Sour Harvest

Anthony Pontius - "The Crooners"

Thinkspace is honored to have been invited to help curate “The Big Payback“, the upcoming 15th Anniversary Auction for Juxtapoz Magazine. We’ve gathered works from over 20 artists we work and donated them on behalf of the artists to be featured alongside over 100 other international artists to help benefit the Powerhouse Project in Detroit. The art auction will help raise funds to purchase and renovate foreclosed and abandoned homes in the Detroit area (one of the hardest hit areas during this current economic crisis).

Check out part 1 of our recap on Juxtapoz here and part 2 here to view the first batch of donated works. There’s more to come, as the last shipment just arrived at Juxtapoz’ offices in SF late this past week, so look for part 3 of our recap to be posted sometime in the week ahead.

“Unafraid to test out something new, Thinkspace is constantly pushing boundaries and exposing new and exciting artists that often go on to exhibit internationally, while maintaining ties to the gallery that helped them start it all. This is not to say Thinkspace only showcases emerging talent, as a quick look at their roster proves Thinkspace has their proverbial finger directly on the pulse of contemporary art.” - JUXTAPOZ

Artists taking part on behalf of Thinkspace include:
Allison Sommers, Ekundayo, Anthony Clarkson, Craig ‘Skibs’ Barker, Sarah Joncas, Cherri Wood, Tran Nguyen, Dan-ah Kim, Catherine Brooks, Erik Siador, Brandi Milne, Nathan DeYoung, Dabs Myla, Tony Philippou, Joshua Mays, Anthony Pontius, Brett Amory, Kelly Vivanco, David MacDowell and a couple more in the works.

In addition to those we’ve curated to be in the show, also expect works in the auction from over 100 other national and internationally renowned contemporary artists including Matthew Barney, Swoon, CR Stecyk III, Shepard Fairey, Robert Williams, Todd Schorr, Estevan Oriol, Mister Cartoon, Doze Green, Todd “Reas” James, Thomas Campbell, Tim Biskup, KR, Big Daddy Roth, WK Interact, Clayton Brothers, Andrew Schoultz, James Jean, Ron English, David Choe, Mike Giant, Paul Insect, Jeremy Fish, Alex Pardee, Saber, David Ellis, Boogie, D*Face, Cody Hudson, Herbert Baglione, Craola, and more along with add’l curatorial assistance from Shooting Gallery, Copro Gallery, New Image Art, Jonathan LeVine Gallery, Fifty24SF Gallery, Subliminal Projects, Show & Tell, and White Walls.

From November 9-19, 2009, the public will be able to bid on the artwork online (link to follow). Additionally, in celebration of the auction and Juxtapoz’s 15th anniversary, Upper Playground in collaboration with SA Studios will host an exclusive event in Los Angeles on November 14th, 2009 at The Factory Place Arts Complex to view the featured artwork on display and meet with the contributing artists. More info to follow soon on this.

Keep tabs on the auction via daily updates at http://www.juxtapoz.com/auction/  

More on Powerhouse Project:
http://www.powerhouseproject.com
http://www.powerhouseproject.com/blog

Demi Moore with The London Police

As mentioned here previously, I have been writing for the awesome Arrested Motion site. Just posted a couple great recaps from two of my favorite shows from this past weekend. Look for opening night recaps to be posted in the next day or so there for The London Police at Carmichael Gallery (shown above) and Anthony Lister at New Image Art (shown below).

Anthony Lister

My ‘recommended show openings’ are also being posted over at AM now as well, but with an expanded outlook focusing on the world’s hottest shows, not just those in LA, so please be sure to check in there every Thursday for that action and don’t forget to always check back here every Wed or Thur for the expanded local LA version, that we’ve been posting and spreading around LA for over six years strong now.

Hellovon - showing this Sat at Cerasoli

Thurs, Sept. 17th 7-10PM
Munky King
7308 Melrose in Los Angeles
“Smash Party!” featuring the release of David Pressler’s “Angry Clobber Monkey” vinyl figure
www.munkyking.com  

Fri, Sept. 18th 6-8PM
GR2
2062 Sawtelle Blvd in Los Angeles / 310.445.9276
Book signing event with James Jean – Jean will be signing copies of “Kindling” and “PR3” along with his recent skate decks released by Giant Robot
(One-night only event)
www.gr2.net  

Sat, Sept. 19th 6-9PM
The Armory Center for the Arts
145 N. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena / 626.792.5101
“Inside/Out: Armory 20th Anniversary Exhibition” featuring site specific installations around Pasadena plus a display of works from the likes of Barry McGee, Ed Ruscha, Carl Cheng, Daniel Buren, Michael C. McMillen, Carlos Mollura, Matthew Moore, Barbara T. Smith, Sarah Perry, Rudy Perez and many more
(On view through Dec. 31st)
http://www.armoryarts.org/  

Sat, Sept. 19th 6-9PM
Cerasoli Gallery
8530-B Washington Blvd in Culver City
“Semblance” featuring new works from Hellovon + “The Initiation” featuring new works from Derek Albeck and French + “Relics and Warnings” featuring new works from Michele Carlson
www.cerasoligallery.com  

Sat, Sept. 19th 7-11PM
Gallery Nucleus
210 East Main Street in Alhambra
“Terrible Yellow Eyes” group show curated by Cory Godbey (creator of TerribleYellowEyes.com) featuring works inspired by the classic ‘Where The Wild Things Are’
(On view through Oct. 6th)
www.gallerynucleus.com  

Sat, Sept. 19th 6:30-10PM
GR2
2062 Sawtelle Blvd in Los Angeles / 310.445.9276
“Prints at GR2” featuring sold-out prints from the likes of Takashi Murakami, Chiho Aoshima, David Choe and Ai Yamaguchi – obviously the show with Eishi Takaoka we had hyped a bit back that was planned for Sept has been pushed, huge letdown… but this looks to be a cool event for sure.
(On view through Oct. 14th)
www.gr2.net

Sat, Sept. 19th 7PM
Surf VS. Skate Group Show
97 N. Coast Hwy. 101 in Encinitas
The 1st Annual Surf VS. Skate Group Show featuring Quicksilver and Roxy artists – come enjoy free beer, tunes from DJ Kiyo – portion of the proceeds raised will go to Stoked Mentoring

COMING UP NEXT MONTH:

October 9th, 10th, 11th
BEYOND EDEN ART FAIR
A multi-gallery event celebrating the new contemporary art scene in Los Angeles
LA Municipal Art Gallery at Barnsdall Park
4800 Hollywood Blvd.(near the Vermont intersection) in Los Angeles
For full details, check out www.beyondedenartfair.com

James Jean book signing at GR2
Friday, September 18th 6-8PM
2062 Sawtelle Blvd. in Los Angeles
www.gr2.net

Jean will be signing, Kindling, a high-quality, oversized, keepsake portfolio featuring 12 previously unpublished prints, in addition to the third installment of his highly collectible, limited-edition art book series, Process Recess. Also available will be Jean’s skateboard decks made to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Giant Robot magazine and sold exclusively by the Giant Robot stores.

Camilla at ComiCon this past July

An interview with Camilla d’Errico

Camilla d’Errico is a product of her split heritage, Italian and Canadian rolled into one: Italian fiestiness, Canadian politeness, and an early addiction to Saturday morning cartoons and comics. Her first love was and still is comics. Growing up she was more often doodling sexy damsels and dragons on her textbooks than reading them. In 1998, Camilla first attended her first San Diego Comic Con where upon the moment she walked through the doors she realised that a 9-5 day job would kill her and this was what she wanted to do.

After a few years in the comic industry Camilla expanded her style into a variety of other ventures: snowboard decals, magazine covers, toys, clothes and the pop art gallery scene. Thanks to her relentless energy, dedication, and sleep deprivation, she has followed her dream of working creatively for a living. She is part of what may be the first art movement in Western History where women are not second-class citizens, but have an edge in the mind of the public, especially when it comes to capturing the essence of the modern woman.

"Gentle Fawns"

Please talk a lil’ bit about the general idea/vibe behind your new series of works for the ‘Vain Remains’ show with Caia Koopman.
This series is very unique for me because i’ve stepped outside my comfort zone and explored a different visual theme. Vain Remains, is really about nature, cycles of life and death, and normally i play out my themes with living animals, or head gear, but this time i chose to take the literal approach of skeletons. Often times, people will look away from them because its too grim, but its part of life and its important that we don’t loose sight of that. Sometimes you have to look at the scary things to see how beautiful they really are.

"Resurected Bone Collective"

What do you consider your biggest overall influence?
For these pieces i found a lot of inspiration from my youth. I grew up in a small country town, and often i’d come across a deer skeleton, or cow remains in the pastures and fields i traversed, so i really tried to remember those moments. I picked out the colors from my memories, and put them back into these paintings along with patterns, for me those represent the vanity and beauty of the remains. Decorations to ease our eyes and hearts.

"Nature's Course"

Please describe your perfect day out in Vancouver.
When its sunny here, nothing beats this town. If it were sunny, light breeze, not too hot, I’d go down to the ocean for a walk, then over to Granville Island Market to pick up fresh produce and flowers and enjoy it with my friends at Third Beach, where the sunset is breathtaking, then walk down Robson street in the evening and catch all the street socializing i could…probably couldn’t ask for more.

Camilla at work in her studio in Vancouver

If you had an unlimited budget and time was not an issue, what grand artistic vision would you love to bring to life?
A fashion show that featured my helmetgirls. I would give anything for that, to have a runway show. I would create dresses and headgear that i’d place on models, paint them black and white and watch my living paintings going down the walkway.

"A Product Of Nowhere"

Any highlights you’d care to share from your recent onslaught of comic festival appearances? You’ve been around the globe in the past few months promoting your Tanpopo series and everything else you’ve got cookin’.
Comic Con was amazing as always, and the biggest highlight for me there was my panel with Dave Mack and Terry Moore, on Life Drawing Amanda Palmer. It was amazing! My first SDCC panel ever. What a great audience and concept, too cool ^_^. Though i have to say that my Singapore trip was pretty awesome too. I featured my entire booth on Tanpopo, sold out of books, and had an overwhelming response to my art. I was quite moved.

"The Deer God's Coma"

Please tell us a little bit about all the upcoming projects you have planned for the coming year and what lies ahead for Tanpopo?
The next thing coming out is my issue #1 of Sky Pirates of Neo Terra with Image comics. Its coming out at the end of the month, and will be part of a 5 issue series. This comic is based off a Nintendo DS and Wii game that i worked on the art for. It’s very cool. And the game comes out in the spring of 2010, so watch out for that! Also, Tanpopo continues with issue #3 this winter! I’m very excited to work on this, its my passion project that people are really responding to so i’m very thrilled to be able to give another chapter in the series. I also have many other things on the go, but you’ll have to check out my website, or else this answer is going to become epic in length!

"The Fated Binding"

‘Vain Remains’
Camilla d’Errico and Caia Koopman

THIS FRIDAY @ Thinkspace
4210 Santa Monica Blvd (near Sunset Junction) in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles

Digital preview of works from ‘Vain Remains’ here.

Look for Camilla’s ‘Back Talk’ set of questions over at Juxtapoz in the coming days.

Camilla and Caia will be present at the opening, so please be sure to swing through.