ART IN ART BEE TV

One day a blind man discovered a screw painting by Andrew Myers with his hands. The blind man found as much enjoyment out of the tactile elements of the work as any sighted person ever has by just looking at them. Andrew considers this moment as one of the most inspiring of his career. Which led us to a question: Why is touching artwork so taboo?
Prior to the mid-1800s, tactile interaction was commonplace for visitors experiencing collections of art, but as museums of art evolved, rules forbidding touch became the norm. In some cases, these were to protect artwork that truly was not meant to be touched, but in large part these norms had nothing do with preservation and everything to do with nineteenth century politics of gender, race and class control.

In light of all this, we decided to create a documentary that elevates the level of tactile arts, and gives back to the visually impaired community. It was at that point that we met George Wurtzel.

George is a blind artisan and teacher working at Enchanted Hills Camp in Napa Ca. This is a 300 acre camp nestled in the red wood forest above Napa Valley. Enchanted Hills is a summer camp for the visually impaired. Here George teaches blind folks, through example, how to use all the equipment necessary to become blind artisans.

Currently, George is converting an old grape crushing barn into a Tactile Art Center. The top floor of the building is his 1900 sq. ft. wood working shop. The bottom floor will be his Tactile Art gallery space where blind people can feel and sell their artwork.

We fell in love with George and his mission and wanted to support his new tactile art gallery. So we worked with Andrew Myers to surprise George with a tactile portrait of himself. The first portrait he will be able to feel and recognize.

Learn more about Enchanted hills here: lighthouse-sf.org/programs/enchanted-hills/

The Academy of Music for the Blind (AMB) were kind enough to create a song for our soundtrack. AMB specifically addresses the educational, social, and physical needs of talented blind music students so that they can fully develop their unique talents and be prepared for integration into the workplace or other educational settings.

To learn more about the AMB visit:ouramb.org/ and cantorfineart.com/story/please-touch-the-art/

To learn more about this project, visit cantorfineart.com/story/please-touch-the-art/

Music Credits:
Artist: Tycho, Song: A Walk
Buy it in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-walk/id679251532?i=679251628

Artist: Aphex Twin, Song: 14th Avril
Buy it in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/avril-14th/id50235099?i=50235117

In the ever-shifting landscape of our world, fine art and the visionary artists behind it stand as pillars of innovation and beacons of inspiration. Regardless of the prevailing state—be it war or peace—their creations unfailingly bring joy, ignite creativity, and spark a collective sense of wonder. Artists, with their ability to transcend the boundaries of circumstance, weave a tapestry of resilience that elevates the human spirit. We celebrate these creators who, through their craft, navigate the complexities of our existence, leaving an enduring legacy of beauty and hope for generations to come.

A short documentary about Contemporary Art. The documentary was shot around the art galleries of the United Arab Emirates, a specimen of the current worldwide art scene. Producer: Lillian Athakim, Director of Photography, HindHood, Peter Moussa

This art is astounding! It's evidence that everything is a palette - a landscape where great art is found. Land artist Jim Denevan and his crew journey to Lake Baikal in southwestern Siberia, and over the course of two weeks they create a land art installation spanning nine square miles across the lake's frozen surface.

In his quest to venerate a body of water deemed sacred by many in the region, Denevan broke his own record for creating the world's largest artwork, originally set in the Nevada desert in 2009.

As funny as it is dramatic, 'Art Hard' is a documentary about a man's artistic process, his comedic nature, his struggle to stay sane, and the people who help him do so.

This is the trailer. Go to arthard.com to see the full documentary.

Murals in Houston, Texas are posted daily to Instagram. Paintings that have been seen millions of times with countless 'likes' across the web, but some of the most famous pieces have no signature.

'Anonymous art' tells the story of one of the most famous artist's in Houston, Texas. Never signing his work in the city, he stays hidden. His story on what inspires him, a museum open to muralists and graffiti artists looking for an outlet without confrontation from the law.

A spec by Forrest McBride and amagazi

Special Thanks: HAM Houston facebook.com/thehamhouston/

After a work incident led to him being diagnosed with depression and anxiety, Australian artist Matthew Gillett quit his job, packed up his life and moved to Indonesia to embark on an 11-month odyssey - creating pieces for a 14-piece art exhibition. Set to tour Australia in 2012, My Art Kills Monsters is a collision of art, photography and music - designed to raise money for mental health.

This is his story.

For more information:
myartkillsmonsters.wordpress.com
nathansbequest.com

A film by Hamish Siddins

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