It's been far too long since I have updated my blog and I have been looking forward to getting around to sharing all of these pictures with those of you who keep up with the studio!
This summer was very busy, I had several live painting events and a couple of weekend shows.My friend Joe James set up his go pro camera and made a kick ass stop motion video of me doing a live aerosol mural at MixCo in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I have two versions to share, the video is the same but different music tracks.
Mural at mixco with Outkast' Synthesizer. (Audio NSFW) Unless you work at my studio. There is no HR here...
I recently took some paintings down to Studio Ink Gallery in Norman and am looking forward to going down to visit again soon. There is a large arts conference going on during October and they expect a good turnout.
"Muse" Acrylic on Canvas. This and several other works will be on display at Studio Ink throughout October and possibly November. There are some other works by local artist as well that really caught my attention. Great little spot they have on main street!
The Dia De Los Muertos festival is happening November 1 at living arts in downtown Tulsa. For several years now, the festival has been known for its food, culture and murals. The murals are done by local artist selected from submitted sketches. I was unable to participate last year and promised myself that I would be involved in it this year. The submission process required an 8x10 sketch but that really isn't my style. Those of you that know me, know that I don't like working small. I find it rather inhibiting.
My solution was obvious....
8'x10' sketch for mural submission
Several hours later I had my sketch and a cool new piece for studio visitors to enjoy in October.
This year's selection process was changed secondary to difficulty finding a building that was available to paint on. Living Arts decided to select four artist to work on a 12x15 mural in their own studio and have it hung up during the festival. I was one of the four artists chosen and I am glad to have an opportunity to let so many people see what it is that I really love doing. Another local artist I have met several time Price Jones was also chosen, he does some unique work and I am interested to see what he brings for the festival.
I picked up my canvas on friday the 10th of October and stretched it and gessoed it on my studio wall with the help of life long friend David Council Saturday night. Sunday I sketched out my line work.
It took about 5 tries before I was satisfied with my under drawing.
Two all nighters and 30 hours worth of painting later.....
Completed mural will be displayed at Living Arts in Downtown Tulsa. November 1, 2014.
I was particularly pleased with this mural. It looks good in a photograph, but it is engaging and overwhelming in person. There is a lot of subtle detail that takes a while to even notice; stenciling, reflective metallic paint and use of different clear coats add some interesting visual effects. The bottom lip has several gloss coats, just enough to look a little more realistic than it would otherwise. (I would in no way consider myself a painter of realism) One of my favorite additions was some glow in the dark paint.... campy? Sure. Childish? maybe, but oh is it cool.
There is an outline of a skull and the words "Los Muertos" in glow in the dark paint so that as you view the piece in alternating lighting it changes from a lively portrait that reads "In Memory Of" to a skull that reads "The Dead".
I don't know that many people will get to view the glow in the dark portion, but it is there! Easter egg for you fellow dorks.
A MSPaint image I made on the clock at an office job I had a few years ago.... IceCream Monster!
I also had a chance to work with some members of OVAC for a yearly not for profit show called Momentum Tulsa. The show spotlights artist under 30, giving local talent a chance to experience a submitting work and hopefully having it accepted. The show turned out well and I met some other local artist. I learned a lot about organizing an event, my experience was great and I hope to do it again.
The photos I got from the show are mostly of the other members of the committee. Several of them also participated in Momentum Tulsa. Tommy and Tahlia Ball brought their game face as usual. Tommy had an amazing cityscape of Tulsa done in water color. Tahlia made an entire meal encased in jello, one of my favorite installations of all time. My camera battery went dead after about 20 minutes and I forgot my back up, so I only was able to photograph a few of the art pieces.
Barrett and "the Lone Wolf Banh Mi Sandwich" Human on Concrete, Instillation by Maggie Munkholm.
Tahlia and her creation.
These are rarely seen in their natural habitat... It's a Tommy Ball standing next to a pizza in gelatin.
One of the Momentum Tulsa pieces that caught my eye. I will try to get the title and artist name...
Tahlia Ball's Freedom Fries.
Pizza exploded in gelatin. Tahlia Ball.