Messages

1

The DC Conspiracy / blood drive/art giveaway!

« on: September 04, 2013, 07:14:34 PM »

Just a little heads up for anyone interested, Carolyn Belefski asked some of us to spread the word. On Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 there will be a blood donation drive at Seekers Church at 276 Carroll Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012, one block from the Takoma metro station (timeframe yet to be determined). The Red Cross, who will be handling the blood part, will be looking for donors. Some of us artists will be giving away free art/sketches to donors. We have enough artists, we just need donors now. Carolyn worked her tail off to get this event off the floor, so hopefully we can make this a success. Below is a list of the artists participating:

Brooke Allen
Steve Artley
Carolyn Belefski
Bill Brown
Michael Cavna
Andrew Cohen
Eric Gordon
Bud Grace (verbal discussion)
Dawn Griffin
Art Hondros
Mal Jones
Steve Loya
Jay Payne
Michael Ricigliano
Joe Sutliff

Through art, we can save some lives, and hopefully have some fun in the process. Please consider donating that day and/or spread the word if you can.

Thanks!!, Steve

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Openings, Art Show Listings, Events, and Meetings / Re: Splotch/Asterisk show update

« on: February 14, 2013, 07:43:54 PM »

Oh, and just a quick shout out to Austin, who dropped by to cover the show! He blogged about it at his Eye Collector site here: http://www.eyecollector.com/archives/3581

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Openings, Art Show Listings, Events, and Meetings / Re: Splotch/Asterisk show update

« on: February 14, 2013, 07:34:38 PM »

Thanks a ton Jesse! I found out last night that the feedback was so positive, they're going to keep the show up an extra week and it'll be up as part of their anniversary party on saturday, feb 23rd.  They're expecting all the pieces to sell. I sure hope so! To add to that, a major local outsider and folk art collector bought a bunch of my Splotch Monster works, which were/still are also for sale at the show, and some of those will be part of the next show, which will feature highlights from his collection. I'll make sure to post about it soon. Thanks again for the kind words!

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Openings, Art Show Listings, Events, and Meetings / Splotch/Asterisk show update

« on: February 11, 2013, 08:52:56 PM »

Last Saturday's opening reception at the Off-Rhode Studio/Art Enables was awesome. Just want to put a big thank you out there to all those who braved the crazy wind and dropped by, participated in the workshop, checked out the show, chatted and bought some art. My collaborator JJ Cromer and I sold two main pieces on opening day, already raising $1,200.00 for A.E.. Unfortunately JJ couldn't make it that day, since Pound, VA is quite an epic hike. We also sold a bunch of smaller Splotch Monster works, raising more money for this wonderful gem of a space in DC.  The show will run until February 22. More info can be found here: http://art-enables.org/off-rhode/. Attached are a few pics from the opening day and here's a link (http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyingturtle/8461583206/in/photostream) to my Flickr for more, for anyone interested.  If you haven't made it out there yet, I highly recommend paying a visit when you get a chance folks!

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Openings, Art Show Listings, Events, and Meetings / "SPLOTCH/ASTERISK" at the Off-Rhode Studio Gallery, Feb 2013

« on: January 19, 2013, 09:18:00 AM »

Hello,

Here are some samples from a recently completed collaboration between myself and artist JJ Cromer. The series is called "Splotch/Asterisk" and is the result of a five-month mail-art collab where we worked on a some pieces and sent them back and forth between each other several times until they were finished. All pieces have elements of mixed-media, including watercolor, collage, marker, colored pencil and pen. The collaboration began as a mutual admiration for each other's work, resulting in a dozen pieces, completed in January of 2013. Shortly after, we were given a show at the Off-Rhode Studio Gallery in Washington, DC, which will start on Saturday, February 9 (reception from 1-4PM, Splotch Monster-making workshop 2-3), 2013 and will feature some larger-scale digitally altered versions of the works as well. All sales from the show will benefit Art Enables in DC. JJ lives in Pound, Virginia where he and his wife are beekeepers and raise geese. I live seven hours north in Leesburg, Virginia where I work as an art specialist for young children and make and sell my own art. I hope you enjoy these works as much as we enjoyed making them.

-Steve Loya

http://www.jjcromer.com/
www.steveloya.com
collab documentation: http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyingturtle/sets/72157631883363706/with/8380999203/

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General Art Discussion / Re: Art is...?

« on: September 07, 2010, 10:41:36 AM »

Great topic!!

I think it's a hybrid of what Pelican Arts as well as An/Other/Mind says. "If the new path is sufficiently different it could be a revolution, but it could also be just another step on a long journey" really sums it up for me.

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General Art Discussion / Re: DC/Northern VA/MD sketchbook exchange

« on: September 07, 2010, 10:37:49 AM »

Hey guys,

Hope everyone's well. I've been thinking about our exchange and was wondering what you all think. It's been suggested to me that perhaps we should close this exchange and return everyone's books to their owners this time around. It has almost been a year, believe it or not, however, it's been kind of slow goin'. I really appreciate everone's involvement and work, but perhaps it would be a good idea to turn the page (no pun intended) and get our books back. I' personally will be insanely busy this year, going for my National Boards for teaching, so my own time will be limited considerably. If any of you would like to start a new exchange, why not? I still have not given up on the idea of getting a little book together, compiling some of our work, and donating sales to an organization who could use some arts-related funding. I'm still debating whether or not to go the indy/zine route, or Amazon.  In the meantime, I'll shoot an e-mail ot to everyone as well regarding this message.

Anyhow, please let me know what you all think here, and as always feel free to e-mail me at goturtlepwr AT yahoo.com.

All the best!, Steve

8

The DC Conspiracy / Re: Draw anything lately?

« on: July 05, 2010, 12:24:02 PM »

Been a while since I dropped by this forum. All around good stuff goin' on here! I've been trying to tune up my style lately, taking more time in my sketchbooks. Here's some from recent months. I've been toying with the idea of having a sketchbook as a sort of portfolio, with complete works. We'll see how that goes. I wrote more about 'em at my blog here: http://goflyingtrtl.blogspot.com/.

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General Art Discussion / Re: DC/Northern VA/MD sketchbook exchange

« on: July 05, 2010, 12:12:01 PM »

That time again folks! I hope you all had a great July 4th! Make sure to finish up any pages you need to complete and get those books out in the mail to the next artist. I updated the blog and will soon be adding more. Please let me know if any corrections are needed and I'll be sure to fix 'em right away (http://dcsketchbookexchange.blogspot.com/). In the meantime, I've been thinking of doing a book through Amazon. There's a good article on inexpensive self-publishing in this month's Arts Calendar magazine. Looks promising! Here are some drawings from Ricardo's book, which will be sent out on July seventh (Kris has a few pages to complete). Ricardo, I looove that little sketchbook you got - I seriously need to get me one! I've never seem 'em before! Folks, if you have questions, etc. please, please drop me a line at goturtlepwr(at)yahoo.com since I don't get around to this site as much as I would like to. Any questions or concerns are welcome guys. Stay cool all!

Peace, Steve

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General Art Discussion / Re: DC/Northern VA/MD sketchbook exchange

« on: June 10, 2010, 12:30:32 PM »

Thanks Paul. They actually protect me from the bad guys, haha!


Yeah, this isn't an isolated occurance and sketchbook exchanges never quite ideally go as smooth as planned. I just hope noboday feels like each page has to be "precious" or a completed work. Really, everyone has their own style(s) and way of working - a page full of quick, improvised sketches is just as good as something "complete". It can be serious or funny or both. Just have fun - doodle, draw, glue in work, collage, etc. The key is to just do it (sorry about the Nike reference)!

Anyhow, I know Ricardo is patiently waiting for a book, so please get that out to him asap so the good man can get his draw on!

peace, steve

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General Art Discussion / Re: DC/Northern VA/MD sketchbook exchange

« on: May 31, 2010, 08:40:23 PM »

Here are my six entries in Emily's book. I've been somewhat obsessed with "Splotch Monsters" this past month, and I even started a blog. I decided to paste six of 'em in Emily's book using some good, archival craft glue. If anyone wants to try some, you can print out (or use software like Photoshop) your own paint splotch and draw on some. Here's the link to the new blog if anyone's interested: http://asplotchmonsteraday.blogspot.com/

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General Art Discussion / Re: DC/Northern VA/MD sketchbook exchange

« on: May 31, 2010, 08:11:47 PM »

Alright Paul! I love these pages man - really beautiful work. I can't wait to see 'em in person. Thank you!

Hey Jenn, thanks for giving Shauna the update, and Shauna, thanks for your patience.

I'll be getting Emily's book mailed out tomorrow afternoon. My wife Kris had to bow out May because she started a new job that took up most of her time and energy. I took up the slack and contributed some extra work. She said she'll be back June though.

Anyhow, I hope everyone is enjoying this Spring and the warmer weather and had a good Memorial Day. As always, this is just another friendly reminder to get some work done in those books and get them out by week's end. Also, again, feel free to upload work here! believe it or not, we're already past the halfway point with this exchange, so keep up the good work guys and stay cool!

E-mail me at goturtlepwr(at)yahoo.com anytime if you have any questions or concerns.

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General Art Discussion / Re: DC/Northern VA/MD sketchbook exchange

« on: May 01, 2010, 07:56:20 AM »

Happy May all! Just a little reminder to get those books out within this first week (if possible). I know Shauna is waiting still and I'm sure she's eager to get working in a book soon. If you're behind, please don't hesitate to let us know. Life happens. In the meantime, here are a few recent works from the exchange, and as always, feel free to post yours up here as well! Peace!

14

General Art Discussion / Re: DC/Northern VA/MD sketchbook exchange

« on: May 01, 2010, 07:48:24 AM »

Thanks Paul! I'm hoping we can get some more posted up there soon my friend.

Shauna, I'm sorry to hear this. Did you contact Jenn at all? I'm pretty sure she sends the books out before you.

Hey Joan. We'd love to have you aboard but for now I think we should complete this round as is since everything has already been established. We're about halfway finished (about a half year to go). If anyone wants to do another exchange, I'll let you know! Thanks for asking!

Hey Christian, hope you get well soon man. Sounds painful! Thanks for hanging in there though!

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General Art Discussion / Re: A list of artdc ETSY shops!

« on: April 08, 2010, 12:43:43 PM »

Got some new prints up/going up at Etsy - they turned out beautifully! Splotch Monsters are still available until the end of April too. Info on the prints here: http://goflyingtrtl.blogspot.com/2010/04/new-wildlife-art-prints-from-artscow.html

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General Art Discussion / Re: DC/Northern VA/MD sketchbook exchange

« on: April 06, 2010, 11:49:19 PM »

Wow! Very awesome Christian! Paul, your pages are fantastic too - love the experimentation on some of 'em. Also, thanks for the link!

The blog is FINALLY updated btw folks!: http://dcsketchbookexchange.blogspot.com/

Keep doing great work all! My book goes out tomorrow.

17

General Art Discussion / Re: DC/Northern VA/MD sketchbook exchange

« on: March 24, 2010, 01:24:16 PM »

Hey Heather! Sorry about the lateness - I actually sent that book out early, minus the right address. Luckily it was sent back to me. So, sorry about that - I was so psyched to get it out to you early, I ended up screwing up the address. Anyhow, with my Spring break around the corner, I'll be posting more work up at the blog. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to post work here t the forum as well guys!

Ricardo, is there already a DC/NOVA crawl? If not, you should think about perhaps organizing one! I'd be up for it.

18

General Art Discussion / Re: DC/Northern VA/MD sketchbook exchange

« on: February 24, 2010, 01:27:49 PM »

Hey Christian, thanks for the update! Sorry to hear about the bank situation man. I've been there, believe me. Just get those babys out to Joe as early as you can come March then.

Joe and Ricardo, thanks for your patience. I know you guys will keep the ball rolling!

Just want to check in and thank Shauna for getting her latest book to Kris. The work inside looks beautiful, from all who participated! I'm psyched about getting it posted to our blog this week. In the meantime, please get your book mailed out if you haven't yet. Three pages minimum - five max. Not too hard, right?

I know for a lot of artists, the inspiration well can be pretty dry and empty.  Sometimes things come up and money can be tight. I find when I have some of these problems myself, I simply have to force myself to sit down and get the job done. Sometimes I have to turn off the cell phone, shut off the computer, walk away from the tv and tell my wife not to bug me for an hour (kindly , of course). It certainly doesn't always come easy, but I found that many times, just getting started is the hardest part.

Anyhow, here's the list and order of artists/senders in our group:


Kris (sends to)

Steve (sends to)

Heather (sends to)

Christian (sends to)

Joe (sends to)

Ricardo (passes to)

Emily (sends to)

Paul (sends to)

Danny (sends to)

Jenn (sends to)

Shauna (sends to)

Kris

If anyone has a question, etc, let me know. Thanks to everyone who has contacted me and to all involved in this project!

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General Art Discussion / Re: DC/Northern VA/MD sketchbook exchange

« on: February 21, 2010, 01:04:20 PM »

Thanks so much Ricardo, I'm so glad to hear this and thanks for asking!

I actually love the Moleskine books, both the watercolor and the sketchbook 'skines. You can find 'em on Amazon, as well as in most fine art supply stores. The one you have (my book) is very durable - you can really pile loads of media on a page and not do any damage. If you like more room to work, the A4 books are awesome! In the other exchange I belong to, we all use A4s, both in watercolor and sketchbook form. 

Anyhow, I can't wait to see what you draw in my book man.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend Ricardo!, Steve

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General Art Discussion / Re: DC/Northern VA/MD sketchbook exchange

« on: February 19, 2010, 02:38:28 PM »

Good question Ricardo. We were supposed to get them out during the first week in February, since we had January off. I've got a feeling the winter storm(s) caused a lot of delay. I managed to get mine sent out right before the storm hit, but I know in my area, mail has been arriving behind schedule. Whatever the case, we do need to get those books out asap, if they haven't been sent already. The order for sending is in this thread and if anyone's not sure who/what/when, etc., you are always welcome to contact me.

Anyhow, I'm also optimistic that once this cold and white stuff starts disappearing and Spring begins to gradually show its pretty face, we can get back on the track full steam ahead.

In the meantime, I will indeed send out a reminder to all members on Sunday.