Philadelphia Artist Samuel J. Formica

SAMUEL J. FORMICA ART EXHIBIT EXTENDED THROUGH JULY - by Samuel J. Formica

2009-06-24T19:08:00.001-07:00

Philadelphia, PA, July 3^,2009… by popular demand PINOT, the popular wine accessories superstore in Old City, has decided to continue the exhibition presenting the works of nationally acclaimed painter Samuel J. Formica. A special art opening will take place on July 3^rd, the first Friday in July. The artist will be on hand signing special limited-edition lithographs prints designed exclusively for PINOT to celebrate their up-coming 3 year anniversary. First Friday in Old City, is a monthly event that takes place on the first Friday of every month, attracting art lovers of all kinds who enjoy the neighborhood’s 40-plus galleries. Most of the galleries stay open until 9 p.m. Formica’s work came to prominence in 2003 when his painting Looking to the Future became part of the Ben Franklin Tercentenary Exhibit and was lauded by US presidents, including Bill Clinton, George H.W Bush and Gerald Ford for its powerful depiction of America’s history. This stunning painting is on display at the Franklin Institute, and has been published in numerous books and magazines including Ben Franklin In Search Of A Better World by Yale University Press. In 2007 Samuel was chosen one of the top 200 painters in America by Kennedy publishing. On June 5^th, PINOT will be sharing another side of Formica’s work -- his love of wine. Formica began collecting wine corks ten years ago while working as a bartender at Ristorante Panorama, an Italian restaurant in Philadelphia with a world class wine bar. One day in 2004, he got an idea for a series of wine paintings that would utilize the corks he had collected. The result: LeQuattro Stagione del Vino, four separate paintings depicting the four seasons of wine. Each of the four paintings measures 36” x 64” and is made up of 48 small canvasses. Dense in texture and rich in color his careful composition has led him to international recognition. Eight paintings including the Quattro Stagione series will be on display at Pinot throughout the month of June; this will be the first time in more than ten years that a group of Formica’s works has been exhibited.

PINOT is gaining popularity among Philadelphia wine lovers for its wide variety of corkscrews, stemware, wine furniture, one-of-a-kind wine caddies and custom wine cellars–- as the tagline states: “everything but the grape.” In 2008 PINOT, located at 227 Market Street, was awarded Philadelphia Magazine’s coveted Best of Philly ® award for Best Specialty Shop. PINOT is also home of The Wine School at PINOT, the Old City branch of The Wine School of Philadelphia. For more information, call 215-627-WINE (9463) or visit www.PinotBoutique.com.

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Interview with Samuel J. formica [sjfsales] in Whohub

2009-06-11T21:18:00.001-07:00

Interview with Samuel J. formica [sjfsales] in Whohub

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Philadelphia Artist Samuel J. Formica Gallery Showing

2009-06-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

June 5, 2009

The weather was less perfect, but the atmosphere inside PINOT in Olde City Philadelphia was warm, inviting and very exciting. On display for the first time in ten years were paintings by nationally acclaimed artist Samuel J. Formica. Creating a feeling of being surrounded by the smells and tastes of wine, ‘Le Quattro Stagione del Vino’ sets the mood for the enjoyment of wine during all seasons. Formica’s paintings are very unique in that each is comprised of 48 small canvasses making each painting 36” by 64” in size. When displayed, one is surrounded by all that is wine in every season with colors and textures of paint that is compelling. His technique brings a life of it’s own to the paintings. Fall brings an explosion of bright, deep, rich color and the feeling of a brisk, zesty flavor, winter brings the softer tones of white snow against the stark bareness of the season that just radiates cold and crisp feelings, spring comes alive with the burst of life that begins anew with a vibrant, exuberant feel and summer is gentle, warm and breezy bringing forth a smooth and comfortably lazy, hazy days of summer flair. One can imagine matching a wine to compliment each of these seasons. Mr. Formica is to be commended on taking tasting wine to the next level of sensory perception, that of wine imagery or “Wine Set To Art”.

Also on display were paintings utilizing corks that have been collected by Mr. Formica. Always one to see the artistic value of everyday items, Formica has very expertly integrated corks into another set of unique paintings. He has creatively designed the corks into geometric arrangements that compliment the paintings around them.

In 2003, Formica was recognized for his “Looking to the Future’ painting featuring Benjamin Franklin. This painting, with a wonderful historic theme, is currently on display at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Former Presidents, Clinton, Ford
and G. H. W. Bush, all have lauded Mr. Formica for capturing such historical significance through this unique painting.

PINOT is located at 227 Market Street in Philadelphia and is a fascinating wine specialty shop featuring ‘everything but the grape’ for the wine lover. Pinot is also home of ‘The Wine School at PINOT’, the Olde City branch of The Wine School of Philadelphia.
Visit PINOT at www.PinotBoutique.com.
Visit Samuel J. Formica at www.samuelformica.com

By: Barbara Garton www.timeforelvis.com

AN ART EXHIBIT TEN YEARS IN THE MAKING: - by Samuel J. Formica

2009-05-03T21:01:00.001-07:00

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AN ART EXHIBIT TEN YEARS IN THE MAKING: SAMUEL FORMICA FINDS A USE FOR THOSE OLD CORKS. Philadelphia, PA, June 5^,2009… PINOT, the popular wine accessories superstore in Old City, announces a special exhibition presenting the works of nationally acclaimed painter Samuel J. Formica. The art opening will take place on June 5^th the first Friday in June. First Friday in Old City, is a monthly event that takes place on the first Friday of every month, attracting art lovers of all kinds who enjoy the neighborhood’s 40-plus galleries. Most of the galleries stay open until 9 p.m. Formica’s work came to prominence in 2003 when his painting Looking to the Future became part of the Ben Franklin Tercentenary Exhibit and was lauded by US presidents, including Bill Clinton, George H.W Bush and Gerald Ford for its powerful depiction of America’s history. This stunning painting is on display at the Franklin Institute, and has been published in numerous books and magazines including Ben Franklin In Search Of A Better World by Yale University Press. In 2007 Samuel was chosen one of the top 200 painters in America by Kennedy publishing. On June 5^th, PINOT will be sharing another side of Formica’s work -- his love of wine. Formica began collecting wine corks ten years ago while working as a bartender at Ristorante Panorama, an Italian restaurant in Philadelphia with a world class wine bar. One day in 2004, he got an idea for a series of wine paintings that would utilize the corks he had collected. The result: LeQuattro Stagione del Vino, four separate paintings depicting the four seasons of wine. Each of the four paintings measures 36” x 64” and is made up of 48 small canvasses. Dense in texture and rich in color his careful composition has led him to international recognition. Eight paintings including the Quattro Stagione series will be on display at Pinot throughout the month of June; this will be the first time in more than ten years that a group of Formica’s works has been exhibited. The artist will be signing special limited-edition lithographs prints designed exclusively for PINOT to celebrate their up-coming 3 year anniversary. Wine and cheese will be served.

Selling Art Has Never Been Better - by Samuel J. Formica

2009-03-06T19:36:00.001-08:00

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It’s a great time to be an artist. I know your saying to yourself, “is this guy a nut” the economy is terrible. Precisely, and with the Stock Market so volatile, the banks going belly-up and the world economy in the crapper these are good times to sell. Now is the time to convince all those investors that your work is a safe haven for their money. If you have a track record of consistent sales, a list of achievements and a long history of work, you may be in a position to capitalize on this bad economy. Let’s face it; people need an alternative place to invest their money, why not your art? Changing the way I think about art sales has benefited my life. Don’t think about sales the way you always have and don’t rely on someone else to do it for you. And above all else don’t let this horrible economy pass you by.

Samuel J. Formica

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Merry Corporate Christmas - by Samuel J. Formica

2008-12-19T13:00:00.001-08:00

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For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord.

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American History 4 Sale - by Samuel J. Formica

2008-12-06T11:44:00.001-08:00

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Philadelphia, PA…Artist, Samuel J. Formica, looks to the future and chooses to sell his acclaimed life-sized painting, Looking to the Future, in a manner that all indie artists with a vision should do—on his own. Looking to the Future chronicles more than one hundred scenes of historical triumphs and tragedies. The sweeping detail surrounds an image of Benjamin Franklin, the painting’s robust centerpiece. An omniscient Franklin peers through his window while on his cell phone in the five by seven foot, oil on canvas painting that took Formica three years to complete and can be viewed in person at The Franklin Institute at 220

North 20^th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or online at www.samuelformica.com. Purchase inquiries should be directed to SJF Sales at 215-200-6007 or sjfsales@samuelformica.com.

Looking to the Future has been lauded by US presidents, including Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Gerald Ford, for its vigorous depiction of the history of America. “It’s a wonderful portrayal of American history,” said President George H. W. Bush after viewing Looking to the Future. And Frank R. Wolf, Member of Congress, House of Representatives stated, “The painting is truly an original with phenomenal meaning.”

Formica’s work is highly collectible; he paints only two to three new works per year. Dense with allusion and vibrant colors, his careful composition has led him to international recognition. In 1985, Formica was discovered by the late artist agent, Ola Jones, who had a keen eye for recognizing self-taught talent. She encouraged him to trade in his syringes for brushes. Twenty-two years later, Formica is still drug-free, and his paintings have since been exhibited in international solo shows; published in Art Now, Art Matters, The Pew Trust, and American History Magazine; collected by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, President Jimmy Carter, and Donald Trump; and recently honored by the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary commission and placed in the official Ben Franklin Tercentenary exhibit catalogue, In Search of a Better World (Yale University Press).

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DROWNING in DEBT - by Samuel J. Formica

2008-11-29T16:00:00.001-08:00

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Drowning in debt… tis the season. Maybe consumers have learned a lesson about over-spending especially Credit Card spending. If you don’t have the cash, don’t buy it. This year’s financial crises are a wake up call to be more prudent with our money. I didn’t need a wake up call to tell me to watch my spending, I have nothing to spend.

Visit my Home page

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This Moment in Time is One I Deserve

2008-11-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

This Moment in Time is One I Deserve

November 1, 2008, I am sitting at the dining room table enjoying a thick, juicy, organic, grass-fed, NY strip steak, cooked to perfection. Complete with an oven baked Sweet - potato, peas, carrots and a 1993 bottle of Baron de Pichon- Longueville, Bordeaux. I have been planning this celebratory dinner for when I finished a series of paintings about the seasons of wine. Little did I know it would take me four years to complete this project. That’s what makes this wine taste all the more delicious.

In 2004 I had a brain storm; I wanted to create a series of paintings about one of my favorite pass times, wine. I’ve seen so many painters approach this subject before, usually a still life with grapes and a bottle or two of wine in the back ground or there is the vineyard scene at sunset. I wanted to do something far more original, like a tribute to the grape. Its not like I don’t know anything about wine, I’ve served it in the finest restaurants, gone to countless wine tastings all over the U.S., taught wine appreciation classes and even sold wine.

I started collecting wine corks about ten years ago while working as a bartender at Ristorante Panorama an Italian restaurant in Philadelphia. Panorama has the largest wine by the glass program in North America and during the week we would throw hundreds of corks away. I would sift through them and find the best ones, take them home and try and figure out a way to use them in my art. One day it hit me, an idea for a series, I never painted a series before. I knew it was going to be an ambitious project, four separate paintings about the four seasons of wine, each one measuring 36” x 64” and made up of 48 smaller canvasses. Rich in texture, color and atmosphere of the season each painting was to represent.

In 2004 when I began this work I didn’t anticipate how many major (but good) distractions would come my way. I got married to a wonderful, supportive woman, changed jobs a few times and my wife had a baby. The last four years have been crazy making it difficult to focus on my art and finishing these complicated paintings. There was a time I almost gave up on them altogether. Not only were they extremely time consuming but expensive to make and with no real demand for my art I felt no urgency to work on them.

After my son was born, life began to change, actually everything changed but mostly my mind has changed, suddenly I felt this urgency to complete my work and follow my dreams again. How can I ever teach my son that you can achieve anything you put your mind to and yet here am half heartily working on my art and practically giving up on being the artist I dreamed of becoming. The summer painting shown here is the last painting of the series to be completed. The entire series entitled “Le Quattro Stagione del Vino” is finished. I have to thank my ten month old son who doesn’t even know what he has done for me and God in heaven for bringing him to my wife and me. I am invigorated now and so inspired to create new work, almost daily I am getting visions for new work. I don’t know how I’m ever going to complete it all.
So as I sit here staring at my completed painting, eating my steak drinking my wine, I can’t help but thank God for all his blessings in my life and for the first time I feel content with who I am and where I am going. This moment in time is one I deserve.

Now if I can just find a gallery who will show my work.

Click here to see entire series

God Stopped Me In My Tracks

2008-10-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful autumn day in Philadelphia, in fact there have been quit a few fall days that were just perfect since the season began. Funny thing is, I hadn’t noticed any of those days. I used to be so in love with the autumn season, with the changing of the leaves, the crisp air and of course bringing out those comfortable sweaters from storage. The other aspect to autumn that I personally like and some people feel I’m crazy but I like the fact that we turn the clocks back causing it to get dark earlier. I have always been a studio painter and when those long days of summer are here I rarely come in out of the sunshine to paint, I feel I may be missing something by not being outside, I guess.

Today however, I was walking through one of my favorite parks in Philadelphia, Washington Square. I noticed a bench drenched in sunlight that just caught my eye and made me want to sit and bask in its rays. Just then this feeling came over me almost like a trance, the sunshine seemed to be stabbing through the leaves like swords, lighting the ground with brilliant hues of green. Even the trees seemed to be competing with each other as to which had the most shades of orange, red and yellow foliage; it was truly a spectacular scene. I looked up at the sky and almost wept, I never seen such a blue sky. God had stopped me in my tracks.

This was one of those times when I felt the spirit of God. I sat there humbled, thankful and grateful for this experience. I wondered how many times in the past I hurriedly walked by scenes just like this and never gave it a second glance. There may come a time when I may not be able to see and feel these special moments, that’s why it is so important to stop and see it now, absorb these days , drink them in and be thankful.

This painting is the autumn panel from my wine series titled “Le Quattro Stagione del Vino” The Four Seasons of Wine. I love this piece, the textures and colors are warm giving a feeling for the season it portrays. This series of paintings was inspired by a nine year job I held at one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, Ristorante Panorama. Panorama is world renowned for its vast selection of fine wines. “Le Quattro Stagione del Vino is the name of one of the banquet rooms that inspired this series of art. The series is almost complete after four years of work and after almost a decade of collecting the corks I am putting the finishing touches on the summer panel which I expect to have finished by years end.

If you need a creative boost, I suggest not allowing one of these autumn days to pass by without taking time to notice it.

Happy Painting!
http://www.samuelformica.com/

Batten Down the Hatches

2008-10-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

Batten Down the Hatches is a nautical term meaning “Prepare for Trouble”. Our founding fathers warned that we must protect the Constitution; it is a fragile document. Americans have lost touch with Washington and the politicians we elected to represent us. We are to busy chasing the American dream, working our fingers to the bone paying our taxes, health care, mortgages, college tuitions and putting food on our table. After a hard day of work who has the time to follow up on the bills being passed by our representatives? These people are elected to uphold the Constitution and be our voice in government, instead they have sold us, the citizens who pay for their inflated salaries down the river.
I am so disgusted with what is going on in this country right now and I can’t help but think that our forefathers would be stringing these corrupt politicians up from the nearest tree. What will it take for America to wake up? Really… think about it… what will it take? We are in the worst financial crisis in history where the government is now grabbing up the banks, healthcare is out of reach to millions and companies who do provide it for their employees are going bankrupt trying to pay for it. The world stock markets are crashing down around us, unemployment is at an all time high and violent crime is rampant. Russia is on the move, China is killing babies and Iran wants a world that is governed under the flag of Islam. American troops are being deployed on our own soil , judges are letting criminals back on the streets with just a slap on the wrist and the best we can do is put two clowns on the ballet to be the next president of the United States.
Concerns about John Sidney McCain’s age, health, policies, and lack of passion or enthusiasm to create new ideas for jobs or moving this country forward. If McCain drops dead, Palin is our president… a hockey mom. Then there is Barrack Hussein Obama a community organizer, who was a 20 year member of a racist, anti American church. Obama’s ties to a known terrorist and questions over the validity of his citizenship raise a red flag in my mind. As a matter of fact here in a Philadelphia Federal court a suit has been filed trying to force Obama to show a hard copy of his birth certificate. This case has been going on for awhile and the DNC keeps tying it up in court. Why won’t he show a hard copy of his birth certificate? We as Americans have the right to see it, I am sure a lot of you don’t even know this is occurring. Then of course there’s the big endorsement from Louis Farrakhan calling Obama the” Messiah”. Give me a break, Obama couldn’t even get a job with the FBI with his background and we are handing over the most powerful position in the world to him.
Americans want change so bad we will overlook important details about politicians but scream and yell if there is a bad call during a sporting event or our favorite television show is interrupted by a presidential debate. Where do we start to repair the damage? I suggest getting down on our knees and begging God (not Allah) for mercy and forgiveness, start putting our representatives under the microscope and holding them accountable. Politicians who are corrupt or traitors, throw them into prison, I suppose we will have to build a lot more prisons.
I wish I could say “I hope you enjoy my new painting” but it is a painting I wish I never had to paint.

May God have mercy on us all.

http://www.samuelformica.com