Ain’t nothin’ but an art ‘Thing’

Eye Level Art show focuses on found objects

By Denise K. James, Special to The Post and Courier

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Eye Level Art on Spring Street has become a popular destination for viewing innovative pieces by local artists.

The upcoming “Things” show 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday night will have a focus on everyday objects and what they mean in our lives. The list of participating artists can be found at www.eyelevelart.com.

I spoke with gallery coordinator Caroline Millard and got the scoop on the philosophy behind the event.

Q: So what’s the concept behind the “Things” show?

A: It is an idea that Jonathan Brilliant brought to us, and it comes from an essay by German philosopher Martin Heidegger. The essay basically deals with focusing on things and their “thingness.” The point of the show is to examine objects in a functioning and a nonfunctioning way. Also, the gallery will become a “thing” itself, with other things in it

Q: What do you mean by functioning and nonfunctioning?

A: Well, some things you use, like a bottle of wine, for example. But some you don’t use — like the bottle after the wine has been emptied out of it. Then the bottle becomes just a form, rather than a functioning object.

Q: So both types of objects will be displayed at the show?

A: Yes.

Jonathan Brilliant

Q: Who is Jonathan Brilliant?

A: He was a well-known artist in Charleston who now lives in Columbia. However, he still does a lot of work in Charleston. This is the first time that we (Eye Level Art) have collaborated with him. He is the curator of the show.

Q: How will this show help artists on a creative level?

A: This show is more conceptual than most of our past shows, which have been lock-ins or shows with more specific parameters.

This show is much more abstract in idea, which allows the artists to go in a lot of different directions, I think.

Q: Do you think the show will foster new relationships between humans and objects?

A: I think that this show will give the artists and the gallery’s patrons a chance to reflect on objects. And I hope that it will help people to see objects in a different way than they usually would.

Saki to me at West Ashley’s Tsunami

By Denise K. James, Special to The Post and Courier

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Tsunami is one of West Ashley’s best-kept secrets. As one of the local restaurant’s newer branches, (there are also locations downtown and in Mount Pleasant) the staff works hard to make sure you come back for more great sushi and premium saki.

Bartender Idalina Silva is originally from Cape Cod and loves pouring the customers her specialties. Stop in for half-priced sushi on Mondays and let Silva make you a drink to take the edge off the beginning of the week.

Q: How long have you worked at Tsunami?

A: I’ve been here for about four months.

Q: What’s your bartending background?

A: Well, I’ve done this for seven years. I was a bartender at Twizt in James Island before it closed down, and I’ve also worked in catering.

Q: What are the perks of working in West Ashley?

A: My clientele is local, and I know all their faces and names. That’s a perk for sure!

Q: What’s the best thing on the sushi menu?

A: My favorite is the triple tuna delight sushi. I recommend it to anyone, and they end up loving it.

Q: What’s your favorite shot to pour?

A: Probably the Dirty Pirate! It’s Captain Morgan rum, peach schnapps and a little bit of pineapple juice and orange juice.

Q: What flavor of saki is the most popular?

A. Probably sour apple. But I always recommend the pomegranate to people!

Q: Who is your fantasy celebrity to serve a drink to?

A: Ooh, good question. Definitely Michael Cera. I think his quirkiness is great. And Tom Brady, too!

Q: Have you ever fallen in love while tending bar?

A: No. I’ve met people while I was at work, but not while I was bartending!

Q: Where do you like to go out in Charleston?

A: Hmm. For cocktails, I like to go to Social and the Rooftop Bar at the Vendue Inn. For a good beer, I like Moe’s Crosstown, the original one on Rutledge.

If you go

What: Tsunami of West Ashley.

Where: 1812 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.

Phone: 573-2599.