oh january

oh what a year it's been! politically, economically, environmentally, scientifically...
so i've been working away night and day in the studio to keep calm and balanced.
I find this work to be a soothing necessity to remain light hearted and optomistic, and will be available to view coming this march at copronason gallery in santa monica.

baby tattooville

I'm packing up for the weekend, to quietly observe this year's tattooville event in riverside, my home town. i'm looking forward to a little rest and relaxation, yummy food, and a chance to spend time with my talented friends.

the big guy!

i'm currently completing the largest piece i've ever done. i usually work on a smaller scale due to my obsessive love to tiny detail. it's been a challenge that has me in love, and sometimes in pain simultaneously. only 4 wks until the show :) and still so much to do:

summer is over

and i have a few new things coming up.

as a woman, and as a friend to both cancer survivors as well as those i've lost, i'm so honored to be a part of this cause. the keep-a-breast organization has invited me to be one of their breast cast artists for a benefit they are holding this october down in san diego.
here are some shots i took right before i had to send it off into the postal world.

>

i also plan on attending the babytattooville event again this october as well, to peek around and meet new people:)

---EVENT INFO---





The 2nd annual Baby Tattooville event provides a unique opportunity for a small group of celebrated artists and enthusiastic collectors to spend time together in a relaxed yet creatively stimulating environment. Without the time constraints of a typical personal appearance, or the crowd control issues of a standing-room-only event, artists and collectors will have a weekend-long opportunity to discuss and explore their mutual interests. Original work will be created and celebrated around-the-clock, and unique merchandise and exclusive collectables will be awarded to attendees courtesy of the featured artists and the event's generous sponsors. Only 16 out of 50 event packages are still available, and they are selling fast. The festivities take place October 3-5, 2008 at Southern California's architectural masterpiece The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. This year's Featured Artists are Ana Bagayan, Glenn Barr, Dave Cooper, Bob Dob, Joe Ledbetter, Brandi Milne, Daniel Peacock, Shag, Amy Sol and Michael Whelan. Last year's event featured Gary Baseman, Tim Biskup, Luke Chueh, Gris Grimly, James Jean, Frank Kozik, Lola, Tara McPherson, Ragnar, Jeffery Scott (1019), Jeff Soto and Amanda Visell, many of who are returning this year as V.I.P. guests. Event sponsors include Billy Shire Fine Arts, Dark Horse, Diesel Fuel Prints, M Modern Gallery, Munky King, Pop Cling, Pressure Printing, Riverside Art Museum and STRANGEco. For more information visit http://www.babytattooville.com.

hifructose and the sea shepherd benefit

i've got a group show coming up next weekend at copronason gallery, curated by hifructose.
here is a sneak peek of the piece i have painted for them..... and i've seen some of the paintings to be in the show....definitely a must see:)



and on the same night, i've donated a piece to the sea shepherd benefit which will also have a spectacular opening downtown riverside at the RAM.



here's a little insight:

JUNE 2008


THE SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY
IN CONJUNCTION WITH RVCA AND MONSTER MEDIA ARE PROUD TO PRESENT
SEA NO EVIL, AN ART BENEFIT

Raising money and awareness for the protection and conservation of the world’s oceans, the 2nd annual
“Sea No Evil” Art Benefit is set to become a major event on the art and conservation calendar in years to come.

SEA NO EVIL, SAVE THE WHALES….
On Saturday 12th July 2008 the Sea No Evil Art Benefit will take over the Riverside Art Museum located in the Historic Downtown District of Riverside, California. An art benefit set up to raise funds for The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, (an institution committed to the eradication of pirate whaling, poaching, shark finning, unlawful habitat destruction, and violations of established laws in the world's oceans), Sea No Evil will donate all proceeds from the sale of art.

Captain Paul Watson, founder of The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, will speak about the importance of his life’s work. Renowned artist Shepard Fairey will DJ in the art gallery and acclaimed singer songwriter Matt Costa will perform on the roof of the museum. Free drinks will be provided to guests compliments of Sambazon, VeeV, and Imperial.

“We are committed to continually raising awareness for the preservation of our oceans,” says co-producer Erin Swinfard. “I’m blown away by the enthusiasm and support from the artists who have donated their art and time.”

“RVCA is honored to be a part of this special event. Not only is this a worthy cause, but more importantly a way RVCA and the arts community can truly give back to the environment and the creatures of the ocean” says RVCA’s Global Marketing Director Skye McRae.

The museum will host a two-week preview prior to the benefit, and donated art will be available for purchase through silent auction bidding on Saturday 12th July 2008.

Participating Artists
Adam Hathorn, Adam Wallacavage, Alex Kopps, Alex Snelgrove, Andrew Pommier, Annie Frenzel, Ashley Macomber, Ben Horton, Brendan Fowler, Brent Vann, Caia Koopman, Cali Dewitt, Chris "Devious" Gliebe, Chris Rubino, Colin Dowling, C.R. Stecyk III, Dan Smith, Daniel Albrigo, Deanna Templeton, Deanne Cheuk, Deph, Dylan Martorell, Ed Templeton, Eric Jones, Fabian lezzi, George Thompson, Jason Mernick, Jeff Soto, Jennifer Becker, Jo Jackson and Chris Johanson collab, Jonathan Zawada, Justin "Angry Blue" Kamerer, Kelsey Brookes, Lindsey Carmichael, Lola, Louis Henderson, Marc Jackson, Marco Sullivan, Mark Mulroney, Maxx242, Mike Ski, Miss Pinny, Neko, Priscilla lezzi, Retna, Revok, Saelee Oh, Shay Nowick, Shepard Fairey, Six Gun Drums, Steven Daily, Theodora Allen, Yanni Vera.

About Sea No Evil Art Benefit
Sea No Evil came about when Riverside residents Derric and Erin Swinfard decided to take up a cause and use their networking for the good of the world’s oceans. They rounded up friends, artists, and business owners to create an art benefit that raised more than $30,000. For its second installment, Sea No Evil has grown to include support from leading lifestyle brand RVCA, musical talent and an impressive list of artists.

SEA NO EVIL ART BENEFIT For Further Information Please Contact:
Saturday 12th July 2008 from 6.30pm Erin Swinfard E erin@seashepherdartshow.com
Riverside Art Museum Skye McRae E smcrae@rvca.com
3425 Mission Inn Ave
Riverside, CA 92501
P +1 (951) 684 7111
W www.seashepherdartshow.com | www.rvca.com $5.00 DONATION REQUESTED UPON ENTRY

new limited edition print!

Copronason Gallery is officially offering a limited edition of 30 Giclee prints on archival board varnished and framed. This is one heck of a cool print, because it really looks just like an original painting! I am so impressed, and excited to share the news.
please check with the gallery for availability http://www.copronason.com

new mythology catalog :)

this in from nathan spoor, curator, artist, cataloger extraordinaire!

Hey all!
Firstly, thanks for everyone's interest and inquiries about the book.
For your info, it's now through the proofing stage and ready to order!
It's pretty simple. Just click the link below and order your very own book or
quantity thereof.
There are basic shipping options, and it takes about 3 weeks to receive your book.
Books are shipped in sturdy carboard boxes wrapped safely in tiny bubble wrap w/
receipt.

The order page includes an online preview of the book, but really won't compare to
holding in hand.
I'll have one to see at the show at CoproNason this weekend.

Thanks again, and definitely enjoy!
N
http://nathanspoor.com

Details:
10.75 x 8.5 inches / full color / 128 pages

Includes:
Introductory essay and text / full exhibition + bonus new painting images in the
artist bio section

Cost:
36.20(US) + shipping

Order link: http://www.lulu.com/content/2538684

field trip time

i realize how lucky i am to live here in los angeles.



finally, after years, i had the pleasure to meet scott musgrove, and widen my eyes from his absolutely amazing paintings over at billy shire this past saturday.... not to mention those wooden sculptures. one of the friendliest people in the business, gave me words of wisdom as a young artist, at least 4 or so years ago, so it was a bit surreal to finally meet him.

then he lead me over to liz mcgrath...ooooh, what a show! (more pics on the picasa)



then, we headed over to see our amazing friend chet, at the chet zar copronason show.

he agreed to pose for me, and i managed to help him get some admirer interaction...just when he thought the night was over!





all i had to do was peek in the other room and find my tattooville buddy and arty companion, luke chueh. he was saying, "why, helllooooo" in this pose.



los angeles has horrible traffic, mean strangers, stress, anxiety, and crazy greed, but the art shows are always spectacular!

some interviews:

here are some recent interviews:

wooden toy quarterly (australia):


jenn lobo on cover (i dig her work)

ISM magazine: interview by the fun and always educational greg escalante

coincidences

i recently had the strangest dream about a ladybug. one had attached itself to my thumb and was imbedding itself inside. the weirdest part of the dream was that i could actually feel it, and woke up from the pain of it all, believing it to be real for the first 20 seconds of awakeness. it was one of those dreams that i don't have often, as far as sensory nerves go. but to my surprise, and only a few days afterward, i was working in the studio and looked over to gaze out the window to find this: my spotted friend.
and he was inside!



so, i decided to start painting him into a piece i am working on for my solo in october:
i think of him as the eaves dropper.

before:



with some progress:

update for next show...

The dorothy circus show has been postponed due to the gallery's request. It will now open from may 16th to june 15th instead of April 30th. The painting's were collected today and will start on their shipping journey.

Here is one for the show titled "Oliver had hands for twisting ties and holding tea"

Oh! and here is the official postcard:

currently working

I rarely ever paint on canvas, in fact pretty much never. Yet here i am, delving into (what is for me) a somewhat different learning process which requires less delicate more numerous layers and less detailed strokes (so far). I think i get so set in my ways at times. A little stirring up from the monotony can help open our eyes and teach us at the same time. And i can hardly wait to see how this painting comes along, grows, and develops as i curse the word "canvas" over and over until it loses it's meaning and becomes love. Perhaps i should post some "in progress" shots of this one in particular to share my love hate relationship. Although for now, i sleeeeeeeeepppp......

how to get started on a new body of work

well, it's the beginning of a new year. i have planned and scheduled a lighter work load in order to pay more attention to each piece, watch them grow and radiate into a new chapter. up until recently, i've worked along with my personal stories, happenings, and rememberings. but the story writing process looms closely inside my imagination....

so where do we begin?
i've been curious about this all day.
i love to hear where other creative types get there motivation.
for me, i decided to start with a trip to the beach. always brings back great memories, and i'm ever so fortunate to be living only 20 minutes away if traffic allows. i guess i'll start this month (and this blog which i've had for half a year and no attention) by becoming more adventurous. paying more attention to detail, color theory, and content out there in the open space.....maybe i need a breather from the studio, and a break from isolation.





maybe i need to perfect my sand castle:)

here is the the first piece of the new year titled "luminous edge of beginnings" (hence new year, fresh start)..