1st Quarter at Bherd Studios Gallery: Osgood, 4th Annual All Female Exhibit & 5 Year Anniversary

Photo by Niffer Calderwood
A piece from the "Pretty, Sexy, Dirty Girly" exhibit

First off I (John Osgood) would like to thank everyone who came out to the show "Between The Lines". This was the second year of creating a solo show in the gallery for January. I always find it a grueling and self learning process.

Next on our bill is “Pretty, Sexy, Dirty Girly", a multimedia exhibition of all female artists addressing the topic of feminine sexuality, curated by Seattle artist, Siolo Thompson. The exhibit opens on Friday, February 10th and includes everything from pin up photographs and figurative paintings and illustrations to pieces that will challenge the viewer to look beyond the surface of the work and examine their reactions and interactions with the work and the artists. Read more about this exhibit on our website.

And to keep the ball rolling on shows that I am pumped about, in March Bherd Studios Gallery is turning 5 years old! (How time flies.) To capture this event we decided to create a book and show titled "Look Up Here", filled with artists that we have worked with throughout the 5 years. Within the last 5 years we have curated shows in our gallery, we have produced satellite events, and we have worked with numerous amounts of other groups to co-curate shows. Needless to say we have been busy and we wanted to highlight some of the artists that have been with us over those years. Without the artists we would not have had the resources to keeping pushing the envelope and show the world what we have here in the great Northwest.

So mark your calendars. February 10th "Pretty, Sexy, Dirty Girlie" and March 9th "Look Up Here" Bherd Studios 5 Year Anniversary and book release!


Bherd Studios Gallery
8537 Greenwood Ave N | Suite 1
Seattle, WA 98103
206-234-8348
www.bherdstudios.com
Gallery Hours: Wed - Fri from 12-6pm and by request.

Justin Kane Elder at Timesinfinity Gallery + New Mural at EVO

"Self Portrait" by Justin Kane Elder


mANIMAL: pART I
New work from Seattle artist, Justin Kane Elder
@The Timesinfinity Gallery at EVO
May 6 – June 1, 2011

Stop by EVO & the Timesinfinity Gallery to peep Justin Kane Elder's new work & and brand new mural. Artist reception will be held on May 6th from 6pm to 9pm during the Fremont Arts Walk. The Timesinfinity Gallery holds the first installment of the mANIMAL trilogy. mANIMAL is a new series of work that explores the ‘outlandish’ characters among the human race and in the wild. Justin Kane Elder’s current style emphasizes colorful layers of geometric shapes, which are chosen to highlight each subject’s character. He is also interested in exploring art at large scales.

The largest of his work, a Patagonia-sponsored mural, is currently on Evo’s West wall. The show is on display through June 1st, 2011. It will showcase Elder’s layered geometric portraits. The artist is having a reception on May 6th from 6pm to 9pm during the Fremont Arts Walk. Justin Kane Elder was born in Everett, Washington in 1978 and graduated from Cornish College of the Arts in 2002. His work has appeared in solo and group exhibitions around Seattle and also has a new installation featured in the 25th Anniversary International Childrens Festival this May.

Timesinfinity Gallery @ EVO
122 NW 36th St
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 973-4470
www.evo.com

"The Birds" at Twilight Artist Collective: Art Opening Recap

"Welcome to New Mexico"
by Zachary Bohnenkamp
$300.00

The artist opening for "The Birds" curated by yours truly (Bherd) at Twilight Artist Collective was a real hoot last Thursday. In case you missed it, we wanted to give you a photo recap and encourage you to stop by TwAC in West Seattle before the show is over.

About "The Birds":
Eleven Seattle urban contemporary artists consider the darker side of birds, inspired loosely on Alfred Hitchcock’s classic movie “The Birds”. Featuring the works of: Zach Bohnenkamp, CASH, Ego, Mary Enslow, Laura Louise Hines, Tessa Hulls, John Osgood, Sensei23, Chris Sheridan, Erin Staffeld and Joe Vollan.

Most people see birds as fluffy and sweet songsters or a way to market your latest indie craft. However, these artists are examining the more sinister side of our feathered friends. Birds have been used as indicators of human health like the “Canary in the Coal Mine”, as well as, been seen as signs of the impending apocalypse like the recent large die-offs in the US and around the world. Pacific NW Native American’s have immortalized the Raven in stories as the Trickster, who can be mischievous and a bit of a troublemaker. And if you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a dive bombing crow, or a pissed off Canadian Goose, you know they can be quite the nasty interloper. Artist opening, Thursday, April 14^th from 6-9pm and showing through May 7^th.

Artist reception.


Artwork by Zachary Bohnenkamp.



"Putrid Death from the Skies" (on left) & "Return of Putrid Death"
by Joe Vollan
$150 each or the set for $275



Artwork by Erin Staffeld



Artwork by Sensei 23



Artwork by Laura Louise Hines



Close-up of "Marabou Stork"
by Laura Louise Hines
$400



Artwork by Tessa Hulls



"Alfred and Co."
by Mary Enslow
$240



"I'm Scared" by Ego (on left) $300
"A Shallow Grave" by John Osgood (on right) $365



Artwork by CASH (2 on left)
Artwork by Chris Sheridan (on right)





Thank you to everyone who came out on Thursday and showed your support! "The Birds" are on exhibit through May 7th and Twilight Artist Collective is located in The Junction in West Seattle.


Twilight Artist Collective
4306 SW Alaska St.
Seattle, WA 98116
p 206.933.2444
M - F 11 - 7, Sat 10 - 6, Sun 10 - 5
(Located across the street from Key Bank, between Edie's Shoes and Easy Street Records.)

Opening night of "Monsters & Aliens" curated by Zinn: April 8 from 6-10pm

"Support Group" by Justin Hillgrove

We're excited to present our "Monsters & Aliens" show which features 4 Seattle urban contemporary artists: Kevin Gosselin, Justin Hillgrove, John Osgood & Solace. Curated by Seattle's youngest curator and art afficianado, 7-year old Zinn Bellevie.

Zinn has been reeling in some press as of late and to hear & read his latest interviews and story about how the show came together, please visit:

KIRO Radio 97.3fm

North Seattle Herald

Come out and meet Zinn tonight and see all the monsters and aliens you can handle!

Exhibit continues through Friday, May 6th.
Gallery Hours: Wed - Fri from noon-6pm and by request.
http://www.bherdstudios.com/

Bots Vs. Beasts + Good Omens + Heroes, Vixens & Villains = Urban Art Feast in da hood!

The Phinneywood hood that is...

This Friday, March 11 starting at 6pm, in conjunction with Art Up Phinneywood.



Our friends and neighboring gallery, Urban Light Studios at The Greenwoood Collective, are exibiting 30 urban artists in their "Bots Vs. Beasts" show curated by Nick Beery. It's a killer line up of visual artists, plus there will be live music from local 8-bitSci-FiHip-Hop group Supercommuter!



And of course, you don't want to miss Book Club, at Bherd Studios Gallery. Visual art based on the cult classic, "Good Omens, the nice and accurate prophecies of Agnes Nutter, witch"


"Death" by Mike Capp

17 Seattle urban contemporary artists provide their visual interpretations of the book Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett. This darkly humorous cult classic pokes fun at the end times and nearing apocalypse. We found this a particularly timely piece of literature for a 2011 exhibit, with predictions of the end days right around the corner.

Featured Seattle artists include: Nick Beery, John Belli, Mike Capp, Cris Cook, Duffy, Justin Kane Elder, Eddy Lee, Matt Lewis, Xavier Lopez, Eric Osborne, John Osgood, Augie Pagan, Kate Protage*, Chris Sheridan*, Brian Thies, Siolo Thompson and Brian White.

*Artists who selected the Book Club book.





Our friends at Tasty are coming up on their 1st anniversary...
So stop in and celebrate with them this Friday March 11th from 6-10pm. That same night is the opening party for their next exhibit, a comic book art tribute called:

HEROES VIXENS & VILLAINS. Costumes Encouraged!

Featured artists include:
*Thomas Hurley III, *David Vonderlinn, *Marty Gordon, *Law, Wilky, Augie Pagan, Kim McCarthy, Sarah Chambers, Court Hoffman,
Dave Ryan, Jon Malmstedt and Daniel Schultz.

*These artists are represented on the attached flyer invite above.

Justin Kane Elder, Seattle Urban Artist at Gainsbourg: Jan 14 - Feb 4

"Bob" by Justin Kane Elder


Artist Opening: Fri, Jan 14 from 6-10pm
Showing through: Fri, Feb 4

Bherd Studios features the pop portraiture of Seattle artist, Justin Kane Elder at Gainsbourg in Greenwood. Elder simplifies images by deconstructing them into basic geometric shapes. His goal is to construct a complex design out of simple forms. Each piece focuses on individual colors and how those colors relate to the space they inhabit. Colors are piled together to create a network of corresponding objects. This talented artist is a graduate of Cornish and is a real up and comer on the urban art scene – we expect to see great new work coming out from Elder this year.

The artist opening is in conjuction with our neighborhood artwalk: Art Up Phinneywood which happens every 2nd Friday from 6-9pm all year long.



"Dick" by Justin Kane Elder


Gainsbourg
8550 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
Hours: Mon - Thur 2pm - 12am, Fri & Sat 2pm - 2am

POW featuring Michelle Anderst

Our featured Piece of the Week (POW) is a beautiful and strange amalgamation of the cochlea and orchid.


"Auricular Apparatus"
by Michelle Anderst
12" X 16"
Oil on Canvas
$385

This piece is currently being exhibited in our gallery as part of the "Inside Out" show that will be up through Friday, November 5th. Auricular Apparatus is a perfect blending of the organic and mechanical that Anderst is so well known for. I am particularly drawn to this piece by the spiral shape of the cochlea backdropped behind the blooming orchid. Both the orchid and the cochlea bring about a delicate look with the mechanical apparatus and circuitry balancing out the piece with an industrial feel. Maybe this is a machine that is meant to hear the beauty of nature. Perhaps it's needed in this world, as many of us have lost our sense of union with nature? Or could this simply be a reminder of how nature and human anatomy reflecting each other.


Artist Statement:

I am currently exploring the relationships between organic structure, such as bones and beetles, to man-made structures that achieve the same functions using similar structural elements. One example is the end point of a circuit, called a lead, located on a computer board looks very similar to a nerve cell ending called a bouton. Both structures serve the purpose of communicating electronic signals but one is built by man and the other occurs naturally. I use wallpaper in my compositions to enhance and compare the elegance that I see in bones, veins and nerves. I want viewers of my artwork to think about the patterns and beauty in these parts of our bodies instead of seeing them as a reference to death.

I have learned thus far that my paintings are a direct result of my experiences as an only child. My childhood was spent in an environment free of unnecessary stimulation with many afternoons of solitude and quiet. Instead of watching television I poured over my father's anatomy books. At the age of 9, I took it upon myself to memorize all the bones in the body because they intrigued me. I spent much of my time preoccupying myself through observation which led to the depiction of scenes filled with solitude, self reflection and nostalgia.



Bherd Studios Gallery
@ The Greenwood Collective
8537 Greenwood Ave N Suite 1
Seattle, WA 98103
www.bherdstudios.com

Hours: Wed - Fri from 12pm - 6pm + private tours by prior arrangement.

P.O.W. Feature: Urban Artist & Comic Illustrator, Brian Thies

"Mrs. Aloof" by Brian Thies
13" x 19"
Limited Edition, Signed & Numbered Print
$25


For our Piece of the Week (POW) installment we are featuring a print by Brian Thies, a Seattle urban artist and comic book illustrator. "Mrs. Aloof" is one of two limited edition prints that we currently have in our gallery for the "You're So Vain" exhibit (in addition to a original oil on canvas painting entitled "Agent XZ-35"). I enjoy the contrast in this piece between the darkness of her hair and the white space left on almost half the page. The light playing off her hair and the shadows on her face ellicit a photographic essence to the piece. Her facial features and eyes do appear to be lost in her own thoughts, unconcerned about anything going on around her, thus her fitting title... Mrs. Aloof.


A small bit about Brian Thies:

The comic book is an art form still very much in it's infancy. As an artist, as a storyteller it's one of the few platforms I feel I can make an honest expression. It's a dialect that is direct and intuitive, sexy and monstrous.
(We couldn't find a proper bio, this bit was taken from his blog "About" section.)


Come by and see his work in person during the exhibit running through Friday, Oct 1st. We will be open Wednesday and Thursday this week (closed Sept 24) and Wed - Fri of next week (Sept 29 - Oct 1) from noon-6pm.

Bherd Studios Gallery
@ The Greenwood Collective
8537 Greenwood Ave N Suite 1
Seattle, WA 98103
www.bherdstudios.com

POW: Redd Walitzki in "You're So Vain" exhibit opening this Fri, Sept 10th

For our piece of the week (POW) feature we wanted to highlight Redd Walitzki's "Specimen 1 - monstrum couturea" which is in our "You're So Vain" exhibit opening Friday, Sept 10th.


"Specimen 1 - monstrum couturea" by Redd Walitzki
Archival Digital Giclée / Mixed Media / Oils on Panel
30" x 34" (framed)
$1200

Ethereal crêpe de chine gown, ($11,260); Galliano for Dior. Burgundy leather tote, ($2,490); Prada. Formaldehyde, magnesium chloride, deoxygenated water, sodium bezonate. Bloodstone cocktail ring, ($865); Yves Saint Laurent. Akoya pearl strand, ($5,500); Mikimoto. Beauty Note: Soft pink blush brings a spark to a drowned complexion, and a sheer gloss adds fragile glamour (Shu Uemura pearl foundation and blush, Christian Dior lipgloss in Asphyxia).

2010


I fell for this piece the moment I saw it. It's delicate and ephemeral imagery illicits that feeling of vanity and hunger for luxury that gives such fleeting satisfaction. Not that I would know the kind of luxury that's entailed in Redd's piece, but I think most women have exprienced "retail therapy" and the temporary bubble of self confidence a new outfit, purse, shoes, etc., give you. However, less than a day later, you come to the realization that your boyfriend is still sleeping with that two-bit hussy, you still want to lose 10 pounds and that damn zit on your forehead still rearing it's ugly head.

There is a sister piece that is also in the show called "Specimen 2 - monstrum modae", the two pieces together are a perfect pairing, both encased in a gilded ornamental frame. You must come by and see these dahhhling...



About the Artist:

Pattern shaping beautiful surfaces. Sweet disguising sharpness.
Superficial, superflat, superfabulous. All art is at once surface and symbol.
Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril.
I am creating a daydream of beautiful aberrations
that evoke themes of neoteny, desire for perfection
and the abject/beautiful dynamic.”

Redd has worked with multiple genres of the arts,ranging from painting, sewing, digital media, video animation, photography, and ball-jointed-doll faceups to name a few. Her elegant style is a signature characteristic of her work; featuring much of her former teaching, discipline and background. Redd graduated from Cornish College of the Arts in 2007. She is a working artist originally from Germany,now living in Pioneer Square (Seattle’s artist district).


Bherd Studios Gallery
@ The Greenwood Collective
8537 Greenwood Ave N Suite 1
Seattle, WA 98103
http://www.bherdstudios.com/

P.T.S. Session #1: Solace Wonder, Seattle Urban Contemporary Artiste

If you know us, you probably have been hearing some rumblings about this project for a couple months now. We are proud to say that we have put out our 1st session of P.T.S. (aka "Peep This Studio") featuring Solace Wonder. Take a moment to check it out:




Artist Bio:

SOLACE
sol·ace [ sólləss ]

1. relief from emotional distress: comfort at a time of sadness, grief, or disappointment

2. source of comfort: somebody or something that provides comfort at a time of sadness, grief, or disappointment


I call myself an urban artist or street artist because my work is influenced by street culture and highly inspired by graffiti. While graffiti is normally rooted in letterforms, I lean towards the character design element. My pacific-northwest surroundings instill a respect for nature that is personified in my work. Via organic textures, vibrant colors, and a graphic painterly approach, I attempt to meld city life with the tranquility of uninhabited lands. Through a blend of mediums, aerosol propelled and acrylic, I concoct my background landscapes and finish them with the character design. I call my characters "wanders." The wanders are unique in perspective and rely on body language over facial expression to tell their story. I am always looking to progress my style and increase my stable of characters while challenging conventional mediums. The mediums most utilized at this time are canvas, large-scale mural production, custom vinyl toys, original plush toys, and live painting.


About P.T.S. Sessions
P.T.S. is the latest project of Bherd Studios Gallery as a way to document and promote Seattle urban contemporary artists and the scene that is continuing to blossom in our area. We are currently working with artists who have previously shown in our gallery and our goal is to produce a monthly P.T.S. Session that will be posted on our blog and promoted through our social media.

Wilky Piece O' the Week

"Mermaid Power" by Wilky
8” x 10”
Acrylic on Canvas
$200

"Mermaid Power" is currently on display in our gallery as part of our "Character Development" exhibit showing through August 27. There will be an encore opening for this show on Friday, August 13th in conjunction with the monthly art walk and Summer Street fest where the streets will be open to pedestrian traffic and lots of lively fun events, including 7 artists mural painting in front of our building from 6-9pm.


About the Artist:

Wilky
Seattle, WA

Sean Wilkinson (Wilky) is a long time Seattle resident and multi media creative artist. He has an extensive background in illustration and currently heads the creative team at Funko, a local toy company where he has spent the last ten years designing toys and bobble-heads.

Recently he has been excited about opening Tasty, a retail gallery/store on Greenwood avenue in Seattle, with his wife Sheri. This new venture has become his latest creative outlet. Sean also really enjoys cereal.


Bherd Studios Gallery
@ The Greenwood Collective
8537 Greenwood Ave N Suite 1
Seattle, WA 98103
http://www.bherdstudios.com/

Gallery Hours: Wed - Fri from 12-6pm and by appointment.

"John y CA$H" Upcoming Exhibit Promo for Twilight Artist Collective

"John y CA$H"
Artist Opening: Thursday, Aug 12 from 6-9pm
Twilight Artist Collective

Nose Go, Philidelphia Artist at Bherd Gallery: POW!

"LOLA" by Nose Go
4" Round
Mixed Media on Wood
$45.00

Nose Go is currently showing at Bherd Studios Gallery for the "Character Development" exhibit on display through Friday, August 27th. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, however, this is his first time in Seattle. He's developed his own unique style with a whimsical and humorous flair. We've chosen "LOLA" as our POW (piece of the week) feature because it's a must-have for your small piece collection, with the vibrant color patterns and ridiculous dali-esque mustachioed dog. You can even buy this online!


About the Artist:

Nose Go
Philadelphia, PA

Nose Go is a Philadelphia-based artist with a passion for illustration and media arts. He mixes fine art with a contemporary style to deliver highly energetic work. His designs feature an assemblage of patterns, vibrant colors and characters derived from his imagination and his surrounding environment. Nose holds a B.F.A. in Film and Digital Video from the University of the Arts. Nose also studied illustration at Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Fleisher Art Memorial, and The University of the Arts. His work has been published in several books, magazines, newspapers and documentaries. He currently directs McJAWN, an online arts and culture magazine of which is the co-founder, along with Wen Vo.

Bherd Studios
at The Greenwood Collective
8537 Greenwood Ave N, Suite 1
Seattle, WA 98103
www.bherdstudios.com

Character Development Exhibit Opening at Bherd Gallery

I can't believe it's already been a week since our Character Development artist opening last Friday! The show features Seattle artists Augie Pagan & Wilky, Canadian artist Chris Brett and Philidelphia artist Nose Go. This exhibit is based around the artists influences of cartoon, comic and video game culture. Through their influences, they have created their own unique characters that have their own stories. Save the date for the Encore Opening on Friday, August 13th during our neighborhood Summer Streets Fest with live mural painting outside our building at The Greenwood Collective.


The Sullivans stopped by to say hello!
(Jessica, Sensei23 & John Osgood from left to right)



So did the ladies of Twilight Artist Collective - except for Erin who had to work :-(
(from left to right: Mary, Cheryl & Allison)



Here's some show opening photos...

















Here's a few photos sans people...



Artwork by Chris Brett, Nose and Augie Pagan from left to right



Hellga Series by Wilky



Ammo box by Augie Pagan & paintings by Chris Brett


Bherd Studios Gallery
at The Greenwood Collective
8537 Greenwood Ave N, Suite 1
Seattle, WA 98103
http://www.bherdstudios.com/

Open Wed - Fri from 12-6pm
and by appointment by calling 206-234-8348.

POW with Chris Brett: Canadian Urban Contemporary Artist

“Don’t Hate” by Chris Brett
19” x 15”
Mixed Media on Masonite (framed)
$350


For our weekly installment of POW (Piece of the Week) we chose recently transplanted artist (from Toronto to Vancouver BC) Chris Brett. Brett's work is currently hanging at Bherd Studios for the "Character Development" exhibit showing through Fri, August 27th. His work has an old school cartoon style feel mixed with an urban contemporary flair. He's a talented up and comer who has been exhibited on both coasts of the US and multiple venues in Toronto, Canada. Don't miss out on your chance to see his work in person!


About the Artist:

Chris Brett is a mixed media artist from the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. Born and raised in Calgary, Chris grew up pulling influence from the fairgrounds of the Stampede, the train yards of rural Alberta, and the cure from boredom that Mad & Cracked Magazine provided. Chris has taken his interest in graffiti, cartoons & children's books, and placed it all in the artistic blender creating a hybrid of styles. His works tend to focus on themes of Love, Lust, Man vs. Nature, Manic joy & Heartbreak. Chris’ work has a slightly goofy and jaded sense of humor; a laugh to keep from crying sense of mania in rich color and dark tones. A reaction to the good & bad things that life can sometimes hand you...


Bherd Studios Gallery
at The Greenwood Collective
8537 Greenwood Ave N, Suite 1
Seattle, WA 98103
http://www.bherdstudios.com/
206.234.8348

Open: Wed - Fri from 12-6pm and by appointment.

Augie Pagan Ammo Boxes: Lock & Loaded!

Seattle artist, Augie Pagan currently has a selection of ammo boxes on exhibit for the "Character Development" show that opened on Friday in our gallery. Two out of the six boxes have already been spoken for, so you're going to want to get them while you can!



"Hell Demon" by Augie Pagan
11" x 10" x 6.5"
Acrylic on Artillary Box
$300



"Snake Man" by Augie Pagan
10" x 7" x 4"
Acrylic on Artillary Box
$275


About the Artist:

Hailing from the California Bay Area, Augie Pagan moved to Seattle to attend art school with the hopes of becoming an illustrator and/or comic book artist. Fate had another plan however, and Augie soon found himself working in the world of video games. After many years of creating art for various video game companies, Augie decided to test the shark filled waters of a freelance artist. Since then, Augie has been self employed as a freelancer, and has been slowly making his way into the alternative art scene by pursing gallery work. His art has been displayed in group shows locally as well as LA, SF, and NY. Augie also hates the term "alternative art" and can't stand writing about himself in the third person.




"Son of Death Pilot" by Augie Pagan
12" x 8.5" x 7"
Acrylic on Artillary Box
$475




"Ammo Skull" by Augie Pagan
10" x 7" x 4"
Acrylic on Artillary Box
$275


The boxes are on display through Friday, August 27th at Bherd Studios. For those in the local area, the gallery hours are Wed - Fri from 12pm-6pm and by appointment by calling 206-234-8348.


Bherd Studios Gallery
inside The Greenwood Collective
8537 Greenwood Ave N, Suite 1
Seattle, WA 98103

Twilight Artist Collective Sneak Peek: Opening Thur, July 8

Here is a sneak peek for the show Twilight Artist Collective is putting on tomorrow night. The artists that are in the show are the participants from the W3AVE Project. W3AVE was the show that was put on by S3A at the Henry Art Gallery in April this year. You will see works by Ego, Mat Savage, PaperMarbleS, Sensei23, Zach Bohnenkamp, Augie Pagan, Solace, Ninjagrl, Dear Earthling and more.


Some pieces by Mat Savage...



Peek of piece by Ego...



Peek of piece by PaperMarbleS...



Come out to the opening tomorrow for W. Sea Art Walk from 6-9pm:

Twilight Artist Collective
4306 SW Alaska Street
Seattle, WA 98116

HOANG POW!

“Alex” by David Hoang
14” x 11”
Walnut Ink & Watercolor on Paper
$225

For our 4th installation of POW (piece of the week), we are featuring my favorite piece from artist David Hoang, "Alex". This work is part of our Urban Portraiture exhibition which is showing through Friday, July 2nd. To hear more about his series for this exhibition, he has a video about it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3aXq80dKq4


Artist Bio

David Hoang explores the foundations of popular culture, de-contextualization, re-contextualization and convergence. Hoang’s work investigates other influential modes of story telling – comic books, film, gossip, literature, music, social media, television, and video games – as they relate to one’s understanding of identity and worldview. Like a DJ, he mixes and re-mixes his materials to create visually representative narratives on the picture plane. Through drawing and painting, Hoang perpetually explores his bicultural upbringing and ethnocentric influences – interweaving experience, understanding, and exploration.

David Hoang was born in Longview, Washington in 1983. He is of Vietnamese and French descent, and is a first-generation American. He received his BFA in painting at Central Washington University in 2006. Hoang’s work is shown nationally throughout the United States. He currently lives and works in Seattle, Washington.


Artist Statement

I am two parts cultural ecologist, one part DJ. My drawings are a repository for other influential modes of storytelling: literature, film, music, television, gossip, text messages, myth, inside jokes, video games, comic books, personal experience and the occasional romantic walk on the beach. I find the picture plane to be a flexible reality in which I can use original and existing icons and images to ask questions about how narrative relates to one’s understanding the self (identity) and one’s understanding the world (worldview).

Tim Kapler's "Mutations" is our P.O.W. (piece of the week)

“Mutations” by Tim Kapler
6.75” x 8.75”
Mixed Media on Sticker
$50


We're on our 3rd installment of our POW (piece of the week)feature. And this week we are featuring Tim Kapler who is one of the "Urban Portraiture" artists in our gallery this month. His artwork incorporates incredible line-work and detail and he has on exhibit currently a large selection of small pieces ranging from $40 - $70 a piece. We were taken back by his "Mutations" piece that we're featuring this week because of the strong vibrant colors and the half alien - half human portraiture.


About the Artist

Kapler is a Tacoma-based artist working with found and neglected materials. He has shown locally at Kulture Lab, Urban Art Festival, The Pantages, Sanford & Son, Metro Coffee, Mad Hat Tea Company, as well the Rebar, Bherd Studios and the B.Y.O.A. Show in Seattle.

www.timkapler.com



His work will be on exhibit until Friday, July 2nd and gallery hours are Wed - Fri from noon - 6pm or by calling (206) 234-8348 for an appointment.

www.bherdstudios.com

Brit ka POW: Featuring UK Artist Daniel Lumbini

“A Small Study of Desire”
by Daniel Lumbini
35” x 28”
Oil, Aerosol & Tempura on Canvas
$850

As part of our "Urban Portraiture" exhibit that runs through Fri, July 2nd, we currently have a special guest artist in our gallery, UK artist, Daniel Lumbini. We wanted to feature his piece "A Small Study of Desire" as our POW (piece of the week). Lumbini has shown his work outside of the UK in New York, and for the first time, is showing his work in Seattle. I find his work reminiscent of Conor Harrington with clear detailed images mixed in with loose and out of focus strokes. Please feel free to come by and see his work in person, we have 3 more pieces of his on exhibit. The gallery is open: Wed - Fri from noon-6pm and by appointment by calling (206) 234-8348.

Artist Statement:

My work is a contradiction of everything I've been taught: when you're a kid you're told not to paint outside of the lines; when you're all grown up they tell you things in real life done have any outlines. So I guess my work could be best described as a contradiction of everything I don’t know…

This probably explains my interest in playing with the formula of the human figure and experimentation of human physical awkwardness, as much as I’m keen to bare our psychological flaws. Nothing says imperfection like people and their baggage, myself included, and I guess my style of painting leaves my own flaws exposed also…

My awkwardness and lack of attention to detail is what I hope I’ll be remembered for.


www.bherdstudios.com