Artomatic Voyage

I Crashed a Wedding Party!!!

2012-02-11T19:25:00.000-08:00

Overpriced Elegance?

Party crashing is an art of its own. I confess I didn't really put much thought into it when my friend Pot-au-fue (Yes that's her REAL NAME) invited me to a Wedding Open House at Hotel Monaco in Alexandria, Va. In no time the wedding planners, who offered us all sorts of sweets for free, inquired about our plans, so Pot-au-fue said we were getting married soon. So I put my arm around her. After all, Pot-au-feu was my fiancee for the day, wasn't she?

It all made wonder why people waste thousands of dollars on weddings that have a 50% chance of going down the tubes anyway. (^;

In fact, in a recent relationship with one "Ms. Cheerful" (as Carrie Bradshaw would call her) we toyed with the idea of nixing plans for a formal wedding. In the end, I instead decided to nix the relationship with Ms. Cheerful, who had a few control issues. It also reminded me that most of my closest friends were still single. What would Carrie Bradshaw say?

Put your life savings into www.UpDosForIDos.com!

Probably something like this: "As Pot-au-fue enjoyed yet another glass of wine at another free event in Washington, D.C.; Hai nursed a two-week-old cold; and Sarita watched yet another Antonio Banderas film. Not far way, Ms. Cheerful learned to channel her control issues towards the small businesses she regulated from her office outside of DC proper. Meanwhile I sat at home on a Saturday night mulling the concept: 'What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve,' coined by Napoleon Hill, father of the self-improvement industry.

I silently wondered whether Napoleon was talking about all those eager young brides-to-be and their tar-heeled fathers who who unload their IRAs to finance their daughters' weddings ...Why do people spend so much money on their weddings???

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

I Can't Remember My Own Name!

2012-02-07T19:59:00.000-08:00

Just like painting a fine oil pastel painting, remembering names is an art ... and a tough one at that. Research shows that most people forget the names of people they meet within 10 seconds. There's nothing worse than having to ask someone 10 times what their name is in a first meeting then having to ask that person in each subsequent meet ... "What was your name again? I forgot!"

As I'm learning in a Dale Carnegie course, remembering a person's name can be relatively easy if you use the right tools -- adding action, association and colors, for example to a person's name. So if you wanted to remember my name (Jay Krasnow) ... Think of Jay Leno driving in a car with snow on it. For extra measure, make Jay Leno's hair red, because the name Krasnow means red in Russian. Now don't ever forget my name!

What could people do to remember your name?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

The Art of Survival (with Men)

2012-01-28T21:26:00.000-08:00

I love karaoke! It gives people who have no business singing the license to pretend that they have talent like Britney Spears or Katy Perry. Last night a few of my friends decided to "I Will Survive" (Gloria Gaynor. Normally this song is for women to sing because it's a GIRL song ... but as you can see, some men joined in. (I just watched.) Should men be allowed to sing this girly, girl song? What should the punishment be for a man singing this song in public?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"
Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

"Flo-A-Day" Instead of Holiday

2012-01-28T04:41:00.000-08:00

Being a federal employ I always notice when there's no federal holiday in a given week, or month. For example, there are holidays in August, the month of my birthday. None this week either.

On the other hand, Flo Anito, one of the artists whose music appears in Journey to the Center of Artomatic, has been nominated for two WAMMIES, including one for music video of the year.

If you're a WAMA member -- TODAY IS FLO-A-DAY -- time to give your vote in support of Flo Anito for music video of the year (by clicking on this link)!

"What if anyone could be an artist?"
Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

The Fine Art of Wearable Art...

2012-01-25T19:44:00.000-08:00


"I like using this scarf as a head band when I watch kung	fu films"

This email, which came to me from Travel Smith, aims to instruct us in the fine art of wearable art. Didn't I say that everyone should wear art on their faces? Wearing an artistic scarf isn't that much different. She should wear it as a headband though. Don't you agree?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Cappuccino Erotica???

2012-01-22T20:18:00.000-08:00

Sexy patriotism: yours for only $25

Northside Social, a coffee house that rocks Arlington, VA, with its open mike night and Spanish manchego sheep cheese, also appears to be known for it's sexy women's t-shirts. The t-shirts sport a naked lady draped with an American flag covering her private parts (see image to the left). The coffee/cheese house appears to be equating sex with patriotism. Do you think this type of image is appropriate across the street from a college campus? (George Mason University's School of Conflict Analysis & Resolution, which studies ways of improving conditions for women across the world.) Should the coffee/cheese house be instead selling t-shirts with a more neutral image like a dog drinking a cafe-au-lait?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Encore Artomatic!

2012-01-19T22:25:00.000-08:00

I don't know much French, but I do know the word Encore! Anyway, in case you haven't heard, Artomatic is returning to Washington in the May/June 2012 time period. For those of you who don't know, Artomatic is that free-for-all, anything goes arts exhibit that pops up in Washington rough every two years. I've shown my teddy bear art there and Artomatic has even popped up in Frederick, Md., too.

For those who aren't in the know, Artomatic gave birth to oddities such as BraSh the poet, the Collector and The Benefactor. And yes, I got a dollar and a postcard from the mysterious Benefactor too. As the last link suggests, I would greatly appreciate blog readers like yourself if you'd make yourself into Benefactors as well.

I won't be showing my works there this year, but I may come with a video crew like I did in 2009. I attended Artomatic@Frederick last November ... I came with friends, but no camera ... As for you art lovers, check to see if Artomatic has come to your city ...

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

GOP Whitewash???

2012-01-18T15:18:00.000-08:00

I saw this statue at the Ronald Reagan Trade Center in Washington, D.C. Notice the painters giving the elephant a good scrub. Is the artist saying that with the GOP saying that Romney is is the consensus candidate (as opposed to the other cast of Scooby Doo Land characters running for the nomination (i.e., Gingrich, Santorum, Paul, Perry) that the Republican party needs a whitewashing from someone like Honest Abe and the Rough Rider himself?

Poetry Slam II

2012-01-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

Who said a poetry slam is to boring? I saw this at the Fridge DC this past week. I didn't know what to expect, but I think I found some of the lost members of the Fat Albert Gang there.

The poet is Safia Elhillo, who is just visiting for the night has performed at Yale, the Kennedy Center and a lot of other cool places.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

The Art of Immitation

2012-01-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

Like a lot of people, I wasn't working today so I took a trip to the Smithsonian Museum of American Art. Just looking for some interesting art pieces to look at. What I found was a Martin Luther King reenactor. He dresses like a guy out of The Adjustment Bureau (1 minute into the trailer) but sounds exactly like the real Martin Luther King. Don't you agree?

Let's all take today to remember the Legacy of Martin Luther King and all he fought for.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Dangerous Chinatown Liaisons???

2012-01-11T19:48:00.000-08:00

I've often thought how lovely this arch in Chinatown (in Washington, D.C.) ... But then I think to myself, wow, this must be dangerous!!! What happens when all those illegal Mexican immigrants come rolling into town in their 16-wheelers!!! to deliver shark fin soup to the local McDonalds and CVS? Aren't those Goliaths of trucks going to knock down that beautiful arch???

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Barbara Streisand and Woody Allen Joined by _____???

2012-01-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

I saw the pieces to the right at the Sixth and I Synagogue, where Rabbi Yoseph Edelstein of MEOR DC hosted one of his weekly Lunch and Learn events on "Deep Jewish Stuff," including something called CHESED. No, it's no pronounced "CHEESED." It's pronounced "Hey-Said."

I saw these three art pieces in the class room. The second one is Barbara Streisand. The third, of course is Woody Allen with a Banana on his head.

So who is the lass in the first picture? Can anyone tell me?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Would you like a pasture with your urinal, sir?

2012-01-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

I never thought about it before last night, but it's so nice to have a landscape with animals grazing in the pasture when you're at the urinal.

It really capped off my night at Chef Geoff's. So don't forget to visit the bathroom when you happen into Chef Geoff's for coffee and dessert.

Nice, but not nearly as nice as a urinal mural.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Time for the Snowman to Join the Ark of the Covenant

2012-01-07T06:39:00.000-08:00

I love snowmen! But it's January, so it's time for you to go back to that old dusky U.S. Government warehouse along with the Ark of the Covenant until next December. It's time for spring themed window dressings (like pixies, elves and Peter Pan) to be showcased in the Ballston Commons Mall in Arlington, VA. And look at me when I talk to you, darnit!

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Happy About Visit to American Indian Museum?

2012-01-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

I saw this ad for the Smithsonian's Museum of American Indians in Rosslyn Metro Station in Arlington, Virginia. I'm struck by how happy the boy in this picture is. He must be smiling because he won a game against another Indian nation. The boy in this picture certainly can't be happy about any visit he might have had to the Museum of American Indians, because it's a big disappointment. I read one review on TripAdvisor.com that noted: "I expected to learn something about American Indians from this museums -- who they are, where and how they lived and live, etc. But there was nothing like this."

My personal experience there is that the design made my head spin like one of those old Ronald Reagan films. (Try this Ron Reagan film out for size.) I hate the building's circular ramp design. It would be better used as a skate boarding rink than as a museum for American Indian History. Actually, the only good thing that happened there was the skate boarding exhibition shortly after the museum opened. Believe me, I'd love to have a museum for American Indians, but not this one. I agree that it was light on history ...

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Mormon Music Madness

2012-01-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Christmas Day so Christmas Carols should be put to bed until next December 24th. Not so at the Mormon Temple in Washington, D.C. I was hoping to hear some good Beethoven or Chopin piano numbers, but it was not to be.

Out of boredom, I tried to surf the Web on my iPhone at the performance (but there was no cell phone service) and my friend fell asleep. Can someone tell the people at the Mormon Temple TO PLEASE put "The Beatles" on their program next year so we won't all be bored?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

The Art of the Unknown

2012-01-01T22:30:00.000-08:00

I saw fellow swing dancers at Glen Echo Park do this dance shortly after the clock struck midnight. The bandleader of the Tom Cunningham Orchestra said this was an old tradition on New Years Eve. Can anyone here tell me whether it is or whether the Tom Cunningham Orchestra is putting us on? Is this natural behavior on New Year's Eve? Does it invite a visitation of the 10 Plagues?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

2011: Top 10 Unique Washington Arts Events

2011-12-31T00:01:00.000-08:00


Associate Blog Editor Rachel du Chatte	keeps warm

I sat down with associate blog editor Rachel du Chatte to write a list of the unique arts events in Washington in 2011. (Rachel mostly kept me warm, and I did most of the writing). So here they are.

TOP 10 UNIQUE WASHINGTONIAN EVENTS OF 2011

10) World Bank Economists Learn to Dance. -- As one of this blog's readers noted: "Economists can dance when they make others dance at their own expense but to the tune of World Bank."

9) Chris August Gets Poets at Poetry Slam Excited About His Kid's Nap Schedule. -- If Chris can make poet fired up about poems about list of things to do, what else can he make people excited about?

8) Urinal Murals. -- Okay, this one didn't really happen in The Washington Metro Area, but a few people are plotting to have a urinal mural exhibit in Washington. Amazing.

7) Special of the Day Menus. -- I had a few blog about this one. Wouldn't it be nice if we had a Special of the Day Menu art exhibit in Washington?
Special of the Day Menu

6) Degas Exhibit. -- The Phillips Collection has been fortunate to round up some of Degas' best work from galleries around the world for this exhibit, which runs until January 7th. If you go, you may see me there.

5) Devin Silver Makes Purses Out of 1960's Era Radios. -- Don't ask me where Devin got these old radios. He also makes cute, cuddly teddy bears from grubby old t-shirts. Only in Washington.

4) Church Soul Music Singers Perform at Loaves & Fishes. -- I got to sneak in on this performance for clients of Loaves and Fishes because I was volunteering at this soup kitchen on Christmas. Talented people

3) Downtown Holiday Market at Columbia Heights. -- If you were able to brave the cold, this is a great way to see talented bands for free. I love Washington.

2) Jewish Film Festival. -- Unbeknownst to many, Washington is the home of many great film festivals, and not Just the DC Shorts Film Festival, Film Fest DC and Silver Docs. There are a lot of specially geared film festivals. One of them is the Jewish Film Festival. Unfortunately I only got to see two this year, but The Flood was great one.

1) Artomatic@Frederick. -- No list of the Top 10 Unique Washington Arts Events would be complete without mentioning Artomatic. It's over now, but some of the pictures from the event are in my November 2011 postings.

On another note, Journey to the Center of Artomatic, the film that answers the question "What if anyone could be an artist?" will be available soon on the ArtomaticVoyage Website and will be screened in area theaters. Stay tuned.

Let's Get Ready to Rumble Over Your Kid's Nap Schedule

2011-12-29T19:41:00.000-08:00

Who said a poetry slam is to boring? I saw this Poetry Slam at the Fridge DC this past week. I didn't know what to expect, but I think I found some of the lost members of the Fat Albert Gang there.

The guy in the video is Chris August, event's emcee, (click the link) who apparently professes an interest in dolphins, according to his Facebook page. I didn't write it. I'm just reporting it.

Couldn't this guy make you get you fired up about his kid's nap schedule? Or even the sexual habits of the Dwarf Pond Snail? Well couldn't he?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

A monk, gleeful? But Why?

2011-12-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

This painting sorely needs a caption!!!!!!

I saw this painting of a gleeful monk holding a chalice at Old Europe Restaurant in Georgetown, which is a lousy place to go if you're trying to lose weight but it was a friend's birthday and I got a salad and soup. (Yummy!)

How is it that a monk in those days, who probably lost his teeth by the time he turned 21 (because he wasn't brushing with Colgate) and probably was sleeping on a concrete floor is so gleeful? Is it because he had such prosperous relationship with God? Or is it because he just drank his first Hurricane Shooter?

Help me out guys! Why is this monk so gleeful? Please help me with a caption to this painting!

Woman with Gun at Urinal

2011-12-27T18:46:00.000-08:00

Nothing like a woman with a gun at the ready when you're ready to take a pee. This one was in the bathroom at the Fridge DC, where there was a poetry slam tonight. More on that Poetry Slam later.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Soup Kitchen Soul Trio Serenade ...

2011-12-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

As I was making macaroni and cheese and baking chicken at a local soup kitchen, a Soul Trio serenaded the soup kitchen's clients with soul versions of Christmas carols. I thought the myself, "These guys are pretty good! They should sell tickets to their gigs!"

What do you think? Would you pretend you were homeless and hungry so you could get into this soup kitchen to listen to this band?

On another note, a few people have asked me about guest submissions to the ArtomaticVoyage blog. Below are the guidelines for submissions to this blog.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
You are invited to submit your own art to Art to ArtomaticVoayge. Please read ALL of the following FIRST (Failure to follow these directions will guarantee that your work will not be included on the site):

Guest submissions are welcome, particularly as they related to the DC arts community. Guest bloggers should send the following information

The title of your blog entry (I may edit it before posting it)
any JPEG image that YOU PERSONALLY TOOK or a link to a website, if appropriate
2-3 short paragraphs that make of the core of your blog. (again, I may edit it)
If appropriate, include a question or comment about your blog entry that engages the readers of the blog

Do NOT add any text to your image (i.e. your name/website/copyright). I will credit you in the body of the post if you provide me your NAME and WEBSITE.
Do NOT send images with date stamps on them.
Be sure to include your name and location as you would like it to appear on the site.
Let me know if there is a website you would like your name linked to.
Please attach the actual image to your e-mail and NOT just a link to your image.
Larger file sizes are recommended/encouraged (a minimum of 640 x 480 pixels is preferred).
If you send multiple items we may only pick one or two to include, so be selective.
Pleased not send me anything RACIST or THREATENING TO ANY GROUPS
PLEASE NOTE: When you submit a work you created to ArtomaticVoyage you agree to release it under a Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives License. This means that we have the right to publish your work (on the website and in possible other places, like books, without any payment to you), but the work still belongs ultimately to you and we must credit you if we use it. But don't take our word for it, read the Creative Commons license before submitting anything!

Send all images to: jay@artomaticvoyage.com

Please be patient it may take several weeks for new submissions to be posted and due to the large number of submissions NOT ALL WORK CAN BE SHOWN (sorry!).

I appreciate it.

Jay

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

A Skull that Will Make you Sneeze (Waka, Waka...)

2011-12-24T18:12:00.000-08:00

I don't want to steal the thunder from the Skull a Day Project but I was a bit bored in a pancake house today so I made one of my own. If you don't know what I'm talking about or if you just think this is plain weird, check out the the Skull a Day Project's website.

Anyway, this is a skull made out of pepper. Some people have done better skulls then me, admittedly, and I've never taken a stab at it myself and Noah Scalin has been doing it a lot longer than I have.

So I'm wondering ... Does this skull look more like a Pac-Man than a Skull?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

The Hanukah Bush Song

2011-12-23T19:55:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I saw this Chanukah Bush in Old Town Alexandria near La Portas Restaurant. (Try the chicken salad. It's good and healthy) I'm feeling very cheery today so I wrote you all a little song for the holidays! I hope you enjoy!

Happy Chanukah!

THE CHANUKAH BUSH SONG
Chanukah Bush, Chanukah Bush, I made it out of clay
I thought I'd show it to my cat Rachel and dreidel we would play

When it was time to light the menorah
I gave my kitty a chai for her colla'

But it was the Chanukah Bush that that made her day
When that little putty tat knocked over my Super Sized Torah

Down went the Chanukah Bush with a crash, boom and ka-warah...
Flattened into a puddle of Play Dough draped across my bowl of Frito Lays.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Klezmer Spaceballs -- Jews In Space!

2011-12-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

Tonight a friend and I went to see a group called the Music Pilgrim Trio at the Mansion at Strathmore, which has a knack for playing a grand slam selection of Jewish music including Israeli, Klezmer Freilakhs and Bulgars, Yiddish and Jewish/Latino Jazz flavor. They even played a few out of this world Hanukah songs. I think you'll agree after listening to the this short clip that their music is from out of this world -- so their Klezmer Spaceballs -- Jews from out of this world.

Unfortunately, they're sort of a fake band. The three members of the band don't regularly play with each other. But they each have their own CDs. I really liked guitar player Vladimir Fridman's "Klezmer Reflections" CD. Band leader Seth Kibel's "The Great Pretender" CD was okay too, but it didn't have that zing that always was present in Woody Allen's early films (like "Sleeper.") Now that's Klezmer Spaceball music -- like the phony klezmer group Music Pilgrim Trio -- Don't you agree?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

The Lion King on Your Hand

2011-12-21T04:07:00.000-08:00

The image to the left was painted by artist Guido Daniele. I hope he doesn't do this sort of thing to real people's hands. I love cats, but I don't want them tattooed all over my body.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Are Musicians Cold-Blooded Animals Like Dinosaurs?

2011-12-19T14:33:00.000-08:00

The below video is a performance by Flo Anito at the the Downtown Holiday Market in Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C.. I'm not sure what the name of the song is but, I couldn't help but notice that Flo wasn't wearing gloves as she was banging away on her keyboard on that nippy December day. I don't know about anyone else, but I was FREEZING. She eventually put her gloves on .... But it made me wonder ... ARE MUSICIANS COLD-BLOODED ANIMALS, like dinosaurs? Are they able to withstand the extreme temperatures better than ordinary Joes like me?

Flo's music is quite good, and her song "Uh-Oh" is appearing in my film Journey to the Center of Artomatic, which I recently completed. I'll be posting news about upcoming screenings of my film soon. If you're organization would like to schedule a screening, please contact me through the film's website.

On another note, yesterday I wrote a blog on how an artist turns grubby old t-shirts into cute cuddly, teddy bears. In the blog, I noted that the artist makes purses out of old (1960's era) radios and asked whether the ladies out there would use this purse. Apparently the artist took that item down from his website. I don't know why. It was an interesting post-modernism piece.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Grubby Old T-Shirt? Or Cuddly Teddy Bear Art?

2011-12-17T21:28:00.000-08:00

There's nothing wrong with recycling -- and that's what artist Devin Silver seems to like to do with his free time. So Devin takes grubby old t-shirts that no one wants and makes them into a cute, cuddly teddy bear like the one we have here. He also takes nice slacks and cuts them down to shorts. What happens to the bottom part of the legs he cuts off? According to Devin, they become ties. I've always said that there's nothing like giving your favorite niece a grubby old t-shirt to tell her you love her. As for my formal slacks, I'm keeping Devin away from them. I picked them up from Syms as part of their "bon voyage" bankruptcy sale. And just in case you're looking for a cute new purse, Devin is selling purses made out of old radios on his site for $56. (See picture of "radio" purse by clicking link above or below.)

Ladies: Would you carry around a radio purse if you also got to listen to the latest Lady Gaga tunes while you were shmearing on a schtickle of lipstick?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

La Portada of Chile

2011-12-15T04:14:00.000-08:00

This is a charcoal drawing of "La Portada," a natural landmark I saw when I visited Chile. Don't you want to visit now?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

A Hooters' Who of Dessert Art

2011-12-14T19:27:00.000-08:00

For those of you reading this blog from Germany, Pakistan and France (and there are quite a few of you) [?????], I wanted to share this marzipan art created by an artist that goes by the name OZNE
Marzipan, for those of you who don't know, is a confection (sweet) consisting primarily of sugar and almond meal.

Anyway, we've had quite a cold spell in Washington (it's probably really warm in Pakistan now). Actually, it's quite nippley here in my office outside of Washington, D.C. So you'll excuse me if I have a bit of trouble wrapping my arms around this one.

However, I'd glad to say that the artist seems to have a good handle on this one. I must confess that I'm trying to stay away from sweets but these and, particularly the brown ones on OZNE's Website, do look absolutely delicious.

OZNE's site is very much a Hooter's Who of Dessert Art!

Thanks to Enzo for bringing this to my attention. Apparently some of OZNE's work has been shown in German and French art galleries. But not in Washington???

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Zendik "Cat Trick"

2011-12-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

Some of you will remember that I blogged a while back about Zendik, an organization known for selling t-shirts that say "stop bitching and start a revolution" near the Gallery Place Metro Stop.

Mystified about who these t-shirt selling artists really were, I appealed to my friends and this blog's readers to tell me what they knew about it.

Most people I asked were stumped or thought they were some sort of cult, but couldn't say more. So I asked one of Zendik's people what they really believe. Unfortunately, the person I emailed was none too pleased about my blog on Zendik and accused me of making a million half-hearted attempts at a little dig. For the record, the million half-hearted attempts at a dig is what cherish the most about this blog.

In any case, she initially refused to say anything to me because she insisted I hadn't bothered to read Zendik's website. Really, I did read it. It's just a bit esoteric. Anyway, she said she'd get back to me by Monday (yesterday) but I haven't heard from her. Hopefully, I will soon. That said, I found a good description of them on Wikipedia -- much better than on Zendik's own website.

These fellows at Zendik can't be bad sorts. The cat in the above picture is apparently a resident of their farm in West Virginia. And you know if Zendik was a bad place, the the feline would do a Cat Trick, and get the heck out of there.

I'll keep you posted!

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Larry's Icecream Art

2011-12-11T14:00:00.001-08:00

This was the scene at Larry's Ice Cream at Dupont Circle last night. This is art. The only question is, why don't other ice cream shops have menu art like this?

Much more delicious than the special of the day art at Aria, don't you agree?

This is art. Meet art.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Dirty Pictures You Can Show Your Kids

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

You can count on Texans to do strange things. Artist Scott Wade has manage to be strange at the same time the he created dirty pictures. Don't worry, you can show these dirty pictures to your kids. The question is, how do you drive your car with all this shmutz on it? It's not that I don't like it or everything. I mean, I always aspired to have my Honda Civic to sport a dirty Girl With Pearl Earings. But how would I get to work if I incorporated Scott's dirty art into my "mini-Autobot-sized" jalopy? See my reaction to my thoughts of putt-putting around Washington, D.C. in a car shrouded with dirty art, in photo to the left.

Would you do it?

Thanks to Jerome Goodwin for bringing this one to my attention.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

This is a Brave Artist!

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Jon Tsoi is a brave artist indeed. Jon is apparently the self-described creator of the “blind-folded inner-spirit art medicine movement, according to Culture Cache, a publication of Hearst Communications. Be below link is a live demonstration of Jon's work.

Have any of you ever seen an artist create an exhibit in this fashion?

http://blog.ctnews.com/culturecache/2011/12/05/a-live-demonstration-from-greenwich-artist-jon-tsoi/

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Are These Guys Economists?

2011-12-06T18:33:00.001-08:00

I was at The World Bank tonight as is often the case for me on Tuesday evenings and I ran into these fellows on the dance floor (I'm really not kidding). I'm not sure what the occasion was but I'm pleased to know that the folks at the World Bank can loosen up after a hard days work analyzing supply side economics problems and do their best to imitate the dance moves of Michael Jackson.

I know why I'm at the World Bank ... I'm part of the Global Links Toastmasters Club that meets there the first and third Tuesday evening of the month. But who are these guys? Are they economists? Or are they the finance ministers of far-away places like Afghanistan, Rwanda and Iraq, where we've been sending our dollars??? Any of you know?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Egg-Headed Spatula Art

2011-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

This beauty hails from the same local as pot-au-fua's other artistic creation ... The colors! The artistic placement, the background setting!

This should be in a premiere art gallery. The question is, is this piece more appropriate for the Louvre or the National Gallery of Art? It's such a cute collection with the egg-headed spatula, the measuring cups and measuring spoons ... How lovely! A true masterpiece!

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Ella Fitzgerald and the Light Switch

2011-12-02T22:45:00.001-08:00

I always wanted Ella Fitzgerald on my light switch. I don't have her there but a friend of mine who mysteriously calls herself "pot-au-fau" does. Apparently, in French that means a 'hot steaming pot on the fire.' Don't ask me why she calls herself this. She won't tell me.

Has Ella ever looked better than she does on pot-au-fau's light switch cover? I challenge you to say she does and to defend that assertion ...

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

The Flood Has It

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Last night I traveled across DC to see the opening night event for the Washington DC Jewish Film Festival -- an Israeli film called The Flood. On the eve of his Bar Mitzvah, Yoni faces challenges on multiple fronts: his autistic brother returns home after being institutionalized for years, his parents fight when they talk at all and his classmates bully him.

Meanwhile he attempts to learn his Torah Reading portion -- about the Biblical Flood, metaphor for the flood of instability that threatens his family life. A good film. It was a very touching picture of the relationship between one kid on the brink of manhood, and his brother who is forever held in childhood.

According to the filmmaker, a lot of autistic children in Israel have been coming back to live with their parents, owing to the recession in Israel -- many the institutions are shutting their doors owing to lack of funds.

On another note, this is one of only two Israeli films I can think of that don't mention Middle Eastern politics at all. The other was A Matter of Size -- which was about a group of overweight Israelis who decide to shun society and become sumo wrestlers instead of going on a diet! The best scene was when the group of guys, in nothing but their sumo garb are walking home on a highway because someone took their clothing. Interestingly enough the director said that the Japanese sumo wrestling coach really was Japanese and didn't speak Hebrew -- he only knew his lines for the movie!

The Washington Jewish Film Festival runs until December 11th and many of the filmmakers have flown in from Israel (as they did for The Flood) and other places. See the link above for list of upcoming films in the festival.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Everyone Should Wear Butterflies on Their Face...

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

The photograph on the left is from the DCJCC's Annual event, "Day of Service," Christmas-day event in which over 1,000 volunteers serve 10,000+ members of the community through 50+ social service agencies (by throwing holiday parties, working at soup kitchens, etc.) I myself will be at one of these agencies doing my part during the JCC's 25th run of the event, though I'm not yet sure what that part will be.

I included this picture by photographer Lloyd Wolf because because the butterfly on the woman's face really knocked my socks off. We all should walk around with butterflies on our face. It would improve our collective self esteem as a society.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Urinal Art vs. Chalkboard Menu Blogs -- An Exhibit

2011-11-29T14:30:00.001-08:00

Some of you remember my recent posts on urinal art and on "Special du Jour" chalk board menus. In any case, I just finished an email conversation with George Koch, Chairman of the Board of Artomatic and he's interested in getting a urinal art project started in Washington, D.C. (see email message trail below). So if you're interested in helping George get the ball rolling on this, you should contact him at George Koch georgec.koch@gmail.com

Also, he's interested in starting a blog on Special du Jour chalk menus. (See hyperlinks above to see the original posts on both topics then contact George if you have any ideas/suggestions in getting the ball rolling.

All the best,

Jay

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

George,

Here is the photo of the urinal. I'll make note of the project to create a blog on chalk menus. I'll add it to my blog.

Jay

On Nov 29, 2011, at 5:15 PM, George Koch wrote:

Jay
Have folks contact me to start re the urinal project. Can you send me the image of the one you shared? Like the photo of the chalk board menu. Would be interesting to creative a blog were we could encourage folks to submit photos of chalk menus. What do you think?

Best
George

George C. Koch
Artomatic, Inc.
www.artomatic.org

and

Center for the Creative Economy

On Mon, Nov 28, 2011 at 7:19 PM, Jay Krasnow wrote:
George,

I think it's a great idea. It's a question of whether to find space for the exhibit (which would determine the number of exhibits we could have) or find the materials (the urinals) then have the numbers drive the space needed for such an exhibit. I was going to do a follow up on this post anyway. Who would people email/contact if they wanted to make a donation or assist in making this exhibit idea a reality?

On another note, I recently did a tongue and cheek blog about "special of the day" menu board art. The photo in the blog entry is nothing more than a menu in chalk of specials of the day at a local restaurant. But these could become very artistic too, if an artist wanted to make it something good. See blog post below on "Special of the Day" art. It's one of my most viewed posts.

http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/2011/11/special-du-jour-as-art.html

Jay

Jay D. Krasnow
Filmmaker/Director -- Journey to the Center of Artomatic
www.artomaticvoyage.com

On Nov 28, 2011, at 4:18 PM, George Koch wrote:

Jay
I was thinking we could get some old urinals donated and then have artists paint, and or decorate them and exhibit them in the next Artomatic. What do you think?

Best
George

George C. Koch
Artomatic, Inc.
www.artomatic.org

On Mon, Nov 28, 2011 at 3:47 PM, krasnowj@georgetown.edu wrote:
Do we have to wait until the next AOM? Could this be a mini-AOM event or something we do with ArtDC?

Jay D. Krasnow
Filmmaker/Director -- Journey to the Center of Artomatic
www.artomaticvoyage.com

To: "George Koch"
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 3:45:50 PM
Subject: Re: [Artomatic Voyage] New comment on How Do You Apply for this Job?.

George,

Do we have to wait until the next AOM? Could this be a mini-AOM event or something we do with ArtDC?

Jay

From: "George Koch"
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 3:15:37 PM
Subject: [Artomatic Voyage] New comment on How Do You Apply for this Job?.

George Koch has left a new comment on your post "How Do You Apply for this Job?":

very cool - lets organize to present at the next Artomatic

A Good Reason to Hide Under a Rock

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

I found this beauty on my way home today at the Katzen Arts Center at American University in Washington, D.C. Frankly it frightens me so much I want to hide under a rock until Congress emerges from post-Deficit Commission sequestration. But I like it. I don't know who did it though.

I didn't get a chance to go to Terrace Dining Room but if you're in the neighborhood, I highly recommend it for its scrod, sweet breads, truffle souffle and virtually any of their champagnes or merlots, which rival the best that the Inn at Little Washington has to offer ...

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Cat Framed! But What Was the Crime?

2011-11-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

Help me find a caption for this photo!

It looks like this kitty is in a lot of trouble! But why does he look so grim? I need your help with a caption! If I use your quote as a caption for this photo of this kitty, you'll win a copy of Journey to the Center of Artomatic, the film that asks "What if anyone could be an artist?

It may help for you to know that Mark Twain wrote: "Cats are more intelligent than people believe and can be taught any crime."

I'd be grateful for your help!

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

How Do You Apply for this Job?

2011-11-25T20:10:00.001-08:00

"Hire me, I've been painting urinals for 10 years???"

I ran into this wild boar in the bathroom during a recent visit to V's. It really adds new meaning to the concept of bathroom art. Of course, I've always wondered how an artist positions himself as an expert in painting bathroom urinals. Does one print up business cards that say "Painting urinals for 10 years..." Or do these artists prefer the subtler approach ... saying at cocktail parties sponsored by the American Restaurant Association: "So, I was thinking about those urinals of yours ... Have you ever thought about giving them a new look?"

V's has great bread sticks but the visits to the bathroom are what make this place a four star restaurant. I wonder whether any restaurants in Washington, D.C., have taken the boarish approach to bathroom art???

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

U.S. House GOP as an Eggplant

2011-11-24T22:30:00.000-08:00

I really like this piece. It's shown in the house of a friend in Georgetown.

On another note, I've already gotten feedback from last night's posts on Art Through the Window (and into the House) ... One reader asked that I contextualize my post. I don't really know what she means. Do any of you? Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a lot of eggplant! Gobble gobble!

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Art Through the Window (and into the Home)

2011-11-23T20:38:00.000-08:00

A while back I was kvelling over how nice it is to look at art through a window (as opposed to standing right in front of it at the Louvre or the Metropolitan Museum of Art.) One of my readers asked me what I thought about the difference in glimpsing art through the window of someone's home versus projects like New York's "No Longer Empty", Providence, RI's "Art Windows" or the "Storefront Artist." in Pittsfield, MA.

I like the mentality of No Longer Empty. Their idea is to have established artists and unknown artists work side-by-side, using limited resources in the public space, without sacrificing quality. Their stated goal is to strengthen the link between art and urban areas. An admirable idea. Art Windows and Storefront Artist seem to have similar ideas in mind. I'd be interested in hearing whether anyone here has had a personal experience with any of these groups. Could this be the answer to The Great Zendik Mystery?

In any case, public art spaces like No Longer Empty are constructions of the perceptions of artists that created them relative to the context of the space where that art is intended to be shown (i.e., a storefront, a mural, public sidewalk) On the other hand, art in a person's home typically is not created relative to the environment where it is intended to be shown (the person's home). The artist who made the painting of the three cats probably had no idea what environment this painting would end up. As such, it's placement is a construction of the taste of the purchaser of this art, not the artist. Therefore, art in a person's home often loses its original context.

As a further note, this picture was taken through the window of a suburban Connecticut home, in the rain. So from my perspective, taking this picture was a pretty miserable experience, vis-a-vis my other through the window photo because I had to step over bushes and get my feet dirty to be positioned just right. Looking at art through the window, though, is definitely better than going to the Louvre or the Met!

Thanks for the question Julia. That's all for tonight. To all, a happy, creative, artistic Thanksgiving.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Special Du Jour (Part Duex)

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

I appreciate the lively comments I've received on my posting Special Du Jour as Art last week after my visit to Aria. I've gotten quite few comments from people who buy art from Christie's. Alas, none of these folks seem to think that a restaurant menu board could be defined as art. Alas. (Granted, this is no Picasso).

Wouldn't it be really cool if local artists got together for a menu board art contest??? Now wouldn't it? I'm just saying. I just kveil over alternative forms of art!!! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

To be continued ...

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

The Great Zendik Mystery...

2011-11-21T15:41:00.000-08:00

I ran into this guy on the street near Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro in Washington, D.C., on my way to meet a friend... He started talking about his farm of artist on a camp in West Virginia and something about how they use art to promote revolution.

He also begged me to buy one of his magazines for $5 to $7. I didn't even look at it before declining... Nevertheless, I was curious, so I checked out the website for Zendik, to try to determine what this commune was really about. I even listened to several of the rambling podcasts of a self-described grandmother and found them painful.

In any case, I was unable to determine what Zendig is all about. They talk a lot about unfairness, like "trying to survive in an insane finance economy."

I got that ... but what do they really advocate? Are they promoting the cessation of war and elimination of the deficit by making more impressionist paintings? I'm stumped. Do any of you know??

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Sourpuss Part Duex

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

As some of you remember, I recently wrote a post called "Reason for Sourpuss Unknown" on a Picasso painting I saw in Georgetown. I have to say I'm touched by the feedback I've gotten from the blog's readership as well as some of the suggestions I've gotten from the same.

One reader said the model "is uncomfortable with her hair style" while another wrote "She just asked Picasso if he would like to paint her nude. He replied, "'No keep them on.'" Cute. One person chastised me for trying to understand art. But for my part, trying to understand art makes me feel alive. Picasso was trying to say something in his pieces, no? Some people gave a few cagey remarks ... but out of respect for a sense of decency and keep this blog rated G for all the kids who read it, I will refrain from printing those naughty remarks here.

On another note, I've also gotten some great feedback on "Special Du Jour as Art?" I'd love to hear your thoughts on it ...

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Brazilian Flavored Gallery Art for the World Bank?

2011-11-19T21:53:00.001-08:00

I saw this lovely painting at the World Bank (done by a Brazilian artist), where I go for bi-weekly for Global Links Toastmasters. Normally when I enter the building for Toastmasters, I head straight for the elevator. But last week they had a reception that had something to do with bringing new business opportunities to Libya. A lady was talking at the podium, but no one could hear what she was saying because everyone, including me, was distracted by World Bank brand lamb and chicken skewers. Poor lady.

It made me think -- should this lovely painting be in an art gallery instead of hanging on a wall in the World Bank?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Does anyone actually dress this way?

2011-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

This video is from Artomatic's "Art in Fashion" show in Washington, D.C. in 2009. Interesting outfits. Do people actually dress this way? I tend to prefer more conservative outfits ... Just wondering.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Is Teddy Bear Art Common?

2011-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know just how much I love teddy bears. I did this photograph for an exhibit at Artomatic called "The 12 Labears of Bearcules," a spin on the myth of Hercules and his 12 Labors. In this one Bearcules is preparing to fight the Nemean Lion. If you don't know what I'm talking about, take look on Wikipedia and you're sure to have your questions answered.

Anyway, I was wondering if any of you had any other thoughts about what would be a good subject for teddy bear art.

While I'm at it, I thought I'd mention that I stepped down from my role as Washington Coordinator of Hugs Across America, a charity that helps kids in difficult times through the hugs of teddy bears. If you're interested in taking over, or starting a chapter, please get in touch with me.

Meanwhile, If you'd like to see more in the area of arts films, beyond the 10 minute short I'm doing on Artomatic, visit my page on the Benefactor.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Special Du Jour as Art?

2011-11-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had lunch at a Pizzeria called Aria near the Ronald Reagan Building in DC. Just a turkey wrap ... nothing special. (although it was delicious)

But as I was leaving, I saw Aria's "specials du jour" menu board (see picture to the left. It was so nice.... I loved it's creativity ...

It made me think ... IS THIS ART? What type of gallery would you place a piece like that? (The woman is NOT part of the exhibit ... She just happened to be there.

All the best,

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Is Making a Film Easier Than You Think?

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

I invested 2.5 years of my time making my film, Journey to the Center of Artomatic, a film that discovers how an unlikely partnership made artists out of businessmen, psychiatrists and accountants gave birth to Artomatic, a community arts event where 1,600 artists showed their works to more than 76,000 artlovers.

This is what I learned making my film. Any questions???

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

The Immense Quaintness of Art @ the Window...

2011-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

I just realized that there's something quaint about looking at art through a window. I saw this one through the window of Northside Social an Arlington, Va.-based coffee shop.

Maybe it's the contrast between the creativity of the artist bringing his/her spirituality to bear and the roughness of the city scape where the building housing the art is. In some odd way, it reminds me of a Matisse window scene like Matisse's Open Window, Collioure at the National Gallery of Art.

Is it not refreshing to look at this picture while you are standing on the sidewalk near a busy intersection ... engines running, horns honking, wind smacking on your face?? Well, isn't it?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Worst Fears Realized...

2011-11-14T00:30:00.000-08:00

Ay yai yai! My worst fears were realized. The film Applications, which I blogged about yesterday won a Rosebud at the Rosebud Film & Video Festival awards ceremony.

A woman trading in her daily application of make up for knife to slit her own throat, rip off her own skin and poke herself in the eyes is a bit much for me. Did I say Ay yai yai!

Kudos to Chithra Jeyaram for winning the Best in Show Rosebud for her film Mijo (My Son), a documentary about the relationship between son and mother in the months after the mother is diagnosed with cancer. Chithra told me she got a few grants for this one and is working on a longer version of this film focusing on the son. He is adorable. I'll say that much.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Intensely Personal vs. Intensely Violent?

2011-11-13T07:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I attended the screening for the 21st Annual Rosebud Film Festival , the brainchild of Arlington Independent Media.

For those of you who don't know, Rosebud showcases local Washington, D.C. area filmmakers who make intensely personal films. Among the films screened yesterday was a film called Applications which focuses on a woman who beautifies herself with makeup then thinks better of it -- spending the balance of the film ripping off her own flesh and stabbing herself in the eye with a small knife.

In another, a Film called Justice, a vigilante shoots a three men attempting to rape a woman. Then decides to shoot the woman being raped as well.

Okay, so these films are intensely personal to the filmmakers ... But do they have to be so violent?

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Reason for Sourpuss Unknown

2011-11-11T21:17:00.000-08:00

I saw this image (a Picasso) at a gallery in Georgetown last night (Friday). It really creeps me out. I'd be grateful if someone could come up with a caption that helps me understand why the lady in this picture is such a sourpuss.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Fear and Indulgence Lost and Forgotten???

2011-11-11T18:19:00.000-08:00

Can anyone tell me what happened with the Fear and Indulgence exhibit that was supposed to be at 2805 M Street last night (Friday) in Georgetown? True, I left at 5:57 PM to go to shul but it didn't look like anyone was in there when I left ... no lights, no one home.

Disappointing, because of all the galleries I went to last night, this was the one I was looking forward to the most. Did anyone get in later?

Incidentally, the gallery didn't seem to have a name. I have no idea who owns this space.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

End of Journey???

2011-11-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

"Real nice" "Enjoyable and interesting" "Informative and engaging" ... These are a few words that viewers of Journey to the Center of Artomatic (www.artomaticvoyage.com), my film on Artomatic (www.artomatic.org) had to say about my film when I screened it today.

For those of you who don't know, the film travels to the underbelly of the arts community to discover how an unlikely partnership made artists out of businessmen, psychiatrists and accountants who showed their works alongside those established artists who have always astounded us with the power and beauty of their work. That partnership gave birth to Artomatic.

Of the nine people who saw the film today, including members of the Board of Artomatic, every single one said they would recommend the film. I'm going to make some minor changes to the film ... tweak it ...

More news later ...

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Zero Hour for Artomatic

2011-11-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's not Zero Hour for Artomatic but it's getting that way for Journey to the Center of Artomatic. After 2.5 years+ of producing and directing, I finally have a cut of the film that documents Artomatic.

I can't tell you how much work into it. I thought it would be a six month project, tops. Now, I'm screening the film for the board of Artomatic today. I'll take their feedback and make some cosmetic changes but the bottom line is that pretty soon I'll have something to show the public ...

One of my fellow Toastmasters this week said she's looking forward to seeing the film screened in public. Frankly, so am I...

So I ask myself the following question: Was it worth it???

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Plan H for Hellish

2011-11-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

The beauty at the left was done by graphic artist Mike Pfister for Artomatic@Frederick

I'm not sure what to say about this one ... So I'm leaving it without comment. But I do have question for you ...

Would you ever, EVER send out a wedding invitation like this, even if it was a Halloween wedding??? Eeee gads.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

The Respirator

2011-11-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

I don't even know what to say about this one ... It's commentary by artist Scott Gore on his friend's addiction to heroin, which I saw at Artomatic@Frederick.

I can't say it's refreshing but it certainly sends the message. Have any of you ever seen a piece of art that send the message quite this way? We know what he's talking about here ...

Anyway, it's called "The Respirator." You can see why.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Star Trek on Steroids...

2011-11-01T20:09:00.000-07:00

I can't imagine what's behind this door at Artomatic Frederick. Actually, I can because I peeked. I just wish I took a picture of the painting with Captain Kirk kissing Mr. Spock.

That's Star Trek on Steroids.

It made me wonder ... Should Artomatic hide life style model art (i.e., nudes) behind a door? They didn't ever do that at Artomatic@Washington.

Check out www.artomatic.org and www.artomaticfrederick.org.

Jay D. Krasnow
http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

This is your brain on Artomatic (Part Duex)

2011-10-31T19:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted an image from Artomatic@Frederick ... It was of a guy using bottle caps. (See yesterday's post). I posted the question "Who is this guy?" Because, frankly I had no idea who it was supposed to be. I got some really good suggestions: Danish actress Brigit Nielsen, the guy from Rocky Horror (I have no idea which one), Tony Curtis, David Bowie, Cookie Monster ...

However, it seems the picture is of 1960's model Twiggy Lawson: http://www.twiggylawson.co.uk/biography.html. Thanks to artist Angela White for being the first to come up with the Twiggy answer. Many thanks!!!

Anyway, the picture to the left is our reaction to seeing bottle cap art of Twiggy Lawson

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Who is this guy??? -- (This is your brain on Artomatic)

2011-10-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't heard -- Artomatic, that free-for-all Hungarian Goulash of all things artistic is back -- and this time it's in Frederick, Md. (lovingly called "Fredneck") by northerners like me. I haven't seen a whole lot of reporting on it in The Washington Post by the likes of arts reporter Michael Sullivan -- but that's probably because I read The New York Times. Sorry Michael.

Okay, I'm not going to tell you which are the BEST of Artomatic but a few of the works really intrigued me. For example, Broughan Morrison's bottle cap art (to the left). I really get a high on looking at art made of things that most people would throw away. Now I can't promise that I put all the bottle caps I obtain in the recycling bin ... But now I know where I can put them ... I'll give them to Braughan Morrison. It seems she can use them. She had a really good bottle cap rendition of erstwhile rocker Jim Morrison but I have no idea who is in this picture to the left. Can anyone tell me who this is??? Just thinking about it make my brain fry. (And all the friends I went with.) Just look at us in the picture of us in the link below. This is your brain on Artomatic...

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=106965032188#!/photo.php?fbid=10150351108407759&set=o.106965032188&type=1&theater

And remember to drop me a line if you can put a name to the punim in the bottle cap art picture above!

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Call Me Ricochet Rabbit

2011-10-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I blogged -- that doesn't mean I forgot you! Really, I love you for reading this blog. I've just been busy working out the kinks in Journey to the Center of Artomatic. Low and behold after 2.5 years of hard work and dedicated support of friends and family I have a film on Artomatic. As Adrian Cronauer said in Good Morning Vietnam "This is not a test. This is rock and roll!"

Seriously, I'm doing a screening for the board of Artomatic and another for the production team in a few weeks. So now I'm doing the hard part (Read: "Easy Part"). Thinking about marketing and screening the film. Remember Yoda's famous line in The Empire Strikes Back?: "Feel the power of the force flowing through you." It's time for me to say to myself "Feel the power of Artomatic flowing through you." Okay I feel better now.

But seriously, this film would not have been possible without the support of really creative people, including: "The Great Editdini" himself, Clint Wardrow of Utah Gothic www.utahgothic.com [who served as my FinalCut meistro and who kept me in line in making a seriously coherent film] and Marc Harness who Avoided the Noid in making a really awesome logo for this film. Check out some of his stuff on http://marcharkness.blogspot.com/

More about the other Keebler Elves of ArtomaticVoyage soon ... it's time work on a feedback survey for my screening of "JTCA." Remember that screening I mentioned for the board of Artomatic?" (AOM) I got to get shaking on that.

Gen Xer's: Remember "Ricochet Rabbit" from the afternoon cartoon shows. He was always bouncing off one building, rock, cactus or other on his way to fight crime. Well that's me: bouncing off the walls to finish my work on "JTCA." So call me Ricochet Rabbit.

"What if anyone could be an artist?"

Website: www.artomaticvoyage.com
blog: http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com/

Jumping Up and Down Like Teletubbies!!!

2011-05-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

Long time no talk! (or posting for that matter). I haven't forgotten about you loyal readers ... I'm still working on my documentary on Artomatic ... I've just been hard at work. I've been working with an editor to piece together a short (5 to 15 minutes) on Artomatic ...

I may have mentioned that I did my own rough cut of this short. And let me tell you! It sucks so much, it's awsome! That's why I took in a professional editor. He's the REAL McFinalCutPro.

We were exchanging ideas at NorthSide Social (http://northsidesocialarlington.com/) Arlington's foremost coffee and wine bonanza! I've got my music selected (I have the rights to about 10 DC area musicians work to use in this film) Now we need to start cracking. The REAL McFinalCutPro editor is working on his cut and we'll meet again in a few weeks.

Keep on smiling and hoping for Artomatic. Maybe Artomatic will move into the old National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency building near the Navy Yard Metro after they move out in September 2011????

Keep your eyes on this spot ... More posts soon. The project is really moving along now ... So I'm juming up and down like the Teletubbies!!! I'm exciting. Or as someone once said: "I very excited!!! I jump!!!"

Jay D. Krasnow
Filmmaker/Director
Journey to the Center of Artomatic
www.ArtomaticVoyage.com

Money from Jason Alexander and Michael Richards?

2010-09-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

If I was in Hog Heaven a week ago, I'm now doing high fives. I've shown the script for Journey to the Center of Artomatic (www.artomaticvoyage.com) to over a dozen filmmakers and they all say the script is solid. Granted, this is only a five minute version of the film on the Artomatic free-for-all I eventually plan to do. But it's a start. Odd experience. I took my script to a screen writers group for feedback this week. Got good feedback. Then it was my turn to give my input on other people's scripts. One guy uncovered a 70-year old radio show that he's producing and directing into a play in Newark in October. If I can make it, I'm going. Seriously. This stuff can't be beat. I'll keep you posted.

The weirdness: one person started reading her script about a frog prince or something like that. She asked for feedback. We gave it. She didn't like it. She seriously looked insulted. She wanted to know if I thought it was funny. Pressed again and again I said that I didn't think it was. However, I assured her that it would be very funny if Jason Alexander or Michael Richards read it. I later found out that she already won a regional championship for this speech in a humor contest... (and I thought it was a screen play!) So why was she bringing it to us if she already won the contest??? Jeezh!

ON $$$$$$
I've already spent a ton of money to film my 20+ hours of footage. I'll start editing it and building the film when a slot opens up at the Apple Store to teach me the basics. The reality, though, is for a full-length version of the this documentary to become a reality I'm going to need more support than I've already gotten from The Benefactor (see www.artomaticvoyage.com/benefactor to learn what I'm talking about) How about it Jason Alexander and Michael RIchards???

That's the story for now. Watch this space!

For the full story, sign up for this blog at: http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3692779619720224644

To learn about screenings/news on the film, sign up for the newsletter at: http://www.artomaticvoyage.com

Jay D. Krasnow
Filmmaker/Director
Journey to the Center of Artomatic

I'm in Hog Heaven (at 5:30 AM)

2010-08-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

I spent a few months dilly-dallying ... people were asking me ... "What's nu" with your film ... when is the film going to be done ... I think I spent more time watching movies then working on my film. Seriously, I jacked my Netflix subscription up to 3 films at a time so that I could watch a film a night. It's my goal to see every Best Foreign Film going back to 1970 and I'm pretty darn close to getting there.

About a week ago I sat myself down to write the script and actually found it pretty easy. Maybe it would be different for you, but I'm a storyteller by trade. I started off as a journalist and ... But I digress. I'm boring you. You know you're on a roll when when you get up in the middle of the night on a week day to work on the script. When I was ready to go back to bed I caught the clock out of the corner of my eye and it was 5:30 AM. Shit. Only 1 hour's sleep before I have to get up for work. If you remember the Michael Jackson video "Thriller" that's about how I felt at 9:30 in the morning. "Is it time to go home yet?"

Thanks to Ian, Stephanie, Hilary, Devin and Suji for looking at my script. It's coming along well based on feedback. So I'm in hog heaven.

By the way, Rachel didn't bother me at all when I was writing (see previous posts)

For the full story, sign up for this blog at:
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3692779619720224644

To learn about screenings/news on the film, sign up for the newsletter at:
http://www.artomaticvoyage.com

Also follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Youtube and Flickr (links to website on the ArtomticVoyage website.

Jay D. Krasnow
Filmmaker/Director
Journey to the Center of Artomatic
www.artomaticvoyage.com

Is that a bible there??? Or are you just happy to see me???

2010-07-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

No, really it's neither. Seriously. I've been toting around the transcripts from my interviews for Journey to the Center of Artomatic. And let me tell you. Getting those transcripts were hard. And expensive ...

Why do I care whether I have transcripts of my interviews? Frankly it makes it easier for me to review the best quotes. I can then print the transcripts out. Cut the quotes up ... then rearrange them into a logical storyline. Getting to the point where I can do that has been the ultimate WWF slam-down.

My first transcriber disappeared without a trace before I could pay him. My second transcriber, a lawyer, decided transcribing wasn't for her. The third transcriber was OH MY GOD EXPENSIVE. The fourth transcriber was, well if you ever read Little Red Riding Hood, just right.

But getting to that point took months and months.

Now I'm going through the transcripts to find the sweat spots in almost 100 pages of transcripts. (I'm on page 20 as we speak). Though I'll take the first stab at writing the script, I've got three eager writers on board ready to help out.

But this is not quick and easy work. I sometimes have to go back to my interviews (in FinalCutPro) to verify that what the transcribers wrote actually represented what was interview and they weren't stoned silly after watching Avatar...

More to come soon ... I'll keep you posted.

P.S. -- I've moved my computer so I haven't had any interference from said cat "Rachel."

Jay D. Krasnow

Filmmaker/Director

Journey to the Center of Artomatic.

Help with Journey to the Center of Artomatic

2010-06-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hello,

A few updates on Journey to the Center of Artomatic.

1) I'm seeking paid transcriber of interviews with artists. Contact me at www.artoamticvoyage.com for details.

2) I have about 2 more hours of the 19 hours of footage to review.

3) Once the two above are done, I can start building the story for Journey to the Center of Artomatic.

Jay

Oooh ... la la ... les bebes!

2010-05-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I just posted the following Blog on my LinkedIn site. I hope you enjoy!

Oooh ... la la ... les bebes!

Watching a month-old baby trying to use the house cat as a blanket made it all worthwhile. No I’m not talking about some strange phase of projection for Journey to the Center of Artomatic. I’m talking about the cinematic sensation “Babies.”

The premise is simple. The filmmakers pick four babies in four countries across the world and follow them from birth to their first birthday. Some of the countries are grossly underdeveloped, like Namibia and Mongolia. The others, Japan and San Francisco, USA, are, well, not underdeveloped.

As the movie unfolds you get to experience curiosities of child rearing other cultures. Like Mongolia. After the baby is born the mom goes leaves the hospital with her bundle of joy to join the babies, father, who is already waiting on the motorcycle, which is revving in the pasture where livestock graze. The mom hops on the motorcycle with her baby and away they go.

Or in Namibia, where the mostly naked baby appears free to roam wherever she wants to, once she can walk. In the Namibian baby’s adventures, she engages in a tongue-licking contest with the family dog that is all too happy to actively participate, while the adults take care of their own business.

In Japan, the baby has a long temper tantrum because she can’t seem to get the long rod into the hole where it belongs.

On the West coast of the United States, baby Hattie, is shown “The No Slapping Book” after she slaps her mom.

No matter how strange these experiences are, the documentary tells an amazing story even without narration: The babies do all the talking and they hold the picture together.

“Babies,” the documentary is playing in local theaters. I hope you enjoy it!

Jay D. Krasnow
Filmmaker/Director
Journey to the Center of Artomatic
www.artomaticvoyage.com

Mitzvah Madness...

2010-04-20T18:50:00.001-07:00

Folks,

See write up on LinkedIn group for JTCA:

http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestionAndAnswers=&gid=2853465&discussionID=18058564&sik=1271813256269&trk=ug_qa_q&goback=%2Eana_2853465_1271813256267_3_1%2Eana_2853465_1271813256269_3_1

Around the Film World in 90 Seconds

2010-04-14T17:52:00.001-07:00

See LinkedIn Group on Journey to the Center of Artomatic:

http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestionAndAnswers=&gid=2853465&discussionID=17602392&goback=%2Eanh_2853465&report%2Esuccess=BY87sYkwN56CnGQrVU9nnj-5x6H10DOIpWh64dxbUtI12w6IAoS8OdYbYVVFgK8SpqYT4dUQDuFP27WSLAKf49y

Speed Production???

2010-03-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

I gave Rachel the weekend to herself (see December 19th, 2009 posting) and took care of the finer parts of filmmaking: marketing and editing.

On Saturday:
1. For the low price of $150 I took a class on marketing your (read "my") documentary at docsinprogress. It was well worth the money and the schlep out to Silver Spring from Arlington. If you're making a documentary, run not walk to Docsinprogress to learn how to market your documentary (See www.docsinprogress.org)

2. I met Violeta Balan, a fellow student in my Docsinprogress class, who wants to do a documentary on shoes (and what they say about people) across the world and another about sexual exploitation of women in Romania. Stay tuned.

3. I tried unsuccessfully to chat about my film project with an Emee-winning director. Our schedules didn't work out, so we'll have try again.

4. Aired out by hanging out with a friend I hadn't seen for almost a year then saw Ghostwriter. Awsome political thriller. Then went to bed

Sunday
1. Spent four hours capturing film and burning DVDs for three hours of interviews with the help of the talented editor Will Weiler. For those of you who don't know, a lot of filmmakers, including myself still use analogue video tapes to capture footage. We then capture the film into FinalCut Pro, a popular film editing software so that we can work with them and make films that people want to see. It can be painstaking work. By the way, each one of these tapes costs about $18 to $20. So far I have 19 tapes I've filled with video for this documentary. You do the math. It's incredible ... It's depressing ... It's capitalism.

2. I'm still waiting for my webmaster to update my test webpage (the page I will launch in the next few weeks). So I can't do anything here.

So basically, there is no speed production. I finally have all the interviews I need and will soon be able to begin to make the script. DVDs with interviews are currently being transcribed in New York.

I'll keep you posted. So the bottom line is that there is no such thing as Speed Production. You have to do all the work, cross all the t's and dot all the i's.

Incidentally, I have a trailer screening at the Soundry (See the www.Soundry.net) in Falls Church on Thursday at 7 PM and another trailer screening at Docsinprogress (www.docsinprogress.org) on Friday April 16th. The event will be held at George Washington University. See docsinprogress website for details.

Jay D. Krasnow
Filmmaker/Director
Journey to the Center of Artomatic
www.artomaticvoyage.com
http://artomaticvoyage.blogspot.com

Drum Circle Extinguished by National Park Service!

2010-03-21T18:28:00.000-07:00

The National Park Service is at it again ...

Tonight. on my day off, a few friends and I mosied down to Molcolm X Park in DC to see the age old pasttime of watching the drummer's circle ...

For those of you who don't know about it, the drummer's circle is a 40-year old ritual that brings a cross-cut of DC society together to perform in and watch West African beat. It's about the only place in DC where straight-laced lawyers, hippies, and all shades between find common ground in the politically polarized seat of the federal government. In a recent Washington Post article, a journalist turned drummer for the Sunday free-for-all said: "It's the safety valve for the mental health of the city. The one place where people can jump up and down and scream without being carted off to jail."

The National Park Service put a stop to that today by demanding that the drummers pack up until they get a $50 permit to perform Malcolm X Park (also known as Meridian Hill). So after 40 years of foot stomping Sunday fun, the drummers need a permit to prevent them from going extinct???

Travel writer Bill Bryson had a few works to say about the NPS in his famous book 'A Walk in the Woods." In it, he wrote: "The National Park Service employs a much more subtle approach to endangering wildlife: neglect."

Could the Malcolm X Park drummers be the next victim of the National Park Service's subtle approach to managing federal parks??

By the way, for those of you wondering about the progress of Journey to the Center of Artomatic, I finished filming last Thursday. To that end, we're screening the trailer at the Soundry in Vienna, Va., on April 1 at 8 PM and again at Docs in Progress on April 16th at 7 PM (see www.docsinprogress.com). More to come ...

Jay D. Krasnow
Filmmaker/Director
Journey to the Center of Artomatic
www.artomaticvoyage.com

The Crusades ...

2010-03-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

I just watch a 1935 film called "The Crusades" by Cecil Demille, who is best known for "The 10 Commandments" The Arab World loved his portrayal of Muslims so much that they collectively told Demille that he could whatever he wanted in the Arab World when he filmed The 10 Commandments.

Could that possibly ever happen again in a post-9/11 environment??? You know, where we rename French Fries "Freedom Fries..." My friend Claude Salhani (www.claudesalhani.com) came up with a few good ones. I think I remember British Cuffs for as a substitute for French Cuffs. I forget what he said that we should change French toast to. But perhaps it could be Texan Toast??? You'd have to ask him.

Anyway, I'm kvelling because I've already got a few film houses asking to screen Journey to the Center of Artomatic. I'm keeping my trap shut about who for now ... but I will say that Docsinprogress (www.docsinprogress.org) is screening my trailer on April 16th at George Washington University. Check for details on the docsinprogress website ...

Jay D. Krasnow
Filmmaker/Director
Journey to the Center of Artomatic
www.artomaticvoyage.com

Just say "oooooops"

2010-03-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

Artomatic President Veronica Szalus just called me to ask about my interview style because I'm interview her along with some of the execs at Monument Realty on Thursday for Journey to the Center of Artomatic, my documentary on Artomatic.

Having administered between 1,000 and 2,000 interviews as a journalist, public affairs man and filmmaker I can honestly say my interview style is "oooops."

Let me explain.

You can spend hours preparing for an interview but you never really know what the interview subject is going to say. It's like ole Forrest Gump said "Life is like box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.

Same is true in interviewing.

Because you can't really predict how the subject is going to act/react you have to be flexible and plan for the unplanned.

So go ahead and say "Oooooops!" You'll be glad you did.

Jay D. Krasnow
Filmmaker/Director
Journey to the Center of Artomatic
http://www.artomaticvoyage.com/

Excuse me, Pac Man, Did you Say, "Waka, Waka?"

2010-03-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are children of the 1980's like me, you'll remember, among the silly things we did to while away our time is play video games like Pac-Man (which everyone remembers) or Crazy Climber (my personal favorite, which no one remembers). So if you can visualize yourself playing Pac Man, you can remember the little 3/4 pie guy gobbling up dots as the Klansman-like ghosts of various colors followed him around.

Ohhhhhhhhh ... Can you hear the "waka, waka, waka" as the Pac Man pigs out on dots???? That's nostolga for you. Anyway, I think about the dot eating as I sit and think about some of the repetative processes I go through to make this film. (i.e., logging and capturing film on FinalCut Pro). Oh how I hate Final CutPro as much as Linus hate the Great Pumpkin for stiffing him every year at Halloween! Those are the breaks in making a film. Not all of it is fun and FinalCut Pro is buggy at best, and has been known to crash at the time when you need it chug along the most.

Anyone got an Aladdin's lamp there? I need to wish away Final Cut Pro forever...

Shomer Shabbat Cinematics...

2010-03-13T17:12:00.000-08:00

A bit about Shomer Shabbat Cinematics ... But first some definitions ...

DEFINITION
Shabbos -- The Jewish day of sabath, which runs from Friday night to Saturday night.

Shomer Shabbos -- A person who observes the rules of Jewish Shabbat, or sabbath, from Friday night to Saturday night. These people adhere to certain rules with respect to prohibition of work

Shomer Shabbos Cinematics -- A solemn vow by a filmmaker do ANYTHING but filmmaking on the Jewish Sabbath.

Last night I drove out to Woodbridge to attend synagogue at Temple Ner Sholom (www.nershalomva.com), which was led by the talented and lovely Rabbi Jennifer Weiner. In her sermon she advised us to take the Sabbath to relax and recuperate instead of typing in a computer like I am now. Now I'm not a very religious Jew ... but after 6 days in a row of hard work on the film -- along with whatever else I do, really begins to wear me down.

So instead I went to the Pentagon City Mall for a 90 minute massage (see last post) before catching Crazy Heart at the E Street Cinema and buying VHS tapes (really I had to buy them) and returning home to make dinner and feed said cat, Rachel. I guess Rachel was Shomer Shabbos herself because not working on my computer during the day also meant she wasn't walking over my keyboard as I'm typing, thus screwing up everything I do.

I guess I blew Shomer Shabbos by spending money for my back massage, the movie and the VHS tapes. I'm just saying it felt good to go 18 hours without checking email. Just something to consider.

By the way, not being a very observant Jew I learned yesterday from Rabbi Weiner that the pointer actually has another name, though I can't right now remember what it is. For those of you who don't know what a pointer is, it's the thing-a-majig that Jews use when the read the Torah so they don't get schmutz on the Torah, thereby destroying the carefully hand-written letters on the Torah and rendering it utterly useless, like a coupon for Circuit City...

Jay D. Krasnow
filmmaker/director
Journey to the Center of Artomatic
www.artomaticvoyage.com

Health Magic for "Stressomatic???"

2010-03-11T19:02:00.000-08:00

After completing a satisfying class on social networking today I swung by Pentagon City Mall, which for those of you who don't know, is in Arlington, Va., near Washington DC to do a little clothing shopping. It was a necessary venture, considering that walking around in some of my shoes makes me feel like Oliver Twist. Anyway, I walked away with two pairs of shoes, two ties, a sweater, and a lighter wallet.

With a long week behind me I felt tense. I had more work to do on my website but I just felt so tense. So I stopped by the kiosk for Health Magic (www.healthymagic.net) for a back massage before leaving Pentagon City. I could have used a 2 hour massage (for $120) but I settled for the 30 minute massage (at $30) since I had a hungry cat named Rachel at home and more work to do on my documentary.

The massagers don't speak English but but --OOOOH, AAAHHH--- they knew how to fix my back. I'm definately going back for a 2 hour massage one day.

Anyway, I came home and finished up my press release about a charity that ArtmaticVoyage is working with and the philanthropic outreach section of the website. I'm looking for a test website to be up this weekend.

I also experimented with some of the newfangled social media I had never heard of before today, including Gather.com, ehow.com, ezinearticles.com, associatedcontent.com, Grazeit.com, bukisa.com and tweetdeck.com

That's a lot for one day.

I need a back massage ... Any takers??? Please????

Jay D. Krasnow

Making a Film About Artomatic is Not Automatic...

2010-03-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

... It takes work! A few updates on the making of Journey to the Center of Artomatic (JTCA) ... (www.artomaticvoyage.com)

1) A talented web designer named Boom Salvador is revamping the ArtomaticVoyage website (www.artomaticvoyage.com). It should be up in a few weeks.

2) Docsinprogress (www.docsinprogress), a Silver Spring, Md. based film group has asked to screen the JTCA trailer on April 16th at George Washington University. (Would you believe I need to give them the trailer in VHS format? Huh??? Do people still use these dinosaurs?)

3) I've cemented a relationship with a Washington, D.C. based arts charity that empowers underserved kids in the city through the arts. Soon you'll be able to make donations to this great charity on the ArtomaticVoyage Website. More to come on this.

4) I have an interview with Natasha Stancill, a vice president at Monument Reality, (www.monumentrealty.com) (the real estate development firm that loaned the 55 M street skyscraper to Artomatic for Artomatic 2009 and Artomatic (www.artomatic.org) President Veronica Szulas on 18 March.

5) Pending editing suite time registration, Will Weiler, a talented editor will help me with capture of interview with Art Collector and Artomatic frequenter Phil Barlow and Cultural Development Corporation of DC head Anne Corbett (www.culturaldc.org)

6) Today, ostensibly for my day job, which is paying for it, I'm taking a Social Media Class with the talented and lovely Faydra D., blogger and coordinator of http://myqotd.com . She's really given me some good advice on blogging for JTCA. (She'll definately be invited to my next Meet-and-Greet)

7) I've shipped 2+ hours of JTCA interviews to a transcriber in NYC . The transcript will help me build the script for the documentary once I'm done filming (Yeah!!!)

8) I made a connection at a Meet-and-Greet I hosted last night. (More on that later)

9) I'm working to coordinate an interview with a DC government official for JTCA. More on that later)

10) I'm attempting to connect with real estate developer Doug Jemal (www.douglasdevelopment.com) so he sits for an interview for JTCA. Can you help???

11) In large part owing to Faydra's (http://myqothed.com) advice, you'll soon be seening my blogs on other sites ... Stay tuned...

12) I'm getting good milage from the JTCA logo, which was done by logo designer Marc Harkness. (www.marcharkness.net)

New ArtomaticVoyage Website coming!!!

2010-03-11T05:37:00.000-08:00

Alright ... It's been a while since I've posted. I know, I know. I haven't forgotten about you. I've just been hard at work. I'll be relaunching the ArtomatiVoyage.com website in the next several weeks. Mark my words, you'll be the first to know when it goes live...

The big news is that Docs In Progress (www.docsinprogress.org) has asked to screen my trailer on April 16th. Details forthcoming. Also, the Soundry (http://thessountry.net) in Falls Church, Va., has expressed interest in Journey to the Center of Artomatic when it is done.

Meanwhile 2 hours of interviews with key Artomatic players are now being transcribed ... More to come...

Thanks for following my posts!

When will Artomatic Houston go online?

2010-02-27T08:24:00.001-08:00

Any ideas on when Artomatic Houston's Website will go up???

See facebook group for Artomatic Houston. Website domain is www.artomatichouston.org

More Interviews!

2010-02-27T08:14:00.000-08:00

I am working to schedule an interview with Artomatic President Veronic Szulas and two executives at Monument Realty (the company that loaned their 55 M Street property to Artomatic for Artomatic 2009.

Meanwhile, I just shipped a DVD with 9 interviews for Journey to the Center of Artomatic to Brooklyn for transcribing! (Frank Warren, Tim Tate, George Koch, Manon Cleary, Ellyn Weiss, Richard Dana, Judy Jashinsky, Jodi Walsh and Fran Atkinson.)

The Benefactor Strikes Again...

2010-01-21T18:02:00.000-08:00

For those of you following the issue, a mysterious individual calling himself (or herself) "The Benefactor" mailed me a dollar and a poem encouraging me to continue my work in film, documenting Artomatic. I posted a blog on the topic on Artdc.org's forum on Artomtaic on 21 November. (For some odd reason the Blog Spot won't allow me to paste the link here).

In any case, I got another package from The Benefactor with a 12-page box set of acrylic paints and the following message:

"Here are some art supplies. If you can't use them please give them to another artist to help the positive energy flow and make the habit of donating grow."

I'm really touched by this donation from The Benefactor. I also don't paint anymore. So the first artist/painter in the DC area who contacts me and can meet me in the Arlington area at some point gets them.

While I'm at it, I thought I'd share a few developments. As you may have seen, the www.artomaticvoyage.com Website as well as my cinematic trailer (that I will send to a prospective narrorator with a director's introduction) are both online.)

On another note, I'd like to leverage the www.artomaticvoyage.com website to raise money for a DC-area based organization that provides assistance/education to the community in the areas. I like the idea of helping kids through the ares, but I'm open to ideas. If you have ideas about charities/organizations that have potential to take off with some extra funds raised through www.artomaticvoyage.com, please let me know. Also, if you have suggestions on how to leverage the www.artomaticvoyage.com website to do this, please let me know.

That's all for now.

Thanks to the Benefactor and everyone else for their help.

Jay D. Krasnow

Over a 100 hits in first 24 hours!

2010-01-11T16:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I posted the new cinematic trailer for Journey to the Center of Artomatic. Already, in the first 24 hours it got over 100 hits! As I write this blog post, the number has hike up to 115!

I'm excited! If you haven't seen it yet, please take a peek.

For some darned reason I can't paste the link here but it's available both on the www.artomaticvoyage.com website and on Youtube. Just do a key word search for "Journey to the Center of Artomatic Cinematic Trailer" and it will come to the top.

All the best!

Jay D. Krasnow

JTCA Website, www.artomaticvoyage.com is now up!

2010-01-09T09:28:00.001-08:00

www.artomaticvoyage.com, the website for Journey to the Center of Artomatic is now up!

Music for documentary on Artomatic

2010-01-05T19:22:00.000-08:00

By request, I've added the links to the musicians who have requested that their music be used in Journey to the Center of Artomatic...

Anil Rock -- www.anilrock.com
Meow Vs. Moew -- www.meowvsmeow.com
Fight the Bear -- www.fightthebearonline.com
Greg Roth -- http://www.myspace.com/gregroth
Flo Anito -- www.floanito.com
Lisa Fenstermacher -- http://www.lisafenstermacher.com/
Noah Silver (formerly Icarus Rising)
BlairBush -- www.blairbush.net
David Stein -- http://www.davidsteinmusic.com/
Iritis -- http://www.myspace.com/iritis

The Music of Journey to the Center of Artomatic...

2010-01-01T10:36:00.001-08:00

The following musicians have granted me the rights to use their music in Journey to the Center of Artomatic. Check out their music online!:

Anil Rock
Meow Vs. Moew
Fight the MEar
Greg Roth
Flo Anito
Lisa Fenstermacher
Noah Silver (formerly Icarus Rising)
BlairBush
David Stein
Iritis

BlairBush's music will be featured in an upcoming trailer, currently in production...

More details forthcoming....

Grant for Documentary on Artomatic?

2009-12-28T19:55:00.000-08:00

I just did the math on transcribing all my interviews on for said documentary on Artomatic ... It could cost up to $1,500 to have my hours of interviews transcribed. Talk about heart ache! It could be time to get a grant so that Journey to the Center of Artomatic may continue its voyage!

Nope ... from Blake!

2009-12-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I asked Washington Post arts reporter Blake Gopnik to sit for an interview on Artomatic for said film, Journey to the Center of Artomatic. In the world of Artomatic, Blake is best known for journistic gems like the following:

Artomatic 2004 "is the second-worst display of art I've ever seen. The only one to beat it out by the thinnest of split hairs, was the 2002 Artomatic, which was worse only by virtue of being even bigger and in an even mor atrocious space..."

Blake had heard about my project from Judy Jashinksy, one of Artomatic 1999's original planners, who I interviewed several months back.

But evidently Blake has had a change of heart, Re: sitting for an interview on Artomatic. He said he's he's had his say in the paper ...

Was it something that Rachel the cat said?

Rule of Thirds for Film Production...

2009-12-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

For those of you in the know, there's something in film production called "The Rule of Thirds." Here's Jay's Rule of Thirds for production of Journey to the Center of Artomatic. The premise is that I have various activities and I have to divvy up my time accordingly so I can do all the things I need to do in a timely fashion. So, without further ado, here they are.

JAY KRASNOW'S RULE OF THIRDS
1) I spend a third of my time working my day job so that I have food on the table for myself, Rachel my cat and any guests I have over.
2) I spend a third of my time supervising Rachel, so that she doesn't go hungry or break my furnature. (She knocked over my prized lapiz lazuli globe twice this weekend)
3) I spend a third of my time making time to see films by the greatest director's in film history, like "Intolerance" by D.W. Griffith, who's best known for his racist film "Birth of a Nation." I wonder how he managed to create a workable crane for his 1916 film "Intolerance," which made largely to say ... "See, I'm not a racist. It's all those other bad boys who are racists."

So considering how I spend my time now, that leaves no time work on my film. Should I tell Rachel to get job, clean up after herself, and pull her own weight?

Snowed In!!!

2009-12-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

Under watchful eye of said cat, Rachel, I used my time during the snowy blizzard to focus on the path less desired: producing. Emailing interviewees (Blake Gopnik of the Washington Post, Veronica Szulas, President of Artomatic; and Anne Corbett, Executive Director of the Cultural Development Corporation of DC.

The lesson learned is that typing at your computer is harder than expected when one has a cat typing on the keyboard while you're trying to do work at the same computer.

Memo to self: Must get Rachel more catnip to occupy herself.

Cat Trouble!

2009-12-17T18:36:00.000-08:00

The trails of having a cat are beginning to take a toll on my filmmaking project ... It all began when said cat, Rachel, fell in the toilet, then was spooked for the next half hour. And this morning Rachel had her maiden voyage to the vet. It was went well until the vet decided to take her temperature. (Don't ask where she put the thermometer)! And Rachel cut into my film production time when I let her loose in my house for the first time and then I couldn't find her! After searching for 45 minutes I eventually found her stuck in my closet. Once I got her out the frightened kitty hid behind my toilet for the next hour.

And she's supposed to be my producer? I think we got off on the wrong paw.

Hugs and purrs.

Jay

Found Producer for Documentary on Artomatic!

2009-12-15T19:08:00.000-08:00

Well almost. I got a cat named Rachel. This actually pretty significant to the production of Journey to the Center of Artomatic (JTCA). This is a big project and it's easy to get lost in the details, especially since I'm producing and directing the film. Let me give you an example. I just set up an interview with Michael Stevens, CEO of the Capital Riverfront Business Improvement District (BID).

This involves:

1) emailing/calling Michael to find out when he's available
2) contacting the film production studio to find out when cameras are available and reserving it
3) contacting Michael to let him know I've reserved the camera and confirming logistics.
4) Asking Michael whether it's okay to interview Washington Post arts reporter Blake Gopnick; Anne Corbett, a maven at the DC Cultural Development Corporation, and/or Artomatic President Veronica Szulas. (Assuming they are available on 15 January when I'm interviewing Michael) [I'll have to get back to you on this one.]
5) Identifying a crew for this project: people to take care of sound, camera and lighting when I interview Michael.

Seriously a lot of work, if you know what I mean. So I'm glad to have Rachel at the end of my day to help me unwind ...

The trials of an independent filmmaker.

I tell you.

Need an inside connection???

2009-12-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

I called the production studio about booking a studio in January to tape the director's intro to my theatrical trailer. That trailer will go to a high profile Washingtonian who's on the ballot to narrate Journey to the Center of Artomatic ... (I'm not saying who).

Anyway, it's just past the first week of December, the calendar for January just came out ... and already the month was pretty booked. What do I need to do to get a prime time studio session? Give up my first born?

What up with the Apple thing?

2009-12-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

I'm working on another trailer for Journey to the Center of Artomatic (JTCA). When I'm done, I'll send it to a high-profile prospective narrator (I'm not saying who).

Anyway, in my quest to make this trailer, I learned of some really cool footage (check out seconds 18 to 33 in this video: http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.php?id=1150279341&ref=ts Made by Clint Wardow the Artomati

Anyway, I wanted to get it in a format I can use. He uses a Mac at home and I use a PC at home. I only use Macs at the studio editing center I rent. It took us 20 minutes to figure out how he could give me the footage that I needed.

Could life be any more difficult?????

Serendipity???

2009-12-08T16:26:00.000-08:00

According to Dictionary.com, serendipity is "an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident."

So maybe I can blame serendipity for my current predicament. I'm quite sure that two years ago I never would have imagined that I'd be squeezing out every minute of my day to work on a full-length documentary. That's serendipity. Or perhaps serendipity is seeing that my AT&T-disabled iPhone is actually working today. Anyway, that brings me to the premise of this blog...

MY PREMISE: I actually have time to make a documentary, work my day job, shop for a cat, coordinate a charity, keep on top of the greatest (and newest) films ever made, kvell over the great home cooked food my mom made when I was a kid growing up in Connecticut(especially the stuffed peppers) and occasionally get some sleep.

MY TOOLS: An army of volunteers who've helped me with camera work, grip (that's techno-blab for lighting), logo design, website design, editing, and communications strategy.

MY GOAL: Create a documentary on Artomatic, an annual, unjuried arts festival in the Washington Metro area that has helped launch the careers of dozens of artists. My goal is to have this film shown across the nation so that coalitions of artists across the nation will bond together and have similar types of Artomatic exhibits in their cities. FYI, over 70,000 people attended Artomatic 2009, which showed over 1,000 visual artists' work across from DC's Navy Yard Metro. Other art forms seen at Artomatic 2009 included magic, kids arts, musical arts, drama, improv, comedy and poetry, to name a few.

MY VISION: Write regular blogs on the progress of my documentary so that I'm free to talk about topics that actually interest people other than me. As such, a few house cleaning issues are in order, for people who are actually interested in this stuff and don't know already...

If you care to know, the film will be called "Journey to the Center of Artomatic" If you're bored, look for me on Twitter, under the name ArtomaticVoyage and on FaceBook under the group "Journey to the Center of Artomatic." I have group on MySpace too. But even I don't use it and I never log on. I'll have website up soon too. So you'll just have to wait on that one.

I have a YouTube video that has been viewed exactly 862 times but probably most of the views are mine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JapN65qnWg

So now when people ask me what I do, I can say: "I'm a filmmaker, but my passion is accounting..."

That's all for now!

Jay