Scott Bailey: Art Writer / Art Blog From The Road @escottbailey - Tumblr Blog

Opening Reception Wednesday February 3rd:

Please join us for the openings of two shows guest-curated by Sally Centigrade Gallery: ‘Opiates for the Masses’ in the main gallery and 'The New Masters of Dada’ in Gallery 101. 'Opiates’ is inspired by mural artists who create stunning public works of art on a massive scale. Over a dozen artists from around the country will create colossal paintings on rolled canvas or wood panels, with some works as large as 12 feet by 6 feet. Artists are creating work based on modern interpretations of 'opiates for the masses,’ from fickle creature comforts and daily distractions, to the soul-soothing outlets and philosophies we lean upon. Featured artists include Lauren YS, Amandalynn, Dirty Bandits, Hollis + Lana, Dread, Gamma, Robert Bowen, Sandra Fettingis, Kelly Ording, Jet Martinez, Lauren Napolitano, and Mark Penner-Howell. 'The New Masters of Dada’ features paintings by Naomi Haverland. The Denver-based artist is well-known throughout the city and beyond for her large-scale chalk drawings and murals– you may have seen her “My Name is Awsum” mural at 15th an California. For this show she presents a series of paintings in her signature bold and fun-loving style, exploring the silliness and spontaneity of childhood. Entry to the exhibit is free and open to the public, with complimentary food and drink. The entire listing of works will be available online at www.helikongallery.com/shop following the opening.

Had so much fun covering the new Supersonic Invitational at Spoke Art!

https://beautifulbizarre.net/2016/01/08/5th-annual-supersonic-invitational-spoke-art/

Recently got the chance to write up a profile for Denver phenom Caleb Hahne, would love to have everyone check it out! Also, make sure to check out his shows at Rule Gallery and Svper Ordinary!

http://1of1magazine.com/denver-artist-profile-caleb-hahne/

#caleb hahne #denver #art

I recently got the chance to interview the extremely talented Gabi De la Merced, and I am really proud of how it came out. It is really fun hearing about the American pop culture influence in Spain, the thrill of having a legendary venue like The Cotton Candy Machine as an early show & where you can find a sweet old lady that makes great fish in Barcelona!

ESB: Gabi! Thanks so much for volunteering for this interview, I am especially excited to talk with you because you don’t disclose much online. So, let’s lift the veil and see if we can shine a light on the mysterious Gabi de la Merced.

So, you grew up in Spain but I understand that you credit Hanna Barbera cartoons, skate graphics & primitive rock and roll as influences. Were those popular parts of Spanish culture, or more underground / fringe? Do you skate yourself, or have you ever played in a rock band?

GDLM: In the context in which I grew up, the fact that I was not interested in soccer, made me a weirdo. In my neighborhood there is an American airbase. Some of us made some friends there and we began to skate. We managed to learn some tricks and get material from the USA via the base even when there was no internet and almost nothing from that culture could arrive to Spain in any other way. I was skating for several years and nowadays I am still close with the scene. I was really attracted by its underground vibe, before skate became so commercialised and before professional skaters mingle with tycoons. On the other hand it has always been the graphic stuff which has had a real impact on me, those early Thrasher full of amazing illustrations, which back then were almost unavailable in Spain, and were completely different to anything published in this country.

When it comes to Rock’n’Roll, I studied drums for several years and I played with some punks from the hood. I was never really good at it, the same with skateboarding. I think that’s why I focused on art hahaha.

Regarding Hanna Barbera’s cartoons, they were really popular in Spain. I remember a factory near my house where toys based on the characters from The Flintstones were produced. These cartoons ruled our home TV when I was a kid because my mother loved them too.

ESB: Can you tell me the story of the first painting that you made you were really proud of or that people seemed to respond really well to?

GDLM: I think I made my first painting when I was studying traditional animation, some background for a short film. I remember the backgrounds teacher showing it to the other teachers. Truth is, I was quite satisfied with the result, although If there were no deadlines, I’d keep improving and retouching every piece. It's so difficult for me to paint the last stroke.

ESB: You work with paint and digital mediums, can you tell me how you started making digital art and what you like about it? Did you study digital art in school?

GDLM: My artistic education is basically reduced to the traditional animation studios of the Madrid School of Film. There I learned a lot about traditional drawing and I improved a lot, but when it comes to painting both traditional media and digital I am self-taught. I began to work with the computer for illustration assignments. It’s obviously amazing because it allows me to work and make corrections really fast, It’s extremely important when you work for advertising. The truth is that I enjoy much more using my brushes and staining my studio with paint.

ESB: Can you give me a typical day for you (would love to include specific places like coffee shops, restaurants, subway lines, etc. that you might visit)?

GDLM: To be honest I don't usually have typical days, I live in chaos. The only similar days for me are all those in which I lock myself away in the studio, painting the whole day. Time passes there as in Groundhog Day.

ESB: I love your art, you use complicated techniques & high level of painting / illustration skills to infuse a very modern, edgy feel to iconic pop culture imagery. For you, is the art primarily meant to be light & fun, or is there a social commentary or deeper meaning underneath the work?

GDLM: Personally, even though I sometimes envision a piece simply because of an amusing idea, usually I can’t help utilizing the painting as a way of making a more personal and adult comment, about issues such as personal insatisfaction, addictions, consumerism or the critique of existing power structures. Working with these widely-known characters, I am interested in taking them out of the context in which they have been traditionally presented to us and going one step further.

ESB: Can you tell me the story of the first time you were in an art show in a gallery? What gallery was it, how did you feel?

The truth is, as soon as I could escape from the commercial commissions for a while and I was able to focus on my paintings, they immediately became very well received. Practically the first time that I took part in an exhibition was in a gallery I was very fond of. I was selected for The Cotton Candy Machine biennial along with some great artists. I had been focused on my personal work for less than a year, so it was a big push in order to continue. I could not believe the fact that in such a short period of time my paintings were hanging on the same walls in which so many artists that I admire had presented their work. On top of that, it was a great experience and we were really well treated.

ESB: Alright, time for some short, fun questions:

-I have never seen a picture of you. Are you a vampire?

GDLM: I don't quite get this question, I am simply the typical undead artist that sleeps in a coffin and controls the night creatures.

ESB: Best place in Madrid to get a good sandwhich?

GDLM: I am not really keen on sandwiches, so I will recommend “Chuka Bar” in Madrid to enjoy a delicious ramen in a very cozy place. And, since I am really based in Barcelona, I love “Cova Fumada”, a really traditional place, in where a lovely old lady serves an outstanding fresh fish.

ESB: Do you own any country music albums?

GDLM: Of course, I collect vinyl records, lots of primitive blues, country, roots and in general all rock’n’roll subgenres.

ESB: I would love to hear about your current & upcoming projects?

GDLM: In principle, this year I would like to focus on a new body of work, avoiding so many group shows like last year. These are normally more limiting, being focused on specific themes or dimensions. Therefore, even though I have received some offers difficult to refuse, I’m working on a series of more harmonic paintings focused on a more ambitious exhibition, about which, for the time, I prefer not to give too many details. Also I’m working on some private commissions and on my new website which always ends up on the back burner but I hope to have it up and running soon.

#gabi de la merced #cotton candy machine #interview

malign-sensualism-deactivated20

4” x 6” (600 pixels x 900 pixels) 5” x 7” (750 pixels x 1050 pixels) 6” x 6” (900 pixels x 900 pixels) 8” x 10” (1200 pixels x 1500 pixels) 8.5” x 11” (1275 pixels x 1650 pixels) 11” x 14” (1650 pixels x 2100 pixels) 12” x 12” (1800 pixels x 1800 pixels) 12” x 16” (1800...

escottbailey

just good info, nice to know

I recently got the chance to interview John Brophy, and I have to say I am really proud of the piece. I am so grateful to John for opening up so much, and giving such thoughtful and insightful answers.

To read the interview, use this link: https://beautifulbizarre.net/2015/03/17/the-wonderment-intrigue-of-john-brophy-interview/

benjaminbenjamin

Piece from Janelle W. Anderson part of a 4 woman show opening a week from today! https://www.facebook.com/events/418060915022208/

benjaminbenjamin

Its Monday, let’s kick the door open and start this week like a champ!

-This piece is from Betty Turbo, available now at sallycentigrade.storenvy.com

benjaminbenjamin

Available now at www.sallycentigrade.storenvy.com as part of the online preview! Or, come see it in person at the opening night reception Thursday February 19th!

I have known Heidi Elise Wirz for awhile now, first met her at No Bones for Halftones in 2010, back when I still lived in Portland. When she volunteered for an interview, I knew something fun was going to happen. Sure enough, got some great stories, some surprises and a lot more love than you might expect from a self proclaimed She Beast.

After you read the interview, make sure to check out her work in "Brink" at Antler Gallery (http://www.antlerpdx.com/) on display right now.

1. Love your art, love your gig posters, love it all. Can you tell me about your style, where you learned it and how it has evolved over the years?

Thanks for the kind words Scott! I started making art in the not so legal way when I was a teenager. Went to art school in San Francisco to learn about printmaking, and fine art. My style has changed a lot as I've gotten older. It used to be a lot more cartoon/street based, and has become much more illustrative and nature based, while maintaining a strong personal narrative.

2. Who is the real Heidi Elise Wirz: She Beast or easy going vegan with a helpful disposition?

Little bits of both, ha! I try to be as mindful and easy going as possible. I'm a really sensitive person at my core, most definitely an introvert, but the kind that gets nervous and never shuts up. I love mythical beasts and strong women

3. You live in Portland, a city with a thriving art scene and a mystique around it that has gotten a lot of national attention lately. Can you give me a story that could only happen in Portland?

Oh Portland. It's changed a lot up here in recent years, but at it's core is still a very special place. I think that one of the best things about it is, that if you have an idea, you can make it happen. Dude who rides around town on a unicycle, darth vadar mask, and bagpipes is pretty unique to here though.

4. Is your art therapeutic? How do you feel while you are making a piece, and after it is finished?

I am absolutely certain that without art, I'd be either dead or in jail. I have struggled with depression,anxiety, and mania since I can remember, but was not diagnosed since my late teens. It's has been very difficult sometimes to leave the house. Have been able to manage my disorders mainly through art. Being able to see a finished physical manifestation of my feelings and nightmares, has been incredibly therapeutic.

5. Besides making your own art, you do screen printing for hire and are a part of The People’s Art Gallery and the shows at Goodfoot. Do you think being surrounded by good art inspires you and makes you better, or does your work primarily come from internal sources?

Making art is my main focus, however..I love my Portland art community. Although I've closed my print shop temporarily, due to injury, I still do small run posters and prints. I love screen printing, and no busted ol sternum is going to keep me out of it for long. Curating, is a huge thrill for me too..no longer with People's and Goodfoot, but they are still putting on amazing shows and supporting so many local artists. I'm now with Pony Club Gallery, and Liquor Store Gallery, and really get a kick out of exposing as many people as possible to all of the wonderful art out there! Portland is pretty special as a community. Everyone is really here for each other, and always down to collaborate, co curate, support, and nurture each other's careers.

6. You once came to Denver for an art show with like $60 bucks (most of which you spent on the cab getting into town from the airport), no car, no hotel reservations and a low battery in your cell phone. The whole trip you seemed so easy going, just sort of drifting around, going to the show, pool halls, couch surfing and meeting with collectors. Do you do things like that often? Are you that easy going with other things you approach in life?

Ha! Yes! That was such a rad trip. I often do things that way, because of necessity. I was raised pretty bare bones,and haven't really ever had much money. When you are broke you get resourceful, and just have to stay chill and roll with what comes your way.

7. Give me your dream gig poster: band, venue, date, whatever, its your universe! And, any idea what you would draw?

Sleep and Neurosis. At Great American Music Hall in SF, on Halloween. Yeah, that'd be rad. I'd do a pagan weed ritual or something good like that.

8. From what I understand you used to travel in a band. Can you tell me what kind of music it was, give me a good road story? How is being a musician different than being a visual artist?

Although I've played music since I was young, that touring time was with a musician, and I was selling prints/hanging one night stand style shows where I could. The music project was(still is) called Southerly, one of many bands/projects by Krist Krueger. It was a great experience, and I wouldn't trade my time on the road for most anything. I think essentially music and art are the same. It's personal expression, passion, and the need to connect. It's different though in that when you play in a band you rely on other people to be in the same mind as you..it's hella magick when it happens though! I'm in a band currently for the first time since my early 20's it's loud and great!

Tour story: Upstate New York, 2004 were in Saratoga Springs. which is an old money horse racing town. We played across the street from the race track at this place called the Jockey Club. (no kiddin) Krist and I weren't really getting paid that night, but had tons of drink tickets. We start killing beers like no one was ever going to make more beer...ever. By time Krist had to get up on stage..he was pretty hammered. Crowd of really awful rich drunk people started heckling him. So he just starts telling stories and not playing his guitar. Drunk dude in the audience, "I didn't come here to see a fuckin comedy show!"

Krist, "I'm the dude on stage, it's going to be what ever kinda show I want it to be!" I think he played one song the whole set then promptly passed out behind the merch booth..leaving me to deal with all of them. ugh.

9. Any projects you are working on now, or have coming up soon you would like to talk about?

I'm currently working on a collaboration show with Jeremy Hooton for Pony Club in April, a solo show at Future Shock in May, a solo show at Screaming Sky Gallery in November, and curating a ton of shows! Busy 2015 so far.

#she beast #shebeast #Heidi Elise Wirz

Interview With Dylan Garrett Smith

I have been a fan of Dylan Garrett Smith ever since I saw his work in "The Bees Knees" show at Alexi Era Gallery in St. Louis, his use of minimal color, haunting imagery and precision line work combine to be extremely powerful.

I recently got the chance to ask Dylan a few questions, found out a lot about his technique, got a great story about Paul Romano and was really surprised by his extensive viewing of Italian Soap Operas.

1. Can you tell me the first drawing / painting you remember that you were really proud of, or that other people seemed blown away by?

Yes! I actually came across a print of it by accident the other day in this black, faux leather portfolio I’ve had for over ten years. It was a self-portrait I painted in acrylic when I was 15 or so. At the time, I was really proud of how it came out and entered it into a local art show. Now I’m astounded by the fact that I was ever impressed with myself over it… But I guess that’s progress, ha!

2. You went to Pratt. Can you tell me what the work was like you submitted to them, and the story of when you got the letter saying you were accepted?

This is all pretty fresh in my mind, as I just came across that old portfolio. I had a large drawing pad filled with pencil and charcoal still-life drawings, self-portraits, and a lot of hands. (I’ve always enjoyed drawing hands.) There were a couple of designs I made for bands, a few paintings and pieces in progress, and out of focus photos of this really awful ceramic vase I had made. I went to some sort of open house event where they were looking over portfolios and my evaluation/critique went well. A couple of weeks later, I called admissions to see the status of my application and they told me that I would be accepted if I actually applied. Oops. I filled out the paperwork, sent it in, and within a couple of days, I received my letter of acceptance.

3. Your coming off of a bunch of shows in 2014 and getting ready for what is probably your biggest show to date at Rivet Gallery in February. So, how’s life? Enjoying the success, stressed, too busy to notice?

I treat every show equally; no matter how big or small it is, I feel the same amount of excitement and anxiety. Over the last couple of years, Arch Enemy Arts in Philly and Gristle Gallery in Brooklyn (as well as everyone associated with them) have been particularly supportive, and now I’m very much looking forward to working with Rivet Gallery. I’m enjoying where I am now compared to just a couple of years ago and it’s incredibly thrilling every time I see that I’m showing alongside one of my favorite artists. And while I always have this internal voice saying, “You’re not doing enough! You’re not making enough art! Get back in your studio and work harder!”, the success of being invited to show in more exhibitions and the positive response my work has received is motivating and inspiring.

4. Can you tell me about your technique, how you paint now and how it has changed / evolved over your life as an artist?

For years, my work was primarily made using printmaking techniques like screen printing, woodcuts, etc. or watercolor paintings with softer, more delicate colors. From there, my work shifted to a darker, more minimal palette. My current work is made using ashes, chalk-lead, and ink on black paper. I make the ashes from a specific type of paper that produces a light grey ash and I tone the paper with it or begin drawing the midtones. I then begin to push objects closer or further away by layering ink and ashes, using the white chalk-lead to highlight specific objects or textures.

5. Have you ever had an encounter with another artist that you found especially enlightening or inspiring (can you tell us the story).

I’m always surrounded by interesting, talented, and inspiring artists, so I’ve had many great conversations and enlightening moments, but I think one person, in particular, who is always inspiring to me is Paul Romano. Paul has been one of my favorite artists for a long time and we have become friends over the years. Whenever we are able to get together, I leave with a million ideas and can’t wait to get to my studio.

In October of 2012, I had a solo exhibition at Grindcore House in Philly and while Paul’s art was a huge inspiration to me, we had never met and I had no idea he was familiar with my work. That exhibition was different from any other I had previously participated in because I had created a new body of work, I was experimenting with new methods of conceptualizing my images, and my art had shifted in a new direction aesthetically. Paul came to the opening and while we were talking he asked if I had seen any pieces from the show he had just a couple of weeks before. After I said no, he showed me a photo of an image he had made with similar conceptual elements as a piece I had made for this exhibition and we both laughed at the similarities. Neither of us had seen what the other was producing, and as we joked about it, I felt a sense of camaraderie.

6. Let’s have some fun, a few lighthearted, short answer questions:

a. What music (if any) do you play while you paint?

There are a few albums I frequently listen to while I work- “Torn Beyond Reason” by Woods of Desolation “Burning for the Ancient” by Addaura “Long Division” by Low “The Bees Made Honey in the Lion’s Skull” by Earth “The Collapse of Time” by Burrow “Times of Grace” by Neurosis

Other than that, I’ll work in silence or put on a documentary. I really enjoy listening to Neil deGrasse Tyson while I draw.

b. Have you ever watched a soap opera (if so, which ones)?

When I was in Italy, my television only had a few channels and one of them played nonstop Italian soap operas. I don’t remember the name of it, but I watched it and tried picking up on some of the language.

c. Jack or Lock (from Lost)?

I’m more of a Smoke Monster kinda guy! I really enjoyed how confused people were when it first appeared.

7. Any other projects you are working on right now or putting together for later this year / 2016?

I’m currently preparing for a solo exhibition at Howl Gallery in Fort Myers, FL on October 3rd of this year. I’m very excited to be showing a new body of work and I can’t wait to see it all together! Other than working on the pieces for that exhibition, I’ll be working on design commissions and finishing up recording a project I have with my friend, Dave Fylstra, that will most likely be released on the summer solstice of this year.

#dylan garrett smith #pratt #paul romano

I recently got the chance to write up a little piece about Stasia Burrington, love how gentle her art can be.

https://beautifulbizarre.net/2015/02/10/art-stasia-burrington-gentle-eyes-good-soul/

#stasia burrington #seattle #art

Recently got the chance to write up a little something about the very talented Lauren YS for Beautiful Bizarre!! https://beautifulbizarre.net/2015/01/30/lauren-ys-fun-kind-grotesque/

Opening on Saturday January 10th is the 4th Annual Supersonic Invitational at Spoke Art in San Francisco.

I recently got the chance to write up a preview for the 4th Annual Supersonic Invitational at Spoke Art. The show sounds amazing, I had a great time writing it.

A re-post of the interview I did with Eric Fortune a few months back, really loved this piece. Eric is such an interesting guy, I learned a lot about art, life and interviewing people.

http://arrestedmotion.com/2014/09/baby-tattooville-14-interview-eric-fortune/

#eric fortune #interview

Click anywhere to be linked to the interview I did with Ray Caesar last year for Arrested Motion. I still find myself thinking about that conversation, and what an inspiring and mind expanding experience it was.

#ray caesar #interview #arrested motion #scott bailey

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

Scott Bailey: Art Writer / Art Blog From The Road