July 29, 2011 in Current Blog by mariejon

93 PICASSO, ART NAIF AND KATOWICE

One of the most important festivals for Naive art is currently underway in Katowice, Poland where until August 17, you will be able to see more than 190 naive artists from all over the world and 40 of the artists participating are from Cuba this year.   Cuba is this year’s guest country and the Cuban Vice Minister of Culture was in attendance at the opening which was a cultural feast.  The highlight was a 4 piece Cuban band dressed in white suits, hats and black t-shirts with 2 dancers complete with headdress and costumes in yellow and green straight from a carnival.

This detail image is from one of my paintings on the cover of an art magazine called Artlink, this addition was dedicated to naive & outsider art, if you look closely there is homage to Picasso there too.  If you would like to see one of my own artworks on show in Katowice here is a link to it and another blog 73 Snack attack at hungry jacks

Oh I so would have wanted to attend myself – all of us; exhibiting artists were invited to attend and they had even organized a special artist dinner.  The timing wasn’t right for us this year as we are in the middle of renovations and also planning a trip to Europe for next year.  Here is a link to this wonderful exhibition and website Mondial d’art naif

It is my idea of total bliss to have so many wonderful naive artists work on show in the same place, at the same time, all that wonderful, innocent and colourful work under one roof.  That is so exciting too, the place itself that is housing this exhibition – which is the Szyb Wilson Gallery in Katowice.  It is the largest privately owned gallery in Poland and I think it would be rivalling most private galleries in the world as it offers more than 2000 square meters on two levels and it’s a huge building, 10 minutes away from the city centre in the district of  Nikiszowiec the historical settlement of Katowice. Another fascinating place to have a look at there would be the “Spodek” which means flying saucer in Polish and is a multipurpose arena complex which can hold up to 11,500 people.

Mondial d'art naif (c)

The area of Szyb Wilson Gallery was in fact an old coal mine construction, a virtual wasteland of late.   It so happens too that one of the naive artists participating in this festival was a mine worker at this very mine for some 35 years, where now his work hangs on their walls.  His name is Erwin Sowka and he is part of the legendary group Janowska in Poland and he was awarded a special prize at the opening of the show.  (Erwin Sowka is the only surviving member of Janowska – “Amateur Painters Circle” whos origins date back to the 1930’s and there was even a film made about them in Poland called Angelus.)

Erin Sowka (c)

Other prize winners were Sylvie Marcel from Marseille in France, who won the “people’s vote” during the 2010 festival and was therefore invited to create the poster for this year’s festival, her image was also used for the large banners advertising the show, and she attended and picked up her trophy; Grand Prix du Public 2010.

Another prize awarded was to a sculptor Eugene Zegadlo who has during the last 52 years made nearly 3000 sculptures and exhibited in 20 countries in over 150 separate exhibitions.

Of course this exhibition could never have existed without the hard work of many and it is the French non-profit association Fivan that has organized it in conjunction with the Szyb Wilson Gallery.  They have designed this event to promote naive art and to sell paintings in a festive atmosphere, which is something they have totally achieved.  There are without doubt many people to thank for this wonderful event but I would like to mention one very special man Jacques Dubois who has worked tirelessly and could not have been more accommodating and nicer liaising with all the artists, so Thank you Jac!

Naive art is currently experiencing resurgence in its popularity and there were some 2000 people who attended this year’s opening with many people flying in from across the world.  Naive art has become a status symbol for many professionals and collectors and the waiting rooms of doctors and dentists just are not complete without one.  We can thank the naive artists that paved the way for us current artists,  ones like Henri Rousseau and Grandma Moses and the like and also of course Pablo Picasso who was the one that discovered Henri Rousseau in the first place.

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Picasso (c)

So here is a quote from Pablo Picasso that I think the naive artist has actually mastered;

“Every child is an artist.  The problem is to remain an artist once they grow up” and this one

“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”

However it is perhaps this Picasso quote that will make all of us feel better;

“We don’t grow older we grow riper.”

Till next time,

Love Marie xxxx      (c)

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July 22, 2011 in Current Blog by mariejon

92 walk across my swimming pool

Is the title of this acrylic on board painting of Jesus doing just that! As I have said before I really enjoy painting religious motives but am not a follower of any particular religion.  I guess you can say that I am hedging my bets as I wear a cross and a Budda around my neck and am keen to add to that with a Ganesh (love that elephant symbol) and also some others too.  I am a child of the world and believe in peace and happiness for everyone no matter what colour of the skin, cultural background or sexual orientation.  If you fancy having a look at another of my religious painting Noahs Ark, use this link (as well as some more thoughts about religion.) 29. Religious Paintings.

I do really hope there is a heaven as there are lots of people & animals that I so want to see and hug again – top of that list are my darling grandparents.  Not that I am in any hurry – well if it was possible to make a daytrip and just visit and then come back to earth and life as normal – yes then I would be lining up for a ticket.

I have the sketch for exactly that painting and at least I will paint it one day – Daytrip to Heaven.  I think just so there wouldn’t be a mix up for the return journey,  a T-shirt from Monty Pythons show Spamalot would be the attire for the day with the inscription across the chest of “I am not dead yet”.    Just in case – right?

However if you fancy staying closer to home can I suggest  having a look at  Walk across my Swimming Pool in real life as well as lots of other artists treasured works.   Why don’t you come to a wonderful exhibition opening on Saturday, see below for the details.

This show is of course put on by my dear friends Francis and Putu at White Cedars Cafe in Burra and here is a link to another blog about them which you may enjoy;  24. Noodles Anyone ?

For the current SALA  exhibition Putu came up with the idea when they went and saw a Dorrit Black retrospective at the Royal Institute (and saw that most of the work there were on loan), that it would be lovely to ask the connoisseurs amongst their friends to hang their most prized possessions whether it was their own work or by someone else.  Perhaps a memory of a time and place or person and to go with the artwork a brief explanation of why this particular piece is precious.

So I think this is a fabulous idea for a show and it is going to be very interesting to see the various artworks on display and read all about them.  Of course this will be an exhibition to remember and not only for the art but also for the fantastic food – Putu is the chef and an expert at Balinese food – to die for (can you see there really is a theme to this, LOL)

It is fitting then that I leave you with the title of a song from Monty Python’s “Life of Brian” – a song that I have requested to be played at my own funeral (which hopefully will be many, many moons from now).

“Always look at the bright side of life”

Till next time,

Love Marie xxx    (c)

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July 15, 2011 in Current Blog by mariejon

91 He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

That’s my brother Matt Jonsson that you can see in this detail from one of my acrylic paintings that I won’t be selling, lol.  I will share the whole one with you another time but this time I am going to share my brother’s work with you instead.

Matt is one of the most talented artists I know – he has been that way since very little when he won competition after completion for drawing and painting as we grew up.  I remember one year’s supply of ice cream and a bike among the prices, several good reasons to love your brother right there eh!

His and my father’s talents were 2 reasons why I did not paint or draw as I grew up as my little scribbles paled into insignificance next to them.  (However that too is another story see 36. How it all began)

My brother went to art school at Stanley Street in Adelaide and of course excelled in everything.  After finishing his studies he combined the love of art with his love of music and travelled the countryside with the enormously popular band THE CLOWNS OF DECADENCE (here is the blog about some of their adventures;  25. Shake Rattle and Roll )Matt was the drummer in the band; alias Trolla Bolla Snatcha Razoo and was for the most part responsible for all the amazing artwork that they used both in the elaborate stage props as well as on album covers and posters.

Clowns of Decadence spent the better part of a decade touring Australia and New Zealand from 1988 to the last show together in the beer garden at Adelaide’s Producers Hotel in 1998.  They were a punk rock band and called their style Junk Fusion.  Matt had previously played in Festered Vestoons which to me sounded like a terrible growth and affliction lol, so I was very happy when they formed the new band and became Clowns of Decadence.

For any of you familiar with my blogs you would know that our upbringing was circus based so the clowns theme was no stretch (here is a more about that 20. Antonis Tivoli and 21. Life in a Circus Tent )  The band was more than just music; they were a virtual visual feast with juggling, sword swallowing, and vaudeville.  Giant dice were passed around the audience and crowd surfing and other antics a plenty.  If you ever attended a Clowns show you would remember! (see below for the other members of the group, as well as albums and singles)

They also had a strong political message and attended various demonstration and supported many causes – one that I particularly remember was against the vivisection (experimenting on various animals for cosmetic purposes and the like). Yuck!

At the same time during his “home” periods Matt would also be painting and sculpting for various commissions.  If you go into any of the garden shops and the fancier indoor stores and pick out the most elaborate sculpture you can find – chances are my brother made it.  He is also responsible for lots of other artists work too – when they cannot do something themselves they commission him to do it for them.  So most of David Bromly’s sculptures for instance have been designed and executed by Matt Jonsson.

So you can see now why I sing his praises, lol, and I would like to show you his new website;

Matt Jonsson Virtual Life and I am sure you will be amazed and impressed with his body of work.

Here in Adelaide you can go and have a look at some of his work on public display in real life, in the following locations.  Blackeby’s Old Sweet shop, 28 James Place – where the whole shop front is designed and sculpted by Matt and his team (my father Ted Jonsson and sister in law Lisa Scott), this location is also very soon going to be the proud owner of an amazing animated display showing the making of sweets which will delight young and old alike.   Or head down to the West End Brewery on Port road and see the display by the river or perhaps at David Jones at Christmas time as the entire Magic Cave is Matt’s work, then there are the Pandas at Adelaide Zoo, the emus at Hack Street Reserve in Port Adelaide or perhaps home to the Waffle King on 85b Sturt Street, Dover Gardens.

So go and enjoy, but don’t also forget to come back and visit me.

Before you go here is a quote I like, that fits well here by John Wooden;

“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”

Till next time,

Love Marie xxx

Members of Clowns of Decadence

As credited on the 1994 album Dirty Tricks Incorporated.

• Lord Stingy (guitars, pyromania, penny pinching)
• Ocker Bozo (vocals, trumpet, excess)
• Reverend Spud McGeek (piano, synth, vocals, Guinness)
• Trolla Bolla Snatcha Razoo (drums, art, mad ravings & bizarre facial contortions)
• Marshall Benzene (bass, fire cadet, stilt walker)
• JJ Hi-Jinx (sax, clarinet, fire blowhard)
• Spako Airhead (guitar, vocals, clown co-ordination)

Discography

Albums/EPs

• Kamikaze Karnival (1993)
• Dirty Tricks Incorporated (1994)
• Too Ugly For Airplay (1995)
• Clowns Of A Lesser God (1996)

Singles

• “Big Green Couch Of Hope” (on compilation album Grind Em Down – 1992)
• “If Pain Could Turn To Gold” (on compilation album Let’s Make Cents)
• “New Age Neurotic” (on compilation album Triple M Presents On The Edge Of The World – 1995)]]

(ref. Wikipedia)                                                                                 (C)

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July 8, 2011 in Current Blog by mariejon

90 I Miss New York

I miss New York and our New York friends so much today!  Don’t you just love the “Big Apple” the city that literally never sleeps.  Streets teaming with people of every race and nationality and shops and food from every culture.    Talking about the culture – what about all those fantastic Broadway shows and the fact that you can pick up a cheap ticket either in the booth at Times Square  or through the lottery the individual  theatres use.

As I have mentioned before – hubby had promised to take me to New York 25 years prior to our arrival there – you cannot say he doesn’t keep his promises, lol.

In the early 80’s whilst I was modeling in Europe, Bryan backpacked  through Europe where he made lots of friends along the way,  American couple Peter & Amy were two of them,  newly married and on their honeymoon.  Later on when he found himself in New York he decided to look up them up, and was immediately offered a bed, being the gorgeous people they are.    Bryan stayed with Rosslyn & Sol (Amy’s parents) in Paramus which is in New Jersey about half an hour from the city centre of New York.

You know how life goes – they all kept in contact for the first 10 or so years with a letter or postcard here and there, then life got in the way and we would get the occasional postcard from Peter as he circumnavigated the globe on various adventures in his job as Chief Engineer on various ships.

So we plan our first trip together to the USA and although I had never met them I have spent the last 25 years hearing all about the great time Bryan had and the wonderful friends he met and now the search is on to try to reconnect.

Boy what a saga that was, endless searches on the internet and phone calls etc, but finally a bit of luck through the maritime college in New York where Peter used to teach, and bingo they got in touch.

(Below is my acrylic on board painting of the apes at the Bronx zoo, a must in the sightseeing schedule)

What came as a complete surprise however was the incredible warmth of these lovely people.  As soon as Amy heard that we and our children were coming their way, we were offered a bed with her parents in Paramus.  This is 25 years later mind you and for all she knew we may have turned up on her doorstep as Riff Raffs, lol but she had no hesitation and we spent 2 fantastic weeks there.

We spent 14 days on wonderful adventures in and around New York sometimes with Amy & Peter and also on our own investigating the city.  Met more of their family and friends too and spent a combined Christmas/Hanukkah as that year, the 2 celebrations fell on the same day.

Oh and what a feast that was.  Amy does not do things by half, the table was laden with goodies such as various finger foods; meat or vegetarian, platters of roast beef and other meats, vegetables in all their colors, a French dish made from filo pastry stuffed with cheeses and jam (to die for) a glorious Mushroom Pie (dead again,lol), olives, nuts, chips, crackers dips, pâtés, cheeses, fruits, bagels, pumpkin pie, cakes, biscuits and cookies in every shape and form.  Our eyes truly boggled and when I asked Amy how come she had bought and prepared so much food enough to feed an army, she said; “Well you got to have a choice, don’t you!”  It was one of those days where you ate and drank from midday to midnight and couldn’t possibly do up your pants or they would bust.

It is a Christmas that we will always treasure, so a big salute and cheers to our New York friends and I leave you with another dear New York friend,  Bob’s favorite quotations, he is funny as a fit and we met through Amy & Peter.

“Some people are like Slinky’s – not really good for anything buy they bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs..”

“Why don’t you slip into something a little more comfortable….like a coma”.

Till next time,

Love Marie xxx  (c)

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July 1, 2011 in Current Blog by mariejon

89 Hang Ten

It’s no secret that I have always loved the sea, sun and beach, however I think the real reason behind that is the handsome surfer guys, lol.  Who can resist a tanned body and long unruly sun bleached hair?

When my parents first started talking about moving to Australia it was the surfers I was keenest to see, much more so than any kangaroos or koalas.  I was 14 years old at the time and boy crazy, not quite sure I am over that affliction yet actually, although being very happily married I go by the rule of “Just because you are on a diet does not mean you cannot read the menu” right?

So here is my homage to all the gorgeous surfer guys past and present, this acrylic painting, sold in Japan I think (I should have paid more attention, and documented where they all sold over the years, a lot even left the studio without me getting a chance to photograph them too, such a shame.)

My own son Kai wanted to learn to surf and on a holiday to Queensland did just that.  I have to admit I found it really hard to watch (too many movies like Jaws over the years) and Kai who was around 15 at the time and assured us he did not need the parentals hanging around cramping his style.  He went the few streets over from the hotel and enrolled in the surfing lessons with a bunch of others whilst I stayed in the hotel and bit my nails (oh the joys of motherhood!)

Anyway, we were lucky, he had a great time, learned to surf over the week that we were there and came to no harm from the sea.  He did have one mishap though but that was right after he had finished his surfing lesson.

The four of us met up at a little café in Surfers Paradise that promised a delicious Big breakfast.  We had just been served this huge plate each of toast, eggs, bacon, sausages and tomatoes.  Kai fresh back from his adventure was feeling pretty independent and when his mother “moi”, said that he should push his plate away from the edge, he took no notice (as teenagers never do, lol) but instead thought and pretty much said that I should be zip it and not stress.   Well LOL, my husband, I and Hillivi can still recall what happened as if it was in slow motion – Kai put his knife and fork down on the plate to start cutting the sausages and the entire plate tipped upside down whereby he had the Big breakfast lying rather neatly in his lap.  The look on his face was priceless and I know it would have been kinder to have pretended not to see, lol but the 3 of us just could not contain ourselves and totally cracked up and laughed and laughed and laughed.  Sorry Kai but it was really funnnnnny!

Surfing whilst it was originally a Hawaiian pursuit dating back to the 15^th century first came to Australia and USA in the in the 20^Th century.  It is performed whilst standing on a surfboard riding on top of a wave. These days the surfboards are usually made from polyurethane (foam) or fiberglass but originally they were made from solid wood and were much larger and heavier, and could weigh as much person.

The most popular destinations for surfing would be Hawaii, California, Florida, Rio de Janeiro, Costa Rica and Australia.  In Australia it is Bells Beach, Victoria (not far from Torquay) which has been a favorite with the surfers since 1939.  It is also where the world’s longest running surfing completion – the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival (Bells Beach Surf Classic) is held.  The first one started in 1961 and since then has been an annual event every Easter (apart from a few times when the waves have let them down).  The surfers have an Olympic wrestler named Joe Sweeney to thank for the road or track to Bells Beach.  He apparently hired a bulldozer and cleared the road along the cliff and charged one pound per surfer to recover his expenses.  (ref. Wikipedia)

Of course most of you would be familiar with the Beach Boys and no self respecting surfer would go without having Surfin’ Safari/USA, Good Vibrations, Fun Fun Fun and California Girls blasting from their kombi vans stereos.  So the whole surfing thing became a real culture with not only a carefree way of life but also a fashion of boardshorts, singlet’s, t-shirts and thongs (flip flops).  Today businesses like Billabong have grown to become hugely popular all across the world for their surf wear clothes and accessories.  Billabong was the brainchild of ex-Maroubra surfer Gordon Merchant and started from his flat in Burleigh Heads and the rest as they say is history.

So here is a quote I like from Kary Mullis;

“Sometimes in the morning, when it’s good surf, I go out there, and I don’t feel like it’s a bad world.”

Till next time,

Love Marie xxx                (c)

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