Pop-Up show at Coastline Community College

The pop - up show was curated by Carl E.Smith, owner of River gallery

and this too shall pass by Andrea Moni

Director Carl E. Smith has organized and produced exhibitions and other art events in California and internationally for the past two decades. Smith opened his first gallery in the Czech Republic 15 years ago, curating young artists into their first exhibitions. He has advocated for artists on commercial and fine art platforms between Prague, his hometown of Laguna Beach and subsequently, CES Gallery, in Downtown LA—all with the intention of fostering artistic vision. He is passionate about art and is dedicated to helping emerging artists through the crucial first stages of their careers, while providing more established artists with unique opportunities. Smith is an active creative, specializing in art, design and education. He currently works as an art director, designer and instructor, conducting professional practice workshops for artists at various institutions. Smith is the Chair of the Contemporary Circle at the Laguna Art Museum.

Art by Carl E. Smith and Jennifer Gunluck

Painting by Cody Lusby

Sculpture by Beverly Jacobs

Embracing Change

Jose using natural pigments and ocean water to paint

There comes a moment in time when our children spread their wings. That moment is bittersweet, both for them and their families. Jose strives to embrace her new reality…

Today she chooses her own colors and begins to paint her picture. The outcome is yet to be seen, a process which we call life. Every action is a courageous step in the direction towards independence and adulthood…

Jose knows that her attitude towards life is affected by her ability to navigate the coming obstacles. She has some influence on what direction she will take, but like the canvas floating in the water, she cannot control every outcome. Instead of allowing herself to be dragged through life, she must influence the changes that inevitably will be an integral part of all our lives. Like with this painting process, Jose chooses to face this new stage with determination and a positive attitude.

Mixing the natural earth pigments and egg tempera

Inspired by the horizon

Kathy paints, inspired by the horizon, and uses all that is available.

She writes, “ Andrea explained her process to me and I launched in. It wasn’t hard for me to see what I wanted to represent, the horizon was in front of me. I was able to enjoy this child-like experience of finger painting on a large scale, but struggled to accept that things will be imperfect, off-center or out of balance. Andrea’s process doesn’t result in perfect, it just is.”

Kathy really dug into the work, but struggled to accept that things are fine in their imperfections. However, even though she is, like us all, struggling with the imperfections of life, she is coming to see that there are always new horizons. Her message and the title of the piece is, and broaden your horizons.

“At the end of the day there is a sunset on the horizon. The day may have been perfect or not. The next day there will be a sunrise on the horizon and the day may be perfect or not.” Kathy E.

All Media Exhibition Juried Show

Annual exhibition juried by Dave Barton, writer for OC Weekly.

Check out my piece “and break free” in the back.

Dave Barton has written for the OC WEEKLY for more than 20 years, the last nine as its lead art critic.

Painting with Nature

Art is a great contribution to the world: it inspires us and improves us. However, sometimes the process of making art can end up hurting more than it helps. By choosing grounds, supports, and media made entirely or partially from recycled materials, or less toxic materials, artists can make environmentally friendly art without sacrificing the quality of the work. Recycled materials reduce the waste being created and limit the natural resources being destroyed.

I am working on a series of paintings using organic earth pigments, the natural flow of water and egg tempera. Egg Tempera painting is unique in its characteristics producing crisp, luminous effects that differ from oil. Using egg yolk as the binder is an ancient technique that produces a water-soluble paint.  It is a very permanent technique, but much less toxic then synthetic materials.

We only only have one planet, and while art helps to beautify it, we all can help protect it at the same time by using elements or materials that do less damage.

Materials Matter

Re-purposed Mixed Media on Display at John Wayne Airport

SANTA ANA, Calif. – From December 19, 2017 – January 18, 2018, sustainable mixed media by Andrea Moni will be on display at John Wayne Airport (JWA) as part of JWA’s Community Focus Space Program. These works can be viewed on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B and C, and on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4.

“Ms. Moni’s transformation of materials from a variety of sustainable sources, breathes new life into what already exists,” said Board Chairwoman Michelle Steel. “JWA guests will enjoy the whimsy, heroic value, and sense of rescue her work illustrates.”

Art Heals

Trauma and suffering. Spirituality and healing. Hope and peace. These are words that come to mind when I paint. My burn branded my body, my art and my soul. My scars will last forever, but they have fueled my creativity with a new purpose. Heal others while making something beautiful.

Currently, my work is a collaboration of ocean currents, natural non-toxic materials and healing through human collaboration. I invite individuals who have experienced their own form of pain and trauma to participate in the creative process. Some have endured; others are in the midst of struggle and self-doubt. Together, we take one huge canvas to an open ocean, and apply the pigments, allowing the currents to paint the background while we manipulate the canvas. As it rests on the sand and rocks to dry in the salty breeze, we drip and splash the colors, guided by wind and gravity, until we agree that the canvas is ready. We experience the surrendering of control to not only the forces of nature, but to each other. This is where true healing begins, in the act of letting go. The canvas is then transported to my studio where I study the lines and shadows created, incorporating them into an integral part of each composition. My work is no longer about me but about a magical process that combines nature and human energy using sustainable materials. The end result is always unknown, but always speaks for itself, inspiring by the simple act of letting go, turning hardship and trauma into a positive message to be shared by all who are willing to listen.