Blog

• Art and The Art of Healing

  

  I have work in the Art and The Art of Healing Show, and it opened on May 17th, 2013.  The work that is up from 2010 to 2012, and it should be up for atleast a month.  

  Open House and Art Show
  Friday, May 17th
  5 – 8 pm
  Come help us celebrate our 3rd anniversary by supporting local artists, including Buckman Elementary School students and a photo montage of The Jefferson Dancers recent trip to China.  Big pieces, small pieces, paintings, prints and photography….all at Sunnyside Holistic Group for your enjoyment.

  There will be refreshments for all ages, including a wine tasting room featuring wine fromWild Rose Vineyards.
  Bring friends, family, art lovers, wellness seekers.
  Student artwork proceeds will go to the respective programs. Come support our local artists!

  Sunnyside Holistic Group is a collaborative, integrated group of practitioners focused on all aspects of health and wellness which include: Acupuncture, Naturopathic Medicine, Massage Therapy, Dental Hygiene, Chinese Herbs, Skin Care Specialist, Reflexology,and Chiropractic care.

• 

  Recycled Rain Press

  On April 28th, 2013 A Group Of Local Artists Were Given A Mason Jar* Of Rain Water... COME SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT >>>

  OPENING SATURDAY, JUNE 1ST 6 PM TO 10PM OLYMPIC MILLS GALLERY SPACE

  Olympic Mills Building 107 SE Washington Portland, Ore. On Display Through July 16th  Announcing The Second Annual Recycled Rain Project! The show kicks off June, 1st at 6pm and is on display through July 13, 2013. Over a period of 30 days over 25 local artists create original works using only collected rainwater. The subject matter in the paintings is varied. The overall concept is to expose new and upcoming local artists while highlighting simple ways we can rethink the way we use water.   Twenty percent of the sale of all works are donated to a water-based charity. The 2013 Recycled Rain Project is donating funds to www.water.org a nonprofit organization that transforms communities by providing access to safe water and sanitation.   Educational Mission   The Recycled Rain Project is dedicated to raising awareness of the many water-related issues that are taking place abroad as well as in our own backyards.    This year we are thrilled to annouce an addition to the show. RAINDROPS! a children's gallery will make it's debut during RR2013. Artists from The Recycled Rain Project will be teaching a class of young artists through Art(s)Cool about the necessity of water. These young 'RainDrops' will then create some Recycled Rain art of their own to be included in the show.   In the long term, we would like to have this project is to continue to expand as an annual event in Portland and eventually expand to other cities across the United States. ### PRESS CONTACT: Sara Sjol sarasjol@therecycledrainproject.org 503.290.445

• #1 Jellyfish

  

  Starting from scrtch and hoping it comes together.  Here is the first piece in place for the Recycled Rain Project.  I think I'll call it "Jellyfish", they are such cool creatures.  The deadline for everything is May 26th, a few days before my birthday.  I might go big for this show.  The artist have ample space to use, so I might even consider some 3-D stuff.  Stay Tuned.

• The Project Is On!

  

  Wowsers! The 2013 Recycled Rain Project webpage is up and running! For a preview of the show check out some of the past works done by our 2013 Recycled Rainers!
  
  http://www.therecycledrainproject.org/Artists.html

  
  

  I'm working on a few things, just to have no excuse to procrastinate.  Working on a few different projects at once.
  

• The Recycled Rain Project

  

  Art sabbatical over, and the Recycled Rainer Project is on. I have a month to make work using recycled rain water, this ought to be a hoot. I hope to see you at the Art Show on June 1st. Stay tuned!

  The Second Annual Recycled Rain Show will take place on June 1st 2013 at the Olympic Mills Gallery in Portland, Oregon. All juried artists will create original works using only collected rainwater. While the subject matter in the paintings is varied, the overall concept is to bring to light simple ways that we can rethink the way we use water.

  Recycled Rain Project

  The Recycled Rain Project is a show featuring water-based art created entirely by rainwater with a percentage of profits benefiting water related charities.

  The Recycled Rain Project was founded to help bring awareness to local artists and the various water issues facing both our state and other’s abroad. (One in eight people on the planet drinks water that's likely to make them sick. The water crisis and poverty go hand-in-hand.)Water is a natural resource that we cannot take for granted. There are many ways that we can use this precious resource more wisely to create a better community and do our small part for the planet and our fellow man.

  As part of the exhibit we will also highlight everyday ways that individuals can do to make a difference.
  A portion of the sale of any works will be donated to charity yet to be announced. Once the artists are selected we will vote on which charity to give funds to.
  We hope to do our small part to start a greater movement to help other’s realize what a precious commodity we have and ways that individuals can help make a difference.
  In the long-term we would like to have this project become an annual event, both here in Portland, as well as other cities across the US.
  

• Bike Art Book Out Now!

  

  The Bike Art Book which features my artwork, along with 250 artists from all over the world, is out now!

  "There is an element of fanaticism in bicycle culture rarely seen among the varied forms of locomotion. A love affair of sorts develops between rider and bike, with all the constituent parts: obsession, devotion and longing. In extreme cases, hospitalization is required — among the more restrained, bicycle becomes muse, inspiring great works of art in a variety of media, all in an attempt to capture the spirit of the infatuation." - Gingko Press
  

  With this volume, author Kiriakos Iosifidis welcomes you to a panorama of all kinds of works that are inspired by the bicycle. It is a collection of colourful bicycle graffiti, paintings, remarkable bicycle designs, complex constructions, and various types of bicycles one can find on the streets around the world. More than 250 international artists, illustrators, painters, sculptors, industrial designers, photographers, organizations, and anonymous citizens present their works of art and give us insight into their personal views and relations to these charming two-wheeled vehicles.

  Author Kiriakos Iosifidis is organizer of the Greek “Carpe Diem” mural team and author of the “MURAL ART” book series. This time he managed to unite artists and people of different disciplines who all share one passion: bikes! BIKE ART is an effort to support the bicycle as a means of transportation, a statement of sustainability, as well as to celebrate it as a lifestyle that exists throughout society and across borders

  According to the author, the cheapest way to order the book is through Amazon:
  http://www.amazon.com/Bike-Art-Kiriakos-Iosifides/dp/1584234776/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322129415&sr=1-6

  A few have already gotten a copy and they have interesting reviews which you can view here:

  http://blog.ekosystem.org/2011/11/bike-art-bicycles-ni-art-around-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-18470

  
  and here:

  http://bikeportland.org/2011/11/23/new-book-bike-art-gives-global-tour-of-bike-inspired-work-62546

• Haiku #4

  

  This one was fun...

• New verses Old

  

  Some work is worth mentioning or presenting whether or not is was made sometime ago.  Today I posted up a few of my favorite older pieces.  I have over 100 works that have never been published.  I'm editing down to determine how to best present it.  Any ideas? 

  Recently I've been working on developing my web design skills and seeking out new opportunities in the area of art and design.  Despite this I find that the 'seeking' period sometimes gets in the way of art making, or is it the other way around?

  Did you like the Haiku posts?  I've continue to write Haiku's, but sometimes it finding the right image to accompany it that puts a wrench in the wheel. 

  Thanks for checking out my site!

• CARPE DIEM BIKE MURAL PROJECT + BIKEART EXHIBITION 2011

  

  Per report from the Carpe Diem project for the Bike Art Book soon to come out.  I've created a card which show some of my favorite images from the Mural Project for the Bike Fair in Athens, Greece.  This took place on October 2nd, 2011 in the heart of the city.  The project is about Bikes and the "city with well know urban art artists and citizen participation.  Don't forget to check out the first Bikeart exhibition 2011 at www.bikeart.gr."

  Looking forward to getting the book!  The website had great images of participating artist, please note you'll need to have google translate as all the language on the website is Greek.  Unless of course you know Greek.

  The Bikeart book will released in November and it will be available for sale by the end of November.
  Take the advice of Kalimera from Athens:  "Till then...keep your strength and your voice open!"

• "The New Herald" - A Science Fiction Short Film Project

  A Short Film project in Portland, OR by Erick Mertz

  These are the results of the storyboard I recently worked on for Erick Mertz.  The images of the storyboard are shown in a video to display the bigger picture.  Its now a kickstarter campaign, be sure to check it out:  "The New Herald"- A Science Fiction Short Film Project.

  The New Herald is a speculative fiction about the day when humankind's reliance on robotic limbs and organs reaches a nightmare ending.

  "The story takes place in a dystopian alternative history. The eight-to-nine minute movie opens on that first day when humankind across the world sees its increasing reliance on robotic limbs and organs reach a nightmare ending.

  Robot rebellions and burgeoning sentience are a part of science fiction lore and mythology. They were a large part of the wildly popular fiction of Issac Asimov whose "I, Robot" was reimagined recently by Hollywood...

  This movie describes a different kind of rebellion. One far more bleak and absurd than science-fiction has imagined. Instead of a full fledged robot rebellion like an angry C3PO or fed up Rosie from the Jetsons, this film tells about the terrible day when organs and limbs, mechanical devices installed and attached to our crumbling bodies decide to break free and seek their own fate."

  check it out:  "The New Herald"- A Science Fiction Short Film Project.

• *One Night Only!: "Paint Your Art Out" Silent Auction

  

  I'm excited to be selected as one of the artist to participate in the upcoming "Paint Your Art Out" events, a Silent Auction to support and promote Siren Nation.  I hope to complete 3 new pieces in time for the show.  Please see below for the details:

  Siren Nation Presents: Paint Your Art Out!
  An art show and sale.
  Featuring Art from 50+ artists all under $100.

  
  The Secret Society,116 NE Russell Street, Portland, Oregon, 97202
  Free Admission- Event is all ages.
  Thursday, August 18th:
  6:00 pm-9:00 pm

  
  The first 50 people to arrive receive Siren Nation Gift Bags!
  6:00 pm-8:30 pm Silent Auction and Art Demos.
  
  Paint Your Art Out is Siren Nation’s annual celebration of visual art, including live painting demos, silent art auction and a showcase of art by over 50 Northwest artists which all wall art is under $100. Other activities include free swag bags for the first 50 attendees, DJ, and cash bar.
  
  Participating Artists:
  Alison Gayne, Ameila Opie, Amy Grennel, Angel Roman, Anita Spaeth, Anna Magruder, Anne Price Yates, April Oconnor, Boni Belden, Brett Superstar, Cheryl, Eugenia Barnes, Chris Haberman, Christine Ortez, Christine Swanson, Colleen Patricia Williams, Donivee Finnell, Emily Bludworth, Enaya Jane, Erika Lee Sears, Jamee Linton, Jenna Genio, Jennifer Cox, Jennifer Feeney, Jennifer Kapnek, Jessica Van Stappen, Joan McGinnis., Joanne Licardo, Kayenne Garofalo, Kelly Williams, Kindra Crick, Kristina King, Laura Hippensteel, Lavonne Russell,Lea Peace, Lisa Valle, Lisa Wilde, Liv Rainey-Smith, Mitsuko, Molly Gochenour, Nathalie Equall, Nina Divine, Nina Frayne, Robin Ator, Robin Phillips, Robin Urton, Roxanne Patruznick, Sara Fagan, Sarah Hessigner, Stacie Howard, Suzanne Elizabeth, Suzy LaRuffa, Theresa Weil, Vicki Stone, Viktoria La Paz, Zeratha Young
  
  *artists are demoing artists participating in the silent auction.
  
  Siren Nation's mission is to inspire and empower women of all ages to create their own art and to highlight the many achievements of women in the arts. Siren Nation promotes and showcases the original work of women artists by creating year round performance, exhibition, and educational opportunities.

• Sci Fi Storyboard continued

  

  I completed a few more images for E. Mertz's Sci Fi Storyboard.  He meets with the team in a few weeks, so it just in time for giving him the presentation he needs.  This is now posted on the website. 

  I've been busy with with project, getting ready to participate in another show, and learning web design/web development- a difficult feat while maintaining a full time job via the field of social work.  In learning the web design/web development skills, I hope to start in the field soon.

• Haiku #3

  

• Haiku #2

  

• Haiku

  

  Lately I've been writing Haiku's as sources of inspiration.  Why not share?

• Portlandia: Put a "what" on it?!

  

  Today I dropped off a few pieces with the Portlandia Art Department.  My work was selected to show on Season 2 of Portlandia, "the IFC series that pokes fun at the City of Thorny Roses"?  How exciting!

  The art department for Carrie Brownstein/Fred Armisen series was looking for Portland based artists to display work on the show.   They have my pieces held captive for the next three months, so in the meantime only prints are available.  In the meantime I've gone ahead and gotten my name on the extra list too, so who knows they may have the artist with the art on the show. For my head shot I submitted a picture of myself surrounded by panda bears.  As a fact about myself, I mentioned that I was a panda expert...we'll see if they need those special skills.  

  I'm a big fan of this show, so it's great to have a way to contribute to the cause in whatever fashion.  Perhaps this is the resume perk I've been searching for all this time.  Now I can begin my letters with, 'as seen on Portlandia'.  Regardless,  it is a nice opportunity to have the work shown on the show, even if its just a few frames or if they are making fun of the work.  Just like the saying goes, "Bad press is better than no press at all".

  That's all for now...Cacao!!!

• Carpe Diem: Bike Art Book to feature the 'bicycle' series

  

  This is the preview of the upcoming book to feature my artwork via the Carpe Diem group.  The book will be on display at the Bike Festival in Athens, Greece.  If you happen to be there around that time, please share with me your experience.  Per the Bike Run Expo blog:  http://www.bikeandrunexpo.com/default.asp?catid=7339:  The first presentation of the «BIKEART» book that will be published and will be available worldwide in December.

  I look forward to getting a copy, although I may need a translator once it is completed.  You can find out more about this at the Carpe Diem website.  Don't forget to specify your language preference on the to right portion of the webpage.

• Hatmehyt, I love you!

  

  Titling work can often be difficult, and lately I've been having fun with this process.  The "Hatmehyt" piece is a collage piece that I named after the Egyptian Fish Goddess.  When this piece was first completed I immediately thought 'The fish whisperer', and later realising how that name is amusing.  I found that 'Hatmehyt' is better suited for the title.  After completing Hatmehyt, I feel ready to start incorporating more color into my work (which I previously minimized on purpose).

  The other recent works include "Jeffrey Gayne" and "Rosemary"  based on old family photographs found.  There were completed for the 'Body Language' Show but the curators only chose to show Jeffrey Gayne.  Its a lesson learned to keep working so that you have the work when the opportunity comes.

  Currently, I'm working on various projects which I will up date as completed.  I hand wrote what felt like a million postcards to prospective art opportunities.  Hopefully the readers will be forgiving of my penmanship.  Handwritten letters are becoming a lost art, so I feel it is important to continue the personalized touch.  It feels like I've cast my reel and I'm waiting for the fish to bite.  In that way, making the recent Hatmehyt piece is really fitting.

• Recent 'Bicycle Series' to be featured in Book, a project by Carpe Diem in Athens, Greece.

  My recent "Bicycle series" paintings will be featured in a book about bicycle art. The book is part of a larger mural project by Carpe Diem in Athens, Greece. Stay tuned

  

  http://www.carpe-diemact.gr/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1⟨=en

  Carpe Diem implements art exhibitions and tunes the attendance of artist in exhibitions of other agencies and organizations in Greece and abroad. Aim is to bring out the work of the Greek and foreign artists which come from the backstage of graffiti and the urban art through different ways of expression with new techniques and ideas.

  Carpe Diem has implemented and tuned the participation of artists in theexhibitions of Goethe Institute, the French Institute of Athens, the International Comic Festival of Vavel etc.

  Carpe Diem supports art of members who promote graffiti and wall painting to general public.Till now Carpe Diem has published the homonymous graffiti magazine "Carpe Diem" but also the photograph albums "Mural Art vol1", "Mural Art vol2" and "Mural Art vol3 - Murals On Huge Surfaces Around the World from Graffiti to Trompe l’oeil".

  These series of photograph albums constitutes the main source of public wallpaints record, including artists and organizations around the world.

   

  http://www.bikeandrunexpo.com/default.asp?catid=7339

• SciFi Storyboard, E. Mertz's project, 2011

  

  This is a recent storyboard created for Mr. Mertz's Sci Fi movie.  This is an example of one of the various projects I'm working on.  It is now posted on the site.