Artist, Stephen “Shoosty” Shooster Is Featured At Weisman Community Center In Delray Beach. Meet The Artist February 23 And View “50 Years Of Making Art”

Artist Stephen “Shoosty” Shooster is featured at the Shirley and Barton Weisman Community Center in Delray Beach, in a retrospective exhibit, “50 Years of Making Art”.  The exhibit is a radical exploration of the mediums, techniques, and narratives of the artist.  Shooster will be presenting an Artist Talk on Saturday, February 23. The free event is open to the public and the exhibit will be on view through March 3.  The Rickie Report shares the details and some sneak peeks.  

 

 

 

Shirley & Barton Weisman

Delray Community Center

7091 W. Atlantic Avenue          Delray Beach, FL 33446

 

 

PRESENTS:  

Fine  Artist,   Stephen  ‘Shoosty’  Shooster

 

 

“50   Years   of   Making   Art”

Meet the Artist Reception/Artist Talk:

Saturday, February 23

4-6 pm

Exhibit runs Now through March 3, 2019

 

Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday 10 am – 4 pm

Closed Weekends and Holidays with exception of Artist Reception

For more information:  561.558.2149

 

Sculpture, “Warrior Looking Left” by Stephen ‘Shoosty’ Shooster

 

 

 

A prolific artist in multiple mediums, Stephen ‘Shoosty’ Shooster is eager for viewers to understand the background of each of his art pieces.  From sculpture, to painting, to digital art, the story brings even more life to these artworks!

 

Shooster tells The Rickie Report, “Creating harmony out of chaos is a driving factor in my artwork. I thrive on movement, activity and especially music. Painting allows me to share the beauty I see in nature combined with my mind’s eye. The simple act of painting slows my mind to let it rest. In this way, chaos and calm become interdependent and bring balance to my life and my work”.

 

“My media changes according to the pace at which I wish to work. I keep many projects in motion at the same time. I stagger the works according to completion times ranging from hours and days to months and years. It takes long periods of time to get the big projects completed. Big projects need time to dry between coats, and patience to resolve composition, form, and colors. It helps to have small wins along the way to keep your mind sharp and cheerful”.

 

 

He explains, “I’m constantly evolving, experimenting with the latest technology while on a daily basis experiencing the hand tools and materials used by the Masters. It is critical to understand the nature of different forms of paint, brushes and skills when approaching technology. Every medium, as well as what I listen to and what is happening in my life, affects what ends up on the canvas, especially the dog hair if I’m not careful”. 

Most of Shooster’s work starts with an intimate drawing. He uses standardized on 14” x 20”, Fabriano, Acquarello, cold pressed, 100% cotton, grana fina, 140 lbs. watercolor paper. “It may sound quirky, but I always cut the last inch of the watercolor paper off, so I end up using 14” x 19” sheets, a size that feels right to me. I start by drawing whatever I see. Musicians are my favorite models. I look at my subjects very carefully while drawing. I pay extra attention to the lighting, especially the nuances that happen to occur. There is always something that I didn’t expect. I believe you can’t really see what you’re looking at until you try to draw it. It takes patience, but if you take the time, you will be rewarded. Whatever you are looking at, in time, will unpeel itself and reveal its essence”.

 

 

“After the initial drawing, I intentionally practice letting go to see where my mind can take it. My inspiration might be anything. I continuously study all kinds of art and visit museums the world over.  As a seasoned artist, I can also lean upon an extensive personal library of completed works and concepts for ideas. For instance, I recently did a drawing of trees with Spanish Moss hanging over them in North Florida. The following day I went to a music concert, brought the same drawing pad and did a drawing of the musicians on top of that landscape, then I integrated the two. The result is a dreamscape, called Gypsy Tears”. (http://www.shoosty.com/portfolio_single/236)

 

 

This exhibition features Shooster’s original artwork as a detailed overview of the artist’s portfolio from the last few decades. Shooster’s bold use of color, brazen brush strokes and surreal sculptural composition explore the artist’s inspirations ranging from his Jewish heritage and studies, to the impact of music and his unique personal perspective.

 

 

 

Shooster says, “Art is fundamentally about exploration. Through my life’s work, I bring the realm of possibilities to the forefront of my mind. This exercise loosens my thinking, like yoga for the body, so that when I approach a problem, I keep the solutions broad. It makes a big difference to approach challenges in your life with an open mind. By imbuing my lifelong love for learning into each creation, I create my work to inspire. If I had to describe my work in one word I would use the verb, ‘curative,’ meaning, ‘to make better,’ as in, let’s make the world better”.

 

 

While Shooster’s influence hones in on cultural history and primitive aesthetic, his evolving practice is anything but stagnant. Utilizing today’s advancement in technology as a medium in and of itself, the artist showcases with a mix of handcrafted skills and digital innovation.  

 

 

Stephen Shooster, known as ‘Shoosty’ was born in 1958 in Chester, Pennsylvania. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in Architecture, in 1986 at the University of Florida.  Shooster has enjoyed a successful corporate career by day and a prolific painting career by night.  He is also the author of ‘The Horse Adjutant’, a story about a survivor of the Nazi Holocaust, and is featured in Marquis’ Who’s Who in American Art.

 

 

 

You can see more of his work at  www.shoosty.com​

 

 

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

Rickie@therickiereport.com   561-537-0291

17019 SW Sapri Way   Port St. Lucie, FL 34986

“Art Of Gastronomy” Exhibit of 3D Sculptures By Stanford Slutsky Opens Sunday

Boynton Beach artist, Stanford Slutsky, exhibits a new body of his attention grabbing 3D sculptured, larger-than-life mixed media Food Art at the Weisman Delray Community Center.  The public is invited to a Free, Meet The Artist Reception on Sunday, September 18th. The Rickie Report shares the details and some sneak peeks.  Bon Appétit!  What a great addition to your home or place of work!  

 

Shirley & Barton Weisman

Delray Community Center

7091 W.Atlantic Avenue          Delray Beach, FL 33446

PRESENTS:

“Art  Of  Gastronomy”

A   SOLO   EXHIBIT   BY:

STANFORD    SLUTSKY

Meet the Artist Reception:

Sunday, September 18th

2 to 4 pm

Free and Open To The Public

 

 

stanfordslutzky487-four-taffy-apples-15-x-15-x-15“Four Taffy Apples” by Stanford Slutsky  15 x 15 x 15 

Exhibit runs Now through October 8th, 2016

The Weisman Delray Community Center

 

 

Gallery Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9 am – 5pm

Wednesday: 9 am – 9 pm

Friday: 9 am – 4:30 pm

Closed Weekends and Holidays with exception of Artist Reception.

For more information: Risa Demato 561.558.2149

 

 

stanfordslutsky503-round-candy-box-16-round

Round Candy Box 16″round

Stanford Slutsky tells The Rickie Report,

“I’m chasing the sweet thing in life”!

 

 

 

stanfordslutsky501-watermellon-20-x-39-x-5

Watermelon  20 x 39 x 5

 

 

The Weisman Delray Community Center is open to the public at no charge. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 am to 5 pm, Wednesday 9 am-9 pm. Closed Weekends and Holidays with exception of Artist Reception. For more information, contact Risa Demato 561.558.2149 risad@ralesjfs.org

stanfordslutsky481-peperoni-sausage-pizza-45-x-35-x-3

Pepperoni Pizza Slice  45x 35 x3

 

For more information about the artist visit:

www.stanfordslutsky.com

or email mr-food@att.net

or call: 561.865.1285

 

 

 

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

 

Stan Dornfest Featured In SOLO Exhibit At Weisman Community Center

Stan Dornfest‘s rich landscapes are being shown in a SOLO Exhibition at the Weisman Community Center in Delray Beach, FL.  The Exhibit is Open to the Public from January 18 to February 26 and there will be a Free Opening Reception on January 31st.  Stan’s tropical artwork is delightful and infectious!  The Rickie Report shares the details about the Free Public Reception and some sneak peeks.

 

 

 

S  T  A  N       D  O  R  N  F  E  S  T

“S P I R I T U A L   L A N D S C A P E S”

 

A SOLO Exhibition of Paintings 

 

 

 

Opening Reception:

Sunday, January  31st

2-4 PM

 

Free and Open to the Public

 

The Weisman Community Center
7091 West Atlantic Avenue 
Delray Beach,  FL 33446

Hours:

Monday – Thursday 9-5

Friday 8:30-4:30

 

 

StanleyDornfestWeisman Invite

 

 

 

Stan Dornfest tells The Rickie Report, ““I have always felt most spiritual when I am physically and emotionally enveloped by a landscape. The mystical state of mind that these inspiring locales transport me to, is what I strive to reflect in my painting. For me, rather than merely documenting topography, painting is more about expressing the spiritual journey that the world of nature transports me to.”

 

 

StanleyDornfestLuminousRevise (1)

 

“Luminous” by Stan Dornfest

 

 

 

“I prefer to paint in Acrylics because I actually like the quick drying time, the versatility of the mediums and the quick clean up time which fits into my life. I developed and taught a course for design students called:”Art Direction-Expanding Your Options. The course explored different career paths that Design/Art students could take”.

 

 

StanleyDornfestAfternoon-in-The-Azores

“Afternoon In The Azores” by Stan Dornfest

 

 

“My elementary school teacher summoned my mother to the classroom to explain to her that she felt that I was very talented in Art. She offered to loan me her oil paints over the summer so that I could continue painting. My mother explained to her that she could afford to purchase a set of oil paints for me. Not only did my mother buy the paints, but she researched and found courses for me to take on Saturdays at The Brooklyn Museum Art School and Brooklyn College, which nurtured my life long passion for painting. From an early age, I was always painting. After High School, I was fortunate to get accepted to The Cooper Union Art School. After Cooper, I pursued a long, successful career as an Advertising Creative/Art Director but during that time – I continued to paint. As my advertising career tapered off-my painting endeavors expanded”.

 

 

StanleyDornfestCascade

“Cascade” by Stan Dornfest

 

 

 

Stan received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Cooper Union. While pursuing his career as a Creative/Art Director in the New York Advertising Industry, he continued to explore his passion for Painting. “In New York, my solo shows include: The Donald Gallery, Dobbs Ferry, New York and Heritage Gallery, Tarrytown, New York. I was a member of the Faculty at Parsons School of Design.  In Florida, my paintings have been shown at The Boca Raton Museum of Art, The Cornell Art Museum, The Coral Springs Center for the Arts, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Center, Lighthouse ArtCenter,  Armory Art Center, Artists Alley, and The Artists Guild Gallery.  I am a Participating Signature Member of the Boca Museum Artists’ Guild . My work is represented in Public and Private Collections in The US and Canada”.

 

For more information about Stan Dornfest’s paintings, please visit:

standornfest.com

or call 561-865-7077

 

 

 

 

 

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

 

James Rabidoux’s Artwork Featured In SOLO Exhibit

James Rabidoux is a prolific abstract artist, whose creations bring the viewer close-up to the art work.  Why?  Because his paintings have hidden words tucked within the mysterious designs.  People delight in looking at them, seeing meaning that they themselves bring to James’ art.  His colors are usually bright, though we’ve seen some newer, muted tones.  No matter – they enthrall!  The Rickie Report shares a few sneak peeks of James’ SOLO Exhibition at the Weisman Delray Community Center.  This Exhibit is Free and Open to the Public!  We urge you to stop by because we know you’ll be captivated, too!  The Opening Reception takes place on  Thursday, September 17th.  All the details are in this article.

 

 

Public SOLO Exhibition

Featuring:

Artist, James Rabidoux

Opening Reception:

Thursday, September 17th   6 – 9 PM

 

Weisman Delray Community Center

7091 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33446

Phone: (561) 558-2100

http://ralesjfs.org/photos/weismancc/

Regular Exhibition Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday  8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Exhibit Continues Through October

 

"Life" by James Rabidoux

“Life” by James Rabidoux

 

 

The public is invited to a Free and Open Reception to meet the artist, James Rabidoux on Thursday, September 17th from 6 – 9 pm at the Weisman Delray Community Center.  It is located at 7091 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33446. This SOLO Exhibit will be shown through October and is Free and Open To The Public.  For more information please call 561.558.2100.

 

"Play" by James Rabidoux

“Play” by James Rabidoux

 

 

James Rabidoux is a prolific abstract artist who began his art career as a graphic designer.  A graduate of the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, FL, he was one of the top highest portfolio scorers.  He also attended Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH), studying Communication Arts Radio and Television. James is a trained Illustrator and Fine Artist with an outstanding portfolio of work showcasing successful global proposals.  After a 35 year award wining career in the high-end marketing and advertising world, James has retired to work on his original passion, painting. Using words and communicating are clearly part of James’ DNA!

 

 

 

"Fix" by James Rabidoux

“Fix” by James Rabidoux

 

James has taken these professional skills and brought them to his creative artistry, bringing smiles, humor and philosophical motes to his admirers.  Clearly, his skills of layout design, logo work, photography and TV commercial’s photo montages show in his current work. James works predominantly in the medium of painting, but includes Pen and Ink drawings as the stepping stone towards the larger acrylic and India ink paintings.

 

"Cheese" by James Rabidoux

“Cheese” by James Rabidoux

 

 

James is known for his “word paintings”.  He tells The Rickie Report, ” My WORD paintings start with the word it is named for… I write the word a few or many times on a blank canvas. Then I just start painting. There is no hidden message unless you find one just for you.”

 

 

"Meat" by James Rabidoux

“Meat” by James Rabidoux

 

 

He goes on to say, “Where’s Waldo?” Nope, the words are just a starting point and I’ll never run out of material.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!”  James began creating this genre of artwork about 5 years ago, when he was frustrated with a daily life-situation.  To distract himself, he wrote the word down on a piece of paper.  Then he began to paint it.  

 

"Sushi" by James Rabidoux

“Sushi” by James Rabidoux

 

James is now using phrases as well as individual words in his art work.  Enjoyment is the key to understanding James’ body of work!  HE enjoys creating as much as WE enjoy adoring, sharing and owning his artistry!

 

"Fresh" by James Rabidoux

“Fresh” by James Rabidoux

 

James has also illustrated and authored a children’s book, “I Can Exercise My Face”.  It is available exclusively for Kindle on Amazon.com.  If you are looking for a way to bond and interact with your kids, this is for you!  He says, “Parents: if you are sick and tired of re-reading the same old bedtime stories, you need this book! You’ll laugh so hard, your face will hurt!”

 

 

James Rabidoux’s artwork brings smiles or joy, grins of understanding and meaning to a complex world.  He paints every day in his studio in Ocean Ridge, FL.   His work can be found at the following Galleries and Exhibitions:

 

RCB Fine Art Gallery, Lake Worth FL. https://www.facebook.com/RolandoChangBarreroFineArt

Cornell Museum of Art & American Culture Gift shop at Old School Square. Corner of Atlantic Avenue & Swinton Avenue Delray Beach. http://delraycenterforthearts.org/

Art-Sea Living, E. Atlantic Ave. Delray Beach  http://artsealiving.com

Clay Glass Metal Stone Cooperative Gallery is sponsored by the Flamingo Clay Studio  http://www.flamingoclaystudio.org/

coming soon…
I AM PROUD to announce that two of my paintings have been selected for THE CONTEMPORARY ART PROJECTS USA OPENING SEASON EXHIBITION @ PAUL FISHER GALLERY  “SMALL FORMAT/AFFORDABLE ART” The show will be up October 9-24|2015

 

 

 For more information about his work please call: 561.685.1315

or Email:

Jamesrabidoux.artist@gmail.com

or visit:

https://www.facebook.com/jim.rabidoux

 

 

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

Mark Allen Brings Us “Proper Mental Attitude”

Mark Allen is a “re-emerging” artist.  In his early years, he sculpted and used “found objects” before the term even existed. Over thirty years ago he created cartoons. When their older son, Jared, succumbed to cancer, life for Mark and his wife, Donna changed.  Mark’s art has been his therapy since then, and until recently, he was keeping it within the family. The Rickie Report is honored to share Mark Allen’s artistry and his story, which is so poignant as we approach Father’s Day.

 

 

 

MARK ALLEN

Proper Mental Attitude

 

The Arts Arena Gallery

Friday, June 19th

6 – 8:30 pm

777 E. Atlantic Avenue    Delray Beach, FL 33483

 

 

Layout 1

 

Mark Allen tells The Rickie Report, “Proper Mental Attitude illustrates ‘nobody gets out of this life untouched’ and despite the depths of grief or despair we might just find the strength to laugh, love and live. ‘We can live until we die or we can die until we die’ …..hence, Proper Mental Attitude.”

 

10"x7" Front Greeting Card Template

“Some People Just Don’t Get It” by Mark Allen

 

 

 

Mark Allen has always been a creative person, using “found objects” before the term was even in popular vocabulary.  Until recently, Mark and Donna Allen’s creative force has been in the food industry. It seems fitting that he sold one of his favorite sculptures, “Lunch Box” to another restaurant. 

"At Least They Aren't Salted" by Mark Allen

“At Least They Aren’t Salted” by Mark Allen

 

 

Borne out of a need to create something positive while his older son succumbed to cancer, Mark’s cynical sense of humor remained raw and honest. It was during life’s most challenging moments that Mark chose to use his talents to find purpose and inspiration as a way to maintain his own sanity and pay homage to an eight year old’s life well lived and loved.

 

Image by Mark Allen

Painting by Mark Allen

 

 

Life itself doesn’t have to be black and white. Vibrant moments can be experienced if you allow yourself to venture into that world.  Perhaps considered primitive or simplistic, Mark’s use of color and lack of depth are both instinctive and purposeful. The message speaks for itself as you are unwittingly, but willingly, invited into the idyllic images.

 

"Chicken Soup" by Mark Allen

“Chicken Soup” by Mark Allen

Having started to cartoon over 30 years ago, Mark shared the passion with his son, Jared.  Before succumbing to cancer, Jared drew  a satiric “Toaster Man” cartoon.  During shiva, the time of mourning immediately following death, Mark was appalled at the comments some people shared, in trying to be “comforting.”  Mark shares this life lesson with us.  “Saying “You must be relieved”, is NOT comforting.  Say nothing.  Reminisce.  Say nothing.  Hug us.”  Mark tells The Rickie Report, “That’s how the cartoons started. In black and white. No color.”

Painting by Mark Allen

Painting by Mark Allen

In 1995, Mark began working with Charles Fazzino, Master of 3D Pop Art.  As Fazzino’s techniques influenced Mark, his cartoons began to change. He incorporated more dimension.  Mark and Donna went into the restaurant business to earn a living and left the art world in the shadows.  Actually, Mark left the art in his closet and would steal away minutes of time to work on art pieces, standing in the closet!

Painting by Mark Allen

Painting by Mark Allen

Around 2010, Mark returned to using colored pencils and oil pastels and was ready to retire from the restaurant business. Max Beckman fell in love with Mark’s art and helped reconnect Mark with his inner artist.  Between 2011 -2012, increasing color seeped into Mark’s life. When we spoke recently, he shared, “Now I only see in color and composition. It is pretty much the way I see life. Color and composition is what matters.”

Painting by Mark Allen

Painting by Mark Allen

In 2013, the Allens moved from Arizona to Palm Beach County, FL.  Mark’s recent work is more defined. He is “putting the world back into order, outlining everything.”  His work is currently at the Arts Arena Gallery in Delray Beach and he is already scheduled for two SOLO Exhibitions: December 6, 2015 through January, 2016 (at the Weisman Center) and 40 pieces at the Spanish River Library in June, 2017.  Art patrons will be able to see the evolution of Mark’s artistry, which continues to evolve.

Mark graduated from the High School of Music and Art (NYC) and Hobart College (Bachelor’s in Fine Arts/Geneva, NY) . He was a member of the Students’ Art League (NY) and is now an exhibiting member of the Delray Art League (FL) and Gold Coast Watercolor Society (FL) .

For more information about Mark’s artistry, please contact:

propermentalattitude.com

 

 

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

Norman Berman Exhibits “My Art, My Faith” In SOLO Show

Award winning artist, Norman Berman will be exhibiting his paintings at the Shirley and Barton Weisman Delray Community Center in Delray Beach, Florida. The exhibit will run from June 1, 2015 until July 10, 2015. There will be an Opening Reception on Sunday afternoon, June 7th.  Admission is free and open to the public.  The works displayed span the years from the 1980’s to the present.  The title of the exhibit, “MY ART, MY FAITH” emerged as Norman, in making selections for this show realized that his Judaic upbringing became a somewhat consistent theme in his abstract works. The Rickie Report shares the details and a conversation with Mr. Berman about his artistry.  

 

 

 

 

NEWnormanbermanWEISMAN SHOW ANNOUNCMENT -G-D'S LIGHT REV  5-15-15

WEISMAN DELRAY COMMUNITY CENTER

Presents

NORMAN BERMAN

 

 

“MY FAITH, MY ART”

Opening Reception:

Sunday, June 7, 2015

3 – 5 pm

This Event is free and open to the public

Exhibit runs from June 1 – July 10, 2015

Hours: Mon. –Thurs.  9 am – 5 pm
Fri. 8:30 am- 4:30 pm

7901 West Atlantic Avenue      Delray Beach, FL

(561) 558-2100

 

 

Norman Berman At The Easel

Norman Berman At The Easel

 

 

 

Although Norman Berman is primarily an abstract artist he has also created a series of representational works which he calls “My Tallis (Prayer Shawl) Series. These images were initially conceived as imagery for his personal Jewish New Year cards in his abstract paintings with such titles as “The Sabbath Bride”, “Our Father, Our King”, “Job” and “By The Rivers of Babylon” are some examples of the coalescing of his “art and his faith”.

Award winning and nationally known artist Norman Berman presents a survey of his works. Berman’s subject matter ranges from Judaic themes to abstracts. He’s been creating artwork professionally for over 55 years.  He tells The Rickie Report, “For me, creating art is a challenge.  As I look at a work surface, I begin my conversation with it.  The surface says to me, ’Create something, I dare you!’  Therefore, my adventure begins!”  As one listens to Norman Berman share some of his life-stories, you must pay attention to details.  Looking at his artwork that should be no surprise.  It is these tidbits that make the whole.

 

TRR:  What were your early artistic influences?
NB:.

 

The only artwork on our walls at home was my Bar Mitzvah portrait ( an oil on canvas that was painted by a friend of father).  My introduction to art was at age four, when I accompanied my father, a shipping clerk in a men’s’ wear company, to work. The women in the office gave me a piece of paper, a red pencil, a black pencil and plopped me in a chair with the instructions to ‘draw something’.  I drew the American flag to keep myself occupied.  Over the years, I started to copy and draw comic book characters (Disney, Superman, and Batman, etc.). My father would take these drawings and hang them in his workplace and change them around – it was my first public gallery!
As the United States entered WWII, I was fascinated by US military aircraft, so I wrote to all of the aircraft companies for pictures.  They would send me these gorgeous lithographic prints!  My favorite was the P38, a double fuselage plane and very impressive to look at.  Around the same time, there was a kid in our neighborhood who was already in high school and must have been an art major. I would show him my airplane drawings and he showed me how to create perspective images: not linear perspective images going to a vanishing point, but looking down at buildings as if you were in an airplane. 

 

 

"The River Styx" by Norman Berman

“The River Styx” by Norman Berman

 

 

When I was 10 years old, I broke my elbow.  It was probably the beginning of my escapades with brittle bone disease, but we didn’t know about that until much much later. While at Israel Zion Hospital (now Maimonides), I used to draw the nurses in profile, with their little caps.  In elementary school, my art was always hanging in the classroom and the halls.

 

"Job" by Norman Berman

“Job” by Norman Berman

As a Junior High School student, one of my teachers recommended that I attend the High School of Music & Art. Living in Brooklyn, it was an hour and a half subway ride in the morning and evening rush hours which my parents weren’t happy about. We happened to live close to the neighborhood high school, Abraham Lincoln High School.  As a result, I ended up going to Lincoln which had a fabulous art department! That’s where I got my real training, in my approach to art.  In 10th grade, Herbert W. Yates got me interested in the importance of art history.
I started saving articles from “Life Magazine” that related to art and artists.  My father would pick up a copy at the newsstand every Saturday. I finally convinced him that it would be more convenient and less expensive to get a subscription!  After reading the entire magazine, I categorized the pictures with my own filing system into red envelopes.  My mother, who was also a voracious reader, would buy other magazines like ‘McCall’s’ and ‘Ladies Home Journal’.  Those magazines happen to have some of the top-notched illustrators of the time.

 

TRR:  Norman shares his “beshert” (Yiddish for “meant to be”) moment.  He takes us back to 1950.

NB:

Leon Friend was the Chairman of the Art Department and I was sitting in his Graphic Arts class – last row, second seat.  Leon says,’ DO YOU KNOW WHO SAT IN YOUR SEAT? ‘  I said, ‘No.’  Friend said, ‘Alex Steinweiss’.  This was like mentioning God!   Alex Steinweiss was an early graduate from Lincoln, who after graduating from Parsons School of Design, worked for Columbia Records. Steinweiss convinced his employers to change their marketing strategy to sell their long playing records.  Instead of wrapping the records in brown paper, they should create a book with the record inside.  Each book would have artwork on its cover.  Alex Steinweiss was responsible for the entire industry of record albums cover designs!

 

"Silent Devotion" by Norman Berman

“Silent Devotion” by Norman Berman

 

 

 

During my senior year, I prepared a portfolio and sent it out to the School Art League.  It is now May, 1952.  Mr. Friend comes into class and asks who we think should be the happiest person in the room today.  And then he says, ‘Norman, it’s you!  You just won the scholarship to Parsons School of Design! ‘I’m thinking that I’m following in the steps of Alex Steinweiss! I literally “fell out of my chair”!  In those days, we didn’t have cell phones.  I couldn’t even go down to the office to call my mother!   When I finally got home and shared my good news, my mother thought it was very nice.  Then we waited until my father came home to tell him.  I had already been accepted to tuition-free Brooklyn College.  What to do…  His father, a product of the Great Depression, didn’t want Norman to accept the scholarship.  (What if it wasn’t renewed after a year – they couldn’t afford tuition; what about the cost of supplies; they also wanted to send his brother to college in just more three years).

 

TRR: Norman returned to school and tell Mr. Friend the news. This dedicated teacher stayed until 7 pm the next evening to meet with Norman’s father in an attempt to convince him, even offering an extra $100. from the “Art Squad” to help defray costs. The answer was the same.  Norman’s father understood the need to be pragmatic. Norman would go to college, become a teacher and get a job.
NB:

 

That summer I didn’t have a job. I walked the streets telling myself that I was going to Brooklyn College.  I psyched myself up about meeting new people and having new experiences. I had four good years at BC.

 

TRR:  Norman graduated from Brooklyn College and went back to his alma mater, Abraham Lincoln High School to student teach.

 

"Sabbath Bride" by Norman Berman

“Sabbath Bride” by Norman Berman

 

In September, 1960, Norman was set up by his brother’s fiancée on a blind date with a girl named Ethel.  The rest is history!  They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Ethel and Norman were married for almost 52 years. She was his strength, his staunchest supporter, his severest critic and the love of his life. As Norman points out, if he had gone to Parsons, he would not have ended up being introduced to his “beshert”, Ethel.  His first date was on Ethel’s birthday. They were married for 52 years… She passed away in July of 2013.

 

 

"Neshema" by Norman Berman

“Neshema” by Norman Berman

 

NB:

After graduating with my BA and MA from Brooklyn College, I taught Junior High and moved on to High School.  I concentrated on teaching painting as part of the curriculum, along with art history and color theory. From my own experiences, I encouraged my students to learn and research their subjects.  Research is an essential part of any good piece of artwork!   My favorite part of the curriculum was teaching painting.  I was privileged to have a number of students from the “Art Talent Classes”.  These were students who took art classes five days a week and showed promise.  I continued teaching and eventually became a supervisor (Assistant Principal) .  I taught in a few different schools and in 1983 was awarded the ‘Art Educator Award’ from the New York City Art Teacher’s Association/UFT and the Art Chairman’s Association in recognition of my outstanding service and commitment to art education.  I also held the rank of Adjunct Assistant Professor of Art at Queensborough College where I taught painting, drawing, two-dimensional design, advertising design and art history.  I finally retired in January, 1991.

 

"Our Father Our King, Aveenu Malkainu" Oil on Canvas by Norman Berman

“Our Father Our King, Aveenu Malkainu” Oil on Canvas by Norman Berman

 

 

TRR:  Tell us more about your own artwork.  On your website, you differentiate between two different types of art.  One is the “Prayer Shawl Series” and then “the rest”.

NB:

There is an interrelationship.  Some of my larger paintings incorporate Hebrew words from Jewish prayers.  The ‘Lecha Dodi’ piece that was on the Armory Art Center invitation, is from the prayer service which welcomes the Sabbath, as a bride.  Another powerful piece of bright yellow hues titled ‘AveenuMalkeinu’ (Our Father, Our King”, comes from the High Holy Day liturgy.   I created the ‘Prayer Shawl (‘Tallis’) Series’, one for each year’s Jewish New Year’s card for my family. These watercolors are representational in style.

 

"Minyan" by Norman Berman

“Minyan” by Norman Berman

 

 

During my studies at Brooklyn College, three or four faculty members really influenced me: Jimmy Ernst (son of Max), Carl Robert Holty( a disciple of Mondrian), and Harry Holtzman.  Stylistically, Jimmy showed me how calligraphy and linear work can influence a piece of artwork; how to allow just enough, without overpowering the piece.  Holty was a great “colorist” He taught me to take Mondrian’s rectangles and squares and change their edges from white to various tints and shades of color, allowing work to “float” in one plane over the other.  He helped me capture my creative imagination through color relationships.  Holty subscribed to Hans Hoffman’s theory of “Push and Pull”.  Holtzman, who never taught studio, explained the theory of modern art, abstract theory and how to analyze what the creative process was all about.  He was one of the people who managed to help Mondrian get into the U.S.  The faculty of Brooklyn College in the 50′s and 60′s were influential artists, bringing new ideas and changes to the art world. They were the top names in the Abstract Expressionist Movement.  Having Mark Rothko as a teacher certainly influenced me. I subscribe to the Abstract Art Movement’s credo “The act of painting is more important than the product.  As Mark Rothko says, “My paintings are made to engulf you.” There is a definitive biography of Rothko and I like one of his quotes which is “ART IS AN ADVENTURE INTO AN UNKNOWN WORLD, WHICH CAN BE EXPLORED ONLY BY THOSE WILLING TO TAKE RISKS.” Each time I start a new work, I am moving into an unknown world and taking new risks. That is what keeps me going!

 

"Lake of the Snow Moon" by Norman Berman ( Art Of Association Winner, 2014 at Lighthouse ArtCenter)

“Lake of the Snow Moon” by Norman Berman ( Art Of Association Winner, 2014 at Lighthouse ArtCenter)

 

At the same time as I was teaching, I was also creating and showing my own work.  I believe strongly that to be able to teach art, you must be involved in the creative process yourself!  You have to live through the agony of that blank canvas and the ecstasy of a finished piece of art.

TRR:  Does your art tell a story?
NB:

 

Good question!  Usually, my art does not tell a story because I normally don’t create narrative pieces of work. My piece, ‘Lake of Snow Moon’ is unusual in that aspect, for me. The initial little study for it (which I rarely do) was based on the weeds and reeds that I see every day from my kitchen window. When I decided to enlarge it to a full size watercolor the weeds and reeds became snow-covered pine trees. The title “The Lake of the Snow Moon” comes from the fact that the nickname for the full moon in February/March is called the “Snow Moon”. This painting was the second place ribbon recipient at the 2014 Art of Association Show at the Lighthouse Museum.   The toughest part of being an abstract painter is when people ask me , ‘well, what is that supposed to be?’  If my response is that I cannot tell them and they have to determine that for themselves, it sounds dismissive.  I don’t want to be that way.  The spectator has to be willing to engage and think and wonder ‘what does that look like?’ ‘what does it tell me’? I cannot do that for them.  I like the subtlety of color relationships and that shows in a majority of my work.  Even after graduation from Brooklyn College, I would go to Carl Holty’s studio and show him my work and talk about these theories.  Then I started to show my work in galleries in Greenwich Village, eventually moving to galleries uptown.

 

 

"Tekiyah" by Norman Berman

“Tekiyah” by Norman Berman

 

 

TRR:  What is your favorite part of being an artist?
NB:

 

When the piece is ready to sign!  Once I do that, I never go back to rework the painting.  I also like to see my work in a venue other than the walls in my house. The works look totally different in a gallery. I’ve exhibited widely in the New York Metropolitan area and my work appears in numerous private collections across the country.  The Queensborough Community College Gallery has my work in its permanent collection.  My work has been displayed in libraries, synagogues and churches in Nassau and Suffolk Counties in New York as well as the Polish Consulate in Manhattan, the GE Gallery in Schenectady, NY and the SONY Gallery in New York City.

 

 

"Slowly Comes The Night" by Norman Berman

“Slowly Comes The Night” by Norman Berman

 

TRR:  What tips would you give beginning artists?
NB:

Don’t be afraid to do what you want to do!  Your images will grow and your style will develop. That is OK.  For me, selling my work is a secondary thought.  I love what I do.  But, at the same time, don’t be afraid to market yourself.  I know this is difficult because one is fearful thinking about it.  Most artists aren’t trained to sell their work.

 

 

 

 

"Eclipse" by Norman Berman

“Eclipse” by Norman Berman

TRR:  Can you take us through the process of a painting?
NB:

 

 

"Clock-Wise-Counter-Clockwise" by Norman Berman

“Clock-Wise-Counter-Clockwise” by Norman Berman

 

 

When we relocated to Florida, I moved away from working with oils.  Now I use watercolor.  I start out with a blank sheet of paper and add floating colors next.  After that, I bring in wide calligraphic lines, getting thinner and thinner to create an intricate ‘lace-like’ network. The final effort is to come up with a title.  I rarely work from sketches or small studies.  I put up a piece of illustration board, watercolor paper or canvas). I don’t buy this notion that art is for self-enjoyment. (That is for the hobbyist who is “making pictures”). Art is a challenge and hard work. I have to let my mind and brain create images through my hand that I find pleasing, interesting and challenging.  The one thing about the 1950′s and 1960′s about theories expounding at Brooklyn College was that the act of painting was more important than the product.  If you finish the product and you like it, sign and you’re done.  Fine.  If you finish a product that you don’t like, it is also fine to rip it up and throw it away.   In fact, in Mark Rothko’s class, he would have you create a piece of art, then tear it up and reconstruct it!

 

 

When I am finished with a painting, I sign it and that’s it!  That’s not a “beshert” moment.  It is an “Aha” moment.   When you look at your piece and know that it is enough, you are done.  If you’re not sure, stop painting and turn the piece facing the wall.  Turn it around and look at it in another 6 weeks.  Look at it with fresh eyes.  My best and most instant critic was Ethel…

 

"Neilah" by Norman Berman

“Neilah” by Norman Berman

 

TRR:  How do you recharge your creativity?
NB:

I like read about “art” whether in fiction or non-fiction.  When I reread two of my favorite books, “My Name is Asher Lev” and “The Gift of Asher Lev” by Chaim Potok, the words deeply move me. While I was not as prolific as the fictional Asher Lev, I had many of the same experiences as he did, growing up in Brooklyn and although locales were “fictionalized” I knew exactly where they were.  I also enjoy Daniel Silva who’s protagonist is Gabriel Alon, an Israeli Mossad agent as well as a world famous art restorer.  I read books about artists. Their concepts and approaches to creativity help me, as you put it, to recharge my own creativity. As an adjunct to my paintings I am a “serious amateur photographer. I am the president of my community photo club. My approach to photograph is similar to my approach to my paintings. I look for the abstract elements in the subjects that I photograph. That is a way that I am constantly aware of the visual world around which eventually can be incorporated into my works.

 

 

 

 

TRR:  Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
NB:

I do have a physical limitation, which prevents me from working on large canvases, which I used to do in oils and in acrylics. I was diagnosed with ‘brittle bone disease’ (osteogenesisimperfecta). Because of my disability, I limit myself to working on full sheet or a double elephant size Arches’ Bright White 300 lb. Cold Press paper or 140 lb. Arches Bright White paper.  In reading a research paper about OI, it stated that those with the disease tend to be very optimistic people, with strong motivations.  We get up.  We do.  We are positive.  I hope more people find out about the OI Foundation.wwwOIF.org   My granddaughter, Mira, uses art as an outlet because she cannot run around like other kids, due to this brittle bone issue.

 

 

Norman Berman's "Self Portrait, Soul's Journey"

Norman Berman’s “Self Portrait, Soul’s Journey”

TRR: In 2012, Norman served as Coordinator for the Artists of Palm Beach County’s exhibit at the Armory Art Center.  He had no idea how complex this administrative job would become.  He comments, “Being an educator gives you a multiplicity of skills”.  He is a member on the Board of Directors of the Artists of Palm Beach County (APBC).

 

 

 

 

For more information, please contact
Norman Berman

561.434.0605

 www.normanberman.com

or  normberman12@gmail.com

 

 

 

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

SOLO Exhibit Features “Maxine Schreiber: A Retrospective”

The Shirley & Barton Weisman Delray Community Center is happy to announce the opening of a Solo Exhibition, “Maxine Schreiber: A Retrospective”. The show will run from April 12 until May 31, 2015 and spans over forty years of work from this well-known local artist, including forty of her oil paintings. An opening reception will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2015.  This is a free event, and the public is welcome.  In addition to creating these lush Florida landscapes and painted “collages”, Maxine serves on the Boards of Directors of three different art organizations.  In addition to writing the monthly newsletter for Women In The Visual Arts (WITVA), she is the author of four novels and an illustrator/author of a children’s book.  The Rickie Report shares the details, some paintings, and urges interested agents to contact Maxine.

 

 

 

Weisman Delray Community Center

Presents

“Maxine Schreiber: A Retrospective”

Opening Reception:

Sunday, April 19, 2015

      3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

 

 

This Event is Free and Open to the public

Exhibits Runs: April 12 until May 31, 2015 

7091  West Atlantic Avenue       Delray Beach, FL.

 

 

"Bow Street" by Maxine Schreiber

“Bow Street” by Maxine Schreiber

 

The Shirley & Barton Weisman Delray Community Center is happy to announce the opening of a Solo Exhibition, Maxine Schreiber: A Retrospective. The show will run from April 12 until May 31, 2015 at 7091 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida. It spans over forty years of work from this well-known local artist and includes forty of her oil paintings. An opening reception will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2015, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. This is a free event, and the public is welcome.

 

"Joy Street" by Maxine Schreiber

“Joy Street” by Maxine Schreiber

 

Maxine Schreiber, an award-winning member of the National Association of Women Artists, Women in the Visual Arts, and Artists of Palm Beach County began her career in the 1970’s in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There she was a member of the Cambridge Art Association and taught oil painting for adults in Boston. After receiving a Masters Degree in Expressive Therapies from Lesley College, she quit painting for twenty years while she pursued a career as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. In 2001, she picked up her brushes again and has been painting and exhibiting her work ever since.

 

 

"Blue-Footed Booby" by Maxine Schreiber

“Blue-Footed Booby” by Maxine Schreiber

 

 

 

In addition to being a member of Artists of Palm Beach County (APBC),  National Association of Women Artists (NAWA), and Women In The Visual Arts (WITVA), Maxine is also on all three boards. She did the publicity for APBC, is currently doing it for NAWA,  and is also writing the WITVA monthly Newsletter. Maxine is an author who is working hard to find an agent for her four as yet unpublished novels.  She also wrote and illustrated a wonderful children’s story, “The Story of DAPHNE The Duck”.

 

"Blue Cypress Lake" by Maxine Schreiber

“Blue Cypress Lake” by Maxine Schreiber

 

This exhibit fills the lobby, hallways, and activity room in the Center and includes her early hard edge architectural paintings, her lush Florida landscapes, and her “collage style” works that depict a number of images in a particular place on a single canvas.

 

"Bok Garden" by Maxine Schreiber

“Bok Garden” by Maxine Schreiber

 

 

 

Six of her newest paintings, several of which have never been exhibited before, will also be on display. Maxine’s children’s picture book The Story of DAPHNE The Duck and her art book The SCHREIBERS: The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree, both published on Amazon.com, will be available for sale at the opening event.

 

"Sin City" by Maxine Schreiber

“Sin City” by Maxine Schreiber

 

For more information  about The Shirley & Barton Weisman Delray Community Center please visit:

http://www.ruthralesjfs.org or  call  561-558-2149

 

For more information please contact Maxine at 561-689-2530 or visit:    www.schreiberstudio.com

 

 

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291