In the Press | Wednesday Wisdom

"A prudent question is one half of wisdom." — Francis Bacon

Each Wednesday, New York-based branding company, Skaggs Creative selects one individual to highlight on their blog that they believe we can all glean a bit of wisdom from. Last June, Rodney was selected. This year, Skaggs decided to publish a book including printed copies of the interviews from the year before.
 

"Rodney Durso is a man of many interests and skills. He’s a designer, a painter, a musician, and the founder of a nonprofit organization called ArtBridge that transforms construction sites into open-air art galleries. He’s also a guest lecturer at Parsons, where he gives a lecture on failure. He’s not afraid of it, and he says, “I feel that ArtBridge is the manifestation of all my failures, all the things I never quite closed the circle on. I feel like it’s important to know about failure—it’s important to experience it.” Wise (and brave) words in a social media saturated era where everybody seems to always be #killingit." 

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What's On The Wall? | In the Studio

Since his return from Penland Artist Residency this July, Rodney has been experimenting with the materials and technique, such as photo transfers using Citrosolv and limestone clay. The below painting on plywood box was started in North Carolina and is now being completed while hung on the wall of his Chelsea studio.

Upcoming | Studio Blue Gallery

Events | Burger & Lobster Art Month

In collaboration with the West Chelsea Artists, and proper British restaurant, Burger & Lobster's first annual Art Month, Rodney was the first of four artists to showcase their work.

The pieces were on display for one week culminating in a closing reception on Monday evening, August 17th. A big thanks to all who came out to have a bite, a pint and support Rodney's work!

Events | Penland Artist Residency

For two weeks in July, Rodney spent a substantial time in the studio with the beautiful backdrop of North Carolina. Learning from fellow artists, he was introduced to new materials and technique, such as photo transfers using Citrosolv; painting plywood boxes with house-paint; and applying limestone clay in thick layers, sanding to create texture between each application.

At the end of the residency, Rodney produced seven completed works, each unique in composition while expanding his skills as an artist.

Community | Artist Spotlight

In the West Chelsea Arts Building, artists have access to one another for inspiration. Both a fantastic artist and person, Xanda McCagg shines brightly among her peers.

"At the core of my work is a fascination with the human experience. I consider systems of human behavior in relation to larger happenings: poverty, war, systems of control and understanding, government, and religion vs. mythology. As an artist, I observe and comment on the human condition on both a global and an intimate level. The dichotomies we are effected by and that which define us are the root and structure behind the work: how we are connecting or being ripped apart, what we have or lack, when we are strong vs. weak and aware or oblivious, here in the present and then gone." (Excerpt from Xanda's Artist Statement)

Her abstract compositions, rooted in figurative concepts are made with oil, graphite and collage. She balances her time between painting and running her business, Art Introductions. Launched in 2014, Xanda McCagg Projects is an extension of her studio practice as a forum for exhibition and events, highlighting artists and art forms that embody and framework for education, discussion and inspiration for the public.

Xanda is currently exhibiting her work at MS17, New London (CT) as well as Hostetler Gallery on Nantucket through October 2015.

More on artist Xanda McCagg can be found on her webpage: www.xandamccagg.com