Studio Pinzon

I took a ride to upstate New York on Saturday to see my friend Nelson Conde. He was exhibiting two photographs, along with other artists at the Marion Royael Gallery in Beacon, New York. Steven and Barbara Riddle are the owners and they opened the gallery only a few months ago. But it was buzzing with a crowd Saturday night. The gallery is located on Main Street, in a burgeoning art community, still a bit raw. But that’s a good thing. It gives new artists a role in shaping this emerging artist enclave on the Hudson.

Nelson was pointing out one of his photographs, “Balance of Life II.” It’s composed of white mannequins seemingly abandoned on a midtown street, leaning against a building. In the shot, a group of businessmen cross paths with the mannequins. The photograph is interesting symbolically, the mannequins have heads, the businessmen don’t. But the photo composition’s is also striking. You have to just see it.

David O'Shea and his masks. Photo by Maurice Pinzon

David O’Shea, another artist who is exhibiting at the Marion Royael, had three masks perched on top of white metal rods. David said his work was inspired by his theater background, his interest in technology, and puppetry. David’s fascinated by science fiction story telling. So he may soon be merging his interests in masks, puppetry and science fiction.

Noma and James Bliss with Siblings Painting. Photo by Maurice Pinzon

Noma and Jame Bliss, were with a friend at the gallery when I asked them about their work. The two artists teamed up for two paintings in the exhibition. James said his wife did the initial drawing, then he would paint it and Noma would tweak the work.

Gail Miller's studio sewing machine. Photo by Maurice Pinzon

I’ve seen many artist studios but never one with a sewing machine as a tool of art. But there it was in Gail Miller’s studio. I visited Gail during the Tribeca Open Artist Studio Tour (TOAST) this past Saturday.  Gail showed me her canvas art which she thinks of as a fabric. Gail paints the canvas and then shapes and sews it together, embedding history into her art, as she pays homage to her mother and as she writes in her statement to, “all those who have always sewn, always created with pieces of cloth.”   You can see her work at Gail Miller Studio.