"Happiness is love, disguised with a smile”

Title: "Happiness is love, disguised with a smile”
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 40" x 30"

I guess when I started this project, the goal was to fill some space on a wall. A friend of mine had commission me for a painting, and his direction was he wanted a painting for his office done in my (Koray’s) style…to quote him loosely. There was not much more direction beyond that. Ahhhh, the pet peeve of many a painter.

Where to start? I knew that when this painting was done, it would hang in an office, an office that is visited daily by people in desperation, in hope and determination…people who have been all the way there and back. You see, this painting is to hang in an Oncologist’s office (in laymen’s terms, a Cancer Doctor). The goal of the painting was clear, to bring joy, hope and renew energy in people’s lives. To not only my friend, who needs to renew his energy for everyone who walks in his door, so he can provide the same good quality care to everyone, but also to all individuals who visit his office.
The Technical
I remember, as always, I was sketching on the subway, letting my mind run free when I first sketched this picture…I knew there was something unique about it. The moment I sketched it, it’s title came to me. I knew that I would have to paint it, it was a must!

The funny thing is, for the second time ever, I don’t want to tell you exactly what the painting truly means because I believe that the title gives away a fair bit about the true subject. When looking at it, just know that love is ever present, we can find it in the simplest of life’s joys, even when all is wrong in this world.

The other day I had a thought of what it would be like for this painting to be hung in a private space, and you know, it saddened me. May this painting always remain in a public space, and may it remind people that joy and love is all around us, we just have to remember to pay attention and notice it all around us. : )

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih
P.S. Might I add, I am really happy about how the face turned out.
P.P.S. To fully appreciate the colors of this painting, you would have to see it in person! 

Artists inspired by Artists! I love you MOM!

Artist: Zerrin Salih
Medium: Oil on Canvas

Can you recall who or what encouraged you to do the thing you love most in life? Can you remember who supported you and acted as your cheerleader as you continued to develop and grow? When it comes to my love of painting, I can tell you exactly who inspired me…. You guessed it, MY MOM! She never ceases to share her encouragement, constantly pushing me to create and grow, especially when I lose confidence in what I do. She believes in me, and it’s amazing.

As long as I can remember, watercolors and oils could be found in our home. Sometimes in use, and sometimes on a shelf, making the space look more colorful. You could always see my moms love for painting, whether it was painting something of her own, or appreciating a work by one of the “great masters.” She brought art into our lives, showed us and taught us how to create, inspiring creativity in all of us. I can even remember my sister and I painting, with watercolors, along side her. Even when bringing up two kids (with my dad) took up a fair share of her time, she always made sure she was working on something, even if it was just a sketch.

Just like my mom believes in me, I believe in her. Her paintings are amazing, and she’s a little shy about sharing them with others. It’s about time people see work by the true talent in our family (don’t worry, I know she will love to see her work up on this site, call it intuition). Below are three oil paintings completed by my mom. I had hoped to post some of her watercolors as well, but since they are behind glass, it was too difficult to capture them in a picture.

Artist: Zerrin Salih
Medium: Oil on Canvas

Artist: Zerrin Salih
Medium: Oil on Canvas

What never ceases to amaze me is how different our styles. She is amazing in how focused, disciplined and detail oriented she is. She makes sure that everything appears lifelike. Me, I like to exaggerate certain elements in a picture. The time she invests in getting every color correct, making sure that each leaf is in place… it’s amazing. Often we chat about the progress of both of our paintings, and I must admit, I am honored to be able to provide creative feedback to someone so talented. In 20 years from now, I hope that I can look around me, and know that I have such a positive impact on those in my life. Mom, I love you, and I thank you for everything you have done for me and my art… even for the paint by numbers you bought me when I was a kid.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Everyone, please take a moment to enjoy.

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih 

"Just cause I'm wrong, doesn't make you right!"

Title: "Just cause I'm wrong, doesn't make you right!"
Size: 11" x 14"
Medium: Acrylics

First let me begin by saying “WOW, it feels good when the SPARK ignites the flame!” What is it that sparked this feeling in me? All of you! Different conversations with each of you who positively encourage me to get back to my art, and a little of me kicking my own butt to express myself. For those of you who aren’t aware, I just started a new job in March. Due to the distance I travel each day, my energy levels have plummeted. As a result, I have had to go through an adjusting period, to restructure my day and manage my energy levels. After a period of almost 8 weeks, I am ready to baby step my way back at it. Although I can’t promise to post every week, I can give you my promise to throw myself back into my work. I may be exhausted some days, but I need it, like I need water. You can go without water for a while, but then when you don’t take a drink for a few days, you fade away. That’s a risk I’m not willing to take.

So, about this painting!!! This week’s painting revolves around the subject/action of judgment, or passing judgment on others without questioning our own actions. An interesting behavior, as we are all guilty of it at one point or another. Sometimes we are fully conscious of it, and others we make a statement or take action without having had the chance to calculate the end result. As the words slip from our mouths, or mid-motion, we realize the wrong of our way. It’s too late; it continues to come out, too quick for your brain to stop. Now what? What are the next steps, what is the observer’s reaction?

In this painting we see the traditional symbol for evil/the devil, horns and tail. We know we should hate the subject, for he is the evil and sinful… yet we have a certain level of sympathy for him. Sympathy because his expression says, “I acknowledge what I have done is wrong, I have shame, but that doesn’t mean you have the right to look down on me.” Shame humbles us, it makes us human. Seeing another human in this condition, makes it easier for us to sympathize with them no matter how evil, or what wrong they have committed. It’s an odd thought, but the mind can also be odd.

What about the style? Those who spend time at my home, have come to realize that I love graffiti. Above my bed are snapshots of graffiti from Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. It’s the last thing I see before I go to bed every night. I have the desire to appreciate every wall that has graffiti on it. As time goes on, you will probably see my work slide in this abstract graffiti direction. It’s what I love.

I can talk for hours about this painting, but for now, that’s all folks. Let me know your thoughts… until next time.

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih

"Speaking with the Soul"

Title: "Speaking with the Soul"
Size: "24" x 36"
Medium: Acrylics

“A photograph could never capture the true essence of a painting…” my entire undergrad, and the above picture, could attest to this statement…

This weeks project was a little different, different how? Well, unlike my past paintings, this one was meant to show communication and understanding, on another level.

When I first set out to paint this picture, I thought of Mark Rothko’s paintings in The Rothko Chapel (http://www.rothkochapel.org/). Colored canvases, placed in a room, which help to evoke a feeling/emotion in the visitor. Communication without words. The idea is impactful to me, so I wanted to see if I could instill a feeling in the viewers of my painting.

When the background was complete, I remember sitting back and feeling calmer, a feeling of peace. As if the day0s troubles had washed away. How amazing? Just staring at chaotic shades of purple and white could impact a viewer in such a positive manner.

It was good enough for my soul, it was complete! I was at peace… BUT! For the artistic side of me, the challenge hadn’t even begun. This background merely set the stage for the story yet to be told. In my mind, I had an idea of what this canvas would look like when complete… but as any painter can tell you, painting is an organic process, and sometimes paintings can grow in way we did not anticipate.

My gut said, “show two characters that are connected, who get it, but demonstrate no physical interaction between one another.” This was my challenge to myself! Is it possible? It is, and the face held the key to this mystery. Expressions of the face tell a story. I mean take a look at the Mona Lisa for instance.

Nailing the right expression was so important to me, so I placed a lot of emphasis on it. As time went on, I felt like anything I added to the body of the characters would take away from the story… so arms became unnecessary, this is why the lady has no arms.

So, Who are these two people?

Mother and son? Teacher and student? Or two random individuals, who get it, get one another… Neither having met one another, nor will they ever. As I quoted in a previous posting, “…a picture is worth ten thousand words…” and in this case, not all words are spoken.

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih

Deep Thoughts....Deep Thoughts....

This has been one of the busiest weeks of my life. So busy that I had to halt one of my new painting midweek, something I never like to do. But, sometimes life takes priority…and this is that time.

This week, I give you one simple, yet beautiful, image of a sunset from the highest point in Toronto…YUP! The CN Tower. I have to say, it’s one of the most breathtaking sights I have ever seen.

Anyway, this picture reminds me of a quote from “The Alchemist,” and yes I feel the need to share. I hope I quote it properly, as I can’t seemed to find the page on which it’s written…

The boy was jealous of the freedom of wind, until he realized the only thing holding him back was himself.
I am not sure what it is about breathtaking sites, that makes us remember these important quotes…but it does.

I hope you enjoy this little gem.

Keep making your piece of the world a little better.

Koray (Core-EYE)

Pin Her Up: DJ Miss Kittie

It was about a month ago, after DJ Miss Kittie caught a glimpse of some of my work, that she decided to contact me about taking some promo shots. She said “pin-up style,” and I was intrigued… I mean trying to recapture that 50’s style pin-up girl, with modern day photography… that was a challenge I was looking for. I was in!
 
The initial step, the fun step, was to do the research. Searching the internet for both old and new pin-up style pictures, to see what has been done. Notice I said internet, not library. The idea of doing research in a library was daunting. I couldn’t even imagine what it must be like going to school in today’s day and age, having all that information at your fingertips. I digress.

Knowing we shouldn’t rely on the internet for everything, I decided to try my chances at two books stores…and amazingly…the universe heard my request. I was in Indigo when I found a full color, 270 page collection of Gil Elvgren’s life works for about $14 (on major discount). Are you kidding me?!? Yes please, I took their last copy. This book was not only helpful to myself, for figuring out the shots and poses we should be going for, but also for Miss Kittie, so she could nail down the look she was going for.

The next step was the task of securing a location. Surprisingly, this wasn’t that hard… I scouted a couple of locations, but nothing had the perfect feel, like the Temperance Gallery (Thank you Victor for having us). A beautiful gallery, a great location and a perfect backdrop, to say the least.

Finally, getting the shoot to come together. We arrived at Temperance Gallery at 7PM, on Sunday night (a late one). After a few hours of hair and makeup, paralleled by a quick camera setup, and we were good to go. The photo shoot was fun… there’s no crazy story, it was just fun… the big payoff for all the preparation.

After a few hours of photography, mixed with mambo music and Ice Cube’s greatest hits, it was time to throw in the towel.

A little after midnight, my lighting assistant, Bobby Del Rio, and I decided to head to Sneaky Dee’s for a midnight Fajita and Quesadilla fiesta… ahhh, a reward that’s well worth the wait!

Now, please click on the photos above and below so you can check out the pin-up gallery.

When viewing these photos, please note that the final shots found on my site vary in finish, compared to what will be used for promotional purposes. This is a classic case of “Function over Form.” When being commissioned for work, we have to keep in mind the goal of the end user vs. our vision. However, since this website is dedicated to showing you the world through my eyes… I have decided to finish the photos in the manner in which I envisioned them… ; - )

Enjoy!

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih


This team effort was brought to you by: Ashley Short (hair), Trisha Dolmer (makeup), Bobby Del Rio, Victor Fraser and Temperance Gallery, and DJ Miss Kittie.

 

Simply Repetitive

 

When learning about photography, often you are taught, “pictures containing repetition make for a great shot!”…for example, a row of flowers planted one after the other. Why is that? Why does repetition make for such a great shot? I like to think it’s because we find comfort in things we are familiar with…something that doesn’t vary too much, and doesn’t deviate from the norm. These predictable themes are exactly the reason I try to avoid photographing repetition; that is to say, I like a little variety with my crumpets and tea.

A couple of weeks ago, while wondering around Toronto, I found this interesting mural that I was instantly drawn to…. although it contained a repetitive theme, there were slight variations in it that sucked me in. What was it? This mural, with an industrial overtone, got my number. I couldn’t help but stare at it...it's simple, yet intricate, beauty, the contrast in colors, the different shapes and height of the nails and the raw power that was needed to drive all those nails into the wall. I was sucked in. I love it, and I couldn't help but photograph it.

What can I say? I am another victim of repetition, and although it bugs me a little, I do enjoy the simple beauty of it all.

If you are ever by Toronto's City Hall, walk in the main entrance and look immediately to your right to see what I am talking about. I wish I knew the name of the artist who created the giant mural, but the moment I find out, I will credit them on this website.

Have fun!

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih