Thursday, January 10, 2008

Taking a break


Regino’s and Henry’s show was pretty fun and well attended. I had a good time and got to talk to some old friends. Here’s some pictures..

RG and I...

Crowd shot...

RG, Baseman and Jan...

Some art...





RG and Henry showing off their B-Boy skillz when the show closed..



I am taking a break from this blog for a while. Don’t cry. I’ll be back some day. I love writing and showing hopefully interesting glimpses into my little world of art (and occasional family adventures). This blog takes up a good day of my time when I decide to do it, especially if there’s many photos. So it’s time to stay away a bit. I’ll return from time to time if some fun stuff pops up, but for now more important things are on the horizon.

When it comes to art, and in particular this “scene”, change is in the air. Can you feel it? What was once known collectively as “The Juxtapoz School” is splitting into several unique genres. In years past you would find “street” artists showing alongside “lowbrow” artists, showing alongside illustrators and somehow it was accepted and it worked- not so much these days. This genre, whatever it was, is beginning to branch outward into distinct art sub-movements (is that a word?). Nothing wrong with that, I think it’s a good thing.

Of course there’s a lot more to all this change- art schools pumping out 1000’s of “illustrator-artists” every year (hey I was one of them!), the U.S. economy is on a down slide which I’m sure has art world impact, the UK art market is hot, the Holy Grail for the genre- Juxtapoz has changed (I like it the same but many dislike it), general unoriginality, neverending cliche imagery (can I never see that graphic diamond icon again!), and of course galleries that are not developing their stable of artists. There’s a lot of issues and I don’t necessarily know what my opinions are but no one can deny there is a change going on.

As for my own work, those who know me are aware that I’ve been exploring for the past year or two. I’m trying to find where I fit in but I don’t think I really want to know. My work and my whole outlook on art has been transforming somehow. Not quite sure where I’m headed but trying not to worry about it either. I’m just trying to make good art with integrity....
Jeff

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Regino Gonzales in L.A.

My longtime friend and fellow painter Regino Gonzales has a two person show in a few days in Los Angeles. He’s showing with Henry Lewis at Corey Helford Gallery. Here's some info on the show, don't miss it..

Regino Gonzales & Henry Lewis
"Burning At Both Ends"

Opening reception: Saturday January 5th, 7-10pm
On view January 5th - January 23rd.

Corey Helford Gallery
8522 Washinton Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 287-2340

Regino gave me a sneak peek at the new stuff....




Rain is in the forecast for their show but I'll be there for sure. Come out and support some great guys. Nacho Mankitten will be there...

Miami Art Basel- Day 3 (Sunday)


I know, it's been a few weeks but there were a few more Miami pictures to show. Sunday I was leaving but had a few hours to go check out a couple more fairs. I could have used a day or two more, there's so much art to look at. I really only scratched the surface, and never made it to the mainland (will for sure next year).

Swung by to say hi to the folks at BLK/MRKT. They were showing two of my new pieces on paper.

Gregory Euclid is one of my favorites.

I'm surprised that alot of people I talk to haven't heard of Ian Francis. Check this guy's work out.

My pieces. Been continuing to experiment on paper with layered images, coming up with some new ideas for my next show...


BLK/MRKT crew- George, Kinsey and Jana.

New Image Art had a nice showing at Aqua.

Eric White. He was around somewhere but I kept missing him.

I seem to blog about Neckface alot, I guess I just love the work. I heard he was in Miami too...

The last bit of art I saw was at the airport- fiberglass fish reproductions arranged in strange spirals. My dad is a taxidermist so these caught my eye.


Long flight home...