My good friend Ryan Lee aka ‘Defame’ is a super talented musician. Not only has he played guitar in multiple bands but he spends all his free time creating sick beats. The dude has amazing skills and makes music to nod your head to. He has been in the process of fabricating and gathering up material for a legit release for a while now. Well, the time has come. The ‘Gorillaphant!’ is out of the cage and now available online for FREE DOWNLOAD!
Ryan was nice enough to let me design all the album art for the ‘Gorillaphant’. I loved the way it turned out and can’t wait to see it printed up.
Front Cover Art
CD Art
Back Cover Art
You HAVE to download this. Not only are the beats insane but he has some of the best local MC’s on the album. It’s definitely not anything you’ve heard on the radio, that’s for sure. And that’s a good thing. We need more unique and creative individuals pushing what they do best out there for everyone else to see. Indy has many examples of that and Defame is definitely one of those guys. Get to know this dude and his musical creations because it won’t be the last time you hear about him.
Please check out the amazing lead story on ZapTownMag. Written by Andrew Duncan and photos by Kim Brown. The Lead Story ‘Lost and Found’ is a glimpse into my creative world and abnormal psyche. Be sure to check out the rest of the site. True, quality journalism is plastered all over the site ranging from full story/interviews to album reviews. A unique online experience distancing themselves from the ‘embedding YouTube videos and writing 2 sentences’ type of online mag. Diamond in the rough some would say…
December 12th. What a night! I am sorry to say, but if you missed this show you missed something pretty big. There was so much talent underneath one roof, performing and not-performing. But you still have time to go to the Hostel and check out my artwork that is on display. Indy Hostel is such a great place. It is tucked away in Broad Ripple and if you aren’t looking hard enough for it you just might miss it. My art will be hanging until mid-January so head on out to the Indy Hostel before you miss out!
Ligyro setting up some beats with my art hanging on the walls
I created six new works for this show, seven including the s.a.i.n.t. RECON EP art “Psalm Before The Storm“. All the works were inspired by music in general and also partly the hip hop community. I re-purposed old cassette tapes, cassette tape holders, 8-track tapes, a speaker, an old record player cover, and more. I wanted the work the fit the theme of the event instead of just putting some older work on the walls. That would have been a lot easier but I took the extra time and effort to create new work specifically for the show. I think it definitely payed off. I couldn’t be happier with the way everything turned out. So, if you have the time or if you are in the Broad Ripple area, please take some time to check out the work. I would really appreciate it. Indy Hostel is located at 4903 Winthrop Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46205. If you get lost, call (317)727-1696.
Lorax and his daughter hanging out before the show
Before I start my recap of the night, I just want to say big THANKS! to John, Gibson, and Neil for putting on such an amazing event. We are really fortunate that the Hostel, which is fully functioning takes the time to hosts events such as ‘Both Sides of the Beat’. I sure hope everyone else appreciated that gesture as much as I do. Also, thanks to s.a.i.n.t. RECON, Ligyro, Lorax, Dan Marquis, T.J. Reynolds and the Free Hand Orchestra, and Big Skittz for truly great performances. Alright, now for the recap!
Jesse from s.a.i.n.t. RECON getting there early to hang out
As I arrived early to hang my art before the show, I was greeted by Neil, Gibson, Dan, and Cory. It was my first time at the hostel but I could tell as soon as I walked in that it was something special. The atmosphere was really inviting and the space was well put together. John and everyone did a great job with the house. I wish I could have seen it before all the renovations.
Everyone hanging out, drinking some Upland beer. Thanks Upland!
The show took place in the main room on the first floor. I felt at home. I swear the color on the walls was the exact color I had on my walls growing up at my parents. The old hardwood floors took me back as well. Maybe someday I could find an old house to renovate and turn into my own.
Awesome poster created by Bonzo Rockaway. Go buy some killer shirts!
As I was unpacking my art, there was bubble wrap everywhere on the floor. Cory’s daughter was quick to grab a sheet and start poppin’! I swear she went through a 8 foot long piece of that stuff. She was having a blast. It was great to see little kids at an event like this, soaking up the creativity and uniqueness of such a show. I hope she grows up remembering and being inspired by all the great things her dad and his friends did in Indianapolis. When my son gets a little bit older, I would love to take him out more so he too can get to experience something that many people never get to. It takes a lot to put your creative being out there for everyone to see and I commend every artist of any discipline sharing their talents with the world. It needs to keep happening.
A.C.E. O.N.E. and Kinetic from s.a.i.n.t. RECON performing their first acoustic set
This wasn’t just your normal hip hop show. This show included spoken word, some freestyle, and the first acoustic performance by s.a.i.n.t. RECON. If you don’t know about these guys, you need to get hip with it. It was just Jesse with his acoustic bass, and A.C.E. O.N.E. and Kinetic with their rhymes. It was crazy to see a hip hop group perform with ease without a big beat behind them. Those dudes didn’t even need it, their words kept the time. I couldn’t believe it was their first time doing it acoustically because it seemed pretty flawless to me. The crowd even helped out with some feet stompin’ and finger snappin’. It was one of those moments I couldn’t help but have a goofy smile on my face because it was just too good.
s.a.i.n.t. RECON performing their first acoustic set as lucky attendants take it all in
I hope there will be more shows like this in the future. Hopefully, next time will bring twice as many people. We need to share the love and creativity that is happening in Indianapolis. Take the time to click every single link on this page. All the artists are super talented so check out what they are creating. Also, if you know anyone who needs a place to stay whether they are passing through Indy or not, give Indy Hostel a call. A unique alternative to trite hotels. Until next time…
Ah yes, where to start? Well, first of all I just want to say thanks to the Arts Council of Indianapolis and Be Indypendent for giving me the opportunity to share my art with people in such a large and populous venue. The Artsgarden is a truly amazing place. I wish I could live there.
Luckily, my good friend Drew Skwarcan was along for the ride all day on Friday. He helped me with loading, unloading, setting up, keeping me company, and even went the extra mile to take a ton of photos and hours upon hours of video during the event. Of course, he didn’t want the footage to go to waste so he created this super nice video not just for me but for everyone. This way everyone will get to see a glimpse into what went down at the Holiday Art Sale at the Artsgarden. Without further ado…
The day started off early. 6am early. I probably should have got more sleep that night but I had so many things I didn’t want to forget. Coffee was my life saver like always. After loading all the essentials and 70+ pieces of art into my van that barely started on that cold morning, I went to pick up Drew. We made it to the underground parking garage on time and thought it was going to be cheap to park there. Well, let me tell you something it wasn’t. $20 to park all day seems a bit steep for me but I am also famous for being frugal. Onward!
Early bird gets the worm! *
When I found out I was one of the first to arrive that allowed me to settle my nerves a little bit. I hate running around trying to get things ready at the last minute. Even though I had two hours to set up, it still seemed like that was the outcome. I did get everything set up in time though.
Final setup. Almost two hours of work. **
After a couple different figurations and adding a table, I finally had enough room for all my art. You never can be too prepared I guess. I was very pleased with the layout. I was able to hang a few larger works in the back. This along with the smaller works showed viewers that my work varies in size as much as the materials do. I enjoy this. I don’t want to be a ‘one-trick dog’ as they say. Who says that? I don’t know…
Close up of assorted works. *
I made a lot of smaller works specifically for this show. My goal was to create original yet affordable artwork. This was the great time for people to pick up last minute Holiday gifts or start a personal art collection. It is very important to me to keep my work evolving while still making it affordable to people. There are some artist’s work who I love but I unfortunately can’t even buy one of their prints let alone an original. I guess it all comes down to the fact that ‘affordable’ seems to be a pretty subjective word these days.
Conversing with friend and fellow artist, Phil Cardenas. *
Not only was I able to meet new people at the sale but a lot of my friends and family took the time to swing by. I cannot tell you how much this little act means to me. It is so easy to stay inside (especially with the cold weather and all…) but these people took the time out of their day to see me and my art. Awesome stuff right there! So thanks to all my friends and family who came out to see my booth! You guys are super supportive and are a positive force that keeps me doing what do. I want to make sure that you know I appreciate it.
View from my booth. **
But, I wasn’t the only one at the sale! There were 20+ talented and creative people putting their work out there for the world to see. I admire that. It takes a lot of hard work and proverbial balls to do an event like this so kudos to all the artists who participated. I sure hope they had as much fun as I did.
Second story view. *
Isn’t this space remarkable? I can’t say enough about it. I still want to live there. I need to get out more and just wander around the city like I used to back in High School, camera in hand. The Holiday Art Sale was another event that shows just how much talent Indianapolis has to offer. I hope to see all forms of art succeed and flourish in the future. We need to be a cornerstone of creativity in the Midwest. Let’s make it happen Indy!
Close up of the custom magnets made from old coasters. *
I had a lot of fun creating these magnets. I was strolling through Goodwill (one of my favorite pastimes) when I saw a stack of old coasters. I knew right away I could use them. I was already toying around with the idea of creating custom magnets and these fit my idea perfectly. I thought it would be a great and inexpensive way to add art to the kitchen. Magnets aren’t pricey and some art shouldn’t be either. So why not combine the two? I focused on juxtaposing collage images and word phrases in a comical yet sometimes troubling manner. I enjoyed them and seeing as I sold a few, I know others did as well.
Speaking with people about recycling opportunities around Indy. *
Another component to my booth was having free information about recycling available for people. Not only do I try to recycle through means of my art but in every day life as well. I also feel some individuals don’t recycle because they don’t know where or what to recycle. Knowledge is power. No one is perfect when it comes to their carbon footprint but we should at least all try to not be so wasteful. My friend Corrina hooked me up with the printed information that was available. Thanks Corrina! You can learn more about recycling opportunities and how to make a difference at the Indiana Recycling Coalition’s website.
End of the day. Last chance to pick up something! *
After a slower mid-afternoon session, the masses hit the Artsgarden with full force. Friends, family, and even some people I met at Oranje back in September came out just to see my work. It was so great! I am glad we ended the night off strong. I can’t say enough about the success that was the Holiday Art Sale. So after a long day, we packed up and headed out. Did I mention the price of parking?…..eh, anyways. Then it was off to Wendy’s for a well needed late night snack. Does four double stacks and a frosty count as a snack?
I just got back from the studio of the non-profit organization P.U.P. or People for Urban Progress. I was there hanging some of my work to get ready for this month’s First Friday event. This all came about after I spoke with co-founder Maryanne O’Malley at last month’s First Friday event. I just happened to be strolling down the hall from Big Car Gallery and their studio caught my eye. I was welcomed inside and told about their mission.
“PEOPLE FOR URBAN PROGRESS (PUP) is an Indianapolis-based 501c3 non-profit organization that promotes and advances public transit, environmental awareness, and urban design. We stand for project-based urban progress.”
One of their current projects is The Dome Bag Project. “Working with local artist Cheryl Harnishfeger, PUP has designed and developed wallets, clutches, messengers bags, and bike messenger bags made from the roof material of the former RCA Dome. 60% of the proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit the Indianapolis Parks Department, which will use the funds to install the same material throughout the city. Each Dome Accessory is hand crafted and uniquely designed.”
I had never heard about this organization let along this project so when I found out I was super excited. It was such a great idea and an act that I admire greatly. Instead of letting the extra-durable RCA Dome roof material to be tossed in a landfill, they were proactive and used it as a way to give back to the community. I think Indiana needs more of these kind of acts and P.U.P. is one who’s definitely leading the way.
After speaking with Mary about my art, she was kind enough to let me hang some of my work considering that our missions are some-what intertwined conceptually. I am definitely lucky to be a part of this month’s First Friday event at the P.U.P. Studio. It isn’t just any old studio to hang work in. For me, the studio represents so much more than a place to hang art.
Please do yourself a favor and visit their website. You should really consider purchasing a wallet, a purse, or a messenger bag….or all three! They are one of a kind and truly a piece of history. Festivites should start around 7pm this Friday, November 6 in Studio 213 in the Murphy Building at Fountain Square. We hope to see you there!
ORANJE 2009 was definitely a success! I had a lot of traffic through my booth, plenty of positive feedback on my work and my booth, great collaborative interaction with the ‘raffle panels’, and I even sold some work! I just want to say thanks to EVERYONE who helped made this possible, big or small. The main contributors of helping hands were my awesome wife, Rachel, my supportive parents, Linda and Bryant, and my awesome friend and developer of this site, Drew Skwarcan. You guys rule.
People getting down with the collaborative found objects panels.
It was a great opportunity to show my art to a large audience especially since it was by far the largest show I have ever participated in. The environment was super positive and I had so much fun talking with so many different people about so many different things. I can’t wait to apply for ORANJE 2010.
Earlier in the night.
The only thing I regret is not being able to see more music and enjoy more artist’s booths. I had my hands full with mine and I know everyone else did as well. I am also very appreciative of the great, creative people I met at ORANJE this year and hope to continue to keep in touch and work with as many as possible.
It was getting kind of packed in there.
This show was a big stepping stone seeing as it was my first show in over three years since my son was born. I have been working hard to develop my style over the years and I feel confident in the direction I am going, though never being stagnant. It feels great to get back into the local Indy art scene and I hope to continue to increasingly contribute to such a great city.
A look outwards from inside my booth.
And finally, I will be selecting the five lucky winners of their very own original ORANJE 2009 collaborative found objects piece of art in the upcoming days. I will contact the winners shortly there after. Thanks to everyone who helped out and put your name in the free raffle. Good luck to everyone!
Last night, I attended a Collage Party at Big Car Gallery in the Murphy Building located in Fountain Square. Everyone was invited to bring their materials (scissors, glue, clippings, etc.) and have fun creating collage art together. Music, drinks, and food were provided. It was a great, fun environment and plenty of people turned out for the event.
As we finished our creations, we were allowed to display them on the gallery walls for next Friday’s show. The Collage Party show opens Friday, Sept. 4, 6-11 p.m. as part of IDADA’s First Friday event. My crazy collages can be seen here.
It was a great opportunity to create fun art while meeting new people and witnessing other people’s creations. I saw some pretty hilarious pieces done by some other artists as well. I didn’t get shots of them but I definitely encourage you to stop by Big Car this Friday so you can see all of the collages in person. Check out Big Car’s website here for more info and see what they are all about.
This Thursday, I headed over to the Grand Opening of Joy’s House to see what it was all about. I was blown away at the space that had been created during the recent expansion. The functional facilities, the amazing decor, and beautiful local original art made for quite an experience.
Joy’s House is an “adult day service that provides care for adults living with physical and mental challenges while providing respite for caregivers. Located in the Broad Ripple area, Joy’s House was created from one woman’s dream, supported by family and friends, and has blossomed into a remarkable not-for-profit organization that provides physical, mental and financial relief for families caring for a loved one.”
The woman with the dream is Tina M. McIntosh, President & CEO of Joy’s House. I have never seen anything like this place with my own two eyes. It was way more than I expected and local residents are extremely lucky to have these amazing services available to them. Please visit http://joyshouse.org/ to learn more and view photos of the house and the expansion it had recently been through.
While I was walking around looking at everything I was lucky enough to talk with a few local artists who had working hanging up inside/outside of Joy’s House.
The first artist I ran into was Amy Brier while viewing this unique sculpture.
Amy Brier is a stone carver and sculptor who works with limestone and sand to create an original interactive experience and uses the phrase “sculpture that makes sculpture” to describe her work. I find myself viewing certain artist’s work for the first time and thinking “I wish I would have thought of that”. Amy’s work is definitely in that category.
Please visit http://www.amybrier.com/ to view more of her sculptures and installations. It is all wonderful work.
The second artist I ran into was Doug Arnholter. I was taking a photo of this piece of art before I heard him say something to the effect “Yay, someone is taking a picture of my work”. I hope it was sincere.
I was really struck by the fact that his work was hanging on the exterior of the house. I was very curious of the medium he was using to allow his work to not be damaged by the weather/outdoors. Doug works with a lot of different media but this particular piece was his version of a contemporary fresco. I really enjoyed the pastel colors and how they worked well with the bold, crisp green siding of the house. Do yourself a favor and check out more of his work at http://dougarnholter.com/.
Another artist I spoke with was Marianne Glick. Her painting was hanging in the same room that Amy’s sculpture was in. It was great to listen to her explain the process she went through to get to her final product that was hanging on the wall. Unfortunately, I did not get a photo of that painting but you can see tons of her work at http://GlickArt.com/. Check it out!
I will hopefully be able to donate some of my work to Joy’s House so they can auction it off. I think it is a great cause and if you have any money you could donate or a talent that could be lent to Joy’s House you should contact Tina McIntosh at tina@joyshouse.org. See you next time.
Well, I am pleased to announce that the other day I received an email informing me that I was selected to participate in the Oranje 2009 Art & Music Festival!!! I am really excited to have the opportunity to show my work to the mass public again. It has been a while since I have shown my work at any art show.
This is going to be a different type of art show. It is going to be very interactive and a great place to showcase progressive talent. It is going to take place on September 19, 2009. The location will be announced in the up coming weeks. Check out their website —> http://oranjeindy.com/. They have photos from past years to check out.
I will have an interactive thing going on where anyone can help me create a work of art with my provided array of found objects. I want to open peoples minds to the idea of found object sculpture and hopefully attendants of all ages will have fun creating an original work of art. These works will be raffled off to attendants who put their name in the raffle. You have a chance to be a part of a one of a kind collaborative art experiment and possibly be able to own one of these works! Super fun.
I will leave you with a recent snap shot of my every changing, messy “studio”. This is where the madness goes down.
ZapTown | Indianapolis-based online publication that explores culture from Indianapolis and beyond
Social
Indiana Recycling Coalition | Supporting source reduction, reuse, composting and recycling activities in Indiana
Joy's House | Joy’s House is a safe and loving community devoted to safety, comfort and care
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful | Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. unites people to build community and transform public spaces through aesthetic and environmental improvement
Made For Each Other | Engages neighbors in the planning, creating and celebration community-building projects — bridging gaps between art, artists, art institutions and other large institutions and residents of Indianapolis as a way to creatively improve the quality of life f
People for Urban Progress | Indianapolis-based 501c3 non-profit organization that promotes and advances public transit, environmental awareness, and urban design
Second Story | Helps kids in the Indianapolis area form positive attitudes about creative writing and improve their skills as writers.
Tech
Drew Skwarcan | My long-time friend and also the mastermind behind this awesome website
