SMURKS1

ROSSI MISSION GALLERY  791 VALENCIA SAN FRANCISCO The allure of this gallery is real. The people I met and connections I made were invaluable and allowed me to explore my capabilities and learn new skills for which I am eternally “Grateful”.  The theme of the show was “Dead Alive” in honor of the Grateful Dead who were celebrating their 60th anniversary with a city wide “shakedown”. The gallery, known for its graffiti rich culture has branched out in an effort to share their artists and amazing apparel line with more viewers and art enthusiasts.  I was tasked with bringing an alternative perspective and tying in the graffiti aspects to a genre I had no idea about. It was a wonderful learning experience and a chance for me to showcase my creativity in a new way. Enjoi!

These are a few of the pieces that I created for the “Dead Alive” show at Rossi Mission Gallery in San Francisco. The task was difficult but I took it as an opportunity to learn about one of the Bay Area’s most legendary bands and immerse myself in the culture and lore of the “Deadhead” community. Continued on my next post is more of the work and more of the experience. Enjoi!   

Inspired by the Hummingbird series that I painted for the Atelier for Healing project, this series focuses on the “three stooges” if you will. These are city birds that are often overlooked and taken for granted when in fact they are some of the most fascinating creatures on this planet. They are adaptive, intelligent and flat out entertaining. I chose these birds to show the character and personality that I give my art and subjects, they let me have more fun than hummingbirds too. Enjoi !

The Manor Gallery contains the bulk of the series and the many different stages over the last 4 years. Many things have happened to me over the course of the 4 years  that have affected the art.  My health is a big part of that as some of the pieces were painted left handed and with a knife as opposed to the brush I use to rely on because of nerve issues in my hands which would affect my grip. Some of these pieces were painted while I was resting in bed because I could not stop creating but was advised to rest and try to relax. Some of these pieces have more love put into them because of the feelings I had while painting them.  Nonetheless, my grand finale, my swan song, my offering, the last room.  Entrance wall left “Electric FEel” was one of the first large paintings I did in the series. It features UV paint and a variety of hidden faces including my face as a silhouette. “El Arrecife de Los Gigantes” or “Reef of the Giants” is a personal favorite of mine because ...

 The paintings in this room are all painted on repurposed materials. Whether it’s plywood, old frames, broken skateboards or bonded canvases, if I can paint on it I will. If I can keep it from reaching the ocean I’ll use it. There is a huge community who prides themselves on “upcycling” and I am proud to a part of it.  Above the dresser (left wall past entrance) “Desolate” is a painting that shows more of a lifeless picture of what our ocean floors are becoming. There are still hidden faces, “SMURKS” is in there as well as the #52 but not much else.  Next, the “Vaquitas” painting is one that I did for a friend in support of her mission to shed light on some species who are facing extinction, the Vaquita is dangerously approaching single digit numbers. To find out more information visit  this link “Abandonado” or “abandoned” is a reference to the current state of what was once lush and abundant, most of the species that inhabited these areas have disappeared leaving b...