Bike Art Preview

I can't help but share two pieces that I just finished. Both will be exhibited at The Nautical Bean through the month of May. I will be sharing the space with Artist Tony Girolio. His artwork will pair well with what I have. Keep tuned as we will have an art closing and pick up party at the end of the month.

New Art for Open Studios 2015

It's all about change and staying out of the comfort zone. This year, I challenged myself with two new mediums: Watercolor and Sumi Brush. Both cannot be erased, muddled, or laid down without intent - unforgiving and painful when they go awry. It hurts to see good progress go south when a touch of a loaded brush and spreads uncontrollably on wet watercolor paper. When things go as planned and the medium is under control and action is intentional, it's clean, friendly, packable and spontaneous.

The "Summer Sumi Series" was created on the spot during my wonderful, bright, summery days on the Central Coast. I enjoy creating en plein aire while hiking, mountain biking, lounging at the beach, or time with friends at a campground using beer as water to paint. Art reflects life, or is it life reflect art? Either way, both have been challenging lately and art is always my way to sort it out. Here's a link to my Flickr site: Summer Sumi Series of just some that will be available for purchase in October. 

Please visit my studio both weekends in October for SLO County Open Studios tour.

Pirates Cove https://instagram.com/p/6LNcFUAWM2/

OSAT 2014 Pre-Show Studio Prep

I have an art show coming up. It's part of the countywide Open Studios Art Tour SLO. Time speeds up as I prepare for it. Despite that overwhelming feeling, these are the things I want to accomplish:

1. Paint the studio walls

2. Finish the 8x8 for #OSAT2014 group show at Art Central

3. Stain frames

4. Hang mural

5. Create three (3) bike chain print blocks

All this before October 11.

Southern Station Show

Artist Statement photo bombed by chicken!

The paint color pops under the Santa Margarita Historical Society's photos.

The Sidetracked show is down, but the gallery loves on! Consider purchasing one and support the arts.

The landscapes come individually mounted on a wooden palette all hardware ready to hang.
Contact me directly bill(at)on-trackstudio for inquiries.

SACRED SPACES - Paintings from Native American mortar sites.

• Highway 50 
• Trout Creek Meadow 
• Cave Rock 
• Spooner Lake 

WATER & LAND - The border between the two make for interesting vistas.

• Pt. Molate 
• Aquatic Park 
• Sandollar Beach
• Zephyr Cove
• Creekside Swallows SOLD

ON-TRACKS - The original American artery along urban parts of the East Bay.

• Porsche Junkyard 
• Gilman St. RR Tracks 
• Albany TT Tracks 
• Pt. Molate II 
• Abandoned Warehouse 
• Berkeley Marina

Poppies Replaced by Kiosk

 

Springtime Poppies Under a Contrail Sky had a three-week stint at the smokers bench in downtown Santa Margarita. The public site now has a kiosk for the Santa Margarita Historical Society. No worries though; pop-up art will continue and thrive where it's needed most.

Seven Years Ago, Really?

 

We were enthusiastic, pumped up and ready to spread the bicycle gospel to the masses. Our location was ideal and the public loved it. What, you missed it? Well you can behold/relive the bike art shows through the magic of the internets. Read the Tribune review, the New Times write up and see a lot of Tall Bike Posse antics on Flickr.
Why did we stop? Conducting free events like these doesn't feed hungry mouths, pay bills, or rent. Oh, but the memories, friendships, possibilities are priceless.

• 2007 BIKEshift
• 2008 BikeXperience
• 2009 Bike Momentum

From a Tissue Sketch...

This is one case where I'm happy I inspired another artist to grab the growler and run with it.

I did the initial rough sketch (below) on tissue paper as a direction for Central Coast Brewing to go with a shirt design; maybe three years ago. I didn't have the time or resources to bring it to fruition at the time. The artist/illustrator who was contracted definitely had the style I would have looked for to finish the job. I'll take my payment in beer, thanks.

Order yours on the Voler.com website.

Mural Progress

I think I'm done. The side of my studio has been the outdoor painting area for the last month and a half. Initially, it was a project conceived three years ago as part of Santa Margarita Beautiful. Back then, we gathered eager volunteers from the Santa Margarita Community Church and cleaned, painted and revitalized this little downtown blight. This mural is either the last installment of that project or the beginning of something new...
The walkers on the railroad access road have watched the progress and have been inquiring about it. For the curious, I wrote in chalk: "THIS ART IS A GIFT TO MY TOWN." CONTRIBUTE! It's meant to be a rally cry that you can make a difference by being a part of your community and giving.

The title of the mural is: "Springtime Poppies Under a Contrail Sky".

The Power of Art, Free Art

Selfless Selfie (is there such a thing?)

I believe in the power of art, free art. I believe art changes the place we exist. It brings connectivity to humanity. It enriches a community when it is given to them from the heart of the artist. It brings wealth twofold when it is given away. I'm getting ready to enrich our little downtown blight with a glimpse of spring explosion that happens usually all too short. This gift of art is for my community to enjoy. I can't wait to install it. Here's a glimpse of the WIP below.

"Poppies under a Chemtrail Sky"

Market Fresh

These AP (artist proof) prints from bicycle chains

I'm happy with the direction of these prints and now need to add more texture to the print block. That will require more bicycle chain. I'm pretty excited about getting back into printmaking. It was my focus way back as a graduate ('82) from UCSC Studio Arts program. A surprise bonus of doing these prints was the memories of setting up for printing and the smell of printing ink. It brought back memories of late night studio work fueled by coffee and college radio. Good times.

Trailwerks Posters for CCCMB

Central Coast Concerned Mountainbikers is another awesome group of people who work to expand the network of sustainable and enjoyable trails in SLO County and maintain the trails currently in use. I am proud to be a member and can say that I helped establish and maintain some of the best dirt trails anywhere.
I donate poster skills and help promote their big trail events called "Trailwerks". This 3 year set of posters are based off the most parodied american painting by Grant Wood called American Gothic.

2011

2012

2013

It truly is the most parodied painting from an American painter. Here's a good article about the painting and its back story on Neatorama.

Grants sister and his dentist were models.

Banksy Public Art Attack NYC

Banksy Public Art Attack NYC continues with this brilliant piece called Sirens of the lambs. National Public Radio has a short article and posted a video that really captures the public reaction in a real way. BRILLIANT!

"This is a piece of sculpture art, and I know what you're thinking: Isn't it a bit — subtle."
The audio guide also explains that the animals are controlled by four mime artists, who sit inside the truck. Banksy apparently used to work at a butcher shop, which might have inspired the sculpture art.

Learn more about the problem:
The Humane Farming Association

Guerilla Art Lives! (for a brief time until it is taken down).

Dancing on the Union Pacific Train Trestle

Oh Great Bike Spirit

Dancing Bikes
The Tribune

Flights of Genius by Stephen Powers

Flights of Genius by Stephen Powers from Jun Lee on Vimeo.

I used to be a sign painter and like Stephen Powers. I enjoy the rare tradition of sign painting and these beautiful subway pieces for the masses bring the flavor of Coney Island to the land of the working blahs. Bravo!

My Egg McMuffin Properly Heated.

Micro Tester for restaurants from Micro Tester on Vimeo.

I think I would want my food properly heated. 

The past four months have been a push to create a video for the Micro Tester. This is possibly the last leg in a long journey for my client. We collaborated with other professionals to make a simple video showcasing a device that measures the efficiency of commercial microwave ovens - one of the least regulated commercial kitchen cooking devices in the fast food industry.
Big thank you to McDonalds in Grover Beach for the use of their kitchen and the supporting actor "Ted".
Thank you Highlight Media for their expertise, ideas and the will to work within a budget. Thank you Leia Larson for stepping up to the spokesperson/model who nailed it. Thank you KV Web Solutions for website coordination. It takes a team to make a client happy.
making it happen. This was great collaboration between client, videographer and art director.

Eff Ewe

I looked up and saw this sans serif acronym at the California Mid-State Fair.

“Up In Arms: A Creative Response to Gun Violence”

The group show is called “Up In Arms: A Creative Response to Gun Violence”

Read more here: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2013/07/05/2573116/local-exhibit-is-a-creative-response.html#storylink=cpy

at the Steynberg Gallery. This one is called "What are you?" - a step back commentary on home grown terrorists and politicians that fuel the paranoia fire. Read about the in the SLO Tribune then go see the show. My favorite piece is Russell Hodin's "Exercises For Small Arms".

On Location with Highlight Media

On Location with Highlight Media, a set on Flickr.

A successful product demonstration with Highlight Media today. Can't wait what they puzzle together with the footage. I'm sure it will be exactly what the client needs.

Take My Idea and Roll With it!

I envision a day when I can ride my bike or a hike along the wonderful trails of Bob Jones, Railroad Safety Trail,  Bill Roalman Bike Blvd, Cal Poly, Eucs, Reservoir Canyon ...(name your spot), see and hear a bicycle wind-chime along the route. Here's a recipe card just for you to use on your next Guerrilla Art project.

Here are the final pieces:

Atonement

Funk WIP

Thunder Chime Time

Brutality on Bikes

Cyclocross will descend upon the Central Coast December 9th at El Chorro Regional Park. If you have never seen a cyclocross race, do yourself a favor and check it out. The artist (me) will be signing a limited amount of posters in trade for a $5 donation to the SLO County Bicycle Coalition. Check out how others enjoy Cyclocross as a participant and a spectator.