Showing posts with label Kevin Paulsen. Show all posts

What’s up Twenty—Twelve?

One week down and 51.177457 weeks of action packed design goodness to go featuring: Clint Eastwood, Cartoon Network, Guru Tattoo, Martin Wittfooth, Kevin Paulsen, gallery promotions for 101/Exhibit plus the Mindy Solomon Gallery and a full length fine art documentary film.

Anyone who knows me, recognizes my commitment to design and love for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to collaborate with the fine arts community. The Scribble 08 blog is an active resource for artist interviews, exhibition reviews, new music and a great resource for Murphy Design portfolio pieces. (Guru Tattoo on location details).

As fate would have it, one of the first people I met when moving to California began with Clint Eastwood. Your can imagine my excitement when Lisa Fitzpatrick, project director and catalyst, called and invited me into the Malpaso Productions world of Clint Eastwood? Over 50,000 words will fill the pages of “Clint Eastwood, Master Filmmaker at Work” with an introduction by Steven Spielberg, preface by Morgan Freeman, authored by Michael Goldman, edited/created by Lisa Fitzpatrick of Swan Studio and Robert Hoffman of Technicolor and published by Abrams, New York. (Flags of Our Fathers Storyboards, Clint Eastwood, courtesy of Jack Taylor).

Guru Tattoo features eleven creative professionals that make a forever lasting impression with inspired draftsmanship and dynamic ink for your “bod.” Guru founder, Aaron Della Vedova, is mixing up the flavor for the shop’s first book, “Creative Urges” featuring edge-to-edge reproductions of some of Southern California’s finest tattoos. (Tim Mantoani photographing Aaron at Guru Tattoo).

Over the past ten years I have been operating a booth at the world-famous Comic-Con in San Diego. An honor, as the exhibit halls are filled with wall-to-wall inspiration and good pals. Fortuitously, I have made friends with the kind folks at Cartoon Network over the years and a creative collaborative project has emerged to celebrate their twentieth-anniversary celebration in book form. The Cartoon Network 20th Anniversary Book will be one part celebration of their commitment to deliver an entertaining array of entertainment, one part celebration of the men and women who bring hundreds of characters to life, one part artist interpretations of their characters, one part extravaganza to be announced prior to Comic-Con 2012.

2012 will feature active promotion of important contemporary artists through Murphy Book Publishing, documentary filmmaking, active reporting, art collecting and archiving. The long awaited film and longer filmmaking process continues with the delivery of a new feature length documentary film that features: James Jean, Souther Salazar, Martin Wittfooth, Matt Furie, Mark Todd, Esther Pearl Watson, Megan Whitmarsh, Kelsey Brookes, Victor Castillo and more.

New books are in the works for Martin Wittfooth and Kevin Paulsen (pictured above), two contemporaries living and practicing in New York. (Clint Eastwood sets for Mystic River and matte painting for Unforgiven courtesy of Jack Taylor).

And yes there is more. Collaborative projects and creative exchanges with gallery owners, support at art fairs and Art Basel in Miami in support of 101/exhibit and Mindy Solomon Gallery. New websites in the works for yourBuddhi—Yoga for life, Murphy Design (really? It’s been way too long), and goodChatter.com promoting all things good.

Thank you for taking a glimpse of a few of the projects happening this year. My sleeves are rolled up and I’m ready to deliver on an inspired year. If you are interested in more information or would like to collaborate, email me and “magic” will happen, or at least that’s what Christian Clayton has coined—“Magic Murphy.” The new year is turned on and looking forward. More soon. (yourBuddhi.com website design, empowering the non-bill payers of yoga. Beware of yourBuddhi.com of La Jolla, CA and Harmony Yoga of Redondo Beach, CA).

Lucid Dreams Panel Discussion Friday at 6PM

Please join Lucid Dreams this Friday, August 5, from 6—10PM for a dynamic panel discussion featuring Dr. Charles Freeman (Psychologist), John Purlia (Collector), Matt Stallings (Artist), Kim Reasor (Artist) and Mark Murphy (Curator). (R/Kevin Paulsen)

Panel discussion begins at 7:30PM and features a compelling presentation, visuals, prizes and questions/answers. Each featured panelist has participated in “Lucid Dreams” which is one part art exhibition, one part art education and many parts community event. (L/Matt Stallings : R/Souther Salazar)

Lucid Dreams is a collector’s paradise, so please stop on by before the exhibition’s close on August 9—RSVP here or stop on by. Kind thanks to Jarritos Flavor City Contest, KANON Organic Vodka, Florabella, Doug Tanoury, the featured artists, speakers, writers and supporters.

“Lucid Dreams” features 32 world-class artists. Please call for a complete list of available artworks or email me direct. (L/Mark Todd : R/ Joel Nakamura)

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.”

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).

Kevin Paulsen’s Vernacular Paintings

Kingston, New York’s fine art citizen Kevin Paulsen shares his time between civic dedication and fine art exercise. Recently, Kevin received an intimate crowd of art patrons and friends at the famed Bergdorf Goodman in New York for his recent exhibition, “American Vernacular Painting.”

Kevin’s work adorned the prestigious 5th Avenue windows, as well as the 7th Floor Skylight Room complimented by a team of Bergdorf Goodman associates who provided meet and greet white glove service to all visiting guests Wednesday, May 11.

The American Vernacular continues as Kevin Paulsen’s vision evolves with new energy and a renewed sense of purpose. Luckily, I caught up with Kevin to celebrate his opening and continue the interview shared with you last week. (Guardian of the Eclipse featured above 6' x 7').

mM : what was it like to juxtapose the lyrical serenity of your work against the hustle and bustle of new york city in the windows at Bergdorf Goodman?

KP : I think it was a perfect fit, and I think the word you choose to ask the question — "juxtapose" — is perfect. You've got the steel and the concrete, the giant buildings, the people walking by, and then you have on the inside, these more-or-less calming sort of pastoral, historically connected images that I paint.

Also, the difference between the sidewalk and the windows in terms of color and the lighting, and I think the glass panels themselves kind of act as a buffer into another world. You're outside in this loud, siren-filled air, and you're looking through the glass into this calm, separate studio setting.

mM : did you collaborate with a stylist on the final window display? I loved the scale of some of the items in the window, it really pulled the surrealistic quality of your work to the forefront....

KP : David Hoey, the director of windows for BG, had called me, and at one point actually asked me if I could cut a part of my studio floor out and bring it to the city. And, I told him no, I wouldn't do that. But, basically he wanted to recreate the feel of my studio in Uptown Kingston where I live and work, and in that way we collaborated. He asked me some questions - how did I work - was I clean, tidy, sloppy? And I'm pretty sloppy. My studio is filled with decaying plaster walls, big tall ceilings, it's very old, wooden floor covered in paint, and he tried to recreate that by laying canvases and placing easels and other studio materials around. So, we didn't really collaborate except in conversation, and I left it to David. I mean, that's his genius — window decoration.

As far as the surrealistic quality of the work, the only part that seemed surreal to me was that you had those headless mannequins walking around inside that sort of studio. Because, other than the work itself, which has a surrealistic bend, the environment, which was to depict a working studio, was pretty … tame. I think the most surrealist aspect was that juxtaposition we were just speaking about, of calm isolation of the artist's studio and then the outdoor noise and hubub of the city. (The Waiting, pictured above).

mM : The body of work seemed to have a cohesive rhythm, one painting leading you to the next, and take the viewer on a trip through your inspired vision : did you have a storyline or do you work free from any finalized objective?

KP : Well, I think if there's a cohesive rhythm to the work, one painting leading to another as you say, it comes mainly from my habit of working on three or four in a series, one from the other. And because I rely so much on history and the narrative, there's no other way for them to read in a way. Even though you might have two relatively disparate paintings in terms of their palette or the number of figures or the spaciousness or compactness of the landscape, they might seem related, probably because (1) they're in my hand and (2) because I try to work in that timeless sort of formula. There was no direct storyline, but, as I said in the first interview, when I work the story sort of reveals itself in the process. And then that story might carry over from painting to painting for three or four pieces until something else takes over. And the only final objective I have is that the painting is beautiful and that the outcome is clear. And when that happens, I don't know—it just happens.

Rockin’ Kevin, keep up the great works and super kind thanks for sharing your vision. Kevin Paulsen’s work is now on display, street level, at Bergdorf Goodman and up on the 7th Floor until May 31, 2011. If you are out and about in NY check out the show! Coming to Comic-Con in July, check out Kevin Paulsen’s work in “Lucid Dreams” July 8 through August 9, 2011. And proudly, Kevin Paulsen and I will be collaborating on a new fine art book featuring a select collection of his works. Look out for the book in 2012, as Kevin will be featuring a medley of new and past works. (2011 Interview No. 1) + (Bergdorf Goodman Blog Review) + (Bart Boehlert’s Beautiful Things Blog)

Kevin Paulsen is in the midst of an artist revival that involves a new gallery, a trail blazing art’s advocacy festival and a new body of work. Kevin’s new work will be presented in the store front windows of Bergdorf Goodman on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 along with cocktails served on the 7th floor in the Skylight Room from 6:30—8:00pm.

Kevin’s vision has been formalized as the Oo Gallery in Kingston, NY specializing in double “oo” themes featuring emerging artists from around the world. Mr. Paulsen is also the intuitive spirit behind the O+ (Positive) Festival in Kingston that combines the inspirational forces of music and art to bring citizen sponsored healthcare to creative’s who need it most. The next O+ takes place in October, seventh through the ninth. Kevin is passionate and embodies the spirit of a curious artist who constantly flows the energy of life’s experience directly into his painted compositions.

Amongst all of the goings on, Kevin has taken time out to share his thoughts and upcoming show at the world renown Bergdorf Goodman in New York, 5th Avenue at 58th Street. (Pictured above-Flying Ship drawing, 24" x 34" (collection of Tyler Taylor). Pigment on plaster).

mM : Your paintings possess a lyrical quality that celebrates painterly traditions of folk art; iconic reinterpretations of the Latin American retablo; and the dynamics of man’s relationship between industrialism and naturalism. (These are all solid characteristics by the way). . . Please describe how you approach your work and how the stories unfold.

KP : I like things that are timeless. Even if they’re social, or political, they can still be timeless. Most of my influences go back to American vernacular painting, the decorative arts ... I try to bring, through the use of unorthodox materials, scale changes, and the subject matter, a contemporary aspect to them. (Pictured above: The Palace of the Pachyderm 5' x 7'. Pigment on plaster).

And the narratives reveal themselves in the making. I have a very formulaic approach to my work, and within that, the story develops. The paintings are conceptual to me; I think of them as abstraction, and then the stories just reveal themselves to me by virtue of employing naturalistic elements—trees, landscapes and figures... But there’s no definitive, set story until the painting’s underway.

You’re right to see the industrialism / naturalism dichotomy, which was a very predominant characteristic of 19th century painters, both Hudson River School and otherwise—engravings from a book called Picturesque America, which depicted the expansion of industry, in the landscape. It was part of manifest destiny, growth and technology, and it was celebrated, but now, that celebration has kind of reached a climax. And even though I admire the artworks—I admire man's conquering of nature as an art form—the reason I choose that idiom to work from is that I think we’ve come full circle. We're now in a position with industry where it's reaching an endpoint. And from much of what we’ve championed as progress, we're now seeing negative results—on the environment, the economy, society. (Pictured above: Eyes of Spring (Flood and Thaw series) 5' x 7'. Pigment on plaster).

mM : Please describe the current direction of your work and the influence of modern events captured within the visual narrative.

KP : I tried to keep politics out of my art until a couple years ago, but in today's climate, I find it almost impossible not to comment on, at least, the social politics. In some way, it shows up on it's own. For example, the painting Re-Seeding (Flood and Thaw series) begun as a painting about the advent of spring, the seeds floating through the air, and the thaw from the snow in the mountains. But as I was working on it, the tsunami hit Japan, which spawned a slightly different idea. I thought about the receding water, and that contributed to the double entendre in the name. They can either be frolicking or drowning depending on the viewer's take, but it's that sort of push/pull—humans being oblivious to the destruction that's right at our door at any moment. It's a comment on the celebration of spring and our inability to see our fragile place in the world. And then it dawned on me that what I thought were mountains in the background was another wave cresting in the distance, ready to hit the shore. (Pictured above: The Re-Seeding (Flood and Thaw series) 5' x 7'. Pigment on plaster).

mM : The multi-leveled boat image seems to evoke reference to Pieter Bruegel the Elder and his Tower of Babylon master piece. Where did you find your inspiration? What is the title, size and medium of this painting? Please describe.

KP : “Babel Launch,” pigment and plaster atop velour mounted on board, 3'x4'. As the title reveals, it is a reference to Babel, and Bruegel's painting, as well as to Babylon and the narrative of a precarious utopia. A boat that appears to be in calm waters, approaching a rocky coast—the party, the lights, the massive, top-heavy, overcrowded yacht, the abundance of banners touting ourselves as important, about to reach the rocky shore. And what will happen in the narrative? They'll eventually wreck and sink, or they'll figure out how to stay afloat. I'm not really trying to say one or the other. (Pictured above left, detail and right: Babel Launch 3' x 4'. Pigment on plaster).

mM : What’s next for Kevin Paulsen? Please share your Oo gallery information, the O+ festival this summer and your upcoming NY exhibition.

KP : On the 11th of May, 6:30 to 8pm is my opening at Bergdorf Goodman — my work will be displayed in the windows along 5th Avenue along with the 7th Floor Skylight Room. And Mark as you already know, I've been invited by you to show in your summer exhibit, “Lucid Dreams,” during Comic Con in San Diego along with my girlfriend Bonnie M. Smith. In the fall Kingston, NY has the O+ arts festival coming up. For Oo gallery our next show opens in June—BOoK—in conjunction with O+'s book launch. That'll be a group show of some excellent artists — some will respond literally with books — including Cathie Bleck, Josh McPhee, Mark Murphy(!), as well as some of the artists who have an ongoing relationship with the gallery—Mike Egan, Jeremy Pruitt, Nicolas Forker, Fred Stonehouse and Joe Concra. (Pictured above: Harvesting Rubies III. 4' x4' in shadow frame. Pigment on plaster).

Thank you Kevin Paulsen and enjoy continued success. Super kind thanks for sharing and good luck in NY. (Article Two, Lucid Dreams Exhibit 7/08/11)

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.