Digital Memories

I've been thinking a lot about memory and how much we've come to rely on technology to be that memory. On one hand, this has become absolutely necessary; there is too much information in the world for anyone to be knowledgeable about it all. And yet, it seems that we don't just use computers and search engines for the things beyond our grasp but rather let them do all of the work for us because it's easier and faster than trying to remember anything on our own. We simultaneously have the joy of endless information at our fingertips and the disaster of allowing that ability to develop into a lazy habit. With this ability to instantly gratify any whim, I think we tend to filter less out. With the dawn of photography, we began to think slightly less about the details that might be included or excluded from a painting. With the digital age, the care that was still put into a single exposure dramatically plummeted once again. Without the expense of film and paper, the need to edit the exposures no longer exists. And without the need to edit, we lose the need to take any care in the creation of the photo itself. I've decided to make a painting that takes such a careless photo and turns it into a labor intensive painting, translating each pixel by hand from computer to panel. In doing so, I'll be forced to study this picture --this memory-- in minute detail -- spending far more time on it than I would ever have done otherwise.

artist news

a little over a week ago, a friend's apartment burnt down. i've posted a few pictures here of what remains of his studio. much of my work has dealt with the idea of loss, but as i walked through the remains of his home, i realized i knew very little about this form of it. i have had things stolen or lost or ruined in one way or another, but the very idea of having every possession disintegrate in front of my eyes is completely foreign to me. having only just recently moved into my own fresh space at psu, the stark contrast of our situations rose glaringly in front of me, and over the next few days, i found myself wondering if i was capable of even addressing such a subject with any legitimacy. perhaps i am equipped to address the loss i have suffered in my own life --as we all must be-- but i am nevertheless struck with a grave sense of naivete. there is a great difference between knowing about the world and experiencing it. and i am afraid i have experienced only enough to know how little i have seen.

below i've copied an announcement from his gallery - Rake - about a benefit to help him rebuild. it's good to know that there are people to rally around us when we have nothing.

photos (from top to bottom): Michael in his living room sorting through the remains of hundreds upon hundreds of slides that were burnt; a view of his art studio -- paint leaking down the back of the cabinet and light streaming in through the skeleton that remained of his ceiling and walls; a view from one side of apartment to the other and through to outside

Benefit luncheon for Michael L. Wilson, whose home burnt down.
You may have heard by now that artist Mr. Wilson lost everything he owned in a house fire last Sunday the 23rd. For those of you who would like to help Michael, there is a rebuilding fund being set up by RACC. Go to racc.org and look for the Mr. Wilson rebuilding Fund.

One thing Michael Wilson has requested is help excavating his place to clear it out. He hopes to rebuild the home, as he is a carpenter by trade. He could use volunteers and shovels. Please contact the Gallery and we will put you in touch with him.

Rake Art Gallery is holding a benefit luncheon Sunday October 14 at 2 pm in the Gallery. We are located at 325 NW 6th Ave. We will be serving a Cajun menu at $25.00 a plate, their will also be shirts designed by Kevin Darras available. All proceeds go to help Mr. Wilson rebuild his life.

Thank You Rake Art Gallery

09.06.07-09.28.07
"Caustic: 3rd definition"
Acrylic paintings by Michael L. Wilson
&
"Shade"
Mixed media works by Ilan Laks
With Special Guest
Studio EN
Presenting "IV.VII. XX" an experimental architectural installation

a taste of the past

a couple of paintings from this summer...