Loud & Proud F'N-A!

Thanks to my mother, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Night Race at the Bristol Motor Speedway in East Tennessee this weekend. She bought me the tickets and I am forever grateful.

I was part of a sold-out crowd of 160,000 people and my seats were perfect (see above). I could go on and on about how awesome it was, but I think it is something better experienced for yourself. If you are not a big race fan, then you may not see the attraction. Personally, I think it rules and I am going to see if I can get these seats for the rest of my life.

I go home to the Southeast at least twice a year to make photographs and see family. I don't see any reason why I shouldn't have a third reason to go home. The real shame is that I have never been there before. I lived 30 minutes from this historic place for 18 years and I never stepped foot in it. My cousins and uncles were always talking about it, but I never saw it. I truly believe that as I get older and now that I have made a life so far away from my roots, it is a blessing that I am able to see the beauty in where I am from.

So many people would rather shed the past and rebuild their life as someone else. I can see where for some people this may be useful. For me, going home makes me more thoughtful and more productive as an artist. It is my muse. I could never really make my life there again, I have grown accustomed to many things where I am. On the same note, I could never turn my back on East Tennessee, I just can't go on without it. East Tennessee will always be my home.

Thanks again, Mom. It was awesome. I wish I could go to another race tomorrow.

Chris Miller Editions Available

Chris Miller, Ranting Man, 2007

For the last few weeks we have been working closely with Chris Miller to produce Giclee editions of some of his paintings. We have chosen popular pieces that have long been unavailable to the public. We were able to borrow the work from private collections and produce new editioned prints. The prints are in editions of 10 and will be going fast due to the affordable prices that Chris has set. If you were unable to purchase the paintings at an exhibition or if you are starting your art collection, now is a good time to act on the opportunity to own an original work by Chris Miller. These prints will be available exclusively through jw lawson FINE ART, please contact us or stop by if you are interested in adding Chris Miller to your collection.

tinytinygroupshow, #2

Kevin Miyazaki is up to his old tricks again. He has curated a tiny group show on his blog. This time the theme is Room Rate. It is a great show and I think everyone should go see it.

These little group shows are such fun and I told Kevin today that it is such a good idea I wish that I would have thought of it. We all should be more attentive to art and photography current or not, thanks Kevin.

Bobby Spillman Drawings @ L|Ross Gallery

Bobby Spillman, whose paintings were featured here in May/June (and still have some space in Gallery 2), is featured in a new exhibition in Memphis, TN. The exhibit is Works on Paper: Gallery Artists at L|Ross Gallery in Memphis.

I just took a look at the link (click above) and the work is especially good. I have known Bobby for years to be quite a persistent sketch artist, so it pleases me to no end to see that his drawings get some exposure. Have a look for yourself, or drive to Memphis and see the show.

Chris Miller Editions

Chris Miller, Canal, 2007
Chris Miller, Studio, 2007

Working closely with artists is always such a pleasure for me. Whether I am putting a show together or just talking new work and process, I love hanging out and being a part of art and the community it fosters.

As the first in what I hope will be many projects to come, I got to work on two giclee editions for Milwaukee painter, Chris Miller. Many of you probably know Chris and his work, others may have seen his work for the first time here at the gallery. For those who have always wanted a Miller painting in their homes but couldn't quite afford it (or someone else bought it), there are now going to be some very affordable editions of Chris' paintings available.

I want to thank Chris for the opportunity to work with him on this project and invite anyone interested to contact us here at the gallery for more details about these soon to be out-of-print editions.