Thursday, June 21, 2012

Absurdity is my Friend


There is a new book in town...Absurdity is my Friend: art and stories from the desert...from the one and only Kelly Moore. Kelly is a unique talent and a generous soul. I had the pleasure of meeting him back in 2008 at The Shed on the Tesuque Reservation in New Mexico. You can read all about my visit in this earlier post.


The shed, where Kelly both creates and sells his work, would look perfect in the center of the Atrium at the Museum of Modern Art. I'm just saying.

Spending time with Kelly was a gift. Not only did I take back many memories of that day, but I also took home some of his art. And three of his best friends too.

No worries Kelly. They are loving NYC!

But I digress. Back to the business at hand. Kelly's new book is 192 pages long and filled with a creative and inspiring combination of art, photography, and stories. And nobody tells a story quite like Kelly Moore.




You can read more about the book and order copies here.

GIVEAWAY
Kelly has generously given me three copies to offer my readers as part of a giveaway. Just leave a comment to this post by the end of day next Wednesday, June 27th and you will be eligible to win. I will chose 3 winners at random and Kelly will send each of the winners a copy of his book. The catch? There is none. Well, except that you must leave your email address so we can contact you and you need to have a mailing address in the USA for this one. So whatcha waiting for? Leave a comment!
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Today my links on CRESCENDOh take you to:

The one thing we all want more of...
and
File under...why didn't I think of that?

71 comments:

A tired retired recluse @ Swallowcliffs.blogspot.com/ said...

Love his "studio" look! Hope I win one of the books...I live in the midst of the Ute Tribe Rez here and I know his book will be interesting!

Marcia Beckett said...

Sounds like a cool book! I would love to win a copy. Marcia

Cheryl said...

Wow, Seth, you do get around. Kelly's book looks fascinating. Count me in.

lynne h said...

i want this book so much!!! i have been lusting after it! tell kelly i said so! xoxo

Cynthia S. said...

What an interesting looking book! Love the art, and you get stories too. I'd love a copy.

Marit said...

Oh bummer, you always come up with inspiring posts and new (to me) artists - giving away their books and all - and I live soooo far away. I sometimes wish I lived in the US (OK, I said SOME times, not every day...)

lyle baxter said...

seth, I've been following Kely's blog for some time . wish I could be so relaxed to paint such wonderful critters! Having his book would be a big treat! thank you for writing about him.

Barbara I. said...

Hmmm, interesting! I'm intrigued by Kelly's art and appreciate the opportunity to win one of his books! Thanks for the chance, Seth. I'm at bkisrael@gmail.com should I be one of the lucky ones!

Judy Shreve said...

I just love your blog - I am introduced to so many fabulous artists that I would never encounter on my own.
WOW - that studio should be a museum centerpiece.
I would love to learn more about this artist - the book looks tremendously fascinating!
Thanks!

Sharon W. said...

Just where is Random ? Everyone always chooses winners at Random. If I knew where it was, I could maybe be there and win one of those books. At the very least, I could chat with you about your wonderful videos over on Create.

Shirley said...

I know nothing about Kelly Moore as an artist and would love to have a copy of his book. Thanks for calling it to our attention.

Jill Zaheer said...

What a unique one of a kind artist Kelly is! And you are so right about Kelly's studio fitting right in at MOMA! I would love to win a copy of his book. Thanks so much for spotlighting my blogpost on TIME over at
www.Crescendoh.com today as part of your guest curator piece!

ArtPropelled said...

I would love to win Kelly's book. Thanks for the opportunity!

audrey said...

A great giveaway, Seth!! Kelly's art is interesting and colorful. I would love to read the stories. Thanks for the opportunity.
audrey

Lisa H said...

I missed the deadline but not the opportunity to say Kelly is The Man!....I remember seeing his work in the Santa Fe magazine:"THE" and feeling like I had been hit in the head by a falling rock. This was when Jesse Reno was probably about seven. Even his writing is oddly unique and effervescent. Thanks for shining the light on this Original. Oh, and YOU'RE The Man too!

Barbara L. said...

Very interesting art and a wonderful deviation from the "usual" SW art. Thanks for the opportunity to win his book.

Maureen said...

Oh, I do like your idea to put that piece in MOMA!

I can just imagine the stories Kelly Moore has to tell. Love the title of his book.

magpie said...

love the MoMA idea too.
book looks very cool and I'd love to win one.

Lynn Cohen said...

Here I am...I hope this counts as end of Weds. I'd love to see that book close up and personal. You have my email address. xoxo

Cathy said...

Thanks for the chance to win! Looks like an amazing book!

Floyd said...

I really like Kelly Moore's work. I'm a big fan of all the Dark Birds (& their stories about the MOMA), the Shed at the Flea, and Kat Livengood's photography. Thank you for the offer but already have a copy on my "I need distraction!" studio bookshelf. I'll leave this opportunity for someone else.

Carol said...

I really enjoy Kelly's art and definitely think he deceives a spot in MOMA!

Beulah Bee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I'd never heard of Kelly before today. Now I hope to win one of his books. How awesome is that!!

Jo Murray said...

I can hardly believe the journey I've just been on. Have not previously heard of Kelly but boy, does he CREATE! Wild and wonderful. Following your links, and his, has kickstarted my day like WOW. Thanks Seth, I'd love to learn more about him via the book.

Karen Isaacson said...

From the moment I first learned about this book a few weeks ago, I've been yearning to hold it, see it, touch it, smell it, savor it. It's on my wish list for now. I'd love to win!

donna joy said...

Love his work-the book looks great! count me in too :)

sf said...

I wouldn't mind getting lucky enough to win a copy! We had him in Pasticcio so you know I'm a fan!

Anonymous said...

very curious to see his book in person. It looks intriguing!

pfstuff said...

He just amazes me and I would love to have a copy of his book almost as much as I would like to go to "the Flea" and meet him. Also love Kat's
photographs.

pfstuff said...

He just amazes me and I would love to have a copy of his book almost as much as I would like to go to "the Flea" and meet him. Also love Kat's
photographs.

layers said...

This book by Kelly looks wonderful... and thank you for the link to my blog post on Wabi Sabi.. I am pleased you liked it.

Eyeleeeen said...

I love the title of the book, and am sure it's a great read. Thanks to you and Kelly for such a generous giveaway.
eyeleeeen@optonline.net

Lisa said...

Wow! Looks like a great book!

Lisa said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bill said...

Nothing better than a little absurdity. And I'm just talking about my brain! :^) I'd love to have a studio like his. His art looks wonderful! But I especially like the little friends you took home with you. I'd love a chance to win a copy of his book.

Bill

Molly said...

Wow! would love to see the book in person (by winning of course). His work is magical, like a continuous dream of color.

Sharmon Davidson said...

Kelly is amazing, and I agree about MOMA- I believe he will be in there soon! I tried to win his book over a Rice's blog then decided to buy it, but haven't done so yet. maybe I'll have better luck this time!

ART*ticulation said...

What a kewl shack, what are the walls made out of? I'd love to see it up close and personal!

Margo said...

I was thrilled to see Kelly's shack at the Flea in person a couple of weeks ago. The weather drove everyone away before I could go inside and meet the artist. I would love to have a copy of his book.

Elena and Russ said...

I discovered Kelly's art for myself while being in Santa Fe and I loved it from the first sight.
It would be great to have his book.

Thank you.

Darlene K Campbell said...

EEk! I want to win this book, so a big thank you for the chance. Amazing work...appreciate you introducing me to Kelly's art.

Tanya said...

I am so excited to have a chance to win this book so I am thanking you for that chance. I really hope I win so much. I LOVE his art. I CANNOT wait. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Pick me! Pick me! This looks like a great summer read...something give inspiration and a proper prospective on life!

Jan said...

I LOVE Kelly Moore! I have some of his postcards and would love to have his book.

Dianne said...

You had me at the title "Absurdity is my friend." really cool. it does look sort of tribal...
dbcarey_2000@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

ALWAYS AMAZING!!! Thanks for sharing and would love to check this out. You always have such a great community of artists to share.
Thank you for your inspiration.
Dawn Wilson

lotussoul said...

Kelly's book looks awesome and would yield numerous inspiration sessions and artwork making motivation for my hungry fingers :) would also love to share it with some Portland artist buddies...

Kim Hambric said...

Thanks for bringing this book to my attention, Seth. I. MUST. HAVE. IT. I didn't know it was out there. I live under a rock. Just in case I get lucky: sah19@psu.edu.

CLBcreations said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
CLBcreations said...

Wow..thanks for posting this...would love to have a copy.

Jeane Myers said...

yikes, awesome shed!!! please include my name for this exciting opportunity!! xo

Carol said...

Seth, you are so lucky to have met this amazing man. What an artist! And what a poet! It's 3am and I'm still reading and exploring his pages. Kat's photographs are mesmerizing. Thanks Seth, you've hit the jackpot once again.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I love an artist who can tell a story! This book sounds perfect for me!

dianne1530 said...

I am new to your blog, and loving it so far.

dianne1530 said...

I am new to your blog, and loving it so far.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Looks great! A little bit like Jesse Reno but his own unique take.

Anonymous said...

You continue to expand my horizons. I would love to add this book to my library Nancy

Robert said...

I was introduced to Kelly Moore, and his wonderful new book, the other day on Rice Freeman Zachery's 'Notes from the Voodoo Cafe.' What incredible art he creates! And. . .his stories are equally amazing (I loved the painting and story about the little girl that who came up to him at his shed at the flea market and told him, when he asked, that she lived with her friends in the volcano). I found his attitudes and ways of thinking about life, and experience, completely refreshing!

lotussoul said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
~Babs said...

I'm familiar with Kelly's outrageously wonderful paintings and words, but alas, I own none of his 'big oilies'.
A chance at his book would be the next best thing, I'm thinkin'!
Thanks for the opportunity!

A Magical Whimsy said...

Hello, Seth
I just received my latest copy of Cloth, Paper, Scissors and saw your amazing article about 'found' objects. I have only been to New York once...and ah! What a city! There just is NO comparison to any other city in the world. I must say, Kelly is as talented as Picasso.
And you tempt your readers again with another extraordinary book!
Thank you for highlighting Kelly and his creative muse for the blogging world to enjoy~
Have a great week in the 'found object' metropolis!
Teresa in California
http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/
tscat@sbcglobal.net

Judy Shea said...

Fascinating book.. I want to jump right in it.

mairedodd said...

what fascinating work! i would love to see the shed in the atrium - just sayin'
thank you so much for hosting this generous giveaway...

gardenmoon said...

I want more Kelly! You introduced me to him, and now I love his crazy shed, his little "friends" and the art and colors of his book. Plus the word, "absurdity." I'll be checking out more of Kelly Moore!

Parabolic Muse said...

Seth! How you doing?!
I have admired Kelly since I heard about him through Julie and then went over to his house and put my Moo card under his windshield wiper.

Okay, he probably doesn't remember this. But you know I'm up to it.

LuniLadi said...

OMG his studio *is* a work of Art!!
I'd love to win a copy of his book...sounds too cool and interesting! Thanks for the opportunities...both to meet him/his art and the chance to win his book.
Doreen aka LuniLadi
cosenzas@optonline.net

LuniLadi said...

OMG his studio *is* a work of Art!!
I'd love to win a copy of his book...sounds too cool and interesting! Thanks for the opportunities...both to meet him/his art and the chance to win his book.
Doreen aka LuniLadi
cosenzas@optonline.net

Cynthia Hanna said...

Wow! I love Kelly's art that you've shown us here, and his book definitely looks/sounds fascinating. I'd love to win a copy :)

lynne h said...

have you picked the names yet? (devil me can hardly wait) xo

Unknown said...

Love Kelly's studio in Santa Fe...how wonderful to have visited. He is a character and I ADORE the 'friends' you brought home with you!