SIX months after the premiere digital issue of the new afasJournal.com ...the online automotive themed art magazine, both readership statistics and reader feedback have been encouraging. So, we're going to try another one and see where it takes us. What is fine art? I couldn't attend the 2010 AFAS Pebble Beach exhibition and the annual meeting last year because of business commitments. Too bad, because from what I hear, there was an animated and some suggested even heated discussion about what constitutes fine art. I would have loved to take part in this one because I frankly find this type of conversation often pointless, sometimes destructive and in the end impossible to resolve. Art is truly in the eye of the beholder... and thank god because if it wasn't, there would be just one artist providing everyone with all they need and want. Some artists are lost in space and their art looks like it... some are wound so tight that their art may as well have been shot with a camera. And a thousand and one degrees in between. And this is a good thing because it affords all artists the opportunity to express themselves in a style or method that suits their personality and talent. Is it fine art or illustration? I see that the old art school chestnut is alive and well. One could hope it was roasted long ago... after all, a cogent argument can be made that most old masters and even the Cistine Chapel ceiling are "illustrations" ...illustrating either the patron in a time before the camera or illustrating bible passages in a time of mass illiteracy... but enough of this.... I can tell you whose art I like or don't like but as a painter I don't think it's up me to tell you who's work is good or bad or perhaps more accurately "worthy". I've know Charlie Maher for quite a few years. Or so I thought. Charlie's profile by writer Kevin Wilson is sensitive and inciteful. This is a worthwhile read. Likewise, I've know Tom Hale for many, many years but his commentary revealed unknown facts... like his quiet marriage to the lovely Fran Kesler and on my and Cathy's anniversary date no less... you should take the time to read the thoughts of a successful painter. And finally I'd like to welcome back Tony Clark with his column on the UK Art Scene... the continent actually... for knowledgable commentary on what's happening on the other side of the water. Thank you for sticking with us through our second issue. We're going to try it again in August just in time for the annual AFAS show at Pebble Beach. March, 2011 Jay Koka Publisher