ispeakart

G.I JOE- COBRA "In progress"

2012-03-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

SOOoo im drawing a 5 foot tall Cobra G.I Joe soldier..it is about 95 % done, I need to go back in and render things a bit tighter (in some areas). this was truly a project about process, and alot of time management. Working 2 jobs and making time for this project was a challenge. But one that I was able to handle! I divided it into sessions, a total of 7 session to add up to roughly 25 hours or drawing time. YIKES!

Its actually about the time it takes for me to do a painting as well, actually a painting probably takes alot longer! anyways, this was nuts, it was fun and i hope people like it. I have been getting pretty good responses from the people that have seen it thus far! So i Hope some more of that to come.

OK! concept: the idea is about. how "life" represented by the COBRA soldier is brutal! so when we are children, our way of coping with problems is through play- play becomes our meditation. Our childhood however gets almost raped and attacked by real life tragedies and this is what the toy represents. this piece is only 1/3 done I will have more soldiers in a Swat like position getting ready to attack more happy toys, video game and cartoon characters. So hopefully there will be a huge contrast between color in the piece and also happy vs evil.

At this point the toy by itself doesnt convey the message- so for now its a piece that may be shown alone, kinda becomes a one liner.. but i think its still effective by itself, its drawn well enough to stand alone. People are sucked into it because the fact thats its a drawing of a huge toy! people can relate to it, and you can even argue that conclusions could be made as to what this toy (alone) represents. I think its successful. well see what others believe.

what do you all believe??!

2012 Illinois Community College Juried Exhibition

2012-03-01T15:27:00.001-08:00

The Visual Arts Gallery located in Governors State University,(where I work as a graduate gallery assistant)is having their 2012 Annual Community College Juried Exhibition. It is for all student artist enrolled in a community college in Illinois. This has been a super tough exhibit to organize but it has also been a lot of fun and a great learning experience (working with young students). I was responsible for designing the Prospectus, promoting, doing all the data entry for the exhibit, and well all the good stuff that goes into doing a large exhibition. The exhibit is up and running, there is some awesome artwork come check it out!! Reception and awards ceremony is Saturday March 3rd from 1-4pm.. Here is a link to the exhibit facebook page http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.339432779420521.84788.164905230206611&type=1 ICCJE Numbers 2012 Entries:236 art works from 93 students from 9 schools 11% College of DuPage 1% Heartland 1% John Wood23% Joliet Junior College31% Kankakee Community College 1% Malcolm X 9% Parkland10% Prairie State Community College 8% South Suburban Community College12% [unknown – entry forms incomplete or missing] Selected Work:55 Juror’s selection (55 art works from 34 students from 7 schools)23% Percent of total entries (77% were eliminated from the competition) 6 College of Dupage 0 Heartland 3 John Wood17 Joliet Junior College 8 Kankakee Community College 0 Malcolm X11 Parkland 6 Prairie State Community College 4 South Suburban Community College 0 [unknown – entry forms incomplete or missing]

"Urban Realism" an exhibition by Luis Sahagun- Jan 19th

2012-01-17T17:07:00.000-08:00

Using the street environment as my inspiration allows me to blur the line between high and low art. By using urban materials and a contemporary process I create a merge between academia and street art. Furthermore, I connect my artwork with historical context such as Greek / Roman mythology and symbolic meanings from nature. The outcome challenges the audience to re-evaluate their preconceived notions of which materials are accepted as beautiful in art. It also allows them to examine antecedent subject matter with a new and distinctively personal interpretation.- Luis Sahagun

Holla at yo boi! k sorry had too much coffee. Just wanted to post that I will be having a Solo exhibition titled Urban Realism at Moraine Valley Community College in the atrium walls located at 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, IL 60465.

The reception will be Thursday Jan 19th from 2-4pm. If any ones to come out and say hello I will be there.

My work will be located at the atrium of the building that houses the theatre and gallery at Moraine Valley Community College. There are a total of 8 52" x 52" display cases- about 3 inches deep. My work is in there and quite honestly it made for a strong exhibit.

You can find a 50" x 50" chicago heights hydra, which is a personal interpretation of how i deal and attempt to over come or kill this chicago heights hydra of a beast! Mostly in reference to government officials like police, ice and the court system..

Just keeping it real..haha

For more details on the exhibit you can go to the Moraine Valley website at http://www.morainevalley.edu/fpac/Season/gallery_atrium.htm

for more details on my work you can go to my website at http://www.wix.com/lsahagun2/artanddesign

or at my behance portfolio at http://www.behance.net/gallery/Urban-realism/2756943

"I Shall be released" an exhibition at Union Street Gallery

2012-01-17T16:49:00.001-08:00

I Shall Be Released, is on the 2nd floor at Union Street Gallery, runs January 11-February 11, 2012

Juried exhibit featuring 30 artists from the Midwest chosen by juror Sergio Gomez of 33 Contemporary.

This is a great exhibit taking place at Union Street Gallery, yours truly had the honor of being accepted to the exhibit. I actually received honorable mentioned for my work titled "Janus on Cardboard". You guys should def come check this exhibit out.

The reception passed already :( sorry, but there is still time to go see the exhibitions.

You can also find my painting titled "prisoner" which is a work in progress , in the front window display at Union Street Gallery.

awesome show! don't miss out!

Holla!

I Shall Be Released Exhibiting Artists
Scott Anderson
Aaron Coleman
Cleveland Dean
Sherri Denualt
Babara Edwards
Tanya Gadbaw
Margie Glass-Sula
Diana Leviton Gondek
Hai Ri Han
Sarah Knill
Liz Kolben
Marina Kuchinski
Jonathan McFadden
Jennifer Moore
Nancy Mueller
Diane Ramos
Barry Reithmeier
Stephan Roll
Marina Ross
Luis Sahagun
William Sclater
Jessica Segal
Eva D. Smith
Mimi Solum
Amelin Spinney
Aaron Tinder
Jennifer Webster
Michael Weigman
Margi Weir
Peter Wilhelm

The Memory Project- "a portrait of kindness"

2011-12-08T11:39:00.000-08:00

" I think when you combine goodwill with an art project, amazing things begin to happen. The Memory Project is incredible. Thanks for letting us be a part of it.
- Monique Dobbelaere, SC

A next project Im going to be a part of is called The memory project. a group of local artist (mostly students) will be getting together to create painting of children that are orphans. The memory project is world wide and anyone may participate. We asked the organization for 20 portraits to create!!

Bridget a fellow governor state student (that sparked this project ) was able to collect 16 artist for this project! I will keep everyone posted on our endeavors! I will post pics of works in progress the artist and the final finished portraits!! super excited!!

More to come soon!!!!

Janus on Cardboard-

2011-11-23T09:19:00.001-08:00

The concept is Janus the greek god of beginnings and transitions. This is a self-portrait, personal piece of my transition of letting go the past and moving forward.

Its literal transitions from layer to layers- from the wood pieces, to cardboard then to gesso the charcoal transitions and adapts to its new texture overcoming the obstacles presented.

release of freedom!!

"office art" and fighting insanity.. battle continues!

2011-11-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

Heres an update on my travels in the art world.

Since I have been working 2 jobs and going to school full time, my life has been crazzzzy! Im currently working for a non-for-profit organization, and at the art gallery in governors state university. And and and I also go to school for painting and mixed medium.. my life is full going at full speed and its loco aka crazy!

Im sooo glad that my art is truly healing for me, so it keeps me sane. At my day job during mini breaks that we have I make what I call office art..haha simple pure fun things, easy sketches, I’ll get nail polish and make a transfer, add some white out and highlighters and we got us some art!everything on cardboard of course, from tissue boxes, post it notes, etc..lol

So here are pics of this “office art”…enjoy!

2011-11-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Working on one of my latest pieces, prob gona title it "prisoner". Its a complete mixed media piece- in my opinion that is :) I worked on it with nero lead, paper mache, clay, acrylic, cardboard, graphite, spraypaint, and oil paint. It is still unfinished the face and hand will be technique mixte (realism) and will transcend to the sketch..so the idea is to keep it expressive and emotional. well see how it ends up!

Ive been at Governors state university as a graduate student in the painting dept for a year now..wow time flies, but this is the first piece that I feel really captures what I have to offer as an artist at this point. Im trying to mix street art and academia together..so its kinda like where pop, abstract and realism meet. Thats what I try to do. holla!

I will keep posting pics of my travels in the art world.

oh and check out my website!!! http://www.wix.com/lsahagun2/artanddesign

let me know what you all think!!

Surreal Illustrations- check it out!

2011-08-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

haha prettey clever digital work...nice to look at while drinking some coffee, thought id share it with you guys!!!

gotta love behance...http://www.behance.net/gallery/A-Series-of-Surreal-Light-Illustrations/1748686

here is the link to more images

Luis Sahagun- My Bio 2011

2011-08-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico and raised in the urban setting of Chicago Heights, Illinois gave Luis Sahagun the foundation for his art. Being the youngest son with two older female siblings, Luis has always seen himself facing life obstacles on his own. Drawing cartoons and creating imaginative superheroes was his coping mechanism to his childhood problems. His work and process reflects his past experiences and current views of the earth bound fight between Good and Evil (the invisible war).

Luis Graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a specialization in Industrial design and double minors in Art History and Marketing.

He is currently a studio artist for Union Street Gallery, works as a Gallery Assistant, and is pursuing a Masters in Painting and Mixed Media at Governors State University in University Park, Illinois.

Artist Statement!!!

2011-08-18T18:57:00.001-07:00

If you tremble with indignation at every injustice, then you are a comrade of mine-Ernesto Che Guevara.

My artwork takes a critical view of social, political, and cultural issues. Good vs. Evil and an introduction to an invisible war that justifies pain, suffrage and the difficulties of human life. Often time’s humanity faces questions of spirituality, moral beliefs and deities. I attract attention to these issues and tell the stories that I believe should be heard.

I attempt to deliver the stories by marrying academia and street art. Consequently, the artwork then contains historical references with urban materials and processes. I do this in an attempt to attract multiple audiences, especially younger generations that may be drawn by the popularity of street art but have yet to understand the entirety of art- which may be reached through university studies.

While I use a variety of materials and processes in each project my methodology is consistent. I strategically apply a design process. The process begins with an idea, which then is fueled by extensive research. Learning what artwork has been previously constructed allows me to further enhance and develop my artwork.

Currently I am working on assemblages that are composed of burned cardboard, screen prints, spray paint, photographic image transfers, acrylic/oil paint, and found objects.

I went M.I.A!!

2010-12-03T12:31:00.000-08:00

Sorry homies i went missing for a while, no excuses shall be referenced. Just know that soon ima make a come back like jordan did in the 90's...i wana be i wana be like mike!!!! its gona be sick...Ima customize the site, add a calender of all the art exhibits in the burbs and sum in the city...Expect good things from my updates soon-mai frends!!!

Death,Destruction or annihilation?..

2010-08-31T13:43:00.000-07:00

i leave you with a video i created about the bp oil spill..enjoy..warning not for the weak of heart.. special thanks to Neto!!! thanks g! from h

El Chapulin Colorado Vs. Superman..My first digital work

2010-08-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, so im excited to post this...Its my first digital painting..I think I can call it that..lol, it was a combination of sketching, Photoshop, Cobalt, Poser, and Illustrator..I think thats all I used..Its mostly photoshop work tho...It falls into the pop art work that ive been working on..Im tryin to have a decent enough body of work in that theme before I move on to something else...and to be honest theres alot more ideas...haha..Its like if im doin everything I wanted to do wen I was a little kid!!

I used to diligently collect x-men cards...I saved up all my dinero..aka mula to buy these cards.!! and my absolute favorite were the ones titled: Wolverines greatest battles!! they was sick!!! Wolverine would appear fighting, the hulk, spiderman, abviously sabretooth, etc..they were the best thing life had to offer me at my age..still is actually haha with the excetion of guess who?...jajaj Mr. Red Grasshopper!!!

EL CHAPULIN COLORADO, Ay wey...wey ay...With his pastillas de chiquitolina...he used to crack me up..anyways this piece titled: Culture Clash represents my mind my inner battle of being mexican american...which is better?...why how?..are they that different..so in this peice its my inner thoughts being released in the only way i know how...my version of an ultra fleer comic card...El chpulin colorado vs Superman the man of steel...americas favorite hero...a clash till the death?..

you guys should read the back side of the card and tell me what you think of the story..how would you cahnge the outcome?..or would you?...feedback would be appreciated fellas..n ladiiies!!!

nothing is set on stone..im still working on modyfin the story line!!

hope you enjoy me art!!

Art on Tracks..Today!!!! Saturday august 7th!!! oh yea 2010..

2010-08-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

I just found this out!!!! Its so crazy and ingenius idea!!! Its today starts at 5pm ends at 10pm!!!!

Art on Track is aboard an eight-car CTA train filled with ART!!!!! It goes around the city of shee kago!!! Genius, genius, genius, it sound like so much fun!!! here is the link if you wana be a part of this awesome event!!!

http://www.chicagoartontrack.com/index.html

GSU and Manilow sculpture Park!!

2010-08-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

Heres a glimpse at a painting that Javier Chavira is or shall I saw was working on...its currently finished!! Its so sick!!! it stands at about 6 feet tall and about 4 feet wide...i took a drawing class at governor state university in the summer under the guidance of Javier..It was alot of fun and I got to see javiers work develop step by step..because his work studio was in the same place as the class!!

Anways thought id share this with you guys, he is working on a series of work to add to this piece..imagine walkin in to a gallery with such huge paintings!! and I dnt need to obviously emphesis the quality and genuity ( i know i cant spell :( ) of his work!! i have said it over n over the guys a bad ass!! jaja

AND...AND.. If you guys havent visited the Manilow sculpture park which is at governors state university in university park..then you are all missin out..the sculpture park is awesome..it has 26 scultpures and you can walk around them, touch them, jump in them!!, sleep in them...watev, It's a great place to go chill and relax..and to enjoy the summer with some amazing sculptures..i posted sum pics ive taken of this place...for more info go to http://www.govst.edu/sculpture/

and if you want to check out Javier Chaviras website here it is http://www.javierchavira.com/

Luis?.."el mexican Senor Bob Ross"..

2010-08-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

So I was invited to paint for little children (as opposed to large children..lol) at the Homewood-Flossmoor park district..the theme was "Something, something in outter space?..did I spell dat right?..prob not..anyways...As I was sayin yuppers!! I turned into the paisa Bob Ross...jaja its not the first time a mexican does this tho..you guys eva heard of Eugenio Derbez...hahaha from derbez en cuando...classic...ANYWAYS.. I decided to accept the invitation and paint for children!!!!

It was an awesome experience!! It was my first time doin such a thing and it was fun!! although I'll tell you what..what...lol jk The kids where a tough crowd for a little bit, but for the most part their excitement made it worth while!!! So i posted sum pics of me painting for da little humans :)

Aww man I bet I sounded like Senor Bob Ross...I was like ...lets paint a happy little space monkey that flies around in space...lol Oooooh, that is a happy mistake...the monkey likes bananas?..lets paint him a banana..lol haha actually it was alot more fun painting and talkin at the same time..not like at home..maybe I should apply this strategy when I paint alone at home!! jaja ay wey!!

i hope You guys enjoy the pics!!!! and my cute little vest as my jerk friend commented on the pic once :(

CALL FOR ENTRIES!!

2010-08-03T17:03:00.001-07:00

WATTUP!! I havent been doin mucho writin lately, cuz i been doin mucho working..haha check it out there are two juried shows coming up at Union Street Gallery (where I intern)..Its a great way to show your art, if ur an artist that is :)

So if any of you guys are interested...all you gotta do is go to http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/ and download the prospectus and follow the guidlines there!!!! you pickin up what im putting down!!!

hope you guys all submit!!!! I know I will!!!

oh and arriva las chivas!!

My Childhood Heroes...

2010-07-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

ay wey..no contaban con mi astucia!!! thought i'd give you guys a small preview of my current art project!..Its takin foreva..but its gona be worth it at the end...i hope :) I plan this project to be able to display most of my technical capabilities..im using lots of different methods to create it..sketches,scanning, adobe photoshop, adobe Illustrator, cobalt v6, Poser 5, and 3d max...a little bit of every software I own....whoooooa hope it comes out good!!!

yikes i better stop hypin this project up..don't wana dissapoint anyone... its just alot of fun to make!! Im takin my childhood heroes and setting them up in a way that is super dynamic...dynamic i tell ya!!

I should be done with this project in a couple of weeks, I'll post up the final renderings..

Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights IL, Presents its 6th Annual “A Little Garden Art” Garden Walk July 10, 9am-3pm.

2010-06-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights IL, Presents its 6th Annual “A Little Garden Art” Garden Walk July 10, 9am-3pm.

Come check out 10 of the most beautiful and unique gardens in Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Frankfort and Olympia Fields. Hosted by volunteers, gardeners and Union Street Gallery’s own working artists..

Theres nothing that compliments a beautiful day so well than a garden walk!! So Guys stop being lame and bring ur ladies to this event..Its a great opportunity for a date!!! Don't miss out, its your chance to show a bit of class to ur girls...lol ur welcome!!!

Tickets are 20 bucks!!! and check it out..im so excited i cant even type..FREE COFFEE AND DOUGHNUTS!!!!!!!! wah? wah?...I luv me sum cafe..and suga!!

To purchase tickets you can either visit the UNION STREET GALLERY in person at 1527 otto blvd...or you can go to the website http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/ and use paypal to get the tickets..or you can also call the gallery at 708. 754.2601 ask for jessica..the administrator there.

Another awesome thing about this garden walk is there are gona be artist at the gardens painting, writing, and taking pics.. so all around its a great chance to experience something new around this area.

The event is July 10, 2010..everyone will meet at the Union Street Gallery for again..FREE COFFEE AND DOUGHNUTS.. at 845 am then it will kick off...there will be maps provided for eveyone to visit the designated gardens in the south subs!!!

Synergy. exhibition at praire state collge!

2010-06-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

Check it out!! Praire State College presents UNION STREET ARTISTS!!! The opening reception is manana..June 24, from 430- 730 pm..Go support the Union Street Artist!! You can check out a glimpse of their work on facebook...just search for Union Street Gallery..and become a fan if you are not one already :) This is a beautiful gallery NO JOKE!!! anyways the artist are gona have their work at the PSC Gallery.. the show runs from fune 24 to July 29, 2010...

here is sum info on the PSC gallery

Christopher Art Gallery
202 south halsted street, chicago heights Il 60411

Hours: monday thru thurs 9am to 3pm
wed and thurs 5-7pm
and by appt..here is there numero if you wana hit them up!! 708-709-3636

HOPE YOU GUYS CAN MAKE IT OUT!! Like always you know Ill be there!!!

Sol-a-bration!! @ Gov state University FREE FUN FOR ALL!! JUNE 19TH!!

2010-06-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

JUNE 19................JUNE

Wattup g dawgs..I havent written here in a bit, with this whole world cup mania...who can still live their normal lives??..I know crazy!! anyways..check this out!! in university park there is gona be an AWESOME event this coming saturday..seriously you CANNOT MISS THIS!! The Manilow Sculpture Park in university Park/Governor State University is hosting the even called Sol-a-bration..Its fun for the whole familia!! FREE admission, FREE parking, and FREE FUN!! haha Theres gona be workshops for kids, like building kits, makins sculptures, and taking pics...For adults there will be Live music!! jazz, Orchestra and sum other stuffaroonie..all free so come check it out!!

The Manilow Sculpture Park is a Sculpture Park..hence the name...hehe so yes!! that means art!!!!!! Scultptures!! sculptures and sum more sculptures!! You can get a free tour or walk by a sculpture on your own and there will be stationary docents at each one...i believe...

As a matter of fact..I will be a docent at one sculpture!!! yes ma'am!!! Me a docent...wha wha!! Ima be at the sculpture titled "House Divided" (pic located above) by Bruce Nauman, a big time artist now..So if ur in the area and wana hang out saturday..come say, hello, hola, ke onda wey, konishiwa, we we..watev..

If you guys do go, can you bring me sum tacos..cuz u know i be houngry!!! fo sho!!

For More Info check out the Manilow Sculpture Park..heres the link G http://www.govst.edu/sculpture/default.aspx?id=28186&ekmensel=c580fa7b_72_74_28186_1#

also heres the contact info for the park..if yo uhave questions call them or hit me up here thru email or a comment..watev.

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park

Governors State University1

University ParkwayUniversity Park, IL 60484-0975

phone: 708.534.4486

Serious Note!! This is a BEAUTIFUL Park!! Come support the community and have some free fun while ur at it! Its gona be a blast!!! bring ur kids!! save on the babysitter fees too!! wat more you guys want?..need a ride call me!! lol

here is a random video..just cuz its fun!!

Common Ground, Diverse Approaches: Works on Paper exhibition at Tall Grass

2010-06-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

Javier Chavira (above)

Tall Grass Arts Association is having an exhibition titled Common Ground, Diverse Approaches:Works on Paper...RUNS til June 27, 2010 of course :) I have actually been to this show twice!! Its a small but nice showing, Some artist diplayed one artwork while others displayed 3 or more..Some of the artist include, Javier Chavira (labeled bad ass from ispeakart criteria..lol ) Jeff Stevenson ( life coach and professor) and Sergio Gomez (professor) ..and alot more!!

For more info check out this link!! http://www.tallgrassarts.org/

For more info on Javier Chavira check out his website!! http://web.me.com/javierchavira/Site/Welcome.html

For more info on Jeff Stevenson Check out his website too!!!

http://www.jeffstevenson.com/

Jeff Stevenson (above)

Raphael's "Donna Velata"@ Milwaukee, wi...

2010-05-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

Check it out!! One of the most famous art pieces of the Italian Renaissance is only a few hours away from us!!! Its in Milwaukee, WI...This piece was created in the early Renaissance 1516, raphael did it in responce to sum painting of a lady by sum guy call leonardo da..vinci..sumthing like dat..hehe the lady was Mona...last name lisa..lol of cheesy but watev.. u get what im sayin..big time painting in the midwest..! Ima def try and check it out this coming weekend..memorial day!! fo shizzle and the weather is supposed to be nice..so it should prove to be a nice getta away! the exhibition runs until June 6th!!! so hurry up there and check it out!!

For those people that like drama fo yo mama..I guess this painting was rumored to be the artist mistress,,,ay wey..there should be a mexican novela about it...haha it would be a hit..I can see it now..el artista ke le puso los cuernos a su vieja...translation..the dude dat cheated in his honey..jaja anyways thought Id throw that out there!! U ask me I think its a pretty dumb move by Senor raphael to paint his mistress, no?..well, not so dumb since its among the most famous piece eva!! shows how much i know huh?.. :( Well, he is famous now, but i bet he was living in the dog house back then cuz his lady prob..snapped!!! lol Like them crazy ladies on jerry springer..!!lol ok ok ok thats enough.. Let me kno if you guys head that way!!

For more info go to http://www.mam.org/exhibitions/details/raphael.php ...

Unions Street Gallery Presents H-F exhibition!!!

2010-05-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Melissa Huang (left)

Alexia Teichman (left)

Tim Testroet (left)

Homewood-Flossmoor high school Student exhibition at the Unions Street Gallery!! ONE DAY EVENT!!! Friday May 21 from 6pm-9pm!! Come check it out!! should be a fun one, USG is prob gona put a hold on the wine tho..hehe but beverages and snacks are a must so come on in and support these youngsters!! bring sum singles to donate to the gallery!! I bet they appreciate it!! ima do all i can to attend, so feel free to say hola wey to me!! fo sho :) For more info..like always check out the USG website.. http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/

orale holmes, See you guys there!!!!!

Check out my first paintings eva!!!

2010-05-07T15:06:00.001-07:00

PINTO BEANS!! translation...pinto fijoles wey!!! i paint beans!!jajaja so my first paintings eva are being exhibited at the Union Street Gallery in Chicago Heights!! Its PoP art with a mexican american twist!! Why pop art?? I'll tell ya y?..cuz its FUN!! Here i am try to do art with my product design process, its possible but at the same time it was limiting my creativity..All the planning and extensive research, I felt like I couldnt create something perfect and unique..i was going crazy!!! Then BANG I began to read again about basquiat and of course andy warhol..and in a biography of andy he was quoted saying someting around the lines like this..."dont trip potato chip, just do art..and keep doing art, let other people decide if its good or bad and in the meantime do more art"!!

So I said to myself..myself just do whateva makes u happy G...and so i did, I just started coming up with ideas of paintings that I would have fun doin..and I came up with a litte tribute to senor warhola!!! I took his campbells soup and added sum mexican spice to it!! Frijoles...beans!! and I took his madonna and turned into into glo's big dome (george lopez) !!!jaja

Y would do such a thing..if you guys know me than you know I always at least have to be a bit conceptual..and here are the reasons..very simple!! A). pop art is FUN!! B). I wanted to do art about what I know! becuz that gives me the confidence that I need to create it..and C). well, shit if I dnt do it ..who will.. i gotta represent!!! Viva Mexico....no?..ja.ja.ja.ja

So why George Lopez..or Glo as he has been called..Becuz he is a good representative of a popular Mexican American..in the U.S.of A. Come on!! he had his own sitcom and now a late night show!! u cant really get more popular than that!! He does a great job and stays somewhat humble to his roots!! SOMEWHAT!!! thats right lopez. I said it and what!!??

First he comes out with his stand up solo called Americas mexican..and other solo shows where he is Mexican..and captures an mexican audiance...and then bang!!!all of a sudden for his show he's mexican american..then bang for his late night show hes a chicano....whoa whoa whoa george..calmate wey!! first of all george?..not jorge...lol haha had to throw that out there..dnt get me wrong i like glo.. alot!! im just saying that he went from mexican..to mexican american..to chicano..and in a way that is genius cuz now he has captured most of those audiances..I say most cuz well my mom and dad dnt know who da hell he is..In their eyes he will never be a Luis de alba...haha o resortes..( two famous mexican..full blown mexican comedians)..but he doesnt have to be cuz we are in the usa and thats not his audience..

So im draggin on and on sorry guys!! so in a nutshell..george is a perfect example of a popular mexican american..(or chicano) comedian..to my opinion anyways!

Then comes la preferida bean can..well wen people asked andy why he painted campbells soup hes said cuz he liked and ate those soups..he just liked them its that simple..so in my eyes..the equivalant of that for mexicans..wait wait..mexican americans..no no wait...chicanos...no no no no no wait..pochos!! jaja is a can of beans..im not being a hater..im not..a can of soup or a can of beans are common in that they both are convenient..open it up heat it up and bang..ur all gravy..quick meal..So I like beans..i eat beans..thus i paint them..its just that simple! together the pieces can represent assimilation into the united states and/or how our culture is gaining more exposure and acceptance into the USA. I mean come on I went to the chicago white sox game on cinco de mayo and they had mariachi and a guys singin chente..!! i was confused.. was this a chivas game, or wah?..jaja so its cool..!! bring on the culture awareness people and if u want to write a report on mexicans just email me and ill give u a briefing,...lol ay wey!!

by the way if ur a single mexican guy/girl that likes beans and doesnt have time to cook or boil them..its cool keep buyin the cans..im not hatin!! do ur thing like a chicken wing!!

again im just painting what I see and what I know. Dare and challenge me..go ahead..lol A wise man I know said artist do art about what they know..he couldnt be more correct..!! I shall leave you with sum pics of my work..and come and check them out personally!! Support the community and show me sum luvin!! again..the work is at UNION STREET GALLERY, LOCATED AT 1527 OTTO BLVD, CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL 60FOUR11..opening reception is MAY 14TH!!!!!!! bring some dolla billa yo and donate to the gallery and recieve free admission and free drinks...water, pop..or soda, wine, beer...and some finger food..cant beat it!! hope to see you all there!!!! oh y arriva las chivas!!!

TOP: America's Future Campbells Soup

BOTTOM: America's New Chicano

Andy Warhols Work!

PAIRS EXHIBITION AT USG!!!

2010-04-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

I gotz a "Sneak Peak" for you all of the "PAIRS" exhibition at USG..Union Street Gallery dat is, at 1527 otto blvd..a block southeast of St. James Hospital...Take the opportunity to see my work!! I have the honor of saying my work is being displayed at USG along with 23 other local artist!! The theme is Pairs- Two pieces that relate to eachother in form, color, composition, size, etc...u pickin up wah im putting down?..Comprendes mendes wey!!

The show started April 23 and will be up until May 15!!! opening/closing reception will be on the 14th, you guys all know the drill...free booze and great art..and bring donation money!! help keep this great gallery up n running!!

So check it out, my art is "pop art"..no not like soda!! like popular..its like if andy warhol got stuck at the villita (26th street in da city)..haha or hek even here at the hill (in da heights)..My works about mexican American pop culture emergin into our americana society! surprise surprise..a mexican talking about mexicans...not new..but before you judge let me reminder I used to be an ametuer boxer and I can drop ur face!! naw jk But for real its almost a cliche but it was fun to do And Ill talk about why i did it and what it means in another post!!

You can also find great paintings, by the galleries studio and Guild artist!! lots of nice and amazing work, for reals..come check it out!! http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/ ....you'll find some amazing pastel work by Marikay Witlock, Large scale portraits by Patty McWilliams, Colorful arranged acrylic paintings by Roger Paris, gorgeous drawings and paintings by Lane Hanyes and inspiring sculptural pieces by Renee Nordstrom....so so so so so much more...i cant name em all you gotta come check em out for urselfs.. !! let me know what you guys think!!adios!!

No Summer on Euclid

2010-04-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Adios shikago heis!! I'm outta my home town for who knows how long...enterin the town of Dyer, indiana. Sad times, I write this blog on euclid ave where I will certainly not endure the summer solstice..I will be in indiana :( oh well!!! haha so I posted sum pics of the seasons that I have lived in during my years here on euclid ave..about 15 to be exact!!

From the very first time I got "jumped" in this side of town..to the feeling i got returning from college..i will miss it all!! Lets not forget the po po siren, the ambulances and of course the drug dealing!!! Oh and dont forget the dam crazy neighbors yelling their personal problems at 3 am on a tuesday night..It will all be missed!!

Oh and joaquin the straying doggie that visits me outta the blue, whos gona feed him now??..oh no should i kidnap him to assure his well being?..hmmm not sure I can handle having three dogs..better not pick up another one!! oh man!! i wnt be able to listen Cypress Hill and Control machete while drinking a forty of King Cobra on my front porch...ugh I guess the saying holds true..u dnt know what u have until its gone.. :(

Well Its time to create new memories...everything has a beginning and an ending, so bring it on indiana!! Lets see what we can create :)

i will still be hangin out much out here in chicago heights!! So dnt trip potato chip!! I'll still be seen around town!!

Between Fragmentation..Creative works by Diane J. McGarel!!

2010-03-16T21:45:00.000-07:00

You know those large buildings, usually made of bricks...our grade school teachers used to take us their on field trips..what they be called??..oh yea LIBRARIES!!! you can rent books for free!!! holy crap free books to learn from at our disposal?..the possibilities are endless!!! whoa..ok ok its late sry and im defff running low on cafeine..so weew it is amiee goes..Diane Mcgarel, a fellow guild artist at the union street gallery is having her first solo show at the FRANKFORT LIBRARY..The address is 21119 S. Pfeiffer road, Frankfort Illinois 60411...Go show her some love and while ur at it, pick up a book..better yet, pick up a dozen books, and stop playin playstation!!! thats right i said it, read!! anyways, Fo shizzle!! ima try n go up there tomorrow morning to do some studying and appreciate dianes work!!! I stole some pics of hers from her facebook, to show you guys, I hope she doesnt mind...yikes..either way, if she sues im broke so she'll be stuck with my school loans..haha :) jk im not but i am :) :)

Her work is interesting, I havent quite figured it out yet, but its def worth checking a=out and I'll prob post more about it once I see her work!!! I believe she also has a work of hers at the current art exhibit at the union...ok ok its late me be tired... peace out holmes!!! " a la camita!!a la camita!!!!" haha topo gigio!! totally random n weird sry..laterz!!

oh wait the show runs from March 2nd to March 30th!! alomost forgot..sorry people!!

Ay wey!! my visit to the union street show!! Image Impression Attitude..

2010-03-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

Me gusta vivir alegre....pa ke me amargo la vida?..perro bichi y mujeriego...eeeeuuui!!!.eui eui eui...haha banda el recodo in da morning, now thats a way to wake up!!!ay wey this has got to be the earliest i've written in this blog..whoaa 10 am..yikes!!! And only one pint of coffee thus far, 5 more to go..hehe So this past friday was the openeing reception to the art show at union street art gallery in da heights!! This was by far the best show I have seen there in a while..granted i havent been to many, but I just enjoyed the diverse pieces!! Sum good stuff there, and yo uguys still have time to go check it out! There were pieces super large!! These pieces were paintings, acrylic I believe, but dnt hold me to it.. One of my favorite pieces, was the installation done by randy (pic above..guy with white stripped shirt) You know it was just fun..A bit thought provokin, but mostly fun for me, and I havent seen work like that around here so its always fun to break thru the traditional, paintings...The guy made the trip from kentucky I believe..So Thats cool,- thats what national event do..bring in people from around da states!!

there were other cool, pieces, like a kinetic sculpture by jonah ( i think dats how u spell his name) you would insert a quarter and then this fish and hook things would move up n down..i took a video I'll try to post it up here if i can..that was fun!! Unfortunately I had to leave early from the reception So I wasnt there to hear the victors names be announced..So if you guys wana know who won, ur gona have to go check it out for yourselves...Im wondering who they were..

hopefully my absolute favorite piece won..Its the huge painting in the pic above..titled, fear factor vs. cops...Its awesome to see work at that scale..a huge scale..although sometimes its overdone..the size of the image should be representative of what your goal of the piece is ..dnt just go large to impact cuz it sure as hell can back fire!!! haha it'll sound like a drive by at the hill..lol jay kay!! But for real this piece fit the theme well, it was obviously well done and it stirred up some controvery which I luvvv to do!! cops!! everyone knows that woed alone is controversy..lol

the show will be up for a lot longer, go to their website for more info..www.unionstreetgallery.org

Heres the video..!! the guys name is jonah, he has more similar work..ill post more of his stuff so you can go check it out in person!!

new exhibit at Union street gallery!! Friday!!!

2010-03-10T22:17:00.000-08:00

Ke pedo weyes!! translation..wassup mules...haha ok so theres a new exhibit set and ready to go for friday march 12..aka this friday night from 6-9 pm!! The pic above is a sculpture done by one of the greatest artist of all times..haha jk it was made by me :D Its titled "gluttony"..I thought it was appropriate for the theme Image attitude impression..which is the theme for the show at USG..!! ok so I know I sound like a broken record and say good things all the time..but for reals holmes, this is a very great show..I promise!! If you attend you will find, various sized paintings, a kinetic "fun" sculpture (bring ur quarters), installations, black and white drawings, and alot of cool peeps and mucho wine!! This is going to be a great show and I hope you can all make it!! Visit Union street gallery's website for a preview of the show!!! heres the link http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/ ..Oh almost forgot!! There will also be a shoppin area for those people that like vintage clothes and such!!! The Art Gallery is in chicago heights! For the address go to the link provided..but if you are a follower of this blog you should be familiar with this gallery.. Hope to see you guys there!!!!

THE SNOW MAKES PAUL AND I UPSET :(

2010-02-22T16:27:00.000-08:00

Ahh!! More snow?! To me snow is like wen ur in fifth grade and you see this super duper hot girl in ur class, and shes sooo pretty that ur stomach swirls and feels "funny"..Then wen u go to say "hi, do you like stuff?" she spits and uppercuts u in YO fACE!! Ouch huh?! exactly that is snow in a nutshell! Look at paul in the pic above, hes just dam upset he needs to shovel all this damm snow again..I feel ya homie!! Snow is so beautifual and its so puwitty to see it fall onto ur car and driveway, but then wen you go say hi, pretty snow, you realize its monday and u gottta shovel all that dam driveway before you leave ur casa!! ahh.. reality is ur not a kid anymore and makin snowmen, is not in today's agenda..(sadly)..

But Have NO FEAR!! Luis is here!! haha (i dunno y i said that?) anyways, I made it my job today and in the past few weeks, to forcefully fall in love with snow once again..Bring my imagination to the test and keep an open mind about the snow that covers ur car, makes u shiver, gives you back aches, and even makes u fall on ur ass and make a fool of urself (just like pretty girls in fifth grade..) So i took some pics af snow and snowy stuff around my casa pueblo..aka home town :) enjoy holmes!!

Something jazzy art review!!! exhibit runs until march go to tallgrassarts.org for more info

2010-02-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

Just got back from the art exhibit at the tall grass gallery in park forest!!! FUN, work I saw!! It really is an entertaining display because of the bright colors used in mostly all the art pieces there. Here you can find some abstract art, lots of 3d type paintings, manipulated photography and even some newer type of ink printing on canvas..overall its a good show!! I posted some pics of what I felt were some eye catching art..I didnt take more pics cuz i almost felt like a thief!! Im not gonna lie the gallery at first felt very cold..they greeted my cousin and i well at the entrance, but then an artist made an unecessary comment about the pics i was taking..If you dnt want me to take pics just say so, you dnt have to make ignorant comments..I'll leave her name out of this post just cuz im a nice guy :) Besides, the pics i take are obviously not for me to reproduce and i take them in a way where you may tell that its a pic of an art..geeesh!!! ANYWAYS..

lets get down to business shall we! So my favorite piece wwas by a gentlemen that calls himself KIETH CONNER..nice job homie g!! this guy has two paintings that captivated my attention mucho quickly but my fav was "jazz man" its the middle one of the pics above..Ok now ima be honest I came to this gallery without doin any research on jazz or anything about the artist..I do love jazz music and love to go hear jazz any chance I get!! And i know a bit about jazz from my art history class.....here I go why do i like this painting..first of all its size is appropriate..id say roughly 3ft b 3 ft..eh something around those lines..the colors are great!! thery are bright yet subtle..good balance..kieth also added some type of 3d element to his painting, it has PLASTER!! nicely done and this plaster is on the background where a building stands..Wat i loved most about this piece is the thought provoking elements it has!! So what do I know about jazz, well i know it kinda started during the harlem days in the past..i know that harlem rennaissance was after the abolition of slavery and the idea of double consciousness was around!! so At the big manzana..translation big apple..african americans began this music movement, and what i like about kieths painting is that the guy that is playing the music almost looks like a worker the hat that he has on seems like that of a worker..maybe this guy just really liked his hat and kept wearing it after his full time job and jazz is his escape from real life..In the background you see two caucasions..hehe thats a funny word..doesent it just sound funny caucasion!..lol anyways there are two white guys in the background next to the building like they are just chillin taking a break form the jazz music..this to me shows the inegratiopn of white america into jazz music..not to mention to the far right of these white guys there is a black guy in dreads...that tell me that jazz is breaking thru the realms of racism and bringing two cultures together..AND!!! to the far left there is a woman..NOT white and NOT black..SHE IS MIXED!!! MIXED I TELL YOU, now we all know that half black and half white people are not accepted as well as all black people in african american culture..especially then. ( u can argue that that isnt the case now) Its no secret and there is alot of research behind why lighter skinned african americans are better accepted in pop culture/media but thats a whole different ball game...ANYWAYS!! the point is that this light skinned woman is a powerful image!! it can represent the assimilation of the two black and white cultures..being bonded thru jazz..or just simply the idea that jazz and music bring all humans together and thats how it should be!! I LOVE THIS PIECE!! GOOD JOB KIETH CONNER!!

you guys need to go see this work its worth checking out, and on MARCH 19 there will be live JAZZ there, jazz talk..ima try my hardest to go!! seriously!! JAZZ, ART, JAZZ TALK, and its free..what else do you want?..a limo to pick ur lazy butt up?..show up guys!! it will be worth the time!! if not ill give you ur money back!!hehe

La Vaquita..a chicago heights icon?! all hail to santa vaquita!!!

2010-02-16T15:32:00.000-08:00

whoa whoa whoa!! How have I not talked about this ROAD SIDE ART piece that has been in my very own community for years and years?!!! La vaquita?! Dates back light years ago..in my mind anyways...growing up in "da heights" "mini chi-town "chi heights"..call chicago heights all you want but please take a second look at this icon!! maybe we should change the name from chicago heights to santa vaquita heights?..has a nice ring to it no?..haha Wow I remembr I used to sneak into this restaurant wen i was a little boy, used to buy some now and laters and then try n sneak into the movie rental section so I may take a peak at the naughty videos if you know what I mean jelly bean!! Hey..relax i was just a kid!! Im keepin it real for shizzle..oh kee dough kee?! ..la vaquita is a restaurant that has long ago vanished..i dnt know if it was because of the dam cars that kept rammin into the place..jaja or wah but they had sum mean tacos!! Im just happy the cow stood its ground and thankfully whoever bought the restaurant kept it out there for us to enjoy!! Gracias owner of "los portales" :) ipseakart thanks you very mucho!! (los portales is the new restaurant that lays in the place of the traditional old la vaquita restaurant!)

Tell you guys what, this road side art has opened my eyes to discover art in everyday places! seems obvious, but ive been living in this community for 23 years and thats how long it took me to take my hat off and say " esta vaka esta chida wey!" So next time you drive by la santa Vaquita wave at her and make her know that we value her presense :)

Maybe one day wen i become rich i can buy this cow and keep her in my life forever (tears) !!!!

all this cow talk makes me want to eat sum tacos!!! mmm takitos..mmm de vaca!!..mmm

"Something Jazzy" Exhibit @ Tall Grass Art gallery!!

2010-02-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

"Something Jazzy"2010 Invitational

There is something jazzy in all of us.It is our rhythm, our muse, our passion.It is the interpretation of the sounds of jazz and a reflection of our soul.-Tall Grass website http://www.tallgrass.org/

Hey guys!! Come check out this art exhibit!! Should be a great show, Participating artists were invited by the gallery to submit their work...So the Pressure is on artist this work best be good holmes!! :) You guys know my modo ..Its free, and odds are there might be wine there (not sure) but its a room filled with art, good people, and a great chance to support the community!! I'll be there for sure!!!

Opening ReceptionFriday, February 12, 20107:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Exhibit Dates: February 12 to April 11Admission is FREE to the public.
Gallery Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Tuesday through Saturday

Graffiti art/Guerilla art..Cancer of the arts?? WAH???

2010-01-27T09:34:00.000-08:00

GRAFFITI ART

GUERILLA ART

Graffiti is metastasizing our cities?!!! ahh naranjas en la cabeza!! wait dnt take out ur dictionary metastasizing, is like a cancer or malignant tumor hitting a new site..gracias webster! So this art form fits into the whole "what is art" subject matter..hm?. I wont go there tho,this debate has been goin on since the 70's i believe..geesh I wasnt even born then..anyways I wont try to answer this conundrum, but I will comment!! Graffiti is vandalism!! period point blank! make a copy, highlight it,fax it or email to ur friend- i dnt care!!just engrave it in ur heads graffiti = Vandalism!! and i think vandalsim is illegal?..i think :)

This doesnt exactly mean im against it or for it, here is what im against in graffiti art. It has a negative stigma associated with it!! Where I grew up, and in other urban areas young wanna be artist begin "taggin" the neighboorhoods, Now im all for unconventional methods of art ( or anything in life for that matter) But taggers come on?! all you wana do is immortalize ur name and be seen as "cool" give it a rest!! learn to be an artist first then make a statement!! and thats the problem with most graffiti artist too!! yeah ok, your a bad ass spray can user..yay! who cares?!! i sure as hell dont!! So you can draw a fancy painting on someone elses property/business? come on be more respectful!! You already broke the law the least u can do is hand out a positive image to the viewr or make a socio-political comment? there are kids right now in Mexico getting recruited to be narcs and all you wana do is draw ur name on a wall?..shit man! think about enlightning the viewr, otherwise ur just wasting ink, time, and invading my sight!!

Also imagine ur a parent and ur driving thru a new neighborhood, and BANG u get a flat! its in the evening and its getting dark, u get out the car to change the tire, analyze the situation and behold!! u see a wall all "tagged up" and pretty picture of a ganster looking wall painting! will u feel safe? I sure as hell would make sure thats the fastes tire ive changed in my life! (ok i lie id take a pic and prob throw a bucket of white paint over it)..but u get my point..negative stigma attached to it..is it judgemental yes!! but u cant avoid it, all humans judge!! u wana change the image of graffiti? please do so, but that has to start from the beginning..and its a whole other issue i rather not get into now..

ontop of just what we feel wen we see graffiti on an urban wall, also think how are we gona revitalize our neighborhoods?..whos gona wana invest in a business in an area that is tagged up?..This issue happens all the time! In New Yorks lower east side this issue occurred..graffiti and taggins scared away developers and investors and the area became a breeding ground for squatters and drug dealers..a job well done huh? Look I can go on and on with articles ive read that support graffit art movement and others that are against it! The fact of the matter is i wish some graffit artist would be more concious of their actions. You can do this by bringing ur talents into a graffiti theme in a gallery..which is happeneing more and more, but beginning graffiti artist dont do this enough..they feel they need to get sum street cred..wat can we do??? wat a conundrum!!

Guerilla art!! now this is sum genius work here!! blek le rat, banksey, invader wk interact, list goes on! I love the work they do! or did !! yeah some of these guys are old skool, and did their work many years ago. blek le rat, is the founder of stencil technique that became so popular and widespread! I believe the biggest difference between a graffiti artist and a guerilla artist is that a guerilla artist makes for better art..It has more qualities, they use the surrounding environment to add to their artwork. Blek le rat communicates political messages to the public in a subtle way, thru monochrome images that speak out about important issues, and at the same time they dont scare the viewr, nothing really negative is attached to this style! Is it vandalism YES!! this is also vandalism, but again at least as a viewr i feel blessed seeing art that inspires me or makes a stand about current issues, opens eyes to the public about issues that need to be in the spotlight, like the war, or other issues that are not tiger woods related!!!

I am being biased and who cares, its how I feel! I admire the time and energy and talent that goes into both graffiti art and guerilla art, but guerilla art is by far my favorite! Because in my mind it has a purpose! like any great art work it gives me something to think about, it enlightens me. maybe its the fact that most of the work deals with anit-capitalis messages. Or the idea that its simply clever art! I wish I had some of the genius ideas these guys have! All in all guerilla art is clever, speaks out to the people, attacks the monster called capitalism, fun, and relatively new!

SOOOOO in my eyes if there is such a thing as an art civil war..Then Im ready to go into battle for the guerilla side!! bring it sistah, I rather die on my feet thatn live in a graffiti environment! Hasta la victoria!!!

My review on the positive image contemporary photography.....Lets talk photo's!!

2010-01-19T13:22:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all the winners!!!!! For more detailed information about them please visit http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/. Now lets talk ART!! Photography!! First of all I wana mention how lately i've been noticing this form of artwork increasing in acceptance in galleries all over the map!! from the MCA in chicago to USG in chicago heights, photography is poppin up more an more often. A chewy chip ahoy will be given to whoever comments on why this is so..haha jk i dnt like to share my cookies!!

I heard a comment by a lady in the art show, that is worth discussin.." I can take pictures of this- whats so special"-lady at art show.. OK, so this lady brings up a great point..in this day of age its prob safe to say that almost everyone i know takes pictures!! So then are we all artist and we should all have shows?? this question also ties in with the ever so popular first day of art class question.." what is art?"..ok ok ok So I can talk about this for days, but once im done..you'll say mr. ispeakart guy..ur full of bull mierda.. So to cover my butt everything I talk about can be also read about in an article titled "Art and significant Form" by Clive bell ( i reccomend getting a dictionary if u choose to read this article). This is a great article to read about art and what makes some artform better than others.

Heres my opinion..First there is such a thing as bad art..there is even a name for it KITSCH.. I feel much better now that i got that outta my chest..Kitsch kitsch..ok, All art is subjective to the viewer. I understand but there are principles that an artist may tell you about his/her art that makes u "feel" the artwork. Even so, the artist tells you this thru their art. Composition, balance, subject matter, colors, values, size, etc, etc, etc.. The artist needs to provoke your emotions, he needs to make u feel the art. Ask yourselves questions like..how does this art make me feel?..why do i feel this way? am i wasting my time? Do i understand this?.. Did i learn from this?..do i even need to care?..etc.. Break the art piece limb from limb and understand it, then make a judgement of quality.

So to answer the question are people that take pictures artist?..maybe, to a certain degree yes, but there is defenitely a difference between the quality of the artist and the art. Yours pic may be kitsch and ur next door neighbors are not :) hope i didnt bust ur bubble..

At the USG show there was in my opinion a good level of quality art. Every art piece goes thru a screening before allowed to be displayed at the show.. I saw pieces of subject matters that i didnt care for, I saw art work that made me think and feel, some art was nice some werent so nice but its def worth checking out! The show is still up so go and see and experience the art and let it provoke emotions onto you. And let yourself be the judge! Show ends feb 26, so u have time!! no excuses.

The Positive Image (regional contemporary photography)

2010-01-14T13:14:00.000-08:00

Openning reception for this show is tomorrow evening (jan 15) from 6-9 pm..@ Union Street Art gallery in Chicago Heights..yes you read correctly! Ill retype it to assure you its not a typo C.h.i.c.a.g.o H.e.i.g.h.t.s!! I was just as shocked as you prob are- an art gallery in chicago heights????? INSANE!!! en el membrane!!, well now that you heard about it go support and show your community some much needed luvin! Spread the word around too!! I had the pleasure of helping USG hang up the art work, and i'll tell you what..expect a pretty good show! Might sound biased on my part since i am a guild artist at this gallery, but I'll be honest...Friday evening 6-9 pm free art, free cheese and even better free wine?..yes FREE, so I bet you 10 bucks you will not find a classier pre-drinking party in the heights, and to top all this off nice and friendly artist and guest will be inside the gallery..shocker for the hts huh?..ok ill stop doggin my home town,..But this place is def a diamond in the rough..Come check it out, and although everything is free, dnt be too much of a free loader, bring sum extra cash to donate and keep this place going!!! Expect some post event reviews from yours truly.. See you guys there!!! Union Street Gallery (http://www.unionstreetgallery.org/) 1527 Otto blvd chicago hts illinois 60411..( a half a block north of the old post offce)..and if you do go, feel free to say hi to me, Ill be the guy thats starring at the art from an 1" away :)

painting by Javier Chavira

2010-01-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

Mr. Chavira's painting is very well balanced and it attracts the viewers through its dynamic colors and textures...ok ok ennough of the art class critic style..lets keep this real! In a nutshell Mr. Chavira falls in the category i just invented- labeled "bad ass"!! The guy has skills, why?..look at the image! When I walked into the art gallery in park forest (tall grass) I was mesmerized..seriously, now I've seen alot of art lately and senor Chavira's work most defenitely is on the top of my list..

Realism usually doesnt attract me much..been there, seen it all over.. want something real lets take a pic and move on right?..wrong, in this case! I was literally staring at the portrait for about 25 secs about 1" away from it.. its so soft and meticulous (did i spell that right?) and def worth staring at! AND the best of all is after the your done admiring the realism, you begin to see everything else that this painting has to offer..hm?..maybe its not a painting maybe its a collage, a 3-d collage. Actually I thought this realistic image was so good, I thought the artist maybe printed it outta his pc and used some form of fancy computer gimick to trick the viewer?.. Anyways back to the piece..You also have to admire the planning that evidently went into Mr. Chaviras work. All in all Mr. Chaviras's work is defenitely something I reccomend you go and check out! support the community and support our local artist!! You can find more info on Javier Chavira at his website (google his name) and /or at tallgrassarts.org. His work is being displayed at the Tall grass arts gallery 367 artist walk, park forest illinois 60466! Go check it out and show him sum love by signing the guest book (i'd go asap since his show should prob only be up until late jan)!