The Skip Heller Trio
Saturday Oct 2, 8pm
Live At Rafa’s Lounge
1836 W Sunset Blvd (at Glendale Bl)
Los Angeles, CA 90026
suggested admission: $3
“An American hero flying below the radar.” — Time Out New York
The Skip Heller Trio — featuring Lee Joseph on bass and Mark Borinstein on drums — once again takes the stage at Rafa’s Gallery, a
tiny and charming venue at Sunset and Glendale in Echo Park. Ostensibly a country band, the trio is also colored by a love for 60s garage rock, Philly soul, exotica, and Roger Miller. The crack rhythm team of Joesph and Borinstein is a perfect match for Heller’s virtuoso jazz-meets-bluegrass guitar and his soulful baritone. The great Patria Jacobs opens.
Also worth noting about this show: it’s Heller’s birthday party.
“There are 22 cards in the Major Arcana, each showing some aspect of the human experience. The cards of the Major Arcana are focused on three themes: the realm of the material world, the realm of the intuitive mind, and the realm of change.”
The Lowbrow Tarot Project will showcase 23 artists who will use their creative and unique styles to take on the tarot 22 Major Arcana and original card back totaling 23 new works of art in the rugged glow of the lowbrow art movement to be displayed in an exhibition at La Luz de Jesus on October 1, 2010.
The group exhibition will feature 23 new and original works by renowned and accomplished artists Carrie Ann Baade, Christopher Ulrich, Edith Lebeau, Cate Rangel, Kris Kuksi, Chris Mars, Christopher Umana, Chris Conn, Brian M. Viveros, Claudia Drake, Heather Watts, Molly Crabapple, David Stoupakis, Laurie Lipton, Patrick “Star 27″ Deignan, Chet Zar, Jessica Joslin, Danni Shinya Luo, Jennybird Alcantara, Angie Mason, Scott G. Brooks, Aunia Kahn and Daniel Martin Diaz.
Curator and artist Aunia Kahn developed the project after the completion of her own 78 card Silver Era Tarot deck and believed most artists would enjoy the exploration of divination without the commitment to a larger, overwhelming project. In addition, a hardcover tabletop book and full color tarot card deck of the work will be produced.
The Art of Dee Dee Ramone A Birthday Memorial Show
September 18 – 26
Opening Reception: Saturday,September 18th, 8-11 pm
La Luz de Jesus Gallery
4633 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90027
323-666-7667
wwww.laluzdejesus.com
info@laluzdejesus.com
Dee Dee Ramone will forever be an enigmatic punk rock icon. While m ost are familiar with his musical legacy as a founding member and songwriter in the world famous Ramones, many are less aware of his talent for art and painting. Like Dee Dee, the work is rebellious, dynamic, eccentric and comedic. We have assembled an exhibition of over thirty original pieces, -many of which will be displayed for the very first time at this extraordinar y event sanctioned by Dee Dee’s Estate to honor the rock legend.
Rare, vintage images of Dee Dee have been cherry-picked from the critically acclaimed, Jenny Lens Photo Archive and will be available for purchase as oversized, signed, numbered, museum quality prints. Hailed as the most published first-wave west coast punk photographer in the history of the movement, Jenny will share her experie nces with the Ramones at the opening night reception, specifically citing Dee Dee as the reason she picked up a camera initiating her prolific body of work from 1976-1980.
We’re also proud to debut a special Limited Edition commemorative archival lithograph featuring one of Dee Dee’s quintessential self-portraits “Dee Dee Ramone: The Blue Dragon”.
Admission to the exhibition is free and open to the general public. A portion of net proceeds from the sale of lithographs and photo prints will benefit the LA Regional Food bank via donation in Dee Dee’s name.
Barbara Ramone-Zampini; wife of the late seminal punk legend and longtime collaborator in his solo career in both music and art explains: “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to share these rare works with fans to fully appreciate in person. Dee Dee’s spirit truly lives in these paintings and when you experience them up close, its very o bvious. He always talked about helping children & gave to the homeless all the time. Dee Dee was very generous, more than most will ever know. I think he’d be really proud that he continues to help people today through his art.”
This special birthday memorial will celebrate the many facets of Dee Dee Ramone, and special guests will reflect on the man, his music, and an eclectic life of artistic fulfillment.
Saturday, October 9th 6PM-11PM
Opening Reception with live painting, a sponsored bar & tunes from DJ Mr. NumberOnederful (Bitter:Sweet) & X-Point. 8PM – special presentation of a lifetime achievement award to Robert Williams
Admission is Free / Open to the Public
Sunday, October 10th 1PM-6PM
Art viewing / Last chance to see the exhibition
Admission is Free / Open to the Public
Gallery and Artist List
(Images below – contact leejemail@gmail.com for hi-res)
C.A.V.E. Gallery Paul Chatem, Andy Haynes, John Park, Euth, Gosha Levochkin, Macsorro, Jason Hernandez, Jennifer Springman, Eatcho, Craww
CoproGallery
Anthony Ausgang, Becca, Luke Chueh, Mark Garro, Billy Norrby, Nouar, Kathie Olivas, Chris Peters, and Martin Wittfooth
Crewest Gallery
Miguel Paredes, Man One, Else, Chaz Bojorquez, and PaperMonster
La Luz de Jesus
Damian Fulton, Karen Hsiao, Yumiko Kayukawa, Danni Shinya Luo, Nathan Ota, Robert Palacios, John Puglisi, Christopher Ulrich and others TBA
Thinkspace Gallery
Aaron Nagel, Brett Amory, Caia Koopman, Craig “Skibs” Barker, David MacDowell, Derek Gores, Jacub Gagnon, Jeff Ramirez, Kevin Titzer, Scott Radke, Stella Im Hultberg, Yosuke Ueno + a special installation from Dabs Myla
PLUS a special showcase celebrating underground art event Cannibal Flower’s 10 Year Anniversary featuring works from Kelly Berg, Young Chun, David Cooley, N.S. David, Joka, Mear One, Louie Metz, Michael Pukac, Gustavo Rimada, Brian Robertson, Van Saro, Erik Siador, Crystal Sylver, Win Wallace, and Jaime ‘Germs’ Zacarias alongside live painting demonstrations from John Park, Euth, Anthony Clarkson, and Michael Pukac
Click here to see the Gallery / Event map
The second edition ofBeyond Edenwill be hosted by the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery at Barnsdall Park this coming October. Beyond Eden is a multi-gallery event celebrating the new contemporary art scene in Los Angeles. The public is invited to attend this special event and admission is free.
After the overwhelming success of last year’s Beyond Eden exhibition which drew over 5,000 people over the course of the weekend, the organizers are keeping the focus of the event on the new contemporary art movement. This genre of art has been building momentum and a patron base in Los Angeles for the past several decades and is finally starting to receive mainstream recognition from major institutions and publications the world over.
Beyond Eden will showcase the works of over a half dozen galleries and will be held inside the beautiful confines of the historic Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery during the weekend of October 9th and 10th with an opening night celebration planned for Saturday, October 9th. Participating galleries include Carmichael Gallery, C.A.V.E. Gallery, Copro Gallery, Crewest, La Luz De Jesus, LeBasse Projects, and Thinkspace.
Beyond Eden will also feature the presentation of a lifetime achievement award to the one and only Robert Williams. In addition the event will also feature live painting demonstrations throughout the gallery alongside special installations from local street artist Shark Toof and Australian artistic duo Dabs Myla. Rounding out this event is a special showcase celebrating underground art event Cannibal Flower’s 10 Year Anniversary.
Founded in 1951, the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery is a historic 10,000 square foot facility located on the sprawling grounds of Olive Hill in the Barnsdall Art Park. The park overlooks the city of Los Angeles and is also home to the famous Frank Lloyd Wright Hollyhock House and Arts Complex. Under the Department of Cultural Affairs, the LAMAG is the premier city-run gallery that focuses on contemporary art, particularly the work of living Southern California artists.
Presented by:
Arrested Motion
Art Ltd.
Artillery
Blik
Daily Dujour
Hi-Fructose
Juxtapoz
Lee Joseph Publicity for the Visual Arts
Living Color Graphics
Sour Harvest
Visual Art Source
Please come to the Magical Musical Lunch benefiting The Downtown Women’s Center next Sunday, September 12 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Dick and Jane Family Orchestra are performing, along with Madame Pamita, The Queen of The Sideshow Carnival, who will also be telling fortunes! Also scheduled are special surprise guests that are so big that we can’t mention them here.
The Downtown Women’s Center provides housing and a daytime refuge for homeless women on Skid Row. From permanent housing to just a warm meal and a daily shower, this place is incredible.
100% of all proceeds for this event — absolutely no overhead–is going to the Downtown Women’s Center — no money wasted on overhead.
Special thanks to Sino Tequila, which is donating the margaritas, and El Chavo for donating the all of the food and beer and hosting the event. (El Chavo owner Melanie Tusquellas’ mother has been doing volunteer work and donations for the Center since the 1970s when it first opened.)
Tons of fabulous raffle prizes, buffet lunch, margaritas, beer and great music are all included in the $40.00 ticket. We realize that ‘s a lot of money in the current economic environment, but it’s for a very worthy cause and ticket are totally tax-deductible. And if you can’t make it, please forward this on to someone you think might be able to help.
To get tickets, go to the following website. After your purchase, you will receive a Tax ID receipt: www.firstgiving.com/DWC-ElChavo
Make no mistake about it: the art world, the traditional art world is over. – Douglas Rushkoff
ART-TOYS is a massive collection of Brian McCarty’s meticulously composed photographs that uniquely chronicle the Art-Toy movement. For six years, McCarty worked alongside a host of international artists, photographing their toy characters in actual locations ranging from the Grand Canyon to Times Square. The resulting photos are sometimes dark, often funny, and always hinting at a deeper story. The moments that McCarty manufactures in front of the camera feel real, as if he’s simply documenting the day-to-day lives of toys.
Each of the over 100 photographs stand alone on a page, allowing viewers an unfettered look at the world from McCarty’s toy-based perspective. An extensive behind the scenes section is included at the back of the book, providing a narrative glimpse at McCarty’s methods and the artists with whom he collaborates. Snapshots taken on set reveal the brilliantly simple techniques behind some of his most magical and iconic images.
Because the toys that McCarty photographs are simultaneously art objects and consumer goods, many of his images were created to serve both creative and commercial goals. As such, they provide a unique perspective on the art and commerce of the Designer Toy / Urban Vinyl movement. A number of books have explored the content of the Art-Toy movement before, but this is the only collection that captures the energy and the attitude of a new era in Pop Art from the perspective of a fellow artist.
Artists with toy work included: Alex Pardee, Amanda Visell, Andrew Bell, Ashley Wood, Attaboy, Bob Dob, Brandt Peters, Craig Anthony Perkins, Frank Kozik, FriendsWithYou, Gama-Go, Gary Baseman, Greg “Craola” Simkins, James Jarvis, Jeremy Fish, Jermaine Rogers, Joe Ledbetter, Kathie Olivas, Lili Chin, Luke Chueh, Mario “MARS-1” Martinez, Mark Mothersbaugh, Mark Nagata, Mark Ryden, Meredith Dittmar, Michelle Valigura, mr clement, Noferin, Patrick Ma, Ralph Cosentino, Roy Miles, Sam Flores, Santa Inoue, Sara Antoinette Martin, Sebastien Roux, Sergey Safonov, Scott Musgrove, Scott Tolleson, Simone Legno, Tim Biskup, Wilfrid Wood, Yoskay Yamamoto, and others.
The special, limited edition of ART-TOYS features an alternate cover free of text, packaged in a vinyl slipcase. Each book is individually numbered and signed by Brian McCarty and eighteen world-known artists whose work is showcased inside. Included are Attaboy, Gary Baseman, Tim Biskup, Hugh Brown, Luke Chueh, Lili Chin, Bob Dob, Frank Kozik, Joe Ledbetter, Patrick Ma, Mark Nagata, Craig Perkins, Mark Ryden, Greg “Craola” Simkins, Scott Tolleson, Michelle Valigura, Amanda Visell, and Yoskay Yamamoto. Mario “MARS-1” Martinez and Sam Flores are also included in a rare number of “chase” books.
We have been living for too long in the wake of Walter Benjamin’s prescient but ultimately depressing essay, “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.” He correctly demonstrated how photographs of art remove works from their original contexts – the media successfully diminishing a painting’s original “aura” of context and place. Now, and thanks to the Art-Toy movement, we may actually be entering an era when a work of art’s aura is not diminished but enhanced or even *created* by the media supporting it. – Douglas Rushkoff
Hard cover, 240 Pages, 10.5″ x 9″, Published by Baby Tattoo Books, Los Angeles
Brian McCarty
Brian McCarty (mccartyphotoworks.com, brianmccarty.com) is a Memphis-born photographer currently living and working in Los Angeles. McCarty studyed at the Parsons School of Design in New York City and the Benetton-supported creative research center Fabrica in Treviso, Italy. According to McCarty, “About the time I was supposed to grow up and stop playing with toys, they transitioned into subjects for my photography.” In the twenty years since, his toy photography has been exhibited internationally and seen via commissioned projects for clients such as Rockstar Games, Cartoon Network, MTV, and Kidrobot. In addition, McCarty spent nearly four years as in-house photographer at Mattel.
McCarty’s postmodern integration of concept and character has earned his photography a prominent position in the growing Urban Vinyl / Art-Toy movement. McCarty is featured in several books chronicling the artistic movement such as Vinyl Will Kill, Dot Dot Dash, and Toys: New Designs from the Art-Toy Revolution. McCarty’s work has earned notable praise from such places as Bizarre Magazine (July, 2010),L’Uomo Vogue (February, 2007), ABC World News(October 31st, 2006), FHM Germany (April, 2010), and XLR8R Magazine (January, 2009). In addition to his still photography work, McCarty recently co-created, produced, and art-directed an animated series based upon his photography that went into development for Nickelodeon.
Continuing to expand his work, Brian is currently developing a documentary film and photo essay on children’s experiences of war as expressed by principles of play and art therapy.
Christopher Ulrich “Illuminator: The Royal Wedding”
August 6 – 29, 2010
Reception for the artist: Friday, August 6, 2010, 8pm – 11pm
Print Release & Signing will precede, from 7-8 pm
La Luz de Jesus Gallery
4633 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90232
323-666-7667
info@laluzdejesus.com
www.laluzdejesus.com
Choice Oil on canvas
36″ x 48″ in 44″ x 71.5″ frame This is Christopher Ulrich’s second show with Billy Shire. The first was “The Fourth Enochian Key,” which debuted on June 13, 2009. This next chapter is a continuance of the “Demoneater” series recently catalogued and exhibited at the Grand Central Art Center Museum at CSUF. “Illuminator: The Royal Wedding” is the second chapter of three in Ulrich’s ongoing journey. It was on this very day 38 years ago that Ulrich was born. Each piece in the series is designed to be its own portable temple marked and charged by the number 8. There are 16 paintings with 16 illustrated studies, 1 additional drawing, hidden, conceptual notes and 16 print editions that complete the show.
“Illuminator: The Royal Wedding” is a merger, a multi-faceted view of the crystal. Light and dark begin to dance within the circle. As the black continues it’s metamorphic process, the heat and flame of experience (and a time-crunching deadline) increase and the whitening begins. The white aspect of the alchemical process is the manifestation of a deep healing process. What happens is it gives birth to axioms. These insights form the images, which create personalized alchemical recipes. Various figures from history -both real and imagined- have folded with cross-cultural counterparts significant to the artist. This manifested array marks the interior witnesses that revolve around the axis of the third part, that which has yet to be. All the works can be viewed simultaneously, as if they are all happening at the same time in different places and dimensions. Poetic conception is the moment in which a certain resonance rings out throughout the universe; dark beacons echoing across the depths of space and time. As the piper plays his hypnotic melodies so, too, the aspirant chooses his card. As the Promethean hare reveals nuclear magic to primates so, too, St. Margaret rises from the belly of the dragon. These moments capture a singular message. And that is an awakening with the white and black truly integrated. The red man and the white woman merge and not only give birth to the divine child but absorb its golden aura, which is the backdrop of the whole show. The entire universe spirals above, below, and within. The Royal Wedding heals all wounds, and establishes treaties amongst all houses; a rekindling of friendship; truce between enemies; the harvesting of fruits of labor; the newborn gifts between lovers; a new manifestation between father and son, god and warrior, mother, sister and friend. :Illuminator: The Royal Wedding” has revealed that there are no mistakes, no regrets and no lies. All parts of the greater whole bear witness that life is a magical process with “magic” defined as the transforming agent. The ability to make the unreal reality, to make impossibility possible, to bring a sense of inspiration, joy and insight is your birthright. We live in abundance, not scarcity. Everyone is invited to experience his or her own inner awakening by witnessing the call that the artist has truthfully labored to answer.
Grace
Graphite on strathmore
12″ x 17.5″ (plus 3″ matte & frame)
Also available as a proof edition lithograph (1/16)
There is a great wedding occurring. The bride and groom could be myth and reality or science and religion. Seeming opposites come together. You have to choose: there are four paths with four different directions all going to the same place. All who attend this show will see various paths revealed. The Universe will be drawn back to its singularity. There is no expansion without contraction. Each guest is invited to contribute and share their own gifts within the court. May the masks come off and the archetypes dance. Who knows what they will bring forth. Amen, Glory, Peace, and Triumph!
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Contact the Gallery Director for availability and purchase info: (323) 666-7667
La Luz de Jesus Gallery is located in the Soap Plant/Wacko building, in Los Feliz at 4633 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Gallery hours are Monday – Wednesday: 11am – 7pm, Thursday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm and Sunday 12-6pm. For high resolution jpegs, interview requests and more information contact: Lee Joseph Publicity, leejemail@gmail.com, p (818) 848-269, f (818) 848-2699.
Picture Mechanics is an artist’s collective consisting of 30 of the world’s most innovative illustrative talents. Their work is published in major publications, on book covers, ad campaigns, merchandise, civic projects and is regularly exhibited internationally. Over the years, Picture Mechanics has created group shows, products, books, and a web portal, picturemechanics.com. KABOOM! Is a collection of new work from the group. This is their first show in Los Angeles.
http://www.picturemechanics.com/index.php
Works by:
Michael Bartalos
Cathie Bleck
Juliette Borda
Calef Brown
Marc Burckhardt
Richard Downs
Ann Field
Vivienne Flesher
Geoffrey Grahn
Amy Guip
Eddie Guy
John Hersey
Jody Hewgill
Anita Kunz
Greg Mably
Mark Matcho
Adam McCauley
Joel Nakamura
Christian Northeast
Dan Page
Edel Rodriguez
Ward Schumaker
Jeffrey Smith
Katherine Streeter
Gary Taxali
Mark Ulriksen
Sam Weber
Noah Woods
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Josh Alan Friedman Black Cracker Book Reading, Signing & Musical Performance Sponsored by New Texture. Special guest readings from authors Chris D. and Wyatt Doyle
Thursday, July 8, 2010
6-9 pm
La Luz de Jesus Gallery
4633 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90232
323-666-7667
info@laluzdejesus.com www.laluzdejesus.com
New Texture is a Los Angeles-based arts collective-turned-publisher; our first three books will debut at in-person events across Los Angeles in July, 2010.
New Texture Nights kick off in Los Angeles this July, with live readings and performances by Josh Alan Friedman (Black Cracker), Chris D. (A Minute to Pray, A Second to Die) and Wyatt Doyle (Stop Requested). At most venues, Josh Alan – Czar of Atomic Acoustic Guitar – will play. (Listen to Josh Alan’s music here.)
About the books:
Black Cracker, an autobiographical novel by Josh Alan Friedman
(Wyatt Doyle Books/New Texture, $19.95 paperback)
Josh Alan Friedman is the acclaimed author of Tell the Truth Until They Bleed and Tales of Times Square. But back in 1962, he was a first grader, at the start of a four-year odyssey as the only white boy in the last segregated school in New York. His autobiographical novel from Wyatt Doyle Books, Black Cracker, is a memoir of those years.
Challenging long-held preconceptions about race, class and character, Black Cracker boldly moves beyond mere “culture clash” into “multicultural steel-cage match.” A deeply personal, achingly funny book from a writer who has never shied from controversy, Black Cracker may be Josh Alan Friedman’s most provocative work yet.
With typically unflinching insight into the many shades of human nature, Josh Alan Friedman chronicles a childhood at the flashpoint of the Civil Rights era, spent with one foot in Long Island’s well-to-do suburbs and one in its now-forgotten poor Black shantytowns. As young Josh encounters an unforgettable cast of characters and befuddling situations ranging from bizarre to tragic to roaringly funny—and often all three—Friedman illuminates the myriad ways outside influences, both humane and insidious, color our judgment and attitudes, almost from the cradle. Black Cracker is the funniest book that will ever break your heart.
A Minute to Pray, A Second to Die: A Collection of Writing by Chris D.
(New Texture books, $24.95 paperback)
Admirers of Chris D.’s work as a musician (The Flesh Eaters, Divine Horsemen) may be unaware of his significant body of work as a poet, novelist and screenwriter. Encompassing 35 years of writing across a variety of genres and styles, A Minute to Pray, A Second to Die is a 500+ page career anthology from New Texture that corrects that oversight.
“Eclectic” can’t begin to define a compendium collecting all of his lyrics and poetry, surreal dream stories, and excerpts from several novels. Yet perhaps most revealing are the candidly autobiographical passages peppered throughout, providing personal and artistic context while nakedly detailing his struggles with personal obsessions. Sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll, sure; but also fevered poetry, religious damage, and rabid cinephilia.
A Minute to Pray, A Second to Die is an exhaustive collection of writing by one of the godfathers of Los Angeles punk rock. Deeply cathartic and intensely cinematic, writer Chris D.’s varied selections stake their claim squarely in the shadowlands between arthouse and grindhouse; 19th Century romanticism roughed up by James M. Cain, “cut up” by William S. Burroughs, and screened on a wall at a bordertown drive-in.
Stop Requested by Wyatt Doyle; illustrated by Stanley J. Zappa
(New Texture books, $14.95 paperback)
Public transportation is a great equalizer. No matter who you are or what circumstances put you there, you’re on the bus. And in Los Angeles—a city obsessed with status, image and the car you drive—when you’re on the bus, you’re really on the bus.
But just because it’s no place to meet movie stars doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of memorable characters among the lost, the delusional, the disenfranchised and the drunk. These aren’t merely people who ride the buses, they’re people you might never get to meet anywhere else.
Wyatt Doyle’s naked city stories of the other side of Tinseltown are shot through with comedy, tragedy, mystery, action, drama—even the occasional musical number. Profusely illustrated with surreal, biting images by Stanley J. Zappa, Stop Requested delivers street-level tales of bizarre encounters, faded dreams, mental illness and heavy traffic.
Last Thursday a few people migrated to El Chavo on the Los Feliz / Silver Lake border after Lina Lecaro’s “Los Angeles’s Best Dive Bars” book signing at La Luz de Jesus Gallery. On the way back to my car, parked on Sunset near the gallery, I was waiting for the light at Hillhurst to turn green when I looked in the window of a vacuum cleaner store next to the Good Luck Bar – a sparkly gold vacuum cleaner in the window caught my eye and upon further examination I noticed the machine’s “Privilege” logo (interesting name for a vacuum cleaner) looked really familiar. Have a look for yourself. The Royal company should give Dionysus Records a vacuum!
Dionysus Records logo by Dave Stuckey was originally designed for the Big Sandy “Don’t Desert Me” single released way back when. This logo design has, and continues to appear on almost every Dionysus release since.
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