Let’s talk books and art

“There is too much world, so it’s better to concentrate on particulars, rather than the whole.” – Olga Tokarczuk

I’ve just finished reading Flights by Polish author Olga Tokarczuk. This book, through the stories of three travelers, invites us to contemplate our own movement through time and space. It prompted me to want to share with you where I’ve been of late – on Henry Street in New York City, where I invite you to join me as I explore three galleries. Where have you been recently? Whether you answer with an explanation of your physical presence or choose instead to talk about your state of mind, or perhaps even tell me what books have been whisking you away, I’d like to know. Drop me a line in the comments.

Floria Gonzalez has a show, Mixtape, it JO-HS until November 25. The collection of paintings informs the title, with each one titled after a different song. Some are old songs, others came out while she was creating the work. And while sometimes the song inspired the work, other times Gonzalez went in search of a song that would fit a completed piece. Born in the 1980s, she was inspired by the mixtapes that were, in her words, “a form of communication” during that time. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.

Edward Povey recently closed an exhibition, Human, at Waterhouse & Dodd Gallery. The title reaches toward a central theme in his work, what it means to be human. Povey says he believes that human beings are terribly complex and that his work seeks only to convey all that they are. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.

A few words to keep in your pocket

Life is short, and distance keeps many of us separated. Let’s connect.

Interviews are available on iTunes as podcasts, and for Android, please click here. All weekly essay pieces in a shareable format are here. The full archive of interviews is here.

More Books to Read

Ours is a community of readers. Add your titles to our reading list here. Floria Gonzalez is reading How Music Works by David Byrne. Edward Povey, meanwhile, has recently been reading works by John Updike.

Opportunites

ON::VIEW Artist Residency is accepting applications for artists interested in a free, high-visibility studio space located in the heart of Savannah’s Starland District. In addition to public-facing studio space, residency offers a rich community filled with workshops, performances, public art project and artist talks all of which offer ways for artists to further engage. For more information and to apply, visit the website. Application deadline is December 1.

Brainard Carey is an author, artist and educator. He is the director of Praxis for Aesthetics. He has written six books for artists, most recently Making it in the Art World.