Camilla d’Errico was recently interviewed at great length by the fine folks over at the Toysrevil blog. Check it out here – just a great and super informative read. Camilla has so many things cooking right now, it’s a true inspiration. A book from Sparrow, a postcard set from Dark Horse, a special install in Vancouver around the upcoming Olympics, her graphic novel, plush figures, a video game with Nintendo, talks of taking her helmet girls to the big screen and so much more. Whew!

Look for our interview with Camilla to be posted here soon as well. Also be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a ‘Back Talk’ feature over at Juxtapoz.com as we head into the opening of ‘Vain Remains’ next Fri, Sept. 11th.

Check out a ’sneak peek’ of Camilla’s progress for the show here.

‘Vain Remains’
Camilla d’Errico & Caia Koopman

Opening Reception: Fri, Sept. 11th 7-11PM
*Both artists will be in town for the opening reception

Thinkspace
4210 Santa Monica Blvd (at Sunset Blvd) in Los Angeles

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Galerie d’art Yves Laroche up in Montreal opens “Life Size” this Wednesday – a two person show betweeen Paris native Turf One (aka Jean Labourdette) and the U.S. based Shawn Barber.

‘Life Size’
Turf One and Shawn Barber
Opening Reception: Wed., Sept. 2nd 6-9PM
Sept. 2nd – Sept. 13th

This will serve as a great warm up to Turf One’s debut Los Angeles solo show coming up this November at Thinkspace… more on ‘Shinning Darkness’ very soon. SO can’t wait to have Turf One down for this show. After rocking things at the recent ‘Beach Blanket Bingo’ summer group show at Jonathan LeVine in NYC, the stage is set for Turf to deliver in a big way this fall. Look for more sneak peeks and an interview with Turf One to be posted here soon.

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After turning many a head at the recent ‘Moodswings’ show at Carmichael Gallery where he sold out all his works, Southern California based street artist Bumblebee has been on the move and rockin’ things. We’ve been talking to him about coming over and doing a bigger version of his “Morning Air” piece (shown above) in our backyard for a couple months now and recently all aligned to allow for him to come over and do his thing. Below are some process shots of the work coming together. Came out just killer!

Keep up with Bumblebee via his Flickr here.

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Kaboom!
featuring new works by Mear One & Michael Pukac

TONIGHT – Friday, August 28th 6-10PM

The Gas Company Lofts
810 Flower Street in Los Angeles

LIVE PAINTING – LIVE MUSIC – SANGRIA + Beats by DJ Cheebo

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Thurs, August 27th 6-10PM
BFF Storefront Gallery
4316 Melrose Ave (near Heliotrope) in Los Angeles
“Joyride Art Show” in conjunction with the Bicycle Film Festival – group show presented in collaboration with New Image Art and Anonymous Gallery featuring works from Kenny Scharf, Martha Cooper, Kelsey Brookes, Cheryl Dunn, Maya Hayuk, Scott Campbell, Erik Foss, Mike Giant, Mear One, Chris Stain, Geoff McFetridge, AIKO, Ellis Gallagher, Leo Fitzpatrick, Rich Jacobs, I LOVE DUST, James Jean, Aakash Nihalani, and many, many more.
www.bicyclefilmfestival.com

Fri, August 28th 6-10PM
The Gas Company Lofts
810 Flower Street in Los Angeles
“Kaboom!” featuring new works from Michael Pukac and Mear One plus both will be painting live
(On view through Sept. 4th)

Fri, August 28th 7-11PM
Ronin Gallery
1924 Echo Park Ave in Los Angeles
“In the Flat Field” featuring new works from Parskid and Julian Duron
(On view through Sept. 25th)
http://www.theroningallery.com/  

Sat, August 29th 9PM-1AM (Admission is $8 – $6 entrance with a costume)
CANNIBAL FLOWER 9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW
New Location: 2079 E. 15th St Los Angeles, CA 90021 – Just off of Alameda, near the 10 Freeway / Cross street is Santa Clara
With featured Artist Kelly Berg and live Performance from the Ephemme Suspension Performance (ESP), plus live music and fashion show alongside live painting from Mear One and Michael Pukac along with Live Body Painting from Bryan Crump and a huge group show featuring works from Mark Mothersbaugh, Robert Miltenberg, Chris Peters, Chet Zar, Mear One, Alex Garcia, Ekundayo, Paul Chatem, Dabs and Myla, Nate Seubert, Craig “Skibs” Barker, Tiki Jay One, Liz Brizzi, Joe Bravo, Brian Robertson, Michael Pukac, L. Croskey, Erick Rodriguez, Delphia, Anton Godard, Donna Louise Seron, Katherine Siy, Nicole Bruckman, Macsorro, Salah, John P. Wales, Shay Davis, Paul Torres, Patrick Hammerlein, Kyle Harper, Shahid Brown, Michele Waterman, Emiliana Henriquez, Matt Rae, Terri Berman, Douglas Alvarez, Carlos Ulloa, Richard Arthur, Kelly Thompson, Stephen Canthal, Taslimur, Rebecca Peloquin, Dion Macellari, Brendan Tierney, Rory Gilmore, John Hicks, Snow Mack, Emily Scott, David Foto, Mickey M. Edtinger, Sergio D. Robleto, N.S. David, Yuki Miyazaki, Atiba Azikiwe Andrews, Jose Carabes, Cambria, Glenn Arthur, Cate Rangel, Ubaldo Miranda Villa, Greg Yoshitaki, Elizabeth Caffey, Marla Carter, Donna Letterese, Sarah Ramirez, Michelle Cohen and more along with resident DJ’s Mr. NumberOnederful and X-Point along with guest DJ’s DJ Jas Shepherd of KPFK’s Forward Motion along with Patrick Icon of C.A.V.E Gallery ad DJ Bus Rider
(One-night only event)
http://www.cannibalflower.com

Sat, August 28th 7-11PM
Exhibit A Gallery
1086 South Fairfax Ave in Los Angeles / 323.954.7295
“Bipolar” group show featuring works from Allison Sommers, Bigfoot, James Naccarato, Melissa Haslam, Mike Maxwell, Nate Frizzell, Sas Christian, Tiffany Liu, Tim Biskup, Jenn Porreca and many more
www.exhibitagallery.com

Sat, August 29th 7-11PM
Gallery Nucleus
210 East Main Street in Alhambra / 626.458.7477
“Sweet Streets” is a group show celebrating the enigmatic cool of Japanese Harajuku street fasion co-curated by CARO, the show’s impressive lineup features 40+ artists including Yumiko Kayukawa, CARO, Junko Mizuno, Angie Mason, Yoko d’Holbachie, Elizabeth Ito, Mizna Wada, Tiffany Liu, Hideo Okamoto, Griselda Sastrawinata, Kevin Dart, Fawn Fruits, Tessar Lo, Stef Choi, tokidoki, Anna Chambers, Kozyndan, Mari Inukai, Karen Chau, Jeremyville, You Byun, Attaboy, Lauren Gregg, SKAFFS, Kirsten Ulve, Thomas Han, Tim Biskup & Tigerlily, & Danni Luo and the opening feature music from the streets of Tokyo and appearances by Harajuku girls
(On view through Sept. 14th)
www.gallerynucleus.com

Sat, August 29th 8-10PM
Goodform Salon
725 N. Fairfax Ave
“Age Of Reason” featuring new works from Nathan Spoor
www.goodformsalon.com

Sat, August 29th 8-10PM
Japanese American National Museum
369 East 1st Street in Los Angeles / 213.625.0414
“Glorious Excess (Dies)” featuring new works from Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park
(On view through Oct. 4th)
www.janm.org

Sat, August 29th – doors @ 7PM
Riverside Municipal Auditorium
3485 Mission Inn Ave. in Riverside
‘Sea No Evil Art Show 2009′ benefit auction featuring works from Anthony Lister, Arnold Cornelio, Ashley Macomber, Bwana Spoons, Cathie Bleck, Cali Dewitt, Chivo, Chris Rubino, Chris Ryniak, Greg ‘Craola’ Simkins, Dave Cooper, Dave Kinsey, Deph, Dire, Dustin Ortiz, Dylan Martorell, Fabian Iezzi, Jonathan Garcia, Justin Heathcoat, George Thompson, Glen E. Friedman, Gregory Euclide, Gretchen Ryan, Heather Carlton “Hezaa”, Hydro 74, Iqvinder Singh, Jeff Phillips, Jeff Soto, Jeffrey Pidgeon, Jennifer Becker, Jon Chase, Kevin Christy, Kevin Peterson, Logan Hicks, Lola, Louis Henderson, Madsteez, Marc Hemeon, Mars-1, Maxx 242, Maya Hayuk, Melinda Read, Michael Muller, Michael Sieben, Mike Stilkey, Munk One, Nathan Fischer, Neko, Oliver Sutter, Peggy Oki, Priscilla Iezzi, Renee Lawter, Renta, Ryan Jacob Smith, Scott Morse, Shaunna Peterson, Shepard Fairey, Six Gun Drums, Steven Daily, Tim Biskup, and Travis Millard
http://www.seashepherdartshow.com/
www.SeaShepherd.org

Sat, August 29th 8-11PM
Solid Gallery One
334 N. Fairfax Ave in Los Angeles
“Collaborations” a group show celebrating their 2 Year Anniversary featuring collaborative works from Axis, H.R. Giger, Slymenstra Hymen, 13:11, Miss Wendy, Eyesr, and many more
(On view through Oct. 18th)
www.solidgalleryone.com

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Recently visited the studio of Buff Monster as he prepares for his solo show at Corey Helford Gallery opening next month.

Look for more pics and info via my full post on Buff’s upcoming show over at http://arrestedmotion.com

‘Heavy Metal Ice Cream Smile’

Opening Reception: Sat, Sept. 5th 7-10PM

Corey Helford Gallery
8522 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310.287.2340

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Joao Ruas has been busy at work on upcoming covers for the Fables franchise as well as preparing to release his first prints.

Joao also just launched his new website – http://www.feral-kid.com/ – be sure to check it out.

In addition to the prints Joao will be releasing himself via his site next month, look for a limited edition giclee print to be released from Thinkspace soon as well.

“Enkindu & Gilgamesh”
12×12″ giclee print
Hand signed and numbered by the artist
Limited edition of 30 prints (+ 5 artist proofs)
*more details and pricing to be announced soon…

Up next look for a couple of new works from Joao in LeBasse Project’s special NYC show coming together for this November to be followed with a couple of new works for our booth at Aqua Art Miami this December. After that he’ll be hard at work on his debut Los Angels solo with us for April 2010. More to follow soon including some very big news from Mr. Ruas.

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Barry McGee was spotted in Pasadena today…

Above and below are sneak peeks of an installation from the elusive Barry McGee currently coming together in Old Town Pasadena at the corner of Holly and N. Fairoaks.

This September, the Armory Center for the Arts launches its 20th Anniversary year with the exhibition ‘Installations Inside/Out’, curated by Jay Belloli and Sinéad Finnerty-Pyne. Paying tribute to its 20 years of exhibition history, the Armory commissioned 20 contemporary artists to make new site-specific works and installations both inside the Armory and at sites throughout Pasadena.

Artists included in this special event alongside Barry McGee are Kim Abeles, Edgar Arceneaux, Deborah Aschheim, Daniel Buren, Carl Cheng, Seth Kaufman, Michael C. McMillen, Carlos Mollura, Matthew Moore, Jane Mulfinger, Bruce Nauman, Rudy Perez, Sarah Perry, Ed Ruscha, Betye Saar, Barbara T. Smith, John Trevino, Pae White, and Mario Ybarra Jr.

Word has it there will be an inflatable-based installation, but these pics don’t hint at that just yet, but it’s still early on. Currently his work covers almost all the walls of the store, made up of a large number of his complex geometric paintings on thin pieces of wood on which he has done additional painting. Looking good so far, eager to see this come together. We’ll post more details as we get ‘em.

Armory Center for the Arts 20th Anniversary Historical Survey
September 20 – December 31
Opening reception: Saturday, September 19th
In conjunction with ‘Installations Inside/Out’, a photographic history of the Armory Programs from 1989 – 2009 will also be on display

*Pics courtesy of special SH agent KMNDZ

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Eishi Takaoka will make a return to LA next month for a solo show at GR2 over on Sawtelle in Los Angeles.

His hand-carved sculptures are just stunning. We can’t wait to hopefully add another of his works to our ever-growing collection and can’t stress enough to get out to this show and see his works in person for yourself. They speak so loudly.

Eishi Takaoka is a young sculptor based out of Kagoshima, Japan who has participated in group shows in Tokyo and New York, as well as one-person exhibitions at Giant Robot New York and GR2 in Los Angeles in the past. This is his 2nd solo at GR2 here in Los Angeles. He also took part in the Giant Robot curated group show at the Scion Installation LA space a couple years back.

The exhibition will be comprised primarily of intricately carved wood heads painted with raw mineral pigments with many placed atop empty glass medicine bottles. Although these sculptures all portray the same serene expression, their outwardly calm façade belies a world of bottled-up emotions. With nowhere else to go, these intense feelings manifest themselves in outlandish formations that sprout out the top of each figures head.

Takaoka’s unique work is rooted in a personal fantasy world that is fueled by the emotional ups and downs of daily life in lower-middle class Japan. Heavily influenced by the expressive songs of the Japanese punk rock group Eastern Youth, Takaoka releases his frustration with life in Kagoshima and feelings of isolation into each of his sculptures.

Further details coming soon.

GR2
2062 Sawtelle Blvd. in West Los Angeles
www.gr2.net

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Interview with collectors Gregg and Yvette Spatz

My wife and I recently had the pleasure of visting the Long Beach area home of long-time collectors Gregg and Yvette Spatz. Their home is a shrine to the work they love and a true inspiration to visit. They collect from many sub-genres of the art world with the main focus of their collection on illustration based works, especially those that have been covers of comics and/or featured in the annual Spectrum books which highlight the best and brightest from the world of fantasy driven art.

How long have you had an interest in art?
I have been interested in art ever since I can remember. I took art classes back in Junior high and high school, but sports ended up winning out in the end. I would buy the Boris Vallejo Fantasy calendar every year to hang in my room, because I was interested in body building and Fantasy art and those calendars were the perfect mix of both worlds. I have been lucky enough to own two of his paintings now. The dawn of the computer and the internet is what got my interest going forward with my art collecting to what it is today.

Does anyone else in your family collect or create art?
No one in my immediate family collects or creates art, but my wife Yvette shares the passion with me. We actually went to art galleries and museums while we were dating and carried the passion into our collecting after we got married. I am so lucky to have a wife that is willing to put up with me spending so much money and time into art. It takes a really special person and you also know that, having Shawn share the art with you too.

With artists like Mark Ryden, Todd Schorr, Camille Rose Garcia, Shepard Fairey and The Clayton Brothers all having major retrospective museum shows in the past year or two, the future is definitely wide open for this lil’ bubble of the art world. Where do you see this genre of art (new contemporary, urban contemporary, pop surrealism, outsider, lowbrow, etc) going over the next 5-10 years?
Andrew, I see todays art movement continuing to reach even higher levels. This art movement has shown even with a downed economy it can still move upward and outward. It seems like all the major artists have continued to sell out their shows. There has also been a big jump with illustration and Comic Book artists moving over to the gallery scene. It is their way to do some of the work that they can’t do for publishers. This also helps keep the art movement moving forward and not getting stagnate. I do worry though, about too many galleries opening and causing some of the work out there to get watered down. There are tons of yet to be discovered artists out there, but some are being thrust into the gallery scene when they shouldn’t be.

With this genre of art gaining in popularity, price points and awareness, there’s a fear amongst some collectors that what we have held dear and close for so long, may well soon be torn wide open and new collectors and gallery players will start hunting about for ‘the next big thing’. Any feedback to that notion?
Galleries have always looked for the next big thing, but the trend has been getting worse with the advent of the internet. It is just easier today to hunt down talent over the computer without even leaving the gallery or your home. This just increases the competition level between galleries.

First piece purchased and when/why?
The first piece Yvette and I bought together was a Cibachrome print of “Mermaid Dreams” by Wyland and Jim Warren. It was just a beautiful painting and there was no way for us to afford the original. It now hangs on a wall in my parents house. We also have not bought any prints since.

The first major painting we bought was “Allure of Damnation” by Brom. It is just the perfect chick painting! Brom is also one of the best Fantasy artists in the world and we were very lucky he still had this painting available. It has been used for calendars, books and tee shirts.

Do you have any sculpture in your collection?
We do have two great sculptures by local artist Lisa Snellings Clark. her work can be scene in some volumes of the Spectrum series art books. We also own a piece by Ver Mar, a huge green Ogre by Kim Graham and numerous “Day of the Dead” pieces and masks. We also used to collect Mexican folk art.

Favorite piece you currently own?
I really can’t say that I have a favorite piece, but can tell who some of my favorite artists are from the collection. This may sound like a cop out, but is not. Each guy has his own unique style and can’t be compared to each other. Brom, Phil Hale, John Jude Palencar, Chris Mars, Todd Schorr, Donato,Jon Foster, Justin Sweet, Boris Vallejo, Julie Bell, Dan Dos Santos, Dave McKean, Alex Gross, Ian Miller and Rick Berry. I hate leaving anybody out, but just can’t name them all.

What was your biggest score of 2009 collecting wise? Best score to date?
The best scores of 2009 are not even in the house yet. I have a Batman commission coming in July from Phil Hale and an Alex Gross painting arriving whenever I can pay it off (actually it’s arrived since and it’s amazing / pic below - editor). I have been waiting years for Phil’s piece and if you have every seen any of his previous Batman pieces you would know why. He is just a genius of an artist!

Who is at the top of your want list?
Mark Ryden! His work is the best of illustration mixed with fine art.

If you could add any piece of artwork to your collection, from any time period, which work would that be?
“The Creatix” by Mark Ryden. I was able to see this painting a couple of times and it was the best one for just too many reasons to name.

I know you are a huge fan of comic book and graphic novel derived work and are a huge follower of the Spectrum series. There is such a wealth of amazing talent in the illustration field, just aching to be discovered and shown in proper gallery spaces. Name one artist that might be off the radar of most, but that has consistently blown your mind and you feel is worth a shout out.
I just can’t name one. I just keep discovering new illustration guys all the time. Some of these guys are new and some may have been around for a while, but keep a lower profile. Wade Furlong (a comic book guy that has his own very unique style. Also was just accepted to be in this years Spectrum), Jon Wayshak (been doing comic book work lately, but not afraid to push the envelope with his style or visions), Chris Rahn (does some very nice gaming art using oils or digital), Michael Ryan (very nice spooky oils). Just get a copy of the last few issues of Spectrum and see how many great artists there are out there. It will blow you away! I need to give a huge shout out to Arnie and Cathy Fenner for doing such a brilliant job of publishing that series! It has been very instrumental for our collection.

View more pics of the works in their collection via the below link:
http://www.munchkinpress.com/cpg149/thumbnails.php?album=7

The next collector profile will be published shortly. Stay tuned, we’ve some great interviews in the works.

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