Society 6

Several months back I was exposed to the Society6 website through one of my gallerists. It took me a second to understand the vision to this site, but with a little time and abstract thinking it is now my favorite creative networking site out there. What sets them apart from all others is that they have an exceedingly accessible grant system that you can apply for and garnish nominations through the network. They go a step further with hosting some of the brightest and progessive studios, companies and publications offering a leg up to aspiring creatives. Now what really puts this site over the top is the seamless interface and design. Its also generous with image size content, a polarization from numerous others with snooty miniscule icons, artwork and typography. I have discovered so many unseen talent through their unique chart system. Users "promote" posts that will after a certain number of votes land them on the home page or one of the coveted "curators" section.

Do yourself a favor if you are a creative, check out this website.:
SOCIETY6

Reality/contest show for artists bound to happen.

A couple years back, my wife and I went into great detail discussing the inevitable, a show similar to project runway but supported by emerging artists. Well, its happening. Call it wondrous potential, unequal exposure, or a career killer for artists, I will be watching this show. The missing ingredient will surely be the flamboyant and emo fashion designers creating conflict on the show. Bravo TV is accepting applications in 4 cities, LA, NY, Miami, & Chicago. See link below for all the information.

www.bravotv.com/casting

Patti Astor's Fun Gallery

Portland Artists

Since making my new home in Portland, OR about 7 months ago, the local art walks have been a regularity for me every month. With 3 walks within a week of each other, by the last one one I'm pretty exhausted but brimming with inspiration.

First, is the last thursday in NE on NE Alberta. This is actually more street fair than artwalk, far more bohemian, vibrant and DIY. The city closes the street with hundreds of vendors on about 10 blocks. One of the must go to galleries is the Together Gallery. They show a lot of local talent and display mostly progressive folk art. Seth and Timothy, both brilliant artists, are genuine dudes who run a very passionatte gallery. I love how anyone can just pick a squat and sell their art or crafts on the sidewalk.

The second, first friday, takes place in the Pearl District in downtown. This has more of the conservative, bigger and "safer" galleries. Where it does host a lot of what i call "sofa art", photography and other respectful openings, there are a few gems down there. Upper Playground PDX, Compound Gallery, Igloo Gallery.

Lastly is first friday. Held on E Burnside, this hosts numerous little boutiques, and several galleries with a young, experimental, and playful vibe. One of my regular galleries I frequent is the Breeze Block Gallery. Paige, the owner and curator sells a handful, but potent art & graff related products. She is always a delight to see and is the reel deal when she displays here passion for the arts.

I'll be doing my best from now on to show the best and brightest art from the future artwalks. But for now, I'd like to share some of the secret talent that resides here. On my first walks I was really blown away by the integrity many posses. Coming from LA, I was very used to artists who are to enveloped in the notoriety and fame. I don't find that with the local scene, it and it is a welcomed breath of fresh air. Below are some of the artists I've been taken back by.

Nas Chompas


Meg Adamson


Keenan Havens


Eatcho


Joe Shea


Tom Keating


Sheldon Skillie


Mark Warren Jacques


Brent Wick


Paige Saze


Catherine Schaper

Home stretch on the Nestkeepers

Its been almost exactly 3 years to the date when a friend and I set out to create some original sculptures. I debuted some of these at a solo show in philly in june 2006. They were received well and flew off the wall. Never did I think it would be 3 years later when they would be completed. I just have a couple more days to add final touches on these and I'll upload them into my webstore.

My Favorite books for inspiration in my library

Thought I'd share with everybody where the magic lies in the pulp. These have been my go too's for years for fine art, design and illustration inspiration.

"Handmade"
"Hiddentrack"
"New Vintage Type"
"New Visual Culture of Modern Iran"
"The Picture Book"

ENJOY!!

Early sketches of SARU's album art

long time friend and downtempo guru SARU will be releasing his second downbeat album later this summer. he was one of shadow records original DB artists and has been about 6 years since he's released a full length of that genre. titled "the pearl", it is inspired by a haunting citadel in puerto rico along with the numerous stories of beings venturing to this suspicious place.

VOTE for my Vans OTW artwork!!

Help a brother out by voting for my vans piece at this link:
CLICK HERE
(http://vans.com/VansBook/otw/vote.asp)

If I win I'll be creating a grant on Society6 with a portion of the winnings to help emerging creative talent.

VANS OFF THE WALL painting

Finally wrapped up the painting to the private book release party at Vans HQ. The book showcase several decades of "athletes" and art under the iconic shoe company and OTW logo. They asked a handful of artists who have been involved in previous Vans art projects to contribute a piece and their intrepetation of the logo and the influence it had on their lives. I chose to represent the first vans shoe I wore when shredding on my bmx, freestyle bike or skating(the blue/yellow checker slip on in front). Since then I have worn numerous slip ons as my daily shoe. I also designed a bunch in the painting that I would like to wear.

...on my way to finish the VANS painting

VANS has asked their handful of artists and designers that created work for the iconic shoe company over the years to create their own intrepretation of the "off the wall logo" and the influence it has had on their life. These paintings are in tandem with their first book release party early June.