DEAR READER: The Blogging Commences

Dear Reader,

This blog (started on June 20, 2009) was not part of the initial concept of the exhibit "SUMMER SESSION".

In short, the curatorial concept of SUMMER SESSION initially was to focus the gallery's time, money and energy meaningfully into an artist's development and the creation of artwork. The show's premise was to promote creating something substantial and endearing beyond presentation. The gallery space would be used as the artist's studio. The artist, creation process, and progress of public/gallery/guest VIP interaction over the summer would comprise an evolving exhibit exploring relationships within the art world.

Utilization of the gallery as a studio space was immediately scrapped when the artist selected from the Open Call, Jerry Blackman, pointed out that he'd work better in his current workspace - a fully equipped studio with all tools and comforts needed. It only made sense to adjust SUMMER SESSION to maximize the resources available. At its heart, SUMMER SESSION is a response to the market's inevitable reconfiguration of appropriating resources.

All involved came to the same conclusion. Mr. Blackman would work from his studio. The gallery space would be used to explore the process and progress of an artist by exhibiting ideas for new works as they develop. SUMMER SESSION morphed to include a large new work completed throughout the duration of the show and a cluster of raw drawings added to, drawn from and modified while Mr. Blackman works.

As the exhibit became more self aware of its ability to inquire into art's process and progress, it became increasingly necessary to juxtapose a like-minded inquiry into the art world's process and progress. With this intention, I'm very excited (albeit feeling naked) that Jerry Blackman and Dam, Stuhltrager have decided every text, pc, cv, photo draft and email discussion will be printed and hung as part of the exhibit and posted on this blog. The decision to hang prints of all past and future supplement materials stemming from SUMMER SESSION exposes both the gallery and artist completely... Yet this action will offer an unpredicted, unique and utterly sincere perspective.

Essentially, SUMMER SESSION grew beyond its conception to become more aware of what it was born to be. Instead of constricting natural growth of a project as a gallerist (who stands to lose any control of the exhibit in her space and be seen sourly), I recognize it is more important to be apart of what this project is becoming: a true exploration of the relationship of art - artist - gallery - art world - public.

Come what criticism may, I look forward to SUMMER SESSION's viewers and guest VIPs contributing to what is as of this moment, an open dialogue.

Sincerely,
-Leah Stuhltrager
Dam, Stuhltrager Gallery

Facebook: Private Talk with Qi Peng

dear qi peng-

every now and again i see something online that catches my attention and i am curious enough to search out more.

i see you visited my gallery from the sign in book. then i peeked at your flickr photos to find pictures of your visit, which made me laugh. next time introduce yourself, i like meeting people in person more than online. i am writing you because i am working on a summer exhibit/project that may interest you. i'd like to invite you to be involved with since it has parallels to your exploration of the dynamics of the art world to individual.

i'm in the midst of launching our summer show - "SUMMER SESSION" which came into being from a Call For Entries. this particular show has taken on a life of its own and been a very interesting experience for me as a gallerist. in short, the curatorial concept was to focus time/ money/energy meaningfully into an artist's development and the creation of artwork. the show aims to promote creating something substantial and endearing beyond presentation. our gallery space would be used as the artist's studio and the artist, creation process, and progress of public/gallery/guest vip interaction over the summer would comprise an evolving exhibit exploring relationships within the art world.

i knew it would be a new learning experience for all involved. in the past few days, i'm very proud (albeit nervous) to say that the selected artist (Jerry Blackman) and i - after a tumultuous getting to know each other phase- understand each other better. we've decided to blog everything - each good, bad, "oh no" and "ah-ha" moment. every press text/ pc/ cv/ photo draft and every emailed discussion (especially) will be printed and hung as part of the exhibit. the decision to hang prints of all past and future materials relating to SUMMER SESSION exposes both the gallery and artist completely. yet this action will offer an unpredicted, unique, sincere perspective.

i'm excited to see SUMMER SESSION grow beyond its conception. instead of constricting natural growth of a project as a gallerist who stands to lose control and be seen sourly, i recognize it is more important to be apart of what this project is becoming: a true exploration of the relationship of art - artist - gallery - art world - public.

we are gearing up to launch SUMMER SESSION within the gallery space and online. as part of the project, five vips are asked to offer their input/advice/thoughts/comm

entary on developing a specific aspect of art career. i'd like very much to have you participate in the project and be our vip with expertise in social networking. having you participate as a vip guest via a virtual studio visit to the project online may prove very interesting and add another new dimension.

i'd be thrilled to talk more about you participating and appreciative to hear any thoughts on the project as a whole.

warm regards,
-Leah

----------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Leah,

How are you doing? I appreciate and happily accept your offer to work with you online with SUMMER SESSION. As you may see, a lot of conceptual artwork deals with the holistic creation of relationships within the art world.

I hope to drop by your gallery and say hello next time I am down there in New York City. I am glad that my first solo show at envoy enterprises went rather well and it means a lot to me. For me, your gallery has been significant and much appreciated by me as you represented the work of my friends William Powhida and Loren Munk.

My flickr website hopefully is an extensive "catalogue raisonne" of my work and I am planning to execute an artist's book and exhibition based on this first solo exhibition in NYC. Yep, I'm pretty postmodern in liking to do an exhibition about how an exhibition comes into existence.

Also my series "art world baseball cards" and "documents" relate to the process of art marking as well as becoming an artist (particularly from SLC which is not noted for its contemporary art) within New York City as a displaced New Yorker.

The link to my baseball cards can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/qipengart/sets/72157618970271835/

I hope that my work in the art world will be helpful to others as a resource and documentation of process art in motion. I appreciate your invitation and am glad to hear from you.

If possible, please e-mail me at qipengart@gmail.com or contact me via phone at (xxx) xxx-xxxx as it is easier to manage than FB (which crashes a lot on Vista).

Thanks and I hope to hear more from you soon.

sincerely, qi

--------------------------------------------------------------

Hey there Leah,

A few things for the blog to be posted perhaps:

1) baseball cards for yourself and Jerry Blackman that I just completed
2) if possible, I would love to ask the both of you some interview questions and then upon answering, the question and answer would be posted on the blog
3) the original correspondence between you and me as well as Jerry and me would be on the blog as well.

Just some ideas for the blog and thanks again!

sincerely, qi

----------------------------------------------

i got your msgs.

we actually have a house full of food preparing for a late lunch bbq or i'd be posting them right now...! its one of the few non-work days i am obliged to spend w/ family and they call me to task on it.

i will def post everything you sent. thank you so much for your contributions!

i think it is a brilliant idea for you to interview jerry and i. i feel this makes sense to your work and could be a very interesting way to further explore the art-artist-gallery-public relationship.

i'll sneak back onto the computer late tonight and get the materials you sent posted.

with respect and excitement,
-Leah
-----------------------------------------------------------

Hi there Leah,

Sounds good. Also just wondering whether it would be a good idea to post the emails between Jerry and me and the FB messages between you and me? I think that this would end up being a good monograph or booklet perhaps.

It's always interesting to read artist's manual on how to make it as an artist but it's much more interesting to see this process up close and personal I suppose. This blog would make for some interesting exhibition catalog I think?

Enjoy the holidays and thanks again!

take care, qi

--------------------------------------------------

absolutely!
i'll post everything i've got tonight!
til then,
-L

ON THE SAME PAGE.

from jerry@jerryblackman.com
to Leah Stuhltrager
date Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 12:57 AM
subject RE: curatorial layout for SUMMER SESSION


Wow! Thank you so much- the CV looks great! Great job with the letterhead! The layout looks good too. If I remember correctly, that wall designated for the anchor doesn't have a molding on the floor does it? I think the opposite one might. And its just sheetrock with metal studs right? The piece is really designed, (visually and mechanically) to lay flush to the wall, I hope that's still possible. Anyway, that's pretty much what I was thinking. We'll try the sketchbook drawings in the back and the progress materials in front- and we can always switch it around if it doesn't look right- but it seems like it should be fine to me.

I am very excited as well and look forward to seeing how the show develops. Thanks again.
-J

----------------------

to jerry from leah:

Jerry-

EXXXXXCCCCCEEEELLLEENNTTT!!!

The wall designated for the anchor does not have molding. It is sheetrock on wood studs I believe.

We are absolutely still on track for install: July 7 - 10.

Hope to see you Wednesday. If I don't make it - its not that I don't want to. My gallery work schedule has a way of dictating my life.

-L
------------------------

to leah from jerry:

Glad we're on the same page.
It's alright, I understand if you can't make it. I just checked out the blog- looks good but I think there is a small typo. No big thing: it reads Gavin Brown Enterprises- but the official name of the gallery is Gavin Brown's Enterprise - just thought it might be worth mentioning.

---------------------------

to paige from leah:

can you make this edit?
it won't let me edit it... ;(?
maybe its prohibiting me bc i wasn't the original author?
-L

Curatorial Layout

from Leah Stuhltrager
to jerry@jerryblackman.com,
paige damstuhltrager ,
rebecca layton
date Sun, Jun 28, 2009 at 8:15 PM
subject curatorial layout for SUMMER SESSION

Jerry,

Paige got a chance today to update the blog with the Gavin Brown exhibit info postcards. I hope that all is gong well with installation there.

and... Whew! I didn't think we'd get to finalize this today but it seems everyone at the gallery had the same input and it came together quickly.

Attached is a curatorial layout.

As decided on at the studio visit, the anchor will be the focus point of the exhibit.

There is also wallspace dedicated to the displaying drawings, an idea that we've discussed in different ways throughout recent emails. Paige, Rebecca and myself all agree that we would like to see unframed original drawings/sketches hung in a cluster. This cluster of drawings can be added to or changed throughout the exhibit and should serve to give the audience a more comprehensive view of your work as a whole/ you as an artist. We see this part of the exhibit as means to interact with those looking much as a studio visit would. The drawings convey your ideas/ thought process for you - in all stages of development.

After much consideration how to tie the exhibition back to SUMMER SESSION's intention of focusing on creation of work and navigation of the professional art world, we've arrived at an idea that feels very "right" to us. In the curatorial layout, you will also see there is wall space to document the process/progress of SUMMER SESSION. We'd like to visually include a visual timeline of all the materials stemming from this exhibit from start to finish. Beginning with the original Call For Entries- to your submission, our notes, emails, drafts, edits, printouts of research and blog text, submissions to opportunities, photos, vip input, etc... All materials would be hung in a cluster on the wall, earliest dated highest towards the ceiling- most recent reaching towards the floor.

We'd entertain switching the walls dedicated to drawings and the process/progress timeline if you'd rather the drawings be hung in the front room with the anchor.

SUMMER SESSION is coming together nicely, even with a rocky start with all of us getting to know each other abruptly. I feel at this moment, this is a very special exhibit that does stay true to exploring the artist - gallery - art world relationship. It has potential to reach its goal to extending much further than being just an exercise in "presentation".

Much respect and good momentum your way,

-L

Re: CV

from Leah Stuhltrager
to jerry@jerryblackman.com
cc paige king ,
rebecca layton
date Sun, Jun 28, 2009 at 4:54 PM
subject Re: Hey gang!

hey jerry!

there are lots of great steps we can take over the next two months to get your cv to a much better place.
i'm excited to get your work out and things added to your cv!

attached is a cv draft that i think is good to start with.

paige made letterhead that reflects your business card.

-L

Gone Postal

From Manhattan to Brooklyn...

THE LIVING AND THE DEAD

07/01/2009 - 08/07/2009

Gavin Brown Enterprises
620 Greenwich St.
New York, NY
10014

Adam McEwen Ajay Kurian Amy Yao Andrew Kuo Anicka Yi Anne Collier Ara Dymond Boris Rasin Brian Belott Brina Thurston Cara Benedetto Carissa Rodriguez Cindy Sherman Dan Colen Dave Choi Dena Yago Dominic Nurre Elizabeth Peyton George Condo Gianna Commito Haim Steinbach Harry McNally Hope Atherton Jacqueline Humphries Jaime Gecker Jerry Blackman Jesse Willenbring Jim Krewson John Finneran Jonathan Horowitz Josh Kline Josh Smith Justin Matherly Kathryn Garcia Kenny Komer Lizzi Bougatsos Mathew Cerletty Matthew Higgs Matthew Ronay Michael Caputo Michael E. Smith Michael Queenland
Michael Zahn Mirabelle Marden Nick Relph Nik Gambaroff and Matt Sheridan Smith Pat Berran Rachel Feinstein Rob Pruitt Robert Moskowitz Roe Ethridge Scott Olson Scott Penkava Spencer Sweeney Uri Aran Urs Fischer and Georg Herold

Re: Jerry's Gavin Brown Exhibit

from jerry@jerryblackman.com
to Leah Stuhltrager
cc paige king ,
rebecca layton
date Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 5:29 PM
subject RE: Hey gang!

The "Adriana Lima" image is the "official" email image for the show. The curators also have three different versions of the press release besides the one I mailed. Attached are the other versions. The last one is worthless because they thought it would be funny to write in the illegible "wingdings" font- obviously they are going for some sort of really ambiguous narrative.

Because of the amount of artists in the show and subsequent artists' friends and friends of friends, they decided to do an email invite only with the materials I provided. Probably at the opening there will be hard copies of the press release, but no Adriana Lima sitting on a couch postcard.

I am exhibiting the "wooden lips" there. Probably soon after the opening they will have there official installation shots posted on the website- and if my sculpture is included, maybe we can use that image.

Hope to see you Wednesday (or sooner)
Jerry

Jerry's Gavin Brown Exhibit

from jerry@jerryblackman.com
to rebecca layton ,
paige king ,
Leah Stuhltrager
date Fri, Jun 26, 2009 at 6:27 PM
subject Hey gang!

Here is the official invite card and press release for the Gavin Brown Show. Its going to be a lot of fun with a lot of great artists. Hope you can make it.

-------------------------------

from leah to jerry:

hey jerry,

we'll try to make the opening! thank you for the info.

in other news here:

got print tests of the pcs and all looked great. thus postcards were ordered. shipped ground. i'll let you know when they are to come in when i get the shipping confirmation info.

images are attached for further use.

i'm working on other materials as well and will be sending them tom.

i got the text and image you sent yesterday. i'd much rather use an image of your pc from the gavin brown show in promoting. which set of lips are you exhibiting there? is there any text on the show we can use to help promote?

-L

CV

rom Jerry Blackman
to leah stuhltrager ,
paige king ,
rebecca layton
date Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 10:25 PM
subject FW: DRAFTS & BLOG START...

Leah,

I'm not trying to argue about anything- and I can't apologize enough if I'm coming off as "someone who feels they know better". Please design the postcard as you see fit- that'll be the last of it you hear from me.

As far as fodder for the CV- there isn't much else.

I did a semester abroad at Kyoto Seika University, Japan summer 2005
I am part of the Nurtureart Registry
the two awards I received from school are listed on the current version
professionally I interned at Capsule Gallery 2003, and worked for Kehinde Wiley 2004- but those are more like "job" jobs than "art" jobs.

and that's sorta it- no I don't have letterhead.

I'm sorry that there is so much aggression between the emails an I find it terribly upsetting that that is the case. Please let us, in the spirit of having an amiable and working relationship, move on and perhaps enjoy a drink together to get over what I hope is just a small hump.

respectfully,
Jerry

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re Postcard

from Leah Stuhltrager
to Jerry Blackman ,
paige damstuhltrager ,
rebecca layton
date Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 1:40 PM
subject Re: DRAFTS & BLOG START...

jerry-

the logo can not be just randomly floating 1/3 down the card and white text is illegible with a white strip behind it.

honestly and bluntly, you are continually being very disrespectful. if you were to carry on this way with any other gallery they would have told you to fuck off long before now, case in point, gavin brown's website still has no mention of your show, which is essentially in little over a week. i highly doubt you have sent emails telling that gallery to write a press release for you or get the info onto their site, arguing what pieces are to be in the show or asserting how a postcard their should look. if you did so, it would be totally inappropriate. your emails are especially frustrating to me because i take the time to reply and explain the perimeters of decisions with all respect to you. replying takes time i could better put to use investing in your show in other aspects. meanwhile, in return to my replies, you continue to debate - taking the tone of someone who feels they know better than we do - rather than move forward.

we'll finish the original pc drafts. please drop the issue and know that your card will be conceptually smart and well designed.

your cv needs a lot of work. i'll need fodder. please send any info i can incorporate- places/causes you've donated work, orgs you are affiliated with (bushwich biennial, nurture art slide registry for example...), art projects you've participated in (for ex online's brooklyn art project or one night public art events or happenings), studio programs/ residencies/ talks you've participated in, honors you graduated with, art based internships, press that you've gotten... etc.

and very important - do you have letterhead???

we'll get you a blueprint of the gallery with our curatorial layout of work for the show by weekend's close.

-L

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Postcard

from Jerry Blackman
to leah stuhltrager
date Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 11:13 AM
subject RE: DRAFTS & BLOG START...

Thank you for writing back to me.

I've attached a word file with my current CV. And here is a different version of the postcard: I've changed the words around just a bit, and flipped the image. There should still be room for an address, stamp, and postal barcode.

the logo is fine- I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you mean by "conceptual consideration". The first drafts to me looked like a tattoo, or a stamp I would get after a leaving a bar so I can get back in. If thats the direction you were going for- then lets go all the way and have a stamp made- stamp it on my skin- and photograph it! Maybe even make it look like dirt from the studio. If not- I guess the existing design isn't so bad.

The other email should be working- I think they were just running some diagnostic tests at that moment- and should be fine now.

About the drawings: I was just worried that with an opening full of people, there being just one sculpture against a wall would feel empty. Drawings, the "scrap sculpture" depicted on the card, another sculpture, or even a print out of this email thread to fill up some of the wall space might be interesting- and would be consistent with the theme of the show.

-Jerry

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Postcard

from Leah Stuhltrager
to Jerry Blackman ,
paige damstuhltrager ,
rebecca layton
date Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 4:22 AM
subject Re: DRAFTS & BLOG START...


Jerry-

I took time since I last wrote to think about how I could best work with you from this point forward.

The plan of action:

POSTCARD:

Images selected:
The concept of the front of the card- "an artist's process/creating art" - we all agree on. The back concept needs to continue/reinforce/relate to the idea of "an artist's process/creating art". (Funny- our only thought at the gallery re: the back image was that your hand could be little dirtier or have tell-tale signs that it was indeed a hand in the midst of creating and not just staged. We didn't request a second batch of hand pictures and don't think more are necessary... But we do feel the ones you sent are much less effective since they depict a clean, idle hand and not a hand of an artist creating.) We will stick with the first two images selected.

Logo:
I plan to finish the card Thursday. Feel free to present an alternative CONCEPT you'd like us to consider which incorporates the logo before Thursday. Otherwise, we will run with the finishing photoshop-ing the stamped logo which we like very much at the gallery. Sticking our logo in the corner - without conceptual consideration - is not an option that would look good on anyone involved.

Text next to finger:
The text you requested we move a bit away from the finger would impede the crop lines for the bleed and be either cut off in printing or pushed into the addressee space deemed necessary by the post office.

Text on top right:
I have already edited it. Thank you for catching the typo.

WEBSITE
I couldn't get past the index pg for a good amount of time bc I did not realize I needed to click on the bottom visual. That's a big problem bc the public will not spend time to figure that out.

CV
I just checked and can not find a raw text file of you CV on your submission CD or in my em. I also just went to your site to find it... And can not cut and paste the text from your site. If you send me a PDF or .doc file I would be glad to look it over and help organize it. Same is true with your artist statement. I can get edits to you by Sunday night if you get me the files by Friday.

Other than my offer to help edit this weekend, I can immediately say CVs generally have a set format for listing exhibits:
Most recent show goes at the top...
Date, "Exhibit Title", Venue, City, State
(Curator's name should go btwn Title & Venue ONLY if it is a very recognizable name. I bold the venue and curator's name so it jumps out in a quick glance. DO NOT include anything that just fills space but says nothing about your accomplishments. For random ex instead of "Night of 1000 Drawings", Artists Space, NY, NY on an exhibition list - at the bottom list Donated Art to: Artists Space, NY, NY.

EMAIL
jerry@jerryblackman.com bounced back to me as undeliverable.

DRAWINGS
Paige, Rebecca and I will come to a consensus this weekend. I can say, refrain for the moment from getting frames... I am not as keen on framed drawings as I am drawings straight from the sketchbook.

BLOG
I plan to work on this on Sunday and will either call for a pow-wow or email you more then.

Much respect,
-L

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Postcard

from Jerry Blackman
to leah stuhltrager
cc paige king,
rebecca layton
date Tue, Jun 23, 2009 at 4:14 PM
subject RE: DRAFTS & BLOG START...

Hi everyone- hope the weekend treated you well

I think it was really smart to design the card with a wide shot on the front and a close-up on the back. I thought the first and second drafts of the back of the postcard sort of looked as if the return address stamp was a tattoo on the back of my hand- which is why I was so adverse to it. The concept could work maybe, but I wanted to provide more images that might be better. Here are some close-ups with the piece, (in progress), and some with both the piece and my hand. Perhaps these might help. I have larger files if we decide to go in this direction.

Also, lets discuss when and where we can meet to arrange the blog and I also wanted to follow up on an idea that Paige an I discussed: sketchbook drawings on the wall to accompany the sculpture- it seems like that would fit the theme of the show. I don't draw large, and want to keep the process documentation accurate, so I think some framed drawings right out of the book might be really nice.

The Gavin Brown has requested a CV for his show some time this week. I'm not sure if mine is up to speed- or how I should include Summer Session in it. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I think I forwarded a version to Leah earlier.

Thanks- till next time
Jerry

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Postcard

from Jerry Blackman
to leah stuhltrager
date Mon, Jun 22, 2009 at 12:16 PM
subject RE: DRAFTS & BLOG START...

dear Leah

i was thinking a little more about our exchange yesterday and wanted to follow up to say that i did not want to cause any offense and i really only wanted to provide constructive criticism. i can see how the curt nature of the email could sound condescending and pedantic, this was not my intent. I can sense from your email that it got you pretty upset. needless to say, I should probably reread things before I send them. In the meantime i want to clear the air between us and assure you that I am very excited to work with you on summer session. My interest in making the invite perfect is a reflection of my intent on making this project perfect. I'm looking forward to see you and the gang soon.

respectfully yours,
Jerry

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Postcard

from Jerry Blackman
to leah stuhltrager
date Mon, Jun 22, 2009 at 6:30 AM
subject RE: DRAFTS & BLOG START...

Sorry if it sounded condescending- I wasn't giving a grammar lesson- I was just thinking, (or typing) out loud- and making sure these different word variations sounded correct.

what about

What happens when a gallery changes focus from art's presentation to art's creation?

A little different- what do you think?

The stamp looks better. If it has to go over the hand can we fudge it a little to the left and up so it is centralized? I also think the bottom text can move over a few clicks to the left, a little further from the index finger.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Postcard

from Leah Stuhltrager
to Jerry Blackman ,
rebecca layton ,
paige damstuhltrager
date Sun, Jun 21, 2009 at 9:48 PM
subject Re: DRAFTS & BLOG START...

jerry -

you caught a typo. indeed, it should read "onto". thank you.

a draft's purpose is to allow for any editing needed, just as you did. there is no need for a grammar lesson. your rant is condescending.

i already pointed out in a previous email that there are standards to formatting a postcards text. the gallery logo MUST go on the top left. it is the return address placement stipulated by the post office. i'll spare the description of how to address a letter because it would be inappropriate and disrespectful. (our draft also leaves clear the space deemed for a postal barcode, stamp and an addressee.)

as mentioned above, files sent to you were labeled "drafts" not "final" copy and were intended to be utilized as "drafts". between sending the drafts to you and receiving your email, we'd already addressed changing the position of your hand to allow for proper printing and cleaned up the logo address. i'm attaching the draft as it exists now for you. (please note it is still a "draft" even at this point. it needs more editing in photoshop to clean up the image and stamp.) i will wait on spending more time just yet, since you are not thrilled with the stamped logo as a concept.

we love the stamp concept at the gallery but are open to your input. feel free to offer ideas an alternative CONCEPT that would incorporate the logo into the upper left and communicate something about the gallery.

-L

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Postcard

from Jerry Blackman
to leah stuhltrager
date Sun, Jun 21, 2009 at 7:23 PM
subject RE: DRAFTS & BLOG START...

thanks! ready for the pow wow whenever, but first.

I'm sorry but I hate the stamp image over the hand- I think it would work better in the bottom right- also, perhaps it should be a little clearer so that the address of the gallery is legible.

and second, shouldn't it read, "what happens when a gallery directs focus away from presentation onto an artist creating art?" or even better " What happens when a gallery directs focus away from presentation to the artist creating art?" or even "What happens when a gallery focuses away from presentation to the artist creating art?"

I just think less is more here- and that you don't really focus "into" something- you either focus "onto" something- or "focus in". Its actually a little complicated semantic thing: you can direct focus "away" from something- and you can direct focus "towards" something, and for comparison to having previously been focused on presentation- you can change and direct focus "to" something- in general you can focus "on" or "onto" something. You can "focus in on" something. You can "focus in" types of study, "he was an art major with a focus in late renaissance" and I guess you can direct focus "into" an artist creating art because that's more like an abstraction or a concept- but it still sounds a little funny to me. Just food for thought.

sorry for the rant
Jerry

Never let your inbox get too full... Or...

Hey Jerry,
had to forward this to your hotmail account. apparently your jerryblackman.com mail box is full--fyi.

best,
-L

--------------------------------------------------------

We're sorry. There's a problem with the e-mail address(es) you're trying
to send to. Please verify the address(es) and try again. If you continue
to have problems, please contact Customer Support at (480) 624-2500.

<jerry@jerryblackman.com>:
child status 100...The e-mail message could not be delivered because the user's mailfolder is full.

--- Below this line is a copy of the message.

Return-Path: <damstuhltrager@gmail.com>
Received: (qmail 13295 invoked from network); 21 Jun 2009 20:17:06 -0000
Received: from unknown (HELO pre-smtp15-01.prod.mesa1.secureserver.net) ([10.0.19.115])
(envelope-sender <damstuhltrager@gmail.com>)
by smtp10-02.prod.mesa1.secureserver.net (qmail-1.03) with SMTP
for <jerry@jerryblackman.com>; 21 Jun 2009 20:17:06 -0000
Received: (qmail 11788 invoked from network); 21 Jun 2009 20:17:06 -0000
Received: from qw-out-1920.google.com ([74.125.92.149])
(envelope-sender <damstuhltrager@gmail.com>)
by pre-smtp15-01.prod.mesa1.secureserver.net (qmail-ldap-1.03) with SMTP
for <jerry@jerryblackman.com>; 21 Jun 2009 20:16:42 -0000
Received: by qw-out-1920.google.com with SMTP id 9so1508383qwj.24
for <jerry@jerryblackman.com>; Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:16:44 -0700 (PDT)
DKIM-Signature: v=1; a=rsa-sha256; c=relaxed/relaxed;
d=gmail.com; s=gamma;
h=domainkey-signature:mime-

version:received:date:message-id:subject
:from:to:content-type;


WORKING DRAFTS AS OF SUN AFTERNOON...

WE HAVE TO HAVE A QUICK PH POW=
WOW SO I CAN GET YOU ON WORKING W/ US ON THE BLOG...
(summersession101.blogspot.com">summersession101.blogspot.com)


GOOD WKEND!
TTYS
-L

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Postcard

postcard draft front

postcard draft back

from Leah Stuhltrager
to jerry@jerryblackman.com,
paige damstuhltrager ,
rebecca layton
date Sun, Jun 21, 2009 at 4:16 PM

WORKING DRAFTS AS OF SUN AFTERNOON...

WE HAVE TO HAVE A QUICK PH POW WOW SO I CAN GET YOU ON WORKING W/ US ON THE BLOG...
(summersession101.blogspot.com)

GOOD WKEND!
TTYS
-L

Starting with the Ingredients...

1. Space. Materials. Delivery. Crating = $

2. Tools. Electricity. Health Insurance ?

3. Experimenting. Learning Curve. More Materials. $

4. TIME. IS. MONEY. IS. TIME.

5. College + Studio + Talent + Discipline + Faith. Faith. Faith.

INTRODUCING JERRY BLACKMAN!!!!

In this moment, the art world (like the rest of the world) is prioritizing where and how funds are spent. From museums to galleries to artists, from organizations to publications, creative minds have had to recently reevaluate, refocus and reinvent their way of spending.

A gallery and an artist embark on a summer journey together… Instead of financing a summer of exhibiting produced artwork, Dam, Stuhltrager Gallery will be funneling their resources directly back into the development of an artist. Under the guidance of curators and VIP guests, one special artist will navigate the course into the professional art world. Officially introducing this artist to the greater art community - from creating a new piece to promoting/marketing to building a portfolio to having the work seen, placed and shown- will comprise the exhibit.

Publicly sharing the artist-gallery relationship is an exercise in exposing the realities within the art world and exploring the dynamics that govern the art world. Through an online blog, viewers will be able to trace the exhibit as it is develops, behind the scenes.

To find the one talented artist to collaborate with in "SUMMER SESSION", an open call was held by Dam, Stuhltrager Gallery. From all the submissions, artist Jerry Blackman was selected.

About JERRY BLACKMAN:

A new artist to submit to the gallery, Jerry Blackman’s sculpture and installation art stood out as a refreshing contemporary take on incorporating symbolism and iconography. Latent with a very current view of ageless visuals, Blackman’s work carries on an identity that is youthful and inquisitive.

To view of Blackman’s art that was submitted to gallery, please visit: www.jerryblackman.com.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Postcard

from Jerry Blackman to damstuhltrager@gmail.com date Thu, Jun 11, 2009 at 12:15 AM subject studio shots mailed-by hotmail.com

I found these. Im also going to have a friend take photos of me working on the anchor next week- and will send those to you too. All the best.

------------------------------

	from	Leah Stuhltrager
to		Jerry Blackman
date		Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 6:27 PM
subject		Re: studio shots

hello jerry!

we choose two images for the postcard.
can you send a hi res images of images (300 dpi / 4.25" x 6.25" or larger...)

3458944230_3c05d9aa55_b.jpg

and
3636435646_295f631b7e

thanks!
-L

---------------------------------
from jerry to leah:

I don't even need to send them to you. It'll be easier if you download them from the flickr page at largest size- I don't have them on a hard drive or anything- so it would be the same difference. If the quality is no good- il ask my friend if she still has them on her camera.

---

the one image we'd like to use was from the first email you sent - not filckr...
it is 72 dpi...
and
the other image from flickr is also 72 dpi...
they are far to small dpi for printing.

can you ask your friend for higher res files?

-L -----------------------------------------------
from jerry to leah:

Are these good? Call me and let me know because I'm probably not going to be able to check my email tomorrow. xxx xxx xxxx. I included a third one which I'm partial to.

-----------------------------------------------

thank you!
these will work great!
-L

Re: Re: Re: Postcard

from jerry@jerryblackman.com
to Leah Stuhltrager
cc rebecca layton ,
paige damstuhltrager
date Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 10:32 PM

Here is a flickr page with several hundred photos of me working in my studio, Anyone that you guys like for the postcard will be fine. I like the ones where I'm using the tools- either the sander, the router, or the jigsaw- or the ones where I'm sort of standing over it- looking at it sort of concentrated. There are some stupid ones of me changing a blade, or with an annoying color tint, or looking directly at the camera that we can pass on. Anyway- let me know what you guys decide- or if none of them are good.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabgro/sets/72157619760572043/?page=2

-------------------------

Hello Jerry!

Thanks for the pictures.

I'm mtg w/ Rebecca & Paige tom at 4:00 to work on the postcard.

I just checked the flickr link below to prepare for the mtg. I can not access the linked page because it is set to private.

Can you change the setting so that we can take a look at the photos tom afternoon?

Will be sending you a PC proof this weekend,

Best regards,
-L

---------------------------

from jerry to L:

sorry about that- will fix
----------------------------

from jerry to L:

try this one

Untitled_Panorama1.jpg20090613
http://flickr.com/gp/gabgro/1m3P5G

(By the way, if the set link doesn't work, try copying and pasting it from this email into your browser's address bar.)

(ignore the first page of me eating)

-----------------------------

from L to jerry:

got it!
i can now access the pics!
will get you a draft this wkend.
thanks!

-L

Material Decision

From: jerry blackman
Date: Sun, Jun 14, 2009 at 5:58 PM
Subject: Re: questions
To: paige damstuhltrager

I had a few questions- so here goes:

For the opening at least, because there is only one confirmed piece- how would you feel about some progress drawings taken from my sketchbook- and mounted on the wall. I think this would go well with the theme of the show; i.e. understanding the process, etc. I could have them scanned and enlarged- even framed- and that might look really cool.

If not, and if for the opening the room looked a little bare- how about an existing piece? say the MLK heads? the light would look really good reflecting in the mirror.

Otherwise I had an aesthetic question: 3/4in or 1 1/4 for the anchor. The difference is over $600. I was going to ask that question yesterday- but- alas- I elected for the thicker of the two. A little credit card debt never killed anybody.

I sent Leah some shots of me working in the studio for the postcard- I'm going to send everybody a link to a flickr page where I'm actually working on THIS piece.

thats all- bye
Jerry

-----------------------------------

From: paige damstuhltrager
Date: Sun, Jun 14, 2009 at 9:43 PM
Subject: Re: questions
To: jerry@jerryblackman.com


Hi Jerry,
Progress drawings are a great idea - including prototypes, brainstorming by-products, "notes to self", and/or magic tricks will help generate and underscore the Summer Session concept. how and when we display them will have to be considered by the "team"... In regards to enlarging/ scanning some of your sketches, i can probably get an answer out of Leah and Rebecca by friday. (Leah's out of town at the moment) Ever sketch large?

good investment on the 1 1/4 ", just careful, my debit/credit card nearly killed me, a few times over.

Re: Re: Postcard

from jerry@jerryblackman.com
to Leah Stuhltrager
date Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 1:08 PM
subject RE: Touching Base

Okay- I think I have some images of me working in the studio- or can take some. I thought my title, "Weight and waiting" did reference the pieces in the show: weight as in Anchor, and waiting as in waiting for (ideas, inspiration, completion of pieces, setting of materials, etc.) waiting is a huge part of my process- also, there is something about the eyes and rope piece that reads as waiting to me- I understand the concept of show, i.e. artist at work and in the process- so I like your idea for a postcard image. I am a little camera shy- so if my face was half hidden it would be preferable.

If you really don't like "weight and waiting", then "summer session" it is. Easy: same page- I'm there. Also, I agree with that it is way to premature for a press release- I did actually just mean updating that little bit of info on the open call page.
I'll try to get some photos to you ASAP.

-Jerry

Re: The Postcard

from Leah Stuhltrager
to jerry@jerryblackman.com
date Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 11:46 AM
subject Touching Base

Jerry,

First, I am very glad that you are excited about Summer Session.

Second, I am very glad to hear your studio visit went well. As I stated when at your studio, the press release was written at your request specifically for the purpose of the open studio. We'll be sure to go public with a glorious press release about you when it is the appropriate time. As policy, it is way too early. (For example, I checked Gavin Brown's site post studio visit. There is no info on your/any show past 6/20.) I will however update the text on the site to indicate "Summer Session" will focus just on you since having Ira still listed is incorrect information.

This is the first and only time we will ever do anything like "Summer Session" at Dam, Stuhltrager. Every year, we choose a different theme and have a Call For Entries. The curators name the exhibit something appropriate to the theme. "Summer Session" was conceived to provide an exciting emerging artist opportunity to learn about the art world from the inside. The gallery would be used as a place to create, where process and progress are visible in both the artwork and artist's developing text, promotional materials, online presence, a portfolio, a project and resources to utilize for long past close of August.

At its core, "Summer Session" stemmed from the gallery administration team unanimously deciding it was very important to offer artists much, much, much more than a summer group show notch on their resume.

I am concerned that the curators intention of is being removed from "Summer Session" and want to realign the focus of this opportunity with its original purpose. In "Summer Session", you will be developing a new work while gaining tools to build yourself as an artist. This show is not about presenting artwork, its about supporting the creation of art and future career of an artist.

While some aspects of this experience for both the gallery team and you are adaptable, the show title and curatorial concept should be steadfast. Any title we promote other than "Summer Session" should be the title of the artwork produced during the duration.

As far as the postcard image sent, I honestly do not understand what you intend a viewer to know about you or your work from it. The front of the card should NOT have text unless the show/work is itself text or it is a group show. I'd like to see a candid, sincere, energized picture of you working in your studio on the front of the card. Leave the information/text on the back to me. There is a specific formula that must be readable within the art world and the postal world. (Its one of those great "tools" every curator picks up after having a thousand postcards returned rubberbanded together.)

I see a lot of great things in you and really want to give you resources. If we get on the same page, this could be great.

With respect and good will,

-L

The Postcard

from jerry@jerryblackman.com to Leah Stuhltrager date Sun, Jun 7, 2009 at 11:01 PM subject RE: Summer Session at Dam, Stuhltrager

Hi! I had a really good turn out for the open studios- and a lot of people seem excited for the show coming up this summer. I've updated the index page of my site with a link to the gallery's home page. I noticed that the "submission/ call for entries" section is still the older press release- perhaps because I gave my card out to so many people this weekend, you can update the gallery's site to include the newer press release- or at least take off Ira's info.

That said- I've been thinking about our meeting and I noticed that the previous summer sessions had names- so I did little brain storming and if you're not opposed to it, how does "Weight and Waiting" sound?

I did a rough for a postcard design. It's subtle but striking, and references the show in a good way- what do you think of the attached image?

This week is especially busy for me, but i want to get everything done as soon as possible- so please get back to me, thank you very much.

Jerry

The Post Mtg Follow-up: Dates & PR for Jerry to distribute during the Bushwick Open Studios...

from Leah Stuhltrager
to jerry@jerryblackman.com
date Fri, Jun 5, 2009 at 8:58 PM
subject Re: Summer Session at Dam, Stuhltrager

Dear Jerry,

Here is the first press release.
Over the next three weeks, as your project develops, I will write another press release to promote the actual artworks/exhibit.

I also double checked the calendar. We are on track for the dates originally released in the Call For Entries:
"SUMMER SESSION" install: July 7 - 10
"SUMMER SESSION COMMENCEMENT RECEPTION": July 11, 2009
"SUMMER SESSION": July 11 - Aug 30
"SUMMER SESSION" deinstall: Aug 31 - 3

Please let me know if there are any issues opening the document.

Best luck tomorrow,
-Leah

the pre-mtg, pre-mtg-mtg plan part 2

from Leah Stuhltrager
to paige damstuhltrager ,
rebecca layton
date Wed, Jun 3, 2009 at 9:42 PM
subject jerry notes/ touching base

ok ladies,
i need everyone to do their "no rain" dance for fri!!!

rebecca req printouts.
i agree!
here are the notes so far on jerry and some more thoughts from me. adddd aaawwwwaaaayyy!!!:

1. what areas of his work we thought were strong... (what areas of his work are strongest ladies?)
L: Energy, inquisitiveness & curiosity that sincerely comes thru as the unifying identity of all his work (his body of work).
R: I would say his ability to tackle icons while bringing out the human elements of them. Also the fluidity of his medium, he is a skilled draftsman.
P: glass/mirror/wood.

2. what project we'd like to see developed... (what is feasible and meaningful to help him develop as an artist?)
L: A project that is medium in scale/ production & is big on conceptual clarity... It should be a signature piece. An artwork that can embody/define his body of work. The goal is to have the piece convey the concept in a single picture w/out text needed to explain.
R: When I spoke to Jerry Friday I mentioned him reusing past pieces--bringing them together in new ways, Paige mentioned that he recycles parts of his pieces--perhaps this could be brought together?
P: The immaculate employment of glass/mirror/wood diametrically opposed materials provides the critical symbol with a past, present future narrative, and indicates the cosmology of man's ( emotional/ nostalgic) relationships with one object.

3. our marketing plan... (how/where/to whom do we promote his concept/aesthetic?)
L: depends on the project

4. our presentation / portfolio plan... (how best is his work documented? how is his writing on his work?)
L: part 1. organized series of pics w/correct captions, create cd portfolio, text pdf for each major project on cd
part 1b: bio, statement, cv
part 2. evite of piece for summer series, press text
part 3: look at existing website / give input

5. exposure... how does he begin to generate press buzz... (i can answer this given the answers to the above...)
L: mass mailing, register on search engines, captioning images for searches, tags
registries, 501(c)s, building contact/press list
writing artists/critics he genuinely likes
gallery hitlist, attend openings

sidenotes:
-plan vips to help mt goals set

-stipulate how the space is to be used. bells and whistles are in his studio. as long as the gallery is used in an experimental/learning/developing way ie: not formal exhibition - it would be on point for this show.

- blog???

---------------------------
Hi Leah,

I think you may have misunderstood my question with print-outs/flyer/postcard/etc. about Summer Session. Of course I understand how important taking notes is to facilitate the process but I was inquiring about what Jerry had asked me: if it was possible for us to make some type of print-out that he could have at his open studio, i.e., publicizing his involvement with Summer Session--something with dates, his name, the goal of the show...

Talk to you tomorrow,
Rebecca
----------------------

holy crap! i did misunderstand.
i will whip up something tonight!
what the hell would i do without you?
x
-L

the pre-mtg, pre-mtg-mtg plan part 1

from Leah Stuhltrager
to paige damstuhltrager ,
rebecca layton
date Tue, Jun 2, 2009 at 7:18 PM
subject friday mtg at jerry's

hellloooo ladies!

if it works for everybody, let's mt at 3pm on friday at
olive valley
43 Bogart St
(between Moore St & Grattan St)
(http://www.yelp.com/biz/olive-valley-brooklyn)
take the L train to Morgan...

I'll buy you guys lunch and we can go over our expectations/goals for jerry (and ourselves)
then hop down the street for a studio visit with him at 4.
i have his studio address as:
xxx bogart st
studio xxx
bklyn ny 11206

after the studio visit we've got one hell of a nite to pull off back at the gallery.

whew!
i've had such a long day!!!
can't wait til today / tom is over.
looking forward to friday!!!

-L
------------------
hi leah,

sounds great. i;ll email to confirm with him.
did you get my voicemail? what do you think of having some type of print-out about the show?

rebecca

------------------

3 @ olive valley works for me. looking forward to it. ;)

- P