Massachusetts!



Haven't had time to post in here for a while, I guess that's nothing new. Last week I was in Beverly, MA just about 30 minutes drive north of Boston. I was there for an art exhibition called "Electric Wasteland" at Montseratt College of Art. It was a group show with Dave Kinsey, Date Farmers, Aaron White and myself, curated by Leonie Bradbury. Only Kinsey and I could make it to the opening, Date Farmers had an opening in SF. Damn, what beautiful countryside up there! Got to pal around with Kinsey and Jana (of BLK/MRKT gallery) and we explored a couple old graveyards, ate clam chowder, and just took in all the scenery on some nice drives.

Here's some photos...

Left early morning right after Halloween, Shannon was a pumpkin, but she hated her hat and couldn't bear to have it on even for a picture.



Landing in Boston after a long travel day.

Got straight to work Wednesday night setting up my installation in the gallery. Thanks to all the students who helped out!

Kinsey killing the wall...

Next morning I went for a walk through Beverly. The opening was in the evening but I ended up forgeting my camera. Lots of people came up from Boston, it was a nice opening. But back to my walk...

Awesome Halloweeny house. Lots of houses were painted black. You don't see this in California.

A typical Beverly street. I would want to live here except the bitter winter cold would destroy my Southern California born-and-raised body. A few days ago it was almost 100 degrees in Riverside. Crazy for November.

The school from across the street where I stayed with a nice guy named Mark. He honestly had the biggest DVD collection I've ever seen. All sorts of Sci Fi, horror, anime, etc. I ended up watching Steamboy and some sci-fi ghost anime that creeped me out.

I gave a talk to the illustration dept. on Friday. Afterwards I finally had a chance to see some of the surrounding areas. Jana and Kinsey had a rental car so we headed up the coast to Gloucester and Rockport for some sight seeing and some good eats.


Clam chowder in the breadbowl, very tasty and just right for the cold winds outside.

After some food we drove around the cape and saw some postcard worthy scenes...



Afterwards we tried to go to the graveyard at night (I know, very high school, but I thought maybe we might photograph some ghosts- New England seems to be crawling with them). Unfortunately the gates were locked.

Came back and explored the next day. You never see old graveyards like these in the west.

Last pictures from Beverly- Kinsey, Leonie and Jana. And with me below...

C is for cookie and that's good enough for me...

-Jeff

Went to Aaron Mason's show at Black Iris, some great pieces but the ones I wanted were sold or NFS. This was his first solo show, not too shabby if you ask me. He sold a good deal of the work which is not the most important thing but is always nice.

"Fall Snake"

Shannon and this baby were born on the exact same date in the same county. And they had lots of fun running around while the grownups played chase.

Aaron and Gavin with mom Dayna and friend...


I'll be in Beverly, MA next week for an exhibit and presentation at Montserrat College of Art. It'll be my first visit to New England so I'm excited to see some orange and brown leaves and real seasons. It's still in the 80's in Southern California... Here's some info:

Electric Wasteland: Urban Art from L.A.
November 3, 2006 - February 3, 2007
Blurring the boundaries between fine art, illustration, and design, Electric Wasteland showcases five L.A.-based artists: Date Farmers (Armando Lerma and Carlos Ramirez), Dave Kinsey, Jeff Soto, and Aaron White.


I'm also working feverishly on the last few pieces for my solo show at BLK/MRKT gallery in November. Here's some images of completed stuff and works in progress...






Been working more on paper trying some things out...





Happy Halloween everyone!
-Jeff

My intern Aaron Mason has an art show tonight. Check it out if you're in the area!



Ghosts- The Art of Aaron Mason
Opening reception Oct. 20, 7pm
Black Iris Gallery and Tattoo Studio
14755 Foothill Dr., Fontana, CA 92335

-Jeff

As many in L.A. know, the infamous Jonathan Levine has been in town. He doesn't make it to the west coast all that often, so when he's out he likes to see a little of everything. Galleries, art openings, lectures, he's had a full schedule out here and even had time to spend a day with me in Riverside.

For those who aren't familiar with J. Levine, he's an art dealer, owner of Jonathan Levine Gallery in NY. He used to have a smaller gallery in Philadelphia called Tin Man Alley a couple years ago. He's got at least 80 dance moves (was a semi-pro breakdancer), is a sewing prodigy, and has a great eye when it comes to art. He's a real character, and those who have spent some time with him know him as a good guy, fun and tough mixed together somehow. I think this sounds like I'm kissing some ass here but he's one of the art dealers who took a chance on me early when I was barely out of school and though I didn't sell any work for a while he stuck with me.

So Saturday night was a show he curated with Jonathan Viner, A.J. Fosik, Ray Caesar, and Dan Kennedy. I love all those artists so Jennifer, Shannon and I made the trek out to Bergamot Station to see the work in person. The show didn't disappoint. Well except that I wanted to meet Dan Kennedy. A.J. Fosik was there and he was cool as hell. Great meeting that guy, and his work was dope. Viner was also there but I was sick of seeing him after driving him around LA (kidding!).

A.J. Fosik and Jonathan Viner

The crowd- Jonathan Levine is in there somewhere...

Shannon decided to lay down on the gallery floor. No idea why, all I know is babies are awesome.

Dan Kennedy painting

Jonathan Viner painting, makes me want to start working in oils again..

The next day my dad brought over my old bike, we put it beside the garbage for whoever wanted it. I wonder if I'll ever see it again?

On Tuesday Jonathan Levine and Mark Murphy came out to my studio for a visit. Jonathan wanted to see Twin Palms which is a vacant field where as a kid I used to do graffiti. So I took them around town and Jonathan made a film. Apparently he's a filmaker now. I think he's documenting his whole trip- check his gallery blog next week.







Damn, one month till my show at BLK/MRKT opens. Gotta get movin'.
-Jeff