2012 Artist

Ahhhh…. Another year comes to a close. 2012 was beautiful. And in its honor, we once again have invited some of our favorite DFW artists to contribute to a collection of standout works created in the last 365 days.

A variety of artists answered the call, from many different mediums. There’s been no effort here to order them into any categories. What follows is a mash up of Dallas area artists from illustrators, to painters, photographers, and even sculptors.  Also included are a few former Dallas-ites who’ve now moved around the world and still have a connection to artlovemagic.

Enjoy!

Kari Sams
“Playing”

This painting was a “happy accident.” I was using left over colors that I had mixed together from another painting that I had just finished, and was trying to get it done for an art show. I did not even think about what I was painting, so really, I was just playing with the colors. I usually do abstract color fields with a few forms/lines that are not really defined.  Sometimes my color fields give a feeling of one of the elements coming through (Earth, Fire, Water, Air). This is the most colorful abstract I have ever done and it looks like everything at once (all colors, all elements). I usually just stick to a few colors when I do this, sometimes even monochromatic , and I rarely use black. I like how the black turned out in this though. I see my color fields as an expression of spirit coming through. They communicate a feeling or an essence and are better experienced in person. They are open to interpretation by the viewer. Everyone sees it or feels it through whatever their perception or state of mind is at that moment in time.

To see more of Kari’s work, visit her on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100224516284600.2598110.23913914&type=3

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Brad Albright
“Texindigenous”

In total contrast to the suburban sprawl and retail conveniences surrounding us today, as an illustrator in Texas I’m inspired by the mythology of the Old West and the idea that the state was once a brutal wasteland.  In developing ‘Texindigenous’ I challenged myself with exhaustively researched at the Fort Worth Zoo and Historic Stockyards, and the final illustration was carefully drawn with ink and etched on clay-coated masonite.  This image will appear in 3D for those with red/blue glasses!

www.AlbrightIllustration.com

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Jonathan Davis
“La Lumiere d’Aline”

13 x 20 in. / December 2012
mix medium on cotton paper
model: Aline Allen”The Light of Aline”, is distinctive of my style and my subject matter. It is a mixture of watercolor, acrylics, indian ink, colored pencil and glitter. I leave this year, with this painting being one of my most enjoyable. The first in a series of a new muse, Aline Allen.

facebook.com/jonathanmichealdavis

http://davismichealjonathan.wix.com/seventhswan

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Paul Hammerquist
“Water & Balls: Stillframe”

This is a still frame from one of my 3D Animations Water & Balls. It was created using Blender a free (Open Source) 3D modeling program. The animation took 1 week to render a 45 second animation.

https://www.facebook.com/DeepEllumHammer/photos

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Samax Amen
“Andre”

Here’s a look at one of the pieces I did for the Undead Celebrities issue of GhettoManga Quarterly. When I started the call for “Undead Celebrities” submissions, I was hoping somebody would choose to draw iconic wrestling star Andre the Giant. Since no one did, I had to do it myself!

I did three pieces for that issue, but this one is my favorite, because it feels so light and whimsical. I don’t do whimsical nearly as much as I’d like.

Peep more of my work at Ziontific.com

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Harmony Witte
“Recycle Revolution Mural”

March 2012
Acrylic on cinderblock

This is an approximately 18 foot tall mural I did on the side of the Recycle Revolution warehouse at the corner of Chestnut and Davis in Deep Ellum. This project really stands out to me because it was a huge stretch to accomplish. I had never tackled anything so large and I didn’t have the first idea about graffiti! It turned out as something that makes me proud and was recently used as a backdrop for a HGTV commercial! I began working on it during the Occupy movement and it felt so appropriate to be painting the word “revolution” on the side of a building. It really amazed me how many people from the neighborhood would approach me and talk while I worked. People love to talk about the art they have made or seen that has been stamped on their soul. They would stand and watch me work for hours. I hope that each of them sees this sometimes and feels like a little piece of them is in the wall–I know I do.

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Patricia Rodriguez
“The Path of Intuition”

24″ x 24″

acrylic/krylon on canvas

I completed this piece in 2012 and it’s the second in a series I’m working on called “The Path Of”. My pieces are like meditation for me and I approach each piece with no sketch or plan in mind. Sometimes dream images are the inspiration but I paint spontaneously and let the symbols, colors and images just pop into my brain and canvas at the same time. This piece is about following your Intuition and finding the fruits even though you’re blind.

For more work please visit:

http://www.tigerbeearts.com
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Lawwrence Alexander
“Captain America”

Prisma Pencils and black Ink

This piece done and donated at the Dallas Comic Con for The Wounded Warrior Project. Lawrence was one among many local and profession comis artists that donated and perform at the event. The piece was then auctioned off to the final bid of $1025.

To see more of Lawrence’s work, visit: http://www.lawrence-alexander.com/fineart.html

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JC Barbara
“Anatomy Studies”

There was once a time when understanding human anatomy, hierarchy, structure, perspective and design where essential practices for the artist to master. In the 21st century this philosophy seems to continue to dissipate. For this reason I find myself trying to rediscover the spirit that drove the old masters. My focus in this piece centers on the beauty of the back. Studying how the forms stretch and compress depending on which major muscles or bones are pulling or contracting, gives the human back a near infinite reservoir of appealing poses to observe and admire.

Link to website …. http://ironturtlestudios.com/sketchbook/

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Alexandria Quinn
“Lament for the Nations”

36″ x 24″(plus installation of cascading paper flowers on floor below), February 2012.

Lament for the Nations came about as I was seeking to further surrender my artistic talents to the Lord. Last year as I studied the book of Acts I was moved by how willing the first missionaries were to give everything for their Father, MY Father. I learned about Gladys Aylward, who left everything she had known to pursue the Lords will. I also read the words of Susan Bergman who once wrote: “How to draw close to them?” speaking of those who are suffering in Christ. My heart was grieved, how could I connect with those living with persecution and oppression? As I contemplated this prayerfully many scriptures came to mind including these words of Paul: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26-27) We are ONE WITH THEM. We share in our sufferings and rejoice in the hope of Jesus Christ, who saves us all from our sins and redeems us to the Father. This piece of art is my prayer, my lament over all the nations to mourn over those that are still lost, but also bring attention to those that have given their life for our Lord. There may be much persecution, but even in that our hope, our love, our faith and God’s kingdom is ever multiplying.

http://calledtobeanartist.blogspot.com/

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Jose Ramirez
“A girl smoking a cigarette in space.”

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Khalid Robertson
“Attack the Block”

One of my favorite movies that I saw this year was Attack the Block. It was epic! I made posters to sell for people, hoping a lot of folk would get it, when I sold them at shows. Alas, all I got was “hey he has a sword!”. The iconic scene in tho movie was when Moses, the kid with the sword, was running from a stack of furry black alien dogs. They made those aliens dark like ink. So I figured, it would be cool to make a piece where that black tone integrated with the letterbox frame and played with the negative space. I dig it, but like all things I see changes I can make.”

http://www.behance.net/khalidsteelob531

https://www.facebook.com/khalid.steelo

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=11926026&trk=tab_pro

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Kevin Obregon
“Mus(i)ca Domestica”

“This 22” long sculpture, “Mus(i)ca Domestica”, was a prized auction item for Art Conspiracy 8’s SEED event, and has an embedded digital music player/amplifier built into it’s body, along with a pair of 2″ speakers, which can be found behind the “compound” eyes. The idea came to me when I first heard the selected artists were going to be given speakers as a common thread or theme for this year’s event. The house fly, which oddly enough has the latin name “Musca Domestica”, seemed beautifully serendipitous when it came time to naming it. The piece was auctioned off at $950.”
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Kathryn Petroff
“Just Passin’ Through”

Mixed Media on Panel, 30″x48″,
For Sale

The painting I am most proud of this year is “Just Passin’ Through”.  It
is the first painting in a new series I began in 2012, with many more to
follow.  I believe this piece has allowed me to find my voice as an artist
and has awakened a drive and creativity I have never felt so intensely
before in my artworks.  Each of the trinkets she carries has a real
personal story from my friends and family.  The pocket watch belonged to
my grandfather.    The thimble on a string belongs to a friend of mine and
is one of the few items found in her family home after Hurricane Katrina.
I love the idea of “collecting” memories and thinking of the stories these
trinkets carry with them.  I am currently working an a second painting of
this woman, on a new part of her journey.  Many people have asked about
her, and I wanted to know as well.

Visit my website, www.klpfineart.com,
for more portfolio images and to see progress on this new series.
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Eddie Walker
“Kaitlin: Dia De Los Muertos”

I really enjoyed doing this piece for the last ArtLoveMagic Art & Coffee I participated in for the 2012 year, held first Friday of November, where the theme was Dia De Los Muertos. The face started out as a white in keeping with the face painting agenda that was the celebration. I didn’t actually know what kind of design to  go for. After looking at several examples, I just decided to wing it. So much fun. The face belongs to Kaitlin Epperson. The design is all mine.

View more of my art at

www.eddiewalkerart.com

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Carolyn Collins
“Rewind To A New Moment”

In order to appreciate where we are going, what we are capable of, and the possibilities our future holds… we must take into account where we have been, what we have learned, and what we have experienced in our past. Every component of our past is waiting to be rearranged into a new and exciting field of discovery… of all that surrounds us and all that lies within us. I love to collaborate, especially when it’s for a great cause! Borrowing some old watch & clock parts from a friend, I felt like an imaginative & curious child, as I carefully built this temporary sculpture… solely for the purpose of shooting this photograph. 50% of the proceeds from ANY item featuring the Rewind To A New Moment image (including boutique gift items) will go directly to ArtLoveMagic’s Kids Music and Art Workshops. Why? Because KIDS NEED THE ARTS!

www.carolyncollinsphotography.com

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Cal Slayton
“Gotham Girls”

I’m very grateful that I got to a lot of illustrations this year. This piece is probably my favorite. I wanted to create an 11 x 17 print I could sell at conventions and decided on doing a Gotham Girls illustration. I also knew I wanted to do a limited color palette. I sketched it out by hand, scanned it and then recreated it using Adobe Illustrator. It took forever to do, but I finally finished it and am really happy with how it turned out.

http://calslayton.deviantart.com/
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That’s it! May 2013 produce amazing local art as well.
This blog was put together by Michael Lagocki for artlovemagic.

To see last year’s collection of 2011 art, click here.

Come out to Art & Coffee: We Are Young

ArtLoveMagic’s youngest producer, Kylun Rodriguez, is turning 16 years old today. Kylun is a gifted poet and has an interest in composing music as a Dj. He has also played roles in a few school productions and hopes to become a professional actor.

Kylun is also the lead producer for ArtLoveMagic’s very first youth focused Art & Coffee, titled “We Are Young”. This event will present a collection of artistically talented children and young adults, creating live within various mediums. The stage inside BuzzBrews in Deep Ellum will also feature a few amazing young voices. We will still have an open mic for this event but please remember that our focus is on the youth. Come and enjoy this event with your whole family. Get a glimps into the lives of our future artists and be inspired by their talents and creativity.
Click here to check out the facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/421134197925634/

July Art & Coffee Preview Video

Hey ArtLoveMagic Fans,

We’ve got a special video preview for our upcoming July Art & Coffee! ArtLoveMagic was able to sit down with singer/songwriter Micha Goolsby and asked her to share her experience our group. We’ve also helped her record and produce an EP to sell at the show. Check out the video and her music!

You can learn more about July’s Art & Coffee by visiting our event page, and we hope to see you there!

May 26 2012 Kids Workshop @ Life In Deep Ellum

Story by: Charlsie Grace
Photos by: Nicole Rodriguez

Did you catch the latest ArtLoveMagic kids workshop last Saturday, May 26th, 2012? We had 10 visual artists and 3 performing artists working right alongside the kids. Each professional artist had their own station and the studio style event (as opposed to classroom style) allowed kids the freedom to come and go to whatever station caught their eye. Things flowed very well with the kids (and some fun adults too) moving from station to station, almost always trying out every last activity. It was really magical to see some of the best talent in the current Dallas art and music scene in the same room teaching, inspiring, and investing in the future generation of Dallas artists.

When you first walked into the venue you could hear the beautiful, beating sounds of percussion coming from the Mokah Lounge, where Kelly Nygren was stationed. This area had one of the coolest vibes and was by far the most comfy with all the pillows on the floor. The kids spent quite a bit of time in this area because they were free to be as loud as they wanted–banging on drums and an assortment of kitchenware items, playing tambourines and egg shakers.

 The watercolors were a big hit! Kate Colin, whose portfolio was on display within the Life In Deep Ellum Gallery, and Ashley Jones are both wonderful watercolor artists and they did a great job engaging with the kids at their stations. You could tell that kids of all ages were having a fantastic time creating their watercolor projects.

Young artists were challenged and inspired in their drawing skills by Jason Kinney’s pencil art station. Jason is a professional artist with an incredible gift for creating amazing photographic-like portraits by using nothing but a pencil… with no formal training. He worked closely with the kids, helping them individually by showing them the exact pencil techniques he uses to create a drawing.

Teenage boys seemed especially interested in Eddie Medina’s comic book style. Eddie is great at comic book illustrations and the kids loved getting his help drawing their own favorite characters, like dragons and “The Hulk.”

Harmony Witte started her station off by drawing a dragon and after some collaborative painting, the kids turned it into this amazingly bright and colorful art piece. Each kid brought his or her own ideas, interpretation, and special artistic touch to the piece.

Riley Holloway worked with the kids, teaching them how to illustrate the human body. His realistic form and unique approach had the youth engaged and wanting to learn more.

The kids were initially nervous to go on stage for the performing station, but once a couple people went up there first, everyone wanted to try it out. Issac Davies did a great job at showing the kids how to freestyle rap and MC, and the legendary DJ EZ Eddie D taught them some DJing techniques.

I really loved Ixchel Aguilar’s idea for her face painting station… set out the paint and let the kids do it themselves! It was very entertaining to see how different each person took on the challenge. Some kids painted blobs on their faces and some got really elaborate and painted, not just their face, but also their arms and legs.

One of the coolest activities of the day was Cori Berg’s marble art. Each person put a piece of paper, a marble, and their choices of paint in a Pringles can. Then they shook it all around and each resulting painting was unique and different from all the others. This was a big hit with the younger kids!

Jerod Davies and Bari Candy were troopers for working out in the Texas heat all afternoon. They both created two very interactive and fun stations. Jerod set up a huge board with tons of paint and brushes. The kids each collaborated on the over-sized piece, “Just-Us League” style. Bari taught the kids how to create with spray paint in her outdoor station.

Thank you so much to every single adult, child, artist, and volunteer who spent your day with us! A very special thanks to the Just-Us League, Jeanne Blanton (in memory of Don), Life in Deep Ellum, and Zini’s Pizzeria. Without your support and donations this event could not have happened, so THANK YOU! If you’d like to donate to or volunteer for future workshops, please contact Jennifer Gibbs at jenn@artlovemagic.com.

Now that the event is over and we’re beginning to plan the next one, we need your feedback. Were you at the May 26th kids workshop? What did you/your kids think of the event? What do you want to see at future events?

JUNE ART & COFFEE – JUNE 8 2012

Join us for the June edition of ArtLoveMagic’s monthly live & interactive art show! ArtLoveMagic Art & Coffee is a free to attend, family friendly event that will showcase over a dozen artists & musicians performing live.

Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture artists creating and performing live. See some art or jewelry you like? Bring some cash to take an original piece home or simply donate to the ALM cause.

Enjoy the local art and music, local food from Buzzbrews and local brew from Deep Ellum Brewing Company!!

Artist Lineup Includes:

Creating Live:
Desmond Blair
Tony Walls
Mike Moffatt
Chzy Gonzales
Raymond Cassady
Heavenly Dew
Sally Torres
Luis Torres
Eddie Walker
Naaima Lovechild
Betty Bickle Bucher
Billy Bucher
Meagan Gonzalez
Kathy Tran
Jody Pham
Kelly Hooper
Harmony Kennedy Witte
Ixchel Aguilar

Pop Tart Cherry Jewelry by Karrie Carr
Live Interactive by Cori Berg

This Art & Coffee is not an open mic. We will feature several of our favorite local musicians this month in order to shine a spotlight on their work.

Featured Musicians:
Sonya Jevette
Carl Young
Ryan Thaliono
Faded Fools
J Nicholas Gray
Nick Crapanzano
Alex Garza
and Micha Goolsby

Live DJ: MC Medina

We hope to see you all there on June 8th!!

RSVP here: http://www.facebook.com/events/227630714018197/

KIDS WORKSHOP – MAY 26, 2012

Who? All youth 6-16 and their parents


When? Saturday May 26th, noon-4pm


How Much? FREE!!

Where? Life in Deep Ellum- 2803 Taylor Street, Dallas, Texas 75226

 

Kids will work alongside professional artists of all different mediums. Including music, paint, pottery, pencil, watercolor, chalk, murals, paper crafts and more… Your child will have an opportunity to play, explore, create and learn!

With so many schools diminishing (or eliminating) art programs, it’s more important than ever to find ways to inspire our youth to think creatively and learn new ways to express themselves positively!

Each artist participating in this workshop is a local, working professional.

Confirmed artist lineup: Cori Berg (Craft), Ashley Jones (Mixed Media), Ixchel Aguilar (Painting), Riley Holloway (Drawing), Jason Kinney (Painting), Eddie Medina (Comics), Harmony White (Water color), Kate Colin (Water color), Jerod Davies (Spray paint collage), Bari Candy (Charcoal/Spraypaint),  Issac Davies (MC), Kelly Nygren (Percussion), DJ Ez Eddie (DJ).

The set-up will be studio, not classroom style. Parents must stay on premises. No need to bring anything but your creativity and excitement!

If you would like to volunteer or are interested in donating art supplies or cash donations for a future Kids Workshop please email: jenn@ artlovemagic.com.

Special ALM thanks to the Just Us League, whose generous donations made this important event possible, as well as Life in Deep Ellum who lovingly provided their awesome venue for this event.

Yelp Presents Passport to Deep Ellum

This is a great video promoting Yelp’s Passport to Deep Ellum. Thanks to Harmony Witte for being the lead mural artist, Taylor Cleveland for being the assistant artist and capturing the footage, and to Pablo Herrera for editing the film.

Yelp’s Passport to Deep Ellum!

Today, May 7th, Marks the first day of Yelp’s Passport to Deep Ellum! ArtLoveMagic has been supporting this campaign by having a mural created on Quixotic World’s wall advertising this focus, illustrated by Harmony Witte & Taylor Cleveland.

From special events to special deals, help us celebrate Deep Ellum!

2 new ArtLoveMagic events announced

Wednesday April 4th
ArtLoveMagic Open House

You are invited to come and hang out with ArtLoveMagic at our offices (2630 Commerce in Dallas) from 7:30-9:30pm

Find out what’s up with us and our upcoming events
Meet folks in your local art scene
Share you local art events/projects/needs
Create with us (we’ll have art supplies out and available)
Bring your musical instruments for an open jam
Bring cameras and sketchbooks
Snacks provided
Al ages welcome

facebook event page- http://www.facebook.com/events/397067060304686/

Friday April 13th
Art & Coffee: Superstition!

7:30 – 10:30pm at Buzzbrews Deep Ellum (2801 Commerce in Dallas)

Art & Coffee is back with a awesome FRIDAY THE 13th show!

You probably already know it’s bad luck to walk under a ladder or open an umbrella inside. But did you know you should never change your sheets on a Friday, and that you should never, ever sit down to dinner at a table with a party of thirteen? (Unless, of course, what you want is nightmares and an untimely demise.)

Come out Friday, April 13th to the unluckiest Art & Coffee of them all and explore friggatriskaidekaphobia, (the fear of Friday the 13th,) and other silly superstitions with some of Dallas’ more unusual artists:

Kelsey Kincannon
Ixchel Aguilar
Brandy Collins
Becky Taylor
Cori Berg
David Jessup
And more TBA

Featured Poet:
Victory

Open Mic: Musicians and poets are welcome to sign up to perform on stage. Sign up begins at 7 p.m. sharp (usually filled with 20 minutes).

This is a free event. All ages. Cameras and sketchbooks welcome.

Produced by Breonny Lee and Brian Alguire

Facebook event page – http://www.facebook.com/events/270778886335688/

More Art & Coffee (March 2012) photos from Kelly Underwood

Kelly Underwood, who set up as an illustrator in our latest coffee show, also brought her camera with her and snapped some beautiful pics of the event. The comments below each are from the event’s producer, Michael Lagocki. Enjoy!

This was actually our first Art & Coffee in quite a few months. The show had grown insanely popular last year, but when the location that hosted it unexpectedly closed down we decided to take the winter off and find a new home in spring.

That place turned out to be Buzzbrews in Deep Ellum. Wow. The space and staff vibe are perfect for what we want to accomplish with this show. Spacious, friendly, and open to doing crazy creative things. I’m excited about how Art & Coffee, which is monthly, will grow here.

Local songwriter Eric Tipton was a guest on the national TV show THE VOICE just days before being the feature musician at the show! Eric’s a friend, a great guy, and an amazing performer. It was a blessing to be able to have him at the show.

…as it was to have the Just.Us.League. They’re a live collaborative painting crew that does monthly jams all over Dallas. For Art & Coffee, their founder Jerod Alexander sketched out a large Alice In Wonderland Tea Party on an 8 ft canvas and let the audience go at it. Yeah.

Outside the front door, poet Amberly Russell and airbrush painter Eddie Walker presented a unique collaboration. Eddie’s been illustrating several of Amberly’s poems, adding a new dimension to the words. Amberly even mounted an Ipod and headphones outside so audience members could hear the poems as they watched Eddie paint.

I love it when we really have a variety of artforms at the show. Artist Leighton Autrey brought a scratchboard to his first Art & Coffee. He used an exacto knife to “carve” an image out of the black background as he met and talked to audience members.

It’s always good to have Kylun Rodriguez in the house. He’s the son of my founding partner, David Rodriguez, and is the youngest producer on the ArtLoveMagic roster. I’m secretly hoping he becomes a lead producer this year and runs his own show sometime.

A huge part of the success of Art & Coffee is not just the feature artists, but the open mic, where audience members can perform. I believe we give young musicians and writers a strong opportunity to grow in their skills. Many local performers who now gig regularly got their start at an Art & Coffee open mic.

Thanks, Kelly for taking the photos! And thanks for sharing your art with us.

The next Art & Coffee show will be at Buzzbrews (Deep Ellum) on Friday, April 13th at 7:30pm. The show is free to attend and all ages are welcome. See you there!

-ML