Life is Art and Art is Life

Life is Art is a new non-profit organization that promotes local talent with arts fairs and business education. As indicated on the flyer above, the group will be hosting their first artist fair this Saturday, March 7th with over ten different artists. Admission is free and the visual art will be accompanied by music, food, and, of course, alcohol!

I had the chance to catch-up with two of the artists particpating in the fair - Angelica Clyman and Dan Vidal - and conduct short, informal interviews with each. So, here's a sneak peek at some of art you will see at the fair and a chance to 'meet' two local artists:

Angelica Clyman - according to a Life is Art press release, she is a native of South Florida whose work centers around introspective experience and the search for the sacred in the most ordinary places. Her paintings explore the shifting perceptions of her changing environment, and express stillness, solitude, and a sense of private adventure. She is currently an artist-in-residence at the Art Center/ South Florida.

Please tell me something about yourself the average person wouldn't guess.

There is nothing more beautiful to me than industrial trash - from idle factories on the side of the turnpike to abandoned buildings, love it.

Picasso, Miro or crème brûlée?

Ménage à trois.

Do you have a favorite local artist. If so, who? If not, why?

Bob Ross lived in Florida for many years, didn't he? Well, no other single person is more responsible for me playing with paint.

The Beatles, Rolling Stones or Run DMC?

Megadeth.

If you could have a drink with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would share some absinthe with Vincent Van Gogh any time. Judging by his letters, we share a similar outlook on certain things.

On a random Thursday at 8:15pm, would you prefer to drink tea, coffee or a martini?

See above.

Dan Vidal - according to a Life is Art press release, since 1999, the bulk of his photographic work has focused on the nightlife culture of the major cities of the U.S. During this time, the nightlife photographer has risen from being a marginal player in the scene to an integral, almost ubiquitous documentarian. With an eye towards getting away from that ubiquity, Vidal utilizes all the elements within the events and locations where he shoots, existing lights, reflections, fog, smoke, and expression for that elusive “right” look.

Please tell me something about yourself the average person wouldn't guess.

I take the bus everywhere. Yes, even to the clubs I shoot at. The irony is wonderful. I bump elbows with the entire caste system of Miami in the space of an hour on a Saturday night, from the time I get on the S bus till the time I walk past the ropes of (insert club name).

Man Ray, Cindy Sherman or crème brûlée?

Man Ray because I enjoy his work and the name sounds mildly suggestive.

Do you have a favorite local artist. If so, who? If not, why?

Lebo, because he's not afraid to use loud, obnoxious colors nor is he afraid to take a corporate commission. We all gotta eat.

The Beatles, Rolling Stones or Run DMC?

The Rolling Stones because if Keith Richards has managed to last this long [then] my bad habits probably aren't so bad. Though Run DMC also since they're fans of the drum machine.

If you could have a drink with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Andres Serrano; anyone who manages to piss off (maybe piss on in his case) the neo-conservative element in this country while using taxpayer dollars deserves a drink.

On a random Thursday at 8:15pm, would you prefer to drink tea, coffee or a martini?

Coffee, as long as it's Cuban.