On tour inside Laguna art

EYE ON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Spending the day riding around in a trolley to different artists’

studios in Laguna Beach isn’t such a bad way to spend a Sunday, in

fact I had an absolute blast. But it’s hard to explain to my

significant other, who came with me on the Sawdust Studio Art Walk,

that that’s actually my job. Just one of the sacrifices I make for

the sake of journalism.

Rebecca Meekma, Sawdust media relations and Lynne Powell, event

coordinator, as well as the host of volunteers, did a marvelous job

to make this event an amazing experience.

The day started with a morning reception and a continental

breakfast. After the meal we took one of the free shuttles that ran

from the Sawdust grounds to several different tour options around

Laguna Beach.

I decided that I would go with the north tour first. The first

place I experienced was Tracey Moscaritolo’s studio. I am familiar

with her work and always love to see what she has cooking. Tracey won

first place in painting in last year’s Southwest Arts Festival. It’s

no wonder why, the colors she uses are so rich. It’s easy to get lost

in her work.

Also on that stop was Catherine Reade and her amazing

one-of-a-kind fine jewelry. Seeing her jewelry really gives me extra

incentive to work hard and save up. If I knew anyone who was about to

get married or was having a special anniversary, I would definitely

refer them to her. Catherine works with sterling silver, 18K gold and

precious stones. Each piece of hers is a unique work of art.

Next I went to Joan Corman’s house/studio. Corman’s house is an

old Laguna charmer that once belonged to her grandmother -- what an

inspirational place to create.

“The house was bought in the ‘50s and built in the ‘20s,” Corman

said. “And I made this area into my studio.”

I enjoy Corman’s work, especially her palm trees. The work of her

students adorned her walls, a telltale sign of her love of teaching.

Next was artist Ashley Pigden’s studio. She creates vintage china

mosaic, an art form I had never contemplated before. She uses mostly

vintage dishes that she spots at garage sales, swap meets and thrift

stores. She has been interested in old dishes since she was 11, when

she used to go to country auctions and at one time had in her

collection dishes from the 1700s. Art fans have caught on to her art

and have been generous with their china.

“People have started putting them in my mailbox,” Pigden said.

“Almost every other day I find them there with a note.”

The highlight of my day was at Pat Sparkuhl’s home/studio. I just

have to say “wow” on all fronts. Wow, what a creative genius he is,

what incredible energy he has, and what a dream place he lives and

creates in. He is definitely a multifaceted wow.

The tour he gave was spectacular as he went over different pieces

from his yard, kitchen, bedrooms and studios. It was remarkable to

hear the stories that inspired his work. It seems like he could have

a college course in his honor to study all the intricacies of his

art.

On his fence in the back yard, is a collection of surfboards from

different eras that he calls landscape art. Surfing has had a big

influence on his life, as well as his work.

“I grew up surfing and have integrated rhythm into my system,”

Sparkuhl said. “I’ve looked at waves for so long that it comes out,

your relationship to whatever that wave is -- your own stylistic

relationship, and you begin to understand your relationship to

yourself. It naturally revolves into my art. When I go in my studio

it’s always 5-foot waves, hot and glassy.”

Next to each piece of his work he has narratives explaining his

art. He likes to tell what the piece is about and where he is coming

from

Sparkuhl said he works out his emotions and feelings about a topic

through his art. He said it isn’t meant to offend, only to allow him

a method to speak the truth from his perspective.

I can’t wait to see Sparkuhl’s work at the Festival of Arts this

summer.

In the canyon, I first went to John Barber’s studio. He is a

talented and well-known, long-time Lagunan and glass blower. Right

next door is I Michele Taylor Heath. She is a gifted artist with her

hand-blown glass and mixed media sculptures.

It was too bad I only had a little time left when I got to the

Laguna Canyon Artists Complex. There are more than 20 renowned

artists and I am a great fan of many of them.

It was wonderful to see Fitz Maurice and her new, larger studio.

Her work and achievements always astound me. She is in a class all

her own.

I also enjoyed seeing Mike Tauber’s studio. What is so cool about

Mike is that he would rather me write about the other artists in town

than about him. He really is a great guy with great talent.

The last place I had time to visit was Anne Weiler’s new studio.

She has moved most of her work from the Sanctuary to the new digs.

She said she loves being in the company of the other artists around

her. It was great to learn that all the skins for her drums are made

from animals already dead -- a testament to her positive spirit.

Following the great day of art, which I wish I had all the time in

the world to experience, was a wonderful reception at the Sawdust

with great hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Sam and I really had a great

time. Maybe next year they will extend it to a week -- now that would

be the best!

ART THAT’S SMALL

I know it’s not very objective of me to favor a particular

exhibit, but with a name like “Art That’s Small at City Hall” it’s

hard not to be smitten. And it’s not just the name, everything about

the exhibit is creative and fun. The art that is on exhibit in the

Hall’s halls has the stipulation that an entry can be no longer than

12 inches long and 3 inches in depth. Looking at all the art that was

submitted, I was blown away with the quality and genius creativity

the artists exude.

On April 16 at City Hall, there will be a reception for the

exhibit that is free and open to the public. During the reception,

the judges’ choices will be announced, with first place receiving

$400, second receiving $200 and third receiving $50. Also announced

will be the “City Hall Choice,” which is a piece that all city

employees get to vote for and that winner receives $50. The exhibit

runs through May 1.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE YOUNG

I love the way the city supports the arts on so many different

levels, it’s one of the things that make Laguna a special place to

be. It’s wonderful that there is a generous amount of art education

opportunities here such as the Festival of Arts, the Sawdust

Festival, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Outreach Community Arts and the

Laguna College of Art & Design.

In that spirit, the city is hosting the “City of Laguna Beach

Student Art Exhibition at City Hall.” Local students grades K through

12 are encouraged to submit two-dimensional artworks inspired by

Laguna’s heritage, present day motifs or future visions. The work

must be original and be framed, wired, labeled and delivered to the

City Council chambers between 8 and 10 a.m. on May 2. Artists who are

selected will receive a certificate and their work will be exhibited

at City Hall. An honorarium of $100 will be awarded to the high

school winner. For information, call 497-0722 or e-mail

[email protected].

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at 494-4321 or [email protected].