Caffein and Kibbee Gallery...

Could not have had a more inspiring day today...

Spent a large part of my time at Kibbee Gallery located in Midtown Atlanta, Ga. It was so inspiring to see the new works from Preston Snyder and Ben Goldman. I'm always in for a few good laughs any time I get to hang out with Ben... and it was most refreshing. Not to mention- I picked up a fresh cup of white chocolate mocha decaf on my way to the gallery... and realized they actually didn't make it decaf... which if you know anything about me, was a tragic move since I don't drink caffeinated beverages-- poor Ben and Preston -- I must have talked non-stop for at least 2 hours. Thank God hyperactivity as an adult-- can be written off as being an inspired artist...

Ben and I used to work in the same studio warehouse so it was really good to be around each other again. He's a hoot., but more so- wonderfully talented. It's Amazing how non-stop laughter can be such good to fuel to motivate my painting. Also, getting to hear Preston's inspiration behind his new showing: Pugilism, was ultra thought provoking and certainly left me with heavy contemplation about our choices as a people and how they effect our circumstances...His gestural approach with a new way of portraiture was wonderful...captivating.

Personally, with a retrospective to my own life-- I was drawn to his imagery simply for the idea that I'm still "in the ring" and some things are worth fighting for... my cuts and bruises will heal-- and that given up is not an option in life, or art.

So thankful for the progressive and thought provoking works of my friends. You all should check out Kibbee gallery if you have a chance...

www.kibbeegallery.com

Pugilism...is the title of the galleries' newest show by Preston Snyder. The show closes on the 30th of Jan. and I will be attending. you should to.

Drawings above are special thanks to Bengstudio.com

and the Boxing image is one of many of Preston's new works...

all image credits given to Kibbee Gallery.

FEATURED ARTIST IN BIRMINGHAM'S CITY MAGAZINE: "BLACK AND WHITE"

"A RECORDING OF TIME INDEFINITE"...SEE THE WRITE UP:

http://www.bwcitypaper.com/Articles-i-2009-10-15-231981.113121_At_the_Galleries.html

FEATURED PAINTING IN: ATLANTA HOMES AND LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

CHECK OUT THE NEW FEATURED PAINTING;

"MADE OF CLAY AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY NO. 7"

http://www.atlantahomesmag.com/Atlanta-Homes-and-Lifestyles/January-2010/Classic-Remix/index.php?previewmode=on

(PHOTO COURTESY: ATLANTA HOMES AND LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Courtney J. Garrett: welcome new year- make yourself at home.

www.yoetna.com

welcome new year- make yourself at home.

well it's the start of another new year- this one should be as good as any other. so many changes happening for so many people... us including. as a year in review it has been super successful- new showings in New York all the way to LA...an artist could not ask for much more.

This year you can plan on a strong inventory set up for me...my plan is to have a back log of 100 paintings on hand...sounds' like it might take me 100 years to create-- but we will see;)

Also, Looks like I should be taking a month this summer to work in Rome. Italy, has always been a passionately ideal location for me, and the thought is exhilarating...

As for the studio- well it seems I'm expanding yet again...the work is getting larger and my need for space is increasing rather quickly... i will be working out of a warehouse with no regard to size limitations- it seems my studio needs to double in size about every six months or so- so hopefully about 1000 sq ft will work for the endurance. its nice to finally be settled into a large space for a long term setup.

Also... the book has been released from My wonderful husband (courtesy of his publisher Tate Enterprises)

- author; Beau Garrett--

Check out the details on the web:

www.yoetna.com

blessings-

like a rusty nail.

"A recording of time indefinite" faired as a wonderful opening in Birmingham. I was really pleased with the overwhelming turnout and all the new people I met. The show officially closes November 1, 2009. It will be quite a while before I release another mixed media body of work, so this would be good opportunity to see some of the paintings.

Since the show opened on the 1st of October a lot of changes have taken place in my life. We said fair well to our city loft and moved to a quaint little 1940's house. It's an old captains quarters from WWII -so it's still got some charm...and some quirks. So peaceful out here... But it was still an interesting adjustment after living a couple of years in an old school gymnasium.

On a sad note, we lost a dear family member on October 2nd. I have written before about my uncle who used to get us into the local pool for almost free in the summers---his sweet wife Denise suddenly passed the night after the birmingham show opening. I have never mentioned before-- but -My uncle is blind and can hardly see shadows, in fact most of his days are spent seeing complete blackness no color- no movements. One of the most memorable moments I have of the two of them was at their wedding years ago- it was at the town recreation center (folding metal chairs and all)---but I can remember the sweetness of watching two people completely in love commit their lives to each other. He had never even seen her-- but he loved her. It was a sweet time for me to be young and apart of something real and unadorned. just simple love...with blinders on. I found it interesting that I wrote of my uncle and the local pool towards the beginning of painting "A recording of time indefinite" and now at the end of the show I write again about him. Call it coincidence if you like, but the routes of "time indefinite" are curious and unexpected. I am thankful for family and for times of sincere reflection, and most of all the powerful existence God. When I asked my uncle how he was doing last he said, "i'm like a rusty nail, just hangin' in there."

I'm glad I could honor Glen and Denise today.

A true recording of time indefinite.

you are invited to a solo opening...