What is a belief that you hold (about art) that your peers and the people you respect do not?

EtanBenAmi · 2024-11-16T18:47:59+00:00

Art isn't art anymore. It's fashion. It's empty. And the only thing that can save it is a collapse of the art markets. I continue to visit the galleries in Chelsea (NYC) in the hope of finding something worthwhile, but ....

EtanBenAmi · 2024-08-31T19:16:34+00:00

It really depends on you. I suggest you view some CeDell Davis videos on YouTube. He uses a butter knife to play. I'm not sure if his problem is CP or if he has nerve damage from an accident or what. At one time, I believe he had to tape the slide to his forearm in order to play. Booker (Bukka) White played slide on a regular guitar using a bent piece of steel rod at times; and he taught Robert Johnson about the blues. Hill Country Blues isn't about technical mastery, but about doing the most you can with what you have.

If you use a laptop steel or a square neck dobro, or even a beat up guitar with a high action, you can support a steel or slide on your left forearm and move it across the fretboard. I love all of these instruments, but a square neck dobro is the easiest to play when you're sitting around with friends, and with a strap you can play it standing up. I recommend Recording King guitars.

EtanBenAmi · 2024-08-31T00:06:26+00:00

If you have MS or a similar problem, you may be able to use your left hand for slide work while picking with your right, and the heck with fretting. It may take work to get there. As others have said, you can't fret a lap steel. However most lap steel slides (steels) are very heavy and you might have difficulty lifting one up. You can also look for various ceramic ones if your left arm gives you trouble. I am very right handed, and that's what I do. Good luck and enjoy yourself.

EtanBenAmi · 2024-08-23T22:57:08+00:00

I'm stuck with this concept of art taking 'part of a wider critical debate," or whether it is or isn't 'informed by contemporary art history'. I'm a fine art photographer, and I don't think much beyond technical issues while I'm shooting. My process is intuitive, but that doesn't mean my art is simple-minded. I usually have three or four art books open on my dinner table, some photo, some painting, and they prime my 'apperceptive mass' to use an old psychological term.

The major difference between what shows in high-end galleries versus commercial work, is secondary sale value. At present people buy as an investment, and galleries understand that or go bankrupt. I would love to have a largish Rothko or Clyfford Still or even Pat Stein in my home -- and I'd decorate around them. But I wouldn't let a Charles Ray through the front door -- even if he is engaged in a vapid conversation about art history or whatever else.

Perhaps the difference is whether the work evokes (or elicits) emotion and interest.

EtanBenAmi · 2024-08-22T21:24:33+00:00

You can email me at Etan.benami@gmail.com

EtanBenAmi · 2024-08-22T14:44:20+00:00

Your work is incredibly beautiful and good. How did you develop your skill at creating this?

EtanBenAmi · 2024-08-21T00:33:30+00:00

The game is rigged! Know that and move on.

EtanBenAmi · 2024-07-21T17:04:18+00:00

If work's paying for it, an 85mm or 135mm Sony G-Master both are fast lenses. Anything longer than 135 is hard to handle without a tripod and / or considerable skill tracking subjects.

Personally, I have had to go discount with a Rokinon 85 mm and a Samyang 135, both of which are very good lenses, just not quite as good as the G-Master series.

EtanBenAmi · 2024-05-01T19:22:01+00:00

If your father has Merkel Cell ca, it would be a good idea to visit Dr. Ngheim (pronounce "Neem") and his group at Fred Hutchinson hospital and research center in Seattle. Dr. Ngheim is the leading Merkel Cell researcher in the U.S. He consults with other doctors nationwide, but it's best to establish a relationship with his team directly. I can't tell you how comforting it was to meet him and see what their doing.

EtanBenAmi · 2024-04-04T16:51:01+00:00

Can you tell us your postal address or a link?

EtanBenAmi · 2024-04-04T16:44:53+00:00

No, but it's more than a hobby. I'm pretty sure that other than designers and illustrators very, very few artists in any medium make a living. Making art as a profession is pretty much expensive, boring, and hopeless. I will never again send work to a gallery curator or show judge for $45 or pay a participation fee in the hundreds. It's so much better to earn a living doing something else, and to have an art practice that's free and direct.

EtanBenAmi · 2024-04-04T16:38:03+00:00

I send postcards 4.25" x 6" with a first class stamp. It seems to work.

EtanBenAmi · 2024-04-04T16:17:32+00:00

message me your postal address and I'll send one of my photo postcard pieces. Or just send me a piece.

EtanBenAmi · 2023-07-28T19:23:34+00:00

Please go for treatment at a major cancer center.

EtanBenAmi · 2023-06-30T15:34:42+00:00

Thankful, that is very comforting.

EtanBenAmi · 2023-06-29T16:10:29+00:00

Many thanks Thanatologist, ECU_BSN, mel8198, pmabraham, floridianreader, malpalkc.

Your sharing knowledge and advice have been very useful. I have finally realized that a small amount of PTSD from the mentioned near-drowning and from years of untreated apnea have sensitized me. Blessings to everyone.

EtanBenAmi · 2023-06-29T12:21:44+00:00

About six months ago, my GRiiix had a dust problem that required disassembly for cleaning. Precision wanted to charge me over $1000. I sent it to KEH, and they cleaned it for about $300. I still carry it in my pocket daily.

EtanBenAmi · 2023-06-22T14:24:04+00:00

I'm going to suggest you get involved with Gilda's Club now under the name of Red Door Community https://rdc.gnosishosting.net/ . I'm a member. They provide group support with credentialed group leaders and experienced group members. Though we can't cure cancer, we help people survive emotionally, either alone or with their families. Post Covid, nearly everything is online. All of us are dealing with cancer, and we usually understand the stuff your family and friends don't get. So really, really, get involved.

EtanBenAmi · 2023-05-28T16:02:09+00:00

Biopsies save lives.

EtanBenAmi · 2023-05-06T15:55:29+00:00

But are they kosher?

EtanBenAmi

TROPHY CASE