There are still some choice works on hand from 'New Blood' - check them out here: http://thinkspacegallery.com/works/?exhibit=162&p=NB2012

Stephanie Buer's debut solo show has sold out and we have also sold through her past inventory we had on hand. Look for a new work from Stephanie in our big 'Wild At Heart: Keep Wildlife In The Wild' exhibit opening next Sat, May 26th and more to follow in the year ahead.

Morgan Spurlock’s ‘New Blood‘ + Stephanie Buer's 'Nothing Lasts Forever'

Both exhibits are on view through this Sat, May 19th. We'll be open 1-8PM this Saturday for your final chance to view these amazing exhibits.

Thinkspace / 6009 Washington Blvd. in Culver City, CA / thinkspacegallery.com

‘Wild At Heart – Keep Wildlife In The Wild’

Co-curated by Andrew Hosner and Amanda Erlanson

20% of all sales will go to benefit ‘Born Free USA’ and the world’s endangered species

Reception with the artists: Sat, May 26th 5-9PM

On view May 26th – June 9th, 2012

Thinkspace is proud to present “Wild at Heart: Keep Wildlife in the Wild,” an exhibition to raise awareness about the precarious predicament of wild creatures around the world, and to benefit efforts to protect them in their natural habitat. Featuring a stellar cast of more than 100 artists from all corners of the art world, this exhibition brings together some of the most profound and innovative voices making art today. In recognition of the imperiled state of much of the world’s wildlife, each artist will apply their own unique perspective to our relationship with the fascinating creatures with whom we share our planet.

As the natural world becomes increasingly impacted by shifting climate, human greed and diminishing resources, protecting those creatures that still roam free becomes ever more vital to the soul of humanity. For even if we could continue to exist without wildlife, the spirit-crushing sadness that our species would take upon itself would surely rob all joy from life. Those majestic, miraculous, elemental beings which we admire from afar are at the root of who we are as people — from the woodland protagonists of our childhood storybooks, to the metaphors we use to describe ourselves as adults, to the animal spirits that visit us in our dreams. As we take steps to protect them from those who would rob them of their freedom, we also improve our own species’ chances to persist far into the future, both by preserving the natural world we all share, and by cherishing the sacred genesis of our imagination and symbology.

In appreciation of the magnificent creatures with whom we share the planet, Thinkspace will donate 20% of the sale price of each piece of art to Born Free USA and the Animal Protection Institute, which operate jointly as a non-profit organization that advocates worldwide for the ethical treatment and protection of wild animals, and also maintains a large sanctuary for rescued primates. To honor the animals closest to our hearts, the gallery will be accepting donations of old blankets to donate to area shelters so dogs don’t have to sleep on cold hard concrete, as well as other used and new pet supplies. The opening will feature the release of a gorgeous limited edition screenprinted poster especially created for the exhibition by the incomparable Aaron Horkey. We hope you will join us on May 26th to celebrate and defend the wild things that fill our lives with wonder and mystery.

PLUS a silent auction of donated rare prints from Mark Ryden, Marion Peck and Audrey Kawasaki with all proceeds going to support Born Free USA.

Full show details and sneak peek here: http://thinkspacegallery.com/shows/2012-05/

Flickr photo set here: www.flickr.com/photos/thinkspace/sets/72157629397877894/

Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/events/462556653760620/

About Born Free USA: Born Free USA is a national animal advocacy nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, contributions to which are tax-deductible. Our mission is to end the suffering of wild animals in captivity, rescue individual animals in need, protect wildlife — including highly endangered species — in their natural habitats, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. Every year, millions of animals suffer in fur farms and circus cages. In our campaigns against such cruelties, we use powerful tools including legislation, public education, litigation, and grassroots networking. We also work actively with media to spread the word about challenges facing animals.

Our primary campaign areas currently include animals used in entertainment, captive exotic animals, trapping & fur, and the international wildlife trade.

For much more information: http://bornfreeusa.org

Thinkspace / 6009 Washington Blvd. in Culver City, CA / thinkspacegallery.com

Thinkspace in co-operation with Spoke Art present: ‘Synergy’

Thinkspace curated exhibit at: Spoke Art 816 Sutter Street | San Francisco, CA 94109 www.spoke-art.com

Opening Reception: Thursday, May 3rd 6-10PM

On view through May 26th

Featuring new works from: Allison Sommers Ana Bagayan Bumblebee Craig “Skibs” Barker Dabs Myla Dan-ah Kim Dave MacDowell David Cooley Derek Gores Elliot Brown Erik Siador Jeff Ramirez Jolene Lai Kelly Vivanco Liz Brizzi Matt Doust Nathan DeYoung Seth Armstrong Stella Im Hultberg Stephanie Buer Yosuke Ueno

View more info on the above featured artists here: http://thinkspacegallery.com/artists/

Join the party - Facebook event page here: www.facebook.com/events/157032324423380/

See you this Thursday San Francisco!!!

DABS MYLA 'Break Night Lovers'

Reception with the artists: Sat, May 5th 8-11PM.

The duo will be showing in the project room of Known Gallery and the show will feature a great new installation including numerous hand-painted items along with two new paintings and two new drawings.

Take a peek at the duo working on the installation here: http://dabsmyla.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/installation-frenzy/

This special show opens in conjunction with 'Sketchy Motherf*&kers' in the main gallery feature new works on paper from Rime and KC.

On view May 5th - May 19th

Check out LA Weekly's interview with Morgan for 'New Blood' here: http://blogs.laweekly.com/arts/2012/04/morgan_spurlock_new_blood_thin.php

Check out a new interview from Juxtapoz with Morgan on 'New Blood' here: www.juxtapoz.com/Features/back-talk-a-conversation-with-morgan-spurlock

Huffington Post also posted a preview of 'New Blood' today: http://tinyurl.com/7xba5y4

Get ready for this Saturday LA!

Morgan Spurlock's 'New Blood' This Saturday, April 28th from 5-9PM

Take a sneak peek at the show here along with the full lineup: http://thinkspacegallery.com/shows/2012-04/#peek

Facebook event: www.facebook.com/events/411858095497907/

Thinkspace / 6009 Washington Blvd. in Culver City, CA / http://thinkspacegallery.com

AM: Are there any other artists that you think would make good filmmakers that you could possibly make one of your protégés? MS: I would love for Todd Schorr to be given a bank of money to make an animated film. How brilliant and fucked up would that movie be?

Check out Arrested Motion's full interview with Morgan Spurlock here: http://arrestedmotion.com/2012/04/interview-morgan-spurlock/

Take a sneak peek at the show coming to life here: www.flickr.com/photos/thinkspace/sets/72157629274921834/

‘New Blood’ opens to the public this Sat, April 28th from 5-9PM

Full show details here: http://thinkspacegallery.com/shows/2012-04/

Thinkspace / 6009 Washington Blvd. in Culver City, CA / www.thinkspacegallery.com

Something that concerns you: Reality Television. Everytime I watch the movie 'Idiocracy', I can’t help but think that may be the direction society is headed.

Check out Juxtapoz's full interview with Stephanie Buer here: www.juxtapoz.com/Current/back-talk-a-conversation-with-stephanie-buer

Stephanie Buer 'Nothing Lasts Forever'

Reception with the artist: Sat, April 28th 5-9PM On view April 28th through May 19th in our project room

Thinkspace / 6009 Washington Blvd. in Culver City, CA / www.thinkspacegallery.com

Spurlock explains why and how he chose the established artists in the exhibit: I picked artists who I believe had helped re-shape the art world in some way, artists whose imprint will be felt for decades to come. Each of them have created bodies of work that explore issues of censorship, free speech, human rights, voter’s rights, abandonment, depression, pollution, gun control, corporate & governmental malfeasance, & personal empowerment through art. Through art, you can create a truly inspired conversation and debate that forces us to engage with a topic.

Check out the full interview with Morgan from the good folks at Fire Dog Lake here: http://tinyurl.com/6srorll

Take a sneak peek at the show coming to life here: www.flickr.com/photos/thinkspace/sets/72157629274921834/

'New Blood' opens to the public this Sat, April 28th from 5-9PM

Thinkspace / 6009 Washington Blvd. in Culver City, CA / www.thinkspacegallery.com

Thinkspace in co-operation with Spoke Art present: ‘Synergy’

Thinkspace curated exhibit at: Spoke Art 816 Sutter Street | San Francisco, CA 94109 www.spoke-art.com

Opening Reception: Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 6-10PM

On view through May 26th

Thinkspace is proud to present ‘Synergy’, an exhibition presented in co-operation with our good friends at Spoke Art in San Francisco, CA. Timed to coincide with the major art fairs taking place in San Francisco this May, ‘Synergy’ aims to profile a nice cross section of established and emerging artists from the Thinkspace family. Showcasing an array of artistic mediums, ‘Synergy’ features 21 artists from six countries shining a light on one of Los Angeles’ most talked about contemporary art galleries.

Featuring new works from: Allison Sommers Ana Bagayan Bumblebee Craig “Skibs” Barker Dabs Myla Dan-ah Kim Dave MacDowell David Cooley Derek Gores Elliot Brown Erik Siador Jeff Ramirez Jolene Lai Kelly Vivanco Liz Brizzi Matt Doust Nathan DeYoung Seth Armstrong Stella Im Hultberg Stephanie Buer Yosuke Ueno

View more information on all of the featured artists above here: thinkspacegallery.com/artists/

Take a sneak peek at the show coming to life here: www.flickr.com/photos/thinkspace/sets/72157629172749076/

More details announced soon including info on a special ltd. ed. giclee print we're releasing opening night!

Stephanie Buer began pursing a career in art at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan where she fell in love with the city and urban exploration. She spent the next ten years living in Detroit and developing as an artist. Her urban landscapes explore the many layers of history found in the marginal areas of cities. From the imprints of industry and production to its eventual decay, each subject has a historical context, an original purpose that is now lost. She is fascinated by how these places change as they succumb to the manipulation of vandals, artists and the resilience of nature ever slowly growing alongside. Through her art Stephanie seeks to find beauty and peace in these forgotten and unloved areas of cities. She currently works in Portland, Oregon at her studio in the Falcon Art Community.

The photographs that i took to work from are all of the Packard Plant and were all taken just before i left Detroit to move to Portland Oregon, so they’re very special. It was difficult to leave so these images are quite emotional to me. When i see them i remember exactly how i felt when i stopped by all my favorite places to say goodbye. I go home to visit as much as i can and will continue to explore the city but these images in particular hold special meaning and really express how i felt at that transitional time in my life.

Please share a lil’ about your love affair with Detroit and the old Packard Plant that is located there.

My love affair with Detroit did not begin right away, it grew on me over the years. Its like a stray cat that won’t stop showing up at your door and next thing you know she’s living in your house and you’re best friends. I moved to Detroit about 10 years ago to attend the College for Creative Studies. Growing up in a small farming town in West Michigan, my entire childhood was spent in the countryside or at my family’s cabin up north. Moving to a big city like Detroit was a bit of a shock, and I was very homesick. I started hanging out at the Heidelberg Project and made friends with some of the artists who lived and worked there. One of the guys was working on a project and he wanted to make a trip to this old factory to pick up some materials and asked if i would help. That was my first trip to the Packard Plant and it was awe inspiring! We went into this old room that was last used as a storage facility for a shoe warehouse, I literally climbed to the top of a mountain of high heels, it was amazing. I instantly fell in love with the building and urban exploration, the peace and quiet of the countryside that i was so homesick for was there. You could watch the seasons change, see flowers and trees grow, there was even wild animals. Yet it was sad that amidst a busy city like Detroit there were these beautiful, man made structures just wasting away in solitude. Everything about it fascinated me.

What fuels you to keep creating?

I’m not exactly certain what it is. Some people feel a natural obligation to help people, be sociable, solve problems, I’ve always naturally ended up by myself, making things. I think I was wired to create, ever since I can remember I’ve been very motivated to create.

You work in charcoal and with oil paints, two of the more difficult mediums to master. What led you to choose them and do you favor one over the other?

I was challenged to try everything in art school, it was a great learning experience. I always prefered drawing though, it was what came easiest to me, and I fell in love with charcoal because it’s so much more dramatic and expressive then something like graphite. I love contrast and nothing gives you a rich, deep black like charcoal. Painting has always been more difficult for me, it’s so much more complicated and I am a little intimidated. I choose to focus on oils because they work really well for landscapes, I love the texture that paint provides, the way you can get these really thick paintings with lots of brush strokes. Also, I think I’m generally more inclined to classical mediums, because I enjoy the history. Sometimes when I’m drawing in charcoal I like to think that with all the advancements that we’ve made as a human race, I'm still using the exact same material to interpret the world around me as cavemen did.

Can you share a bit about your current residency/fellowship?

The Fellowship is a collaboration between the Falcon Art Community and The Calligram Foundation, and it is the state of Oregon’s largest visual arts fellowship, I am one of five artists who have been picked to receive this fellowship. The Calligram Foundation, with is lead by Allie Furlotti provides the support through a monthly stipend and she is collaborating with Brian Wannamaker who runs the Falcon Art Community here in Portland. The Falcon Art Community, on top of being a great collection of renovated buildings in the Portland area also consists of an amazing space which houses studios for artists. Part of the fellowship includes a studio space in that building. Brian Wannamaker also has an incredible collection of paintings, some of which hang on the walls in the space. He has amazing paintings from Martin Wittfooth and Brad Kunkle that I could just stare at all day, they’re so inspiring. This fellowship has been so great for me as an artist just starting out. The stipend definitely helped make it possible for me to focus completely on my artwork and prepare for this upcoming solo show, and the talented community of artists that I work with have also been an incredible resource. If I ever have a question about anything, from stretching canvas, how to use certain paints, framing or shipping, the artists that work here are very knowledgeable.

Favorite item in your studio?

It would either be my lucky chipmunk tail, or the drawing that my nephew Keegan made for my birthday when he was five. Its an amazing drawing.

Is there anyone in particular, artist or otherwise, that you’d like to give a shout out to here?

I had a really great instructor in college, Rick Vian. He taught me a lot about landscape drawing and painting and I hold him responsible for my obsession with charcoal. He was also very supportive of me and my work. Whatever I felt led to do, as long as I was happy, worked hard and with conviction he would encourage it.

Any shows or special projects coming up after your exhibit with us here at Thinkspace?

I was recently invited to take part in a big group show in September at Breeze Block Gallery here in Portland (curated by Sven Davis from Arrested Motion). I know that most artists probably don’t get that excited over big group shows but I still do and this one is really important to me. A couple of weeks ago I saw the list of all the artists that will be participating in the show and I couldn’t believe it. I have been looking up to a lot of these artists for years, they’re some of my favorites! I took a big risk moving out here a year ago with the hopes of becoming a full time artist, and I really had no idea if it would be possible. When I look at myself a year in the future, and see my name on that list I just can’t believe it! I feel so incredibly lucky . . . I think I might just frame that list and hang it in my studio.

Take a sneak peek at Buer's show coming to life here: http://thinkspacegallery.com/shows/2012-04-project/#peek

Stephanie Buer 'Nothing Lasts Forever’

Reception with the artists: Sat, April 28th 5-9PM

Exhibit on view April 28th through May 19th

Thinkspace / 6009 Washington Blvd. in Culver City, CA / www.thinkspacegallery.com