But is it art...?

Known for their small size and oilcloth cover, moleskin notebooks have been beloved by creative minds - artists and writers in particular - since their invention. Compact, portable, and made with archival paper, the treasures contained in their pages are usually private and hidden.
When I was a practicing artist, my 4"x6" notebook went everywhere with me. I sketched lines, colors, ideas, making notes and trying out different versions of the same topic before committing my composition onto a larger, more expensive medium. Here then, are a few exciting samples (I have not scanned my own.)
Want to see more? Just google moleskin or moleskinerie and you will find some beautiful examples online. Some people have devoted entire blogs to the topic.

Samples of moleskin notebooks and their covers

Supply carrier

But is it art...?

But is it art ...?

Unlike my other 'But is it art?' posts, this arresting image with Marilyn Manson merits a place all by itself. Here's photographer Mark Seliger's website.

But is it art...?

Except where noted, these images are all titled: The Three Graces. In mythology, these three women are the goddesses of joy, charm and beauty.

Pompeii

Sandro Botticelli

Canova

Picasso

Bachelor and Three Graces




The Three Graces, Liverpool


The Three Graces and Two Dudes

James Gillray







The Three Grazers

But is it art?

Art

Apples, Paul Cezanne

The Armchair, Arman Dotesta

Festoon of Fruit and Flowers, Jan Davidsz

Not Art

Glass Candy

Plastic Food

Felt Food

Living Room made of Food

2002 Food Art Show

But is it art...?

These are Robert Wilson's VOOM portraits that were showcased at the ACE Gallery in Los Angeles. Dahlings, the subjects posed for these high definition video portraits for hours at a time. During her posing session, Jeanne Morreau channeled Marie, Queen of Scots, using her acting skills. As you can see, these portraits are fabulous as stills, and I wish I could have seen them in person, sitting in a room, watching the subjects. I wonder how much leeway they were given to move?

Art

Robin Wright Penn

Jeanne Morreau as Mary, Queen of Scots

Dita Von Teese doing what Dita does best.

See the rest of the exhibit by clicking here.

Click here to hear KCRW art critic Edward Goldman in conversation with Robert Wilson about his "VOOM" portraits at Ace Gallery, Los Angeles. Great interview with an artist.

Learn more about Robert Wilson here.

Not Art

Portrait of the Queen

For my other "But is it art?" posts, click on the "but is it art?" tag below