OC Art Blog

Simply Magnanimous

 



Before the Ed Sullivan show the Beatles played to small audiences at the Liverpool venue The Cavern Club. In the 1960s this club served as a gig and even a catalyst for not only the Fab Four, but The Hollies, The Yardbirds, The Kinks, and The Rolling Stones.

Similar to the music scene, visual arts have their own alternative spaces, phantom galleries, and college campuses-overlooked by backers and collectors-funded by the creativity and sweat of already starving artists and graduate students. For example, the West Gallery, on the CSUF campus is a white cube, sandwiched between a life drawing class and the Dean’s office, lacking any form of signage, whose history is captured in the poorly sanded spackle establishing a new surface on the walls. Past exhibitions have featured the Cacophonius instruments of Geoffrey Schorz, and the architecture-inspired sculptures of Preston Daniels-one of only 3 grad students invited to participate in the 2010 OsCene.

This Saturday this small cube will host a singer, a saxophonist, a drummer, a bassist, and a dj-a super group of kinetic sculptures organized, and materialized by David Brokaw. Brokaw, an MFA student from CSUF, lives at Grand Central Art Center where his inventive sculptures are consistent crowd pleasers at every Santa Ana Art Walk. Like John Lennon at The Cavern Club, Brokaw is a star on the rise who can say he has worked with Tim Burton and shown at MoMA.

However, the past three years of inflatable spiders, Robot Boys and Rube Goldberg bubble machines have all been decoys to Brokaw’s master scheme. Amidst the fabricated steel, animatronic toys, and discarded electronics that complete his studio, Brokaw has been toiling like a mad scientist, combining unnatural elements to create an experience where Courtney Love, Tommy Lee, Kenny G, Yo-Yo Ma, and Flea might actually perform together, in a tiny venue in Southern California. It sounds crazy, and it looks crazy, but can it be any weirder than the train wreck that pop culture icons often succumb to?
See for yourself. -Krystal

The show begins Saturday, December 4, from 5:00-9:00pm. Bring your camera!

MAGNANIMOUS by David Brokaw, December 4-9
CSUF West Gallery, VA 198, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA. 92834

Le Modern Trinket - studio visit with Christina Sanchez

Studio visit with artist Christina Sanchez

Le Modern Trinket

A few days ago I had the pleasure of meeting Christina Sanchez, the inexhaustible founder and artistic drive behind the OC's handmade vintage upcylcled jewelry design company  Le Modern Trinket.

We (me and Trouble that is) were invited over to Christina's studio late Tuesday evening, under the guise of getting an up-close and personal look at where the magic all happens and we wanted a preview to the sale this weekend, Sunday Nov 28th in Santa Ana at the Patchwork - Indie Arts and Crafts Festival.

 

Get your wallets ladies, lots of goodies.  

Dangly ear bobbles and eye catching necklaces galore!

 

 

 

 

These portable collages will be a big hit either out with the girls, spicing up that lbd at the company christmas party, or under the tree.  Each piece is uniquely fashioned almost entirely from vintage resources such as old 1940s photos, catholic rosary beads, delicate yet out-moded gold watches, buttons, and beads.  There is something for everyone here. 

 

Christina says some of her influences are the Bauhaus movement, Surrealism and everyone's favorite Marcel Duchamp for his ground-breaking use of ready-mades and bringing found/industrial objects into the gallery.  Each piece is a portable work of art and referents of love, compassion and even industrialization can be found in each one of these nostalagic trinkets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those of you with jobs that just don't quite fit, take inspiration from Christina. She is a self-taught jewelry entreprenuer and loves every minute of it. Her studio was once her garage and she just can't make the pieces quick enough for demand.  Go follow your dream, or at least have some fun!

Thanks Christina for letting the OC Art Blog into your studio!

 

Le Modern Trinket

www.lemoderntriket.com

http://www.facebook.com/LeModernTrinket

Christina Sanchez

 

 

 

-Joanna Grasso, Contributing Writer

 

 

 

 

Shopping Shopping Shopping- Patchwork Indie Arts and Crafts Festival this Sunday!!

Hi Everyone,  happy post turkey day. . . . gobble gobble.  

Why is it that we have fetishized the turkey?  It gets eaten predominantly during the holidays, stuffed, roasted, brined, marinated, bagged, fried and even bbq-ed.  It is the quintessential center piece to all festive tables and even has it's own special accessories for serving, eating and preparing.  

Not that I am a huge proponant of eating the big bird, just wondering what happens to them the rest of the year? Anyway. . . back to regularly scheduled programming.

 Patchwork Festival, Santa Ana, CA

 

If you are tired of looking for parking at the mall, drive yourself over to Santa Ana and check out the Patchwork Indie Arts and Crafts Festival this Sunday.  Besides getting the opportunity to enjoy the sun (dare  say) outside, this is the best place to check things off your christmas shopping list.

Over 70 local artists and artisans selling their one-of-a-kind goodies, not to mention some cool Harvey's bags.  Check out the article posted on jewelry savant Christina Sanchez, she'll be there on Sunday.Did I mention it was FREE?  Bring the kids, they have a craft booth.  Bring your appetite because the food trucks rock.  Support your local artist and buy cool stuff. What more can you ask for on a Sunday afternoon??

Look for the OC Blogs new corrispondent Jennifer Cheng there.  Hit her up, she'll take your photo!

november 28th 
11-5pm 2202 north main street * santa ana * ca * 92706 
this event takes place on buffalo street @ main street & in the harvey’s parking lot in the middle of the street

 

peace, Joanna

 

 

Opportunity to Submit Artwork to Huntington Beach Art Center

Interested to have your artwork included in the Huntington Beach Art Center (HBAC)? 

HBAC is looking for artwork submission (max. 2), and original art created no longer than two years ago, to be included in their non-juried exhibition: Centered on the Center.

Delivery of work: Jan 7th- Jan 8th, 2011
Exhibition date: Jan 21st - Feb 19th, 2011

Centered on the Center, non-juried exhibition
Huntington Beach Art Center
538 Main St,
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Click here to download a detailed brochure and guideline for the submission.

I hope to see your work there! ;) 

-Jennifer Cheng, Contributing Writer

Opening Reception at All Media 2010 and Bill Jaros Exhibition

I arrived at the opening reception just in time to hear the last part of the award ceremony presented by Karen Moss, the Deputy Director of Exhibition and Programs in Orange County Museum of Art. There were a lot of people with their family and friends, taking pictures and meeting artists to get more insight into their artwork. I’ve never been to Irvine Fine Arts Center before, but I surprised myself because this gallery was voted as the Best Art Gallery in Orange County by OC Weekly.

Artist Beatta Bosworth, with her artwork titled, Dance Dance Dance.

I started to search for artists in the crowd, and a family with two children walked by me so I decided to follow them. I arrived at an installation of photographs with music coming from the stereo. The artist was Beatta Bosworth, who was the third place winner at the All Media 2010. I talked with the artist and she told me she likes to dance. She was captivated by one of her friend’s dance movement, so she wanted to create an artwork that forms motion. Beatta took a series of photographs of her friend and hung them from the ceiling at the exhibition. The installation made me felt like her photographs were still dancing to the rhythm of the music. Her two children happily danced in front of the artwork, bringing the movement of the artwork to live.

I continued to search for artists’ badge on everyone’s shirt. As I waited in a distance for my turn to introduce myself, I started getting noticed when they realized their shirts were being searched. But that was the perfect time to make eye contact with a smile and to jump in with a “I’m-not-weird” speech.

Artist David French, with his artwork titled, I Believe.

David French was the first place winner at the All Media 2010. He created his sculpture using styrofoam, fiberglass paint, and car paint. These were an unusual mix of mediums; for me, it was hard to guess at first, because the outlook and texture of the sculpture totally eluded my preconceived thought and shape of styrofoam. David talked about his interest in the Baroque sculptures, and recalled the themes about God, freewill, nature, or evolution. Then he asked, “Is it possible to believe in God and evolution?” He was intrigued by both beliefs, and therefore, wanted to combine manmade with organic objects into his sculpture.

Artist John Stewart, a second place winner with artwork titled, Ravaged

Artist Ian Daelucian with his artwork. He is a UCI student majoring in drama and philosophy and likes photography. He used one light to capture the image and played with light and shadow.

Artist Mark Feldman with his artwork. With an interest in science and origami, he combined them by creating a new genus, Charticicada.

Artist Bill Jaros, with his artwork titled, Gafsa.

Bill Jaros Exhibition was full of found objects sculptures. There were wood sculptures in the center gallery, and cardboard sculptures displayed on the wall. He told me he lived in North Africa and all his sculptures were inspired and named after the places in Tunisia, on the edge of Sahara Desert, where he lived and traveled. He said his sculptures were created from inexpensive found objects, plastic gesso and oil paint. I asked if I can take a picture of him in front of his favorite artwork, and he chose the artwork, titled Gafsa. He said this artwork has the strongest color, shape and texture. He wanted the viewer to experience the sculptures and find them as windows to another spiritual world. He felt like sometimes the technique is not as important as the idea and message that brings out the artwork.

Artist Bill Jaros

As I continued to browse through the exhibition to examine each artwork, I met Bill’s friend, Jim Goodman. He was a very interesting guy. He studied psychological cycles of human and investor behavior, but also with a strong interest in art, whether he admits it or not. We walked through the exhibition and he offered me his critique on the artwork. I am an art student, and in art history classes, we were often taught to appreciate and interpret the good in every type of art, because who are we to think we know better than the artist. But it was refreshing to hear Jim, who was not an artist, but can appreciate and critique art, analyzing artwork through his eyes. I think art is for everyone to interpret and each one of us has the power to interpret it beyond the artist’s intent. Not so often we wanted to offer challenging opinions or questions, but I think it is important to develop some critique skills and still try to look for the good in everything.

It was a fun and insightful night! Don't worry, you still have a chance to browse through these artwork. Here are the details of the two exhibitions.

All Media 2010
Exhibition opens: Nov 19th- Jan 22nd, 2011
The Irvine Fine Arts Center
14321 Yale Avenue, Irvine, CA 92604 

Bill Jaros Exhibition
Exhibition opens: Nov 19th- Jan 22nd, 2011
The Irvine Fine Arts Center
14321 Yale Avenue, Irvine, CA 92604

 

-Jennifer Cheng, Contributing Writer

kinetic artist David Brokaw presents MAGNANIMOUS, Sat Dec 4th, 5-9pm

Don't miss this once in a life time chance to see kinetic sculpture graduate candidate David Brokaw present his rockin' installation @ CSUF's West Gallery, Saturday December 4th, 5-9pm opening reception. 

jag

 

COMMONSPACE L.A. opening this Sat. Nov 13th 5-7pm

If you're looking for someing to do this weekend and you're up in LA check out the inagural opening of the COMMONSPACE L.A.  OC's very own David Michael Lee will participate in the gallery's group exhibition.           Good luck David!

Gallery Opening:
COMMONSPACE L.A., 2226 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, Ca, 90023.

Exhibition: 
Action (un)Packed: Abstraction After Action
November 13th, 5-7pm. 

Press Release:
The inaugural exhibition of Commonspace brings together a number of emerging American painters engaged in investigating the inheritance of Action Painting at the opening of the twenty-first century. This packed salon style exhibition attempts to trace new strategies of speed, viscosity, virtuosity, geometricism, color vibration and mixed vocabularies of every kind that fall beyond the stratagems of neo-modernism and postmodernism. Action (un)Packed showcases painting practices that aren’t afraid of complexity or abjection, beauty or the ridiculous, but that actively demonstrate a dynamic negotiation between disparate regimes of pictorial signification. The defining question of this survey is whether or not we are qualitatively after Action painting or whether living in a hyperbolic economy of accelerated effects hasn’t engendered a certain degree of generosity toward the affect of Action painting once again – and if so, what defines its conditions of possibility today? Artists in the exhibition include: Nick Aguayo, Joshua Dildine, Kent Familton, Richard Galling, Steve Hampton, David Michael Lee, Ryan Peter Miller, Marcus Perez, Grant Vetter, and Steve Walters.


For more info "like" our facebook page at Viva la Commonspace and join our blog at http://vivalacommonspace.blogspot.com/

Josh Dildine, "Departure from the Expected", oil and acrylic on canvas, 60 in by 66 in, 2010.

David Michael Lee "Herb 11", Acrylic on dyed hemp, 11.5 x 11.5 in, 2010

 

 

Guggenheim Gallery @ Chapman University Opening

Chapman University's -Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences' -  Department of Art Presents TWO new student shows:

 

BLACK OUT OR GET OUT (featuring two installations)
Meaghan Tucker
Cassandra Kottman

 

WARNING Contains Graphic Content
Bryce Feliciano 
Megan Rollo 
Kailee Quinn
Jhoanne Mecija
Bobby Evers

Opening Reception: Monday November 15, 2010 @ 5:30pm

NOV. 15- Nov. 19 Guggenheim Gallery, 
Mon-Fri, 12-5PM Sat, 11-4, Admission is free.

For information, call 714-997-6729 www.chapman.edu/art/calendar

 

 

Guggenheim Gallery
One University Drive
Orange, California 92866
US

jag

California Biennial - Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), Newport Beach

 
 

 

 

Hey all, if you didn't make it out to OCMA's California Biennial opening reception or the artists talks the following day here are some pics to wet your whistle. . .  

This awning dawned the interior side of the front entrance. Poignant and timely, reminding we privileged OC locals that first and foremost we are a collective and secondly that action is needed.  Get on out there and do something, anything.  Just get involved!!

Now, on to the festivities. . . 

 

There were dancers, and prancers and all kinds of silly observers and conservators.  Check out the couple watching the hypnotizing migratory performance by artist Flora Wiegmann.  Just one quick text, no one will notice. . .  hee heehee

 

While in the green room Finishing School was snagging show-goers to participate in their film commenting on biennials titled 54.  You still have a chance to get in it, check out their detailed schedule here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, on the left is OCMA'S hot, young, and sharp curator of the California Biennial bonanza Sarah Bancroft.  You can find her article on how this year's biennial came about in the Nov/Dec issue of art ltd. magazine.

 

  

Sound installation by Nina Waisman; it was one of the only refuges on opening night.  The darkness of the room, or perhaps the constant flux of sound seemed to quiet the crowd upon entering.  (no that's not me hiding in the back. . . )

 

 

 

 

 

 

MORE galleries, this show is huge.  And there is something here for just about everyone.  Go see the show, attend one of the numerous events related to the biennial that are ongoing until early March of 2011.  

 

 

 

All of the above photos were taken by Joanna Grasso. Detailed information on the California Biennial, Orange County Museum of Art can be found here.  The above blog was written by Joanna Grasso, the below portion was taken directly from the OCMA website.

 

Here is the events schedule, get your hand-held's out.

 

Third Thursdays

Every third Thursday of the month throughout 2010 7 pm Curatorial Tours 8 pm Artist talk and screening Free with museum admission Join members of OCMA's curatorial and education departments for an insider's look at our galleries and stay late for special talks and video screenings hosted by 2010 California Biennial artists. November 18 Artist talk by Alex Israel December 16 Special screening of Robert Adanto's Pearls on the Ocean Floor January 20 Artist talk by Brian Dick February 17 Artist talk by Alexandra Grant Presale tickets available here. Images:  Biennial artists Alexandra Grant and Alex Israel; photography by ColinYoung-Wolff.com Biennial artist Brian Dick; photography by ColinYoung-Wolff.com

Sunday Salons

November 21, January 30, February 6,  and March 6 2 pm, Museum Galleries and Pavilion Free with museum admission PLEASE NOTE: NO PROGRAMMING WILL BE HELD IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER These informal salons bring together artists participating in the 2010 California Biennial, who will participate in casual conversations with other artists, OCMA curators, and critics about their work in the exhibition. Sunday, November 21, 2010:Culture/Identity/Politics Participating artists: Eve Fowler, Camilo Ontiveros, and Nikki Pressley Save the Date: Saturday, January 29 See special events for Public Access 101: Downtown LA Sunday, January 30, 2011: LA Collectives Participating artists: Los Angeles Urban Rangers and Finishing School DON'T MISS LOS ANGELES URBAN RANGERS TOUR OF DOWNTOWN LA, JANUARY 29. SEE SPECIAL EVENTS PAGE FOR DETAILS. Sunday, February 6, 2011: Activism, Performance, and the Ephemeral Participating artists: Electronic Disturbance Theater/b.a.n.g. lab, Flora Wiegmann, Carlee Fernandez, and David Wilson Sunday, March 6, 2011: Artists in Residence Participating artists: Sherin Guirguis and Andy Kolar Image:  Biennial artists Rebecca Goldfarb, Camilo Ontiveros, Biennial curator Sarah Bancroft Biennial artists Finishing School's installation; photography by Robert Rooks Biennial artists Electronic Disturbance Theater/b.a.n.g. lab Biennial artist Flora Wiegmann; photography by ColinYoung-Wolff.com

 

Interview with OC artist Katy Betz

Creating Space for Imagination - Artist Katy Betz

by Jennifer Cheng

Katy Betz is a gallery artist, illustrator, children's book writer, and muralist, with an artistic statement, "I am an artist devoted to creating space for imagination." Recently featured in 944 Magazine, in the Orange County October 2010 - The Art Issue, Katy was selected as one of six rising artistic stars in Orange County. Katy is currently finishing her MFA at California State University, Fullerton, and teaches part time as a college professor. She uses her brush to create whimsical, nature-inspired characters and scenery. I participated in one of Katy’s oil painting classes; her passion for art was manifest in her curriculum. She taught me to explore and learn from a variety of artists.

Think about the last time you wondered off into your imagination, where in split seconds you went to a place you did not recall. At that mysterious place came characters and stories that took part in an exciting adventure. If that memory is vaguely familiar, don't worry; Katy's paintings will take you to a place where you can let your mind run loose and play.

1. How did you grow an interest for art making?

Hmm, when I was a little child I used my imagination, but not until junior year of high school did I start painting surrealistic art. I did a master copy of a piece by Jim Warren called Mother Nature, and I was hooked on that kind of fantastic painting ever since. But, before that I copied "normal" paintings and did my own paintings from life. 

 

2. What is your creative process in paintings?

My creative process seems to vary, and it depends on if it's a commission or personal piece. When I'm commissioned to do an illustration, I start by sketching small thumbnails purely from imagination to get an idea of composition. Then I'll sketch out the main elements to see what I come up with (like characters or places, etc). Then, I'll go get reference to help me assemble the color scheme, details, anatomy, etc.

When I create my own personal art, it's usually inspired by something I've read or heard or seen. I make a mind map to generate as many ideas as I can based on the theme that has inspired me, then do thumbnails. My work lately has involved a lot of research into symbolism before even starting on the visuals. 

 

3. Why is it important for you to create space for imagination?

My mantra takes on two forms: It represents the literal space I go to create - which is my studio - a space for creating imagination. But primarily, this phrase is important to me because imagination is an incredibly powerful resource that we have as humans. It sets us apart from the animal kingdom - no other creature dreams up things the way we do. I love to imagine, and I want my artwork to encourage others to do the same, adults and children alike. I believe that imagining something (whether it be a feeling, environment, character, event, etc) enriches our lives, makes us empathetic, reconnects us to the spiritual and mysterious aspects of life. Life is wild, no matter how much we like to think we're in control, not everything can be understood rationally. Imagination encourages faith, inspires, gives hope, and can create a paradigm shift that offers a larger perspective. All these things are why I need to be creative, and why it is important for me to share my imaginations with others. I would not be fulfilled as an artist if I only created for myself - I am interested in connecting with people and showing them wonderful, sublime, fantastical stuff! 

 

4. Who are some uprising artists on your list?

Uprising artists on my list...meaning who I think is up and coming in the art world? I immediately look to my peers in the grad department at csuf. Kim Dwinell has a graphic novel being reviewed by Scholastic right now, Pat Cantor just got her first 2 big picture book gigs. From my alma mater, LCAD, I would say fine artist Carolin Peters, Julio and Candice Reyes (husband and wife dream team - super talented). I admire these people because they are relentless in the pursuit of their dreams, they live and breathe art, are kind, humble people (no big egos, thank goodness!) and are making a way. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current & Upcoming shows:        Put these dates on your calendar!

 

1.Happy Hour - group show

 Opening Night: Nov 6^th Sat @7-10PM

Memphis Cafe, Santa Ana

 

Memphis Santaora in Artists Village

201 North Broadway,

Santa Ana, CA 92701

 

Curated by Sixpack Projects, Jennifer Frias

All artwork are created on bar napkin either 4x4 or 6x6

There will be many other artists featured from Cal State Fullerton

 

2. Sarah Bain Holiday Show

An Annual Holiday Group Show

During the month of December, 2010

 

Sarah Bain Gallery

184 Center Street Promenade
Anaheim, CA 92805

 

 

3. Viva La Art!

ART, DRINKS & MUSIC - WINTER 2010
An Art Auction in Los Angeles

Saturday, November 20th @ 8:30PM-12:30AM
Bidding ends 11pm

First and Hope Supper Club
701 West First St, Los Angeles CA

 

 

4. Grad Show

April 15th, 2011

CalState University Fullerton - Visual Arts Dept.

 

More details check her website: www.katybetz.com

Blog: http://katybetzstudio.blogspot.com/

Link to 944 Online Magazine

 

Thanks Katy! Be sure to check out her work next week at the Memphis Café in Santa Ana. I will be there so I hope to see you all!

-Jennifer Cheng, Contributing Writer