SEAN TINER

( Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008), Stylized Portrait by Tiner). ( Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008), Stylized Portrait by Tiner). From Abstract Expressionism to Pop Art, Robert Rauschenberg's remarkable career spans decades of creativity. Labeled a "Renaissance Man" by his peers, I enjoyed creating these stylized portraits of him. The first portrait is influenced from my Hurricane Katrina series and embraces the spirit of his influence on American creativity (look for the American flag in the top left of his shoulder). The second portrait is a contemporary "pop" portrait. It's ironic that this "Renaissance Man" passed away a day before Brandweek Magazine labeled me a "Renaissance Man" ( link to article ). ...Maybe it's a metaphoric passing of the torch? ...Or just inflated thinking? ...I'd be happy to achieve 1/7 ( love the power of seven ) Rauschenberg's success in my artistic endeavors (I'm swinging for the f...

Last night, I went to an art opening at Cal State Fullerton's Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana, CA. The new art center is a 45,000 square-foot residential, commercial and educational complex. The goal of the building is to revitalize downtown Santa Ana, CA similar to other projects in Providence, RI. (G. Ray Kerciu & Sean Tiner) G. Ray Kerciu, one of my close friends and mentors, had original oils on display. Kerciu exploded onto the art scene in the 1960s with a controversial civil rights series. Shortly afterwards, G. Ray moved to New York City, where he had his own studio. His art openings were very successful in the city with Warhol and Rauschenberg attending them. Later in his life, Kerciu worked at Cal State Fullerton. He mentored several students during his tenure, including my father who earned his MFA during Kercui's tenure. Last night was special for me, as I enjoyed seeing G. Ray reconnecting with his old friends and ironically having his paintings ad...