Drawings of Tara Geer
I did something this week that I rarely do but so enjoy doing which is visit an artist at their studio. I spent the afternoon with Glenn Horowitz who is not only a rare book dealer he is involved with artists estates, private collectors and the world of art and film. Spending the afternoon listening to him talk about the world he lives in was good for the brain. He is an absolute delight.
He took me to see Tara Geer in her studio. I have learned that over the years my appreciation for art that I see in person moves me one way. Talking with an artist about their work while observing it at the same time brings ones appreciation for each piece to a completely different level.
Tara is not only smart as a whip she is intriguing to listen to. Her passion for drawing began as a child and she has been honing those skills every since. Tara believes that anyone can learn to draw. What she talked about is how she sees things. She visualizes patterns and space relations. She draws things that most people would not think about drawing. It could be a crack in the sidewalk next to a ball of paper and a half eaten candy. She zeroes in on things that most of us might just walk by. She draws it and then draws it again and again and again that by the 20th time she draws the piece from the last drawing it takes on a life of its own.
Tara continues to work and teach at the same time. Teaching not only individuals but classes at Columbia University in the art department where she got her MFA. Her work has an old school feel of pens, charcoal and ink.
When I first entered her studio I wasn't sure if I was drawn to her work but after speaking with Tara and understanding her work, I found myself drawn to certain pieces. I get the feeling that I could stare at some of these pieces for hours trying to find something and then discovering something else. This picture is the piece that I am thinking about.
Looking forward to another visit and absolutely looking forward to another art experience with Glenn.
Comments (Archived):
Joanne,Drawing is where most of us artists (who got our “training” many years ago) start. Often we move away from drawing for drawing’s sake into other media, but the brain remembers what was important, spatial relationships, values (dark-light), shape, line, texture, etc. It’s nice to read about an artist whose primary focus is drawing. Today, so many young artists move right into conceptual art without giving a moment’s thought to drawing, even if it’s preparatory for some other medium.Have an art filled day. Cecelia
i gather most people don’t continue drawing because it is not a highlyvalued art form. too bad. in the end, as you said, it all starts withdrawing.
Thanks for sharing! I look forward to hearing more about Tara.