EchoesLocation

I'm at the airport with Liz, not only going to Vegas for the first time but going on a trip with Liz for the first time. We booked the flight about a month an a half ago, before my run in with my Achilles Tendon. I've been down this whole time thinking about how much less fun I was going to have due to the injury. I know I should keep positive but it's much harder than one can imagine. The bright side is that I am here at the airport and I am genuinely excited about going there and it'll just be really good to get away for a bit.

jeremy

Faris McReynolds (born 1977, Dallas, Texas) is a Los Angeles-based artist and musician. His paintings have been shown in Tokyo, Los Angeles, New York City, Berlin, Padua, and Antwerp, including numerous solo exhibitions. His work has been featured in Details, Art Papers, Flash Art Magazine, Tema Celeste, and ArtWeek.

McReynolds grew up in Richardson, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, the son of an Indian mother and American father. He spent his childhood between Texas and Bombay, and even appeared in a Bollywood movie entitled Shahadat at the age of eight (he is the nephew of Bollywood actors Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab). He received his BFA from Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles in 2000, though he started publicly showing his paintings at the age of twenty-one.

In terms of style, McReynolds' current painted work appears heavily influenced by French impressionism and post-impressionism, the 1980s work of Richard Prince and Sherrie Levine, Andy Warhol's paintings of disasters, and Francis Bacon. He paints both from and directly on top of digital media he creates or appropriates. His brushwork ranges from an expressionist palette-knife impasto to delicate watercolor. Most of his paintings are completed in a single sitting in order to capture the immediate action, and he prefers to focus on the inherent comedy and tragedy of staged imagery rather than on documenting real events.

Brendan Lott
There's a lot of good work to see on Brendan Lott's site. The work is interesting, a little risky bit again, like Eric Yahnker, the tongue in cheek aspect of the work makes it less intense. The quality of the work is also very telling. The paintings are impressive but don't forget to spend some time with the sculpture, video and collage work.

Charmaine Olivia
Charmaine Olivia's work, staying in the realms of figurative work, is also inspiring. Quite a few are done on what looks like found materials. Her subject are predominantly female so the smooth features on the rough textures extend the compositions. Take some time on her site and see what you can find.

jeremy

Eric Yahnker
Eric Yahnker's work is really great. I'm not quite sure how to explain it. It seems like a joke that he's telling that goes slightly over 9 out of 10 people's heads. The pieces are mainly done in graphite or colored pencil. There is some mixed media involved and some conceptual pieces. There's definitely some NSFW stuff here but the tongue in cheek elements make the pieces easier to digest. If you were to cruise around the site, which will take some time due to the functionality of the site. That's neither here nor there. The look matches the work...quirky. I haven't delved very deep into the site but I will and I recommend you do the same. The is some quality stuff to see there.

So, I go to the hospital this morning to have my achilles tendon repaired. I've never been through anything like this, surgery I mean. It's a short procedure but the road to recovery is long. It features splints, boots, rehab, and "learning how to use (my) foot again". It all sounds very glamorous but it doesn't feel that way. I suppose it will all hit me when it's done and I'm hobbling around for 6 months. Anywho. Just thought I'd give you all a heads up...just in case anyone still reads this.

Today is Halloween. I'm not so much of the type to dress up. It just doesn't really interest me. On top of that I've injured myself severely. In my efforts to get in shape and become a normal 30 year old that can walk my dog around the block without sweating I ruptured or tore my achilles tendon. It's put me off and on in a apathetic mood. Overall, I'm in a positive mood but yeah...Halloween is not tops on my list of concerns tonight. Moving on...


Madeleine Gagne
I went to Dove Vive for dinner with my Roommates and Mickie. The food was delicious but I was automatically drawn to the art on the walls. Madeleine Gagne's work reminds me of Elizabeth Peyton in the subjects. Hip people, presumably friends of the artist, in everyday situations. They are graphite based but the drips and gestural use of watered down paint send the paintings home. There's a little bit of David Hockney in the pieces as well. Check out her work.


Derek Albeck
I've posted about Derek Albeck before. Within the last few months I believe but he has a nice interview on Fecal Face currently and a lot of new work on his site. Give both a look.

jeremy

Kristen Flemington
I saw Kristen Flemington's work at Stumptown about a month ago and was very interested to see more. I forgot to look at here website over 10 times but finally did and really loved what I saw. I also forgot to post on my blog about her quite a few times but now I have and you all should check out her work as well...don't forget.

jeremy

Shelley Short
I'm heading out to see Shelley Short in like 4 minutes. I'm sitting at Liz's place with Nolte watching Melrose Place. I'm killing time. I'm really excited about seeing her. I've been a fan of hers since before I moved to Portland. She has a great voice and her songs strike a nerve with me. Her voice is soft and intense at the same time. It makes you hang on her words and follow her songs wherever they may go. Tonight is her CD release at Holocene so I'm hoping to grab the new one and enjoy some live renditions with bells and whistles included. Ok, I'm heading out.

jeremy

I & Love & You
There has been so much apprehension in the build up. From the announcement that they were signing to American Recordings to Rick Rubin producing the record. Then the album art was released and folks ears perked and eye brows arched. They were curious and a lot of people were curious to a fault. Not I, I was waiting patiently. I'd heard the demos. I heard January Wedding and Kick Drum Heart last January and numerous tunes live over the last 2+ years. I've been anticipating. On Tuesday NPR let the parachute out for a few over anxious fans. They made the entire record available to stream on their website. The link is above. I've listened to it countless times. Currently I'm feeling nostalgic so I've queued up Four Thieves. Either way, this record is immaculate. Obviously there are things I'd like to see different but it's not my vision, nor is it my journey but it is a journey that I am happy to be a passenger on and have been since the first time I met Seth at UNCC. I'm proud to tears of the boys and their growth is a testament to work ethic and morals. Both, qualities I strive for in small part because of The Avett Brothers. I'm a visual artist but I've taken so much from all four of the guys that I've instilled into my regiment and my personal work ethic. Anyways, I try to keep this journal a little less sentimental these days but I just wanted to make it known that I am proud as a peacock to call Seth, Scott, Bob & Joe my friends. If the feeling hits you, make sure to pick up the record on Tuesday. You won't be disappointed.

jeremy

I'm currently watching a documentary on Alice Neel. It's pretty great. Not only was she a great artist that encapsulated emotion and feeling in her portraits but her life was wholly interested. Numerous suitors, depression, children and cancer. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in not only art but dreams of notoriety and the human condition.


Yes, Please Mix
I haven't posted a mix here for a while. This is an enjoyable mix for people that let the fall or weather get you down. Hopefully, it'll left some spirits. It sure does mine.

jeremy

The Woods
My roommate Danielle & I went and checked out a show last night at The Woods, a new venue in portland. I have to say, this place is awesome. It's located in the heart of Sellwood, occupying an old Funeral Home. The vibe is not creepy in the least. The walls are stark white with vintage photographs hung about them. One nook of a room plays the role of a gallery. The works displayed were nice, but that's another story. The built out a nice bar area and a separate room appeared to be a lounge of sorts. The actual venue room had tables and mix & matched furniture including an incredibly plush and comfy couch. The place just felt good. We went to see Y La Bamba & Church play who both were impressive but YLB as they so often do stole the show. The band is tighter everytime I see them and pull out some new trick that just makes me love them more. Church was enjoyable as well but we skipped out early as we both were super tired. Well, if you have the opportunity I highly recommend this venue. It's a little off the beaten path for me but it's well worth it.

jeremy

ps. My super rad Peter Blake book was just delivered!!!

Langdon Graves
I haven't looked through everything but what I see so far I rather like. I'll give it more of a shot when I have some down time at work tomorrow.

In other news...Top Model AND Project Runway are now back on. I'll give you guys my opinions on some of the contestants, again, when I have some down time. So far so good on both fronts. Before I hit the sack let me just say I'm on the Nicole Team.

Aside from the rather silly cover art, Jay-Z has delivered another solid album. His third since "retiring". I guess hip hop kinda needs the dude but I digress...The album starts incredibly strong with 4 Kanye West (and No ID) produced tracks and one produced by Al Shux featuring Alicia Keys called "Empire State of Mind" that is really doing me favors. It's a feel good track and Jay-Z skips along it with his casual flow, complimenting the airy production perfectly. Things start to go a tad awry after that with a few standout tracks peppered throughout. A Swizz Beatz produced track and Timbaland one are decent but feel a tad repetitive with the futuristic production. Don't get me wrong though I gave both multiple spins upon my first couple listens. Drake provides an assist on the Timbaland track "Off That" and tries to further cast my Jimmy from Degrassi memories away. Some recycled concepts pop up on "A Star is Born" featuring J. Cole, "So Ambitious" and things just get silly with "Young Forever" sampling "Forever Young" by Alphaville to laughable results. Jay-Z could have easily pared this album down to ten tracks and provided the world with a classic. I'd recommend a listen, no doubt, but I foresee those first 5 tracks getting played into the ground and shortly after putting this CD in my stacks and forgetting about it...But for now I'm enjoying a solid recording from the best rapper out.

jeremy

Kelly Rundle
I was de-installing my art show at Launch Pad, I saw Kelly Rundle working incredibly hard on installing her show. I snagged a business card and a show card and just got around to checking her work out...pretty rad stuff in the style of Claes Oldenburg. The opening should be an experience so I'd think about checking it out.

jeremy

Inglorious Basterds Trailer
Last night Deuce & I caught a viewing of Inglourious Basterds at the local cinema. I saw the trailer for this a few months back and have been anxious for the release ever since. I'm a big Tarantino fan and he really put it on with this movie. In all his movies he's carried the story like a pro using dialogue to pace his features, sometimes this usage of conversation has gotten in the way but never to an extreme hindrance of the enjoyability. Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino hitting the nail square on the head. Some reviewers are calling this his masterpiece, even he gives a cheeky nod to this in the final scene (I assume). The story is engaging enough to make the violence secondary which is a pretty incredible feat considering the magnitude of it. There are the usual comedic touches provided by Brad Pitt, Eli Roth & Christoph Waltz. The supporting actors in this movie all deliver in their respectable turns, even Mike Myers is a joy. The story is far fetched, sure, but it's also, I'm assuming, vindicating for some being essentially a revenge movie or maybe more apt a avenge movie. I won't say much more about it except I highly recommend it and to be weary if you have a squeamish stomach before hand.

Shits & Giggles Review
For those that don't live in Portland and don't keep up with my facebook and art adventures. I got my first legit review in a publication last week. The Willamette Weekly art & culture writer Richard Speer took who knows how many minutes/hours out of his day to breakdown my show. It feels like one of the most gratifying things ever. The review is favorable and incredibly well written (not just because its about me either). Click the link above to check it out. Tell me what you think.

I'm currently laying on Deuce's couch typing this. I'm in Denver for the first time and spending quality time with my buddy for the first time in a while. I'll be venturing out alone in a bit and end up on a bus and then train to the airport. I'll be meeting up with Susan Avett and heading to Boulder for the first time and seeing The Avetts for like the 50th time...or more (I stopped counting). I'm excited about this weekend and the rest that is upcoming.

jeremy

Yesterday Liz and I shot Aaron & Joelle's wedding. It was fun and a lot of work. A lot of being in the right spot at the right time. I can't say I understand the amount of money wedding photographers charge just yet but it was a lot easier shooting it with Liz and obviously a lot of fun coordinating with her. Today we're going to Cannon Beach to do it all over again. I look forward to the road trip and the job. I'll post some pictures when it's all said and done.

jeremy

Ain Cocke
I happened upon this work this morning. These are interesting pieces that are very masterfully realized. The juxtaposition of the two figures per piece all male is interesting. There is a definite homosexual vibe going on and with the use of Marines and the Air Force he creating a tension between the ideas of masculinity and sexuality. His approach to the paintings and drawings like I mentioned before is masterful which brings the viewer further into his worlds. Spend some time on his site and you can see some more work here.

jeremy

Natalia Fabia
I just made a trip to Fresh Pot for coffee and some magazine browsing. I read an informative article on Natalia Fabia's new work. There is some vast improvements in skill and technique with her figures. The examples above are a good look at the progression she has made. She was always a rad artists but seeing this photo realistic stuff really put me in a good place. The lighting on the figures and the way she approaches it in her pieces is breathtaking. Take a look at the last two series' of work and gush.

jeremy

SHITS & GIGGLES OPENS THIS FRIDAY!!! DON'T FORGET!!!

I'm excited and crazy busy!