cataylor's blog

Artists on the Lane -- July 4th

2009-06-30T17:58:00.001-05:00

Get Ready for Artists on the Lane! We are celebrating 50 years of fine art on the Lane in Bellport- that's quite a tradition!
Every year we have artists from all over the country who return again and again!
This event is a well known tradition- don't forget at 4 pm we will hold the annual Raffle- to benefit our student scholarship fund- this year we are happy to have artworks donated by: Rosamaria Eisler, Lester Sprague, Mike Maas, and Muriel Musarra, plus a few more we've accepted along the way- tickets will be available on the 4th from our table located as usual, in front of the Village Hall on Bellport Lane.

Come on down for a nice stroll down to the Bay and back, with lots of great art along the way!

Get Ready for Plein Air!

2009-03-09T08:25:00.001-05:00

Get Ready for Plein Air!

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Student Art Show

2008-11-17T23:31:00.001-05:00

Student Art Show

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Student Art Show

2008-11-06T21:45:00.001-05:00

Student Art Show

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Having a Baby?

2008-10-01T19:26:00.003-05:00

Having a Baby?

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Painting with a Palette Knife

2008-10-01T19:26:00.001-05:00

Painting with a Palette Knife

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Bellport Arts

2008-10-01T19:25:00.003-05:00

Bellport Arts & Framing Studio

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New Work

2008-10-01T19:25:00.001-05:00

New Work

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NEW Arts Council Formed!

2008-10-01T19:24:00.001-05:00

NEW Arts Council Formed!

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Kitchen Series- Fish Soup

2008-01-14T11:46:00.000-05:00

2nd in the series- the kitchen has endless possibilitiies and of course, I spend a lot of time there!

New Work

2008-01-14T11:39:00.000-05:00

I'm currently working on the Kitchen Series in Batik- something a little different for me.
Let me know what you think by leaving a comment-- thanks!

More studio shots

2007-11-18T12:27:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple more

Studio Update

2007-11-18T12:09:00.000-05:00

Well I have had a busy summe/fall and here are some examples. The Batiks are starting to become popular so that makes me very happy. They are a challenge to do and I am learning all the time! I have also been taking classes in other media, just to keep myself sharp- watercolor with Mary Jane Stevens and oil with Larry Johnston. The business aspect of art has become a little easier with a digital camera and various programs to keep it all organized.
Looking forward to a productive winter in the studio, with a lot of ideas rolling around in my head.
Happy thanksgiving to all!

Art vs Sports

2007-11-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

why aren't artists valued the way sports figures are? why arent artists paid millions of dollars for a year?
why are sports figures rich and artists starving? what is wrong with our society, when we undervalue culture in favor of sports? the inttectual vs the physical? why is it a battle at all? why cant they co-exist?
the dumbing -down of America continues...
kids cant add without a calculator, they text messages in broken slang and then complain about immigrants taking jobs away... it doesnt make sense
what are they teaching in schools and what kind of society is being created?
it comes down to this:
the average Joe doesnt have time to think about the things that matter because he(she) is too busy trying to make ends meet.
This is just what Big Governemt wants..... to take the power away from the people
if there is power in numbers, lets take the numbers away-- isolate the wage earner, the voter, the people who THINK...
create a society that is so wrapped up in the material things, in the NOW, in the ME generation, that the big picture is so obscured that values are destroyed,,,, manipulated,,,,by the soound byte, the pop culture, the media....
the people who supposedly are the backbone of our Constitution, have not got the time to be concerned, much less do anything about any situation, it snowballs into power of the few not power of the people.....
the few then control the thoughts of the many by media, pop culture, news, TV-- if You think Propaganda only exists "over there" think again. Big Brother lives and breathes.......

think about other sources for your news: public radio- college radio, PBS even the BBC news- give a different perspective on US.... we need to see other points of view. How the rest of the world sees us
stop hegemony now!
you may want to start by listening to
democracy NOW 90,1 WUSB www.wusb.fm www. democracynow.org

MALCOLM MORLEY AT PHOENIX GALLERY

2007-07-27T19:16:00.000-05:00

We are pleased to announce that world-renowned artist, Mr. Malcolm Morley will be exhibiting a select group of works at the Phoenix Fine Arts Gallery in Bellport, from July 25- Aug 18th. A Reception is being held on Sunday, July 29th at the gallery from 1 - 4 pm. Mr. Morley has decided that proceeds of this event will go to benefit the Bellport Chapter of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Some of the pieces Mr. Morley is exhibiting have never been seen in a public arena before. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to devote this space to our friend and neighbor.

JUST BOATS

2007-06-26T20:48:00.000-05:00

Celebrate Long Island's Maritime Heritage with an art exhibit devoted to boats-- rowboats, sailboats, tugboats, canoes kayaks and dinghies..... original works of art created by local artists! If you like Boats this is the exhibit for you!
Phoenix Fine Arts Gallery is located in the village of Bellport at 139 South Country Road.
631-776-0811 www.phoenixfineartsgallery.com

Exhibit opens Weds June 27th thru July 21st with a receptio on Sunday July 1st from 1-3 pm

Memorial Day

2007-05-26T08:44:00.000-05:00

It's the official/unofficial kickoff of summer! Yay it's finally here- soon school will be out and the ocean will be warm---
time to kick back and relax---
but let's all remember why we have this freedom, let's remember and honor all those who served, who sacrificed and who died.
Let's remember the REAL reason for this Holiday, this day off
take a minute- everyone knows someone who served in some way.... and remember them, and all those who we don't know personally....all those behind the scenes, the soldiers, nurses, chaplains, cooks, go-fers, the innocents. the POWs
while we are sitting around having hot dogs, hamburgers and fireworks, let us remember
let us never forget

Out of the Studio, into the Gallery

2007-04-19T21:41:00.000-05:00

For the month of June I will be exhibitng my work at Phoenix Fine Arts Gallery at 139 South Country Rd in Bellport.
I will be featured in the front lobby, along with my fellow artist and business partner, LuAnn Thompson.
We are planning to bring out our new work- so join us for a reception on Sunday June 3rd from 1 - 3 pm.
The show will continue until the end of June so you can stop by whenever it is convenient for you. The gallery is open from 11-5 Wed- Sat and 12-4 on Sundays. 631-776-0811

Million Dollar Baby

2007-04-04T07:41:00.000-05:00

Here's Randy!(with his buddy Jeff) He's my boy! Got himself into a little jam a few months back but he seems to be ok now, thanks to the efforts of trained professionals. Poor little fella- just doin' what dogs do---chewin on stuff and gettin into mishief- that's Randy!

Easter Eggs

2007-04-04T07:27:00.000-05:00

The Batik process is unfamiliar to many people and whenever I try to explain it, I sometimes get bogged down in the details. It can be a long process, the way I do it. But this time of year, I am reminded of Easter Eggs, and how that process is very much like what I do with Batik- except I am not painting the wax on eggs, I use fabric. The process is repeated several times to create the intricate layers of color and design that make a finished batik unique.
Happy Easter, and Passover to all!

Spring is here!

2007-03-25T19:25:00.000-05:00

I saw a robin today! That's a sure sign!
Getting psyched to go outside and do some plein air painting-
the daffodils are budding and soon we will see a lot of green---

Time to think about Artists on the Lane in Bellport for the 4th of July- now is the time to prepare- and also for the Soutb Bay Art Association members exhibit at the end of May-
so much to do!

Happy Birthday, Irv!

2007-02-17T21:36:00.000-05:00

I was privileged to spend a few years learning from Irving Boker.
Irv passed away a year ago, and today would have been his 80th birthday.
I regret every moment I was impatient with him... I regret that I didnt pay such close attention as I should have
I lament those days i was too tired or didnt have "enough time" to go see him or call him,
I can never get them back.
He was a very kind and patient man.
He was a terrific artist
a fine human being
I miss him

as a teacher and as a friend.

EMERGING ARTISTS

2007-02-15T21:36:00.000-05:00

ARE YOU AN ARTIST AND DON'T KNOW IT?
Come on out and show it!
Phoenix Fine Arts Gallery is sponsoring a show devoted to new and emerging artists- if you have never exhibited your work in a Gallery before, this is the time and place-

The fee is $15.00 per piece, max of 2 pieces- original work only -NO photography sculpture or crafts. Because this show is designed for emerging artists, work that is not accepted will be refunded the entry fee. All work must be for sale
All work must be properly presented- wired for hanging - no "sawtooth" hangers allowed. Unframed canvasses must have gallery edge (no staples visible)

Receiving of work will take place on Saturday and Sunday, March 3rd and 4th from 11 to 4. Artists whose work has not been accepted will be notified by 5 pm on Monday March 5th- work must be picked up by Wed March 7th.

Artist's reception will be Sunday March 11th from 1 - 3 pm

Pick-up of work that is not sold will be Sunday, April 1st from 2-4 pm. Work that is not picked up will be charged a storage fee of $5.00 per day.

For more info please call the Gallery at 776-0811 or visit our website at www.phoenixfineartsgallery.com

Announcement

2007-01-10T22:28:00.000-05:00

Phoenix Fine Arts Gallery wil have their "New Visions" Show beginning in February- featuring in the main lobby of the gallery works by Sharon Way-Howard, Marlene Bezich, Christina, Donna Moraff, and Mary Jane Stevens. The show will run from February 6th to March 4th. In addition, the Upper Gallery will feature the Winter Exhibit of South Bay Art Association.

www.phoenixfineartsgallery.com

Small Works Art Show

2006-12-26T12:03:00.000-05:00

The Phoenix Fine Arts Gallery in Bellport is having their annual juried small works show in January.
Receiving- Jan 6 & 7 from 12 noon to 3 pm
Reception- January 14th from 1 to 3 pm
Artists' Pick Up- Feb 4th from 1 - 3 and Feb 5th from 3 - 5 pm

Details:
Maximum combined perimeter of 45 inches ( an 8 x 10 image in a not too bulky frame)
limit of 3 entries per artist, the fee is $10.00 per piece or 3/$25.00, non-refundable.
Awards: 1st= $100 2nd= $50 3rd= $35
Original work only.
NO photgraphy, sculpture or crafts

For further info please call the gallery at 776-0811 Tue- Sun
visit the website at www.phoenixfineartsgallery.com
or visit the gallery at 139 Main St in the village of Bellport and pick up a prospectus.

Holiday Blues

2006-12-20T20:54:00.000-05:00

The holidays are here again, and as usual, folks are all stressed out over the shopping thing.... there isn';t enough time...stores are crowded, traffic is bad....
It's a shame. We've gotten so far from what the Holidays are all about, we've lost touch. Our materialistic society has created a monster which we perpetuate each year. Rather, WE have created the monster and each year we feed it and it keeps growing.

A friend of mine sent me an article, here's the link if you'd like to check it out:

http://www.etherzone.com/2006/bren122006.shtml

May we all find whatever it is that is missing in our lives this Christmas. May we slow down a little, return to the simple life,
the simple truth...
Keep Christ in Christmass

Happy New Year to All!

Going to the Galleries

2006-12-04T08:28:00.000-05:00

I've been to a few galleries and have some favorites. I like these because they make me feel comfortable. Some galleries are just plain intimidating. I don't know if it's the atmosphere or the people, or even the art on the walls... but if a place isnt people-friendly, then the people won't come in. Art isn't really someting you need a college degree to understand, though some gallerists would have you think so- some artists too.

For me, "good" art is simply what I like- if I like it, I may even buy it. I like a gallery with a variety of styles and form,. for both visual and intellectual stimulation. I like a social atmosphere. I don't want to be regarded as just a customer, I want to be appreciated as a person who likes to look at art. In other words, I want to be comfortable when I go into a gallery.

Phoenix Gallery in Bellport is my home away from home, I'm there all the time because I spend a lot of time in Bellport anyway- for South Bay's activities, the Unitarian's activities, the Health Food Store, the Library, friends....and I exhibit there as well.
The Blue Door Gallery in Riverhead is another friendly place- I stop in whenever I get a chance. Sandi's a great gal and there's always something fun going on there- music in the alley perhaps or a reception......there's a nice selection of artistic creativity in there. I also like Christopher Gallery in Stony Brook Village. I don't get over there as often as I'd like but they always have artwork that is truly inspiring to me as an artist. I always want to come home and paint something after I've been there.
These are my three favorites, and they also have a nice variety of jewelry, glass, ceramics and sculpture.

Want a Dog?

2006-11-30T13:29:00.000-05:00

Went for a walk today with a friend of mine and, it was sad. A dog came out of his yard and followed us. It was a large dog, we've seen it before and it has followed us before. Today, even though it was limping, it still followed us. It seemd glad to see us. But we didnt want her to follow us across the main road, we didn't want her to get hit by a car. We tried to get the owner but no one answered the door. Later on our way back someone was home. The amn put a rope around the dog's neck and she didn't want to go with him, she wanted to stay with us. It broke our hearts. The man said he didn't have time for the dog. He asked us if we wanted it.
I have two dogs already- I couldn't possibly- but I felt so badly for this poor dog- when she was out walking with us she had a spring in her step and she was wagging her tail, sniffing about and exploring the neighborhood, greeting strangers.... we had to keep explaining that is wasn't our dog!
It's so sad that someone would get a dog, and not give it the attention it needs. Dogs are social animals, this poor thing just wanted to be petted, a little attention-she could see I was a "dog person" and I think that's why she wanted to follow me.
it was so sad.
Anyone want a dog?

Local History

2006-11-26T14:37:00.000-05:00

For those who don't know, there is a wonderful website out there dedicated to Mastic Beach! (and surrounding areas)
It began with a simple question, and has taken on a life of its own! A fella named Ken grew up in the Beach late 1950's- he records his boyhood romps with his pals and in the process discovers all kinds of things about his boyhood home previously unknown to almost everyone except historians and genealogists. "Who lived in the mansion?" is the question that started the search that landed the author in Newsday and the Community Library last week, speaking to a packed house! You are sure to find something of interest on this site, even if you DIDN'T grow up in Mastic Beach! Check it out- but make sure you have a lot of time because ths website is HUGE!

http://www.spoonercentral.com/knapp.html

Phoenix Fine Arts Gallery

2006-11-18T21:11:00.000-05:00

Located at 139 Main St in the Village on Bellport, the Phoenix Fine Arts gallery is a cozy little place nestled right in the heart of town. They offer new shows every month and have about 25 artists exhibiting with them. The current show is their Annual Juried Art Show, which takes up the entire gallery. This show is well attended, and was judged by esteemed local artist Malcolm Morley.
Next up= their annual Holiday Show, Reception on Sunday, December 3rd from 1 to 3 pm
631-776-0811

Student Art Shows

2006-11-18T14:57:00.000-05:00

I'm always impressed whenever I go to one of these student art shows- the work is so fresh and exciting- it is totally uninhibited.
I wish I had the guts (or the innocence) to create work like that- oh high school is so far away now.... and I never had art classes in school they way they do now. Their imagination is infinite- they are not afraid to try anything, any medium, any frame, any mixture or combination....
This weekend is the 20th Nita Elder Student Scholarship Exhibit in Bellport at the Community Center- do check it out- its a great show!

Creating a Website

2006-11-18T08:22:00.000-05:00

The business aspect of the art world can take up a lot of time- taking you away from your creativity.
If you are like me, you don't know that much about computers and the world-wide web. So building a website is a BIG deal. I don't think I could have done it on my own.
I decided to enlist the help of Hans von der Gruen, a very experienced webmaster, and I'm glad I did. Hans knows how to get around in cyberspace and that's just what I need- a chauffeur! But he's more than that- he's a designer, an advisor, a researcher....he's an expert in his field and he's very patient with all my questions.
There are so many decisions to be made my head is spinning! There's layout, fonts, colors, backgrounds, the actual physical look of the site- and then there are behind-the-scenes things going on that I never even realized until Hans clued me in- keywords and metatags, html and code- this project is bigger than I ever imagined- which is another reason why I'm glad I've got Hans working on it for me.

I'm learning a lot too- which is good! In life you have to keep learning new things! Its exciting!
And with the Web, new things come along every second.

You've come a long way, baby!

2006-11-09T13:43:00.000-05:00

I got my first Mac about 3 years ago. It was an older, used one with OS9 on it (just so you know, Apple is ALMOST READY TO RELEASE 10.5) Prior to that, I had had some experience with PC’s, mostly word programs. Now I was ready to start with photos and the internet and all the great things a Mac is built to do for artists.
I ran into a problem because that particular Mac was older, and the internal modem didn’t work and it didn’t have a CD drive that worked either.
Rather than dump the whole machine and invest money I didn’t have into a new one, I called for help- I called Blackorchid Computer Consultants.
Best call I ever made! Not only were my problems fixed, she set up all kinds of short cuts for me This gal was full of excitement and enthusiasm! If she didn’t know the answer, she got on the phone and called somebody until she got the answer (she didn’t have to do that very often)
Now, I do have a newer Mac, as I am in another location... and Blackorchid continues to be there for me. They have helped me learn so much! They’re great, and I highly recommend them to anyone who needs help with their Mac.

call 631-723-1838
or e-mail
blackorchid@optonline.net

Grants for non-profit organizations

2006-11-03T15:29:00.000-05:00

Went to another workshop today, this one sponsored by Citibank, in conjunction with the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York, Governance Matters and many other organizations. Part of the workshop focused on making your Board of Directors more effective. The facilitators were great and raised many issues, answered many questions, and we all got a copy of the book:
"The only grant writing book you'll ever need" by Karsh and Fox.
Haven't started to read it yet because I am still wading through all the handouts they gave us.
It was definitely worth the time, and it was free, AND they gave us breakfast!

Check out:
www.npccny.org and www.governancematters.org

2006-11-02T17:31:00.000-05:00

I saw a short video on batik and I was hooked. I found myself having so much fun with it I couldn’t stop. Teaching myself the process, educating myself and then learning by doing....has been an incredible journey. Most people are not familiar with Batik. I hope you’ll click on my website (www.cataylor.com) to see what I’ve been up to. I find I go back to batik basics whenever I use other media. There are basics in art, and then there are individaul applications of those basics. This is what makes art so diverse, so subjective, and so exciting. The individaul interpretation of basics plus the experimentation into new techniques and materials. As an artist you go, you look, you listen, you absorb, then you go back and apply. It’s a process, a journey, and an adventure.

Art Resources

2006-11-02T13:12:00.000-05:00

Visit the NYFA website when you get a chance- there are tons of things to look at, especially grants!
Its the New York Foundtionfor the Arts, www,nyfa.org
If you have any questions, you can call them, These grants are usually open to artists in all areas, including music, poetry etc.

Writing the Artists Statement

2006-10-30T22:55:00.000-05:00

Hi I just want to let everyone out there know- I went to a workshop at East End Arts Council in Riverhead, Long Island, New York about- how to write an artists statement-
The two facilitators were Michelle Drake and Pat Rogers- two gals very knowledgeable in the fields of marketing and self-promotion. Michelle is a motivational speaker and Pat is a journalist. After listening to the presentation, we all took turns with the creative writing process and I think came away with lots of great ideas. The workshop went over the scheduled time period because we really got into it. They are going to be offering other workshops in grant writing and other relevant themes for artists of all disciplines so check their website at
www.eastendarts.org
I'm really glad I went!