Artists You Should Know: Jem Targal

What a hoot! Jem is doing some really neat sculpture pieces, particularly in laser-cut steel. His sense of fun is evident; everything is brightly colored and designed to make a person feel good (if not laugh out loud) just looking at it. He's such a multi-talented, enthusiastic guy that his attitude is infectious. For example, I said, "Jem, some of this looks really 'LowBrow' to me, are you cool with me saying that?" Here's Jem: "I think it's pretty cool! Alright!!!" And you just have to be inclined to like someone who talks about his wife (the Amazing Pattieo) - of *forever* - like she's the greatest gift any mortal man ever got. (Note to self: Meet this woman. Learn her secrets. Bribe with cash, if necessary.)

Thanks for this week's suggestion go to Chaz Ziemba, mutual friend of both Jem and I in a sort of Six-Degrees of Kevin Bacon thing. Chaz and Jem go way back, back into the Detroit power rock scene. (Perhaps some of you, like the aging Boy in this house, have fond memories of the old Grande Ballroom in general and 3rd Power in particular.) For whatever cosmic reason, I'm glad it happened that we "met", and off to see how many pennies we can set aside for one of Jem's great sculptures. Gee, between that and potentially having to bribe another woman, it's turning into an expensive day around here...

Today (July 14) in Art History:

Alphonse Mucha (Czech draftsman and painter), died in 1939