Giant Robot is proud to present new works by the husband-and-wife team, APAK! Living among the furry conifer giants in a little cabin on the outskirts of Portland, Ayumi and Aaron Piland unite to bring you into their fantasies, as if going on magical journeys and returning with pictures of what transpires in their collective imagination. Their works transplant the bold colors and simplicity of Japanese pop into an expansive mini universe reminiscent of “Gnomes” books from the ’80s.
For APAK’s Worlds of Wonder, the collaborative art duo is preparing 35 medium and small gouache paintings on wood and 6 mixed-media sculptures, as well as a special window installation. The show will depict tiny races of creatures living harmoniously with magical plants and friendly animals in rich, colorful lands.
Studio Acorn and I made only 2 of these.
One is holding my pants up and another is for and art show at Giant Robot New York.
I’m making a book titled CAMP the buckle plays a role in it.
“As always the men changed out of their wet wool britches and into lightweight denim jeans. Greg popped open a cold beer from the river on his silver belt buckle. The buckle he won at the last Lumberjack competition in Union City. Pure silver sculpted in the shape of and elk head, the mouth worked as a bottle opener and the antlers worked as a bottle holder, leaving the buckle user free use of both hands for important tasks like casting a salmon lure into the river, which is what Greg fully intended to use it for after this little timber harvest.”
Le Merde returns to Super7!
Super7 Presents: Le Merde
Le Merde is Portland based artist Mike Kelly. His work ranges from paintings and sculpture to hand cast figures. He draws inspiration from all walks of pop-culture, including heavy metal music and 1970’s cartoon characters. He is part of the art collective Grass Hut which includes Bwana Spoons, Martin Ontiveros, Apak and Scrappers. More of his work can be seen at www.lemerde.com.
Le Merde once again brings his own distinctive brand of art to the walls of Super7 when “Let’s Get Turdical” opens Saturday, May 3rd from 7-11 pm running through the end of the month!
(((Coming soon)))
New Artwork by J. Otto Seibold
May 2nd (first Friday)
Grass Hut Gallery
811 e. Burnside
Portland, OR
Grasshutcorp.com
J. Otto Seibold is coming to Portland.
He’s going to use the studio at Grass Hut to make an art show in the gallery at Grass Hut. Kind of like an artist in residence.
We asked if he needed any help with the show and he asked for a big bike and a crappy old drum set to thrash around with. The Ace Hotel pitched in and gave him a place to stay.
This is going to be fun.
J.Otto’s well know for his children’s book illustrations: Olive, the other reindeer, Penguin Dreams, Mr. Lunch, Going to the Getty and many more. To celebrate his real life appearance at Grass Hut we’ll have his new book available for signing, Seamore, the Very Forgetful Porpoise.
J.Otto is an folk artist. Sure he uses the computer, he also uses spray paint, brushes, graffiti pens, cameras and anything else.
A tiny interview with J.Otto:
Grass Hut: Are you happy?
J.Otto: Yes! Generally…I have an addiction to global politics…. that always kills the buzz.
GH: What are your favorite things to take photos of?
J: Shitty cars…dogs…I love photography…and I Flickr like a fiend!
GH: A lot of folks give you credit for making vector-art folk-art. Is that even possible?
J: It’s possible for them to credit me. I have never had any art school training…so I might be a digital-outsider artist.
GH: Do you think the computer, as a tool, tends to water down humanity in art?
J: Sure, definitely…. I still make stuff by hand…to retain my human dignity!
GH: What happened to Bubblesoap?
J: It’s still there…. new to anyone who never saw it before…honestly…. 911 happened to bubblesoap. It was fun while doing it…like a band…with my Portland buddies Matt and Susan of FEELGOODANYWAY.com
http://www.jottodotcom.com/bubblesoap/bubblesoap.html
GH: Who makes the art that you love?
J: Tons. You. Fred Tomaselli, Barry McGee, really everything, my list making brain explodes! I swear, I’m totally watching and in to it.
GH: Your art is so dense, like there are hundreds of layers, when is too much too much?
J: When it is too much. I don’t use layers…I’m a grouper and freezer!
GH: Do you have an art studio? What’s it look like?
J: It is an old school lunch table that I bought in NYC for 20 dollar. And I have a laptop and drawscreen…and then just tons of crap all around it…. good crap. Rad crap.
Hey all, Martinhead again…
Got a little thing going on up in Seattle this Friday, April 11th at Schmancy (1932 2nd Ave). A small selection of small paintings. Small in scale, big in scope– I’m really very pleased with what I have done for this show, and everything has been a joy to paint. All works 6X6 inches or smaller in size, all affordable and not a bad apple in the bunch. I will be in attendance for the opening, so come and crack open a PBR or two with me, then wish me luck– as soon as I’m home the next day, it’s freak out time before Bwana and I head for Japan!! My I’m tired…
All essential info is on the flyer below. Cheers!
Trish Grantham and Amy Ruppel
At Grass Hut
Opens April 4th, 6-10pm
These two pillars of Portland’s underground art scene have paved the way for many other artists and galleries like Grass Hut. It is with total honor and pleasure that we’re host this show.
Amy and Trish will be showing a few sets of hand painted Russian nesting dolls alongside with their whimsical paintings.
If you would like to get on the preview list, simply write back with the secret password “I love grass hut”
Hey all, Martin here–
New show going up Friday April 4th at McLeod Residence (2209 2nd Ave, Seattle) of laser-etched skatedecks. Starring the likes of Grass Hut pal Shawn Wolfe, plus 2H, Parskid, Soopajdelux, and little ol’ me. The Laser’s Edge is curated by Kristen Rask of Schmancy and all decks were laser-fied by Kurt Barbee (5280 Lasers). Not sure of the opening hours, but I’ll bet it’s the average 6 to 9pm , seein ‘ how it’s on first Friday and all. Definitely worth a gander, as lasers are all fancy and stuff. Here’s a peek at mine and Shawn’s:
Show your love and show up at this show…
Bye.
“Islands Fold™ is an independent publisher and artist residency created and operated by Angela Conley and Luke Ramsey. It’s about inviting artists into our home, supporting creative identity, collaborating, promoting health and well being and producing unique art. Established on Pender Island B.C, Canada, the residency is offered at no charge to the artists. It is sustained through public support by purchasing the books and zines made by Islands Fold.”
from islandsfold.com
Islands Fold from chris shier on Vimeo.
Martinhead here–
Check out the new green colorway of full size Ojo Rojo! Gargamel’s first full-detailed color vinyl. Due for release on March 30th at Thrashout. I’m not sure who will be carrying these here but I heard some will be making it stateside.
More colorways to follow of course. I designed one for “Tentacles, Horns, Scales”, the upcoming art show and toy release event starring Bwana Spoons, Koji Harmon, and myself at Thrashout in Tokyo, April 19th. I’m not spilling the beans on what that one will look like, but I can say that it’s gonna be sweeeeeet.
On to the pix:
