my love for you is a stampede of horses.

Robert Hardgrave.

Robert Hardgrave sent me images in Novemeber for his then upcoming show Relic at David B. Smith Gallery. At the time I was taking a break from the blog, and I did post the images on tumblr but I really feel like even though the show just ended...I want to post the images here.

Robert's work is so intense and gorgeous. It's got layers and layers of feeling. Plus I really like that he went sculptural as well with his newest body. Relic reminds me of mysticism and intrigue and I think it's such a strong group. Be sure to check out videos that accompany the show here.

In Robert's words:

"Recently, my studio practice has led me into new territories. Where I once pre-planned an idea before painting, I now require myself to approach what I’m doing as an “unknown.” What begins as a flat painting can now become something else entirely. I allow myself the freedom to explore different configurations. The canvas is a starting place for a conversation that leads me to new insights about pictorial and sculptural forms. Pieces become surfaces that I can “destroy,” only to take their remains and build something new."

New Work: Alex McLeod.

Big, big fan of Alex McLeod's imaginary, digital bubbly worlds. And always stoked when an email with new work arrives in my inbox.

Evolves the Luminous Flora Mural: Jovi Schnell.

Jovi Schnell had mentioned to me during our studio visit that she was to work on a public arts mural for the San Francisco Arts Commisision in the coming weeks. It's an initiative called, SOMA Alleyways Improvement Project, to do exactly what it says. I live in a kind of rugged area of SF so you can imagine how excited I was when I found out it's is only a block from me! I was able to take a bunch of pics of the process before, during and after. You can see more on the blog's flickr.

Here is a key to the imagery:

Gear-Flower-Sun: Located at the center of the plaza this shape essentially represents Industry, Growth & Energy, but one could also construe the likeness to a Sunflower whose symbolism has long been associated with adoration, longevity peace and optimism as they always turn to face the sun.

Cycling Arrow: Within the circumference of this Gear/Flower/Sun there is a recycling arrow that speaks to life’s cycles and forces.

Moon, Compass & Pointer Stars from The Great Bear Constellation: Nested within this center motif there is an image of a moon in a crescent phase and a compass arrow that correlates to the plaza’s northern direction with the letter N at it’s tip. The two stars that are mapped onto the arrow symbolize the “Pointer Stars”. These two stars are present in the constellation called “The Great Bear” a.k.a The Big Dipper and are often used as guides to locating the North Star.

If you are in SF here is a map to the mural.

And just because, my pooch Seamus. <3

Put A Bird On It!

Still laughing over here. "Straight up got dust in my eye!" This clip from Portlandia is hilarious commentary on trends in craft/design. I am really excited to check this show out when I get home tonight. Fred Armisen is my favorite!

ABOVE in Brisbane, Australia.

ABOVE is currently travelling all over the world. Hitting cities as he goes and keeping me posted on his way. His latest stencil was done in Brisbane, after the horrible floods:

"I tried my best not to make fun at this drastic and horrific situation but instead to empathize and portray just how serious and large the scale of these floods had been with the relative depiction of "NOAH's" ark being sunk due to the floods."