Category Artists
David Phillips Links Earth and Sky at Maud Morgan Arts
The previous post showed Gail Boyajian’s “Bird Mosaic ” in the memorial garden with David Phillips’ marking stone. This one leaps to the top of Maud Morgan Arts where his paintbrush-and-palette weathervane shifts directions with the wind. Next it takes in the whole building’s exterior design to identify other artists’ contributions that should get focus in future posts.
Gail Boyajian’s Mosaic on the Ground Looks Up to Birds, Myths, Flight, and Sky
While museums and art centers must be closed, I’ve opened my eyes to art outside their doors. Today I’ll focus on “Bird Mosaic” by Gail Boyajian in the memorial garden to the right of the gate to Maud Morgan Arts in my neighborhood. Planned sequel posts should show and tell more about the art center and the garden (Mary’s Garden).
Animal Sculptures Greet Us along the Somerville Community Path
None of the animal sculptures in this post are very new to the Somerville Community Path, and I have visited them all before. Mainly I delayed posting about them because I wanted to learn more about each one. So far my usual online research has not led to informative links I’d like to share.
This week though, with playgrounds closed and other outdoor options limited, the bike paths beckon people of all ages. Along the path, intriguing artworks await our attention and give pleasure by their presence. Maybe this post will lead to answers from people who made these animals or know the stories of their creation.
Ink Block Underground Murals by Women Artists: Indie 184, Silvia López Chavez, Imagine876, Thy Doan
In honor of International Women’s Day, I will first focus on the four women artists who have created murals for Underground at Ink Block, an urban park that opened in Boston’s South End 2017. I have already enthusiastically posted about other murals by Silvia López Chavez and Imagine876 (Sneha Shrestha), but Thy Doan and Indie184 (Soraya Marquez) are new discoveries for me.
Murals by Lisa Houck, Joshua Winer, and Ellery Eddy Reflect Cambridge History in Inman Square
These three murals within three blocks of each other build on local history and also have histories of their own, revealed as I lately took time to look at them and look online about them. A great resource was Lisa Houck’s documenting of the processes and people involved in restoring her mural on her blog and website. I hope now that the other murals noted here can get similar support to regain clarity, color, and impact.
Birds Led to Absorbing Art on the Bikeway in Arlington
A sudden flurry of bird activity in my yard this past weekend got me out on the mild Monday, February 3, to revisit three artworks in easy walking distance from each other: Extraordinary Ordinary Birds, “Colony,” and “Penny the Swan.” All three added to my appreciations of birds and art.
Walks through Kip Tiernan Memorial on Dartmouth Street become Memorable
Since The Kip Tiernan Memorial near Old South Church in Copley Square was dedicated in early October 2018, I have walked through and also paused there several times. My photos in different seasons suggest how the sheltering structure subtly directs our flow and where we stop to read Kip Tiernan’s words. I feel that the design and details function as intended, to enhance memories and convey an overarching mission.
Structure Guides Discoveries in Alicja Kwade’s Art at Castle Hill and MIT
I visited Alicja Kwade’s TunnelTeller at Castle Hill in Ipswich in mid-November and hope to do so a few more times before it goes on April Fools’ Day! This post shows my photos of Kwade’s impressive work , including outdoor art at MIT. It provides links to more persuasive photos and information. I’m posting now so local friends and colleagues can plan to go before Kwade’s art has gone.
Madeleine Lord’s Sculptures Inspire Action in Boston and Beyond
Four of Madeleine Lord’s scrap-metal sculptures have enlivened the lawn of Federal Reserve Bank of Boston for at least four years now. Through those years I have wanted to post about them but hoped to take better photos and learn more about the artist first. Earlier in November I got to see more of her art in the New England Sculptors Association exhibition Spirit of Place at Castle Hill. I still need to take good photos, but I can link you to strong ones on the artist’s website and two other sites listed below. Those sites also offer fascinating information about Madeleine Lord’s art and process, such as her statement here.
David Fichter and David Phillips Honor Community Histories in Public Art
David Phillips is a sculptor; David Fichter is a muralist. With their distinctly different materials, both are masters of rendering historical figures and events. Both have created public art that is densely packed with researched images and documents. As public art, the expansive colorful mural and the tactile intimate bronze relief wait openly for anyone who wants to focus on some sign or scene and make their own associations.
Art Outdoors 