The Dallas Art World According to James Bland
When photographer James Bland began looking around town for a new project, his focus quickly settled on the art scene. “It’s amazing how many awesome artists we have in Dallas and Fort Worth. I love art, and I thought it would be fun.” So Bland began the cold calling—he didn’t know any of the 44 artists before the project began, “although I’m lucky enough to count a couple of them as friends now,” he says. The project didn’t disappoint. “It’s a celebration of what we have here and a tribute to how hard these artists work,” he explains. Bland will have an exhibit of his photographys at the CADD ARt Lab from April 28 through May 2. caddallas.net. (To experience the Dallas art scene even further, check out the D Art Slam, May 29 through 31. www.d-artslam.com.) To see even more artists, scroll down to hear our interview with James Bland.
Vincent Falsetta
03.09Where he’s from: Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa., Falsetta took a position with the University of North Texas in 1977, and he’s been here ever since. Where he studied: “I have an MFA from Tyler School of Art—it’s part of Temple University. I studied in Philadelphia and Rome, Italy.” An artist from the start: Both sets of Falsetta’s grandparents as well as both of his parents were born in Italy. “I knew Italian before I knew English, so there was a bit of a language issue in first grade. But I loved art class. And in second grade, I realized that I loved drawing.” How he works: Falsetta is a planner. “I do numerous sketches, take lots of notes, plan out a lot. Eventually something is decided. Then I use a wet-on-wet painting technique.” wiggle Room: “I stick to the plan, but there’s always slight improvisation.” Where to buy his work: Conduit Gallery. www.conduitgallery.com.
photography by James Bland
WATCH:
Bland narrates a video slideshow of 10 additional artists that you didn’t see in the April issue. Check it out below!
