OC Art Blog

OCArtblog speaks to Incubus frontman and artist Brandon Boyd

 Brandon Boyd at the Hurley )( Space gallery, Costa Mesa (photo credits to Derek Bahn @ Hurley) 

As promised, Brandon Boyd was kind enough to give the OC Art Blog the low-down on some of his artistic influences and the scoop on the artwork up at the )( Space gallery.  You can still check out the massive mural and pick-up some earth friendly swag until May 13th. 

OC: Most people know you as a musician and perhaps even 'surfer', so how long have you been a visual artist?

BB: I've been drawing for as long I can remember. My Mom still has weird little drawings I did for her when I was a babe. Dragons, gnomes, castles, trees and stuff.

 

 

 

OC: Who are your influences, who's work inspires you, and what kind of artwork are you most visually intrigued by?

BB:  My most conscious influences include many of the artists from the 1960's and  70's. Most notably Stanley Mouse  and Rick Griffin . They're highly graphic and illustrative styles were very influential to me as a teenager. Over the past ten years and I have been continually enthralled by Aubrey Beardsley and some of his turn of the century contemporaries.

 

 

 

 

 

English artist and writer Aubrey Beardsley 

 

OC: In the artwork that is up at the Hurely )( Space gallery, made in collaboration with the HOPE charity, I noticed that there are two works with text that say "We are an island."  Can you speak to this idea?                                             

BB: Sure! I believe it was R. Buckminster Fuller  who coined the phrase, or the original permutation thereof. I have enjoyed many of his ideas, theories an musings over the years. "There is no "away" to throw things on Spaceship Earth..." he famously said. His works as well as many other invaluable intellects have over the years helped me come to an understanding of our vast interconnectedness on Earth and in the Universe. There really is no true separation in life, only the illusion thereof. Earth, being one small piece in that web is the only habitable place we as humans know of as yet and I believe that the more we view this unique little blip on the radar as an island in a seemingly infinite sea, the more we might value and respect it. If we truly assimilated this kind of understanding, it would be impossible for us, on ethical and moral levels, to knowingly poison and pillage our natural resources. It would be sort of like watching the most beautiful woman in the world look at herself in the mirror and say, "What a beautiful face! Gosh, I'm lucky." then punch herself in the nose real hard. Which is essentially what we are doing.

 

OC: Is there an intentional reference to the religious narrative of Jonah & the Whale in this new body of work? (something a number of gallery goers were discussing at the opening)

BB: Referencing, yes. Religious narrative, no. This story is older than the Judeo-Christian version. But feel free to view it however you please.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon Boyd drawing on paper

 

 

 

OC: How do you define art?

BB: I try to not define art. I've decided to leave that to others. Though I've admired some recent observations. Tom Robbins said it well, "...art... The emancipating jounce of inspired uselessness."

That's it. And to that special OC Art Blog fan who asked about his favorite flavor of ice cream, we are working on that now so hang in there.

A little note from the gallery:

Boyd’s Hurley t-shirt and water bottle collection are now available at specialty retailers and Hurley.com. Starting on Monday, April 25^th the limited edition collection will be sold at Buckle retailers nationwide. The exhibit at )( Space Gallery is free and open to the public weekdays from 8:00am – 5:00pm ending Friday, May 13^th.

For more information please visit:

https://shop.hurley.com/department/brandon-boyd-10142.cfm

 

Hope you see you all there.

- Joanna Grasso, Contributing Trouble Maker

Brandon Boyd and the spectacle

 
Brandon Boyd wrap-around wall mural at the )( Space gallery in Costa Mesa, on view now until April 15th, 2011  (photo by Joanna Grasso)

There I was, Friday morning, hitting the road. I was flying back to the OC just in time to catch the much anticipated Brandon Boyd exhibition at the Hurley )( Space gallery.  That's right, another collaboration between the local surf and clothing mega company and a high profile artist.  I say much anticipated, but that is because only after researching the artist I became familiar with his celebrity status, beginning by making some calls. I needed local 'peep' consensus on this guy's coolness levels.  Apparently, I'm too old or too far out of the music loop to have been giddy at the thought of meeting this cat on Saturday night.  But the mere mention of his name brought a twinkle to the eyes of my 20-something OC crew, which in all honesty piqued my interest.   

 

 

 

In a strange turn of events,  the OC Art Blog's new photographer had to cancel on the gig. . . so there we were, Jennifer as co-pilot, toughing it out with hundreds (YES I said hundreds) of Incubus fans to get a peak at the man himself. Mr. Brandon Boyd.  Oh yeah, and the artwork was there too.

 

As I rolled up to the gallery the tension was palpable.  Doormen finally broke the mood by allowing those lucky first que makers inside to get a look at the wall to wall mural and buy some H.O.P.E. booty.  Amist the bouncer/body guards the chatter was all about how Brandon did this, or how he feels that, or even what HE was try say with these new artworks. 

 

I was fascinated by how much of a personal connection these people felt to the artist.  While I was busy trying to figure out the island reference in the artwork I realized that I had never seen an art crowd this innamored with the artist.  That is when it hit me, celebrity.  Yeah I know, I was a little slow I'll admit (totally blaming the jet-lag) but it was intoxicating. 

Adoring fans outside )( Space gallery

 

It wasn't the line wrapping around the building of fashionable gallery goers yearning to see the artwork, or the cute bartenders smiling as if they really were there to serve me, or even the pleasure of watching Jennifer eat those little tatter tot thingy-s that brought a twinkle to my eyes . . . it was the spectacle that entertained me most.

 

As Boyd decended into the gallery, a hush fell, then the clammer of cameras and flashes.  A mob moved in around him as all eyes were fixed on the scene.  As the blob (Boyd + Mob) made its' way past the sales counter and through the entry miraculously squeezing into the main gallery I was left virtually alone in the entrance gallery area.  There I was, surrounded by t-shirts and works on paper.  That's when it hit me, it was all about his celebrity.  Brandon Boyd is famous.  His lyrics have been pumping into the ear buds of these people for over a decade and this, this was his following.  It is very noble that celebrities use their fame to shed light on national and global issues great and small, and even raise funds for otherwise forgotten causes. All wonderful and noteworthy. But does anyone else question the validity of public figures using their celebrity for product promotion even if the cause is noble?  Sometimes I see the most amazing artists during my travels, artists whose work will never get a fraction of the recognition or platform that celebrity artwork receives.  Okay, enough soap box. 

I (and most likely 99% of my fellow gallery goers) was so entranced that I almost forgot.  We are talking about art here. What about the artwork? Only one original drawing on the wall, the others looked like digital prints. The main gallery was covered with a wall-to-wall mural with text and imagery, which may or may not be a reference to the story of Jonah and the Whale of Christian, Islamic, and Judaic narratives.  Waiting to hear back from Mr. Boyd himself to comment on this one.  The works use heavy black graphic lines to delineate imagery that is largely decorative and flat blocks of color is used to ground some of the more fluid forms- reminds me of Japanese woodblock printing with a contemporary edge. 

 

Now back to the spectacle. . .Once the artist had signed his fair share of autographs, chatted with guests, and posed for the appropriate number of pics he made his way back up the stairs to the refuge above. The room felt as if it let off a sigh of relief and anxious joy.  Then the announcements came to CLEAR OUT from bouncers and the over-worked marketing staff .  .  .  the next batch of fans were waiting to get it.  We were spared, press does have a few perks.

Brandon Boyd greets his fans 

 

Later I was told that the artist made at least three more rounds of this to meet and greet all the fans, but one round was enough for Jennifer and I gave-up our prime real estate to adoring fans to view the spectacle themselves.

We have been generously granted an interview with Mr. Boyd.  

I'm interested in asking about some of his influences and I'm giving him the infamous loaded question of " how do you define art" just to shake things up a bit.   Have anything you are itching to know??

Send me the questions ASAP and I'll get them in the interview.

 See you all soon.

Enjoy the pics.

 

 

 
Brandon Boyd original artwork on T-shirts buying frenzy at )( Space in Costa Mesa, a portion of the proceeds go to H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere)  

Crowd image by Jennifer Cheng

 

All photo credits to Joanna Grasso and Jennifer Cheng

- Joanna Grasso, Contributing Writer and professional sweeper

BRANDON BOYD Opening at the Hurley )( Space Gallery

Don't miss a chance to meet artist, musician, surfer and activist BRANDON BOYD. (yes, that is the very same Boyd from rock band INCUBUS)

Brandon Boyd working on drawing selected for H.O.P.E. & Hurley collaboration (image provided by Hurley)

Another Collaboration for HURLEY - This time they are working with Brandon Boyd and H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) to raise funds and bring awareness to conserving our oceans. If you haven't taken a walk on the beach in the early morning lately you should.  While being surrounded by one of the most beautiful places in the world you would also see how immediate the problem is of non-biodegradable plastics washing up on OC's shores, just to bring it home for you, not to mention the global clean water issues that are at hand.

I'm told that attendees of the opening reception will get first crack at perusing Boyd's wall murals encompassing the main gallery and purchasing the t-shirts & water bottles with selected artworks, proceeds going towards H.O.P.E.'s programming, and otherwise available after April 25th at Buckle Store, on line, or at selected retailers.

As always, there will be an array of food and libations.  

The OC Art Blog has also been offered a chance to interview artist/musician/surfer/activist Boyd so stay tuned for article.

Hurley )( Space Gallery this Saturday night in Costa Mesa, 6-9pm at the Hurley compound on Placentia. Bring your wallets, appetites and your fashionable selves . . .See you there! 

-Joanna

Here's the Info:

 

HURLEY ANNOUNCES

FASHION AND ART COLLABORATION

WITH INCUBUS FRONT-MAN BRANDON BOYD

TO BENEFIT 

H.O.P.E.

(Helping Other People Everywhere) 

 

Iconic surf brand Hurley announces a collaboration with musician, artist and activist Brandon Boyd, lyricist and lead singer of the band Incubus, on an exclusive art-inspired fashion collection benefiting H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere).Brandon Boyd’s life is characterized by self-expression -- a fusion of art, music, writing, activism and surfing. His love of the ocean is often the catalyst in his efforts as an activist, and this collaboration was no exception.

A multi-talented visual artist who works in a variety of mediums, Boyd took to his sketchbook for this project. His watercolor and ink drawings result in imagery that is both beautiful and subtly stirring. These designs are featured on the Hurley collaboration shirts.

 "My relationship with Hurley began over a decade ago and was born of a mutual appreciation for surfing, music, art and like minds. We have done projects together in the past but it seemed like it was time we truly put our collective heads together to make a real dent in a situation that affects us all, most importantly the swiftly growing problems in our oceans. We start herein as surfers and musicians, and are moving forward as stewards of our Island," says Boyd about his longstanding relationship with Hurley and his mission behind the creative collaboration.

A portion of the sales from the limited edition collection, available at Buckle nationwide, specialty retailers and online at Hurley.com beginning April 1, 2011, will benefit HOPE, a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on involving artists and their contributions in campaigns, programs and events to support existing social projects that promote education and peace around the world.

Hurley will celebrate the launch of the Brandon Boyd collection with an art show featuring the original works the collection is based upon.  Boyd will paint a mural on a wall of the Hurley )( SPACE gallery for the show. The event, which is open to the public, will take place on Saturday, April 2nd from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Hurley )( SPACE Gallery (1945 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627).

About Hurley

Founded in 1999, Hurley is an authentic “Microphone for Youth” brand rooted in surf, skate, art, music and beach cultures. Driven by creativity and freedom of expression, Hurley develops world-class products for guys, girls and kids, including sportswear, footwear, eyewear, accessories, loungewear, swimwear and wetsuits. A wholly owned, independently run subsidiary of Nike, Inc., Hurley’s corporate headquarters are located in Costa Mesa, CA, with international offices in Tokyo, Sydney, Barcelona and Bali. www.hurley.com

 

About H.O.P.E.

H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) is a project of H.O.P.E. Events Inc. H.O.P.E. is an energy conscious 501(c) 3 non-profit focused on involving artists and their contributions in campaigns, programs and events to support existing social projects that promote education and peace around the world http://hopecampaign.org/

 

 

If you heart lowbrow art: Suggestivism now up @ Grand Central Art Center

Santa Ana-Recently, I attended the much-anticipated opening of Suggestivism at the Grand Central Art Center in downtown Santa Ana. Beautiful ladies in hooded onesies (I did not know they existed either) paraded around the galleries serving chocolates and energy drinks throughout the night.  Many of the artists attended and Academy award-nominated actress Amy Adams also made an appearance.  Grand Central always knows how to throw a party!

            Curated by artist Nathan Spoor, the exhibition features over 50 prominent low-brow artists like Todd Schorr and Robert Williams.  The show also includes many new faces of this popular art movement like Bob Dob, Alex Gross, and many more. Located in both galleries, the walls are packed with aesthetically appealing gems of bright, illustrative artworks.

     Nathan Spoor, who also conveniently curated his own work into the exhibition (a questionable move often debated in art museum circles,) describes Suggestivism  as work which ‘gives the viewer ample opportunity to interpret meaning into their art.’ I would agree since much of the work, though creatively rendered, lacks personal narrative or content.  Still, the work does have an immediate fatal attraction. Stylistically, many of the paintings have an interesting street smart, pop-surrealism quality. One stand-out is Heidi Taillefer’s Pelican and the Vampire, a modern, darker re-interpretation of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus.  Some of the few sculptural pieces such as Elizabeth McGrath’s The White Deer,  and Kris Kuksi’s Napoleonic Exile, made of plastic toyparts in a neo-classical steampunk style, transcended the lack of content in some of the paintings and are phenomenal, dimensional works of art. 

    With so much astounding work to absorb, viewers could easily spend hours in just one corner of the gallery and not have time to explore the rest. Best of all, the galleries are free to visit! Suggestivism will surely leave every reader of Juxtapoz Magazine and lowbrow art fan salivating.

 

 

(Right) Actress Amy Adams attends Suggestivism opening. February 5, 2011.  Photo courtesy GCAC and Eric Stoner.

 

Heidi Taillefer, Pelican and the Vampire, 2010  oil on canvas

Elizabeth McGrath The White Deer 2005  Mixed Media

Kris Kuksi  Napoleonic Exile 2010 Mixed Media

Grand Central Art Center Main and Project Galleries

Suggestivism 

 Curated by Nathan Spoor

 February 5-April 17, 2011

2^nd Reception Saturday, March 5, 7-10 pm

Closing Reception April 2, 7-10pm

 

Gallery Hours:

Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday 11-4pm, Friday & Saturday 11-7pm.

125 N Broadway Santa Ana, CA 92701

714.567.7233

www.grandcentralartcenter.com

 

 

-Alyssa Cordova, contributing writer

photos by Alyssa Cordova

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

Rock your world marble. . . !! - Studio Visit with Elizabeth Turk

Elizabeth Turk Studio - OC

 

While on the hunt for inspiring sculpture at the Armory Show in NYC, I stumbled across an elegantly carved piece of marble, so delicate that it resembled ribbon.  

It belonged to artist Elizabeth Turk.  Instantly that name rang a bell, as she had done an artist residency in our very own Grand Central Art Center, Downtown Santa Ana. AND that happens to be where I called home while in grad school. Go GCAC.

The piece was astonishing.  That was when I set out to find her . . . not as easy as I had expected.  Eventually I managed to finagle her number out of someone (in the OC, I think there are even less than 6 degrees of separation between us all). Elizabeth Turk graciously invited me to her studio in Santa Ana to give the OC ArtBlog followers the inside scoop.  Totally amazing.

This swan-like woman with bright blue eyes escorted me around the property until we settled down at a piece in progress, one of her famous 'collars.'  As we spoke, those little hands went to work, filling away from the inside out of a piece so precarious that it quivered at the mere rubbing of a file.  Astonished I asked, "how delicate is that piece?"  (I was think. . . marble, stone, relatively break proof right?)  

Elizabeth explains that the process she utilizes to carve and the shapes rendered are the result of a balancing act based on the intimate relationship between the stone and the hand that carves it. Cracks can happen at any time and cause irrevocable damage. So if you are wondering, NO I did not touch anything.

 The process can take up to 2-3 years before arriving at completion, not to mention the care that is needed in construction of the base, the armature that the piece rests upon, and the transport/installation of the artwork to it's new home.

Elizabeth Turk has an incredible talent, of which she uses to combine classical marble carving techniques with contemporary themes in a way that maintains the integrity and reputation of crafts(wo)men and their trade.  

 

Even Michelangelo would be impressed with her creations.  Go Elizabeth!  We LOVE the work.  Thank you for inviting the OC Art Blog into your studio. We will keep you all updated on her pending exhibitions, in the mean time here is a link to her gallery Hirschl & Adler in New York.  

 

 

Enjoy,

Joanna

 

 

 

Sneak Peak at new artwork- OC Blog visit's artist Laurie Hassold

 

Last week I zipped over to Orange Coast College (OCC) to see what local artist and professor Laurie Hassold was preparing for the upcoming show at the Laguna Art Museum entitled Art Shak.  The exhibition will run from June 13th to October 3rd, 2010 - opening night festivities will be Saturday June 12th, see the website for tickets.

the 'bone cave' in progress

above:  Laurie Hassold and student, OCC sculpture Lab 

Laurie teaches Beginning and Advanced Sculpture at OCC.  Her students were preparing for a group show held on campus in the Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion, now run by Andrea Harris - previously director extraodinaire of the Grand Central Art Center.  

If you have never taken a class from Laurie, you are missing out. Back in grad school I was lucky enough to have her for a 'Studio Expanded' class which explored performative and installation aspects of fine art.  It changed the way I see, create, and relate to art even today.  Thanks Laurie! You can catch her at Orange Coast College, Santa Ana College, and Irvine Valley College next semester.  

 

Student Artworks - OCC Beg. & Adv. Sculpture w/prof Laurie Hassold

Now lets get on to Laurie's newest and in progress artwork.  She gave us a sneak preview of what is affectionately being called the bone cave.  It is a re-appropriation of artworks or carcasses from her Strange Attractor series, coupled with found objects.  

Although there is a veil of mystery around this piece, I did manage to discover that the underlying concept for the bone cave reads more like a science fiction novel than a seductive interlude of mediums.   

Implications of global warming, post consumerism, and the predatory nature of evolution resonate as one's eye meanders through this "dwelling, constructed of remains and human detritus of post-human extinction," states Hassold.  References to the structures made of mammoth fossils in the Ukraine thousands of years ago are present, and she states "the cave seems to be turning into some sort of altar, which may contain an item preserved from the former culture that hints at the appearance of the new occupants." (Laurie Hassold).  

 
 
  

To see more artworks by Laurie Hassold drop in to one of these upcoming shows:

Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach CA   June 13th - Oct 3rd, 2010

Bert Green Fine Art, Los Angeles CA    Nov 10th - Dec 24th, 2010

Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester University, Rochester NY 2011, stay tuned
 

Studio Visit with painter Dick Marconi - Santa Ana, CA

This is the first of a series of studio visits with OC artists, and occasionally non-OC artists. . .  but we won't hold it against them.

In my constant quest to sniff-out art in the OC, I came across Mr. Dick Marconi.  Yup, that's right. . . the same guy from the Marconi Automotive Museum, which by the way has some amazing drool-worthy cars and if you have not gotten up to Tustin to check them out. . . put it on your calendar! (www.marconimuseum.org)

 

When I heard that Mr. Marconi was a 76 year old prolific artist, and quite the character, my interest was piqued. As luck would have it, he agred to meet with me yesterday in Santa Ana. 

  Galleria Marconi resides in one of the those stellar live-work spaces on Main St in Santa Ana, the City Place (that is the center where Mother's is for all you veggies out there).  The rumors were all true.  Marconi produces artwork with a vitality that is astounding, and his mixed media abstractions utilize color and form to hold the viewers attention.  

 

Before meeting him I decided to do some homework and discovered that he works with a technique he calls "color fusion,"  which is somewhere between action painting and lyrical abstraction. Like Jackson Pollock ( famous for his drip, pour, and gesture paintings- late 1940s to mid 1950s), Marconi works on a horizontal surface manipulating the paint and abandoning traditional uses of brushes for a more physical approach.  Marconi negotiates with liquid surfaces of color and medium (I like to call 

the 'secret sauce'), making chance an integral part in the color fusion recipe.  

He also extends the invitation for audiences to go ahead and touch the paintings.  Marconi says that those luscious surfaces are not only durable, but an integral part of the viewing experience.

   

The first Friday of every month ( 4-9pm) the City Place offers a gallery walk where you can experience these paintings for yourself, not to mention meet the man behind the color fusion technique.

Thanks Dick for opening up your gallery to us!

Dick Marconi in the Galleria Marconi

For information regarding Dick Marconi or the Galleria Marconi please contact Midge Herbst, Executive Director  [email protected], (714) 550-1003

Galleria Marconi

105 City Place

Santa Ana, CA 92704

Next week sculptor Laurie Hassold is giving us a sneak-peak of the work she is making for the upcoming exhibition Art Shack at the Laguna Art Museum.

stay tuned. . .