MFA Applications Complete

My applications for MFA Studio Art programs are in the mail and in some cases "being processed" as we speak. It's sad to think that this may be my last 6 months in DC but with all my applications in limbo my bags are not packed yet.

Cross your fingers for me.

william christenberry vs al farrow

Saturday I finally had a chance to check out Al Farrow's work at Irvine. DJ Spooky and Shepard Fairey's work was as could be expected. I went to the Farrow/Fairey lecture on Friday and left with a new found love of Farrow's work. He not only employs real human bones in his work but he also uses illegally obtained firearms. Farrow's Trigger Finger of Santa Guerra-III reminded me of work by our local art-lebrity, William Christenberry. Christenberry and Farrow both look at organized religion through a sort of material and architectural commentary. Farrow's confronts contradictions of organized religion across theologies. Christenberry recalls his conflicts with KKK members while growing up in Alabama. Several of Christenberry's churches have tall white spires and bare trees lurking at the church's doors, to imply that the church protects and condemns the acts of the KKK. Both artist's base their "church sculptures" on existing or historical buildings and both insist that they don't make models.

A conversation between those two would have been more far more compelling that the one between Farrow and Fairey.

Fun Stuff: Ed Luce Releases Wuvable Oaf #0

Last January while visiting San Fransisco I had the pleasure of cruising bear bars with illustrator, Ed Luce. He is a former teacher and long time friend of mine. Since moving to SF a few years ago he's starred in one of artist Sean Johnson's Beard Love videos and guest started in the indie porn mag, Pizzine (guess what it's about). He's been working hard on a new comic series loosely based on his new SF life.

He was a bit of a Bear-lebrity at the bar and every other bearded daddy interrupted our conversation to say hi. After a few hours talking about our old lovers Luce handed me a Xerox copy of his just released Wuvable Oaf Comic. After an encounter with a surly polar bear at a urinal, I wished Ed well and stumbled to a near by coffee shop to read it.

Ed created a cast of sexy and likable characters to fill the life of Oaf, a 30-something, DIY-crafting, the Knife listening, daddy loving, pussy loving, post-ironic bear. Oaf's first full color edition hits shelves in SF this week but you can get your copy online. He also has some great merch including a super sexy lime green t-shirt featuring Oaf and his Kitties. It comes in five sizes so even twinks and otters can be bear bait for a day.

Wuvable Oaf
www.wuvableoaf.com

Ed Luce's Livejournal
bearbait.livejournal

Wrap Up: Quart Bags @ Civilian Arts Projects

Jayme McLellan, Director of Civilian Art Projects brought together about 100 local artists and asked them create work in a 1 quart bag (the airplane FAA approved size for liquid carry-ons). There were some amazing pieces and all the work is priced from $50-$100. Photographer Nikolas Schiller documented most of the work. Take a minute to check out Nickolas' blog, The Daily Render if you missed the show.

Quart Bag @ Civilian Art Projects
Friday, August 8th - Saturday, August 16th, 2008
406 7th Street NW, 3rd Floor

Recall: Art-O-Sound with the Pink Line Project @ Artomatic

The Art-o-Sound event at Art-o-Matic, Thursday, June 12th, 3008. Organized by Philippa Hughes/The Pink Line Project and sponsored by Scion.

Alex of "There Were Ten Tigers Blog" covered in inverse cloud cut-out by Ding Ren.

Ding Ren - "Bible Kiss Bible"

Ding Ren with Philippa Hughes of the Pink Line Project.

Bonner wraps up the night with an acoustic piece.