Showing posts with label Esther Pearl Watson. Show all posts

Comic-Con Booth 4833

Once a year Murphy Design exhibits at Booth 4833 on the Comic-Con floor. This year you can find us celebrating all things “CREATIVE” with original art pieces, zines, books, prints and hard-to-find collectibles. And besides your good pals, Mark Todd, Esther Pearl Watson and Mark Murphy will be there to say hey and catch up. It’s been a short year and we are looking forward to seeing you Wednesday, July 11 through Sunday, July 15 at Comic-Con.

Stop by booth 4833 and get information on the Cartoon Network 20th Birthday Party exhibition at Jett Gallery in the heart of Little Italy July 11—14 with exhibition hours from 11AM—5PM and extended hours on Saturday from 11AM—8PM.

You will not want to miss as over 75 world-class artists participated, creating paintings in compliment to your favorite Cartoon Network characters and shows. Stop by to receive your free Collector’s Book created by Murphy Design and available one per person while supplies last. More information here. More gallery information here. SD Tribune interview here. Progress sketches here. Studio visit here. History here. See the new Martin Wittfooth Zine here.

Murphy Books at Comic-Con Booth 4833

Comic-Con San Diego is where it’s at and Murphy Design, located at Booth 4833, will be delivering creative books, movies, t-shirts and signed collectibles. We will be sharing a booth with fine artists Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson, premiering a new 20th Birthday Celebration Art Exhibit for Cartoon Network and showcasing new artist originals.

Visit Murphy Books at Booth 4833 and check out the brand new mini exhibition catalog created for fine artist, Martin Wittfooth. This 36 page, 5x7" and full-color production showcases 29 oil paintings and original photography in a inspired volume titled, “Martin Wittfooth Painting Collection—Zóion Mythology No. 1.”

Martin Wittfooth is a Brooklyn based painter who draws upon industrial and natural elements, often displaying masterful intersections that violently clash on the canvas. Martin’s work implores the viewer to question the status quo, challenge what we take for granted, and proceed with caution on one’s daily course. In other words, “Martin Wittfooth mangles the beauty of nature with the abandoned cityscape left behind by humankind.”

Please stop by Murphy Books booth 4833 at Comic-Con in San Diego July 11—15 and see new projects for Martin Wittfooth (36 page mini zine), Cartoon Network (36 page mini zine), Tim Mantoani (Sold Out—Behind Photographs), Ray Caesar (Sold Out Book and Limited Edition), Mark Murphy (OIL, Pluto, Letterpress Editions, Lino Print Editions, Originals, Zines), Jeff Soto (Sold Out Potato Stamp Dreams, No Hope and Storm Clouds), Jason Shawn Alexander (Undertow and Exhibit Catalogs), Murphy Books, Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson. Stop on by, and check out the Cartoon Network Birthday Art Exhibit at Jett Gallery Wednesday—Saturday during Comic-Con.

art ltd. Magazine Lucid Dreams Review

Lauren Buscemi of art ltd. magazine visited “Lucid Dreams” this summer. Proudly, Lauren wrote a great review that provides a glimpse into the diverse and eclectic mix of contemporaries featured in this thematic exhibition. (Souther Salazar, featured above). Read on...

San Diego

“Lucid Dreams” curated by Mark Murphy

Curated by San Diego-based designer/filmmaker/publisher MarkMurphy,“Lucid Dreams” features an eclectic mix of artists encompassing Pop-Surrealism, Folk Art, and graffiti. The common thread is Murphy’s appreciation for narrative and craftsmanship. Standouts are Jim Houser, Bonnie Marie Smith, Mark Todd, Esther Pearl Watson, and MeganWhitmarsh. LA-based Mark Todd and collaborator Esther Pearl Watson are part of a wave of urban bohemians bringing a DIY aesthetic into the art world.

Like many of the artists who grew up in the 1970s, Todd is influenced by Star Wars, comics, and zines. Homage to Jack Kirby withMarvel’s Fantastic Four as backdrop, Todd’sDreamer (2011) illustrates a heavily-lidded male immersed in the world of comics. His deadpan expression conjures Todd’s portrait of author/filmmaker Miranda July created for McSweeney’s. (Mark Todd, pictured above).

Esther Pearl Watson’s Gas and Coke,(2011), a naïve folk-style painted collage depicts a family eating watermelon outside their car under the night sky. Including the text,“We ran out of gas and coke so we busted a watermelon on a rock for our supper… things work out,” it is a nostalgic work recapturing a nomadic childhood. (Esther Pearl Watson, featured above).

LA-based MeganWhitmarsh also grew up in the 1970s, and shares an affinity for Star Wars. Her tiny 6” square embroidery work 5Th Ray (2011) features her signature yeti waving to a princess/heroine. Intricately executed using bright thread, it skirts the line between tongue-in-cheek and reveling in innocence. (Megan Whitmarsh, featured above).

Philly-based Jim Houser has a presence in SoCal designing skate decks for Toy Machine. His illustrated painting Waylaid (2011) reflects his strong color palette and distinct minimal style. A flat-blue cartoon figure wearing sneakers sleeps cradling a red wine jug against a dark backdrop with a single night star. Knotted twine circles the canvas creating texture and evokes the sea. The overall aesthetic merges 1970s folk with contemporary skate design.

Kingston, NY-based Bonnie Marie Smith’s installation of 27 miniature earthenware and porcelain sculptures provides an interior world of fragmented doll parts reminiscent of Louise Bourgeois. These intricate works require close inspection where playful humor and a darker subtext can be discovered. (Bonnie Marie Smith, featured above).

“Lucid Dreams” invites viewers into the private imagination of artists who have proved successful at breaking down boundaries between design, subculture and the art world. Fantastical and humorous escape is offered. These worlds are pleasing to enter, but to reside there seems to risk holding on a little too tightly to youthful obsessions.

— LAUREN BUSCEMI —

Comic-Con Booth 4833—artist exclusives

Comic-Con 2011 is moments away, officially kicking off on Tuesday with the installation of a new booth with Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson, Friday Night Art Reception, tShirt exclusives, art contests and all around goodness. Booth 4833 will be displaying one-of-a-kind zines, books and originals. And knowing that there are many choices throughout the San Diego Convention Center and beyond, I thought to provide a breakdown.

+++Booth No. 4833+++

Where all the magic happens. Ten years in the making, Murphy Fine Art books continues to collaborate with emerging creative talent. This year is no exception, offering signed books by Jeff Soto, Ray Caesar, Tim Hussey, Mark Murphy and more.

Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson will be offering one-of-a-kind prints, zines and comic novelties. After all, they have been creating award winning comics together for two decades and ever since they learned to draw.

+++Lucid Dreams Comic-Con Reception, Friday, July 22, 6—10PM+++

“Lucid Dreams” features 32 fine artists from around the world representing a variety of artistic pursuits including: comics, folk, surrealistic and the avante-garde. Artists include Mark and Esther, Marc Bell, Marc Burckhardt, Irene Hardwicke Olivieri, Jonathan Viner, Kevin Paulsen and many more. Noel-Baza Fine Art Gallery in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy will play host just minutes from the Convention Hall featuring great eats, drinks and nightlife. Sponsored by KANON organic vodka with guest thirst quencher Jarritos.

+++Comic-Con Exclusives+++

This year was a year for creative tShirt fashion. Ten years in the making, new tShirts will be offered at Comic-Con created by Mexcican designer Técui, Los Angeles based pervasive artist Gary Baseman and Brooklyn based fine artists Ryan Wallace and Joseph Hart. Screen Machine printed the goods and men’s and women’s sizes are available. Check ’em fast as they are sure to sell out quickly.

+++Framed Art Originals+++

Original art works, framed and prints will be made available in support of my earlier show “Plug Me.” Other-worldly creatures take an introspective look at worldly condition and jockey for survival. Stop by and take a look at over 50 original linoleum block prints, letterpress pieces and woodblock prints.

+++Lucid Dreams Gallery Hours+++

Yes, visual overload will be in full effect. Take a break from the ‘Con, enjoy an Italian soda or capuchino and head over to Noel-Baza Fine Art Gallery in Little Italy Wednesday through Sunday 12PM through 6PM each day with a Comic-Con reception on Friday from 6PM—10PM. Inspired work is available for your private art collection featuring 32 fine artists and over 70 original pieces. Florabella inspires with floral beauty, also a community sponsor.

+++O+ Positive Festival founder Kevin Paulsen+++

Saturday, July 23 please stop by Comic-Con Booth 4833 to learn more about the O+ Positive Festival created to assist creatives with healthcare and immediate health needs. Kevin Paulsen, from Kingston, NY has traveled to San Diego to share his vision, invite creatives to participate and join in. You can learn more here too.

+++Jarritos Flavor City Art Contest+++

Yes, there is information for an art contest available at Booth 4833 and it is open to all creatives who are looking for an opportunity to create an eye-catching work of art in any medium to express their flavo’ feelin’ of Jarritos. (You know that bold taste originated from the south of the border—lime, mandarin, mango and more. Check out the info here or stop by Booth 4833 and get the low down.

+++Community Goodness+++

I love Comic-Con and feel the need to represent. More and more folks that I meet from SD have yet to experience Comic-Con. Welcome to San Diego, a sleepy town that is happy to move you to the front of the line. Enjoy the town, enjoy the event and “put it in the bag!—Comic-Con.” “Oh yes! Stop by Booth 4833 and say hello! Mark, Esther, Natasha, Kevin, Jillian, Mark and Tasha want to say hey too. Plus we’ll sign some shizz.”

Comic-Con Booth 4833 Limited Edition T’s

San Diego Comic-Con is a great time each year. Murphy Art Books (Murphy Design), booth 4833 will feature one-of-a-kind T-Shirts by Gary Baseman, Joseph Hart, Ryan Wallace and Técui. Screen Machine is cranking on the t-shirts as we speak and I am preparing original block prints, framed art and high-quality books for the 4 day comic’s festival kicking off Wednesday, July 20 and running through Sunday, July 24.

This year, I will be sharing the booth with Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson who are creating original zines and art pieces. This once in a lifetime event will attract many artists from around the world and to celebrate—“Lucid Dreams” opening to Comic-Con on Friday, July 22 at 6PM moments away from the convention. So check it out, jump in and be a big part—sweet dancin!

Lucid Dreams Now OPEN

“Lucid Dreams” opened Friday night welcoming close to 500 art patrons who toured the San Diego fine art gallery taking in 32-featured artists. Steady flows of people filtered in and out of the gallery throughout the night, discussing the work and appreciative of the craft and high level of work presented.

A dark blue wall illuminated Irene Hardwicke Olivieri’s “Rising Above Resistance” and Bonnie Marie Smith’s “Heaven and Earth,” comprised of 27 individual earthenware and porcelain sculptures provided heart-felt perspective and a warm welcome to the exhibition’s eclectic diversity. (Pictured above).

Details featuring

Bonnie Marie Smith, Mark Todd, Tasha Kusama

“Eclectic” is an endearing term for the Narrative Art collection of artisans united under one common theme “Lucid Dreams.” A multifaceted collection of talent representing Australia, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Mexico, Spain, Sweden and the United States—east/west and everything in between.

Souther Salazar : Half Asleep + Tim Hussey : Set Adrift 3

Artists were united between narrative genres including sculpture, comics, high and outsider art and in compliment of Romanticism (Rai Escalé), Abstract, Expressionism (Tim Hussey), POP (Mark Todd), Non-Objective Painting (Loubard), Street (Marco Zamora) and Folk Tradition (Kevin Paulsen, Esther Pearl Watson) art movements. “Eclectic” is the assortment of 60 original works created by 32 luminaries who invite question, introspection and the opportunity to dream within each piece.

Marc Burckhardt : Kindred +

Kevin Paulsen : Spoor of Man with Fireflies No. 2

“Lucid Dreams” is all about the community united in the name of art (32 featured artists), threaded together by poetry (Doug Tanoury), held together by the gallery (San Diego) and the curatorial push by Mark Murphy. On Friday, invitation was answered and “true” community united, as hundreds of onlookers moved about with much to say, sharing in a positive experience, a wave of energy much like a visit to the ocean.

Ludovic Boulard Le Fur / Loubard : Self Portrait + explanation map

The buzz is out. And many people to be thanked—my Parents, who traveled in from Cleveland, great friends—John Purlia for writing an exceptional review, my assistants—Jillian Seaman who single handedly brought in last year’s “Survey Select” and Madison Blades—who reached out to the community with style, Florabella for ALWAYS rocking the floral in the most beautiful of ways, KANON Organic Vodka for delivering the best I have ever personally tasted, Doug Tanoury for writing original poetic prose, SD CITYBEAT and KPBS for their universal support, ALL 32 artists for their unwavering support, dedication and inspirational voice and YOU—the kind folks who travel, thank and share their experiences with family and friends.

Rai Escalé : Wash Me Clean + Jonathan Viner : Hairpin

Friday, July 8 was one year and one day after the premier of last year’s “Survey Select” and provided the next chapter in furthering the dream for the Museum of Narrative Arts. Noel-Baza Fine Art Gallery is the location for “Lucid Dreams,” featuring four more events and daily hours, now through August 9, 2011. Please share your dreams and join in “Lucid Dreams.”

Lucid Dreams PR (7/8—8/9/2011)

Announcing “Lucid Dreams” fine art exhibition at the Noel-Baza Fine Art Gallery in San Diego July 8 through August 9 featuring 45 internationally renowned artists.

“Lucid Dreams” is the 26th artist survey and fine art exhibit curated by San Diego based designer Mark Murphy of Murphy Design. “Lucid Dreams” follows up last year’s Narrative Museum exhibition, “Survey Select,” featuring 32 live events over eight weeks. (Tim Hussey featured above).

Continuing the tradition of the Fine Art Salon, each artist has been invited to share their interpretation of lucid dreams while showcasing their creativity, technique and style. The exhibit’s title, “Lucid Dreams,” is an opportune moment for each artist to express a fluid stream of visual metaphors, abstract symbols and expressions influenced and/or void of the bombardment of worldly events. (Marco Zamora featured above).

“Lucid Dreams” is an eclectic mix of fine artists who freely express their creative vision within the art worlds of comic, graphic, street, high and outsider movements. Featured artists include: AlexOne (France), Marc Bell (Candada), Tim Biskup (Pasadena, CA), Marc Burckhardt (Austin, TX), Victor Castillo (Spain), Jorge Catoni (Chile), Hugo Crosthwaite (Mexico), Mathieu Desjardins (Denmark), Rai Escalé (Spain), Jim Houser (California), Marianela de la Hoz (California), Tim Hussey (Charleston, SC), Tasha Kusama (California), Ludovic Boulard Le Fur/Loubard (France), Joel Nakamura (Santa Fe, NM), Irene Hardwicke Olivieri (Oregon), Kevin Paulsen (Kingston, NY), Artemio Rodriguez (Los Angeles, CA), Bonnie M. Smith (Kingston, NY), Souther Salazar (California), Jeff Soto (Riverside, CA), Gary Taxali (Canada), Mark Todd (Pasadena, CA), Aaron Della Vedova (San Diego, CA), Jonathan Viner (Brooklyn, NY), Marco Wagner (Germany), Esther Pearl Watson (California), Megan Whitmarsh (California), Nicholas Wilton (California), Marco Zamora (Los Angeles, CA) and more . . .

(Pictured above, Philip Guston studied with Jackson Pollock in Riverside, California and later attended Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. In 1931, Thomas Craven described Philip along with contemporaries of the time, “Actually these pictures are no more than visual evidence of the strange practices of freak artists who distort and mutilate the facts of life in order to make fitting patterns for their little nightmares.” A fitting commentary as disillusion will be amended July 8, 2011).

“Lucid Dreams” chronicles the artistic vision of forty-five daring, austere, raw and inventive artists from around the world at the Noel-Baza Fine Art Gallery, July 8 through August 9, 2011. Please contact the gallery for acquisition information and refer to a complete schedule including hours, special events, and public openings. Noel-Baza is available for private showings—schools, collector groups and associations by contacting the gallery. No admission, unless posted.

“The story talks louder than the paint.” Francis Bacon, 1959 (Featured above, Francis Bacon created many paintings in homage to his favorite predecessor Vincent van Gogh. Francis was quoted as “loving the violence in the grass.” Francis Bacon is a major influence on many of the featured artists).

+++Opening Dates/Events

“Lucid Dreams” opens Friday, July 8 (6PM-11PM) with a second Comic-Con opening on Friday, July 22 (6PM-11PM). Special events will include the film premier “Running by Sight” featuring fine artist Tim Hussey on Wednesday, July 27 (7PM-9PM) and a “Contemporary Narrative” artist panel featuring 5 artists from the exhibition on Friday August 5 (7PM-10PM). (Mark Todd featured above).

+++Location/Press

“Lucid Dreams” curated by Mark Murphy at Noel-Baza Fine Art, July 08-August 09, 2011 and located at 2165 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101. Please contact Tom Noel and Larry Baza 619-876-4160 for additional exhibit information or email me for additional press information. Thank you for your advanced support of the arts. (Gary Taxali featured above).

+++Additional Showcase

Doug Tanoury, poetry : MANUOK/Scott Mercado, music : Tim Mantoani, photography : Ninthlink, outreach : Jarritos Mexican Soda : Glaceau Vitamin Water (Rai Escalé featured above).

Lucid Dreams featured Artists & Counting

Tasha Kusama

Over the past 12 years, I have had the great pleasure of curating dynamic art “happenings” that have showcased over five hundred unique artists and hundreds of performers from around the world. The key attributes for sustainability has been the ability to attract artists who consistently evolve individualistic virtuosity and to captivate the curiosity of the art’s community.

Marc Bell

Life-long partnerships with artists, friends, businesses and associates have been formed. A dedicated group of individuals who recognize the importance of the arts as a compelling stimulant for life-changing experiences.

Tim Biskup

Marc Burckhardt

Looking back and reflecting upon—Guapo y Fuerte (San Jose), Outer Space (SD), Utopia (Los Angeles), Heaven and Hell (SD + Philadelphia), SuperHero Western Show (SD), Dialogue/the fine art of conversation (Santa Monica, Charleston, SD), Green (Santa Monica), SuperHero (SD 1/2), Scribble (SD), Art Now (SD), KNOW (Miami), Aqua (Miami), Survey Select (SD)—I can offer passionate testimonylife’s work that has barely begun. In fact, it is a personal goal to consistently archive and celebrate living artists who are impact our world, provoke meaningful exchange and instigate animated conversation.

Victor Castillo

Jorge Catoni

And like all of the years before, I’m proud to curate a new exhibition that introduces 30 fine artists from around the world who can be described as unconventional, eclectic and forward thinking.

Hugo Crosthwaite

Date Farmers

Mathieu Desjardins

Alejandro Diaz

Rai Escalé

“Lucid Dreams” is a new exhibition taking place in San Diego July 8 through August 9 and featuring: Marc Bell, Tim Biskup, Marc Burckhardt, Victor Castillo, Jorge Catoni, Hugo Crosthwaite, Date Farmers, Mathieu Desjardins, Alejandro Diaz, Rai Escalé, Linh Hoang, Jim Houser, Marianela de la Hoz, Tim Hussey, Tasha Kusama, Ludovic Boulard Le Fur/Loubard, Daniel Munoz, Joel Nakamura, Billy Norrby, Irene Hardwicke Olivieri, Kevin Paulsen, Artemio Rodriguez, Matt Rota, Bonnie M. Smith, Souther Salazar, Jeff Soto, Matt Stallings, Gary Taxali, Mark Todd, Aaron Della Vedova, Jonathan Viner, Marco Wagner, Esther Pearl Watson, Megan Whitmarsh, Nicholas Wilton, Marco Zamora and more. Curated by Mark Murphy (that’s me) and two major exhibit openings—Friday, July 8, 6 to 11pm and again during Comic-Con on Friday, July 22 from 6 to 11pm.