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
10 comments:
I really enjoy your blog, and ill be anxiously awaiting your return.
not to sound like a dick or anything but u seem rather sad. it must be going around, i've been down lately.
but never doubt your art even if your not sure where it's going, change is inevitable and all the change u've made so far as far as your art i would say you've come a long way.
i think you've been more visual with your art as a whole instead of just one thing centered and then everything just kinda going around it.
as far as taking a break from the blog, it might be good so u can spend more time visualizing on what u want to do with your art since the blog will take up alot of time.
Hey Jeff, you should move to Wisconsin, life it's so much cheaper than California, for example you can buy a nice house with 100,000 (in the small towns area)
and it's beautiful,
I have noticed few months ago that the numbers of artist are bigger artshow by artshow,
i don't know for sure how many artists can live just what the paintings they sale (well i think prints help)
happy new year!!
Wait, you're taking a break from a blog you rarely ever update? whoa...
Also, what is it about you California guys and your "I'm trying to find my way but don't know if I want to know" and the "what does it all mean" rubbish? Maybe that's just how it is out there and the fact that a lot of you act like crystal reading wafflers is the result of being a product of your environment, but I don't know bro. It's kind of on the puss.
The best thing you typed in the whole post was your last sentence; "I’m just trying to make good art with integrity...." Well, that's all you can do. Do your thing and the rest will sort itself out.
I'm a big fan by the way and I sincerely mean that.
I just stubbled about your blog. I really like your art. Don't doubt yourself.
Good luck Mr.Soto.
I think the problem comes from all of those with no original ideas inside their heads that saw Mark Ryden drawing a bunny and they all started painting bunnies, they saw you drawing old-style dirty robots and all of them started painting robots... .
You are one of the icons of this movement so I think your status and succesful is in a save place whatever you do.
Take care, we will be waiting for you to come back here.
Mr.Letterman.
Hey Jeff. This is the first time I really landed at your blog. You have a great look and change or not I like it if it stays. I am always in a state of redefine and have often wished I was where you are at. It's interesting to hear you of all people talking this way. Is this the curse and blessing of the creative mind? The curse is that we can't completely rest in what is happening now. But the blessing is that the unrest is what makes us keep stretching and shooting for the higher ground. And what an adrenalin rush it is when we ascend beyond our present state. I dig your creative mind and look forward to whatever is next on the JS front. Forgive me for telling you things you no doubt already know. It's just fun to discover that someone actually gets what is going on in my world.
Jeff,
You are definitely one of the leaders of the Lo-brow or cartoon surrealism movement. Your work stands up and always will. Your work is unique. I too have seen the change in JUXT. I'm Okay with it. I still find cool artists in there. I think HI FRUCTOSE is filling the gap that JUXT left. It is cool to see mini-movements happening. At least cartoon surrealism and street art are gaining popularity and respect among galleries, critics and art buyers. Can't wait to see more of your work.
Frank
I personally want to see more paintings out there like "Nacho in the Morning"....
You have a great abstraction power, as well as a potential and rich talent… I like your work, it's like dream, many seem windows that open to other worlds most complex. It´s crazy, it´s fantastic, it´s oniric. You’re creativity it´s not limit. You´re force image is rich of sensivity,great work! I´m from Chile and if you have time, please visit my own site on…
www.iggiart.blogspot.com
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