Christmas Wishes to You

 

Well, I can’t say that I’d been dreaming of a white Christmas. It’s seventy degrees and sunny here in Clearwater, Florida. However, despite the lack of snowmen and icicles, the spirits have been high leading to this December 25^th. At this time of year, as we gather with family and friends around the Christmas tree or the glowing light of the Menorah, it’s easy to get preoccupied with the material things. While I rejoice at the shiny new camera lens that my family purchased for me, I am far more thankful for the immaterial gifts of time and memories that we share together. 2013, waning into its final few days, has been a year of lessons and surprises, none the least of which is how quickly that unperceivable thing we call luck can change. So I say that every new day of fine health and opportunities is a gift. As are the fine memories of we make with each Christmas carol we sing, every holiday movie we watch, every gift we open and every embrace we receive in the company of those dearest to us. The greatest gifts and treasures, the only treasures worth clutching near, are not hidden beneath wrapping paper or tied with bows. Rather, they are the friends and loved ones we hold dear. So I give thanks and wish a Merry Christmas to all those who read this Christmas message and I hope you will take a moment to pass on the same wish to someone dear to you.

Thank you and Happy Holidays

 

L. Polyak

Art Shows and Rainy Days

Vivian Greene, the wife of author, Graham Greene, once said, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Among inspirational quotes, it has always been a favorite of mine, not merely for its intrinsic value, but also because it suits my somewhat eccentric appreciation for those rare stormy days in our Sunshine State. Judge as you will, but I hold that there is something dear about those rainy days that gathers us together, under one roof, for pleasant conversation and companionship, however brief it may be in our busy lives. Therefore my enjoyment of this past weekend is without question.

The Pinellas Park Art Society had it’s Artist’s Reception at the Stirling Gallery in Dunedin this weekend. The event was marked by thunder and sporadic deluge, but enjoyed by all present… and what a turn-out we had! The halls were, at times, packed shoulder-to-shoulder with friends and guests enjoying and discussing the assorted art work. The storms gathered us together for a second helping of the delicious hors d’ oeuvres and drinks, and we pleasantly discussed future events at Park Station, from the cozy comfort of the lobby sofa and the kitchen table. Our own work was joined by a display from the Miniaturists Society, which was a fine introduction to The Art Society’s September, miniature-themed, exhibit at Park Station.

Thank you to all who made our Stirling Show a success. Please enjoy the photos!

L. Polyak

(To see more art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

Commissions and Art Galleries, Huzzah!

And here we are again! I'm taking a brief pause prior to work to update my readers on recent events, while I await the toaster at my kitchen table. Wonderful how effort pays off... Recently my hobby and my job have intermingled with funding and enjoyment being had on both fronts.

At this time I have exhibits running at Suntan Art Center, Stirling Studios Art Gallery, Pinellas Park City Hall, and the Park Station Gallery. I'm preparing for the annual vacation to St. Augustine this June, to satisfy my cravings as a History-buff, and , at the same time, a good number of my sketches and oil pencil portraiture will soon be on display at Carrollwood Cultural Center in June.

Networking does pay off! Through my friend, fellow artist, Doug Land, I received a commission from a local writer, I don't think he will mind me advertising his name... The cover art for David Watts next literary work will be taken from a 18x24 oil pencil sketch, inspired by an excerpt from his tale.  I truly did have a great deal of fun expressing myself in this piece. I can't reveal the title or the artwork yet, but it will be here as soon as the book is published. Whoo! Commissions, gotta love 'em! So I'm adding illustration to my offerings now, and advertising them with my boss's help at FASTSIGNS, where custom jobs are also a specialty.

It does bring a smile to my face as I think back to what I was doing for a living only a year ago. "Winds of change, baby! Winds of change."

Thanks for reading!

Lyle Polyak

(2 C more art go to www.artoflylepolyak.com or www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

(my favorite spokesperson, showing

off the new sign campaingn.)

(The art reception at Stirling Studios was really packed.)

Art Hop 2013 and Upcoming

Art Hop 2013 was a stunning success. Many thanks to Scott Thompson and The Greater Largo Library Foundation and to John Dunn of Art Warehouse for the quick supplies that got me ready in time. The event occurred this past weekend, March 3rd at Largo Public Library. Opening to the public at 6:00PM the Art Hop had fewer exhibitors than last year, due in part to the economy, but this allowed the participants to further expand their exhibits. New to my show area this year was some custom signage designed in Photoshop CS6 and produced by my boss at FASTSIGNS of Lighthouse Point (my new employer). To my judgement, I believe we had better turn out in visitors this year, which resulted in higher sales for me. On that topic, I had offered, for the first time this year, photographic prints and reproductions of my pencil and charcoal sketches. The sketches actually oversold the photography to my surprise and, as I recall, there was a recurrence of the statements "my daughter will love this" and "This looks like my granddaughter." I'll have to devote some more time to drawing this year to boost my collection.

As I type this I'm preparing for my next installation which will be at Pinellas Park City Hall (7600 58th Street N, Pinellas Park, FL) for March 8th through May 8th. Likewise my work will be on display at Saint Petersburg College (9200 113th Street N, Seminole, FL, University Partnership Building) for two upcoming shows presented via my friend Brandy Stark - one hosted by the Exhibiting Society of Artists (Spring-themed) starting on the 16th and another upcoming to be hosted by The Pinellas Park Art Society. In addition to that there is also a plan for PPAS to install a 60-piece show at Stirling Studios Gallery this Fall (730 Broadway, Second Floor Gallery, Dunedin FL).

More news to come.

Thanks for reading!

(2C More art go to www.ArtofLylePolyak or www.TheMindscapeArtFoundry.com)

The News

New Year, New job, New plans, New opportunities, New… stuff.

2013 opened at a rapid pace with welcome changes, and I can now legally introduce myself as a Graphic Designer for the national signage and advertising firm FASTSIGNS. Included in the job description… the design and production of custom graphics, logos and backgrounds for tradeshow banners, window displays, billboards, menus, props, decals, vehicle graphics, wall art,… You name it, we print it or have a subsidiary that does it for us. FASTSIGNS presented me a welcome departure, well received, from previous careers that had no focus on art. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

My duties continue with the Pinellas Park Art Society. In addition to welcoming new members I have been seeking venues for the display of public art. The first of which was Largo Public Library’s Gallery 120. The Library welcomed thirty artists of PPAS, for a month long show in their spacious gallery wing and we eagerly await our next opportunity to display our work. If you own or work with a venue in Tampa Bay with ample wall space and an appreciation for fine art, send me an email. We at PPAS have the talent to give you a great exhibit.

It’s still only January and already my works have hung in Ruth Eckerd Hall, Park station, Largo Public Library, Suntan Art Center, The Menaul Fine Art Gallery and more, but 2013 shall be a year when I aim to do more with my art. I’m reaching out to my peers for critique, and taking up, anew, many of the artistic genres that I enjoyed prior to college…  Charcoal, Pencils, Pen and ink, Pastels. My sketches have hung in Park Station and Suntan Gallery in previous shows, but I hesitate to give my sketches equal billing, beside my photography, until I know that others view them as quality art. (In truth, my drawing style arises from the techniques I have learned from many different peers and professors. Some of those instructors emphasized point perspective and the golden ratio, others insisted that art based on math is “cold” and encouraged emotion at the expense of perspective. Not all the techniques I learned work well together. So I aim to attain “the nod of approval” from at least a few peers who owe their good reputation to similar art.) Perhaps soon I will have online galleries devoted to sketches as well?

Thanks for reading

L Polyak

Below: Anatomy of a work in progress

(2 C More Art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

On the job

11/17/2012 -

You know, I've never really bought into the concept of "superstition" ...No no, I'm not talking about broken mirrors or warding off bad juju with salt over the shoulder. The act I'm referring to is called "tempting fate." Actually, I'm sure my friends and readers have found themselves in similar situations... You hear a bit of good news, a rumor from a friend or a plan put forth at work which, at once, would change your daily routine for the better. You advertise it to all your friends and family and, lo and behold, it falls through the cracks?  Now, I'm not one to believe that the mere act of spreading potential good news makes the outcome that much less likely. Still, it's good not to invoke Murphy's Law by celebrating your good fortune until you know it's a sure thing. "Don't count your eggs until they hatch" is the sort of adage I'm referring to.

That said... I've been an employee of FASTSIGNS for the last four weeks. By all indicators, my new co-workers and new boss have accepted my "eccentricities" and they mean to keep me employed as a full time Graphic Artist. Sorry I kept the news from you all this long!

These past weeks, I've designed logos, I've laid out banner art, I've created graphics used for trade shows and consulted with customers. All the while I've noticed something about this job that I've yet to see in any of my previous careers. It's not tiring. It's not stressful. This is actually really fun and I look forward to it every day.

Since college, I've been in a number of careers to make ends meet as I gathered the resources and experience to make it here. I've answered call lines, I've worked in a mail room, I've drafted letters for a legal department, I've mailed letters for the FCRA. It's been a long path, but if it was preparation for this destination, well then, it was well worth it.

Thanks for reading!

Lyle Polyak.

(2 C more art go to www.artoflylepolyak.com or www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

Island Times

9:00AM November 11th -

Salutations Blog Readers!

It’s a beautiful sunny morning. Seventy-some degrees with the constant comfort of a gentle seaward breeze, coming off the Gulf. I’m typing this letter to you from my HP Mini with a palm hammock to my back and the open Gulf ahead of me. Checking my map of the shipping lanes I see that I’m looking at the Straits of Tampa Bay. Somewhere in the distance a ship’s bell is tolling and to my side are the white washed bricks of a lighthouse.

Yes, I’m on an island. Egmont Key to be exact, enjoying the distinct comforts of a beachcomber with my Nikon D7000 at my side. A juvenile bald eagle flew overhead a moment ago and I know the island’s reputation as a haven haring for gopher tortoises, osprey and various sea birds. Before the day is out I hope to get a collection of new images for the website.

A union soldier was visiting the sales booths a moment ago. He’s talking with the light-keeper at the moment, two of the historical reenactors sharing this day with me. The occasion is Discover the Island Day, a history fair held here on Egmont Key to advertise the sprawling beaches and Historic Ruins of Fort Dade. For a history buff and nature lover like me it’s a great chance to get out, do what I do best and make some extra cash selling my wares.

11:00 AM -

The sun over the Egmont Key Lighthouse Station made a beautiful surreal image, and I found a means to reach the peak of the Macintosh Battery for a great shot of the Light Station over the tree line. I happened to take a walk earlier and sadly did not have my camera with me as I witnessed a hilarious sight. A gopher tortoise crept out of the brush and approached the children's area, then proceeded to methodically knock over each of the rungs of a children's croquet set. He would have continued his fun if a volunteer had not noticed him and scooted him away.

For those of you interested the Fair is scheduled to run every November. The ferry to the island leaves from Fort Desoto Beach from 9AM to 4PM. Come see the island, it’s open to the public and one of the last real deserted islands presenting a walk through Florida’s past.

Pictures to be uploaded later ...

Thanks for reading!

L. Polyak

(2 C more art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

A Twist on Portraiture at the Zoo

When it comes to wildlife photography, nothing beats taking the camera and the telephoto lens out to a preserve and following your senses. Often bird-calls and a well-trained eye allow you to locate a scene worthy of framing. Other times luck guides you to a one in a million snapshot. However until it becomes economical to travel to Borneo or Australia, to capture what we would term "exotic" animals in their native habitat, the zoo is still the best bet to set your sights on those creatures.

Lowry Park Zoo is the closest environment in my area to go for candid photos of an exhausted meerkat or an awestruck crane. Confused by my adjectives? Wait until you see the pictures. It's like I said in my portfolio...

"Expressions are the lifeblood of portraiture. As mature human beings, we tend to hide our expressions from peers, however animals do not adhere to those norms and as a result, their expressions are genuine, unencumbered, and shine beautifully in photographs."

Seeing an orangutan with his hand on his chin, looking out at a certain onlooker in the crowd, with a stare that could be called contemplative, I can't help but ask "I wonder what he was thinking?" Or observing a sandhill crane suddenly go wide-eyed and drop its jaw when a camera beep is followed by the bright light of a flash, it's easy to call the expression awe or surprise. Even the gestures of some animals have their parallels with we humans. Glimpsing the meerkat, who has spent the past half hour digging in the dirt, suddenly stagger off and plop himself down wearily, we can empathize. "That's hard work."

Looking for a twist on the usual portrait? Try taking your camera to your nearest zoo or just observe the animals around you at work and among their own kind. What you see might just change your outlook on the world.

Thanks for reading.

Lyle Polyak

(to see more art go to www.artoflylepolyak.com or www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

In the news again!

In early July, Pinellas County artists were invited by The County and The Florida Gulf Coast Center For Fishing to enter their creative works for selection as the official Pinellas County Centennial Poster. The winning image was fated to be used as official art for the September 14th Celebration of The County's hundred years of existence. Participants were invited to submit interpretations that serve to reflect the rich heritage and unique history of Pinellas County. It gives me great pleasure to announce that my own submission titled "Timeline Pinellas" will be used for this purpose and recently appeared on the front page of the Pinellas Park Beacon.

 

Thanks for reading!

 

(2 C More Art go to www.the mindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

Pinellas County Centennial Poster

In early July, Pinellas County artists were invited by The County and The Florida Gulf Coast Center For Fishing to enter their creative works for selection as the official Pinellas County Centennial Poster. The winning image was fated to be used as official art for the September 14th Celebration of The County's hundred years of existence. Participants were invited to submit interpretations that serve to reflect the rich heritage and unique history of Pinellas County. It gives me great pleasure to announce that my own submission titled "Timeline Pinellas" will be used for this purpose.

With symbolic imagery, "Timeline" (featured above) expounds upon the historical events and peoples who have called Pinellas County "home." The color scheme of the poster is an allusion to the colors of the Pinellas Logo. At the bottom of the poster, a Native American, representing a member of Pinellas's Tocobaga Tribe (who called the area home in the 1500's to 1700's) looks out of the poster at the viewers. Above him a tall ship flies the Spanish Colonial Flag, representing the era of the Panfilode Narvaez Expedition and the Spanish Conquistadors who landed in the spring of 1528. Nearby, a period sailor looks through his telescope to the image of an orange, symbolic of the citrus industry which will later bring rail and commerce to our county. This same orange is playfully inserted as the sun icon, which is a component of the Pinellas Logo to the left. The logo overlooks a fisherman, alluding to the area's fishing rancheros of the 1700's, and his line dances across the sky carrying our eyes to the train, alluding to the rail industry of the 1800's and the vacationers alluding to the tourist boom of the 1900's. Modern day Saint Petersburg lies at the forefront of the poster.

I would like to express my gratitude and thank the judges for affording me this great success. I hope this may be serve as a gateway to many more wonderful projects.

Thank you all.

Lyle Polyak

(2 C more art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

Homosassa Springs, A Great Road-trip for Photographers

As I type this blog entry I’m off of “Commercial Way” on my journey back toward Tampa, and Clearwater. Today, I ventured from my hometown an hour or two to The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Without further explanation, you and the rest of my readers may envision a recreational park? A forest preserve perhaps? In fact, Homosassa Springs is a working zoo and a wildlife rehabilitation center.

I arrived at the visitors center this morning, a spacious building with children’s exhibits, baked goods, a gift shop and a sheltered boat dock. Passenger ferries arrive to and from the center on the half hour and take visitors on smooth ride down Pepper Creek to The State Park. The ferry captain entertained the youngsters with origami while we waited for boarding, then offered us a narrative of the local plants and wildlife we glimpsed on the short trip. Visitor's who prefer a quicker means of transit may board the trams to and from The Park. I assure you though, the boat trip is worth your time. I glimpsed gators, turtles and nesting osprey on the thirty minute transit.

We arrived at the State Park and disembarked in time for an introduction to Lu, the African hippopotamus. I understand he was retired as a mascot for Union Carbide and awarded honorary citizenship, in 1991, by Governor Lawton Chiles. This legal gesture assures that, though he is not a Florida native, he may live out his days peacefully, with the local wildlife of the zoo. The remainder of the park is a network of hiking paths that follow the Homosassa River, leading visitors to open-air enclosures for manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles, river otters, and a variety of native water birds and birds of prey.

Unlike our local zoo, The Park is not dense with vacationers so it offers a variety of fine opportunities for photographers, like myself, to get unobstructed shots of the wildlife. At the time I visited Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park the fees were $13 for adults, $5 for children. I recommend it to all of my artistic friends. The Park is located at 4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa Springs, Florida. Visit their website at http://www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings/default.cfm.

 Thanks for reading!

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

"Filling Station" Places in Top Three

On June second The Pinellas Park Art Society opened its Annual Photo Contest at Park Station with the results of the judging announced at the gathering on the eleventh of June. The Exhibit was open to submissions not only from Art Society Memebers but also photographers throughout Pinellas County and Tampa Bay. Submissions were permitted in three categories including standard (color) photography, digitally enhanced photographs and black and whites. When the results were announced I was enjoying the sights of Historic Saint Augustine with my family and my trusty camera and, as luck would have, while I was away, I placed in the top three for the black and white category. Second prize in black and white went to "Filling Station," a custom-sized monochrome print of three model-T's refuling at Largo's Heritage Village. It's a great honor and the same photograph will soon appear at Carrollwood Cultural Center's September Art Exhibit. See you there?

(2 C More Art go to www.artoflylepolyak or www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)



Carrollwood Cultural Center B&W Exhibit Draws a Crowd

It's one of those events that remains in your memory for years to come as a "remember when..." story. The day before my road trip to Saint Augustine on the other coast, I partook of the enjoyment of meeting friends, patrons and strangers with a shared interest in the arts. I'm looking out a window now at a gray sky and listening to the roar of rain and the distant tinny-sound of thunder as I type.

Let the weather app on my laptop serve as the proof. As I type this article it is pouring in Carrollwood, however, despite the weather, a plethora of guests is present at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, observing a newly installed collection of artwork. The rain falling outside is doing little to impact the high spirits of the guests.

The ride into Tampa from Clearwater was well worth it to see four of my works beside so many other inspired pieces. The theme of this show is Black and White, but it encompasses familiar and no-so-familiar genres - Sketch, Painting, Pastel, Scratchboard, Sculpture and Metalwork, to name a few. Regularly used for plays and recitals the center is tonight hosting a friendly gathering of artists discussing the ways and means they choose to produce their masterpieces.

My favorite piece in the show displays the brilliance of imagination - a full sized bust of a horse amassed like a puzzle of conjoining bits of scrap metal. Hooks, pulleys, cogs and bars, the barrel of a rifle, some other components who original purpose I can only speculate, but joined harmoniously into a unified whole. Other works will leave you puzzling and asking yourself, "I wonder how they thought of that?"

The exhibit will be on display from now until the second of July, so if you are in the area please stop in at Carrollwood Cultural Center to view the collection. The majority of the Black and White artwork is available for sale. with artists contact info supplied on the posted title cards. Carorollwood Cultural Center is located at 4537 Lowell Road Tampa, FL 33618. They have a loaded schedule of events throughout the year which you can browse at their website www.carrollwoodcenter.org, or you can call their office at (813) 269-1310.

Below are a few snapshots from the reception.

Thanks for reading!

Lyle Polyak

(2 C more art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

Bok Tower Gardens and Pinewood Estate

This weekend gave rise to yet another road trip in the name of photography. The destination was Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales Florida. Add this to your list of must sees if you are an appreciator of nature, architecture or music. The gardens encompass a full 50 acres of high ground surrounded on all sides by local, still-active orchards.

Along the paths beautiful native plants meander alongside planted blooms and exotic orchids and bamboo higher than most homes. Look over the outcropping as you climb up the hillside and you'll get an astonishing view of the countryside and the groves below that spans for miles. Situated within the gardens is Pinewood Estate, a 1930s Mediterranean-style hermitage, with all the sights and beauty of a story tale mansion. Designed as the retreat of C. Austin Buck, The estate has all the comforts imaginable for a writer or artist who enjoys his privacy. Follow the tranquil path for a way and you arrive at Window by the Pond. A small wooden enclosure where silence is a virtue. Within this edifice a giant picture window looks out across the still waters of a salt marsh where cardinals, grackles, wading birds and ospreys perch and feed not ten away. Then at the precipice you arrive at the cornerstone of the Gardens, a 205-foot art Gothic Tower with a collection of 60 bells. The structure was commissioned by Edward Bok, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and world peace advocate, and designed by architect Milton B Medary and sculptor Lee Lawrie. Completed on February 1, 1929, bell concerts still commence daily at 1:00 and 3:00PM

Bok Tower Gardens is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with last admission at 5 p.m. General admission is $12 for adults and $3 for children and admission to Pinewood Estate is $6 for adults and $5 for children. Visit the Garden's and bring your camera as you can see, photo opportunities abound. Many of the following will soon be added to the gallery and appear on exhibit shortly.

As usual, thanks for reading,
L Polyak, Wildlife Photographer and Artist

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)