May 2 // First Thursdays Art Walk Laguna Beach
May is incredible for art in Laguna Beach.
For All Gallery Listings please visit: www.firstthursdaysartwalk.com
HERE ARE OCAR’s MUST SEE GALLERIES:
#1. Joanne Artman Gallery: Rimi Yang. ”Seeking Future”
Artist Reception: May 2nd, 2013 from 6-8 pm to coincide with Laguna Beach ArtWalk
Showing: April 1, 2013 – May 31, 2013
JoAnne Artman Gallery is delighted to welcome back artist Rimi Yang for another Solo Exhibition! Rimi’s distinctive style and old world feel is reminiscent of Fine Art Masters. With a contemporary take on figurative and abstract art, Rimi’s work reflects the juxtaposition and deconstruction of classic philosophies: East meets West, Traditional meets Modern, Masculine meets Feminine. All captured within the souls of her paintings.
Yang’s portraiture is similar to that of Klimt, as both contain a heavy use of paint and texture. The same painterly quality is also seen between Monet and Yang. Rimi Yang portrays the duality of her relationship to abstract expressionism by painting figurative work. Her subject matter is the repulsion to abstract expressionism depicting portraits, landscapes, and still life; all elements of the figurative approach. Her method is loose and spontaneous. Rimi’s work celebrates the moment with emotion, materializing onto the canvas.
#2. Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow: Gomez Bueno & Kassia Meador. ”Cloud Hunters”
Artist Reception: May 2nd, 2013 from 6-9 pm to coincide with Laguna Beach ArtWalk
Showing: May 2 – May 26, 2013
There was a time not that long ago when people look to the sky when they needed answers. Instead of 0´s and 1`s running through optic fiber, the key to open the doors of knowledge was the interpretation of clouds pushed by the wind. Kassia Meador is a painter that uses a camera instead of a brush. Gomez Bueno is a painter that reads books upside down from right to left.
We don´t have to dig too deep to find the common thread between these two artists. Both explore the ways in which figurative representation allows for the transmission of meaning. Using references as diverse as art history, still life, comic book imagery, commercial illustration and industrial design, they both achieve to dissolve the constrains of time, genre or similar cardinal forces. The substance of Cloud Hunters is a subtle subversion of our mass culture environment that communicates trough different channels to different audiences. Behind the wrapping paper surface we can find from humorous analysis of political situations to reinterpretations of popular forms of expression such as movies or publicity.
#3. Salt Fine Art: OUT OF ORDER : New works of painting, photography and installation by Aníbal Catalan
Artist Reception: May 2nd, 2013 from 6-9 pm to coincide with Laguna Beach ArtWalk
Showing: May 2 – June 30, 2013
Trained as an architect, Mexican artist Aníbal Catalan draws tremendous influence from the stark sensibilities of the Russian Constructivists. Working in a variety of different mediums, Catalan forms chaos out of order by feeding his unique structural renderings through a series of CAD programs, breaking them down into new forms that take on the random quality of the natural world. The artist translates these unique pieces into site-specific installations, paintings, drawings and even intervened Polaroids, combining all elements into exhibitions that bridge the gap between the 2 dimensional and the 3 dimensional.
LOVE. SEX. UNITY. RESPECT.
ART WITH AN AGENDA.
Friday, May 3rd, Art with an Agenda returns to the Magoski Arts Colony in Fullerton, CA. Their 2012 exhibition in response to the death of Kelly Thomas drew thousands, received wide media attention and gave platform for Fullerton residents and the Orange County Arts Community alike to have their voices be heard.
The current Art with An Agenda event set to open May 3, 2013 : LOVE. SEX. UNITY. RESPECT. is an exhibit in support of marriage equality and the LGBT community. The point? To help end the civil rights issue of our generation. Curators Stephan Baxter and Valerie Lewis have organized over 60 artists submitting over 100 original works, each in a unique way celebrating love and the LGBT Community through the visual arts. Art will be auctioned with 50% of the proceeds donated to OC AIDS WALK which takes place at Disneyland the following Saturday, May 4th.
The silent auction will take place on the evenings of Friday, May 3 and Saturday May 4th. Along with the donated work, on display will be a 8ft wedding cake which will be wall papered with 300 photos submitted from the LGBT couples photo project. This political and emotional focal point is being constructed by local artist Katherine England.
From an interview with curator Stephan Baxter with Fullertonian writer David Leos:
When Baxter started booking artists last October he realized that time might be on his side; “I knew the Supreme Court would address [same sex marriage] this year,” he said.
Hoping the event would fall between oral arguments, which occurred four weeks ago, and the Court’s ruling, which should happen sometime this June, Baxter said, “I took an educated guess…and it landed perfect.”
LOVE.SEX.UNITY.RESPECT. Is expected to draw thousands and will be talked about for some time to come. The work load to put together an event of this size is astronomical and comes from passionate dedicated people that believe deeply in this issue. Please help spread the word and come out to Fullerton & Anaheim this weekend to support.
For the rest of the interview between Stephan and David, please visit:
http://thefullertonian.com/Article/Details/867
MAGOSKI ARTS COLONY
223 W. Santa Fe Avenue, Fullerton, CA. 92832
www.facebook.com/magoskiartscolony
MAY 4 // CURBSIDE GALLERY PRESENTS : JACK STRICKER
Curbside Gallery is back after a brief hiatus and are super happy to be bringing you some imported art talent. Okay, maybe San Diego isn’t quite that far, but you probably haven’t made the drive to catch one of Jack Stricker’s shows. Now, you’ll save a ton of money in gas that you can spend on Art or just your tax return. This show will be a solo with Jack presenting his mixed media work with metal, rattle can, and good old fashioned brush and canvas. This show will coincide with the kick off to the art walk season here at the Santiago Art Walk. And if you live in San Diego we are right next door to the train station, so make it an adventure.
From a recent story with San Diego City Beat : Jack Strider is a graffiti artist at heart, influenced by hip-hop culture, but when it comes time to sit down at a canvas, he lets his creativity reach into all realms of his experience and inspiration. A recent graduate of the arts program at San Diego State University, Stricker hesitates to give too much credit to his official schooling. His main teachings, he says, comes from the streets. “I try to get out and see as much graffiti as I can,” he says. As for Stricker’s subject matter, animals seem to be a reoccurring theme. “I used to work at the zoo, doing caricatures for the zoo guests,” he laughs. They’d request to be drawn riding giraffes, petting monkeys, riding hippos—all kinds of things. Panda bears were the most-requested animal.”
Jack’s new show “SD to DTSA” opens Saturday, May 4th at Curbside Gallery 7:00 – 10:00 pm.
http://ocartistsrepublic.com/curbside-gallery/
May 4 // CES Contemporary Presents : White Space
Ira Svobodová | White Space
May 4th, 2013 – May 30th, 2013
Opening: Saturday, May 4th, 2013, 6 – 9pm
Exhibiting solo in the United States for the first time, CES Contemporary is extraordinarily excited to introduce a new body of work from twenty-seven year old Czech painter Ira Svobodová. Entitled White Space, the show is a collection of Svobodová’s recently completed series of ideological interior spaces.
Special introduction from Tereza Bruthansová, Ph.D:
Ira Svobodová (b. 1986) received her diploma in 2012 in Michael Rittstein’s painting studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague. In her paintings and occasional sculptures she prefers an impressive abstract conception in which she plays with principles of geometry, constructivism and spatial and light effects. Her great source of inspiration is the realm of avant-garde architecture, which has been close to her heart from childhood. She paints modernist compositions of pure color tones, whether they are vivid or monochromatic. Svobodová never mixes individual colors and applies instead a laborious technique of layering special acrylic gels. During her brief career she has made her mark at both domestic and international exhibitions and her works are included in many private collections.
May 4 // F+ GALLERY PRESENTS : ABSTRACTO
A feast for your eyes. Jophen Stein’s “Abstracto” opens May 4th 7-10pm at F+ Gallery. Abstracto features new paintings and sculptures by JOPHEN STEIN.
Jophen Stein is a graduate of The Laguna College of Art and Design. After establishing the Snootson Family Showcase in 2004 his distinctive style has gained national recognition over the past couple of years. Despite the minor set back of being banned from Iowa, Jophen Stein continues the SFSC series from his studio in Pomona.
An existential reaction to the seemingly nonsensical layers of narrative found in our modern life, Stein’s figures are often lost in communication break down. Within his stunning Theatre of the Absurd, shanghaied sailors, courageous child super heroes, emperors, Freemasons and beyond rub shoulders, volleying for direction in their chaotic and incoherent existence. Hinting at the ironic adulation of pulp and trash novels and iconic political propaganda alike, Stein questions how meaning and metaphor are constructed.
Jophen’s art has graced the skies of Los Angeles with artists like Marco Zamora, Sage Vaughn, Kelsey Brooks and others through the Vans Sky Gallery Project in 2007. His recent shows have included Regal Row, Art Prostitute Gallery, Scenographic Transmissions, Thinkspace Gallery, Fourplay, Lineage Gallery in Philadelphia, and Tel Est La Guerre, Project Gallery in Culver City.
“Abstracto” opens May 4th at F+ Gallery in Santa Ana, 7 – 10pm.
Ben Brough Presents : Children of the Wave
Ben Brough – the infamous 33 – has been an icon in surfing art for the past decade. And if you weren’t in the know about Ben, let us help you get acquainted. Cliff Notes version : Ben traveled the world surfing as a youngster, his punk rock no holds barred style became a beacon for like-minded individuals that would change a generation. Ben’s collage work was made famous in the early-mid 2000’s through Volcom ads in surfing magazines, and he’s been slowly starting to show the world his fine art side, as a member of the Human Pyramids art group and a resident artist at Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow gallery in Laguna Beach. Ben made a cameo appearance in Jamie Heinrich’s new film “Mach 9” which premiered a few weeks ago to large crowds at Lido Theater, Newport Beach, and he’s been working on his alter-ego conceptual project “Lonely Slider” with many cool things to be unveiled in the upcoming year. Read More
Interview with Danny Schutt : Cold War
F+ Gallery Owner, Micah Kersh: Danny and Cody collectively decided on the title of their upcoming exhibit at F+ Gallery; COLDWAR. Their works in the display allude both directly and indirectly to the great American rivalry with Russia in the 1980′s. Comrie and Schutt approach the subject in their own way. Danny uses a direct line back to the time with recognizable imagery of nuclear explosions, Russian cosmonauts, and iconic Russian architecture. Cody’s method is abstract, requiring the viewer to stretch their imagination and recollection of conflict. The combination of work is more than visually striking it is an intellectual journey that can be as educational as the viewer wants it to be. I found my self questioning the subject of COLDWAR and seeking to learn more in the process. Read More
ONE NIGHT ONLY! April 2, 2013 // AS ISSUED – Grant Brittain Arkitip Zine Release
Please join As Issued and Grant Brittain Tuesday April 2nd, 2013 to celebrate the release of Grant’s new photography zine published by Arkitip.
Grant will be in attendance to sign copies of his zine.
OCAR WELCOMES : JOANNE ARTMAN GALLERY
OC Artists Republic is proud to welcome Joanne Artman Gallery in Laguna Beach to the roster of great independent galleries in Orange County. JoAnne Artman opened her space in 2008, presenting vibrant and eclectic exhibitions. Her roster of artists are rooted in her obvious passion for the artist’s individual voice and mastery of technique. All artists are award-winning, and their works have been shown and collected in museums and private collections in Southern California, around the country and internationally.
OPENING PHOTOS // SPLENDOR DEVICE “THIS WILDE ABYSS”
The opening night of This Wilde Abyss took place last Saturday March 2nd, 2013. Laguna Beach’s Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow gallery is hosting the ladies of Splendor Device all female artist collective for the month of March. Read More
Michael Harnish – “Talking Bout my Generation” // words and photos by Mahya Shamai
Laguna Beach is home to a number of outstanding artists, one of which is Michael Harnish. Teaching at LCAD is not his only accomplishment; his work has been exhibited in galleries worldwide, capturing the attention of an eclectic audience. In his portrait paintings, Michael applies master techniques to contemporary subjects. His work fuses traditional and modern elements within areas of detailed rendering juxtaposing more abstract areas of abstraction. Their vast size demands the attention and time of the viewer. Don’t miss your chance to see these beautiful oil paintings up close in his duo show with artist Amy Hood : “Talking Bout my Generation” this Saturday at F+ Gallery. – Mahya Shamai
OC Artists Shine in Culver City – A Review of “In Our Wake” by Curbside Gallery owner Craig Richenburg
“In Our Wake” at Thinkspace Gallery.
-review by Craig Richenburg, owner and curator of Curbside Gallery Santa Ana
-photos from Chantal de Felice, artist and owner of Thump Gallery
I think it would be best to start pointing out the obvious; Culver City is not in the OC, so why cover a show with no readily apparent ties to the art world of Orange County. The answer to that question is Costa Mesa’s own Craig “Skibs” Barker who’s graced the walls of pretty much every significant gallery here. Also, in the show is Liz Brizzi who’s made the trek behind the curtain to show at Curbside and AR4T. Read More
SALT FINE ART ROCKS THE PALM SPRINGS ART FAIR
The 2013 Palm Springs Fine Art Fair is this weekend - February 15 – 17, 2013.
Once the playground of movie stars, captains of industry and world leaders – the region has evolved into a respected art oasis in the Southern California desert.
Like the LA Art Fairs, Palm Springs is within driving distance from Orange County, but unlike Los Angeles – once you get to Palm Springs (especially in the winter) you feel like you are in another world. Clear blue skies and green golf courses set against a majestic mountain backdrop…. a martini by the pool… midcentury homes and luxury automobiles… you feel like you’re a member of the rat pack. So in itself Palm Springs is truly a destination… but what better weekend to go then when you can see art from over 60 international galleries in one place – and maybe take something home as a souvenir of your Palm Springs lifestyle.
OCAR Interview with AR4T artist : Robert Sticky Shaw
Sticky Shaw is a fixture at Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow (AR4T Gallery) in Laguna Beach. He has been with the gallery since they opened in 2010, with highlights being a sold out duo show in 2011 and a critically acclaimed solo show in 2012.
Sticky is back to welcome Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow into 2013 with friends Karlee Mackie (KALM) Lauren Buckingham Over and Katherine Clarke Langlands. Their four man show aptly titled “Birds” is already bringing attention from the likes of CartwheelArt.com and opens Saturday February 9th from 6 to 9pm.
We caught up with Sticky for a quick interview before the show:
1. What’s new with Robert Sticky Shaw? Tell me where you are and what you are doing.
There’s a lot of new and big changes happening for me right now. Mainly, I moved to Mammoth Lakes, Ca. Although I have always traveled often, especially to Mammoth which is almost like a second home, I have never officially resided outside of Newport Beach, Ca. Some unexpected life circumstances have led me here and I’m eager to see what a new environment will bring in terms of creativity in my art and life experiences. As far as my artistic and professional life go, I designed a snow goggle for Arnette’s 2013/2014 line as well as graphics for The Lib Ripper, a kid’s snowboard by Lib Tech for their 2013/2014 line.
2. You picked the other artists that are showing along with you. Can you tell us a little bit about each one and why you picked them?
A New Space of Shifting Conditions // Hibbleton and PÄS Gallery February Shows
So far, my most wrenching challenge in contributing to this site is in narrowing down what art I am able to include. The Magoski Arts Colony in Fullerton is an especially problematic venue to report on because the converted warehouse is simply filled to the brim with exciting, honest and experimental artwork and ideas that all stem from a rare and beautifully inclusive attitude. This unavoidable energy created by the mix of galleries and artist studios, is aptly reflected in Hibbleton‘s current group show “A New Space: An Exploration of the Color Black”, with its various references to the great expanse between swirling and colliding bodies. Paintings, drawings, sculpture and installations by thirty artists range broadly from abstract to figurative, simple to complex and derive much from the concept of exploration. Electronic sounds mixed with keyboards, drums, and xylophones by Let’s Drive to Alaska on the opening night further encouraged the journey to these unchartered realms.
In the show at PÄS Gallery, “Shifting Conditions”, the art curator group White Matter has paired the large scale paintings and drawings of Hank Huang and Annie Compean, which complement each other with their strong technical foundations and willingness to leave the evidence of their experimentation in unworked areas of sketching and smears of paint. Huang’s pieces in the Hibbleton show, and his interest in the “natural and the digital” provide a link between the galleries, proving how many similarities lie behind the thought processes leading to a room full of black surfaces and one adorned with richly colored canvasses.
Next month marks the third anniversary of the Downtown Artwalk in Fullerton, which brings the participating venues into the Fullerton Museum Plaza for a “one-night art extravaganza”, a fitting way to celebrate the existence of this expanding community.
See you there!
Happy Holidays!!
From our family to yours, wishing you the happiest of holiday seasons filled with love and joy!
Nov 27, 2012 : Art Walk at SOBECA // The ARTery Gallery // As Issued
In my opinion, SOBECA is one of the best parts of Costa Mesa. Fittingly, it lives just down the street from the monolith shopping monstrosity South Coast Plaza. In the shadow of traditional commercialism, The Lab Anti-Mall has stood tall and strong in it’s belief that art and culture are non-negotiable. To this day, it’s the only place in all of Orange County where from one parking spot I walk into any one of five restaurants and walk away being overjoyed by the experience every time.
As Issued : Surf to Skate – Evolution to Revolution // By Monet Quick-Smits
Surf to Skate – Evolution to Revolution. A Traveling Exhibit and Epic Skateboard Book
By Monet Quick-Smits //
It’s a rare treat when an art installation can walk you through a comprehensive history that most people know little about. That type of visual feast becomes even more enticing when it translates into an independently designed, written and published coffee table book that can be enjoyed by art and boardsports enthusiasts alike.
Mike Parillo “Reckless Optimism” : Review by Torrey Cook
Mike Parillo leaves it all on the canvas.
Talking with him about his creative process, he reveals that he spends months thinking and plotting about direction for his work before starting, carefully compressing every inspiration, emotion and thought deeper and deeper until it cannot be contained.
Nov 10th : ACE – Anaheim Art Crawl Experience
One night only!! Downtown Anaheim closes to traffic and invites artists and musicians to take over the streets four times a year for the ACE – Anaheim Art Crawl Experience. All the galleries and Muzeo have new shows, music fills the air with live bands on outdoor stages, and you can get great food at restaurants like Gypsy Den, Umami Burger, Anaheim Brewery and gourmet food trucks to top it all off. Nov 10th will be the last ACE of the year, and what a better place to start shopping for your holiday gifts?
