Monday, November 24, 2008

AESTHETIC APPARATUS



Mike and Dan are two super cool guys who are really good designers and accomplished screenprinters. They also operate under the kick-ass name of Aesthetic Apparatus.  No matter if you're a seasoned and cynical veteran or an intimidated novice, check out this vid, I am sure you'll be inspired and amused. And go buy some of their prints! I have many and they serve my eyes kindly....thanks guys!!!

SK843



Getting closer...SK843 single issue 'zine featuring stories, memoirs and rare photos of the skateboarding scene in 1980's South Carolina. Logo is done, cover is designed, possible screenprint poster is designed, sticker sheets and T's are designed and 'zine itself is in the 2nd draft of the dummy...'zine with debut in Charleston on December 27th, 2008.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

SALLY MANN: WHAT REMAINS




It's been a number of years since I have looked at Sally Mann's work, most notably when we met during her visit to the SCAD Photo Department/Savannah, Georgia in 1996 or 97. At the time, she was just beginning her 'new' landscape work, making a departure from the portraiture that had established her as a visionary photographer. Immediate Family never really spoke to me, although many of my colleagues at the time were absolute Mann FANATICS. During her informal SCAD residency, I was privileged to see some of her in-progress work prints; beautiful, nearly-opaque images of Kudzu. She was also beginning to work with the anachronistic photographic process of wet plate collodion. For the very first time, her vision began to resonate with me...

Fast forward to the present as I just watched a fascinating documentary, titled Sally Mann: What Remains. Filmed over several years (and released in 2007), it chronicles her intensely personal and contemplative relationships; her rural landscape, her father, her husband and, most notably, the subject of death. The body of work depicted in the film, large format images of human decomposition and decay, is nothing short of Robert Adams' notion of Truth and Beauty. 

For the first time, I am the now the one who is a Mann FANATIC. Thanks, Sally.





(Above is just a two minute excerpt from the two hour film. Thanks to Ovation TV for continuing to broadcast such culturally important content).



FOR S.MANN



Speaking of Sally Mann, back in 1995, I had somehow acquired a large roll of her black and white, photographic printing paper that had been fogged/damaged. I took the roll, cut it into four equal lengths and added it to my then-growing body of nonrepresentational photographic work. It was titled 'For S.Mann',  100" x 120"silver gelatin prints, push pins, 1995-96. In progress and studio views above. I didn't realize it at the time, but it had a super Robert-Morris-Felt-Sculpture-Wall-Hanging vibe.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

SKATE FOUR THREE

Gonna bust out a single-issue 'zine for my friends in the Charleston, SC (843) region. They're hosting a humble skateboard 'reunion' for our old 1980's scene next month, and I am compiling a selection of stories and photos from 20+ years ago.....why? Because it's fun (or maybe because I am getting old)!


Wednesday, November 19, 2008

RISKY PRINT


I recently linked up with LA graffiti legend, RISK, to assist him with his upcoming art show. It opens on December 13, 2008 at Track 16 in Santa Monica. Above is a limited-edition silkscreen print that I designed for him that will be released very soon....

PAINTERS PAINTING




I am not a painter, but this is a clip from a pretty classic film, Painters Painting, 1974, Emilio de Antonio. I used to watch it all the time in the library at SCAD (when it was on Bull Street).

I suppose my previous post, art OR design, had me on the hunt for another, semi-related, Rauschenberg entry. I never tire of looking at his work, hearing his stories or learning about his influences. I fortunately found this, but was hoping it would be footage of him working on the 'Cardboards'. Regardless, Bob talking about his 'Erased de Kooning' is pretty amusing and one of my 'top ten' all time favorite works of art. And considering the Retractions works I am developing at the moment, is very relevant.


EDIT (See this film in it's entirety here)

Sunday, November 16, 2008

art OR design?



It's something of a semantic riddle for the creative person. Sometimes I couldn't care less about that defined difference; other times it tortures me to no end.

I suppose that when I moved to California (thus, selling out as a "real" artist to earn money as a commercial artist), the philosophical 'art or design' issue began to haunt me. Never before had I needed consider any other creative eyes (or opinions) besides my own; now, working commercially, I often require the approval of others during the process.

I am often fascinated with artists who have made a career of straddling that proverbial line; making the 'art or design' argument that much more complex (Warhol being the most obvious example). Above is an image of one of my 'long-term-MUST-purchase-eventually' consumer shopping list, which I just won on Ebay last week; 1983 Talking Heads LP by Robert Rauschenberg. I can finally cross that one off of my list (and start looking at the other items on said list).




(Note: I reserve the right to alter/completely contradict/discount my opinions at any moment...)

Saturday, November 15, 2008

KULTURE KLASH 3


Those of you in the South Carolina Lowcountry region, be sure to check out Kulture Klash 3 tonight. I know that some readers of these here pages are in that area, so report back here Monday!

(And for what it's worth, do I really need to point out the uncomfortable, contextual irony in the acronym of the event?...sheesh)

Thursday, November 13, 2008

BLAIZE




Okay, so I haven't posted much this week, but that's just because I have been getting addicted to Facebook (boooooo!). Now, my excuse is that a bunch of friends from my old skate scene in Charleston, SC kept telling me to check out their group, SK843. ( I know, I can hear the groans...ahhaha). It's basically evolving into a running archive of old photos and videos and stuff of our lives back then (mid-1980's). One of the gems that someone has posted is the most 'comprehensive' footage (from 1990-1991) of local skate hero, Blaize Blouin. He was quite the character, but his skating could always back up his legendary mouth...he passed away about 10 years ago and is missed.

"Put some South in your mouth" and check this clip!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

STREETSCRIBE x KUSTOM KULTURE




Just finishing up this one-off skateboard for the upcoming Kustom Kulture event in Charleston, SC. Seeming more appropriate than ever considering the venue, I seized upon the opportunity to once again dig deep into the 20-year-old archives of Streetscribe. Streetscribe, a true blue, DIY 'zine produced alongside Kevin E. Taylor, was a simple document of our tiny, but cherished, skate scene in and around Charleston. Photos and typography for this board were appropriated and collaged from issues #4 and #5. It features 35mm action images I shot of Jeff Richards (aka Smush), Chris Bortz (undisputed Pool Ruler), Todd Walsh (Myrtle Beach freak) and Chris Lewey.

The deck is an 8" x 32" blank, with bamboo veneer on top and bottom. Graphic is a hand-pulled, two color screenprint, fluorescent orange and black, with a fluorescent yellow background. It is completely unique, 1/1, and celebrates 20 years of DIY inspiration.

As of this posting, the deck IS available for purchase. Potential buyers who might like to secure a purchase prior to the opening of the event can contact me directly. 

***BOARD IS SOLD*** (Thanks for the support!!)


Saturday, November 8, 2008

HOUSE INDUSTRIES x FRESH PRESSED






A trio of House Industries crew, Andy Cruz, Adam Cruz and Rich Roat, were on location last night to celebrate their new typographic kiosk/interface with Jonathan Sample at Fresh Pressed. The occasion was marked with plenty of wet screens, ink, squeegees and bottled beer. Everyone present was encouraged to experiment and print a variety of House dingbats as well a last minute Obama illustration, thanks to House pen/ink master, Chris Gardner.  Expect to see a variation on this illustration being minted on a U.S. coin sometime in the year 2050. 

Be sure to check out the Letters & Ligatures exhibit, opening tonight at Subliminal Projects Gallery.

SNEAK PEEK of LETTERS & LIGATURES






Hopefully, this is just enough of a teaser to whet the visual appetite. Get out tonight and head over to see the show in physical form, where there will be some unique (and practical) House merch available for purchase.

(And I am pretty confident that also you'll witness the largest and heaviest ampersand ever created in the history of the typographic universe).

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

HOUSE in LA




The soft spoken and often irreverent boys from the east coast-based nerve center known as House Industries will be paying a visit to the City of Angels later this week. They will be unveiling two projects: 

The first, a custom type kiosk interface for  Fresh Pressed, a new DIY silkscreen shop in my neighborhood. That event is Friday night, November 7th, 2008. The public is invited to drop by and watch the boys in action; wielding inks, squeegees and imported refreshments. 

The second event, Letters and Ligatures, premieres Saturday night, November 8th, 2008. It's a full blown installation/art show at Subliminal Projects. Again, the public is welcome to drop by and see more of the House Industries perspective.

(Now, I wouldn't be a true fan-boy if I didn't tell you that I have already seen a sneak peek/digital renderings of the show and it's gonna be fantastic. BE THERE!)

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

FREEDOM OF CHOICE




I hope EVERYONE that reads this blog has or will make their choice today!

DUTY NOW FOR THE FUTURE





Get out and vote! It's YOUR duty now, for the future!

Monday, November 3, 2008

PROPER PREP PROCESS



I remain a firm believer in proper preparation during all phases of the creative process. Sometimes it's tough to remain patient and disciplined when you are hurried by a deadline or 'the flash of inspiration'...I just think that it's important to retain a certain standard of craftsmanship and integrity; must be the blue-collar work ethic in my DNA.

Now that I am more settled into the new workspace, where everything is finding it's place, I am beginning to put it through the first few real work sessions. Above,  mixing custom inks for a bamboo blank, destined for exhibition (and hopefully sale) in Charleston, SC later this month.