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