state, highlighting in her sculpture the strength and resiliency of the fiber rather than its fragility. This has been an intuitive process in which she has allowed the materials rather than her technical expertise to guide the direction of the work. Most recently she has constructed forms by encasing massed silk and flax fibers in silver-wire mesh. These are mounted on the wall but project from it to allow for the greater play of light and shadow. Barzel's work was included in Happy Birthday, Francine at the gallery in 2009/10.

Gail Grinnell had the good fortune to be selected for two residencies in 2010-one at the Jentel Foundation in Banner, Wyoming and the other at the Ballinglen Arts Foundation in Ballycastle, Ireland. She did a lot of drawing at both places, but all but one of the pieces in this show was made in Ireland. The drawings are charcoal, ink, and/or acrylic on spun polyester or vellum and range in size from 9x12" to 92x27." The forms are organic-either folding in on themselves or spiraling out into space-and ambiguous. Are they products of nature or the dressmaker's art? In 2009/10 the Bellevue Arts Museum invited Grinnell to create a large mixed media piece which was installed in its Forum window for several months.

Anne Hirondelle introduced the Re:Coil form in several clay sculptures that were part of her October 2010 show at the Seders Gallery. The idea for them developed out of her interest in the negative space that was created when she attached extruded handles to her clay vessels. This winter Hirondelle has explored the form further in Prismacolor on layered tracing paper drawings. In the early work she limited her palette to a neutral gray, but as she progressed she began experimenting with color. Examples of both will be included in the show. Anne Hirondelle's work has recently been featured in The Vase and Beyond: The Sidney Swidler Collection of Ceramics at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento (2010/11) and Guy Anderson and Other Friends, The Paul I. Gingrich Jr. Collection at the Museum of Northwest Art in LaConner (2010). University of Washington Press will publish a book about her work in 2012.

In a statement about her work, Anna McKee writes: "In 2008 I began looking at ice core specimens, glaciers and ice sheets to explore metaphors about the deep memory of the world." Her focus has been on two projects--The WAIS Divide Ice Core Project in West Antarctica and the Mt. Waddington Ice Core Project in British Columbia-and she has traveled to and documented both sites. The selection of Waddington Drawings that will be included in the show were actually made from specimens at the ISOLAB at the University of Washington and finished in the studio. In them, McKee has created a vocabulary of marks to code the cores' interior structure and suggest their historical content. The drawings are graphite and gouache on rag paper with dimensions of 11x15". Anna McKee's work was included in the traveling exhibition Critical Messages: Contemporary Northwest Artists in the Environment; curated by Sarah Clark-Langager, Director, Western Gallery and John Olbrantz, Director, Hallie Ford Museum, Willamette University (2010) and is currently on view in Forecast: Communicating Weather and Climate at the Washington State Convention Center.

A selection of Bradd Skubinna's new collages will be included in the show. They range in size from 6½x4½" to 16x12" and are made from box-top flaps (cereal, butter, crackers, etc.) mounted on board. The flaps are printed with color codes and registration marks and these combined with scraps of text make for lively compositions. Their formal clarity and funky physicality give the works a visual punch that belies their small size. Skubinna last showed at the Seders Gallery in 2009. In 2008 he had a solo show at Lorinda Knight Gallery in Spokane and his work was included in RE-Purposed to Art at the Gage Academy of Art. Bradd Skubinna lives and works in Spokane, Washington.

Text by Pat Scott

New in the Studio: Core

2011-02-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

Core, 2011, acrylic ink on Claybord, 40" x 30"

New in the Studio: Polar

2011-02-24T11:42:00.001-08:00

Polar, 2011, acrylic ink on Claybord, 30" x 40"

A Contemporary Art Exhibit Benefiting the One Eighty Foundation

2011-02-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

Crossroads #3, 2007, ink & graphite on Claybord, 12" x 12"

A Contemporary Art Exhibit Benefiting the One Eighty Foundation

http://www.oneeightyfoundation.org/

Please join us for an exciting local-flavored evening of art, food, wine, music and a silent auction. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on works of local artists while sipping delicious Washington State wines, tasting the fine food of Edibility, and enjoying the electronic musical stylings of Decibal Festival's DJ Sean Horton. All proceeds will benefit One Eighty Foundation charities and local artists.

WHEN: Thursday, March 10, 2011
5:30 - 9:00 pm

WHERE: One Eighty (located in the Westlake Center Office Tower)
1601 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1900
Seattle, WA 98101

VIP LIST: Please contact Erin Stansbury at estansbury@oneeightyfoundation.org or
206.436.7827 by March 7, 2011 to be added to the VIP list

Special thanks to our fantastic sponsors:
All Access Media, Edibility, Tela Art Resources, Paul D. McKee & PrintWest

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:
AJ Power http://www.ajpowerstudio.com/
Alice Case http://alicecase.com/
Barbara Noonan http://www.morninnoonannight.com/
Cass Nevada http://cassnevada.com/
David Owen Hastings http://www.davidowenhastings.com/
Frankline Dwyer http://franklindwyer.com/
Ira Feenstra http://www.irafeenstra.com/
James Brown http://www.gdfather.com/
Jay Mason http://www.jaymasonart.com/
Jenny Jo Oakley http://www.emptyvesselart.com/
Jill Young http://jillfeenstra.com/
Juan Alonso http://www.juanalonso.info/
Kelly Rae Cunningham http://kellyraecunningham.com/
Nancee Rostad http://www.njrostadphotography.com/
Nichole DeMent http://www.nicholedement.com/
Paula Stokes http://www.paulastokes.com/
Stephanie LIndsey http://www.stephanielindsey.com/
Suze Woolf http://suzewoolf-fineart.com/
TJ Hoving http://www.un-intentional.net/

For sponsorship information or questions, please email info@oneeightyfoundation.org

Art & Planned Parenthood

2011-02-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

Direct Levitation, 2007, ink & graphite on Claybord, 36" x 24"

Make a minimum contribution of $1500 to the local Planned Parenthood and take this artwork home. Leaving it open to higher donations until next Saturday 2/26 at 10 am. If you have an offer, add a comment on this blog with the amount and send me a way to reach you here or at juanalonso1@yahoo.com

This piece was originally priced at $3500. It had some damage which I repaired but encourage interested parties to take a look in person. This is not a sale. I am offering this piece as a gift to encourage you to donate money to Planned Parenthood.

I Stand with Planned Parenthood

The House of Representatives has voted to bar Planned Parenthood from all federal funding for any purpose whatsoever. That means no funding to Planned Parenthood health centers for birth control, lifesaving cancer screenings, HIV testing, and other essential care.

UPDATES

$2000 has been offered. Thank you. Next offer would be $2500

Some Things I've Learned From TV Ads

2011-02-07T23:06:00.000-08:00

Every insurance company can save you money if you switch to them and you can’t watch a ½ hour TV show without seeing two or three different company ads that tell you so. If you keep switching from one to another every few months, soon your insurance will be practically free!
Every cell phone company has the best, fastest coverage. Everywhere.
Every news station has an exclusive on a story and is #1 for news in your area.
Banks really, really care about each individual customer as if they were a family member. This could be the reason they don’t like loaning you money.
Repeating the same phrase in an ad annoys me but apparently sells lots of whatever the company is selling since many of them are using this tactic, using this tactic, using this tactic.

Another thing that bugs me but must work is people talking and exaggerated-smiling at the same time. Seems so normal and sincere, don't it?
Operators are standing by (why don't they sit?) and in some cases only for the next (fill in the blank) minutes, so you better hurry to buy a product sold by some sleazy looking guy that is valued at a lot of money but the advertiser is willing to let you have it for a lot less. Call now!
You can buy a US $2 bill that is legal tender in some obscure republic in another part of the world for $19.99.

Asking a bunch of people in a jewelry store to wave at the camera turns them into zombies.

Apparently mattress delivery people mix up the bottom and top mattresses a lot because there seems to be a lot of miss-matched sets on sale.

I can no longer listen to Sarah McLachlan and not think of sad puppies.
Wearing an emergency alert bracelet in case you fall and can’t get up because you’re old can make you feel younger. The geezer in the ad says so and I believe her.
But wait, there’s more!
I may be misinterpreting but this ad seems to suggest that it is perfectly normal for women to have “relations” with a lizard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_qZNkSrwCE

First Thursday, February 3, 6-9 pm

2011-01-31T18:04:00.000-08:00

My studio will be open on first Thursday, February 3, 6-9 pm.

There is a lot of new and recently re-acquired older works.

Lots of work priced under $1000 and many more under $500.

Come by and say hello at my first open studio of 2011!!!

Juan Alonso Studio

Grand Central Arcade

(basement of the Grand Central Bakery in Pioneer Square)
214 1st Avenue South, Suite B15

Seattle, WA 98104

206-390-4882

enter on 1st Avenue down the stairs next to Fireworks Gallery

VISA & MasterCard accepted

Ending 2010 On A High Note: Happy 2011!

2010-12-31T10:29:00.000-08:00

Fulguratus #2, 2009, ink & graphite on Claybord, 30" x 30",

collection of the Portland Art Museum, Portland, OR

It has been a roller-coaster of a year but I am happy to be ending it on a high note; something I would have found hard to believe at the beginning of 2010. Many in my circle of friends and family have had it tough recently but in comparison to some of the horrific events of the year, we should all be thanking whatever/whoever we thank for just how fortunate we are.
In the spring of 2010, I didn't think I'd be able to keep my studio and yet here I am at the very end looking back to what I see now as a great year. Not that I think it will be smooth sailing from here. It never seems to be for me; and whenever things are going too well I start waiting for the other shoe to drop. It's just the way life goes.
So back to the good: When I needed help, I asked for it and I got it. If I am grateful for anything, I am grateful for the people around me that have made magic happen. Old friends, new friends, connections, discoveries, and the destiny that takes us where we need to be. It is easier for detractors to fade into the background, where they belong, when surrounded by kind and honest friends that when necessary tell you the truth and not what you think you want to hear.
I treasure you and you know who you are. Many good things that have happened are in part due to my persistence, dedication and whatever talent I posses but I would be foolish to think I could accomplish these things on my own, so I thank you!
The cherry on top is that the piece shown above (Fulguratus #2) is now in the permanent collection of the Portland Art Museum in Portland, Oregon. I am a lucky man indeed.
Wishing us all a happy and healthy new year!

New in the Studio: Aqua Series 3 - 6

2010-12-12T10:14:00.001-08:00

Aqua 3 - 6, 2010, acrylic ink on Claybord, 14" x 11" each

New in the Studio: Aqua Series 1 & 2

2010-12-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

Aqua 1 & 2, 2010, acrylic ink on Claybord, 20" x 16" each

Miami Exhibit

2010-11-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

I will be showing my work in Miami during the Art Basel Art Fair. This will be a solo exhibit in a stand-alone space that will soon be my friend Philip Chappelle's new interior design studio. It is located in the middle of the Design and Wynwood Districts.

I will be there December 2-5 from 11 am to 7 pm each day. Please stop by.

JUAN ALONSO - SOLO EXHIBIT

December 2 - 5, 2010

11 am - 7 pm daily

3610 NE 1st Avenue

Miami, FL 33137

For more info: juanalonso1@yahoo.com or 206-390-4882

New in the Studio: Mugs

2010-11-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays, I have designed a limited number of mugs that are available at my studio and will also be at SOILS's "vs. The Matador" gift shop and Francine Seders Gallery. They all have a black design on white mugs and prices are $16 each or all three designs for $45. For questions or ordering, please contact me at juanalonso1@yahoo.com , 206-390-4882, SOIL at 206-264-8061, Francine Seders Gallery 206-782-0355 or just stop by my studio if you are in the area.

Juan Alonso Studio

Grand Central Arcade

214 1st Avenue South, Suite B15

Seattle, WA 98104

(under the Grand Central Bakery in Pioneer Square)

New Website!

2010-11-16T23:39:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce that after 2 years without updates, my website has finally been re-designed by Steve Ahlbom and it is live and up to date!

http://www.juanalonso.info/

Downtown Adventure

2010-11-08T22:43:00.000-08:00

I should have known the dead dead end sign at the bus stop was an omen that bad, bad things were going to happen. Well, not really bad things like when my family cooked my pet duck but not great things.

During this seemingly innocent Sunday trip downtown I realized I had possibly become somewhat like my family; like any one's family. O L D....people in a family.

It's not that I'm not aware of my age. Whenever someone looks my way for more than a split second, I no longer think they are flirting or might find me attractive, now I just immediately look down to see if my fly is open or if I have bird poop somewhere on my person. This particular epiphany of oldness, however, took me right back to my family not letting me leave the house wearing bell-bottom when I was a teen-ager because they were indecent. Yes, bell-bottoms were indecent to my family; and only queers wore sandals. Of any sort. And their point was? But I digress.

While downtown, we decided to go into a new store. It is a store whose name is associated with saints and fields of spittle, whose owners apparently set out to sell or refurbish old sewing machines and then changed their minds part way through the process of setting up shop. So, curiosity getting the best of us, we march right in past the old Singer sewing machines and tried to see if there was a men's department, which I'm still not convinced there is. Somewhere close to the back there was a row of items that looked deceptively like they could be part of the men's department, yet the designs were...(my family's voices all seep into my brains saying) "sissy! girly clothes! crap only queers would wear! and not the 'normal' queers, either! the ones that have simply gone too far! yesseree!"

We head to the lower level where there seems to be more promise of men's wear. I'm looking around and yes, there are indeed some attractive designs. Pricey for what it is but yes, attractive nonetheless. Then I start looking closer. This is perhaps the only store I've been in where size large might just fit, when I usually wear small. Everything is rather tiny. And very wrinkled. Obviously there is an age limit for wearing this. Folks with wrinkled skin, should not accessorize with wrinkled clothing. Press away, press away!

Every employee was either really small or at the very least super skinny and each was so perfectly styled they didn't really move naturally, as if the folds of the scarfs and other accessories would move and the whole look would be ruined. I mean, these diminutive sales children were so fantastically trendy that I'm sure they have orders to change every couple of hours to keep up or their look would be considered dated and passe.

Being short, I usually have to have pants and jacket sleeves hemmed up whenever I buy anything but I noticed that many jeans in this store seemed even shorter than what's in my closet. I picked up a pair of jeans that upon closer inspection seriously puzzled me. If I knew a little person with bowed legs, this is where I would shop for them, which immediately made me think...that's it! this is a store for little people! OK, that makes sense. Then at that moment a tiny sales girl (not a little person, just a tiny average size girl) asks me what I think. Caught off guard.

"Ah...," I said. "Yeah, well, OK, I will ask...do these jeans seem a little short to you or am I missing something?"

She replies, "Oh yes, they're European sizes, they're much smaller over there." Then she proceeds to further explain that the pants are really not supposed to go all the way down your leg. They stop short. So now, when European teenagers outgrow their pants they are still very much in style. Stylish and thrifty!

They had rather nice shoes. again, a little pricey, but nice, and as I was looking, tiny girl came back and explained that (all twenty-some styles) were individually hand-crafted by small cobblers that I can only imagine were kept in an even lower floor chained to their tiny hammers waiting for a specific size yelled via some can-and-string contraption from the above people. Get to work you...you...little cobbler! And make them look nice and worn for our tiny stylish customers!

So anyway, there I was, feeling old and humiliated. It could have been worse, I suppose. Getting older is not so bad (I constantly tell myself). It's getting crazier I fear. And I really do. I keep thinking, what makes someone decide one morning that they're going to grow their hair and beard as long as they'll grow and buy mochas as their signature drink or train a pigeon to sit on their head as they stroll Pioneer Square? That could be me. Yep, the old bag person with the fried egg on their forehead.

Yes, Bette, I don't want to be the old guy with the fried egg on his forehead either. I understand. Can't wait to go shopping again, though. I may try the big and tall shop just to mess with their heads.

New in the Studio: Ore, Groove & Suspension

2010-11-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

Ore, 2010, acrylic ink on Claybord, 40" x 30" - SOLD

Groove, 2010, acrylic ink on Claybord, 40" x 30"

Suspension, 2010, acrylic ink on Claybord, 30" x 40" - SOLD

OPEN STUDIO - First Thursday, November 4, 6-9 PM

2010-11-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

Please stop by my studio Thursday during the Gallery Walk in Pioneer Square.

Would love to see you before heading off to Miami for Art Basel.

Thursday, November 4, 6-9 pm

JUAN ALONSO STUDIO
214 1st Avenue South #B15,
Seattle, WA 98104
206-390-4882

VISA & MASTERCARD ACCEPTED

Enter on 1st Avenue, right next to Fireworks Gallery

96th Anniversary

2010-10-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

I last saw my father when I left Cuba at age 9. When I was playing music in the 70's, every time I sang this song, I thought about him and realized how robbed I was of his company and guidance. If my father were alive today, it would be his 96th birthday.
I still think of him quite often and still miss him.
If you are a father or a son, I hope you are able to treasure your time together.

Video - 2010 Mayor`s Arts Awards: Juan Alonso

2010-10-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

Seattle Channel Video can be played in Flash Player 9 and up

Video - 2010 City of Seattle Mayor's Arts Awards Ceremony

2010-10-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Seattle Channel Video can be played in Flash Player 9 and up

My speech at 20:15

New Work in the Studio: Countenance #8-10

2010-10-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Countenance #8, 2010, ink on polypropylene, 14" x 11" (image), 26 1/4" x 22 1/4" (framed)

Countenance #9, 2010, ink on polypropylene, 14" x 11" (image), 26 1/4" x 22 1/4" (framed)

Countenance #10, 2010, ink on polypropylene, 14" x 11" (image), 26 1/4" x 22 1/4" (framed)

Workshop: From Studio Work to Public Art

2010-09-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

I will be conducting a workshop on the transition from studio work to public art at my studio, on four - 3 hour evenings (October 12, 13, 19 & 20) from 6-9 pm. We may end a bit earlier but please plan on scheduling your time until then if you are planning on attending.

In order for this class to go forward, I will need 6 people to sign up. This works best as a small group and I cannot comfortably accommodate more than 6 at a time in my studio. If the class fills up, I may offer it again at a later date.

Cost of the 12 hour workshop is $120. per person, non-refundable.

This workshop would be most effective for those who have some experience with exhibiting work but have not made the leap into the public art realm.

If you are interested, please send me an e-mail to juanalonso1@yahoo.com. As soon as I get 6 people interested, I will contact those 6 with further details. If you know someone that may want to take this class, please let them know as well.

Thank you.

Juan

juanalonso1@yahoo.com

James and Janie Washington Foundation Open Studio Sale

2010-09-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Photos From Circa Gallery Show

2010-09-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

Click on individual images to enlarge

http://www.circagallery.org/html/gallery_main.html

A Juan Around Your Neck?

2010-09-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

Most people that know me are aware that I appreciate the finer things in life, whether it's food, fashion, cocktails, and yes, jewelry. I am fortunate that being surrounded by creative people, I am able to enjoy some of these fine things that otherwise would be missing in my life. So how exciting is it when an artist whose work you admire and respect, is inspired by my work? Very!

I first met Frances and John Smersh when I rented a space at Jackson Street Studios. Since then we have become good friends and fortunately have a mutual appreciation for each other's art. Recently they let me know that one of the pieces from their new line of jewelry was named the Juan Pendant and was inspired by my work. Frances says, "It was pretty interesting how quickly and fluidly I drew this and how obvious it was that it was informed by you."
So, now that I have my own (in cream and brown), I thought I'd share this info with others and introduce this fine work to those who don't already know about it.

To see more of Frances & John's work: http://smershdesign.com/

Also, in her own words, here is more info about this new series:

about the Tattoo work...

I am doing much more sketching to create this jewelry collection than I am soldering and bench work. I'm excited about the visual fluidity that I can create using technology ranging from pencil to computer operated water jet cutting machine. (a massive beast that wouldn't fit in my living room.)

I draw in series, bringing together vignettes of patterns and shapes. When I've decided on the strongest designs, I scan them into a drawing program to refine and finalize. I work with a terrific artist/technician at a local water jet cutting company. Jason Garret takes my line drawing documents and adapts them so that the water jet cutter can read and cut each element out of large sheets of thin stainless steel. When the pieces are cut, I take them back to the studio to separate, grind edges and lightly texture them.

Off to the powder coater. I hate to wave around the "environmentally friendly" banner, but powder coating is a non-solvent based, tough as nails, permanent color application that is way cleaner and energy efficient than any type of paint application. Nothing goes down the drain because dry powder pigment is applied to the metal with an electrostatic charge. (Really, there is no dust on the floor in this place.) When my pieces are covered, they are moved to an oven to bake...yes bake. As we say in the studio, they emerge "road ready". Powder coating is used on race cars.

Back to the studio where I put it all together. All of the chains are sterling silver. All the work is done in the Seattle area by myself and people I love working with.

Our store Click! Design That Fits is moving to a new, larger, more beautiful (once we get through the build out) location in the West Seattle Junction.
The Tattoo collection will officially be unveiled at our...

Grand Opening
Saturday, October 16th 5 to 9pm
4540 California Ave SW
just north of the California/Alaska intersection

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2010-09-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

JUAN ALONSO - UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Circa Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
9/18 - 10/23/2010

Opening reception: Saturday, September 18, 6-9 pm
http://www.circagallery.org/html/gallery_main.html

New Work at SAM Gallery

2010-09-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Countenance #5

Countenance #6

Countenance #7

2010, acrylic ink on polypropylene, image 14" x 11", framed 26 1/4" x 22 1/4"

SAM Gallery Art Sales & Rentals
1220 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
206-343-1101
http://seattleartmuseum.org/artrentals
samgallery@seattleartmuseum.org

ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES - Alonso & Hargrave at TASTE

2010-09-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Hey cousin Juan, congratulations!

2010-09-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hey cousin Juan, congratulations!

I hear your doing really good! I tried to friend you on facebook a few times but nothin happened so I got your email from your profile. This is your Jersey cousin Gloria (like Estefan) but I'm not her, but I wish I had her money. You probably don’t remember me cause we haven’t really met or anything but a few weeks ago Mima was talking about you saying the last time she saw you was at Bebo & Bebas wedding a long time ago and that she thought you were kind of fruitcakey. I wouldn’t pay too much attention to her because she gets things mixed up and ever since Manolo left, all she thinks about is getting a new boyfriend and so she said she was praying one night and God told her to put hard-boiled eggs in her bra when she took it off at night and wouldn’t you know it, a few days later she meets this guy, right? But then after a few days of him going AWOL, turns out he was arrested for putting poop in a bag in his super’s mailbox because they raised his rent. To be honest, I don’t relly think it was God that told her about the egg thing, but whatever.

I was gonna send you a picture of me but I’m gonna wait till I get some really cute ones. Everybody tells me I look just like Snookie and I’ve been doin my hair just like her and stuff. I was gonna go as her for Halloween this year but then my stupid friend tells me I cant do that because you cant dress up to look like the way you look already and people wouldent know who I was. Anyway, I love Jersey Shore and is about time they put us on TV, right?

So I was all mad at you because I kept thinking why don’t you come visit us if you’re so close by, then Tio Pepe said he got a call that you were in a Washington that’s like next to Alaska but not where the president lives. You must be freezing up there. Jersey gets cold enough and I like my pinguins in the zoo thankyouverymuch. So anyway, they told Tio you had some problems with the building where you live and that you go downtown every day with a sign and explain to people that the Seattle police is communist. Well I guess all your hard work paid off if the mayor is giving you a prize, no? I hope it’s a lot of money and if its too much you know where to send the extra, he he. Anyway I don’t even know who the mayor of New Jersey is but I hope your mayor treats you right.

Oh by the way I thought you were a lot older but a lot of people lie about their age and that’s ok too so don’t worry about it.

Love, Gloria

Marita Dingus - art review by Regina Hackett

2010-08-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Click here: Marita Dingus - relics of the African diaspora - Another Bouncing Ball

Juan Alonso - between ironwork and smoke - Another Bouncing Ball

2010-08-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

Click here: Juan Alonso - between ironwork and smoke - Another Bouncing Ball

New Work: Ice & Frozen

2010-08-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Juan Alonso, Ice, 2010, acrylic ink on Claybord, 40" x 30"

Juan Alonso, Frozen, 2010, acrylic ink on Claybord, 30" x 40"

Both of these works will be part of an exhibit titled
Under Construction at Circa Gallery in Minneapolis, MN
September 18 - October 23, 2010
http://circagallery.org/html/gallery_main.html

Pakistan Flood Relief Donation

2010-08-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

Caribe II, acrylic & collage on paper, 24" x 24", value $1500.

I am offering this piece for auction on this blog to the highest bidder between now and next Wednesday, August 25th at 8 am or to the first to pay full value as a donation for Pakistan relief.
Please leave a comment on here with your name, bid amount and way to contact you.
Payment will be made directly to Mercy Corps' Pakistan relief. Minimum bid $250.00

Update: first bid has been started by D Osgood at $250.

Winning bid - R Lynch - $400. Thank you!

If you cannot bid on this piece, please consider donating on my Mercy Corps fundraising page:

http://www.mercycorps.org/fundraising/juanalonso

New Work: Sedimentary

2010-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Juan Alonso, Sedimentary, 2010, acrylic ink on 2 Claybord panels, 36" x 76 3/4" SOLD

Sedimentary will be part of an exhibit titled
Under Construction at Circa Gallery in Minneapolis, MN
September 18 - October 23, 2010
http://circagallery.org/html/gallery_main.html

JUAN ALONSO and MARITA DINGUS at Francine Seders Gallery

2010-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Juan Alonso, Filigreed Levitation, 2008, ink & graphite on Claybord
Marita Dingus, Red Flower Basket, 2009, fabric and wire, 21 x 20 x 20, photo: Spike Mafford

August 13 – September 5, 2010
Reception:
Sunday August 15, 2 – 4 p.m.
Hours:
Tuesday—Saturday 11 – 5
Sunday 1 – 5

Juan Alonso and Marita Dingus will share the main space at Francine Seders Gallery August 13 through September 5.

Looking back over his work in a recent statement, Juan Alonso wrote “I am influenced by balance, perceived symmetry, alter-egos, architecture, growth and decay, weathered beauty, and sexuality.” All of these influences are apparent in the paintings that will be on view in August. Most of the work in the show was completed in 2009 and was painted in Alonso’s primarily monochromatic palette. The larger pieces (45 x 45”) are acrylic on wood and the smaller ones, ink and graphite on Claybord.

In the current show, Marita Dingus expands two earlier bodies of work. During a 2006 residency at Pilchuck Glass School she worked with the staff to create glass slabs in the forms of heads, torsos, arms, and legs, which she took back to her studio. There Dingus began work on a series of babies combining these pieces with a variety of found objects and fabric scraps. These latest babies will comprise about half the pieces in her show. Dingus has also worked with the basket or vessel form over the years, continually varying the scale, materials, and degree of functionality. A selection of these pieces will share the space with the figurative work.

FRANCINE SEDERS GALLERY
6701 Greenwood Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
206.782.0355
http://www.sedersgallery.com/

Gloria

2010-08-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

Gloria is one of my favorite paintings from this period. I created it for the inaugural exhibit of the new building for the Bellevue Art Museum which opened in 2001. It had been on hold for some time and finally "sold" a couple of months ago but the collector, for economic reasons, changed his mind. It is now again available in my studio.

It is from 2000, acrylic on 2 wood panels, 92" x 132"x 3"

For questions or price, please call 206-390-4882

Mad Art at Cal Anderson Park

2010-08-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Below are photos of some works in progress for the Mad Art Event at Cal Anderson Park
http://www.madartseattle.com/madart-park/exhibition

Opening Events
Location: Cal Anderson Park, Seattle, WA (Capitol Hill)
Art in the Making: Outdoor Open Studio. August 1 – 11 10 a.m. ~ 4 p.m.
Kick off Event: August 12

•Artists on Site 6:00 ~ 9:00 p.m.
•Film Festival in a Box, "an outdoor screening of four short films,
presented by IndieFlix". 9:00 ~ 10:00 p.m.

Six Site Specific Installations by:
Casey Curran — Alex Hayden — Amy Johnson
Justin Lytle — Jason Puccinelli —Stephen Rock

Alex Hayden

Jason Puccinelli

Casey Curran

Bumbershoot Artist Talk

2010-07-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

1999 Bumbershoot Poster, artwork: Kipunie, 1999, acrylic on paper by Juan Alonso

Seattle City Hall - lobby
600 Fourth Avenue
Seattle, WA

August 3 · 5:30pm - 7:00pm, Free Admission

Don’t miss a rare chance to hear Bumbershoot visual artists and designers dish about their work and the wild muse that is Seattle’s Music & Arts Festival. Speakers include:

Juan Alonso http://www.juanalonso.info/
Painter of Kipunie, used for the 1999 Fine Arts Poster and 2010 Mayors Arts Award recipient

Chelsea Conboy http://doublefelix.carbonmade.com/
Graphic designer of the Bumbershoot 2010 campaign

Rich Lehl http://www.richlehl.com/
Painter of Backyard Boogaloo, used for the 2006 Fine Arts Poster.

Moderated by Daniel R. Smith, Design Director at Tether and curator of three poster exhibits at Bumbershoot 2007-2009. http://www.kickstarter.com/profile/1626879866

This talk is in conjunction with Umbrella for the Arts: 40 years of Bumbershoot Artworks, an exhibition of original artwork and posters for Bumbershoot over the past 40 years. The exhibition is on display at City Hall through Sept. 7.

More info at http://www.bumbershoot.org/ and http://www.seattle.gov/arts/publicart/city_hall.asp

Go see this: Reilly Jensen

2010-07-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

Reilly Jensen, A Boot For Karla, 2010, oil on canvas, 48" x 48"

Reilly Jensen: These Things

Friesen Gallery
1200 Second Avenue Seattle, WA 98101
206-628-9501
July 23 - August 20, 2010
Reception: Friday, July 23, 5-8 pm

http://www.friesengallery.com/exhibit_artist.htm?eventID=92

Go see this: Magicality at Platform Gallery

2010-07-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

Garric Somonsen, ABRACADABRA, 2010 oil on wood, 48" x 48"

Through August 5

Magicality - organized by William Pohida & Eric Trosko

http://www.platformgallery.com/current.html

Man Bartlett, Nick Fortunato, Johannah Herr, Baptiste Ibar, Kristen Jensen,
Meghan LeBorious, Steve Pauley, William Powhida, Sarada Rauch, Garric Simonsen, Jacqueline Skaggs, Jade Townsend, Eric Trosko, and Letha Wilson

Pratt Workshop Next Weekend

2010-07-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

OK, folks, this is your last chance to sign up for my workshop "Art for a Socially Aware Society" (class #1100) at Pratt Fine Arts http://www.pratt.org/ next Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am to 6 pm. It will be mostly painting/part sociology and should be fun, plus it may be nice out so you better be cool indoors protected from that nasty sun to where I'll be headed as soon as class is over Sunday night.
Here's a link to the catalog: http://www.pratt.org/catalog/SUMMER10.pdf

Go see this: Stephanie Hargrave

2010-07-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Hargrave, Anemone 20, 2010, encaustic, 48" x 60"

Stephanie is a very dear friend of mine with a heart of gold. Her work keeps getting better and better and I am recommending this show even though I have not seen it yet. Yes, that is how sure I am that I will love it. I hope you do too.

STEPHANIE HARGRAVE VARIATIONS

New Works in Encaustics

July 1 - August 2, 2010

Patricia Rovzar Gallery

1225 2nd Avenue at University St, Seattle, WA 98101

206-223-0273

http://www.rovzargallery.com/current.html

New Work: Lair

2010-06-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Juan Alonso, Lair, 2010, acrylic on wood panel, 48" x 48"

The Art of Discovery: The Northwest Art Collection of the Junior League of Seattle at Bellevue Arts Museum

2010-06-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Juan Alonso, Piruli, 1989, acrylic and sequins on paper, 30" x 22 1/2"
http://www.bellevuearts.org/exhibitions/current/jr_league.htm

There is an art in discovering art. Line, color, shape, luminosity are just some of the foundation bricks on which a work of art is built, some of the ways in which we engage with it. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Junior League of Seattle's Northwest Art Collection has focused since its inception on teaching these concepts to King County school-age children.

For many years, Bellevue Arts Museum has partnered with the Junior League on bringing their collection to Eastside schools, providing thousands of children with the opportunity to experience the Northwest's rich traditions of art and craft while developing visual vocabulary and critical thinking skills. Now, for the first time in a museum setting, the entire Northwest Art Collection will be on public view at BAM.

Comprised of over 70 paintings and sculptures, The Art of Discovery features some of the most influential artists of the Pacific Northwest, including Guy Anderson, Dale Chihuly, William Cumming, Morris Graves, Fay Jones, Jacob Lawrence, Sherry Markovitz, Alden Mason and Norie Sato. The exhibition is designed with an "educational twist," allowing children and adults of all ages to truly engage in the art that is discovery.

Founded in 1923, The Junior League of Seattle is one of 293 leagues around the world committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The Art of Discovery: The Northwest Art Collection of the Junior League of Seattle has been organized by Bellevue Arts Museum in collaboration with the Junior League of Seattle, curated by Stefano Catalani, Nora Atkinson and Patrick McMahon. This exhibition has been made possible by ArtsFund.

Autobiography of a Painting

2010-06-22T18:31:00.001-07:00

Hello,
My name is Layer and this is my story. Above you see my close up shot but I should tell you it's taken me a long time to become the polished and sophisticated work of art I have become.

When I was very young my colors were bright, almost garish but I wore them proudly as they were the beginnings of my story. This was my foundation.

Making the transition from childhood to adolescence can be awkward. It is sometimes difficult to decide what to keep from those early stages and what to add when defining your own identity.

Although I, probably much like you, have been guilty of engaging in some regrettable experimentation, as long as one does not go overboard, these stages are not only necessary but will always be part of who we are.

There will be many who will be sad I have lost the colorful ways of my youth, but I am very happy now. My life experiences have been great and I feel very much at ease. There are many layers to me and if you take the time, you can see a lot of what I have experienced along the way. I am now ready to settle down and find a permanent home.

Juan Alonso, Layer, 2010, acrylic on wood panel, 36" x 72"

(click on image to make larger)

Life of an Artist - Part 1

2010-06-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of misunderstanding going on out there in the world and before someone misunderstands this post, let me just say that my words are observations. I am not whining or complaining. I do plenty of the latter but this is not one of those times.

Now, please, insert tongue in cheek and bite down (but not too hard) before reading.

As many folks know, I never set out to become an artists so here I am caught up in this insane roller coaster that is the life of an artist.

On a side note, many years ago I had a VW van. It was the only car I've ever driven, probably due to the sensation of having no hood ahead of the windshield, that seemed to drive itself; to have a mind of its own, knowing where it was going before I pressed down the accelerator. My life often feels that way. My life is a crazy van that is ready to propel me through a windshield if I'm not careful and in-sync with what it has in store for me.

Having grown up with the immigrant mentality and coming from a blue-collar background, it has always been my way to make sure I'm working very hard for whatever I achieve, otherwise it is not as valid and I'd be advancing at the expense of others. That can work against me; over thinking or overworking something just to make sure I put in enough time to justify some reward.

Recently I've discovered that there are many misconceptions about me out there, some that contradict each other and some very catch-22-ish.

It seems, no matter how much we know about the reality of an artist's life, that it is almost impossible to get the general public to accept individual truths and realities. I know many artists in Seattle that are either wealthy and/or have a financially supportive spouse or family, giving them plenty of room hire assistants for tasks from writing statements and applying for grants (yes, they apply for grants) to actually making the work. Mr Chihuly, though best known locally for this practice, is most definitely not the only one. I also know many others that walk an eternal, thin, precarious tightrope financially. The struggle for these acrobats is appearing successfully graceful and at the top of the art tent without showing a bit of nervousness of the net-less fall they could take by their own doing or that of the many clowns ready to entertain when they do. There are plenty of clowns in this arena that are more than happy to distract the paying audience from a real tragedy.

So what are some things the general public should know?

1. Success

Success to artists is not the same as success in other businesses. Just because you have accomplished a lot, are part of many important collections, are represented by some great galleries, have received many awards, etc, that does not mean you have money in the bank. This artist is "successful" just not financially so. On the other hand, just because you sell a lot of work and you are raking it in financially, it doesn't mean you are necessarily ranked very high by the art powers that be.

Let me translate:

Artists, please do excellent work, and be endowed with either money or personality and looks that allow you to schmooze your way in with critics, collectors, etc but don't go for too much commercial success or you will be considered a sell-out. Another option is to be a completely irresponsible, drug-addicted, abusive alcoholic; that can be very endearing to some art patrons.

I am not endorsing either option.

Recently I received advice from a collector about a difficult situation I had gone through http://juan-alonso.blogspot.com/2010/01/first-thursday-my-last-time-january-7-6.html

I truly respect and trust this person and her advice was (to paraphrase) not to appear so desperate, to (in business) never let others know when you're not doing well. It's true that people like to support already successful businesses and I believe her advice was sound. The only problem with applying that to artists is that our business is not a logical one. Our "business model" does not make sense and it is currently being completely re-drawn.

Right after I wrote that blog post I received about seven private e-mails from other artists that were also in dire straights and wanted to commiserate but did not want to air out their predicament like I did. In my case, my actions hurt me and helped me at the same time. I know there were plenty of folks that wrote me off. I had several folks ask me to remove them from my e-mail list but on the other hand, had I not pleaded for help, I do believe I would have had to make some drastic changes. Many more people came to my "rescue" and I am very thankful for that. http://juan-alonso.blogspot.com/2010/03/resolver.html

2. Grants/Fellowships

In my opinion grants are meant to supplement income for some artists that are simply not making enough money on sales or have a specific project or artists whose work is not commercially viable but should be out there for the public to enjoy. It should not be a primary income nor should it be a line on a resume for those who don't actually need the money.

Fellowships are not based on need, they are more of a monetary reward for work done that has been considered important and should be encouraged to continue.

Awards are not necessarily monetary. Artists are able to apply to some awards, grants and fellowships and for some, the artist must be nominated by either someone chosen by the organization or the general public. Some are democratically chosen and politics play in the selection of some. Oh, no!

Some things taken into consideration in the selection process by governmental organizations is how the artist's project is going to benefit the public. I think it should be debated whether this should be a qualification. Artists tend to be self-absorbed individuals that apply for these grants, with some exceptions, mostly out of need, then they come up with ways of wording the application to show just how much the 8 people that attend the presentation will be enriched. The fact is that study after study has shown how much art benefits society, so the simple fact that it is being produced might just be enough. The artist who feels a responsibility to help out their community is going to do so, grant or no grant.

To be continued............

Studio Work/Public Art Workshop at Pratt

2010-06-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

Maori Park at Greenbridge Neighborhood. Commisioned by King County Housing Authority.

I will be conducting a workshop on studio work/public art at Pratt Fine Arts, Saturday June 19 and Sunday June 20. Info is below. Class will be cancelled if I don't get enough folks signed up!
Please pass this on to anyone you think might be interested.
Thank you!

Studio Work/Public Art
Figure out if creating public art is the right
direction for you. This workshop will assist you
to make the transition from the studio to the
public arena with your artwork. Learn about
researching projects, how to get your foot in
the door, collecting resources, and finding the
right medium/materials and fabricators. Find
a balance that is right for you to achieve the
best in both worlds. Prerequisite: None
Class #1109•Juan Alonso
Sat.-Sun., 10am-4pm, 6/19 - 6/20
2 Sessions
Non-members: $150
Master Members: $135

http://pratt.org/catalog/SUMMER10.pdf
Pratt Fine Arts Center
1902 South Main Street
Seattle, WA 98144
Front Desk: 206.328.2200
info@pratt.org

Help for the National Wildlife Federation

2010-06-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Journal Notations #73, ink & graphite on Claybord, 6" x 6"

Although I wholeheartedly believe that the oil spill clean up is the responsibility of BP, I also realize that more help is needed. I am offering 3 works from the Journal Notations series to the first 3 people to bring me a check made out to the National Wildlife Federation for $375.

https://online.nwf.org/site/Donation2?df_id=16706&16706.donation=form1

You get the tax break and artwork. Please give a call to make an appointment to come by and choose a piece or two or all three. Contact info is below:

Juan Alonso Studio
Grand Central Arcade
214 1st Avenue South, Suite B15
Seattle, WA 98104
206-390-4882

juanalonso1@yahoo.com

Tacoma Art Museum: Honoring 15 Years of Neddy Fellows

2010-06-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

June 5–August 22, 2010
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the fellowship, Tacoma Art Museum will present a dual exhibition and catalog, featuring works by the 2010 nominees for the Neddy Artist Fellowship in painting and glass as well as the previous 23 Neddy Fellows.

The nominees for 2010 are Ken Kelly, Margie Livingston, Matthew Offenbacher, and Joey Veltkamp for painting; and Sabrina Knowles and Jenny Pohlman, Dante Marioni, Richard Marquis, and Marvin Oliver in glass.

Opening Celebration
Saturday, June 5, 6:30–9 pm, free admission

Celebrate the nominees for the 2010 Neddy Artist Fellowship at this event honoring our regional artists. Meet the artists, peruse the galleries, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar, and congratulate
the winning Fellows. The party continues at Hotel Murano, where you can enjoy a cocktail, mingle with the artists, and admire the hotel’s art collection.

6:30 pm

•Galleries open, music begins
7:15 pm

•Welcome by Stephanie A. Stebich, Director
•Remarks by Rock Hushka, Curator of Contemporary and Northwest Art
•Remarks by Margery Aronson, Independent Curator, 2010 Neddy Artist Fellowship Selector
•Presentation of the 2010 Neddy Artist Fellows by Sally Behnke of the Behnke Foundation
9:00 pm

•After-Opening Party at nearby Hotel Murano
1320 Broadway Plaza

The Neddy Artist Fellowship was established in 1996 as memorial to Robert E. (Ned) Behnke (1948–1989) to recognize his contributions to the Northwest artistic community. The two $15,000 Fellowships are awarded annually to Northwest artists who demonstrate artistic excellence, innovation, unique vision, and a passionate commitment to their art and community.

2010 Neddy Artist Nominees 2010 Painting Nominees
Ken Kelly
Margie Livingston
Matthew Offenbacher
Joey Veltkamp

2010 Glass Nominees
Sabrina Knowles and Jenny Pohlman
Dante Marioni
Richard Marquis
Marvin Oliver

Neddy Artist Fellows
1996–2009
Michael Spafford
Juan Alonso
Lauri Chambers
Benjamin Wilkins
Jeffry Mitchell
Doug Keyes
Mary Ann Peters
Claudia Fitch
Mark Takamichi Miller
Cris Bruch
Donnabelle Casis
Dionne Haroutunian
Susan Dory
Claire Cowie
Joseph Park
Brian Murphy
Barbara Robertson
Whiting Tennis
Charles Krafft
Randy Hayes
Akio Takamori
Eric Elliott
April Surgent

New Work: Cover

2010-05-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Cover, 2010, ink on Claybord, 30" x 30"

New Work: Slant, Curvature, Seep

2010-05-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Slant 1 & 2, 2010, ink on Claybord, 12" x 12" each panel

Curvature 1 & 2, 2010, ink on Claybord, 12" x 12" each panel

Seep 1 & 2, 2010, ink & graphite on Claybord, 12" x 12" each panel

New Work: Rusty

2010-05-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Rusty, 2010, ink on Claybord, 30" x 30"

New Work: Corrosion - Ochre, Blue, Red

2010-05-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Corrosion - Ochre, 2010, ink on Claybord, 16" x 16"

Corrosion - Blue, 2010, ink on Claybord, 16" x 16"

Corrosion - Red, 2010, ink on Claybord, 16" x 16"

New Work: Oxidation - Blue, Green, Red

2010-05-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Oxidation - Blue 1 & 2, 2010, ink & graphite on Claybord, 24" x 24" each panel

Oxidation - Green 1 & 2, 2010, ink & graphite on Claybord, 24" x 24" each panel

Oxidation - Red 1 & 2, 2010, ink & graphite on Claybord, 24" x 24" each panel

New Work: Mossed & Plat

2010-05-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Mossed 1 & 2, 2010, ink on Claybord, 16" x 16" each panel

Plat 1 & 2, 2010, ink & graphite on Claybord, 16" x 16 each panel

A Continuing Cultural Legacy: Selections from the Safeco Collection Contribution to the Washington Art Consortium

2010-04-26T23:43:00.000-07:00

Juan Alonso, Temptation, 1996, acrylic on paper

The Wright Exhibition Space
407 Dexter Avenue North, Seattle
Exhibition Dates: April 23 - June 25, 2010
Gallery Hours: Thursday and Friday
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday: May 22 & June 19:
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This spring Safeco Insurance donated over 800 works of Northwest art from their Safeco Art Collection to the Washington Art Consortium, a non-profit cooperative made up of seven art museums in Washington State. The collection, created over a 30 year period to reflect the creativity and diversity of the communities served by Safeco Insurance, became one of the country’s leading private collections of Northwest art. With its donation to the Washington Art Consortium, the collection will remain known as the Safeco Art Collection after it is distributed to the Consortium in the form of a significant core collection of works on paper, and further distributed to the individual collections of the participating Washington Art Consortium museums including the Henry Art Gallery (Seattle), WSU Museum of Art (Pullman), Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (Spokane), Seattle Art Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, Western Gallery of WWU (Bellingham), and Whatcom Museum of History and Art (Bellingham).

A Continuing Cultural Legacy is an exhibition curated by Beth Sellars to serve as a tribute to Safeco Insurance’s 35 years of collecting art that was created by the innovators of Northwest art. Eighty five artists are represented in the exhibition, spanning over 100 years from the late 1800s to today’s contemporary artists. Many links that were formed between the generations of artists are visually presented in an attempt to suggest the historic framework of Northwest art. Of primary focus is the considerable selection of excellent work included in the collection and the curatorial expertise demonstrated by the Safeco Art Collection curators in their acquisitions.

Artists included in the exhibition are Juan Alonso, Glen Alps, Guy Anderson, Tony Angell, Anne Appleby, Rudy Autio, Virginia Banks, Sonja Blomdahl, Wendell Brazeau, Michael Brophy, John Buck, Louis Bunce, Michael Burns, Mark Calderon, Kenneth Callahan, Francis Celentano, Diem Chau, Dale Chihuly, Andrew Chin, Fay Chong, Claire Cowie, William Cummings, Michael Dailey, Peter DeLory, Margaret Ford, T. Michael Gardiner, Justin Gibbens, Ford Gilbreath, Richard Gilkey, William Givler, Joe Goldberg, Boyer Gonzales, Morris Graves, Gaylen Hansen, Alfred Harris, Randy Hayes, Blake Haygood, Paul Heald, Vanessa Helder, Anne Hirondelle, Paul Horiuchi, Calvin Hunt, Walter Isaacs, William Ivey, George Johanson, Fay Jones, Helmi Juvonen, Ken Kelly, Lee Kelly, Leo Kenney, Gwen Knight, Howard Kottler, Carolyn Krieg, Jacob Lawrence, Norman Lundin, Dante Marioni, Sherry Markovitz, Alden Mason, Phil McCracken, Nancy Mee, Peter Millett, Jeffry Mitchell, William Morris, Spencer Moseley, Frank Okada, Mary Randlett, Michele Russo, David Schwarz, Frances Senska, Roger Shimomura, Mike Spafford, Robert Sperry, Lino Tagliapietra, John Takehara, Whiting Tennis, Barbara Thomas, Cappy Thompson, Mark Tobey, George Tsutakawa, Jamie Walker, Patti Warashina, James Washington, Wesley Wehr, and Myra Albert Wiggins.

Exhibition contact: Wright Exhibition Space 206.264.8200
Washington Art Consortium contact: 360-650-2234; http://www.blogger.com/washingtonartconsortium@wwu.edu

Pratt Workshops

2010-04-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

I'll be teaching two classes at Pratt this summer: Studio Work/Public Art and Art for a Socially Aware Society. Please check out the Pratt Summer catalog for these and many other classes by some great instructors.

Here's a link to the catalog: http://www.pratt.org/catalog/SUMMER10.pdf

Results of EDGE Fund-raiser

2010-04-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

4/23/2010 Update:
I am happy to announce that I have made my goal of $4000 for this fundraiser!
Thank you to all that contributed in any way!

Last Thursday during the monthly first Thursday gallery walk in Pioneer Square I celebrated my birthday by hosting a fundraiser at my studio. The money raised will go to fund scholarships for Latino visual artists to go through Artist Trust's EDGE http://artisttrust.org/pro_resources/edge which is a professional development program for artists. As someone who assisted in the early stages of development of this program, taught parts of it the first year and has met many artists that have graduated from it, I know what a valuable tool this course can be, especially for younger, less experienced artists.

The list of folks that mailed or brought donation checks and/or purchased work with a percentage going to Artist Trust for this program is now at 98 people and the funds (as of now, since I'm still waiting for some promised checks) add up to $3753.75. I will update this number as more checks arrive (hint, hint). Many thanks to all of you!

I will also like to acknowledge some folks that helped in other ways as well.

Hard working volunteers: Mark O'Connell, Maurice, Sheila Siden, Marsha Wolfe, Fidelma McGinn, Miguel Guillen and my partner, Roger Stuckly who helped me get my studio in shape for the party.

Donating artists: Carole D'Inverno, Lisa Buchanan, Stephanie Hargrave, Blanca Santander, Sue Danielson, Cora Edmonds, Wanda Benvenutti, Tom DeGroot, Cheri O'Brien, Pedro de Valdivia, Diem Chau, Sue Cook, Carina del Rosario and Mark O'Connell.

Individuals (besides me) who donated food/drinks: Kelly Lyles, Wanda Benvenutti, Lisa Buchanan, Mark O'Connell, Tina Hoggatt, Blanca Santander, Cinnamon Stephens, folks at Artist Trust, Jeanette Stuckly (Roger's mom who baked cookies and sent them from Texas) and the mystery person who brought the cream-filled puff pastries in a lovely tray! Please someone tell me who this was!

Businesses you should patronize for being so generous: Gary Snyder & Stacey Hettinger of Table 219 on Broadway for donating delicious food http://www.table219.com/ and Beverly Shimada of Six Avenue Wine Seller at Pacific Place http://www.sixthavenuewineseller.com/ for donating sparkling wine

If I have missed anyone, please correct me and I will do so here. Thanks.

I am grateful to all of you for making this a successful fundraising event and for making my birthday seem a little more significant than merely being one year older. I look forward to taking on another cause next year and celebrate with you again.

For photos of the event, click here:
http://www.facebook.com/jalonso1#!/album.php?aid=157484&id=578941036

University of Miami's Lowe Art Museum - Support for Haiti

2010-04-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

I have a small piece in this:

http://www.billiegracelynn.com/auction/invite.html

Tonight: First Thursday, My 2010 Birthday Fundraiser for Latino Visual Artists' Scholarships to Artist Trust's EDGE Program

2010-04-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

First Thursday, April 1, 5-9 pm

This year I am hosting an event to raise at least $4000 to fund 10 scholarships for Latino visual artists to complete Artist Trust's EDGE Program http://www.artisttrust.org/pro_resources/edge
Anything above $4000 opens the scholarships to other artistic disciplines. No cards or presents please, just help me make a difference for young Latino artists.

* Suggested donation $10 minimum
(if everyone sent $10, we could fund over 12 scholarships!)

* I will donate 25% of the sale of ANY of my works that evening.

* My designated piece as a 100% donation: http://juan-alonso.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-100-donation-to-edge-fundraiser.html

* Art by other artists for sale with a percentage going to AT. Click here to view: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12016492@N05/sets/72157623515876747/

* If you're not in the market to purchase art or cannot attend the event, you can help by BRINGING/SENDING A CHECK FOR (MIN $10) made out to ARTIST TRUST to my studio address.

Juan Alonso Studio
Grand Central Arcade
214 1st Ave S, #B15
Seattle, WA 98104
206-390-4882

Seattle Times Review of Art Xchange Show

2010-03-12T16:12:00.000-08:00

"These ink-and-graphite-on-claybord pieces are forbidding at first. But the claybord makes for a strange, shifting, alluring surface that has eye-tricking, palimpsest qualities. Still, there's no denying Alonso is probing ominous territory." - Michael Upchurch, Seattle Times

ArtXchange show gives a sense of depth, breadth of Latino art in the NW

"!Sense Us!" group show at Seattle's ArtXchange, includes Latino and Latina painters and photographers whose work ranges from photorealism to shadowy abstraction.

By Michael Upchurch
Seattle Times arts writer

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thearts/2011322030_xchange12.html?prmid=head_main

¡Resolver!

2010-03-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

For Cubans, the word/verb resolver means more than just to find a solution. When said or heard among us, we (Cubans) immediately know that possibly, extraordinary measures have been necessary to take care of whatever business arose. To resolver is to do whatever it takes to survive. This "resolve" probably comes from learning to make do with the difficulties and limited resources on the isolated island. One great example is the up-keep of the American cars from the 40's and 50's, which in many cases, unavailable replacement parts have been fabricated by the vehicle's owner.
For most of my life, really, but more recently for the past couple of months, I have been resolviendo.

The last time I had any sort of mass communication with most people I know, I was ready to give up my studio and find a full time job, which brings me back to that word: ¡Resolver!

To update, I am in a much better situation at this point. By letting people know what was going on with me, I was able to have enough things happen from various angles that I am no longer at immediate risk of having to make drastic changes. I am thankful for all the folks that came to my aid in many different ways. Many stopped delaying purchasing work they had been considering, some suggested other possibilities for me to supplement my income, some helped promote my work with enthusiasm, some made exceptions to their rules for me, one friend offered to share studio space if I needed it, one friend paid my studio rent for a month so I would have that much more time to figure it all out, and one business showed me that not all corporations are about the bottom line when there are humans involved.

So what now? I get to keep my studio, although I will only be open for the First Thursday Art Walks 3 or 4 times a year and I will be changing the layout to have a less-show/more-work space. I will be doing more teaching workshops over the summer and I will finally start work on a private/public work for a local school.

None of us ever know what the future might bring. All I know is that I am grateful for the good things and I brace myself for the bad ones, hoping they stay away for a long, long time.

¡Sense Us 2010!: Ten Latino Artists of the Pacific Northwest

2010-02-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Through painting and photography, documentary and abstraction, ten artists balance culture and heritage with the Puget Sound perspective.

Featuring Juan Alonso, Wanda Benvenutti, Laura Castellanos, Marcio Diaz, JP Flores, Justin Mata, Jennifer Molina, Carlos Rodriguez, Almendra Sandoval, and Pedro de Valdivia

Presented by La Sala: A Latino/a Artist Network and ArtXchange Gallery, March 4 - April 30.

Opening Receptions March 4, 5-8 pm and April 1, 5-8 pm

http://www.artxchange.org/

ArtXchange Gallery

512 First Avenue South

Seattle, WA 98104

206-839-0377

Direct Levitation

2010-02-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Direct Levitation, 2008, ink & graphite on Claybord, 36" x 24"

Recently, this piece was returned to me when the Simon Gallery closed. No sooner did I unpack it and hung it up in my studio, it came crashing down. I have since repaired the damage as much as I could and to most people it would not be noticeable but I know it's not in it's original "perfect" condition. I have decided to offer it for sale to a private individual (not for public collection) at $1500 instead of the original $3500 price. If anyone is interested, please contact me at 206-390-4882.

VISA & MasterCard accepted

Art Sale / Haiti Fundraiser

2010-02-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

A Haiti fundraising event organized by my friend Stephanie Hargrave. Lots of artists donating including myself. Hope to see you there on Valentines Day!

Supplehusk 12, encaustic on birch, 5" x 3.5", S. Hargrave, $100

UPDATE: This event raised $17,000. Thanks to all who participated by donating artwork and/or writing a check.

Here is the breakdown:
Partners in Health: $7,328.00
Doctors Without Borders: $5,335.00
Mercy Corp: $2,635.00
Total Checks and Cash: $15,298.00
Cash Being Matched: $1,733.00
Grand Total: $17,031.00

I’m hosting an Art Sale / Haiti Fundraiser on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14th from 11am-6pm at my studio located at 3234 California Avenue SW in West Seattle. Anyone who would like to donate, contact me at 206-227-5332 or stephhargrave@msn.com, and please, forward this information to anyone who would like to buy fine art and help earthquake victims in Haiti at the same time.

ALL proceeds will go directly to Doctors Without Borders, Partners in Health, or Mercy Corps – the art buyers will write checks to these organizations directly. My goal is to raise several thousand dollars to send off by the end of the weekend.

On sale will be oil, acrylic, and encaustic paintings, mixed media works, ceramics, fine art photographs, jewelry, and more. It will be a great selection! At present, we have 32 artists donating their work, and i am personally overwhelmed by the generosity that has been pouring in. Many of these people are full time gallery artists, many are arts educators as well, and all are amazingly talented.

Donating Artists:
Ann Kendall, Ann Marie Meredith, Britt Freda, Camea Davidson, Carla Davis, Carol Pierce, Conrad Chavez, Cynthia LaRowe, Diane Culhane, Frances Smersh, Gail Howard, Garric Simonsen, Gini Lawson, Holly Haynes, Jan Flynn, Jesse Young, Joelle King, Juan Alonso, Julie Biggs, Junko Yamamoto, Kamla Kakaria, Kathy Berg, Kelly Lyles, KT Grisez, Lara Swimmer, Layne Cook, Leah Kangas, Lonjina Verdugo, Marcos Lewis, Marita Dingus, Melinda Hannigan, Mike Lawson, Pam Keely, Paul Rucker, Rachel Illingworth, Rickie Wolfe, Sally Ketchum, Sandy Glass, Sarah Savidge, Shaun Doll, Stephanie Hargrave, Stephanie Tomczak, Sue Danielson and Theresa Neinas.

Please feel free to contact me - and be sure to 'give your love to Haiti' this valentines day!

Best,
Stephanie

206-227-5332

http://www.stephaniehargrave.com/

2010 Grammy Awards

2010-02-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

It took me almost a week but last night I finally watched the Grammy awards which I recorded last Sunday so I could fast-forward through boring performances, acceptance speeches and commercials.
I did have a dream that I was driving down some dim hill-billy road and a deer got caught in my headlights but it was really Taylor Swift.

Here are a few random thoughts:

* Stephen Colbert was way off his game. Was he supposed to be the host? Was there a host?
* I like that Beyonce. She's not Tina Turner but I give her a lot of credit for keeping up the tradition of dancing in very high heels.
* I admit, I'm fascinated by Lady Gaga and have nothing but praise for her. She is art. She also proved (with her outfit) once and for all that she does not have a penis; at least not a permanently attached one. Paring her up with Lady Elton John wearing a disco-ball as an earring was genius!
* Roberta Flack is a Goddess, you may bow to her.
* Alice Cooper looked great and did not look thrilled to be standing next to Katy Perry.
* Katy Perry needs to go away.
* Pink's acrobatic human sprinkler performance was incredible and she looked hot but does anybody remember what song she sang?
* Mary J Blige & Andrea Bocelli's Bridge Over Troubled Waters was majestic. I'm buying it on iTunes and proceeds go to Haiti relief.
* Joe Jonas is now old enough that he should dump his brothers, quit music and just do porn starring as the shy next door, glass-wearing, geeky neighbor.............baum-chikka-bau-baum....
* Stevie Nicks' manager needs to be slapped for letting her perform with Taylor Swift.
* Stevie Nicks needs to be slapped for agreeing to perform with Taylor Swift.
* Taylor Swift needs to be slapped for many, many reasons.
* I don't really remember nor care who won what.

ONLY AN EYE | The doyenne of Phinney Ridge by Steven Vroom

2010-02-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

Art gallery owner’s influence felt throughout city

Article about Francine Seders, her gallery and the current show there.
http://capitolhilltimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=3&ArticleID=27991

Textures: Fort Warden

2010-01-18T23:16:00.000-08:00

Fort Warden, Port Townsend, WA, Summer 2004

New-(ish) Work: Tuber

2010-01-18T09:10:00.000-08:00

Tuber, 2005-10, Acrylic on Canvas (3 panels), 36" x 109"

I started this piece back in 2005 as part of the Smoke and Mirrors series but got put away after a studio move and just recently went back to finish it. There is a sister painting I've still to finish.