Artwork of Aaron Schraeter

Into the Winter?

2012-01-17T11:45:00.001-08:00

Hey all

Clearly, none of you are having any trouble staying warm... it's a balmy 40 degrees in late January...

ANYWAY, I thought I would send along some updates. First, and foremost, I wanted to thank Jake Remington for getting me in touch with the wonderful people at Art Pussy. Born Into This was a great experience that I hope we can build on for the future. It was a great success, and frankly my mind is still fucked from the "happening" as I've been calling it.

In addition to changes in my personal life, my studio life is going through yet another metamorphosis. In a weird way, I feel as though I'm now starting to get back to my roots. Time will tell for sure though. I am working on a new series called How To Kill Your Imaginary Friends in preparation for my upcoming first Solo Show (which will take place at Queens College). All will be explained in time. Expect to see some new paintings, as well as some sculptures, in the weeks to come. To see what I've been up to so far, check out my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE for photos, and meaningless status updates. Live long, and prosper.

Cheers,

as

Upcoming Stuff

2011-05-13T20:41:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone

Year 1 of graduate school is coming to a close, and things are moving along.

For those of you that have been keeping up, my work has taken a bit of a shift toward the more abstract. These works are starting now to break away from more conceptually illustrative ideals and aesthetics, and are dealing more with direct physical responses to the emotional and psychological. To see examples of these newer developments and keep track of my work, please visit my facebook page

Additionally, in light of my artistic shift, my website will be having a little makeover. I intend to simplify, and hopefully improve the functionality of everything- so keep an eye out for that one.

In the mean time, enjoy the nice weather and stay allergy free.

-as

Updates

2011-04-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone-

Just a few things...

1- I wanted to thank everyone who came out to support the Queens College MFA group at our latest show, Crosscurrents. For those of you interested in seeing some pics from the event, check out the QCMFA Blog

2- This is the last week of the CAA show, so if you haven't seen it yet- check it out!

3- Thanks everyone who has been showing me support as the new works come up. I've been working really hard, and I wanted to take an opportunity to thank those of you who thus far have really stuck by me and supported what I do. My most recent work can be found at my Facebook page

Thanks again everyone! Hopefully I'll have more good news soon!

Best,

Aaron

CAA Show

2011-01-22T12:12:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone.

I'll be participating in the College Art Association's MFA Art Show this year, which will feature Queens College, as well as some top programs from within 100 miles of NYC. Come check it out and see some art. For more info on it, have a look at the invitation, which I've posted below.

first semester of MFA in retrospect

2010-12-18T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone.

So I haven't posted for a little while on account of being so busy with my first semester of pursuing my MFA in Fine Art at Queens College.

Today was the final crit, and I thought it was appropriate that I use this time to reflect on it.

So over the course of this semester I've learned a lot. I've taken the chance in this program to develop, work, create, and pick up as much as I can from all of the tools I have available now. It's already proving to be the most valuable art experience I've had so far, and I can't wait to see whats ahead.

The content of my work has taken a little bit of an interesting turn or two, that I look forward to further investigating. I've taken an indefinite break from the corporate office peon imagery and moved on to a slightly more generalized subject matter, using what I know from how I feel about being an artist as a jumping off point- for example using Artist in Bandages as a reference to Van Gough's self portrait with the bandaged ear, and Swiss Army Knife as a metaphor for the utilitarian aspect of making work. Most recently, I've begun a work in progress that stands as vacation from the figure (unless absolutely necessary) in a painting titled Meat, which depicts a slab of mystery meat stuck with forks and knives, one carving through the slab. Look for a posting of it both on my website and the blog soon. For more of the work I've been working on the past few months visit my facebook page.

Thank you everyone for your support- it means the world to me.

Good luck to all of this semesters MFA graduates- do us proud.

Best

Aaron Schraeter

PS- I thought I would a shout out to my first two patrons of paintings. Thank you for bringing me into your homes.

New events coming up

2010-10-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody-

As I've told some of you already, I have a couple of shows coming up this month that I'm really excited about.

Next week: Saturday, October 9th- I Made an Art in Redhook Brooklyn
For more info on that upcoming show, visit www.imadeanart.com

Friday October 22nd: Art Show Free Beer, Rant, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
The name pretty much says it all. 21+ with ID, 7p-2a.

I hope to see you guys there. Thanks for the support everyone.

Ciao.

Vote!

2010-07-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

You guys can rate my portfolio over at http://aaronschraeter.3rdward.com/

You can vote once a day. Thanks everyone for the support!

artHASH Interview

2010-07-20T07:22:00.001-07:00

Hi Guys

Just wanted to let you guys know that you can read my interview at arthash.blogspot.com

Thanks everyone for the support.

Aaron

the last 25 or so paintings in retrospect...

2010-06-13T20:34:00.001-07:00

...and where to go from here...

To get out of my little bubble I decided to take a trip to Philadelphia- probably the closest far place I can get to that has at decent pulse for art (and plus I know some people out there, which is helpful). I made the following discoveries, observations, and connections:

1- Newton was right; What comes up must come down- Taking a new body of work that I'm feeling proud of, lumping it together, and placing it under a microscope for dissection is really unpleasant. Sure, it's necessary (no learning and no growing=imminent death), but I for the first time actually made the connection that this is probably normal for both logical and emotional reasons, and that I'm not just bipolar. I guess that's technically a good thing.

2- Two steps forward, one step back is a group of dance steps I may need to get used to- I may not like it, but just because "I want it, and I want it yesterday" doesn't mean I'll get it. I'm an impatient bastard, but in the grand scheme of things it's not an issue I have the luxury of allowing precedence. The fact is that I've got some time to let everything congeal and am not really in any rush realistically. In this specific case, its a balance issue. In my last body of work, all of my concern was placed on how I was painting, and not enough though was put into what I was painting. I now feel that I found the right direction on the highway and just missed my exit. While it doesn't feel good necessarily, at least I know exactly where I'm going.

3- Isn't it funny how history repeats itself? Once again, for different reasons that I also don't completely understand, the word "illustration" was thrown around again. This time though the word "cartoony" came up a little too. Everyone who has ever mentioned my "cartooniness" as a negative point seems to be a big advocate of the validity in (my idol) Philip Guston's work. The part I find interesting is that when he came around to his figurative work post abstraction, that was universally the biggest complaint (and ultimately led to much of his rejection). I'm not putting myself on his level, but I have to admit that this puts me in a strange position. All the push and pull involved internally is serving for quite a bit of confusion... but like my girlfriend says "looks like you found something to search for".

No matter what I feel now, I realize that the only thing I can hope for is the will and the fuel to get back up, and start again. After all, a quitter makes for a terrible artist.

Yup.. theres more...

2010-06-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

So, yes, I have a few more paintings done. I've even got 2 new drawings for the first time in a year or so. So here they go.

Compression, 24"x30", mixed media on canvas, 2010

Running on Empty, 24"x30", mixed media on canvas, 2010

Jerk, 18"x24", mixed media on canvas, 2010

And now the drawings....

Welcome to the Big Boy Table, 9"x10", color pencil on strathmore 64lb paper, 2010

Welcome to the Big Boy Table, 10"x9", color pencil on strathmore 64lb paper, 2010

New work, finally

2010-05-29T06:28:00.001-07:00

So I finally got off my ass and took some pictures of new work (got 5 new babies). I will eventually, by the way, be re-shooting almost my entire 2010 body of work, though that will be strictly for my website: www.seagullscrapbook.com. In the mean time, here are the newbies.

Kick, 20x16, mixed media on canvas, 2010

Hostile, 18"x24", mixed media on canvas, 2010

Countdown to Closing, 30x24, mixed media on canvas, 2010

This or That, 48x36, mixed media on canvas, 2010

Ascension, 18x24, mixed media on canvas, 2010

All Nation

2010-05-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Welcome to another segment of the scrapbook.

I have a few more paintings on the way for your viewing pleasure, but today I'm sharing music of my brother's band, All Nation. I just did the cover art for their 4-song LP The Road to Dutchington. Hope you guys enjoy the music and the art. You can find it at the following link:

http://soundcloud.com/allnation/sets/the-road-to-dutchington

News, updates, whatever

2010-05-08T00:56:00.000-07:00

As I've posted on facebook, my featurette on Artbistro is now up (under the pseudonym "Seagullscraper", which was intendid to be "Seagullscrapper"). You can find it at the following address:
http://artbistro.monster.com/featured_portfolios/articles/10659-seagullscraper

It is also located in a rotating ad on the front page.

In other news, after getting a chance to hit up the affordable art fair and a great Picasso retrospective, I have another two paintings to show you guys...

Push, mixed media on canvas, 24"x18", 2010

Self-portrait, mixed media on canvas, 24"x48", 2010

The first of may

2010-05-03T21:25:00.001-07:00

So, as some of you may already know from my status updates on facebook, the show at Columbia U came with a few curve balls. Having said that, the artwork from the show will not be on view until May 8th, as previously stated. Despite this, I at least have some new work to share with you guys. Enjoy.

Triptych, mixed media on paper, 1.5"x3" (3x), 2010

The Prisoner, mixed media on canvas, 30"x40", 2010

Face in the Sand, mixed media on canvas, 16"x22", 2010

Atlas, mixed media on canvas, 36"x36", 2010

New Painting

2010-04-18T21:06:00.000-07:00

I've got some more paintings in the works, but I thought I would share another one of the recent additions.

This is titled Field II, part of my exploration of Easter Island-like "monuments".

Artbistro.com

2010-04-13T11:17:00.001-07:00

Hello again-

I thought I would let you guys know that I have been selected to be one of the featured artists on Artbistro.com's April 2010 artists. They've chosen "Noah's Arc" to represent my portfolio. Here's the link to check it out:

http://artbistro.monster.com/albums/140031-april-2010-artbistro-gallery

Thanks for checking me out.

New addition

2010-03-27T07:12:00.001-07:00

Brealine, 24"x36", acrylic, conte' crayon, oil pastel, charcoal on canvas, 2010

Hopefully I'll be able to re-shoot this before putting a final version on my website, but I thought I would give you guys a peak at this anyway. Also, a couple of people asked me if this had anything to do with the KKK. The cone hats are dunce caps.

Evolving the new process.....

2010-03-22T19:13:00.001-07:00

....is a product of necessary. As one might expect, I've hit a bit of a roadblock after my first volley of paintings using my revised style. HOWEVER, I was lucky enough to have a good art day to push me through. What resulted was a new found practice for me- if I can't seem to get a canvas painting done, do some small ones on paper. So far, its been good to me.

Before getting to those new ones....Dunce, 22x36", acrylic, conte' crayon on canvas

AND, the new additions (please note, the ones on paper are fairly small)....Ubu, acrylic, conte' crayon, oil pastel on paper
March, Acrylic on paperField (study), acrylic, charcoal, conte' crayon, oil pastel on paperField, 48x24", acrylic, conte' crayon, oil pastel, charcoal on canvasHouse, acrylic, conte' crayon, oil pastel on paperTv Radio, acrylic, conte' crayon, oil pastel on paper

until next time... hopefully really soon

One more

2010-02-20T22:12:00.001-08:00

This one is titled Dung Beatle (48"x36").

As you can see, I have been pursuing my efforts to explore the the visceral qualities in my work- which I can happily say feels good, and far more natural than my previous approach. In this particular piece, I really wanted the impasto to come through, aiming to use it to my advantage in creating atmosphere.

I hope you are all looking forward to my next work.

Until next time...

4 paintings, 1 revision

2010-02-14T21:18:00.000-08:00

So like I said in the previous post, I've been working on a different approach to my paintings in which I would allow my drawing technique to come through more.

"Shaken Not Stirred" is a painting I've struggled with many MANY times. Having said that, in spirit of experimentation, I thought it was appropriate to warm up on this one. I broke my previous inhibitions of adding line to my paintings but simply just going over this one with charcoal in my normal drawing style.
The paintings that following paintings are the result of my allowing myself to let loose a bit more, rather than worry too much about making sure everyone else will like my work.

"The Grand Pecking Order, III", Acrylic, Charcoal, and Oil Pastel on Canvas, 24"x48"

"Pink Elephant", Mixed Media on Canvas Board, 24"x18"

"The Conference Room", Acrylic, Charcoal, and Oil Pastel on Canvas, 24"x22"

"The Factory", Acrylic, Charcoal, and Oil Pastel on Canvas, 48"x36"

The new happenings

2010-02-11T07:58:00.001-08:00

So, as I've posted on facebook- I'm beginning a new body of work, with a little bit of a different flavor. After some reassessing and reevaluation from myself and my peers, I've finally decided I'm ready to merge my drawing and painting styles.

I got on my first painting last night, a member of the Grand Pecking Order series. The first and main thing worth noting is that this process is hard. It's about unlearning everything that I worked so hard to do, and doing what I can to paint with honesty rather than fear of change or "not doing well".

When I have a couple down, I'll post them up here for viewing. Until then....

New Painting

2010-01-19T20:12:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone

So, Sam's Farm and Cash Only are on hold for now. Need to work those ones out a little further before I go ahead and start declaring things finished pieces and all. I'm also currently working on a piece titled Standing on a Bridge to Nowhere. Until then, here's my latest:

Noah's Ark Sailing White Seas (36"x24") Much like Preachings of the Baron, this painting is very much focused on my religious confusions, and the questions I ask myself every time someone asks me what I believe in.

I've recently decided recently to hold off more on formal explanations of my work. I'm more interested in what they say to others, rather than what I have to say about them. Should be interesting to see how they line up. Having said that, I hope to post something new soon.

Update on paintings and such

2010-01-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

Hello All-

For those of you who were worried about my work production- have no fear, my studio practice is alive and well. I've got one new painting ready for posting, and one retouched since I last posted it. And, just so I can get you guys quivering with anticipation, I've got 3 more paintings in the works: "Noah's Ark on White Waves", "Sam's Farm" and "Cash Only".

That said, I thought I would post the completed stuff, and maybe explain a little bit...

Babble (24x48") This painting was inspired by debates I had with an ultra conservative guy I knew in college, strangely because we finally agreed on something after many nights of debate- you simply can't trust everything you hear (or anything you hear) from the media. It's the representation of the obsession with, and almost divine placement of the media and it's roll in modern society.

And now for the Touch-up:

Preachings of the Baron The meaning of the painting can be seen in a previous post, should it peak your interest. Since last posted, I added details to the figures in the background. Hair, shirt patterns, facial hair, and even things like a tie and newspaper. Featured in the background of the work are a priest clutching an umbrella and a bible, a business man in a suit with his newspaper and brief case, and people milling about their day.

Dropping a line

2009-12-28T08:53:00.000-08:00

Thought I would drop a line about more stuff going on.

Currently finishing up another painting titled Babble. This one is a bit different in both structure and content than my usual work (in a good way), though its a little bit more mild in message. In any case, that'll be making it's way to the internet soon, so when it's up feel free to have a look. Also, just started a painting that I have been planning for a couple of months now, and going to start yet another. Expect to see at least a couple of more works before January 15th (grad school apps deadline for my program of choice).

Anyway, also, if you can get out there- make sure you head to MoMA. Just went yesterday to see Monet's waterlillies, the Tim Burton exhibit, and Gabiel Orozco. It was a bit overwhelming, and there were A LOT of people there, so I may even have to go again. In any case- no disappointments here.

Until next time.

Getting out and about

2009-11-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

Last night I went with my friend, and fellow artist Petros Pappalas to see whats going on out there in Soho. So we went to the Opera Gallery last night to see the Ron English show "Immortal Underground". It was a great showing, as he filled up the gallery space with all works he completed within the past year or so. It's always exciting to see his work- even more so to see it in person. I suggest some of ya'll get down there and have a look see (all though when you guys get there, there won't be any half naked cow girls or a big morbidly obece Ronald McDonald (in person anyway).

2 More

2009-11-03T19:25:00.000-08:00

so I've gotten 2 more paintings under my belt-

The Grand Pecking Order II is a revisit on the Grand Pecking Order series.

Preachings of the Baron, has been, what I consider a huge step for me. It is one of the first true efforts in a long time in which I've created not just a multi-figural dynamic, but a full environment and context for the figures to act inside of.
the actual subject of piece is centered around religion. This piece is basically asking how the modern man would view the biblical prophets- if a man stumbled out of the desert with no food or water saying he had seen visions of God, what would your response to that man be? The truth is, we hear outlandish things every day of our lives and we choose to dismiss or accept information unquestioningly because of the source- verifiable or not.

Until Next Time

Learning Piece

2009-10-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

So in the midst of all the other paintings I'm working on, I thought I would post one that was pretty much complete. for those of you that are curious, this is the first oil painting I've done in about 3 years, and it also has some added elements of mixed media (litho crayon, charcoal, and oil pastel).
I have no actual title for this, but it serves two main functions for me. 1- Having wanted to branch out into more dynamic, multi-figured compositions I thought a good start would be to execute a message I had been all along trying to communicate in a different way. 2- I specifically painted in monochrome so that I could cut out the complexities and possible distractions and complications color might have to offer in a situation where the most important focus is composition.
I titled this post "Learning Piece" because that is truly what this is- an image in which I can forget about "will someone want to buy this" or "will anyone get this" or "is this subtle enough". Through this I was able to remember the most important thing about creating a work of art- when you're alone with the paint and the canvas in the studio treat it as such- just you (or in this case, me) and the canvas.

The forthcoming work is somehing I am truly excited about. This learning piece has served itself as a very helpful launching point for me to be more daring, experivmental, and less rigid and anxious about how I execute my work. The next update (both to my blog, and my website) will undoubtedly include a small group of new paintings.

Until next time.

More work coming soon

2009-09-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

So after a little bit of tough criticism I took some time off after the completion of Search For Sancho. Long story short, I heard some things I really didn't want to hear, but I now think were vital to my growth as an artist.

I don't want my work to come off as one liners- I really just thought I was being funny and clever. I'm not saying I wasn't, but maybe i made that too much of my focus at a certain point down the line, and I lost touch a little bit. In my state of vulnerability, after receiving a little verbal spank in the ass, I began to really search within myself and I think I've started to get to the root of the things that I really care about, and how to discuss it on a visual platform (having started to touch on that with Search for Sancho). The next bunch of pieces are aimed, this time, not just at what I believe the truth is but issues in which I find it difficult to find any sort of truth at all. They are about the huge blanket of gray in a world where so many people seem to see so much black and white.

I look forward to showing you all what I have in store.

Until next time...

New Painting

2009-08-10T22:08:00.001-07:00

This latest painting is titled "Search For Sancho". This image of an old man, playing on a toy horse with a broom lance and paper hat on terrain made of crumpled and ruffled paper scraps, is a commentary on the handling of age and its implications. It is about the societal need to remain young for as long as possible, in this case at the cost of the acceptance of reality (as age denial often seems to be). While I am in no way opposed to keeping the child within us all alive, I would like to point out that much like substance use, its simply no good without use of moderation.

This painting, for those who don't already know, is inspired by Cervantes' Don Quixote. I felt it was perfect to tap into, given that Don Quixote, both as a book and a character, is one of the quintessential examples of a character who gets so caught up in revolving his life around the ideal that he becomes completely divorced from reality. So much so that he doesn't even physically see things for what they are anymore, even as they sit right in front of him. The title, also being an allusion to Don Quixote, is an implication of the desire for acceptance. It is the need to seek out someone who will be a supportive and unquestioning party who can stand by and watch as the individual continues to live in fantasy.

Facebook

2009-07-27T15:36:00.000-07:00

Upon demand, I've made a facebook fan page. Become a fan by going to this link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Aaron-Schraeter/239075270354?ref=mf

Thanks everyone for the support!

Update

2009-07-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

So as of recently not too much to report:

Have been working on my studio space for painting, and in the mean time have been doing a lot of drawing (I've updated the drawing section of my website, so feel free to check that out). A lot of the work has been strict focus on values, as well as face work- next up will be more hand studies, but those will most likely end up here rather than on my actual website).
Additionally I have the following book recommendations for my fellow emerging artists out there-

Art/Work- a book that tells you everything college wouldn't about developing a career in art. it has great examples of things that many of us don't think about when we are on our road to becoming "legitimate professional" artists including invoice sheets, tax forms, gallery courting 'rules', work hanging methods, shipping agreements, artist and gallerist interviews and comments on all the issues covered in the book and all kinds of other incredibly valuable information. If you are an artist and want to sell work or are trying to achieve gallery representation, I have to say you should probably have this book.

Art & Fear- I'm almost done with this one. It's a great book, even if you don't agree with all the philosophies involved and it really allowed me to think about the creation, production, and business of art in more of a 3 dimensional way. They try to tackle a lot of hypotheticals- some for me were relevant and some not so much- but the most important thing about it is that most of it is actually just really advice coming from people who have "been there". This is an excellent book, and philosophically is a great tool.
And finally-
I'd Rather Be in the Studio- This book is very very similar to Art/Work, but is mostly with a "No Bullshit" approach or attitude toward the subject. It instills the age old idea of "If you want to do something, do it. If you're going to pussyfoot around, stop complaining, and just do something else. I recommend this book for those of us that need a little more of a kick in the ass, and even in conjunction with Art/Work though one might find the content to be a little repetitive. Additionally, though, you can also get a whole slew of downloadable goodies with tons more information than just the book has to offer, so the purchase does go a long way.

In other news, I will be visiting the city of brotherly love today and intend to check out what the Philadelphia art scene is up to lately. On a related note, I want to use this moment to say if you are in Philadelphia this Friday, go check out the Knapp gallery, where my friend and colleague Petros Pappalas will be participating in a group show- based on Petros' recent work and the Knapp's recent shows it should make for an excellent viewing.

Until next time.

NY Art Galleries

2009-05-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

So, I've officially moved back to NYC this week. That said, first on my agenda (other than moving all of my crap) was to reintroduce myself to the NY gallery scene. My first stop was Chelsea... it was also my 2nd, and 3rd stop since there are upwards of 350 spaces there. I checked out probably about 10 places, including the Agora Gallery, and the Stricoff Gallery. At Stricoff I found some stuff I was really into- my personal favorites there were Paul Beliveau, Katelyn Alain, and Rimi Yang.
From there the next stop was Soho, where I saw some names I'm more used to seeing in Juxtapoz Magazine rather than a gallery space when I stopped at the Opera Gallery. I got to see some work by Banksy, Keith Haring, Basquiat, Shepard Fairey, and Damian Hirst to name a few. Just after I finished looking at a Ron English work (Abraham Obama), I look over and realize that Ron English himself is sitting at the front desk. I wanted to talk to him but 1) he was doing business, and 2) the part of my brain that is a coward was at the wheel. Even so, its an unbeleivably humbling experience to see such a big name. I think I sometimes forget that, even though a great work takes on a life of its own, someone made it and is that respectable. It made me reflect on my own budding life as an artist- almost to a scary degree. The only thing I can do is just persue as hard as I can and hope to make a dent in the art world before I'm dead. As unobtainable as success seems to be, now is the time to do anything I can to make it happen.

2009-04-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

This week was the senior seminar show, and frankly I'm proud of it. I was very happy with the quality of most of the work and the placement of everything. Unfortunately, we break the show down on Monday, so if you haven;t seen it and you want to, hurry up. For those who won't have the chance to see me work, the following is what I put into the show (click to enlarge):

2009-04-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

So today I got an update- I won honorable mention in the ArtistGrants.org Spring 2009 competition. What that basically entails is that I have a shot to show in one of their sponsored shows (in either Cincinnati or Columbumus). Recently I also entered competition with Artists Wanted as I mentioned in my last post- just wanted to remind all of you tuning in at home to visit http://artistwanted.org/aaronschraeter to rate my work (:-])

Ciao.

2009-04-18T13:07:00.001-07:00

So I've entered a competition held by Artists Wanted, posting as my entries Giapetto's Bastard, My Nintendo, a drawing title Idiot Box, and a new untitled painting. Please show me some support by visiting my profile page at http://artistwanted.org/aaronschraeter (and no I didn't make a typo). I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who have already gone and shown me some love in the short time that I have been entered into this contest.

New Painting

2009-04-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

My Nintendo, 48" x 60", Acrylic on canvas

sometimes art makes my head hurt, too.

2009-04-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been working really hard on putting together a bunch of work, since in my infinite wisdom I decided to take 4 studio courses this semester. Not that I don't love creating, just wish I could take a weekend to relax and regenerate. Anyway, I've completed a couple of new things, including a painting titled "Family Dinner", the largest non-mural painting I've ever completed (96" x 48"). I'll be adding a pic of it real soon hopefully, at least to this blog section of my site. I'm now working toward completing somewhere in the ball park of another 4 or so large scale works (48" x 60" is the largest of the upcoming group thus far). Not even 100% sure what they'll be yet, but thats 1/2 the fun. Also, I have been working on some printmaking stuff, so that has been pretty exciting as well (some dry point, and some photo-litho stuff as well).
Anyway, I was watching Ovation TV (ch. 157 on dish) and on came a special on Lowbrow art called "The Lowdown on Lowbrow". I watched it, really, because I was so prepared to hate lowbrow stuff but you can't hate what you don't know (I think). So mind wide open, I watched the special and found only that it just made me ask more questions. I understand the concept of going against this ridiculous nature of art that has come up through the decades- basically that for much of it, it either becomes entirely too complex ideologically for the laymen to understand or there is so little there that it actually means nothing (for lack of a better term, fucking minimalism). And, frankly, as someone with a background in graffiti, I also get the pop-art references with cartoons and what have you. What gets me though is what its supposed to be or do. I took some notes during the documentary on what questions I have about Lowbrow, and art in general. Does art require talent- honestly, I think so. Good art, anyway. Ready art is dead, and should have never lived past Duchamp's urinal. I think its like the word "Fuck"- use it too much and it loses punch. Pretty much all of the artsits the documentary showed definitely have picture producing and material using talent. There is absolutely no question about that. But one thing I can't seem to get my head around is the "what you see is what you get" attitude. Isn't that what representational art is for? Is it just supposed to be fun? (nothing wrong with that) I don't think art really needs to say anything. Abstract, pop, expressionist, representational... either the work says something about the artist, something the artist cares about, or nothing at all. What the documentary told me is that the lowbrow movement basically came together for those artsits that "wanted to play too, but had to build their own sandbox to do it". There is something to be said for that, I think. I think if art is too inaccessible, it becomes about status and class instead of a real message (if there is one). In any case, though, I feel that the function of art should be clear, whether its decorative, political, socially driven, or whatever. I'm just not sure what the function of lowbrow art is. I don't mean to put it down (though its not my cup of tea, at all). I'm just trying to understand how these artists answer the whats and whys.

First Friday aftermath

2009-03-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

I just want to say thank you to everyone who came out last night to support me, as well as all the other local artists that were up on display at all the locations open to the public for First Friday. It means a lot to guys like me who are trying to break out and do well.

Anyway, the show at Lucy's Hat Shop went very well. It was a packed house, some people sold some stuff, and it was an all around fun night. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Danielle Nutt, as well as the Lucy's managerial staff, for including me in their event and I hope I will get the opportunity again soon.

As far as the show at APW gallery, I had some correspondents go to the show to check things out. It was reported to me that it was a very full house (with 500 artists it better have been). Hopefully I will get pictures from both very soon to post for you guys to see.

Thanks again for the support.

First Friday

2009-03-05T21:45:00.000-08:00

So this week is pretty busy for me, since i have 2 shows going on today. The first is at APW gallery in Queens, NY (LIC), and the other at Lucy's Top Hate in Philly (Old City).

The APW show is featuring a huge amount of artists- for more information, please visit apwarts.com. The work I have featured at APW is Stack and Pack.
The show at Lucy's Top Hat is actually my first First Friday show, so I'm actually pretty stoked about it. It's going to be a much more intimate type of environment with some decent drink specials, free appetizers, and the work of Danielle Nutt, Becky Reiser, and Kat Gun along with my own. So come out, get booze, and see some art.

I hope to see you there- enjoy the art openings all around Philly and NY.

Juxtapoz Strikes Again

2009-02-25T07:51:00.001-08:00

So I was looking through Juxtapoz Magazine's website and stumbled upon some street art that strikes my fancy.

The first artist is Know Hope. He's a street artist from Tel-Aviv, Israel so already I'm intrigued, since I haven't seen to much Israeli street art, let alone any that made a fundamental difference to me.The next guy is a street artist named Word To Mother. He has recently been awarded with a solo show at Stolen Space Gallery in London.
The final artist I saw that struck my interest was Damian King. I would have to say that the particular painting I have been looking at pretty much speak for itself. Its called "Backstabber".

Research, Research, Research

2009-02-22T19:48:00.000-08:00

So lately I have been getting back into focusing on faces (anyone who knows my work knows that faces are a big deal to me), and I seem to be caught between to thought processes and schools of thought: "Make it your own" and "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". That said, I decided to look at some work of the master of ugliness, Leonardo da Vinci. I thought I would share with you what I have been looking at, maybe to give a little bit about where some of my work comes from. Good old Leo reminds us all an important fact- Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction. Enjoy.

New work

2009-01-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd take a brief moment to say that my work that will be going into the APW Arts gallery show (World of Imagination Vol. II, March 6th) is complete. The work is called Stack andPack. I took 5 12"x12" canvases and put together this 5 panel piece. For more info on the show, check out APWarts.com. Enjoy.

Experimentation, Chapter 2: Back to the Stone Age

2009-01-21T18:52:00.000-08:00

As outlined in the last article of this blog, I had decided to experiment a little bit with Microsoft Paint. Paint was the first two programs I was introduced to that at all encompassed any kind of artwork that could be done on the computer when I was a kid. I thought it would be interesting to explore the program that was truly down to the basics. I decided to try to draw in the program as similarly to my actual drawing style on paper as possible using Paint and the touch-pad mouse on my computer. It was not a very flexible process, by any means. However, so far I have to say the biggest redeeming quality of the digital age of art is one major tool: the Undo button. Apparently my pen drawing style isn't exactly conducive to Microsoft Paint unless I have a tablet. For the first, I used only the pencil tool. For the second I used the pencil tool with the paint brush tool, and with the fourth I used the pencil and the spray paint tool.

Experimentation, Chapter 1

2009-01-17T13:41:00.000-08:00

Recently, through a class, I was put to a challenge: As a painter in the modern world who dabbles/has dabbled in digital media, can I personally make the two media and art forms coexist? The main thing to note about this project is that I'm really not sure if there is an answer for me. While the time table for this project has an end, I think i can say pretty safely that the search never really ends.

Phase 1 of my digital vs traditional experiment-

The first attempt I made at fulfilling the challenge was taking something I had painted and running it through Photoshop. So that I could add interesting photographic qualities, I chose to take a leap of faith and paint on human skin, rather than canvas. Not easy, or fun for that matter, with acrylic paints. I give enormous credit to people who can create a clean, crisp, nice image that way (especially those who do it with ease). After that I decided that I wanted to incorporate digital manipulation by separating the painting from the surface between color and black and white. My models were Sarah Trull and Trevor Heilman.

Next stop, Phase 2: Going back to the stone age with Microsoft Paint

New Stuff goin on

2008-11-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

Recently there's a lot of stuff going on. The economy is, as we all know, getting deeper in the shitter, so the art world is suffering. At least there's something new to talk about in people's work.
Anyway, I'm working on trying to get some work out there to different shows, but there aren't any promises. So far I've decided to try out for the show in Miami through MyArtSpace.com, as well as the Feb. show at Projects gallery. I am, though, going to have some work at APW gallery in NY come Feb. 6th. I'll be represented by 5 12x12 canvases, which I'll also be sure to post here as soona s they're done.

In other news, a couple of artists and I (Petros Pappalas, Adam Schneck, and Mat Tomeszko) have decided to form a Crew of sorts. We call ourselves The Rabble Rousers. I've been part of a few, back in my graffiti days (which didn't last, or truly progress that far), but this one is definitely different. I guess to give a true further description, we would have to iron out some more details, but I gotta say we're on an interesting path. All I've gotta say is stay on the lookout for us. In the mean time, here are a couple of drawing I decided to post on this thing. Enjoy.

Update

2008-11-10T20:13:00.000-08:00

so recently I have been working on a new series- just started the 2nd painting- called The Grand Pecking Order. I suggest looking at the painting, and the following with looking at it while listening to "The Grand Pecking Order" by Oyster Head if you can get your hands on it. Please, also, let me know what you think. I apologize for the poor lighting and photography.

Also, recently, I have been using a little bit of source material (for once) to try and enhance my characterizations and body language by going back to some older movies. I look forward to the developments that will have in my coming work- which there is a lot of for sure. till next time.

New Blog

2008-10-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

Well, this is my first post on the blog, so for those of you that are kind enough to have stopped by, thanks a bunch. I'm adding this blog as a part of my website, so that I can give you guys, and myself, as personal and updated a touch as I can. Here I'll be posting, and writing about, both my work and other people's work that I like. for those of you wondering, my main URL is www.seagullscrapbook.com where you can find the majority of my work (that I've obviously already shot) as well as contact info and my CV. Again, thanks for stopping by, and hope you like my stuff. Anyway, I may as well explain myself....
This isn't my prettiest peice, but this 3 panel painting is the one that made me who I am today- an artist with a purpose.
Long story short, during sophmore year of college, luck basically took a big steaming shit on everything I knew and was. Due to the irresponssible nature of a couple of party goers, I was accused of drugging a couple of girls at this particular event. No- I did not in fact take part in any elicit activity. It was a wrong place at the wrong time kind of issue. Anyway, this accusation began what would be the worst couple of months in my 20 years of life. It's safe to say that this whole experience changed me forever.
This painting is about the 36 hours I spent in jail for, literally doing nothing. for those of you that haven't guessed it yet, the title alludes to my extreme discontent for the experience. This painting, after finally being able to be honest with myself artistically, would spawn a long series of commentary mostly aiming at society's dishonesty, whether it be in reference to the Myspace generation or society's vices.