December 23rd, 2023

Happy Saturday! The holiday spirit is in the air this weekend and I couldn’t be more grateful to have a few days off to enjoy it. The month of December always seems to zoom past at record speed so I’m looking for any excuse to take a break and breathe.

I’m not sure what prompted me to do this, but this week I dipped my toes back into the leathercrafting world and made some simple items. It had to have been at least 6 years in what feels like another life since I picked up a pricking iron or threaded a lacing needle and it felt good to make something by hand again. I’m so used to creating digitally and I missed the tactility of physical making; I’m not sure what’s next but I’ve already placed an order for tool upgrades that I could never have afforded before so I guess that means I’m serious about it now 😅 

I’m changing up the format of the newsletter a little this week to shine some light on a fantastic little group showcase I was fortunate to be part of. Let’s get going!

Artist Spotlight - Marcel Mouly (1918-2008)

Career

Marcel Mouly, born February 6th, 1918 in Paris, began his formal art education at the French Academies where he studied drawing and painting. Mouly's early work was influenced by the likes of Picasso and Matisse. From Picasso, he adopted elements of Cubist structure, while Matisse inspired his use of bold, expressive color.

He was first inspired by Post-Impressionism and incorporated the bright, expressive colors and real-life subject matter into his art to capture the essence of his subjects. As he developed his style, Mouly began incorporating elements of Cubism into his work. This is seen in his geometrically structured compositions, the fragmentation of forms, and the multi-perspective views.

After taking a trip to Normandy in 1942, Mouly was detained by German officials and was falsely accused of being a spy when he returned to Paris. This accusation led to his imprisonment, a harrowing experience that he endured at a young age. He was placed into solitary confinement for 3 months, and it is said that his thoughts constantly turned to art. His only creative outlet was to sculpt chess pieces from his bread rations, and he resolved to become a famous artist after his release.

Contributions to the Art World

Mouly’s unique approach and persistent exploration of these styles have left an enduring mark on modern art. His work provided a fresh and modern interpretation of the traditional techniques and concepts of these styles, making them accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.

His exploration and application of color theory are notable. He used color not just as a means of representation but as a tool to evoke emotions and create a sense of atmosphere in his works. His bold use of color has been influential among modern colorists, demonstrating how a vibrant palette can be effectively used in modern compositions.

Mouly contributed to the narrative of modern art by showing how traditional art movements could be reinterpreted and refreshed. His innovative approach expanded the possibilities of artistic expression within these established frameworks. His extensive exhibitions, both in France and abroad, helped to disseminate the styles of Cubism and Post-Impressionism to a broader audience.

Style

The unique combination of Cubist structural elements and vibrant color pallet of Post-Impressionism became Mouly’s hallmark. His early subjects often included urban landscapes, interior scenes, and still lifes. These familiar scenes were transformed through Mouly’s unique lens, using color and form to reinterpret reality. He experimented with the interplay of light and shadow, using color to create depth and mood in his paintings. His use of contrasting and harmonious color schemes added a dynamic quality to his work.

Through his early experimentation, Mouly began to establish his artistic identity. His ability to synthesize various artistic influences into a cohesive style set him apart from his contemporaries. In his later works, Mouly's use of color became even more nuanced and sophisticated. While he continued to use vibrant and bold colors, there was a greater emphasis on harmony and the interplay of hues, creating more cohesive and balanced compositions.

Mouly's later pieces often featured more complex and layered compositions. He continued to draw on Cubist influences, but with a greater focus on integrating these elements into a unified whole. His paintings from this period show a masterful control of spatial organization and form. Mouly explored a wider range of subjects in his later work, including landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes, and interior scenes. These subjects were rendered with a blend of realism and abstraction, capturing the essence of the scenes in his unique artistic language.

Mouly's later work reflects a sense of artistic confidence and maturity. He had fully developed his voice and style, allowing him to experiment and express himself more freely and confidently.

Influences and Lessons

As previously mentioned, Mouly was profoundly influenced by Picasso's Cubist innovations and Matisse's bold use of color. Growing up in Paris, Mouly was immersed in a rich artistic environment. The city's museums, galleries, and bohemian culture provided a fertile ground for his artistic growth as he studied these masters.

Mouly's work teaches the value of synthesizing different artistic movements. He demonstrates that new and unique styles can emerge from combining elements of various art forms. His dedication to his art, despite not achieving the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries, is a lesson in persistence and commitment to one's creative vision.

His work balances respect for artistic tradition with the desire for innovation, illustrating that honoring the past can go hand in hand with exploring new avenues in art. It also reminds us of the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context in which art is made.

Style Representation

Collectors Corner

Scott Strazzante - Foundation Collection

Artist(s) Highlight - (un)holy | echoes of (un)sung moments

I’m highlighting the (un)holy holiday showcase by the (un)curated collective this week. Sixteen artists (including myself) shared what the holidays meant to them, free to artistically demonstrate what is important to them without needing to conform to traditional holiday tropes.

There isn’t space to explore the entire showcase here, so I invite you to read through the showcase on Joyn (link at the end), thoughtfully curated by eirrann.

(un)Traditional by weird_momma_x

“Holidays are a mixed bag. In some ways, I express myself and celebrate as I see fit. In other ways, I feel trapped by family traditions. Traps of my own making, I suppose.”

One Evening in December - Ana__Krimova

“Strasbourg in December, A dazzling atmosphere. At every street corner, a transformation. Old facades adorned with brilliance, Twinkling garlands. Magic in the night”

Dutch Skyburst - MiraiVoyage

“The New Year's fireworks, a splendid sight in various locations, hold a special place in my heart. Among these displays, the year-end fireworks witnessed in the Netherlands, my current home, remain an unforgettable memory.”

sabbath céramique - scizors

An artistic critique of the over-sexualization of women and unapologetically anti-holiday. Fire stuff right here.

And many more pieces I don’t have the space for! Check them all out here.

Final Thoughts

I did something today I’ve never done before; spoke in a Space on X about my art. Speaking virtually is something I’m quite used to doing at my day job, but this made me more nervous by far than any of those professional settings. But I forced myself to do it, and I’m glad I did. The next time will be easier, and even though I’ll probably never love it, I’m proud of myself for getting the first time out of the way.

My point is it’s important to step outside your comfort zone. If there’s something you’re terrified to do, it might be a sign it’s what you need to do to grow. This is a pep-talk for myself just as much as anyone else who needs to hear it 😁 

As always, if you enjoyed this edition I would really appreciate if you shared it. Just hit the share button below. And if you’re not following me on X yet, I’d love to follow you back.

On that note, I’ll leave you with a quote that illustrates how art can communicate what we sometimes cannot:

Happy holiday’s and enjoy your weekend, friend!

P.S. If you have feedback I’d love to hear it! A reply to this email goes directly to me.