Art for JAPAN - lots of fundraisers!

W + K Studio Help Japan Print

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Max Erdenberger


Black Wave Red Sun benefit art show anline at Grass Hut




Bwana Spoons




Scrappers




Jeremy Fish




Corey Arnold



Tiny Showcase for Red Cross



Jessie LeDoux

Grass Hut comes to Gallery 1988 in LA

Grass Hut Gallery

Gallery 1988

Two, Two, Two Artists in One

Charlotte Walton + Fawn Gehweiler at Grass Hut

There are so many amazing shows this weekend we feel terrible that we aren't covering each one. We will do what we can, but here is a quick rundown of the general awesomeness on display:

Nathan Ota and Joel Nakamura at La Luz

Joshua Petker at Corey Helford Gallery

Park Life Group Show at Subliminal Projects (featuring Jordan Crane, Shepard and Amanda Fairey, Mel Kadel, Luke Ramsey, Florencio Zavala, and dozens more)


And maybe the coolest of all, Hut on an Island, the collaborative group show at Grass Hut Gallery. Once again, Bwana and Scrappers at Grass Hut have knocked it out o the park with another original show. According to Grass Hut:

This whole show was an experiment. We wanted to see what would happen when a bunch of artists who didn’t know each other collaborated on art together. Some amazing work came for it. Half of the artists are from Islands Fold and the other half is from Grass Hut.

Here's the Grass Hut and Islands Fold artists we teamed up:
Spencer Hibert + Marco Zamora, Johnathan R. Storm + Dawn Riddle, Luke Ramsey + Jill Bliss, Zeesy Powers + Scrappers, Ben Jacques + Le Merde, Irana Douer + Betsy Walton, Bwana Spoons + Theo Ellsworth, Charlotte Walton + Fawn Gehweiler, Oliver Hibert + Owen Plummer, Maseman + Arbito, Shawn Wolfe + Kinoko, Howie Tsui + Apak


The pieces are available now. Affordable and unique, they are all must-buys.


Nathan Ota at La Luz


Joshua Petker at Corey Helford

Hut on an Island at Grass Hut Gallery

Grass Hut Gallery Profile, Part Deux!

When last we left our intrepid interviewer, we read about Portland and its amazing explosion of artists, the best of whom are featured regularly at Grass Hut Gallery. But what about the work of co-owner Mr. Bwana Spoons himself?



PD: You have a new show open every month, but how much permanent space do you dedicate to your art and to Scrappers'? How has owning and operating the gallery affected your output of Bwana Spoons originals and toys?
BS: We dedicate a wall behind the driftwood counter where we sit to both our art. Not too much of it goes out into the main area of the shop. We mostly save that for all the other peeple we love. Having the shop has def slowed down my original output, but not really the toys. The one thing that really gave way was the zines. At first i was pretty sad that I don't have enough time to make my zines, but having a new artshow every month is really fulfilling the feeling that i would get showcasing an artist in Pencil Fight or Moonshine. Not being able to produce art is the one thing that I was afraid of with also running a shop. So far it's worked out pretty good, but I am sure i could do better at either if i gave one up. But right now i'm not giving up jack. I love making art, and showing the earth other peeple's work too much to give up either. Toy production has been pretty easy. I like working on toys at gh.



PD: What considerations do you have as an artist/gallery owner that another non-artist owner might not have.
BS: I think i have to be consious not to throw myself into every show just becasue I might want to be in an artshow with somebody i like. It looks kinda goofy to have a show like, "look, it's a Nara and Bwana show at Grass Hut". You know that would be my fantasy, but it would be just wrong.




PD: How about the advantages of being a gallery owner who's also an artist?
BS: I don't think there are any artist advantages. Owning a gallery and being an artist. Any smart and or sane person would do one or the other.
I guess maybe always seeing lots of OG art up close and personal is a nice advantage. it's very inspiring.



PD: How would you describe your art, and the direction it has grown in the past, say, 5-10 years? There's a distinctive environmental theme in your work. Is there a particular message you're sending out, or a discussion you are exploring visually with your paintings?
BS: I love the earth, and have a belief that no matter how bad we fuck it up, time, matter, and everything in between will continue on. I think in my art I try to show what life could be like if the earth were entirely covered in moss and mushrooms. Over the past years it evolves sometimes becoming more abstract and layered. I love reaching something new with paintings, either with aa technique, or through a new way to compose the piece. I think the whole time i have tried to make sure it is my own and not too much of a current current. So when somebody new looks at it, whether they like it or not, it can't be directly linked to another artist or movement. And for a returning viewer even as it evolves it's still recognizeable as my own work. Does that sound corny?



PD: Is that a trick question? Which answer will give us more time with you?
BS: Right now i love looking and being in nature. Uh... that's nothing new, but i always find something that feels refreshing and new to me.



PD: What's currently interesting you and influencing your work?
BS: The list of artists that turn me on would be endless and dorky. So i won't bother you with that.

PD: Is any or every part of your name your parent-given name? Too personal?
BS: Not too personal, but i want to leave a little to mystery.



PD: And when is your next non-GH show? Anything lined up?
BS: I have a solo show next week in Paris at Artoyz. I am excited and nervous. My goals for the nearish future is to have shows in more galleries about the earth. More installation work, more sculpture. there are some peeples working on a cartoon for me right now too. That's been exciting. As for other shows coming up non GH related- A few of us have a mini show coming up at Outre in Australia, and I'll be back in Tokyo in April as a guest at Superfestival (toygeek paradise), still working out the details for an artshow to coincide with. Oh, and I'm in a group show in Miami this December during art basil at Harold's place.



PD: What about Grass Hut's upcoming shows?
BS: Coming up-
Oct- hut on an island- Islands Fold x grass hut artists collab show + mini show off with Luke Ramsey
Nov- Evan Harris and his father
Dec- Grass Hut show- grass hut artists get together.
Jan- Gargamel Gang- they are coming to portland all the way from Koenji, tokyo for this. I am excited.
Feb- Sasquatchtenial- Ryan Berkeley, Theo Elsworth, Emily Counts, Erik Gage, and more. oregonians showcase eh.
March- Colin Johnson, Kristen Cammermeyer, Dan May, and Elizabeth haide (this one will shred)
April- Amanda Visell, Michelle Valigura, Anna Chambers, and joe Ledbetter (wait, this one will shred)
June- Bwana and Scrappers (maybe)
July- Together Gang
August- TBA
Sept- Itokin park, Martin Ontiveros, Le Merde, and a few others TBA
Oct- lori Damiano either solo or friends.


James Jean, by request

PD: So where do you see GH Gallery going? Any big plans or hopes for the future?
BS: I want to keep GH around for a while. It will evolve, but in what direction we don't know. We want it to evolve naturally. Maybe someday it will be grass hut gallery, shop and teahouse. Or maybe it will remain an art market. My original vision years ago was a gallery called Homecash. You could check out new art and get fresh eggs and milk.



We want to thank Bwana for taking the time to give us the lowdown on the amazing Grass Ht Gallery. And while we LOVE GH, we sincerely home to see a Homecash coming to our neighborhood soon. Don't forget to sign up for the GH newsletter that gives you first access to all of the incredible art GH has to offer.



And here's more on Bwana's Paris show Hunt and Gather, opening Thursday September 25 at Artoyz. "Bwana Spoons was raised in the woods. He likes moss and Lego and monsters. When he was a little one he would draw detailed crayon renderings of all his favorite Star Wars figures.

When he was older he lost them all in a battle with a mildew giant. He likes making zines and comics and paintings and silk-screened prints and designing toys and making things with rainbows and animals. Recently Bwana was bitten by the textile bug. He has designed shoes for Converse, and Dekline, tees for Giant Robot, and MonsieurT., and baby strollers for Bumbleride. This is his first exhibition in Europe, and he’ll be in the attendance for the opening party that will take place on Thursday 25th September from 7PM."

Grass Hut Gallery Feature, Part One

Grass Hut Gallery Profile! PART ONE.

We feature Grass Hut Gallery in Portland, OR here on PopDrawer quite a bit. And for damn good reason. Grass Hut, owned and operated by artists Bwana Spoons and Scrappers, Grass Hut has one of the most diverse programs of intermingling nationally established artists and regional stars with up-and-comers in the country. If that ain't enough, they have some of the most uniquely themed shows around. So we got together (virtually-speaking) with Bwana and got the low-down on the past, present and future of the outstanding Grass Hut Gallery. So without further delay, and for your reading and viewing pleasure (hopefully), here is what we found out...





PopDrawer: Can you give us a little Grass Hut Gallery history and background to start things off?
Bwana Spoons: I have wanted to open a shop for years, but knew i would be getting myself into some trouble. So I didn't pursue it too heavily. Things just happen when they are meant to be.
there was this fellow Tony Nguyen who was interning for me. Young and excited he took the plunge and opened up his own limited shoe shop, Renowned. Only nobody knew who he was so nobody would sell him any shoes, so he went with his backup plan. A Gallery. Tony had great taste and was starting to get a good rep for good shows, but a bad rep for never being open on account of that he still had a regular day job. He was going to close the doors... So I stepped in and helped him stay open. I put my studio in the back of the small space, and all my goodies along with a few other peeples zines and minicomics. I kept one small wall for all my art, and the rest was still dedicated to Tony's shows. It was then renowned/Grass Hut Shop. Six months later and he really quit for good. I took over the space, but still wanted a partner. So I asked my friend Scrappers, and he went for it. From then on we were just Grass Hut, and curated our own monthly shows, put more goodsies out, and by then I had a few toys out too. We stuck with the space until we had an opportunity to move one door over to a space almost triple the size back in march. Craziness, because we had the balls out show and I don't know how we would have fit the art in the old space.


Before "Balls Out" show


During "Balls Out" show

PD: Grass Hut is one of the most original galleries in the nation: the group shows are creative, the participants are diverse, and even the solo shows are incredibly unique. You find a great balance between introducing up and coming artists and at the same time showcasing established artists in new and interesting ways (the Tim and Tigerlily Biskup father-daughter show, the Seonna Hong/Yosemite studio-mates show, and the Andrew Brandou Funk Drawer show all come to mind). Do you have a mission or an overarching ideal that encompasses this diversity? Or are you just out to show your favorite stuff?
BS: the simple answer- Yes, a collection of our favorite stuffs and artists. There is a goal though. We want to show the Pacific Northwest originals that they might not have a chance to see otherwise. And on all levels... it's very exciting to discover (like columbus) and show off a new artist. Taking something we love and to say- hey, looksie at this. Can you believe how rad this art is. With more established artists it's very similar. Peeple [sic] drove for miles just to see our one little James Jean piece, and the folks that came through that had never seen his work before freaked too. It was so fun to sit and watch peeple stop when they got to that Jean piece and wonder what the f was up. So nice and lucky when we can get amazing art up on our walls.





A lot of peeple think GH is a collective. But really it's more like a little family of artists. I think of it as a home. A home for radness and good vibes. We like to show off amazing art, and occasionaly just have a good time. This summer at the gallery we had BBQ, ping pong, a waffle breakfast, and even a summercamp complete with merit pins and a patch. All were free. you just had to show up and have a good time.



PD: Do you think you have an advantage over other galleries in getting established artists like James Jean, Tim Biskup and Seonna Hong because you are a well-known artist yourself?
BS: I think being an artist and knowing these other artists has helped quite a bit. Really from the heavy hitters, only the peeple i already know said yes. If they didn't know me or grass hut they declined.


Seonna Hong


Andrew Brandou

PD: I have been hearing from various gallery owner friends that times are tough in the art world. I assume the economy is the primary reason. Have you been seeing this at GH or other galleries around Portland? The art at GH is so often ultra-affordable. Do you have any specific guiding theories about the price of the work represented at GH?
BS: Yes, these summer months have been a little slim for us at grass hut. I think it's a combination of things, peeple worried about the economy, but mostly i think it is cyclic. In the fall peeple begin to nest again and start looking at and buying art. In late spring they start to travel and take vacations and break up and go swimming. There is also a gigantor flippin amount of art, artists, galleries, and various places to spread ye olde money pretty thin. There was a time not too long ago whe nthere was only La Luz, and then Tin Man. Now every second and third teer city, Portland included has so many places to view, show, and purchase art. Just here in town we have us, together gallery, Compound, Moshi moshi, and a glutony of other places that could fall into the same frame, all with their works online.


Tim Biskup

J. Otto Siebold

PD: What the hell is it about Portland that attracts or creates so many fantastic artists?! Is my perception that Portland has way more than it's fair share of artists incorrect? Is it the moist mountain air? The perfect soil for pot growing? What is it??
BS: Portland has def become a Mecca for artists of all types. It's just a nice place to live. At least half of the year. The other six months blow. But really... easy public trans, good bike lanes, lots of trees and greenery, and a fair amount of fun things to do. This was the first place where I saw lots of peeple in my own age range with their own business'. Now i think it would be a little harder (to make it as a local artist or business), just cause there is so much already here.


Amy Ruppel


Trish Grantham

Grass Hut Gallery Feature, Part Deux!

Andrew Brandou Opens the Funk Drawer

Grass Hut Gallery brings us another fantastic surprise show, this one from master Andrew Brandou. In this mini-show, "From The Funk Drawer," Mr. Brandou brings us items that have been stored away from sight. Now, lucky us!, Grass Hut is putting them up for sale.

From Grass Hut:

Andrew Brandou is a flipping wizard in a large cone-shaped hat when it comes to brushwork. He has the skill-set to paint anything in any style he chooses. Lush natural settings, brightly colored flowers, day of the dead, or even Audoban nature/pop art scenery. His more commonly reoccurring characters in the vein of vintage Richard Scarry and Gustaf Tenggren, but always with a twist. His characters look so innocent, but often are doing something a little sinister.

The show opens tonight, August 31st, 2008. Go here to see the show when it appears.



Andrew Brandou's From the Funk Drawer at Grass Hut Gallery

New Dork City! San Diego Comic-Con Report

It was a meeting of the San Diego Dorkestra, myself included, as thousands upon thousands descended upon the historic Gaslamp Quarter in the yearly geek-fest ritual known as the San Diego Comic-Con. This year, for the first time, the Con sold out every day, and is now just way too crowded, unless you enjoy the scent of 40,000 men and 100 women closed up in a cramped space appealing, in which case what are you doing reading this at home when you could be in Right Guard heaven?!

But ah, we love it so. And every year more and more great artists show up selling originals, prints, toys, t-shirts, and their souls. (They know I'm kidding. Right?) The Con continues through Sunday, so here are our favorites in case you are lucky or stupid enough to be heading there this weekend.

So little to say, so much space. Strike that, reverse it. Where to begin? How about...

Elvis Stormtrooper!



And flanking either side of the King of the Empire, Gary Baseman and Nathan J (AKA Nathan Jurevicius). I bumped into them at the Last Gasp Publishing booth (#1616), where Gary was signing copies of his book "Dying of Thirst" and others. While at the Con, Gary will also be releasing Pink Hot Cha Cha! Baseman will be selling and HAND-SIGNING 100 of these impish creatures at the Super 7 Booth #4729 on Saturday, July 26th at 4:00pm. Gary will also be showing his new Mimobot flash drive at the Mimoco booth #4938 on Saturday at 2 PM. Stop by and say PopDrawer sent ya'.



Meanwhile, the ultra-fantastic Nathan J has just created an awesome new piece, The Monkey King, for who else, Munky King. He will be at the Monkey King booth (#4539) on Saturday from 3-4:30. (And while you're there, don't miss Yoskay Yamamoto's freaky but beautiful Koibito toy.




Jeff Soto

The amazing and gracious Jeff Soto was spotted hanging at the Murphy Design and Art Books (booth #4833).



He was signing his brand spanking new book "Storm Clouds" and Lucky 13 Calendar and he had some surprises up his sleeve. Well, in his art portfolio. Hot off the press original screens (one of a kind, mind you!) and sold-out limited edition giclees and artist proofs. PopDrawer managed to snag the long sold-out stunning print "Thunder Clouds over a Flower."




Scott Morse

Scott Morse goofed off in his own booth (#4800), where he was fighting off his crowd of fans while simultaneously painting and selling some Con Exclusives, including original art from his archives, a set of limited prints from his upcoming book "The Ancient Book of Sex and Science (a collab with Lou Romano, Don Shank, and Nate Wragg), sketches, t-shirts, and two new exclusive Red Window books. Don't miss him!




Tim Biskup

Okay, Tim isn't "officially" at the Con this year. But I spotted him slinking happily through the aisles, getting recognized everywhere he went. But while he may not be doing any signings, his company Gama-go is there in force (booth #4738), selling everything under the sun, including a huge wooden Deathbot and an exclusive Gama-go tee-shirt for both guys and dolls. (Full disclosure -- I did not snap this photo myself, I stole it from their website).




Tara McPherson

Tara McPherson had a great corner booth (#4922) that was hopping, and full of awesome merchandise -- posters, giclees, toys, tees, and Tara McPherson herself. (Didn't get a snap of the artist in the flesh however, as the crowd was ginormous).




The Grass Hut Gang

Unfortunately, I missed saying hi to Bwana Spoons, as he was taking a sightseeing day in San Diego, but happily, I did encounter Metal God Martin Ontiveros. Grass Hut is perched at booth (#4963) and is selling all kinds of goodies from their roster of great, including Martin, Bwana, Scrappers, Apak, and Le Merde. Bwana will also be at the Gargamel booth (#4739) Saturday
and everyday there are new customs at the Grass Hut Booth.

Bonus! Check out the Hot Wheels pavilion at booth #3445! They have 20 or so mini-buses customized by a crew of artists, including Bwana and Martin. See the pic below and try to guess which is which...




Joey Chou - Favorite Discovery

Strolling down aisle 700, I happened upon booth 734, that of Joey Chou, and there I stopped. For quite a while. Joey Chou, an artist and a gentleman, and an Art Center of Design graduate, was stopping the show, in the best way.



His prints and t-shirts were clever, sharp, and lovely. And his new book "Crazy by the Letters" which is soon to be seen in an Urban Outfitters near you, had me enthralled. "Crazy by the Letters" is a modern day Edward-Gorey-ish compendium of children and their alphabetical neuroses. Sample pages - "Edward has Encorpresis" (involuntary passage of feces in inappropriate venues), "Foster is a Frotteurist" (non-consentual rubbing and touching of other folks), and "Maggie has Munchausen's Syndrome" (feigning illness to gain attention).



Often retro in technique but modern in concept and message, Joey's art had me smiling through the next three aisles. I bought more from him than any other artist or vendor.


Esther Pearl Watson, Mark Todd & Jordan Crane

These three auteurs shared a booth with Secret Headquarters, stock full of art, comics, and tees. This was one of my favorite spots, and I had a nice chat with Esther, Mark and Jordan. Their new stiff is outstanding. Don't miss it.




More Great Fake Movie Art

PopDrawer readers may recognize the name Fleet Street Scandal. We first covered the awesome movie concept and poster art of Kevin Dart and Chris Turnham back in February. The Fleet Street guys are hanging at booth F-9, and are selling some exclusive new Comic-Con prints.



And right next door to them (at F-8), another great team of artists who dabble in fake movie posters and other ephemera. Brothers Josh and Justin Parpan were wowing the passing crowds with their collection of prints, toys and tees. This quartet is a must-visit.




Haunted Memories

There's Haunted Mansion fun to be found at booth 430, resting place of Edward Allen's Haunted Memories, an artist specializing in lenticular paintings that change from antique portraits to visions of hell, depending on where you stand, literally. Words can't really describe -- just check out the images below.





Purveyors of Cuteness

Got a lady in your life who keeps the Con at arm's length? A baby or four whose formula-covered clothes need a little sprucing up? There was plenty of adorable-ness to go around, with one of the cutest being the Pea at Conduct Happiness (booth #4830). Yes, the Pea. The Pea is featured on a number of tees in various circumstances with text underneath reading "Pea in the Pool" (where the other vegetable stare horrified on the pool deck as the Pea lounges on a floatie), "Pea in Bed," and "Pea Standing Up." I see Paul Frank getting nervous...



Close behind on the Ador-a-meter was Bored Inc.'s collection of Japanese-inspired creatures (booth #115), including Stinky Poo! (is a potty-pattern emerging?) Selling plush toys, tees and prints, Bored Inc. is sure to please the cute-lover in your life.




Poketo

The booth of fine art purveyors and sellers of prints, tees, wallets, and plates (Yeah. Plates.) Poketo was one of my favorite stops (both #4634). Stocked to the gills with fresh art by Oksana Badrak, Andrew Holder, Leah Chun, Peskimo, PCP and so many other greats, this booth was rocking the Con. Stop by and tell Ted and Angie that PopDrawer sent you -- they're great folks.




Nucleus

Probably the best collection of prints was to be found at Nucleus Gallery's booth. With art from the likes of Jon Klassen, Scott Campbell, Junko Mizuno, Mari Inukai, the selection is awesome. And mind-boggling. Nucleus has something like over 500 prints!


Jon Klassen


A Paper Tiger

Online retailer of art prints A Paper Tiger continues it's great run of print releases with two new ones coming out at Comic-Con. Tessar Lo's "Kirin," an edition of only 50, and Scott Belcastro's "Lost in the Forest, Lost in the Thicket" with an even smaller edition of 30, are both released at the Con. But if you miss them there, some will be available online as well.


Tessar Lo


Is there more? You bet there's more. So much fantastic art this year. But frankly I'm tired from rolling around naked in my new pile of Comic-Con t-shirts so I'm signing off. But thanks once again to Eric and Zared for securing me a pass this year, who will be receiving very cool token of my undying appreciation shortly.

P.S. Find mistakes in here. Too bad! I'm tired. leave me alone.