Tag: Studio Visit

In the studio with Kelly Vivanco and Anthony Clarkson – showing this Feb at Thinkspace

Inside Kelly Vivanco's Escondido, CA studio

Kelly Vivanco is hard at work on her new series of works for ‘Springs To Mind’ opening this February at Thinkspace. Fans can look forward to over two dozen new works including her largest paintings to date. Having worked with Kelly for almost five years now, we have to say we’re very excited and honored to be debuting her largest body of work to date. She’ll be spending a couple of days adding her personal touch to our gallery as well with murals and more, so be sure to mark Feb. 5th on your calendar now.

Check out the recently updated ‘Sneak Peek’ set for Kelly’s upcoming show:
www.flickr.com/photos/thinkspace/sets/72157625608450798/

Inside Anthony Clarkson's Venice, CA studio

Gallery favorite Anthony Clarkson is also working away on his new series of work for ‘A Time To Forget’. Anthony debuted on the gallery circuit in our 1st group show back in November of 2005 and over the past five years has sold just about every piece he’s painted (over 150 and counting). This new series is by far his strongest to date and is sure to please and surprise fans of his work, both new and old.

Check out the recently updated ‘Sneak Peek’ set for Anthony’s upcoming show:
www.flickr.com/photos/thinkspace/sets/72157625482889913/

Kelly Vivanco ‘Springs To Mind’ + Anthony Clarkson ‘A Time To Forget’

Reception with the artists: Sat, Feb. 5th 7-10PM

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

Studio visit with Audrey Kawasaki

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Had the pleasure of swinging by Audrey Kawasaki‘s home recently to take a look at the works for her upcoming debut NYC solo show set to take place at Jonathan LeVine Gallery this December. Audrey has already completed 15 beautiful new works for the show and will also be completing some drawings and smaller works in time for the show. The new works are by far her strongest yet and really build on the narrative and feature some new elements which are sure to be a big hit with her loyal and ever-growing following.

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Audrey Kawasaki
“Hajimari – A Prelude”

Dec. 12th, 2009 – Jan. 9th, 2010
Jonathan LeVine Gallery
529 West 20th Street, 9th Floor in NYC

Brendan Monroe’s return to LA just around the corner…

Brendan Monroe at HellerThere is a great interview with Brendan Monroe that was recently posted over at SlamXHype that I wanted to give a head’s up to. Check it out here.

Brendan is currently busy getting ready for his upcoming solo show at Richard Heller in Bergamot Station. The pic above is of a work in progress from his studio.

Brendan Monroe
‘New Works’
October 10th, 2009 – November 14th

Opening Reception: Sat, Oct. 10th 5 – 7 pm

http://www.richardhellergallery.com

Studio visit with the Clayton Brothers…

Had a chance to visit the studio of the Clayton Brothers a couple weeks back as they prepared for their first major show in Los Angeles in six years. This will be their first major collection of works in Los Angeles since they rocked La Luz De Jesus back in 2003 with their epic ‘Six Foot Eleven’ show. I still remember how blown away I was by that show. Simply epic in every sense of the word. For those that missed that one, do all you can to make it to Santa Monica this Saturday.
‘Jumbo Fruit’ will open this Saturday, July 18th at both of Patrick Painter‘s galleries within Bergamot Station over in Santa Monica. Very ambitious and as you can see below, Rob and Christian have more than stepped up the challenge. I can not wait to see these works all finished and hanging in all their glory this Saturday. A big thanks to Rob & Christian for having me out.
The Clayton Brothers work together closely to construct objects that are both narrative and deeply personal in nature. Front and center are the unique people, animals, and places that occupy the outskirts of the American psyche. These works are created in an obsessively rich, cartoon-inspired manner and often incorporate related audio elements.
They’ve a rich history and I highly recommend picking up any of their books. Enjoy the pictures below that offer a glimpse into the creative process behind the works that will make up their ‘Jumbo Fruit’ exhibit(s) opening this Saturday. Above, view a picture of the pinch pot that was the initial point of inspiration for this show, found at a thrift shop, it’s now a cherished item in their studio. Sometimes the simplest things can be the catalyst for amazing works.

Tools of the trade.

Rob Clayton at work in the studio.

The big one in progress… this one is going to blow minds this Saturday.

Christian Clayton at work in the studio.

Oh, and book your tickets to Wisconsin now…
MMOCA Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Rob and Christian Clayton: Inside Out
September 10 through December 19, 2010
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art will present the first major museum exhibition dedicated to the bold, colorful drawings, paintings, and sculptures of Rob and Christian Clayton.

“Jumbo Fruit” from The Clayton Brothers

This Saturday, July 18th 6-8PM
PATRICK PAINTER INC.
2525 Michigan Avenue, Space B2 in Santa Monica
(On view through August 29th)
www.patrickpainter.com

Studio visit with Mear One…

Went out to Echo Park last weekend to visit the studio of the legendary graffiti artist Mear One. Always fun catching up with Mear and during this visit, he was in the final stages of an epic piece immortalizing the one and only Jimi Hendrix. Measuring in at 6′ x 5′, this will be one of a series of pieces that will revolve around important figures in Mear’s life, in terms of inspiration and personal evolution.

Close up of the Hendrix piece coming together

One of Hendrix’ immortal stances given the Mear treatment

This piece is amazing in scope – I can’t wait for him to finish this series and debut them for all to relish in. Will be a good year, as he spends a good bit of time on these massive pieces, and there’s at least nine planned for this series I believe.

Initial sketch for the Hendrix tribute piece

One of the numerous sketch books littering his hilltop studio

Mear with his baby pet boa constrictor Magma (2 years old now)

Mear is in a constant state of creativity, and always seems to have at least a dozen huge works going at any given time. The above piece is all about rallying against authority and going up against the city…

The true impact of this piece is in the subtle details. The main character has just taken down a plane with his slingshot – very powerful the statement being made here.

Tools of the trade

A beautiful woven tapestry a friend made of his signature icon/logo

This one is all about the common man looting and taking back control of the Masonic Temple (found on our money due to the early beliefs of our gov’t) and what it represents to our founding fathers. Taking back our nation, Mear style.
Close up shot of the piece above

Shot of one of the many bookshelves in Mear’s home filled with inspiration.

This piece sums up many an artist’s hardship. All the time and money one puts in… often times doesn’t come back out right away.

Another massive work in progress. Mear’s been adding to this one on and off for a couple years now. There is SO much detail in this one…

Including this awesome portion featuring Jay-Z in the foreground…

The visit included a trip into one of Mear’s back rooms where a vast array of his live paintings are warehoused… if you haven’t seen Mear paint live, you have not witnessed what live painting can be. Be sure to swing by our ‘Culver City INVASION’ show this Sat to witness Mear painting for yourself. More details on that here.

Pretty much sums this piece up.
“The most powerful weapon in the world”
Keep tabs on Mear One here: