Archive for June, 2011
ROBERTSON: The Draw of Landscapes
Jun 30th
Landscapes. Some of the most gorgeous works of art, both historically:
and in the modern world:
are landscapes.
Robertson
The natural beauty found in this world is more than admired. It is emulated, copied and, in some cases, mutilated to create the perfect center piece. So why the obsession with what you could see by going outside? In some cases, it’s a way to recognize the physical source of everything we need to survive. From trees to water, the Earth provides us with oxygen, food, clothing and (let’s not be coy) even our less than basic needs like oil.
Given all the Earth does for us in reality, it only makes sense that in the realms of fantasy, it is Gaia (Mother Earth) that fuels all those wondrous magical abilities. 
In games like “Magic: The Gathering,” the mana that provides the magically abilities to cast spells is represented by lands, specifically, Mountains, Plains, Islands and Swamps. Like all the other cards in this expansive game, these land cards are decorated with beautiful art.
So, it’s no surprise really that artists all over the globe have taken up the hobby of altering the art on these cards, some to wide acclaim. We even have a local artist here that has tried his hand at it.
McNay
Christian McNay is a Quincy native who grew up with a love of dinosaurs and architecture, which grew into a window for him to discover his talent with classic mediums like charcoal, ink and paints. Beyond his love of art, he also enjoys unraveling puzzles, which is what drew him to “Magic: The Gathering” 16 years ago. Luckily for us, those two things have come together and blossomed into an incredibly cool new art. From forest and swamps to magical creatures, he has tackled the Altered Card Art challenge with an inspiring zeal. Check out some of his early works in the genre below. You can view his other alters by looking him up on Facebook.
Clara Robertson
ROBERTSON: New writer hopes to give reader glimpse of the art world
Jun 17th
Roberts
Hello readers. My name is Clara Robertson, and I’d like to take a minute to tell you about me.
I’m a mother to a beautiful little girl, a writer, a singer and a traveler. If there is one thing I’ve learned in my life, it is simply that life will surprise you. It may be with people or places or random experiences, but rest assured that you have no idea what’s coming next. That is what I intend to highlight in this blog. The surprising ways that people find inspiration, the stories behind what they do and the beautiful things they feel and create.
In joining the “AltArts” team, I’d like to give you a glimpse into the past, a not-yet-seen piece of art, a deeply moving song — at least it is to the musician — and take you into some of the more overlooked subcultures of our fair world. Here, I will give you new things to think about, challenge what you know about art and artists in all walks of life, and I will do it while sharing my personal opinions and experiences. I look forward to introducing you to talented people from all over the region, updating you on events and, of course, giving you my spin on it.
So, intrigued reader. Come here to be the first to experience that local writer’s story, or hear the girl next door let go in song. Find out what motivates them, ways that you can get involved in the arts yourself, and maybe even find out something you didn’t know. I look forward to sharing with you all and meeting you, discovering your stories and all the ways that you and the person next to you will surprise and inspire me.
Clara Robertson
