#pioneerartist

[vowism]

Lucio Fontana's art philosophy centered on exploring the concept of space and the boundaries of form. Active from the late 1920s until his death in 1968, Fontana was an Italian-Argentinian artist whose work evolved from traditional sculpture to pioneering explorations of space and form in art. He believed that art should extend beyond the two-dimensional plane into three-dimensional space. This philosophy is most famously encapsulated in his series "Concetto Spaziale" (Spatial Concept), where he sought to challenge traditional artistic conventions and highlight the infinite possibilities of space.

Fontana's "Concetto Spaziale" series is a revolutionary body of work that redefined the boundaries of visual art. In this series, he created artworks by slashing or puncturing the canvas. These deliberate cuts and holes were not just destructive acts but were meant to transcend the flat surface of the canvas, inviting the viewer to consider the space beyond the artwork itself. By doing so, Fontana aimed to break away from the conventional limitations of the canvas as a flat, contained surface. He viewed the act of cutting the canvas as a way to liberate it from its physical constraints and transform it into a gateway to infinite space.

For example, in Concetto Spaziale, Attese (Spatial Concept, Waiting), Fontana made multiple vertical slashes on the canvas. These cuts symbolize a breach into the infinite, emphasizing the three-dimensional space that lies beyond the two-dimensional plane. The slashes create a dialogue between the material canvas and the immaterial space behind it, urging viewers to think about the unseen dimensions. The simplicity and repetition of the slashes invoke a meditative quality, encouraging contemplation on the nature of space and the void.

Similarly, in Concetto Spaziale, La Fine di Dio (Spatial Concept, The End of God), Fontana created oval canvases with punctured holes. These perforations represent an exploration of the relationship between the material and the void, reflecting Fontana's interest in the cosmic and the infinite. This series underscores his belief that art should reflect the expansive and limitless nature of the universe. The title itself, "The End of God," suggests a profound philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence and the boundaries of human understanding.

Fontana's innovative approach was not limited to the physical act of cutting or puncturing the canvas. He was deeply influenced by contemporary scientific advancements and the changing perceptions of space and reality brought about by mid-20th century technology. His work resonates with the era's fascination with the cosmos and the unknown, mirroring humanity's quest to explore and understand the vastness of the universe. Through his "Concetto Spaziale" series, Fontana's philosophy of integrating space into art becomes evident. He sought to create a new dimension in art, one that reflects the limitless possibilities of the universe and our expanding understanding of it. This innovative approach has cemented his legacy as a pioneer in the conceptual and spatial art movements, influencing countless artists and reshaping the trajectory of modern art.

Fontana's contributions to art extend beyond his physical works; his theoretical writings and manifestos further elaborate on his vision of spatial art. He argued that traditional art forms were no longer sufficient to express the complexities of the modern world. Instead, he advocated for an art that embraced the dynamic and ever-changing nature of contemporary life, an art that was as much about the voids and spaces as it was about the material forms.

In summary, Lucio Fontana's exploration of space and form through his "Concetto Spaziale" series has had a profound impact on the art world. His work challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and consider the infinite possibilities that lie within and beyond the canvas. By integrating space into his art, Fontana opened up new avenues for artistic expression, paving the way for future generations of artists to explore and redefine the boundaries of art. His legacy as a pioneer of conceptual and spatial art continues to influence and inspire, demonstrating the enduring power of innovative thinking in the arts.

[jon-pires-blog]

___________________________________________________ . ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ . ▓▓▒▒░░ "Blue -- Moon" ░░▒▒▓▓ . ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ . Sentence: . "ὥστ᾽ ἔγωγε, καθάπερ οἱ ποιηταί, δέομαι ἀρχόμενος τῆς διηγήσεως Μούσας τε καὶ Μνημοσύνην ἐπικαλεῖσθαι." . (translation) ; . "Consequently, like the poets, I must needs begin my narrative with an invocation of the Muses and Memory." . Manual +ID : 2342394238472394 Generated -ID : 316 73 96 Generated -ID : class (9) . Chronology : 11M.2D.2019Y @ 11:30 PM EST Piece CLASS : <Digital_Standard Piece> Piece MEDIUMS : -.RAW files (converted to .TIFF) -.WAV files (converted to .RAW) -.HTML files (converted to .PDF) -.PDF files (converted to .RAW) Piece PROGRAMS : -Audacity (RAW to IMAGE Conversion) -Discord (Image Artifacting) -Lightroom (Imaging Refinement) -PSCC2019 -MSPaint Piece INSPIRATIONS : - pushing my own limits, once again for ecstasy - who knew that daunts could cultivate so much joy? Piece INFORMATION : -- voice actress flooper69: https://drawception.com/player/797812/flooper69/ audio file revv_echo.wav . -- voice editor stunt22 https://drawception.com/player/796510/stunt22/ audio file revv_echo.wav . Piece SIZE & RESOLUTION : -854x1433pixels/inches -300dpi #rawdata #fileconversion #pioneerart #themoon #blueartwork #blueart #bluemoons #darkbluemoon #virtualartist #virtualartists #datatransfer #transferdata #musictoimage #minimalistmaximism #maximism #photoshopdigitalart #lightroomart #pioneerartist (at Glens Falls, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Y5_tEH0aV/?igshid=1jdbyig5mnydb

[paintingdaily]

Book day. Found a book about Euphemia McNaight #canadianwomanartist I had never heard of. Wonderful book with great images and history. #pioneerartist #canadianartistofthewest #peaceriver #braverlodge #alberta #painting #art #book #canada🇨🇦 #canadianartist🇨🇦 #womenartistsofcanada #evelynoldroydpainting.blogspot.ca

[gavlakgallery]

🏺𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘢 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘺: 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘚𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝟷𝟿𝟾𝟶-𝟷𝟿𝟾𝟿 is online and open to the public! Check out the #FriezeMasters #Spotlight - link in bio!⁣ ⁣ “For the bronze, Frey would hand-build a ceramic sculpture, fire it, then have the foundry make a negative cast mold from her sculpture for the bronze casting. The bronze being presented (pictured above) is a unique sculpture - no other bronzes were made like this; this work and its ceramic counterpart were executed in 1985.”⁣ ⁣ Viola Frey⁣ 𝘜𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘥 (𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘐𝘐), 1985⁣ Bronze and gold leaf⁣ 16.25 x 19 x 11.25 in (41.3 x 48.3 x 28.6 cm)⁣ ⁣ Images © Artists’ Legacy Foundation / Licensed by ARS, NY. Photos by M. Lee Fatherree. ⁣ ___⁣ @friezeartfair @friezemasters @violafreyarchives @artistslegacyfoundation ⁣ #friezemasters2020 #friezevr #friezeartfair #frieze2020 #artistslegacyfoundation #ceramicart #contemporarysculpture #contemporaryceramics #ceramicsculpture #ceramicartist #contemporarycraft #modernceramics #clayart #ceramiclife #ceramist #clayartist #handbuiltceramics #ceramicist #claylife #contemporary_art #figurativeart #americanartist #glazes #westcoastartist #violafreyceramics #sculptureartist #modernartist #pioneerartist https://www.instagram.com/p/CGQp-vpFiiU/?igshid=15xl9brr1ltsh

[artcastella-blog]

Lim Cheng Hoe: Painting Singapore . Exhibiting now at National Gallery Singapore. . Survey Singapore’s past grandeur and its urban development captured by our pioneer watercolour artist Lim Cheng Hoe. . #nationalgallerysingapore #limchenghoe #watercolor #pioneerartists #oldtimes #urbandevelopment (at National Gallery Singapore)

[psycheis]

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. - Eleanor Roosevelt #GlobalBeautyLife #BeautyIsEverywhere #BeYourOwnKindOfBeautiful #YouAreBeautiful #BeAmazingEveryDay #QuoteOfTheDay #QOTD #PsycheBabbles #PsycheSays #PsycheVIP #PsycheIs #ReformedPersonOfInterest #RenaissanceWoman #Eccentric #Enigmatic #Wanderlusts #Wayfinder #Stargazer #Dreamer #AdventureAwaits #LiveYourOwnAdventure #NotAllWhoWanderAreLost #Wish #Dream #Believe #ADreamIsAWishYourHeartMakes #WishBelieveActAchieve #CreateMotivateInspire 
#ThinkAspireDareAchieve #TADA #AspirePerspireInspire #WhatMakesYouaSTAR #STAR #Starshine #Stardust #TheMiracleMorning #RitualsForTransformation #RitualsForLiving #TheDragontree #TheMiracleMorning #Gratitude #TheSecret #Lightwork #TheDesireMap #LimeLifebyAlcone #LimeLife #LimeLifer #LimeLightbyAlcone #LimeLight #BrighterTogetherFoundation
#theFACEcrew #theSTARteam #FoundingGlobalBeautyGuide #FoundingInternationalBeautyGuide #FoundingBeautyGuide #PioneerArtist (at Windermere, Florida)

[pioneerartists]

1. Name: Ashley Barton

a.Website: bravenewcupcakes.com

2. Age: 30

3. Art Medium: Food, words, photographs.

4. Hails from Scarborough, ME

5. Currently Living in Northampton, MA

6. What drew you to move to or stay in the Pioneer Valley?

I moved here for school. It was an impersonal and purely functional decision. I’ve left a couple of times since, but I keep coming back. Sometimes it feels small. Sometimes it feels strange, filled with younger and younger, unfamiliar faces. But it’s so beautiful. And it feels like home.

7. Where do you find support for your creative endeavors in the community?

The Valley food revival, starring farm-to-table everything and local microbreweries by the dozen... This awesomeness can be as intimidating as it is inspiring. I prefer witnessing craft food businesses at their adolescent, awkward stages: a table at a local punk show, a pop-up cart at a barely relevant event for a friend of a friend. Those are the people that I want to talk to. My conversations with those people keep me excited, inspired and scheming.

I went to culinary school but never had the ego or drive to make a real go of it in a kitchen or as a food business entrepreneur (yet anyway). I’m a worrier by nature. A doubter. But I love food too much to not cook. And I cook too much to not share. Not everyone nerds out about spices, but it’s easy to connect about food. We all eat. It’s a medium every single person can relate to. I prefer to think of art as an arena for learning more about ourselves and each other.  

8. Have you ever considered leaving the area to better benefit your work?

Only in a vague sort of way. I don’t have a plan or an end goal right now. I don’t know what I want to do or who I want to be. And it has always seemed silly to leave a place so rich without proper cause.

9. What would you like to see more of in the Valley to better support artists?

I would love to see more openness in the community. More and more friends in Northampton and Amherst are relegated to cafe and clothing store spaces to showcase their art. Are you really experiencing a piece of art tucked between stylishly dressed mannequins or hanging above your table while you slurp coffee? Area galleries seem to cater to a defined and established arts scene, and that is blatantly contrary to the purpose and power art has to expand its audience’s expectations and horizons.

10. Do you have additional comments on the arts and music scene in the Valley?

I certainly have never felt as though what I do is “art.” Art hangs in museums. Art is cooler than I am. If you tend to be insecure, labels create feelings of jealousy, inadequacy, and exclusion. The more confident of us feel bolstered by them, as if they’ve shown us the way to success via stamped approval. Twelve years in the Valley have taught me that creativity is fickle; most people don’t recognize their own talent.  

[gavlakgallery]

📡 LIVE TODAY • 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘢 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘺: 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘚𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 (𝟷𝟿𝟾𝟶-𝟷𝟿𝟾𝟿) @friezeartfair • GAVLAK #viewingroom 247!⁣ ⁣ Frey’s boldly colored figurative sculptures, paintings, and works on paper that reflect on contemporary culture, power, and gender dynamics. Frey considered herself a 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘳 – a junk accumulator – by reinterpreting collectable figurines, philosophical ideas, personal experience, and color theory freely to create new meaning in ceramic and bronze. Her works on paper and paintings echo the sculptures, creating a dynamic back-and-forth conversation between media.⁣ ⁣ Viola Frey⁣ 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵'𝘴 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘥/𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰/𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥: 𝘔𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘚𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭, 1988⁣ Pastel on paper⁣ 48 x 64 inches⁣ ⁣ Visit the link in our bio to plan your visit!⁣ #FriezeMasters2020⁣ ⁣ Images © Artists’ Legacy Foundation / Licensed by ARS, NY. Photos by M. Lee Fatherree.⁣ ___⁣ @friezemasters @violafreyarchives⁣ @artistslegacyfoundation #violafrey⁣ #friezemasters #friezevr #friezeartfair #frieze2020 #artistslegacyfoundation #ceramicart #contemporaryceramics #worksonpaper #ceramicartist #contemporarycraft #modernceramics #clayart #ceramiclife #ceramist #clayartist #handbuiltceramics #ceramicist #claylife #contemporary_art #figurativeart #americanartist #glazes #westcoastartist #violafreyceramics #sculptureartist #modernartist #pioneerartist (at Frieze Masters) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGDjBOblcUh/?igshid=1aerhkbt6onqa

[gavlakgallery]

GAVLAK is pleased to participate in this year’s edition of Frieze Masters with 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘢 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘺: 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘚𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 (𝟷𝟿𝟾𝟶-𝟷𝟿𝟾𝟿). This presentation marks the beginning of our partnership with the Artists’ Legacy Foundation, who are the stewards of Frey's artwork and archives.⁣ ♥️⁣ ⁣ Over the course of her five-decade career, #ViolaFrey (1933��2004) produced a body of artwork ranging from ceramic and bronze sculptures, to paintings and drawings, as well as exploring working in glass and photography. ⁣ ⁣ Visit the link in our bio to register for VIP Viewing of #FriezeMasters2020, and subscribe to our email list for upcoming presentations of Frey’s work.⁣ ⁣ Viola Frey⁣ 𝘜𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘥 (𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘦)⁣ 1984-85⁣ Ceramic and glazes⁣ 43 x 22 x 17 inches⁣ ⁣ Viola Frey⁣ 𝘜𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘥 (𝘕𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘓𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘯), 1985⁣ Acrylic on paper⁣ 31.75 x 22.5 inches⁣ ⁣ Viola Frey, 1986.⁣ Photo by Chris Felver⁣ ⁣ Images © Artists’ Legacy Foundation / Licensed by ARS, NY. Photos by M. Lee Fatherree. ⁣ ___⁣ @friezeartfair @friezemasters @violafreyarchives⁣ @cca.oakland.legacy @cca_ceramics @artistslegacyfoundation ⁣ #friezemasters #friezevr #friezeartfair #frieze2020 #artistslegacyfoundation #ceramicart #contemporarysculpture #contemporaryceramics #ceramicsculpture #ceramicartist #contemporarycraft #modernceramics #clayart #ceramiclife #ceramist #clayartist #handbuiltceramics #ceramicist #claylife #contemporary_art #figurativeart #americanartist #glazes #westcoastartist #violafreyceramics #sculptureartist #modernartist #pioneerartist (at Frieze Masters) https://www.instagram.com/p/CF0GgiEFO9S/?igshid=4vngwn5b06k4

[pioneerartists]

1.Name: Ben Reigle

a.Website:

www.benreigle.com  www.faceboook.com/oxenmass

www.facebook.com/ghostsmoker

2. Age: 37

3. Art Medium: Tattooer, musician, acrylic and oil painter, watercolorer, pen and inker, graphic designer.

4. Hails from: Stafford, Connecticut

5.Currently Living in: Holyoke, Massachusetts 

6. What drew you to move or stay in the Pioneer Valley? Coming from a small town, with a mindset befitting a place with a sub-Nascar race track, I grew up an outcast. I didn't fit the norms of what I was exposed to. I hated sports, hated racing and things with engines, hated a lot of stuff in my formative years. That hatred fueled me to seek out other non-conformists who had similar perspective. Somewhat of a natural ability to traverse all different sub-genres of people came very easy to me, and while others dismissed that as being fake, I have learned that a honest and genuine person can identify with others regardless of whatever label they or others put on them. This all led me to hardcore music. I played in a band in the early-mid 90’s. We found a home in the western Mass hardcore scene, and never left. Coming from my hometown, the Pioneer Valley was a vibrant, artsy community with a lot of people that shared the same view on the world as I did. It didn't seem exclusionary, it seemed accepting. It was new, fun and exciting. I look back and wonder how much of that was wanderlust and how much was reality, but as my sister went to NYU in 93-96 and I was in NYC on at least a monthly basis, I like to think I had a decent understanding of it all. Western Mass seemed like home from the get go. There was a lack of the pretentiousness that I felt in Connecticut, and still to this day, comparing the two, leads me to the same conclusion, albeit having a far more informed opinion. Years passed and life happened and I am still here now, a father, a business man, a professional artist, semi-professional musician. I find inspiration from those I surround myself with, and this area has some of the sweetest, most caring most human beings I have ever encountered. That is what drew me here and what keeps me here to this day, like minded outcasts who have made it in one way or another by their own terms. Now that I have learned to live with the hatred, and to channel it properly and not let it consume me, I find myself yearning to go to the woods to live.

7. Where do you find support for your creative endeavors in the community?  Now, it is the people I actively seek out, I do not expect anything from anyone. I try and earn it. Having worked at a music store for years, being in bands for over 2 decades, and tattooing for 9 years, I have been truly blessed with some of the greatest encounters I could ever ask for. My client base is my true support system, they help me pay my bills and afford a nice life that I am proud of. I find support in other local businesses, reaching out and being reached out to by people. Taking care of one another. I love being a part of a community, I think I am a socialist at heart, meaning I think if we all play a part in our communities and our communities thrive, we all do better and it resonates outwards from there. 

8. Have you ever considered leaving the area to better benefit your work?  I have left, I moved to Burlington, VT. for a music store job in 2005. It was rough for me. I had a persona here, or so I thought, and moving away and losing all bragging rights about this and that really helped me deconstruct my view of myself. Now that I have questioned that ego mentality, or try to practice that at the very least, and I have learned to take critiques, I have a different view. I love traveling to go tattoo, and tattooing affords me the chance to go do that. I love going to Atlanta and Orlando a few times a year each, and every time I do I return with a renewed energy, but also a renewed love for the Valley. I swear there is something magic about going from Holyoke to Easthampton and going over Mt. Tom, even after the microburst tore it to shreds, it still invigorates me. 

9. What would you like to see more of in the Valley to better support artists? As a tattooer, I am fairly fulfilled by The Blueprint Gallery. Working by appointment only has led me to a sense of peace, calm and focus that I could have never attained at other tattoo studios. As far as other medium, I feel as though there is a lack of interesting galleries to show work in. I find most of the galleries to be exclusive and tending to showcase art that never speaks to me. Foe and a few others are exceptions.  As far as music goes, I feel as though the larger venues around here being owned by a monopoly that has no interest in supporting the local music scene has been a detriment to the musicians around here. I think the venues in Northampton could be like a training grounds. Start at the small room, start booking that out well move onto the next room, and on up until you are headlining the biggest room in the town, and all along helping raise the music up in the area. I am a dreamer in that sense I suppose, for I do not see the structures in place changing. There are far too many bro bars, thug laden places where you feel unsafe, and again monopolies that have ruined a lot of opportunity. It would be nice to have decent size room with a great stage and good sound that could circumvent the regime and get some locals stage time with some nationals without having to sell your own tickets, and support a place that lets their buildings crumble and their staffs starve. The fact that they deem where on the bill your band plays by how your ticket sales go it an awful practice. I personally believe that is a bullshit format. I am an artist and a musician, and although I have a sales position in my past, I want to concern myself with creating and marketing my band, not slinging tickets for a venue. That job of promotion should land on the venues shoulders more in my opinion.There are some great venues doing some great stuff, I think the Flywheel does a great job and have for a long time, and a handful of promoters who are trying to fight against this norm that do a great job in venues like the 13th Floor, The Ohm, The Platinum Pony and I am sure I am forgetting some. A place like Ralph’s Diner in Worcester is a perfect example of a place with character, a great sized room and the ability to book the place and draw people in. We need that here. 

10. Do you have additional comments on the arts and music scene in the Valley? I appreciate the opportunity to speak on that. Without maintaining a negative mindset, I feel like the illusion of the Valley is different from reality. There is this liberal progressive facade that gets projected, but I honestly see past the facade. Inherent underlying racism is clearly evident. Classism and gentrification are evident everywhere you look. There always has been a beautifully cultured and rich “counter” culture in the Valley, regardless of the ever present culture-wealth-race gap that stares us in the face daily. I try not to dwell in the bitter angry mental state for too long, and when I find myself creeping there, I stop, take a breath, take a look around and realize how amazing a life I have here in the Pioneer Valley. Although some things are worth fighting and bitching about with out a shred of doubt, I also want to be mindful of how beautiful life here surrounded by amazing people really is.

[pioneerartists]

1.Name: Sarah Ann Gagné a.Website: sarah-gagne.com / withthought.com 2. Age: 32 3. Art Medium: Photography, Culinary Arts 4. Hails from: Three Rivers, Massachusetts 5.Currently Living in: Three Rivers, Massachusetts 6. What drew you to move or stay in the Pioneer Valley? I've lived in the Pioneer Valley all my life. Although I have some opportunities to leisurely travel throughout the year, I always come back. I am incredibly close to my family and they also reside here. 7. Where do you find support for your creative endeavors in the community? It helps to find friends and contacts that critique and offer positive advice, whether it's personal or artistic advice. It also helps to own a vehicle! Driving is one of my biggest inspirations, and the Pioneer Valley is perfect for aimless driving. Something surely ends up stirring in your brain after a little weekend roadtrip. 8. Have you ever considered leaving the area to better benefit your work? I have, yes. If that opportunity ever presented itself to me, I will always fondly think of my time here in Western Massachusetts along with the people I've met. But no matter where I might end up, I know I will never have access to a place with such beauty and mystery like the Quabbin Reservoir. 9. What would you like to see more of in the Valley to better support artists? I would like to see an artists collective and more gallery openings, and a weekly meeting of like-minded souls where people can exchange ideas and connect with other creatives. And if food is ever involved in this meeting, that would be a fantastic thing. Because food is always an inspiration to me. I've traveled up to Brattleboro, Vermont to process film and prints in the darkroom at the Vermont Center for Photography, and to have a community-operated darkroom in the Valley is something to consider. Analog photography is truly a dying art form, and we should step in and do our best to preserve the process. 10. Do you have additional comments on the arts and music scene in the Valley? Perhaps I'm not aware to this if it already exists, but it would be neat to have an email list or even a website for shows and gatherings. While Facebook invites are helpful, one go-to place with events and suggestions would be a great idea.

[pioneerartists]

1.Name: Daniel J. Cashman a.Website: http://trashcanland.tumblr.com 2. Age: 36 3. Art Medium: video/audio/collage 4. Hails from: Eastern, MA 5.Currently Living in: Northampton, MA 6. What drew you to move or stay in the Pioneer Valley? 

Came for the UMASS, stayed for the ambience. 7. Where do you find support for your creative endeavors in the community? 

Through friends and confidants. 8. Have you ever considered leaving the area to better benefit your work? 

Every day. 9. What would you like to see more of in the Valley to better support artists? Less fake-liberal-upper middle class bullshit, more fucking shit up. 10. Do you have additional comments on the arts and music scene in the Valley? I'm getting too old for this shit.

[pioneerartists]

1.Name: Courtney Brooke  a.Website: http://www.lightwitch.com/ ( and http://pioneerartists.tumblr.com/ )

2. Age: 34 3. Art Medium: Primarily Photography 4. Hails from: The Pioneer Valley  5.Currently Living in: Palmer, MA  6. What drew you to move or stay in the Pioneer Valley? 

 I grew up here, in various towns in the area, and although I tried to leave a few times something about this place, perhaps it’s the nature, the laid back attitude, and great food, it pulls me back in .

 7. Where do you find support for your creative endeavors in the community? 

Aside from my small group of friends, most of my support comes from my online community. This project started because I thought that was a real shame. This area prides it’s self on being a haven for creatives, but I felt like I was either out side of some bubble or I just didn’t know the right people. As I started to talk more about this with my few creative friends in the area across all mediums the feeling was much the same. Where are the venues, where are the galleries, and more over who are these people making art? 

 8. Have you ever considered leaving the area to better benefit your work? 

Not even once. My love for New England and the Pioneer Valley will always trump money or fame for me. I do value having a strong community of broad thinkers, makers and doers, who support, push and raise each other up. I hope this project can be a step in that direction.   9. What would you like to see more of in the Valley to better support artists?

Firstly more venues and galleries.  Spaces that are inclusive to a diverse crowd and work to dismantle the concept of keeping art for the elite wealthy white folks of the world. Spaces, both physically and virtually, for artists to share ideas, concepts, gear, etc.  and collaborate in the name of growing as an artist and community.