ARARIO MUSEUM

Cheonan, Seoul, Jeju City

C.I. Kim is a member of the "Miracle on the Han". A little distant from the epicenter, but a participant and beneficiary all the same. That distance from Seoul and its mad push for growth and development created equally broad-minded projects that spread out from the center of the capitol. Infrastructures grew and expanded, eventually creating conduits that not only fed the center but created outlying locations significant in the resources and services they provided to national expansion. Mr. Kim saw a need within this system and, as many pioneers historically have done, staked a claim on what was a way station along a major transportation route. Extraordinary vision and excellent business acumen enabled economic success but Mr. Kim is not one to fall in line with traditional business behavior. As a proper member of Korea's business captains his passion was relegated to a hobby. Although, as his ventures grew, so did the time and capital he invested in this hobby. Acquiring art for a business is standard practice in Korea and his purchases were accepted as part of the process. The opening of a gallery was viewed as an interesting side venture but that was only a taste of the depths of this man's dedication.

September 30, 2014 marked the opening of three(!) museums in Jeju City. In a seaside neighborhood where casinos and first flight hotels nudge traditional shopping streets, Tapdong Cinema, Tapdong Bikeshop and the Dongmun Motel house thought provoking contemporary art in renovated spaces that used to be empty grey ladies, failed or out of style ventures.

The art covers the widest range to be seen in Korea. From post pop heavy hitters to up and coming conceptual expressionists, the collection reflects not just varied taste but a ravenous hunger for the latest, most challenging imaginings. The buildings alone could stand as unique experiences as Mr. Kim gave his construction crew specific, yet archaic, orders as to their refurbishing. The need for open spaces was tempered by thoughtful observation as to their initial construction and purpose. This precise attention to detail results in a wild ride that overstimulates the senses as it presents engaging work.

Too much to take in. That is all I can say as the evening's experience was pleasantly overwhelming. There is the quality and scope of the art, the location and structures that house the art, the friends, supporters and artists in attendance....too much. The dedication to this hobby is beyond the imaginings of many. The attention to detail as to presentation and the overall viewing experience makes it difficult to critique and analyze. I will have to visit and revisit to examine the many experiences available in the Arario museums in Jeju City and that would still leave Arario in Space in Seoul and the original showcase in Cheonan with its rotating show schedule.

Penland Persists As It Insists

Two days left and I am without resources. Paper supply exhausted, I must limp to the finish with scraps. I came to Penland woefully unprepared. I should have brought three times the amount of paper. Rules and squares would have helped, also. I blame this place. Everything in this deceitful valley conspires to corrupt my world weary, jaundiced outlook on art and its processes.

Fully prepared to endure this two week term dutifully experiencing class and lectures while casually strolling rustic landscapes looking to find a place to finish reading the books I brought, I settled into my assigned room. The books have remained where I laid them upon arrival. Where that is, I couldn't tell you as I lost track of everything not applicable to the insanely addictive class I chose. The organizers diabolically filled the roster with a mixture of letterpress aficionados to subtly derail my carefully groomed apathy to the field. I was lost to the madness that unites this demographic. Add to this creative opiate of a class an instructor who has sold his soul to the craft and with sinister intent, gleefully spreads his doctrine.

Trying to tread water in this maelstrom of a medium, I am quickly drifting off. I will return to class even though I face additional frustration that is oddly too much fun. I will try to resist the invigorating atmosphere and conversation. I will do my best to remain indifferent to competence, extreme creativity, artistic passions tempered only by cultured souls. I must remain true to my small minded beliefs. I will try, but I will fail.

I cannot throw in the towel although the greater part of it is hanging over the top rope. I cannot hide any longer behind painfully ornate prose and sorely bent metaphors. Once more into the breach or more correctly, the composing gallery, as it were.

Thank you, Penland.

Penland School of Crafts

I'm at the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. A big thanks goes to the Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) for bestowing a two week scholarship. This place is incredibly unique both geographically and culturally. The flights were long, six hours or more, I lost track. Asheville is where I landed then a driver took me the rest of the way.

Unique is all I say for this place right now. The people are too friendly, the food is too good and there are no locks on the doors! Everyone is avid about the course they will take and art plays and important part of their lives.

A strange environment with even odder attitudes.

Orientation is about to start now. We'll see what will happen...

A new blog.

Scrape and burnish refers to techniques in intaglio. You scrape to add texture, delete mistakes or passages. Burnishing involves applying significant pressure with a polished tool to lighten areas on a plate or smooth the surface so it will print clean. Techniques that are usually employed to correct although hey can be utilized to impart imagery. This theme guides my writings as I look to scrape away at what I see to find meaning or add polish o a concept I find interesting.