Artist Spotlight: Kerri Gilpin

Interview:

1. Three things you have to travel with?

Sketchbook, camera, comfortable shoes.

2. Describe the most interesting experience you've had on a flight.

When I was flying into Atlanta, the weather got so rough that the plane wasn't allowed to land - we had to circle the Atlanta Airport for 2 hours in the turbulence. Every few minutes I was grabbing the armrest, and trying to block out the sound of an infant screaming 3 rows ahead of me. We ended up flying down to Jacksonville to re-fuel, and back up to Atlanta to finally land. A two and a half hour flight ended up lasting 6 hours.

3. Describe how travel affects your art.

I've been traveling as far back as I can remember, my first art-influenced trip was when I was about 9. My family and I visited Italy starting in Rome, driving to Florence and ending the trip in Venice. I saw so many things that overwhelmed and moved me. It not only influenced who I became, but I continued to travel and see art, and culture. I've greatly been influenced by the photography, post modern and dada art that I've seen.

4. When has had a greater impact on society: art or NASA? Why?

I think art and society have impacted each other - the old adage that art imitates life and vice-versa is true. Gauguin said "Art is either plagiarism or revolution." Art responds to both the good and evil of the world, and where there is revolution in art. Society embraces beauty, as equally as it embraces art. How many people know Andy Warhol's work? His paintings are now on plates, handbags, magnets, and pillowcases. How many people collect NASA memorabilia other than 12-year-old boys?

Artist Spotlight: Band Marino

If a covey of wide-eyed indie kids reinterpreted your grandpappy's record collection, it'd probably sound something like the incandescent Band Marino. A swirling carousel of guitars, banjos and mandolins, their whims come in an old-timey vernacular. But boring neo-traditionalists they're not. The fold trimmings, melodic verve and rock energy culminate in an effusive sort of carnival pop. The music is atmospherically rich and emotionally generous, a tapestry crafted in adoring detail. Earthy, human and eternally fresh-faced.

Their energetic stage performances have turned Band Marino into a catapulting phenomenon in the on-the-cusp Orlando indie scene. Going from curtseying waltzes to dizzying freakouts, they tend to make even the dirtiest rock club feel like a rousing tent show on the verge of spilling over. And it's this transporting quality that's attracted a large, remarkably devout following in Florida, often selling out major hometown venues like The Social, BackBooth and Will's Pub.

In addition to doing five national tours, Band Marino performed at the 2006 South by Southwest Music Festival and the 2006 SXSW Film Festival supporting debut of The Last Romantic, an independent film that the band scored whose cast includes, James Urbaniak (American Splendor, Henry Fool, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind) and Shalom Harlow (Vanilla Sky, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days). They've played with indie luminaries like As Tall as Lions, Stars, The Avett Brothers, Rainer Maria, Tilly and the Wall, Hackensaw Boys, Lovedrug, Switchfoot, Anberlin, The Ataris, Head of Femur, Receiving End of Sirens, Cartel, Jason Mraz, and O.A.R.

Their debut album The Sea & the Beast was released regionally on December 2, 2006 and has sold over 2,400 copies to date. Band Marino is slated to participate in national retail marketing programs across a wide segment of independent record retail. The Coalition of Independent Music Stores and their distribution arm, Junketboy, are coordinating this effort. Through this program The Sea and the Beast was released nation-wide on March 4, 2008.

(Source: Press Release, Band Marino)

Artist Spotlight: Aaron Cave

Artist Statement:

My work, on the whole, is the embodiment of the harsh realities of my beliefs and upbringing. The work is everything opposite of weakness, but yet demonstrates a humble approach. Through my work, I will hold fast to southern hospitality. I recognize and represent the beauty in simple people, who may not look physically beautiful, the common redneck, and hillbilly. I also recognize and represent my servanthood to my God, Jesus Christ. By means of my work, I portray the life of a zealous Christ follower as being far from easy, having to be comfortable with dirty calloused hands from responsibility. Both of these aspects of my work are masked by an assumed ignorance. I will bring forth their simple messages, along with the wisdom they provide for the progression of humanity.

Interview:

1. Describe the most interesting experience you've had on a flight.

I flew Delta Airlines when I was around 10 or 11 years old. I had a window seat. Because of this flight, I have never been afraid of flying. Looking out the small porthole, I witnessed how small everything was. Even at my younger age, I felt simple looking at the earth traveling by from God's perspective. How can the people that actually notice the ground and sea below them in this high altitude perspective deny God exists?

2. Describe how travel affects your art.

Without travel my art would not exist. With most of my art being scraps and parts from vehicles, my art is owed almost fully to transportation. Without the collision and accidental sect of transportation, my media - the very material of my work - is cut off. The media that I use is greatly marketed by travel. Tow trucks, flatbed trailers, and pickups carry potential artwork to scrap yards, where I then travel to. Without this import and export principle of travel, I cannot even pick up my material. In essence, travel is one of the most vital aspects of my work.

3. Which has a greater impact on society, art, or NASA? Why?

NASA gives us information, tools of knowledge, and technology. NASA has integrated itself into our society from celestial travel to satellite television. Even though NASA contributes to society, it is not vital to society. Art is a vital section of the survival of society. Art induces emotion, provokes thought, and provides possibility. Art is the untouchable. NASA can only reach a certain distance away from an earthly home. Art has no limits or boundaries. Art is society's hope, the faith of reaching beyond human grips. Without the hope and faith art gives, society loses its drive to struggle for existence. Art provides an avenue of individuality as well as common ground for individuals to co-exist. Art brings the perfect amount of separation, yet dealing the perfect amount of corporation. Art is a balance of society.

Art Party # 12 - September 27, 2008

The theme for Art Party # 12 is "Connecting Flights". The event will be held at the Florida Air Museum at the Sun 'n' Fun Complex in Lakeland. This will be a very special event as art will be placed among the planes in the museum. This event offers an opportunity to experience a Platform Art Party in Florida's Aviation Museum lending a richness to this semi-annual art event. In addition to entry into the air museum each attendee will be treated to artwork by 20 Central Florida artists, short films by independent filmmakers, a vintage fashion show, a live band in the courtyard and a performance by Florida Dance Theatre. Don't miss your "Connecting Flight" to the Florida Air Museum for Art Party # 12 on September 27, 2008!

Stay tuned for more information and artists spotlights to come!

Retrospective on Retrospective

We had a wonderful time at Arts on the Park! Thank you to everyone who came out. If you missed the event, here is what you missed:

The exhibit featured artwork by 26 artists who have exhibited in the previous 11 Platform art party events. We had around 100 people visit the exhibit! The winners of the juried show were:

Richard Pearson from Lakeland, Best in Show

Tony Savoie from Orlando, Award of Excellence

Here are some pictures from the opening:

                   

Reception tonight @ Arts on the Park!

Tonight is the night! Join us for the opening reception of "Retrospective" at Arts on the Park from 6:00-9:00.

Arts on the Park: August 1st

Platform Florida

presents
a Retrospective Exhibition
at Arts on the Park
115 North Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland

Opening Reception Friday August 1st 2008, 6pm - 9pm

Exhibit will include work by artists from past Platform Florida events.

All artwork will be for sale!

Short Films will be shown in Munn Park during the evening.

Don't miss this opportunity to see great artwork and meet our Platform Artists.

For information call:

(863) 688-1546 or (863) 224-1310.

Welcome!

Platform has entered the new age of technology and finally has a blog!

This is the place to check for updates and information regarding upcoming events. (You can still go to our website for updates as well: Platform Art)

Feel free to interact and comment!