Baby Tattooville on Parade 2011

The story begins on Wednesday of last week, frenetic cyber communications received for required copy, images and shout outs. Frenzied requests garnered from Ragnar (cover), Mark Berry (photographs) and Bob Self (copy voice) to put together a 72 page commemorative book for this year’s Baby Tattooville On Parade.

Thursday morning, drop off at 9:30AM with the final design and production printed by Neyenesch Printers in San Diego. Friday arrives and they deliver the goods by 5PM. I picked up the books and hit the road, driving to the Mission Inn in Riverside.

The Mission Inn is a crucial character in Baby Tattoo Land, a didactic assembly made up of 50 collectors, 27 artists and 25 contributors. There is no other place like it—secret labyrinths, a maze of assembly halls designed within a architectural castle of sorts, comparable to an Elizabethan period film or goth-inspired vampire movie.

Baby Tattooville, creatively assembled by masterminded by Bob Self, is a unitarian call that assembles an interesting assortment of characters together for 3 days. Everyone that attends carries with them the anticipation of connecting with fellow collectors, friends and great artists. Well, let’s just say you never know what’s in store, as year after year mischievous musings overwhelm the senses.

Bob Self describes, “Baby Tattooville is the annual meeting of a secret society of contemporary artists and passionate art enthusiasts. Baby Tattooville’s intimate and immersive atmosphere provides an opportunity for select members of the contemporary art community to spend the weekend participating in both scheduled and spontaneous activities that result in the creation and celebration of art.” (Jeff Soto and KRK Ryden).

“You get the picture?” Artists included Riverside mayoral candidate Jeff Soto, soon to be Europe bound Lola Gill, beach cruisers Bob Dob and Brandi Milne, New York’s Travis Louie, Tara McPherson, James Gurney, Molly Crabapple, Ron English and soon to be transplanted to NY Buff Monster, Southern Cali artists Van Arno, Ana Bagayan, Gary Baseman, Tim Biskup, Luke Chueh, Coop, Michael Hussar, Gris Grimley, KMNDZ, KRK Ryden, Shag, Amy Sol, William Stout, Yoskay Yamamoto, naked rock star Anthony Ausgang, a chipper Frank Kozik, recent Mom Liz McGrath, and the bent over Osama comic drawer Johnny Ryan.

Baby Tattooville kicked off around 5PM on Friday welcoming the 5^th Annual “Art Jam.” The “Art Jam” is a painted collaboration shared between all featured artists. This year’s painting was rocking. As an onlooker you become mesmerized. The painting changes about every 30 minutes, and a true jam session to completion. I rolled in around 9:30PM on Friday night and Jeff Soto and Frank Kozik were laying in the rough areas on the painting for other artists to add their iconic flavor.

Saturday night featured the Riverside Art Museum installation, “Baby Tattooville on Parade” featuring the history of all of the artists featured at Baby Tattooville over the past 5 years. “Baby Tattooville On Parade presents a collection of strange, fun art. The exhibition is loosely themed around the concept of The Marketplace of Ideas which suggests that freedom of expression is analogous to a free market economy —where open competition produces desirable results.” Later that night, guests, numbered 1—50, participated in a bean bag, knock-em down, Circus Punk toss to try to win their favorite shaggy art piece. (Circus Punk customs, above, below—Ron English and Robert Williams).

Michael Hussar’s room has doubled as a photographic memoir to the odalisque and good time binge. Sunday marked the final day to borrow the Las Vegas mantra, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” Onward to year six. Rockin. (Recap of Baby Tattooville year 4 here).

Baby Tattooville 2011 Book Project

October 7—9, 2011 marks the firth installment of publisher, Bob Self’s vision of presenting artists to passionate collector at the historic Mission Inn in Riverside, California entitled Baby Tattooville. To archive this momentous happening in Riverside, CA at the Mission Inn, Murphy Design has been chosen to create an exhibition catalog commemorating this showcase of intriguing personalities and unspoken stories. (Ron English, above).

Held at the Riverside Art Museum on Saturday, October 8, artists will be on hand to sign copies of this unique catalog featuring Michael Hussar (Above), Shag (Below), Jeff Soto, Lola, Grey “Craola” Simkins, Ron English and more…This is the third and most complete catalog created for this annual event by Murphy Design.

Sadly, Baby Tattooville is sold out for 2011, however you can jump on the waiting list for that small chance you might be able to attend. Stay tuned for more info, as I am sure this will be available through Baby Tattoo Books. (Read more about the event and Baby Tattooville review).

Baby Tattooville 2010 Recap

Zap Comics No 6 : Spain Rodriguez

Back in the 1890’s, Riverside was one of the wealthiest cities in the United States, attracting the elite traveler and citrus investor. The Mission Inn has been a Riverside cornerstone since 1876 presenting 21 different architectural styles indicative of the California Mission tradition. The Mission Inn can be described as eclectic, gothic, Baroque, haunted and perfect for an artist retreat weekend. A unique vision realized by Bob Self in 2007.

In the Land of Retinal Delights Laguna museum exhibition

featured many of the esteemed guests

Bob Self, tireless publisher of Baby Tattoo books, assembled an All-Star line up of artists responsible for establishing the underground comix of the 1960s and the major contributors of the “Low Brow” art movement. Caught in the center of it all, Juxtapoz Magazine’s historic co-founder and patron saint, Robert Williams. Robert’s participation was a distinct contrast to the past three years, as his presence seemed to elevate the historic significance of this year’s Baby Tattooville.

Tim Biskup, Michael Hussar, Ragnar

I say this with high regard. Year one was a 72 -hour party binge that featured a slap fest exchanged between Tim Biskup, Gary Baseman and Tara McPherson. 2008 Delivered an ER visit by Tim Biskup who managed to fall off a clay tiled roof after correcting a major equipment malfunction with his foot at Jeff Soto’s studio earlier the same day. 2009-2010 featured a Michael Hussar sexual lair complete with floor to ceiling paintings and models oozing with sexuality and erotic etiquette. Regardless of what you might think, each weekend has promoted a “lack of sleep” ethos that guarantees curious encounters.

Spain Rodriguez

For the past four years, Baby Tattooville has been the premier gathering place for collectors and artists who have taken advantage of quality hang time with James Jean, Jeff Soto, Coop, Frank Kozik, Spain Rodriguez, Tim Biskup, Ana Bagayan and many others. This year’s Baby Tattooville (BT) was entitled “Secret Society.” “Secrets? Most definitely, Yes!” Witnessing 3 of the past 4 installments (revealing a couple of secrets above), I find that each year unveils a hush-hush fact or two.

2008 Signature Book created by Murphy Design : Article Link

This intimate gathering is only open to 50 collectors, invited artists and a select group of sponsors. Each registered guest represents a number that earns the right to collect the same numbered and signed editions, drawings and one-of-a-kind creations at the end of the 3-day conference.

Spain Rodriguez, Robert and Suzanne Williams

2010 BT Featured: Van Arno, Anthony Ausgang, Coop, Ron English, Michael Hussar, Johnny Ryan, Spain, William Stout, Robert Williams and Suzanne Williams. Robert Williams assisted in this year’s selection process. And prior to the BT weekend, Bob Self agreed to honor Robert William’s request of not painting on the group canvas and would contribute under his own volition. Somehow, Bob Self did convince Mr. Williams into a Saturday night roast.

Riverside Art Museum exhibit with Robert Williams

After the Riverside Art Museum exhibition Williams was roasted by his artist pals and most, were kind in their approach. Johnny Ryan, however, delivered a deep jab. “So what do you say to an underground comic artist icon of the sixties? You say, Hey! How’re you doing R. Crumb!” Mr. Williams replied, “That really hurts.” Anthony Ausgang claims he wiped his ass with Zap Comics Issue No. 6. Robert had his time for rebuttal—offering humor, historic references and his special blend of kindness.

Art Jam 2010

The best part of Baby Tattooville, for me is the “Art Jam,” which features each guest artist contributing to a group canvas. The raw state is loose, interpretive strokes to frame in the idea. Everyone takes a turn, no easy task, as everyone looks on, closely recording each brush stroke. You can never guess where the final painting will end up nor imagine the final outcome.

Johnny Ryan original and Dave Cooper’s latest “Bent”

Bob Self organized a historic group of artists this year and now approaches his fifth year. Year five will be action packed and the talk of the town. I am sure many of the past artists will pay a visit and congratulate Bob for making such a great event “amazing.” Stay tuned for more details. (More? 2008 Article, In the Land of Retinal Delights, Hang Out, 10_1_10 Baby Tattooville)

Baby Tattooville No. 4 “Secret Society”

Baby Tattoo Books presents their fourth installment of Baby Tattooville this weekend at the Mission Inn in Riverside October 1-3. The artist line up looks to be an interesting combination featuring, Van Arno, Anthony Ausgang, Coop, Ron English, Michael Hussar, Johnny Ryan, Spain, William Stout, Robert Williams and Suzanne Williams.

Throughout the weekend I will be on location and checking out the “Secret Society” as it unfolds. I am sure past artists will be popping in and saying hey (most definitely Jeff Soto). The bill lists a special tribute to Robert Williams and there is a special exhibition planned at the Riverside Art Museum. Sweet.