Keeping the Lights On

First Hemingway, Now...

2011-11-16T17:39:00.002-05:00

There's big news about our old friend, Joy, and one of my favorite works of hers, Old Man and Sea. I'll let you get the scoop straight from her below, but I just want to say how honored I am to have had the opportunity to see this work in its early stages and for Joy to graciously allow me to feature it in Keeping the Lights On. It's not easy for many artists to discuss in-progress work let alone allow it to be captured on film for all the world to see before it's completed, so I will always be grateful to Joy for granting us this window into her process and a first look at this amazing work of art.

Now, all the details from Joy:

I'm happy to announce that Old Man and Sea will be featured in the second issue of Conveyor Magazine.

In conjunction with the magazine launch, Conveyor Arts is producing a limited edition copy of the book. It is being offered as a reward for their Kickstater campaign to raise money for operating costs. If all goes well and they can raise enough money, it is possible that a larger run of the book will be available. With 8 days remaining, there are currently 7 of 20 copies of Old Man and Sea available.

If you are in the New York City area, there will be a magazine lauch party and exhibition on Friday, Nov. 18th at 25CPW from 7-10pm.

One if by Wanderlust
November 16 - 23, 2011

Included Artists:

Adam Ryder
Alexandra Lethbridge
Aubrey Hays
Brea Souders
Caleb Charland
Charlie Rubin
Colin Stearns
Dierdre Donohue
Jenny Odell
John Mann
Joy Drury Cox
Justin James King
Mary Mattingly
Peter Happel Christian

To learn more about Conveyor Arts, Click Here.
To help out, Click Here.

I'm late in posting this and the Kickstarter campaign has now ended. The good news is that Conveyor reached its goal, so hopefully Joy's book will receive a larger run and you will be able to get your hands on a copy as well!

In the meantime, click here to see the beginnings of Old Man and Sea and hear what Joy had to say about it way back when.

Congrats, Joy!!!

The Journey Begins

2011-06-01T22:19:00.003-04:00

I am so very happy to report that we reached and, with the help of many wonderful supporters, surpassed our fundraising goal for Homer and Penelope. I can't even begin to say "thank you" enough to everyone who pledged and otherwise showed love to this project. We've come so far because of all your generous help. THANK YOU SINCERELY.

Now what? Well, even before we had the money to make this film we were working hard to get this ship sailing far and now it's time to take it even farther (and at a faster pace). So things might get a little quiet around here, but just know that it's because we are off trying to create this little film the best we can.

Thanks again!

Homer and Penelope

2011-04-16T23:27:00.009-04:00

I just launched a Kickstarter campaign for my next film, Homer and Penelope. Head on over to the project's Kickstarter page to learn all about it.

I've written a handful of feature-length films, but Homer and Penelope will be the first one I direct. So, needless to say, this film means everything to me. I would greatly appreciate any support you have to offer, whether it's a financial pledge or simply passing it on to a friend and spreading the word in some way.

I have self-financed Keeping the Lights On since the beginning, but Homer and Penelope needs your help to be fully realized. Thanks for your continued support.

Watson and the Future of the Human Race

2011-02-17T20:45:00.003-05:00

So Watson won Jeopardy! So what? Computers will never be able to make great art. They will never be able to write great literature, direct a great film, or paint a great painting. Computers will never be able to create.

Humanity wins.

The Old Man and the Sea and Mixed Greens

2011-01-12T15:59:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder that TUESDAY opens at Mixed Greens tomorrow night, a group show featuring the work of Joy Drury Cox. This is an exciting and not-to-be-missed event, as Joy's Old Man and Sea will be shown publicly for the first time. As you might recall, Joy was kind enough to give us an in-progress look at this fascinating, beautiful, and epic work when we filmed her for Keeping the Lights On. If you didn't catch it (or want to see it again), her complete installment is available here.

For more info about the show, simply scroll down a bit or check out the Mixed Greens site here.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T20:49:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year art lovers! Here's to a productive, creative, and art-filled 2011.

Joy and Yashua

2010-12-04T10:19:00.001-05:00

This just in from Joy Drury Cox, current and upcoming shows...

Nowhere: Selections from the Files of the Hand Drawn Map Association
Arcadia University, Glenside, PA
Sept. 23 - Dec. 19

NADA Art Fair, Miami, FL
Humble Arts Foundation Booth #317
Dec. 2 - 5

re:Context
numberthirtyfive, New York, NY
Dec. 9 - Jan. 30
Opening: Thursday, Dec. 9

Tuesday
Mixed Greens, New York, NY
Jan. 13 - Feb. 12
Opening: Thursday, Jan. 13, 6-8pm

I'd also like to tell you more about my friend, Yashua Klos, a talented visual artist who has been showing all over New York lately. I hope to have him on KTLO someday, but for now check out his website and this show that opens tonight:

Hatching: Crossing the Line
One Gallery, Newark, NJ
Dec. 4 - Jan. 16
Opening: Saturday, Dec. 4, 7-10pm

Here's more about the show, straight from the man himself:

"Hey Art People!

I have my 'Banners' series in the huge window front of One Gallery in Newark.
The other print works in this show are amazing as well!
New Yorkers listen for clarity: It is very accessible for you. 40 min from Brooklyn to Newark's PATH train stop. Even quicker from Manhattan. Don't fear crossing the border.
No body scanning required."

If that's not enough to motivate you to go, here are a couple images of this amazing work:

Enjoy.

An Imposter Among Us

2010-09-24T17:07:00.007-04:00

I've bitten my tongue on this particular matter for a few months now, but at the end of the day no one else is going to stand up for my work except me.

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. Well, I say imitation stinks. And I am certainly not flattered.

Others have come out with an online documentary series about artists and the challenges they face trying to balance art and life. Sound familiar? They're releasing 3 episodes a month, and 3 of them have focused solely on day jobs. Sound familiar?

Some claim that originality no longer exists. I disagree. Let's be original, people.

And, you know, it's funny how the world works sometimes. They've received a great deal of support from the local art world as well as some heavy-hitting press in a very short amount of time, all for an issue that's already being explored in a very similar way, for an idea that isn't theirs.

Victor Hugo said, "There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come." I guess it took 3 years for them to catch on and catch up.

Maybe I should have waited until the economic crisis hit to release Keeping the Lights On.

So timing is everything, it seems. But I guess it also helps to have some names and clout to boot. Who cares if it's not your idea or how the thing looks? You've got the right people in your corner and it's "Come right on in!" I guess power and politics trump originality and quality. How naive I was to think otherwise.

Some key players involved have known about Keeping the Lights On from day one but chose to back them anyway, all while remaining quite silent about another series doing the same thing. And some of the media outlets that have shined light on this other series knew about Keeping the Lights On, too. I don't say this out of jealousy or envy or even bitterness; I'm just saying. Yup, it's very funny how the world works sometimes.

So what does this all mean? Well, I've let some of the people involved know that I'm aware of what's going on and I've expressed my feelings on the matter. Will they stop doing what they're doing? It's highly unlikely. The ball is rolling and, besides, the Rockefeller Foundation (their biggest supporter) wouldn't be too happy about that. They would surely want their money back.

If there's no way to stop the train, I guess our only recourse for now is to keep on doing what we do—bringing you the original documentary series about artists and their day jobs. In the least, it gives me the opportunity to live up to my production company's name.

Thank you for listening (well, reading). And thank you for all your support—past, present, and future.

New York Clown Theatre Festival

2010-09-06T13:50:00.010-04:00

Our friend Ishah Janssen-Faith is performing in this year's New York Clown Theatre Festival. Here's all the info straight from the source's mouth:

"We, JAMES & JF, are proud to announce that our new show, CHANNEL ONE, is included in an all-star lineup at The New York Clown Theatre Festival 2010 at The Brick Theater.

THREE NIGHTS ONLY!
Sunday, September 19th at 8pm
Wednesday, September 22nd at 9pm
Thursday, September 23rd at 7pm

Buy tickets now: $15
Here's how: www.bricktheater.com/clown or 1-866-811-4111

THIS MATTERS.

JAMES & JF is Emily James and Ishah Janssen-Faith together. CHANNEL ONE is their first full-length show about two lonely sisters in the future who discover a live audience and something called 'TV.'"

Congratulations Ishah!

Manual Transmission

2010-07-26T08:10:00.002-04:00

Our friend Joy is co-curating Manual Transmission, a group show in Brooklyn that looks to be really interesting. From the Humble Arts Foundation website:

"Each artist (or collaborative group) will create a unique piece comprised of 36 exposures from one roll of 35mm color slide film. All exposures will be shown. Humble will exhibit the projects simultaneously on 10 screens during a one-night rooftop slide show scheduled for July 31, 2010."

So you have one chance to experience this experience!

More info here.

Shooting Water

2010-04-16T18:00:00.002-04:00

New news! I will once again be teaming up with our good friend George to capture something wonderful, as I am shooting the procession of her Wherever There Is Water parade. I couldn't be more excited.

If you need to catch up on what this soon-to-be fantastic parade is all about, go here, here, or here for all the details. And if you're in the Philadelphia area on April 24th, stop by and experience something truly one of a kind.

The parade kicks off at dusk (around 7:45pm).

Oh, one more thing, you can also follow the final week leading up to the big parade and get some sneak peeks at the art. George is actively posting on something called Twitter.

More Water

2009-11-30T14:32:00.004-05:00

I previously posted a link to George's blog about her latest work in progress. Check it out if you haven't already.

But here's more about Wherever There Is Water from Fleisher Art Memorial, the organization where George is currently in residency with this new and sure-to-be amazing public project.

Fleisher: Wherever There Is Water

Going To Miami

2009-11-20T10:03:00.005-05:00

Well, the work of Joy Drury Cox will be, that is. So if you're in the Miami area you should definitely check out Humble Arts Foundation's exhibition of Joy's work at the NADA Art Fair next month. Here are the details:

December 3rd-6th
The Deauville Beach Resort
6701 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL

Admission is free and open to the public.

More info can be found at Humble's site and the NADA site.

This show is sure to be as illuminating as the Florida sunshine.

Wherever There Is Water

2009-10-18T11:05:00.002-04:00

George has another wonderful project in the works. Please take a look and see for yourself...

Wherever There Is Water

Inspiring, to say the least.

New Shows By KTLO Alum

2009-10-09T21:55:00.017-04:00

Joy has new shows happening right now (and a couple coming up very soon)! If you're in the MO, NYC, or NJ areas, check them out.

"text. (or in the vacancy of)"
at Greenlease Gallery
Rockhurst University
1100 Rockhurst Road
Kansas City, MO
Aug. 28 - Oct. 10 (that's tomorrow!)
more info

"Linear Progression"
at Horse Trader Gallery
519 Grand Street, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY
Oct. 9 - 31
more info

"We Do Our Part"
at Envoy Enterprises
131 Christie Street, Ground Floor
New York, NY
Oct. 22 (one night show)
more info

"Moolah"
at Arts Guild of Rahway
1670 Irving Street
Rahway, NJ
Nov. 13 - Dec. 11
more info

A Quick Note

2009-03-28T11:22:00.003-04:00

Here's just a quick note about the series. Since Keeping the Lights On is no longer on Ropeadope TV, the previously posted links to KTLO videos on that site no longer work. Please do not go to Ropeadope looking for the series -- you will not find it there!

My sincere apologies to anyone who has gone there only to find videos that have nothing to do with Keeping the Lights On. I have been trying to get this problem fixed to no avail. It is out of my control.

But fear not! You can watch all installments of Keeping the Lights On right here on this site.

Installment 1 - George Ferrandi

Installment 2 - Joy Drury Cox

Installment 3 - Ishah Janssen-Faith

Enjoy...

George Ferrandi Featured In NYFA Current

2009-03-03T14:49:00.004-05:00

KTLO's first featured artist, George Ferrandi, is the subject of a fantastic write up by fellow artist and friend, Miguel Luciano, in the latest issue of NYFA Current (the free bi-monthly magazine of the New York Foundation for the Arts). If you paid attention to the credits attached to This Is Our Moment then Miguel's name should sound familiar to you. He, like George, helped conceive and paint the mural which that film documented.

It really is a wonderful piece on George and I urge you to check it out. It gives some beautiful insight into the ways George's day job work overlaps with her artwork -- and vice-versa -- and offers a perfect take on the themes and overall essence of this talented artist's work.

Miguel Luciano on George Ferrandi's Broken Saints and Failed Superheroes

You have to sign up at NYFA's site in order to get complete access to the article, but I promise you it is worth the minute it takes to register.

Change

2009-01-15T23:35:00.004-05:00

It seems change is everywhere these days. And that's a very good thing. In keeping with this spirit, your favorite documentary series about artists and their days jobs will no longer air on Ropeadope TV.

We are gearing up for a new launch on the series' official site -- keepingthelightson.tv -- and we hope you will join us as we embark on bigger and better things. In the meantime, all previous episodes of Keeping the Lights On are available right here on the blogspot. Simply click on the links under "View the Series" to check out all installments to date.

And don't forget to check out the amazing work of our featured artists. It will change your life.

KTLO Is Still Here

2008-12-29T17:49:00.009-05:00

This being the fifth Monday without a new episode, you might be wondering what's up with Keeping the Lights On? Fear not, my friends, KTLO has not gone away for good. We're just taking a little time to work on new installments with new artists, but we'll be back soon. I promise.

Some changes are in store, but I won't talk too much about them right now. Don't worry, they'll be good changes. Keeping the Lights On is still going to bring you the most interesting glimpses into the lives of artists with day jobs. That's not changing...ever.

In the meantime in between time, catch up with any episodes you might have missed over the past 6 months. Oh, you've already watched all of them? Well, like many things in life, KTLO episodes are better the second time around...

Thanks for all your support since KTLO hit the ~~air~~ web. The lights will be back on soon.

The End Is Near / Here

2008-11-24T09:50:00.002-05:00

The epic third installment of Keeping the Lights On draws to a close with today's release of Ishah Janssen-Faith - Part 10. This episode is a perfect ending to the latest chapter in the series and will prove inspirational to anyone who is striving against all odds to realize their dreams (or questioning if it's worth it).

Ishah Janssen-Faith - Part 10

It Doesn't Get More Open Than This

2008-11-17T10:42:00.006-05:00

Yes indeed. We're still going strong with Ishah's installment of Keeping the Lights On. Her story is absolutely fascinating to me. But I'm also immensely intrigued by how open and honest she is about herself and her art.

What makes Ishah such a talented actor - her strength and vulnerability - is on full display in the new episode. It just doesn't get more open than this.

Ishah Janssen-Faith - Part 9

Setbacks and Half-Full Glasses

2008-11-10T18:41:00.001-05:00

A new episode of Keeping the Lights On is here...right now...especially for you.

Ishah Janssen-Faith - Part 8

KTLO Alum Show Opening

2008-11-06T20:32:00.003-05:00

Our very first Keeping the Lights On artist, George Ferrandi, has a new art show opening at Cinders Gallery in Brooklyn. The show is the first for George's new collective with John Orth called "88's."

I hope you will be able to check it out. Here are the details:

"Unsung: New Work by George Ferrandi and John Orth"
November 14 - December 28, 2008
Opening Reception: November 14, 7-10 pm

Cinders Gallery
103 Havemeyer St. (btwn. Hope and Grand)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
718.388.2311
Gallery Hours: Wed-Sun 1-7 pm

More info can be found here:

cindersgallery.com
88sandgoodnumbers.blogspot.com

Missed George's installment in the series? Get familiar.

Turning Points and Big Dreams

2008-11-03T10:19:00.004-05:00

Another week gone by, another new episode of Keeping the Lights On. Ishah Janssen-Faith - Part 7 is now playing.

In this episode we find Ishah at a turning point in her day job reality and we discover the hopes and dreams this artist has for her theatre company and the future.

Ishah Janssen-Faith - Part 6

2008-10-27T16:19:00.012-04:00

Hello everybody. By now you've probably already seen the new episode of Keeping the Lights On that went up today because:

a) you know new episodes go up on Mondays
b) you love starting your work week off with a new dose of the series
c) you love our featured artists' open and honest talk about their work and life experiences
d) all of the above

But maybe, just maybe, you haven't made Keeping the Lights On a part of your day just yet. If so, stop in and check it out, won't you?

Ishah Janssen-Faith - Part 6

The Secret Life of Being an Artist

2008-10-20T14:49:00.004-04:00

Ishah Janssen-Faith - Part 5 is now playing. In this episode Ishah shares with us the joys of being an artist in the workplace.

So here it is...Ishah Janssen-Faith - Part 5.

PS. There appears to have been a technical issue with the Flash player on Ropeadope TV. Our sincere apologies for this. If the inconvenience caused you to miss an episode, you can catch up here.

Screening of "This Is Our Moment"

2008-10-15T21:00:00.002-04:00

This Is Our Moment, the short film I made with some Keeping the Lights On alumni and other friends, will screen as part of Artbreak Gallery's "Gallery of Hope - Art for Change" fundraising event and exhibit. The exhibit opens October 25th with the fundraising event taking place 5-10pm. The entire show runs through November 5th.

For additional information go to Artbreak Gallery's website.

I am honored to have our work included in this show and, if you're in the neighborhood, I hope you will be able to attend. It's sure to be a night of great art, great inspiration, and great energy for change.

Routines Are For Dancers

2008-10-13T09:48:00.000-04:00

A new episode of Keeping the Lights On has arrived. Ishah Janssen-Faith - Part 4 is now playing and if you want to find out how this artist deals with job security, mind-numbing routines, and soul-draining corporate jobs this episode is for you. Well, even if these things don't interest you this episode is for you!

So please, join us once again and check out Ishah Janssen-Faith - Part 4.

DIY Realness

2008-10-06T15:42:00.006-04:00

Some people take the "Do-It-Yourself" approach because, at least today, it's the cool thing to do. Others take it because they have to. For them there's no other choice. And with this reality comes both pleasure and pain, true creativity and real frustration. But out of it comes some of the best art too.

Ishah is a real DIY artist. She takes the good with the bad and keeps moving.

Ishah Janssen-Faith - Part 3

Mondays = Goodness

2008-09-29T09:16:00.015-04:00

I love Mondays. A lot of people hate them because they mean the start of another long work week. I love them because they mean I get to share another new episode of Keeping the Lights On with you. So here it is, Ishah Janssen-Faith - Part 2.

If you missed Part 1, get caught up here.

And as always, thanks for watching.

We're Back!

2008-09-22T12:21:00.002-04:00

Yes yes y'all. Keeping the Lights On is back with a brand new installment featuring another talented artist you will surely come to know and love. This time it's Ishah Janssen-Faith, an actor with multiple jobs and multiple tales of surviving as an artist in a not-so-artist-friendly world.

(For a larger viewing experience, click here).

This installment offers a candid look at what it's really like for an actor trying to do justice to her craft and still make ends meet. I hope you'll join us.

On Hiatus

2008-09-08T08:27:00.006-04:00

It's hard to believe that Keeping the Lights On has been airing for 3 months already. Time flies. I hope you have enjoyed watching the first 12 episodes of the series. There's more to come very soon!

But after 3 months of giving you a new episode every week, Keeping the Lights On is going on a short hiatus. We're working on new installments with more great artists and I promise we will be back before you know it.

In the meantime, if you haven't been keeping up...

Catch up on any episodes you might have missed.

2nd Installment Closes

2008-09-01T08:43:00.002-04:00

The final episode in Joy's installment of Keeping the Lights On is now showing. In Part 7 we get a closer look at Joy's epic "The Old Man and the Sea" project, a work of art that is truly captivating and probably my favorite of all Joy's great work.

(For a larger viewing experience, click here).

I hope you enjoyed watching this installment as much as I loved working on it.

Please stay tuned. A new installment with a new artist is just around the corner.

Uncle Magazine Likes KTLO

2008-08-29T11:47:00.003-04:00

The good folks at Uncle Magazine recently asked me to write about my experiences directing Keeping the Lights On and those of the artists involved in the series. So I got to work and put together an essay that touches on my approach to the series and speaks to the larger issues facing our featured artists and others like them. Click the following link to read the essay:

Keeping the Lights On and Other Aspects of Being an Artist in America

Yesterday Uncle graciously wrote about the series on their site. You can check it out here.

Mike Figgis Speaks Truth

2008-08-27T16:31:00.008-04:00

I recently came across a couple blog posts by director Mike Figgis and I thought I'd share what I discovered. Apparently Figgis was asked to be a guest blogger on FilmInFocus and the results are quite interesting.

You can read his "Love Live Long" post in its entirety here, but I want to specifically highlight the part I find most on point given the nature of cinema today:

"Plot has killed script. Back in the day plot was a slightly sketchy framework for character development. The scripts I read now, the characters are there to supply the plot. It's all to do with a misguided idea that the function of cinema is somehow to be realistic. I think the function of cinema is to be poetic and magic and original."

Right on, Mr. Figgis. I agree wholeheartedly.

Joy Part 6...and More

2008-08-25T13:19:00.018-04:00

Joy Drury Cox - Part 6 is up. See how everyday elements find their way into Joy's work and how economic factors affect this artist's approach to life and art.

(For a larger viewing experience, click here).

If you want to see Joy's work up closer and in person (but you missed her last two shows), you're in luck. Joy's talents will once again be on display in these upcoming shows:

“The Form Itself”
at Priska C. Juschka Fine Art
547 West 27th Street
New York, NY
Sept. 4 – Oct. 11
Opening Reception: Thursday, Sept. 4, 6-9 pm
http://www.priskajuschkafineart.com/

“Communication Breakdown”
at Andrew Edlin Gallery
529 West 20th Street
New York, NY
Sept. 13 – Oct. 25
Opening Reception: Saturday, Sept. 13, 6-8 pm
http://www.edlingallery.com/exhibitions.asp

and at Galerie Impaire
47 rue de Lancry
Paris, France
Sept. 24 – Nov. 8
Opening Reception: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6-8 pm

In Production

2008-08-22T21:40:00.004-04:00

Shot some great material today with one of our soon-to-be featured artists. I can't say who, but I will say where. Here's a list of places to which Keeping the Lights On ventured today:

1) A 5th floor walk-up apartment
2) Long Island City
3) Harlem
4) 2 parks/playgrounds

That's all I can say for now. Just thought I'd share.

Keeping the Lights On Keeps Going

2008-08-18T15:06:00.009-04:00

Oh yes, a new episode of Keeping the Lights On has landed on your computer screens. Take a look at Joy Drury Cox - Part 5 to find out how Joy deals with the business side of being an artist and what motivates her when she sets out to make work.

(For a larger viewing experience, click here).

Thanks for watching.

This Day In Film History

2008-08-17T09:25:00.009-04:00

While this site is dedicated to Keeping the Lights On and the artists who make up the series, as a filmmaker and lover of cinema I must spend a few lines to pay homage to an important moment in film history. It was a hundred years ago today that French director Emile Cohl first screened what many consider to be the first fully-animated film, Fantasmagorie.

Like most adults, I don't watch as many animated TV shows and feature films as I once did. But I am no less fascinated by the process, the many wonderful stories told, and the ways film and film language are challenged and pushed in animation.

Much respect to Mr. Cohl and his contribution to motion pictures.

New Episode

2008-08-11T08:31:00.007-04:00

A new episode of Keeping the Lights On is now playing on Ropeadope TV. Check out Joy Drury Cox - Part 4.

A lot of fascinating art is on display in this one. I'm a big fan of minimalism and to hear Joy explain what went into the creation of the work featured in Part 4 makes me fall in love with it all over again.

I think you'll fall in love too.

And if you haven't taken a look at Joy's website yet, just click on her link in the "Featured Artists" section of this site.

Thanks for your continued support of the KTLO series.

Monday Monday

2008-08-10T12:47:00.000-04:00

Attention everyone.

Keeping the Lights On is moving to Mondays. New episodes will now go up on Mondays instead of Tuesdays.

Sorry for the change, but it should be a good one because what better way to start off another work week than with a new episode of Keeping the Lights On?

So stay tuned tomorrow for Joy Drury Cox - Part 4.

Part Three...Part Tres...Part Trois

2008-08-05T17:03:00.007-04:00

Joy Drury Cox - Part 3 is now up for your viewing pleasure.

I personally love Joy's approach to her art and what comes out of it. I think you will too after watching Part 3. I'm really excited about this episode and the ones to come. I can hardly wait to share the rest.

So keep tuning in. There's lots more art on the way.

KTLO Artists Don't Stop

2008-08-01T19:05:00.026-04:00

Now that Joy's installment of Keeping the Lights On is in full swing I thought I'd share my latest short film with you once again. Maybe you figured out from my hint a few weeks back that Joy was our next featured artist; maybe you didn't (don't feel bad). Either way, you might want to check out This Is Our Moment to see the painting of a great mural which Joy helped create. Then go tell your friends!

Here it is:

Direct link for more info: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rixv9KxCU7I

Joy Drury Cox - Part 2

2008-07-29T09:18:00.010-04:00

Head on over to Ropeadope TV (if you haven't already) as Joy Drury Cox - Part 2 is now showing.

In this part, Joy discusses what it's like juggling her art and her day jobs and how it affects the way she approaches her own work.

So yeah, stop reading this update and watch Joy Drury Cox - Part 2.

Tuesdays

2008-07-28T10:52:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder that new parts in the Keeping the Lights On series come out every Tuesday. Mark your calendars.

So forget Fridays. Tuesdays are your new favorite day of the week, right?!?!

Brand New

2008-07-22T11:38:00.003-04:00

I present to you the latest chapter in Keeping the Lights On. The second installment in the series has now begun and I implore you to head over to Ropeadope TV to watch the first part.

Our new featured artist is Joy Drury Cox, another talented creative in Brooklyn whose work you will certainly find intriguingly unique and uniquely intriguing.

And if you happen to be in the area you should check out a wonderful new showing of her work. Here are the details:

"Eggcartonopolis" at HQ Gallery
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYC
Now through August 23
http://ehteam.ca/HQ/

Joy's work is also featured in the current issue of BLIR Magazine. You can check it out here.

Now get to know our new featured artist by watching Joy Drury Cox - Part 1.

Delay

2008-07-15T12:06:00.002-04:00

Due to technical issues, the first part of our new installment will not premiere today as promised. I sincerely regret this unfortunate occurrence.

We should have everything sorted out by next Tuesday.

In the meantime, let's focus on the positive and look at this delay as an opportunity for some of you to catch up on those George Ferrandi parts you have yet to watch (you know who you are).

Again, my sincere apologies for the delay in getting the next installment of Keeping the Lights On started. Thank you for your patience and continued support.

The 1st Installment Is Complete

2008-07-08T22:43:00.009-04:00

I'm happy to announce that the first installment of Keeping the Lights On is now showing in its entirety. That's right, all 5 parts on George Ferrandi are now up!

As always, you can watch Part 5 and the rest of the series on Ropeadope TV.

I'm very proud of this first installment and I hope you've enjoyed watching it unfold. Thank you for checking it out...and thanks to everyone who has helped make the series possible.

Please check out the fifth and final part on George.

Then stay tuned next Tuesday when a brand new installment featuring another talented and hard-working artist begins.

We're just getting started.

This Is Our Moment

2008-07-07T17:50:00.005-04:00

I hesitated to post this at first seeing how it isn't "directly" related to Keeping the Lights On. But it is, however, very indirectly related as two of the artists who helped create the mural are featured in the series (well, one is currently featured and the other will be very soon...I've been thinking about dropping a hint about who will be featured in the next installment, so there it is).

Without further ado...my new short film.

It's That Time Again

2008-07-01T21:23:00.008-04:00

A week goes by fast, doesn't it ?!?!

George Ferrandi - Part 4 is now showing.

Find out what it's like for one artist trying to make it all work, whether business is slow or not. George also takes us on a personal tour through an interesting cast of characters that comprises the world of one of her fabulous installations.

The first installment of Keeping the Lights On is nearing its end, so if you haven't watched Parts 1-3 head over to Ropeadope TV to catch up and get ready for the final segment on George Ferrandi.

George Ferrandi - Part 3

2008-06-23T17:58:00.004-04:00

What you all have been waiting for is here -- George Ferrandi - Part 3 is now showing on Ropeadope TV.

In this part George discusses what goes into the choice of skin tones for statues and shares a fascinating story about racism in the world of statuary sculpting.

You can see Part 3 here.

Now Showing - George Ferrandi Part 2

2008-06-16T22:07:00.003-04:00

Part 2 of George Ferrandi's installment is now showing. Get a glimpse of her latest artwork in progress by watching the video here.

World Premiere

2008-06-07T15:45:00.008-04:00

Keeping the Lights On has been picked up by Ropeadope to be a featured series on the newly launched Ropeadope TV.

Click here to check it out.

And stay tuned to this site for updates on new videos, featured artists, and episodes in production. Speaking of featured artists, please check out the amazing work of George Ferrandi.

Installment 3 - Ishah Janssen-Faith

1979-01-15T22:20:00.009-05:00

Part 1: For the third installment of Keeping the Lights On we sit down with Ishah Janssen-Faith, a hardworking actor, writer, and producer whose story goes far beyond the "actor waits tables while waiting for her big break" cliché.

Part 2: This week we get an in-depth look at Ishah's interesting day job history and learn just what it takes for this artist to survive.

Part 3: Ishah gives us a glimpse into the world of running a downtown theatre company and the challenges that come along with it.

Part 4: Ishah offers some fascinating insight into how she balances her life and what happens when she works jobs that aren't creatively satisfying.

Part 5: The Secret Life of Being an Artist.

Part 6: Hailing cabs for the outside world.

Part 7: Ishah reaches a breaking point with one of her day jobs and shares the dreams she has for her future.

Part 8: Insurance woes and day job worries.

Part 9: A raw and honest look at one artist's feelings about criticism, self-doubt, and dealing with audience response to her work.

Part 10: Our third installment closes with an uplifting take on making art (and surviving) no matter what.

Installment 2 - Joy Drury Cox

1979-01-15T22:19:00.008-05:00

Part 1: We kick off the second installment of Keeping the Lights On with Joy Drury Cox, an artist whose day jobs and creative work are equally fascinating, focused, and often steeped in solitude.

Part 2: Joy shares what it's like balancing art and jobs and details the role this reality plays in the creation of her own work.

Part 3: Joy describes how aspects of the working world have shaped her art and offers a sneak peek at her latest epic project.

Part 4: A captivating tour through some of Joy's uniquely intriguing artwork.

Part 5: We explore the balance of being an artist and a business person, the right to be paid, and breaking artist stereotypes.

Part 6: Joy shows us another compelling work in progress and explains the thought process and economics behind some of her art.

Part 7: We wrap up this second installment of Keeping the Lights On with a detailed and philosophically fascinating discussion about Joy's "The Old Man and the Sea" work of art.

Installment 1 - George Ferrandi

1979-01-15T22:18:00.004-05:00

Part 1: Brooklyn-based visual artist George Ferrandi shares how her first day in New York changed everything and put her on an unexpected day job path.

Part 2: George shows how inspiration from unlikely places finds its way into her work and talks about the selling of her art.

Part 3: Skin tones, cool and crazy churches, and statuary racism.

Part 4: George describes the difficulties of juggling her day job and her art and offers another intriguing glimpse into her past work – this time it's Super Silver Monkey and his charming friends.

Part 5: In this fifth and final part of George Ferrandi's installment, we get a look at a finished work of art and find out that having a day job can offer some truly rewarding moments.

wtiw

1977-11-08T19:15:00.000-05:00

newest

1977-01-23T00:18:00.002-05:00