Paul Shortt @ May 15, 2012
This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 dollars for 500 words. This is the 13th review I've received:
To me a lot of the works feel incomplete. Unfortunately I think this also give them an air of amateurishness, almost like someone decided they like art, or maybe that art is "easy", and they wanted to try it out for themselves. Ultimately the execution in a lot of the projects falls short and feels like the works are trying too hard. The videos are one place, that, in my opinion, definitely need work. For "Please Do Not Climb", I don't think the best way to demonstrate how the piece is meant to work in a public space should have been done by having the artist drag it around a park, put it down, step on it, look at it, etc., then pick it back up and drag it to the next location. Another thing I don't like, about any of the videos, is that, even though they're in fast-forward, they still feel incredibly long. I even skipped to different parts because they felt like they were dragging out these needless tasks. "It's Simple, But Complicated" has a good concept, which I feel might have been better demonstrated with more examples. The first video is okay, but the work feels forced. It also feels campy, and with the music I can't help but feel like, "Is the artist mocking people who actually watch this, sitting around and thinking, 'Haha! Anyone will think something is art if you simply call it such.'" The second video... I had so much secondhand-embarrassment. I understand that instead of being a breakdown of a car it was instead the breakdown of a driver, but it felt SO. FORCED.
The piece I liked the most, I think, was "Corner Piece". Only one person, maybe two, can interact with the work at any time, which makes it feel very intimate. Added intimacy also comes from the actions the participants are told to perform. The placing of hands behind the back and bowing of the head, were interpreted by me as an almost religious act. Whether out of reverence for the piece, or because the piece requires a sort of subjugation from the viewer. Another thing I liked, although I don't know if I would call it art, was "Paul Shortt Shocks Chicago". Being a little familiar with the advertising/marketing business, I can say this kind of thinking fits in perfectly with that industry and they would really appreciate the idea put forth by the artist in an attempt to get his name out, recognized, and remembered. "Pillory for Market Place Mall" was interesting, because it forces viewers to look at themselves and their surrounding in a different way, also while confronting this person who is shackled. Obviously the shackling could be a metaphor for how people are so tied into consumerism and feeling like the things they buy make them the person they are, and I think such a literal approach was the best way to reach people and actually make them think about their lives in regards to how they treat material goods. I was disappointed with "Calvin Ball". There was no artist's statement, so I didn't understand exactly what was trying to be accomplished, and I could only assume it was another attempt to bring the public into a work and to get them to interact with it. Maybe if the photos had been more well-done I could have appreciate it more, but like I said in the beginning, many of the pieces feel unfinished and this was one of them.
Paul Shortt @
This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 dollars for 500 words. This is the 14th review I've received:
Ah, to write about Paul Shortt and his eclecticism style art. Here is what I did in preparing for this assignment. I first viewed Paul’s Blog, including his funny video, or was it serious? Then I scrolled through much of his collection of art, comfortably nestled in cyber art space at PaulShortt.com. Next, I went to Wikipedia and found the official definition of eclecticism. So it turns out that eclecticism is conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to a single paradigm or set of assumptions, but instead draws upon multiple theories, styles, or ideas to gain complementary insights into a subject, or applies different theories in particular cases. Well, that according to the Wiki. But it describes well what I find on Paul’s site. Funky, quirky and down-right cool in scope and intention. Now with my cup of Yogi Kava Tea, and again back at the Mac, I’m once again toying with the different art work at the site and feel compelled to comment, as I sit and ponder on this unseasonably warm Seattle evening. So what is it about Paul’s art? Left Brain? Right brain? Who knows, but pretty cool stuff, left or right. As Sinatra once said, “Flying to high in the sky, is my idea of nothing to do…”
First the early work, this is the stuff that makes me bubble. I really enjoy it and like it when someone, an artist, or anyone for that matter, causes “people” who are in a social coma, or self induced form of a kind of hypnotic state, to stop and ponder their own existence. How about the “Mechanically Move Your Body Up The Stairs Like A Machine?” Exactly, very cool, I like it Paul. I liked the “God Save Shortt,” portrait and could not help but think right away of “Bueller,” Ferris Bueller that is, “Save Ferris.” Very cool stuff. In fact, we can all learn a lot from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” if reflects the same ideas as “Paul Shortt’s Day Off.” Shortt, Shortt, anyone? Anyone? Anyone? This idea that we are more than the social cog in the wheel that public school and the daily grind of work has made so many of us into. I did the corporate thing for 22 years, now I grow my hair and drink tea. Very cool, huh.
“Resist” is a rather favorite of mine, in the shortt, I mean short time I’ve been an official visitor at PaulShortt.com. It sums it all up, yes? Especially the last line, “Never follow Directions.” Has anyone ever read Thoreau? Also, Modern Greetings looks fun, and offers the same witty twist on accepted convention. What is this handshake thing anyway, and who started it? Maybe we could all just do the knuckle bump? “Nimby’s” is clever art. Seeking Good conversation is interesting. Missed Connections is creative. Keep up the innovative and creative work, Paul. Hey, if you don’t, who will? If I could sum up all the work at PaulShortt.com, it would be to “Never Follow Rules.” Peace, my friend from sunny and warm Seattle.
Paul Shortt @
This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 dollars for 500 words. This is the 13th review I've received:
I have to admit that every time I get a chance to see the work of a new up-and-coming artist or aspiring visionary, a sense of excitement and anticipation takes over and lets me stranded somewhere between hope and despair. Why? Because, I've seen so many wonderkids that could have reached the top but alas, an almost even amount that just blew their chance and eventually moved on to something else. When I came across Paul Shortt or P. S. as he proclaimed himself, I got a bit of both: the moment you land on his name-bearing page, you get a sample of what he' s all about.
I loved the 'still of form' video, that portrays a man being denied access to a car. A video is bound to be added, which I eagerly await to see if it will only enhance the plot portrayed by the picture or spoil the whole thing together. I say this because his work reeks all over of these two elements. As in the first picture, you see a man attempting to enter a car, we can only imagine in order to do something, to 'get places', thus we get the resounding light motive of hope, only for him to be denied that, giving you a sense of desperation. Next, a very slick named exhibit, the 'Please do not climb' one, only contributes to this pattern. You see a man aspiring to climb over steps, those of adversity, painted in white all over, that is solicited to cease.
One of my favorites, less expressive in appearance but full of meaning in essence, is the 'Certificates' section, that just represents a kind of gateway to the artists soul, if you' ll excuse the big words. Here, he provides a subtle take on his work all together, what he basically says is that he doesn't take himself seriously and before you jump the proverbial boat, hear me out. You might think that' s a bad thing but it' s not, you see so many artists being pretentious and overly complex, that as a viewer you really can' t relate to any of their work and can' t come to appreciate what might actually be very good. What P. S. offers is this, the chance for you, the viewer to take him seriously and I cant’s speak for others, but I did. It' s a kind of trick, or if you believe in magic, it' s what makes the difference between something ordinary and something great, you can' t teach it or learn it, you either have it or you don' t. That vibe you instill in others, to be a part of what you did. P. S. manages that and, in my book, that' s the promise of greatness. If he will fulfill his potential or not, is up to him. But from where I' m sitting, it just can' t look any brighter for him and especially his art. Looking forward to see his story unfold.
Marty Maxwell Lane @
Dimensional Innovations is looking for a summer graphic design intern. "It would be marketing based and a great opportunity. We are looking for someone who is not only a great designer, but a go-getter that can operate without a lot of direction."
If interested, email Marty.
Paul Shortt @ May 13, 2012
This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 dollars for 500 words. This is the 12th review I've received:
His skills as an artist are evident in his technical handling of each original painting he created including his understanding of color, texture and medium to achieve a feeling and look that represented the layered imagination of young children. He s able to tell a story on canvas from a collection of references and sketches that developed into an expansive body of work that continues to sell in the juvenile wall decor market. I can see he is professional, hard working, and extremely talented. It was a joy to see the art work on the web site. The work was beautiful and his attitude seems very positive. I would work with this artist. Paul Shortt is a true inspiration. His ability to handle multiple complex transactions; his work ethic that won't quit; his understanding of business processes and cultural styles in many foreign countries; and his ability to operate both strategically and tactically are the business skills and qualities which first come to mind when I think of Paul. In a very uncomplicated way he solves the unsolvable problems and avoids the stress in critical artistic situations as a master. We can easyly see that his knowledge is so widespread and he can use all of it in a magnificent way which only he can do. He not only has truly beautiful works in many different styles, but I believe he is a truly lovely person to boot! I often show his works to other artists as examples of how to make they're own arts accessible to most everyone. He is a true inspiration with hie artistic motivation and productivity, talents for business.
Paul is a true professional in art and business, combining his unique and exquisite talent with a hard-working ethic that reaches far beyond the canvas. Oh my, he can also write, speak and move people with his beautiful, passionate persona. OK, and then, his work also sells. A gallery owners' dream! I love his work. Paul is a unique talent. I have seen the work that he has done for a number of his commercial clients, and it is exceptional. He has the uncommon ability to adapt his output to the environment and sensibilty of each of his client's venues. Moreover, Paul's work as a fine artist is extraordinary. His work is outstanding. It is imaginative, original and innovative. He is professional and responsible, yet still highly creative. I highly recommend him and his work. When you go to his website and see the images of tiles, prints and posters, ranging from elegantly subtle to explosive, but… you haven’t really experienced the work of Paul.
I encourage everyone to visit an event or gallery in which you can get your hands on a piece of Paul’s work, and purchase it. Not just because it is yummy for the soul, not because it will enhance your home or office, not because if you gift it, you will feel twice the joy… because this man is a master. Former President John F. Kennedy stated, "I see little of more importance to the future of our country and of civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist. If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his/her vision wherever it takes him/her." You can be part of that freedom. Like the invitation from the Louve”, …at once immense and intimate, I invite you to discover the work of Paul Shortt.
Paul Shortt @
This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 dollars for 500 words. This is the 11th review I've received:
Honestly, I was confused when the artwork of Paul Shortt appeared on the screen. I guess I am your typical thinking human that assumes art is supposed to be beautiful paintings or magnificent sculptures. Paul Shortts art is not beautiful paintings or sculptures. However, art comes in all forms of expression. The art portrayed on the site shows the freedom he has for expression. What one person may think is not art, he makes it become art to the human eye. The work on the site is refreshing because the artist seems to see that what a person does in everyday life as art. As a result, viewing his work becomes humorous, entertaining, and quite delightful. There is a piece entitled “Corner Piece” on his site. I found this amusing because that is what I see when people view art. I don’t want to reveal what the piece stated.
Moving forward, art is a form of expression that allows an artist to explore in all shapes and forms. Do I feel Paul Shortt shows expression in his art? The answer is yes. He finds the simplest things and turn it into art. I love the piece entitled “ Do Not Climb”. We see these signs in places all the time. Does everyone listen to those signs? Some people are going to climb despite what the sign says. The artwork makes me think visually in my head. As a result, I started to paint an image of a scene. Another piece that I found entertaining is “Modern Greeting”. The artist shows different ways a person can greet each other. As I was viewing the images, I found myself bursting into laughter. The cell phone rub should be a greeting with the way people are constantly on their phones. The greetings seem awkward, which in everyday life, greetings can be just that way. A piece that I found truly thought provoking was “Three Hour Tour”. This art caused me not to laugh but to actually think about places that are shown in the piece. Do I avoid places that are freely open to the public? Does my persona change when I am in places such as a hospital or graveyard? The image of the two people walking down the hall in the hospital even provoked thinking in your head by the way the hands were clasped behind the man on the left.
Finally, I want to say I truly appreciated Paul’s artwork. There are people out in the world that will tell you that what Paul does is not art. That leads many other people that express themselves like Paul to give up on what they love. Paul is a true artist that shows appreciation for everything that is around. Furthermore, the piece “Three Hour Tour” made me want to get out and visit those places even if I do not need to go. Due to that fact, I thank you Paul. You are a true visual artist that promotes the need for truly expressing yourself and appreciating art just as it should be. Art is creative expression.
Paul Shortt @
This is a project where I pay workers on Amazon's Mechanical Turk to review my art and website and pay them $5 dollars for 500 words. This is the 10th review I've received:
I love your work; I find it has both comical and serious aspects to it. I especially love the “modern greeting” manual; it is a fun and interactive art piece that illustrates the fact that the people of today do not make great efforts to meet new people, in fun and interesting ways but when we make that extra effort we makes friends we will never forget. I find the Nimby’s collection to be truly inspiring because the signs are placed in a manner to prove to people that big malls and building don’t need to go in every empty lot we find, sometimes thing’s just need to stay open, vacant, or abandoned. The interactive signs are the best, I would love to post things like this around my school campus I think a lot of people would have a lot of fun participating in a fun silly activities such as these. The signs, if anything would give people a laugh and spread smiles throughout the campus like wildfire and it would be a good conversation starter for everyone.
Strap on ball sacks?? I think laughed for a solid 5 minutes just thinking about it and then another 10 scrolling through the photos! Truly a comical subject, I think a few people I k now need a pair of those! This gives new meaning to the phrase “grow a pair!” Although I think I would have made them not as long but twice as big, to make it even more comical, trying to watch your models try and walk with balls the size of softballs in-between their legs!! You have some great art although I am not such a fan of the car breakdown scene, I feel that it is too posed and doesn’t really illustrate anything other than you are flipping off the world, which I guess could just be the whole meaning of the piece, which hi n that case it’s good, but I feel like there isn’t enough emotion in the video clip and it just looked super posed to me, and fake. Now if you were to come to a screeching stop and maybe even overshoot the camera screen a little bit and fling your car door open and look like you are yelling at the top of your lungs (maybe spit a little) and then furiously throw yourself about whilst flipping the world off I think it would be a lot better piece.
I love the huge no parking nice, I think they should all be installed everywhere there is a no parking sign because sometimes those things ar so small I miss them!!! And then I end up with a ticket when I come back out to my car, and then I am just so pissed cause the sign in literally 6inchs and hidden behind a bush. I hope my input is what you are looking for I find your art very unique, and pretty inspiring. Some pieces make me think about the situation you are trying to illustrate and others make me laugh.
jamie @ May 10, 2012
Role: Interactive designer at
Digital Evolution Group
Salary: $10 hr
32-40 hrs per week (flexible)
Dates: May 29th to August 3rd
Relaxed, creative and casual atmosphere with roughly 100 employees all focused on digital and interactive. "We work hard and play harder."
Specifically, this role would focus on digital only. Email design primarily. Possible opportunities for mobile, tablet, website and ecommerce design as well. There is a possibility of full-time employment for the right candidate.
Send a link to their work and bio or a light-weight PDF and an informal cover letter/resume to Adam Seitz. seitza@digitalev.com
calderkamin @
Every spring, graduating seniors are responsible for exhibiting their thesis work in an off campus exhibition. Fortunately, in Kansas City, there are a lot of places to exhibit, but what if you aren’t juried into a show or can’t find a gallery that will exhibit your work?
The brilliant idea of “Pop Up” galleries allowed for several graduating seniors to present in the heart of the crossroads during a very busy First Friday. Pop Ups have been running rampant in the world of retail, especially popular for seasonal merchandise, made available for a limited time. The Pop-ups have evolved into retail shops with limited addition products, experimental events, and now exhibitions.
A vacant office supply store building became “Mutual Space” for May First Friday. Seniors Roberto Lugo, Ashely Lugo, Alora Wilde, and alumna Lora Campbell rented the space for their thesis exhibition. Pulling together their resources and connections they branded their temporary install as the “Mutual Space” to exhibited their final projects. Lora Campbell (’11 ceramics) participated during her visit to Kansas City from Normal, IL, where she has been a post baccalaureate. The Lugos are moving to Penn State this fall where Roberto received a full ride and assistantship with professor and alumnus Chris Staley. Ashley will be joining Roberto on the journey. She will continue her studio practice with the hopes of also going to grad school and teaching in the future.
Also opening on First Friday was Label Kansas City, a collaborative Pop-up space by seniors Ben Harle and Maegan Stracy. The two met in foundations and immediately began collaborating. Although the two students went into separate departments at KCAI, they continued to share ideas and consult each other on their separate mediums. Ben is interested in creating phenomenal experiences with his video installations. Maegan creates neon colored accessories that are not entirely functional. Label lasted through the weekend in the first floor space of Whoop-de-doo, a collaborative anything-goes performance group run by KCAI alumni. Maegan participated in several of Whoop-de-doo’s projects, and requested that she and Ben use the space for their thesis exhibition. Both Ben and Maegan were accepted into the Artist Inc collegiate program offered through Career Services, the Charlotte Street Foundation, UMKC, and Arts KC. Following graduation they will meet for several weeks with other KCAI students, UMKC conservatory students, and professional mentors to continue their professional development.
