S T I C K V E G A

The American Gunpowder Artist

[stickvega]

Ben

Ben  (2019)  18" x 24"  Fusograph.

Golfers have life. Golfers have energy. Smooth swinging Ben is on fire! Ben was crafted using hand held fuse burned on coated paper. And man, Ben’s driver is on fire. At least it was!

Ben will be auctioned at the Dane Rogers Memorial Golf Outing, Saturday June 8th.  If you would like to buy it in advance that is cool too. 100% of the proceeds will go to the event!

Hand-held fuse burned drawing on paper. 

Black Frame. Matt. Glass.

Freight billed at cost if artwork needs to be shipped.

Primitive.  Modern.  Explosive.  

American gunpowder artist, Vega carefully places powder and fuses on the surface of the art, which he positions horizontally on the floor (or blast table). When ignited, first the fuses burns instantly along the cord lines, igniting the gunpowder and creating a blast, which then vanish in clouds of smoke. The result is a textured surface that looks and feels like an explosion—the art is blackened, charred, and erupted, arrested in a state of being created in a flash.

When the fuse is lit there is a moment of uncertainty. What will happen? It is at that moment that true art exists.

[stickvega]

Stick Vega Announced As Keynote Artist For One Inspired Evening!

The Blast Factory is thrilled to announce that Stick Vega has been named as this year’s Keynote Artist for Inspiration Corporation’s event, One Inspired Evening!

Amy Klein of IC noted, “Stick has been a longtime supporter of our organization and we are so honored to feature his amazing work!”

One Inspired Evening is the annual fundraising gala that includes an art auction, silent auction, raffle, and live music. All proceeds from the event go directly to supporting Inspiration Corporation’s mission of helping people who are affected by homelessness and poverty to improve their lives and increase self- sufficiency through the provision of social services, employment training and placement, and housing in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. 

“I believe in what Inspiration Corporation is doing. They are good people doing good work for others and the community. I am thrilled that they have selected me as Keynote Artist.”, said Vega.

The event will take place, March 23, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois.

Stick continued, “Rally up people, this is going to be a blast!”

Artist Stick Vega studied mathematics and economics, earning a B.S. in economics from UW-Madison and an MBA from Edgewood College. He owned and was CEO of online apparel retailers WinterSilks and Venus Sportswear.  However, upon selling the companies more than a decade ago he headed straight to his studio - The Blast Factory in Madison, WI - to create explosive, modern art with gunpowder and high-speed fuse.  Stick's current work includes paintings, drawings, fusographs (exploded photographs), sculpture and writing. Please follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.

[stickvega]

Mission Impossible 6, Lucky Strike, And The Milwaukee Bucks. The Ugly, Bad, and Good!

The Bucks won last night.  They are going to be good.

In the past six weeks I have been asked to do several commercial projects.

The Ugly.  A production company called me from Los Angeles to work on the details for me to blow up some art for a social media trailer for Mission Impossible 6.  

We worked through some of the details:  A warehouse.  Multiple explosions.  Fuse. Permits.

Harrison and I were to fly there for it.  

They have not called back.  I am assuming they did not get the work.  But I am sort of glad they didn't.  It seems to me they were more interested in the process,  my fuse work, more than my artwork.  That is cool.  But it would have been better if they liked both.

Besides, Renee thinks Tom cruise is ugly.  And, I promised her I would tackle him if I got the job.

The Bad.  A advertising company called NewsCred called me to see if I would be interested in working with a tobacco company.  They wanted to use my photography, video and artworks to present cool, under the radar, up and coming artists.

This would have been a good pay day.  Perhaps $50K.  

It created an ethical question.  How much would it take to endorse a Lucky Strike?  

So, I asked a large group of Edgewood College students if they would do it.  We had a good discussion. All of them said no. So I followed their insight.

I declined.  2 packs of Lucky Strikes a day killed my Mom.  I wish she was here to see my art.

Now, if Newscred wants me for a bourbon ad, I'm in!

The Good.  The Bucks are seeking art for their new stadium.  I've had an email conversation with them that indicates they would like my art and are going to get contract details back to me November.

Fantastic.  Basketball.  Explosions.  Art.

The Bucks are good!

With all due respect, I am thrilled to have been contacted by all three.

Boom!

Artist Stick Vega studied mathematics and economics, earning a B.S. in economics from UW-Madison and an MBA from Edgewood College. He owned and was CEO of online apparel retailers WinterSilks and Venus Sportswear.  However, upon selling the companies he headed straight to his studio - The Blast Factory in Madison, WI - to create explosive, modern art with gunpowder and high-speed fuse.  Stick's current work includes paintings, drawings, fusographs (exploded photographs) and writing. Please follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.

[stickvega]

Stick Vega's New Fuse Burned Photographs! Gentle! Brisk!

I keep trying to move forward.  I really do.  I try out and test new things every opportunity I have.

Fusing together my explosion art with photographs with burning fuses made sense to me.

See, I have always been obsessed with and worked hard to create beautiful and cool images with my camera.  I learned the basics in a couple of photography classes many years ago at Viroqua High School. I have shot ever since. As my career and building my business grew I had the opportunity work with many world class photographers.  I learned a lot.  I was involved with and reviewed tens of thousand of images.

Over the years I worked a lot with actual film cameras. When I could afford the film, I shot a lot of grainy, high contrast black and white. This is before there were simple apps to do this work. Some of these photos still look pretty cool.  

At the same time I painted with acrylics and blew them up with gunpowder and fuse.

Currently, I use all my tools every single day.  Camera. Paint. Gunpowder. Fuse.

So this new work is a logical progression for me.  Fuse burned photographs.

The process and in practice though this is much tougher than you realize.

The photographic papers burn very quickly.  I need to work minimally and fast. 

Brisk.

Photographs scratch and mar easily. So I need to work in a light and delicate way.

Gentle.

I just finished and framed my first two fuse burned photographs. They will be available for for sale shortly. And, I hope to present a new group of fuse burned abstract photos in new show at Yarhara Bay Gallery in June.

I will get more into the process in another post.  But for now, I hope you enjoy these.

Boom!

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist, former CEO, and author of LESS KILLING. Stick currently lives and creates explosive pop art at The Blast Factory in Madison, Wisconsin. Not limited to one medium, he works in gunpowder drawings and paintings, photography, digital art and writing. Please follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.

[stickvega]

The 7 Axioms Of Great Gunpowder Art!

I took a lot of math classes at the University.  We studied and used axioms a lot.

An axiom is defined as a statement or proposition on which an abstractly defined structure is based.  My gunpowder and fuse art is definitely an abstractly defined structure.  

In that regard and inspired by Dieter Rams, here are my 7 axioms to great gunpowder art:

1. Great gunpowder art is innovative.

My work is unique.  No two explosions are the same.  I mix and remix the process. It's my own style.  You can do the same.  

2.  Great gunpowder art is useful to society.

The more gunpowder I use the less there is for killing people.  Not killing people is useful to society.  I hope you believe in that.

3. Great gunpowder art is simple.

A explosion painting or fuse drawing doesn't need to be complicated.  It can be simple.  It can focus on a simple subject.  I flower drawings are as simple and elegant as they can be.  You don't need fancy composition or technical tricks.  All you need is a board, a fuse and some gunpowder. Then focus on your emotions.  And focus on getting back far enough that you don't get burned.

 4.  Great gunpowder art is honest.

Explosions are honest.  They cannot be cheated.  They only happen once.  The marks it leaves are clear.

5.  Great gunpowder art will last a long time.

I try to make drawings, and paintings that will stand the test of time.  To make you believe in that, may artworks are all guaranteed for life or until the sun explodes.

6.  Great gunpowder art is focused on the details. 

As you lay down the gunpowder consider the grade, the brush strokes, and the placement.  When you scrape, realize all of those marks are important.  When you light the fuse remember a big explosion is fun but the small details make it good.

7.  Great gunpowder art is personal and from the heart.

My work is important to me.  I have energy and passion and a fervor for my art.  I try to channel my emotions and feeling from my heart in each piece.  Often my work burns to a crisp or explodes in an unintended shape, but I am loving and caring to my subject.

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist, former CEO, and author of LESS KILLING. Stick currently lives and creates explosive pop art at The Blast Factory in Madison, Wisconsin. Not limited to one medium, he works in gunpowder drawings and paintings, photography, digital art and writing. Please follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.

[stickvega]

Please Join Me April 4th At Waypoint Public House!

Come on!

Tuesday April 4th from 5 pm to 9 pm, join me at the Waypoint Public House.

Here is what you get to do that day:

1. Vote.  Please vote you can change the world.

2. Come to Waypoint to see some of my new art.  I know there is enough gray outside, that is why I painted and blew up even more of it.

3.  Pick up a free poster.  How cool is that!  (Get there early, I think we have about 40 of them!)

4.  Have a Val Dieu beer.  You can meet some of the Val Dieu team!  These guys have been brewing beer in Belgium for something like 800 years!  Ask them some tough questions. OR, give them a hug.  You decide.

5.  Weather permitting around sunset I will blow up the Val Dieu rings.  Importantly, we will be celebrating the opening of the lake side deck at Waypoint! BOOM!

Thank you for considering and see you Tuesday!

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist, former CEO, and author of LESS KILLING. Stick currently lives and creates explosive pop art at The Blast Factory in Madison, Wisconsin. Not limited to one medium, he works in gunpowder drawings and paintings, photography, digital art and writing. Please follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.

[stickvega]

Stick Vega For Governor - Everyone - Total Transparency!

I've been working on my various plans for Wisconsin.  Over the next few weeks and months I will post my ideas and platform.

My plans are going to fall under a certain set of themes.    The themes will be organized with the follower letters as headings:

E  I  E  I  E  I  O

Cool.  And so easy to remember. Just sing along. Each letter will represent a different theme.

We can chant "E I E I E I O... Scott Walker he must go!"

My first plan is "Everyone".

The first part of what I mean by "Everyone" is "Total Transparency".  

I believe that everyone should know what is going on with the Governor's time, meetings, efforts and decision making process.

You heard me. Total transparency!

No secret email servers.  No hacked emails. No covert meetings or phone calls.  No behind the back deals.  

None. Period.

Here is how we get that done.

We set up a common server that publishes each and every email to and from my office.  A feed will go to monitors in and around all State buildings.  So everyone can see at any time what is being sent and received!

We set up a live Facebook live feed to follow me from the time I go to work to the time I go sleep.

Or,  better yet, maybe I wear a GoPro camera strapped to my Stick Vega hat!  What I see and hear.  You see and hear!  Cool.

We will provide a transcript - as it happens - of each and every phone call.  We will publish it to a common website that everyone can access.

Maybe we can set up some speakers to broadcast on the common area of the Capitol Building.  I  hope I will sound like one of those crazy, NBA announcer guys.

I can answer the phone, "Hello Governor Vega here.  How can I help you!"  Boom!

When I am working, it will be live.  

We will hire a few good technical video folks.   They can follow me along each day with a smart phones feeding right to the web.   

Perfect. Everyone gets to see everything.

 I will work for everyone, so everyone should be able to see my work.

No secrets or secret deals.  Total transparency!

I hope this does not violate the State Constitution.

Everyone will get to see the process, my work day, the information that is presented to me.  The questions I ask.  You can see who in involved and how we consult and meet with people.  If you want to lobby me, it is broadcast live. Everything will be broadcast live.

Also,  we will take feedback live.  If you have comments, ideas or great thoughts to help me at key decisions.  Send them.  I may or may not agree, but at least I will listen.

So no spin doctors (no Kelly Anne Conway) and no crazy or funny tweets to get attention.

I can ask Scotty about the secret server across from his desk.  How many went to jail?  And he didn't know?  Seriously?  Sorry, I digress...

Total transparency.

You want to see the budget come together. Boring.  Important. Tune in. 

What you will discover is I am not super-smart.  I do not have all the answers.  I ask a lot of questions.  I have a sense of humor.  I say dumb things.  I work really hard.  I make good decisions.  I apologize if I make a mistake. I take responsibility for my actions. I have lots of typos and poor grammar at times and I am sorry for that.  I like beer.

I only request privacy for my family time and family communications.  We will not broadcast me sleeping or using the bathroom. I love Renee and my family. Our communication will be our own. See, like we separate church and state, we separate work from family.  That works for me.  I hope it works for you.

Please let me know what else we can make transparent, open and for everyone!

Everyone!

Total transparency!

"E I E I E I O"

Rally!

Boom!

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist, former CEO, and author of LESS KILLING. Stick currently lives and creates explosive pop art at The Blast Factory in Madison, Wisconsin. Not limited to one medium, he works in gunpowder drawings and paintings, photography, digital art and writing. Please follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.

[stickvega]

Is That All I Have Upstairs?

Am I brave?

I use gunpowder and fuse.  I blow up my art.

I'm trying to create something bold.  Something that has never been heard of before.

My work goes through and intense process  of layering paint, burning, scraping and drawing.

I am not afraid to mix things up.  Creating with energy.

I'm now starting some stronger abstractions.  

Blacks.  Grays.  Burns.  

Some sort of hybrid "Pop" art.

It's emotional doing this.  It' s a change.  

Progress perhaps?

Or am I just exploring the deep seeded, unconscious, corners of my mind?

Blacks. Grays. Burns.  If my work is consumed and judged. Is that all I have upstairs?

If I am fearless.

Why am I so scared?

BOOM!

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist, former CEO, and author of LESS KILLING. Stick currently lives and creates explosive pop art at The Blast Factory in Madison, Wisconsin. Not limited to one medium, he works in gunpowder drawings and paintings, photography, digital art and writing. Please follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.

[stickvega]

I Don't Want To Blow Up!

Importantly, my art is about knowing what will happen.

It's about understanding the world for what it is and applying some reasonably high probabilities to the outcomes of certain events.

I know a cannon grade gunpowder will create a certain amount of fire, heat and marks.

I understand how fast certain papers and panels will char.

I have learned the difference between fast and slow burning fuse and how they ignite artworks.

But, I am never certain.

I think in terms of probabilities.   I think all artists do.

Predicting results is difficult.

I guess Trump proved that.

I recognize I am going to be wrong a lot.  I'm imperfect and so is my work.

I know my limitations. (We don't want to call the Fire Department.)

I don't want to blow up.

But, I can apply my  know-how in a manner that results in a high probability of some cool, explosive art!

BOOM!

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist, former CEO, and author of LESS KILLING. Stick currently lives and creates explosive pop art at The Blast Factory in Madison, Wisconsin. Not limited to one medium, he works in gunpowder drawings and paintings, photography, digital art and writing. Please follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.

[stickvega]

I Am Not Anti-Social!

I am an individual.

My Mom said that.  I believed her.

So I have always followed my own path.  From a lab tech to wood cutter.  From a bar owner to label buyer.  From a chocolate buyer to a long john salesman. From a valet to CEO and business owner. From financial planner to investment analyst. From a photographer to writer to artist and back again.

Now, I blow things up.  I hope they look cool.  This is a way of life and I am committed to it.

When people ask what I do.  I say I'm an artist.  

It used to be hard to say that.  Why?  

Was I worried people would think I'm a slacker?  Or, that I am broke?

I'm neither.

I try to avoid groups and organizations.  They stress me out.

Most groups need meetings.  I hate meetings.  They take too long.  So many things never get done.

I am not anti-social.  The problem is probably being too social.  I like getting to know people. I talk too much.  I worry about others and try to help. I lose focus on what I am trying to achieve.

So, what am I try to achieve?

I am always questioning myself. 

Am I on the right path?

Am I getting better?

What does my work mean?

Are the details right?

Do the colors suck?

I ask Renee these questions all the time.  

She says "You'll know when it's right. You're the artist!"

Boom!

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist, former CEO, and author of LESS KILLING. Stick currently lives and creates explosive pop art at The Blast Factory in Madison, Wisconsin. Not limited to one medium, he works in gunpowder drawings and paintings, photography, digital art and writing. Please follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.

[stickvega]

The Century House Adds More Stick Vega For Holidays!

The Blast Factory announced today that modern furniture retailer, The Century House, added seven new Stick Vega paintings to their mix for the Holiday Season.

"The Century House has been a great partner this year. My pop, explosive art looks fantastic with their classic, super cool, furniture," noted Stick Vega.  "For this run we have added some unique and beautiful hand held fuse drawings. I hope people take a bit of time to head over and see how it all works together."

The Century House, in Madison WI, features modern furniture and contemporary gifts along with Scandinavian furniture in their three  locations.

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist, former CEO, and author of LESS KILLING. Stick currently lives and creates explosive pop art at The Blast Factory in Madison, Wisconsin. Not limited to one medium, he works in gunpowder drawings and paintings, photography, digital art and writing. Please follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.

[stickvega]

Not Visible To The Naked Eye!

I had a plan.  It was raining. 

Gunpowder and fuse do not mix with water!

So, I developed a new plan with my camera.  And my slow timer. 

I found some things not visible to the naked eye.

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist, former CEO, and author of LESS KILLING. Stick currently lives and creates explosive pop art at The Blast Factory in Madison, Wisconsin. Not limited to one medium, he works in gunpowder drawings and paintings, photography, digital art and writing. Please follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.

[stickvega]

Dreams Suspended

Dreams Suspended (2016) 62" x 36"

Multiple lines are deep burned into a neutral acrylic background.  Subtle browns, blacks, and yellows with a balanced composition combine to produce a strong work of simple, meditative, beauty.

Several "moves" were involved (burning, exploding, scraping, brushing, and burning again). Magnificent flames and sparks engulfed the piece. Smoke clouded the scene.  

Primitive, modern, and abstract - a Stick Vega original.  

American gunpowder artist, Vega places powder and fuses on the surface of the board, which he positions horizontally on the floor. When ignited, first the fuses burns instantly along the cord lines, igniting the gunpowder and creating loud bangs and flashes of fire, which then vanish in clouds of smoke. The result is a textured surface that looks and feels like an explosion—the acrylic paint on panel is blackened, charred, and erupted, arrested in a state of being created in a flash.

When the fuse is lit there a moment of uncertainty. What will happen? It is at that moment that true art exists.

[stickvega]

Bachelor #4

Bachelor #4. (2015) 12" x 12"  A little bit of a street art vibe - part cartoon, part painting, part explosion - it is vulnerable, open, and fun.  Just the way the bachelorette wants them. 

One of The Bachelor series which is based on some charismatic fellows.  

Created with red high-speed fuse and gunpowder on acrylic painted paper. Then, a 15mm black acrylic marker and scraping is used to develop their personality. 

Primitive, modern, and abstract - a Stick Vega original.  

Black metal frame, matt, glass.

American gunpowder artist, Vega carefully places powder and fuses on the surface of the art, which he positions horizontally on the floor (or blast table). When ignited, first the fuses burns instantly along the cord lines, igniting the gunpowder and creating a blast, which then vanish in clouds of smoke. The result is a textured surface that looks and feels like an explosion—the art is blackened, charred, and erupted, arrested in a state of being created in a flash.

When the fuse is lit there is a moment of uncertainty. What will happen? It is at that moment that true art exists.

[stickvega]

Stick Vega Signature T-Shirt (Black)

Stick Vega signature graphic is screen printed in white on a pure cotton, black tee shirt.

Features comfortable tag-free collar. Short-sleeve tee is made of 6.1 oz cotton. Shoulder-to-shoulder taping, a coverstitched collar, and double-needle stitching at the cuffs and sleeves.

This is the classic. 

You'll have a blast every time you where this tee!

American artist, Vega places gunpowder and fuses on the surface of the art, which he positions horizontally on the floor. When ignited, first the fuses burns instantly along the cord lines, igniting the gunpowder and creating loud bangs and flashes of fire, which then vanish in clouds of smoke. The result is a textured surface that looks and feels like an explosion—the acrylic paint on panel is blackened, charred, and erupted, arrested in a state of being created in a flash.

When the fuse is lit there a moment of uncertainty. What will happen? It is at that moment that true art exists.

[stickvega]

Archie Gets Me Up At 4 AM! Now What?

Archie gets me up at 4 AM.  Now what?

So... off to the Blast Factory.

I'm getting overwhelmed by the world.

I turn on CNN. Health insurance up another 25%?  I guess I'll have to raise the price of my paintings. That sucks.  I think we need single payer to keep costs down.

So we go for a walk.  But I'm a little distractible. 

Everything seem alright.  The sun will be up soon.

Then, "Yikes, what's that on the sidewalk?  Archie and I look at it.

Moldy. A leaf.  Maybe a I can blow it up.

Archie sniffs it.  Let's move on.

"Oh my!  Look!" A crow.  A big crow.  

Archie and I look at it.  It tilts it's head.

Crows scare me.  

Archie is brave.

"Bark"

There is a lot going on right now.  The Economy. Politics. War. Violence. Crows.

Everyone is so busy.  It's a fast paced world.

I'm getting overwhelmed again.

"Let's go Archie!"  Back to the studio.

It is way too early to start handling gunpowder.  That could be more dangerous than art.

Dangerous art. Perfect.

I grab my camera and start experimenting.  I've been taking pictures since I was a kid.  Or, as Renee would say, "As a youth"!

I start framing things.  Boring.

Then, I put the Fuji on "T" mode.  2 seconds.  Wide open.

I push the trigger and wave it around.  I do it again.  And again.

Archie looks at me like I am crazy. 

"Bark".

I'm thinking I got nothing. 

I'm look at the images.  Well, maybe these are interesting.  I'm always learning.

I show some images to Archie.

"Bark".

I think that means, "Good work!"

Or, it means, "I'm hungry!"

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist, former CEO, and author of LESS KILLING. Stick currently lives and creates explosive pop art at The Blast Factory in Madison, Wisconsin. Not limited to one medium, he works in gunpowder drawings and paintings, photography, digital art and writing. Please follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.

[stickvega]

Departure

Departure (2016)  18" x 24"  Fuse. Acrylic. Paper.

Moving lines burned with hand-held fuse into white acrylic coated paper.  A unique piece with the burns and flash marks defining the shapes. It has a unique energy and feels like it is in motion.

Some of the cubes have grown up and are seeking a path of their own. 

Black metal frame, matt, glass.

Primitive.  Modern.  Explosive.  

American gunpowder artist, Vega carefully places powder and fuses on the surface of the art, which he positions horizontally on the floor (or blast table). When ignited, first the fuses burns instantly along the cord lines, igniting the gunpowder and creating a blast, which then vanish in clouds of smoke. The result is a textured surface that looks and feels like an explosion—the art is blackened, charred, and erupted, arrested in a state of being created in a flash.

When the fuse is lit there is a moment of uncertainty. What will happen? It is at that moment that true art exists.