Gutter Park: Jason Byron Nelson

Virus Girl

The artwork of Jason Byron Nelson including T-shirts, prints and paintings are available at gutterpark.com.

Location:
I live and work in Monroe. I’ve been trying to escape for a while… though now it seems the creative community here is blossoming so maybe I’ll stick around.

Medium(s):
I work digitally at first. Then if I think the work could translate beyond pixels to paint, I’ll put it on canvas, paper, wood, etc. For these pieces, I generally use acrylics and spray paint, but I love to experiment. I’ll throw in glitter, fabric, plastic, metallic leaf, etc.

Gotten any press?
Depends on you definition of coverage. I’ve been written up several times in the local rags, and i’ve designed some shirts that have garnered global attention, but that’s about it.

Fita

What subject matter are you drawn to and why?

I like the combination (or juxtaposition) of innocence and darkness. Or maybe it’s innocence filtered through a darker gaze; I don’t know. I always say that my goal is to simply make the viewer think. If someone walks away from one of my pieces outraged, that’s OK, but if someone walks away indifferent then I’ve failed miserably.

Do you create to convey a message?

No. I design knowing that the message is in the eye of the beholder. I may try to provoke discussion but never to influence.

What inspires your art?
Practically everything. Other artists and music mostly. Particularly those rare, creative souls who are trying to do something original and unique.

Golgotha

Where have you exhibited recently? Also, list current or future exhibits.

I have a show at the Arender Gallery in Monroe that’s just about to go down. I have no plans to show again any time soon. I’m sort of schizophrenic with my creativity and right now I’m focusing on a children’s book that I have written and illustrated.

Name one thing you like about the art scene in north Louisiana.
For a long time, it would have been difficult for me to answer that one. There’s always been a creative scene here but it’s always been so disjointed that any momentum would always die out. But for the first time in a long time, many of the creative brains in the area, whether they be the musicians or the writers or the visual artists -- they are coming together -- galleries are cooperating and there’s people like you and your blog. It’s a good time to be into the arts in northeast Louisiana right now. We’ll see if it sticks.

Megan

Name one thing you would change about the art scene in north Louisiana.

The ambition in the area has always been greater than the money that supports it. If I could change one thing it would be people’s perception on the necessity of art. Sometimes art in our area is seen as decoration-- something the tourist committee can use in an ad to promote local culture. We’re more than that. What we provide is incalculable.

Tell me about your writing: Is it a hobby? How does the writing influence your art or vice versa?

Like most aspects of my creativity, it comes in waves. Writing is something I did every day for about seven years -- poems, short stories, plays, you name it … and then I stopped. I put it aside to focus on my artwork. But I knew that eventually the two outlets would meld -– subconsciously, it was probably always the plan. I’ve always loved the combination of art and literature. (I have a collection of graphic novels I’m quite proud of). So far, I’ve illustrated four of my stories. As I mentioned before, I’ve made one into a complete book that I’m currently shopping to publishers.

Katherine Amman Vellard Exhibits Work

"Source" oil and graphite on paper

Through July 25, Other Worlds, a series of works by Louisiana Tech University (Ruston) art professor Katherine Amman Vellard, will be on display at the Abercrombie Gallery located in the Shearman Fine Arts Center at McNeese State University. Other Worlds is a series of abstract renderings on paper created with many layers of oil pastel and graphite.

"Document"

Vellard has exhibited in over 70 national and international shows including The Holy Mysteries exhibition at St. John the Divine in New York City. In 2003 she was the recipient of the artist fellowship award by the Louisiana Division of the Arts.

The gallery is located at 4205 Ryan St., Lake Charles, La., 70609. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. For more information call 337.475.5000 | 800.622.3352 or e-mail webmaster@mcneese.edu.

Rebecca Rebouche:Touring Talent

All artwork by Rebecca Rebouche

Rebecca Rebouche is a nationally touring artist whose work will grace the cover of Austin, Texas, based Rare Magazine's August issue. This is one rising star to watch.

What medium do you typically work in?
I work in paint-based mixed media, which includes acrylic paint and collaged paper, fabric, stitching, sewing, graphite, china marker, taping and various gels and modeling pastes. Most of my work is two-dimensional; however, I have been expanding my range to include soft-sculpture, textiles and installations.

What inspires your work?
Typically I go about my day with a watchful eye, and when I see something I like I take a mental photo of it, later sketching it and using those sketches as a sort of language of symbols. I then use those symbols to make visual sentences or haiku's with my work.


Tell me about the tour you are on right now?
I have been showing this body of work since October 2007, and I am currently in my very exciting first year as an emerging artist. I don't yet have a gallery or any solid representation, which is an exciting time of possibility and unknowns. Right now I am showing my work circus style, at national open-air Art Festivals around the country. I am on a two-month tour that has taken me from Chattanooga, Tenn., to Virginia Beach, then to Des Moines, and now I am in Denver. Next I make a long haul over to Jackson Hole, Wyo. for a show and some camping in the Tetons.


What music are you listening to on the road?
Theresa Andersson's new EP "I the River," which gives me exciting fantasies of hula hoops and birds and flying. I can't wait for her new album "Hummingbird Go!" Also Beirut, some Talking Heads when necessary, and trusty iPod mix-lists.

Is selling your artwork your primary job?
Yes, it's surreal to say so, and a dream come true. I am a full-time artist. (It's possible. Don't believe what they tell you.) hehe.
I have a Website, two blogs and an Etsy shop. I sell my work at art markets and festivals in the New Orleans area and at national art festivals. I also accept illustration assignments and some commissions when they move me.


What has been the most interesting job you've had in the arts?
Well, I worked in advertising for four years after school--prior to doing this artist life -- and it's something that I'm glad I did. The ad world is very interesting and provides for lots of fun times, weird stories, late nights and strange people, and in many ways prepared me for this more autonomous "artist job."

What will you do when you return from your tour?
Well, after returning to New Orleans for a hot second in August I have a show in Austin on Aug. 23 in conjunction with the release of RARE magazine August issue, for which I am the cover artist! The show will be the RARE August launch party, held at the hip eco-friendly clothing boutique, Montage Clothings. I'm looking forward to a fun night of sweet art, earth-friendly fashion, a projected style show in the courtyard, circus tent dressing rooms, hula hoops, sparkly tonics and good music.
After that, the slide into fall is full of unknowns... more national art shows on the horizon, including one in Bar Harbor, Minn. and one in Atlanta. Anyone interested can stay tuned to my site and blogs for all the dish.
Ans, I'm looking forward to the exciting and unprecedented first-ever biennial in New Orleans, "Prospect"(Nov. 2008-Jan. 2009). I don't have any legitimate representation to be included in the Biennial per se, but expect to see my work in a mobile gallery, roaming the streets of New Orleans and stopping for anyone with a wandering art-loving eye.

Randi Anderson: Sweet Art

Artist Randi Anderson of The Art of Happiness has had paintings commissioned by ABC network for the set of Samantha Who.

Randi Anderson was one of 10 finalists in Kirkland's Home Stores' first Next Great American Artist contest, which gained her a feature in the Louisiana Tech University Young Alumni magazine. Then, solidifying her position as a rising star, American Broadcasting Company--better known as ABC-- commissioned two large cupcake paintings for use on the set of the television show Samantha Who. The episode featuring her artwork aired near the end of last season. Though no longer a Ruston resident, Anderson was hosted by Kim Birch at the Townsend House during the Artist Studio Tour last fall.

Anderson's artwork summons a sweet tooth as it generally focuses on brightly pigmented confectionery foods.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Ruston but now reside in Longview, Texas.

Are you a self-taught artist?

For the most part, yes. *Editor's note: Anderson earned a speech communication degree at La. Tech.

What were you doing for work before you started focusing on your full time art business?

After college I spent months job hunting and finally took a marketing job as the outreach coordinator for a home health agency. About three days into it, I realized that wasn't what I wanted to do after all. What I did want to do was my art, so I quit and have been making a go of the art thing ever since!

Anderson blogs about her life and artwork at Sweetly, Happily, Artfuly.

What inspires your work?

Anything and everything. All things bright and cheerful, for sure. I'm often inspired by retro color schemes and patterns-- things that are inherently nostalgic. Much of my art revolves around food. That's probably due in no small part to the fact that I'm a southern girl and food is of great importance around here-- am I right?
The food I portray are treats and those, like most of my subjects, are things that make people smile. I'm drawn to simplicity, bold colors and whimsy, and I gravitate toward subjects that lend themselves easily to being portrayed using those three characteristics.

My grandmother and I used to paint pictures at her dining table and we jokingly called it our "first-grade art" because it was oftentimes primitive and experimental at best. I think what I do now is just an extension of that "first-grade art." It is very reminiscent of those pictures you drew with crayons back when all you wanted was to brighten up the 'fridge. It isn't about causing people to contemplate anything or making some great statement for me...that I leave to the real artists. What I do is about making people happy...not just others but me too. It's distinctly uncomplicated and fun so that being surrounded by my art is somewhere pleasant to be.

What art supplies can be found in your workspace?

In addition to lots of acrylic paints and brushes, I have boxes, jars, baskets and Tupperware containers filled with all sorts of random things such as: buttons, beads, clay, glitter, paper mache', sequins, tiles, glass pieces, wire, vintage magazines, fabric, markers, oil pastels, clothes pins, ribbon, rick rack...
You just never know what you might need! Now finding it when you need it is another story.

I discovered Anderson's work when I met her at her booth (pictured above) at the Louisiana Peach Festival, which was kicked off June 27-29.

Other than your Web site, do you sell your work at any stores?

Currently, no, though I'm always looking for new avenues. I'm hoping to have an Etsy store up and filled sometime this month (grand opening announcement will be posted on my blog). I participated in the Peach Festival this year at the end of June and I am hoping to have a booth at Cedartown Marketplace this November. Occasionally I put limited seasonal artwork and craft pieces on eBay for individual sale around the holidays.

Any advice for those who are looking to start a creative business? Go for it. You'll never know if you don't and you'll be none the worse for trying.

Boston Terrier Love

Boston Terrier Cowboy

Last night I happily happened upon the dog paintings of Brian Rubenacker, an artist from Michigan whose Etsy site if nothing else tells viewers that he is a Boston terrier fanatic. Well Ruben., if I may, you are not alone. I too prefer the all American snorting, farting dogs who have a vaccum cleaner's appetite for random funk (namely toe jam and socks).

Miss Lulu McPiggles Crowe

Really, how can you not love this face? From Lulu McPiggles (my faithful friend) and I, Happy Fourth of July weekend, readers.

The Circus Sideshow Comes to Life

Large circus sideshow banners were unveiled at Artspace in Shreveport Friday night.

A colorful crowd gathered at Artspace in Shreveport Friday night to view the opening of "Curious, Mysterious and Strange: Secrets of the Sideshow" exhibition, which will be on display until Aug. 30.

The opening night spectacle included entertainment by a fire-eating, mind-reading man and a sword-swallowing woman. "Secrets of the Sideshow" features large-scale mechanical installation art created by internationally exhibiting artist Pamela Joseph, as well as the grandiose canvas sideshow banners created by Glen Davies, who is known as one of the last artists of his kind.

A crowd gathered at Artspace to view prized and collectible circus side show banners.

The exhibition also includes a collection of expansive vintage banners created by Fred G. Johnson, who is considered to be one of the finest sideshow banner painters. The works on display feature a collection that spans his 65-year career as an artist. Johnson's banners are highly collectible and are prized around the world.

(Left) "The Baby Wheel of Fortune is an instillation art piece by Pamela Joseph. (Right) International exhibiting artist Pamela Joseph stands by her large scrim painting displayed at Artspace.

Joseph's collection of installation art pieces, dubbed "The Sideshow of the Absurd," are made with mannequins and objects intermingled to create art that some might call shocking, dark or intriguing. In any case, her work commands a second look and evokes a mysterious, haunting quality. Johnson said she first attended a freak show at the age of 7. She said she was impressed by the dignity of the so called "freaks" who appeared on stage.

A collection of prized sideshow banners are for sale now at Artspace.

Joseph has released a publication featuring her artworks, "The Hundred Headless Women," which features a wall installation of wooden cutting boards, depicting burned-in images of women in perilous situations. This, she said, symbolizes the role of women in sideshows who often have knives thrown at their heads or are "sawed in half" during magic tricks. Joseph said the name of the collection is a nod at Max Ernst’s novel of collages and engravings, "The Hundred Headless Woman."

"Curious, Mysterious and Strange" will be on display from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday until Aug. 3o at Artspace. The gallery will be closed July 3-4 in observance of Fourth of July, but will reopen on July 5.