The site is getting all funky on us. Hang on! We’ll get it done, I promise

I apologize for the back and forth – but hey, good things take time…right!? Of course!

Will keep you posted….

My dearest art lovers.

The new site is up and running. Visit The Artful Desperado to see the new design!!!

It’s alive and running. We will be tweaking a few things here and there, but the main design is done! Please let me know your feedback AND…

PLEASE PLEASE Subscribe again – I know, it sounds like I’m begging. But I am! You guys have been an awesome bunch and I seriously live to read your comments and see your face in here, I would really miss you if I don’t see you over there. WordPress had said they could transfer all of you over there..but that doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon.

So, what you say? Wanna have some coffee and art? Yeah? Then come over to my new home!

Goodbye Gbox, hello Artful Desperado :)

Much love to all of you.

image here

Uh…friends!

We ran into a little bit of trouble with mr. server last night and the site is almost..aalmost good to go! I won’t be posting anything until the new baby is born.

In the meantime let me tell you something else; I don’t think I can move all of my current  wordpress subscribers (long story) to the new site, so if that happens I will have to kindly ask ALL of you amazing souls of this planet earth, to subscribe in the new link – which will be provided as soon as the new TAD is up.

Ah! The joys of cyber space. Well, one has to stay positive, right? Ok, gotta go back and work on the baby!

Happy Monday! :D

Kyle Thompson’s self portraits are worthy of an “waaaaaah” facial expression. You know? When you open your mouth and scratch your head thinking, how did he come up with this!?

At just 20 years of age, Kyle’s skillful eye is already putting together some serious compositions, all based in his love for books and surrealism. It’s almost as if each photograph was a little story of its own – just check out his flickr stream and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

all images: Kyle Thompson

via: Trendland

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Who needs a cup of coffee to start the day when you can have this? Seriously.

Amanda Valdez – an up and coming Seattle based artist –  is causing some serious ripples in the west coast art scene. I found her work while browsing through a few art magazines (totally forgot which one! Luckily I wrote down her name) and couldn’t get enough of it.

Bold color blocks combined with mixed media make her paintings pop out and take over the whole space. Ahhh, so beautiful.

So, do you need that cup of coffee? Probably. Difference is, now it’ll taste better after seeing Amanda’s art. You’re welcome :)

Happy Monday friends.

all images : Amanda Valdez

Continuing with the “body as the central focus ” theme this week…

Spencer Tunick uses lots of human bodies in his large scale photo shoots – we’re talking sometimes even hundreds of them! He’s been doing it for quite some time now – no wonder why he masters the skill of making people stay still to pose for the camera. Can you imagine? If taking family pictures is hard enough – now add another 500 moving bodies. Crazy!

For this feature I chose a few photos that look like a human ocean of color, where waves and tides are made out of limbs and faces. Make sure to see more of his work over here.

By the way, I am this close of launching the new revamped blog! I am also trying to bring some new columns that will surely please your eyes. So excited! Stay tuned for the “grand gallery opening”.

Happy weekend peeps :)

all images: © Spencer Tunick

Hey you!

My oh my. I am delayed with the posts this week. In my defense it was the long weekend and I went on a road trip to Portland (pictures to come!), so I decided not to do any blogging while I was away. That being said – it is time to catch up!

Today I selected the photography of John Crawford and his series Aerial Nudes - brilliant! John enjoys to create photographs that are not too technical and easy to enjoy, which is exactly the feel in this series – very natural with lots of clean shapes and the beauty of the human body as the center of attention.

I wonder how he nailed all of these great shots? Did he actually fly over the subject? Is it photoshoped? If you have any ideas let me know!

all images: John Crawford

Hello you!

It’s that time of the week. You know what I’m talking about, right? It’s time to feature awesome people!

Today we’re going to have a chat with Rachael Ashe - an emerging artist that uses recycled materials and found objects to create altered books and collages. Did I mention she also loves photography? Yeah, total rad-o-rama over here!

By the way the long weekend is upon us, which means a possible road trip AND lots of delicious pics. Stay tuned for next week’s “The Week in Images”

Let’s get the chat with Rachael started:

Who is Rachael?

I am an emerging multi-disciplinary artist, working in a number of media such as altered books, mixed media collage, paper cutting, and photography. I love working with recycled materials and found objects as much as possible. I live in East Vancouver with an entrepreneurial technologist and a small yellow bird, both of whom constantly inspire and keep me laughing.

When did you start making art?

I was drawn to art-making from childhood. First it was drawing and painting, and then photography. Up until about four years ago I was focused only on photography, mainly creative portraiture. As I transitioned from film to digital, I felt drawn to more tactile work in the form of collage, and this eventually led to working with books. At the moment I am entirely focused on  paper-based work in the form of collage and paper cutting, as well as altered books.

What are altered books?

The term altered books covers any art form that uses old books as a material. I use existing hardcover books I either find or buy second-hand to create sculptural assemblage collage.

What’s your favorite medium to work on?

I love trying different things and experimenting, which is why I end up working in many different mediums. At the moment paper is definitely my favourite, and I’m contemplating ways I can create larger pieces than I have to date.

What are some basic tools we would need if we wanted to create some altered books?

All someone really needs is a book and creative thinking, because there are many things one can do that don’t require any additional tools. Scissors, glue, gel medium, an xacto knife, and a bone folder knife are the basic tools I work with most often.

How do you recharge your creative batteries?

I recharge my creative batteries by getting out of the city for a change of scene, spending time in nature, and visiting the studios of artists I admire. I also get a recharge by experimenting with new materials or process because it can inspire ideas and lead to new work.

What would be your advice for people that want to pursue a career in art but don’t know where to start?

An important part of being an artist is to reach out to other artists and engage your community. I’ve learned a lot about being a professional artist by participating in events that have brought me into contact with more experienced artists. Most people are willing to share knowledge and experience, and it’s important to any career type to create strong connections with the people in your field. Don’t expect anyone to just hand you all the answers though.

Holy laser-cut precision, Batman! (all by hand though)

Her work is a beautiful mix of patterns, textures and nature. Visit Rachael’s Etsy shop to get your hands in some of her collages or follow her on Instagram and watch the magic of mixed media unfold before your eyes (you’ll also get a few sneak peeks of her AWESOME little bird)

Happy weekend!

Get your zen state on friends!

In his installation, reverse of volume RG, Onishi Yasuaki uses the simplest materials — plastic sheeting and black hot glue — to create a monumental, mountainous form that appears to float inside of Rice University Art Gallery. In this short documentary by Mark and Angela Walley, Yasu’s delicate and tedious process is captured as is the beauty of the completed work.

Couldn’t say it better myself. This short film sent shivers down my spine – so peaceful, so beautiful! I would give up pastries for a month to be able to see this live, I’m that serious about it.

Thanks so much to Mark and Angela for sending this!

video: Walley Films

all images: Nash Baker © 

Hey guys!

How was your weekend? I hope it was fantastic!

Over here we had the 1st weekend with NICE weather and you can only imagine how crazy we all went over that. Patios opened, beaches were packed, beers were foaming, butts were tanning – oh the  joy of sunlight.

Today I am mixing things up a little bit. I am adding a “the week in images” post where I’ll be sharing a few pics from my personal feed. I know it’s not the usual art post, but I wanted to add a little personal touch to the blog. Hopefully it’ll inspire you to discover new places in your area!

Let’s get the camera roll..ing. Oh snap, see how I did that? It must be the sun.

all images: me!