Basket Art

Basket Ball is an art believe it or not. The game itself has been likened to a ballet. The jerseys are art, and thou art in store for a classic series.
Stephen Holland painted the portrait of the Black Mamba on the main page. It is a testament to the greatness of Bryant that his image is constantly reproduced and rendered. I really wanted to find out what Kobe has on his walls, but the search engines have not been friendly.

These black and white paintings of Jelly Bean Junior are from WK, the Wooster Collective. They are intense. I wanted to show some equally powerful images of the Green Team, but none of them are as saturated in pop culture as Bryant. Is it because they have no rings? Is it the newness of Boston or the flair of L.A. itself? I thought for sure Ray Allen would have some Jesus paintings, but no one seemed to upload that connection. I saw a painting of Paul Pierce, but it had him in the back and Carmello Anthony in the fore ground. As if... That's the problem with art though, it's too subjective when it comes to sports.
I saved the Chi-Town export for last. I thought I'd find some drawings of Kevin Garnett by 6 year old kids in Mini-pop-
Instead I found exactly what I was hoping to find: Kevin Garnett assisting children in painting a mural in the house gymnasium. (Back when he was a Timber Wolf.) Now that is a real testament to character. Ofcourse, being a good guy and decent painter is not going to get you any chips. Most artists die unrecognized...Better win. I think Garnett would rather cut his ear off than lose to Kobe. Kobe wants to be painted in his new Jersey too, for sure. Did you get that? I'm subtle with it...

Sports art is becoming more and more valuable and NBA players are collecting more art in general. It's a beautiful thing; like a ring around your finger, that points out you are the world champion at this game. It's like the game finally says "I do."
There is no divorcing a title. Maybe Kevin can still win Most Valuable Painter; because I see the Lakers taking it in game six.
Let me paint a picture for you.
Lakers Game 1, Boston Game 2, Lakers Game 3 & 4, Boston Game 5, Lakers Game 6- Then Kobe will go on to win a gold medal in China. Ya dig?
The Sparks are gonna take it too. And maybe the Dodgers will make it to October. Who knows...anything can happen in 08. (Kobe's old number.)
Let's not forget the Galaxy either. L.A. sports are going to have a golden year.

Vicinity Pics: Wicker Park/Chicago

A couple summers ago I began to notice this print posted all over Wicker Park. Many people ripped it down. I got lucky enough to snap this shot.

The text read: Countries the U.S. has bombed since WWI.

Little Known Fact:
The Dominican Republic/ Santo Domingo was the first country the U.S. ever bombed.
1928

Art Flick: What Dreams May Come

Vincent Ward directs this work of art from 1998.
Robin Williams stars in this film about how bad life can get. As depressing as this film is, it will warm your heart and stimulate you visually. His wife in this film (played by Annabella Sciorra) is a vivid painter. After the family suffers several tragic events the viewer is transported to a post humous realm inside her paintings. Oils and canvas replace soil and rock. The vibrant palette is worthy of an artists most colorful and tormented dreams. The range of emotions are divulged on screen in hues. The scenes cut like brush strokes. I would not recommend this film to anyone with any history of serious depression, unless they stock up on meds. Uppers and Downers...just kidding, but really; you might get so sad watching you may just turn on the news to cheer up.

This film has an all star cast: Cuba Gooding, Jr., Rosalind Chao while Michael Kamen composes a good score to Tim Voth's exhubrent art direction.
Rent it tomorrow...or another day.

Bad Art

Not only can art look bad to some, but the transcendent nature of art can be used for detrimental purposes like selling nicotine to kids or stirring up fear.
Here is an example of bad art to me. This composite sketch can be a great number of people. I know I've been pulled over or cuffed up several times because I fit a description. Learn to draw!

Swedish Street Art

If you see this in Sweden chances are you are really in Sweden.

When Tarsem Singh directs a film, it's more of an epic art showing rather than a movie. His scenes look like galleries and museums merged inside a camera. This film is about a stunt man in L.A. telling some stories to a little girl. I have not seen it yet and I don't want to know too much about it.

It also stars Catinca Untaru, Justine Waddell and Lee Pace as the lead.

You may notice Tarsem's style in the film the Cell, which he also directed. Mr. Singh is definitely imax worthy director.

Art Basel: Miami Heat

Who knew the biggest art event in the frick'n world happened annually in M.I.A? Apparentlly a great many art buyers and artist treat this as their Mecca. Art Basel is the Oscars of the art world. Candy for your eyes and sore spots too. I hear the parties are off the wall. Here is a glimpse of what you may have been missing.

Prince of Rock: Guitar Art

The purple rocker uses art and music in unison like no other. Besides his immense skill on the ax, his guitars are art. Even the Smithsonian houses one of his pieces. The guitars have gotten a little of controversy. I actually worked with someone filing a suit against him for not ponying up the fee for his commision. I met the designer of the guitar at Columbia College in 95. Since then Prince has quelled all the legal attacks and is back on top.

MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU

This is one of the wall animations by BLU. I can't begin to think about how much time and paint this took.

Art Defined:

Since I can't really tell you what art is, I decided to consult my goat to guy.
Webster defines art as such:

1. skill acquired by experience or study: KNACK 2. a branch of learning; esp: one of the humanities 3: systematic use of knowledge or skill in making or doing things 4. the use of skill and imagination in the production of things of beauty; also : works so produced 5: ARTFULNESS

Well that explains it! Thanks Webster!

Cover Art: Wine Bottles

Art and Wine go together like Batman and Robin. What was the last art show you went to with out a bottle of vino close by? (actually, I've been to two great shows w/o wine...but I digress.) You can have Batman solo, but sooner or later people expect Robin to show up. Believe it or not, some people choose wine by how the cover art on the label looks. Admit it, you've grabbed a bottle of Pino based on how it looked. Some of the art stands out from the shelf. That is what vine yards want. Competition is rough...You've got people drinking this stuff out of boxes now. Eye catching art helps. It is memorable too, which creates brand recognition. More and more wines are looking for fresh new artists to support rather than print a picture of a Chateau you've never been to. You can catch a buzz off these images:

I swear to God, I'm Athiest...

They said Jesus would come back with a sword, but why would the son of God bring a knife to a gun fight?
Did you know that religion is the number one source of all war? "Don't mess with the Jesus."

What the Art?

Some artists just like to screw with perception. Show offs...

What's the Deal?

We have another exclusive for you! We bring you the real Deal!
Dale Paracuelles. aka "DEAL" has been on the grind for some time now. His work generates a reaction worthy of a future star. This man is seriously on the hustle. His Gurelea Arts label is making moves and he is refining his style to the "T". We had to give him an inquisition.
Here is some genuine Chicago substance for you:

Q.J.- How much time do you think the average artist should spend on their craft?

D.P.-For me, I’m constantly building on my craft. Even though I’ve somewhat establish a certain style, there are alway things that’ll influence me and I‘ll try to incorporate bits and pieces of those things into my work. So by doing that, you create new shit and your style progesses.

Q.J.- What was the name of the place you had the best reaction to your work?

D.P.-I’ve had alot of positive responses here and there wherever I had my work up. I’ve displayed some of my images on Myspace, so alot of them will hit me up through email too and tell me that they like my work. Just showing props and love, but nothing outrageous. It’s an pretty even response everywhere.

Q.J.- Where would you like to be showing in 5 years?

D.P.-Hopefully pumping out hot shit for bigger events or even overseas. That would be cool.

Q.J.- Who is buying your work?

D.P.-I really don’t know. I guess it varies. You’d be surprise to see who’s buying your work. I did a show one time in which an older sophisticated couple bought one of my paintings. I was just like...”Yo that’s dope!”

Q.J.- Do you feel like chicago is a good place for painters?

D.P.-Definitely! I’m telling you, there are alot of talented artist here in Chicago. It’s just all about Networking with people and promoting yourself and getting your shit out for people to see. Especially now, I’ve notice alot stores that are opening that will support us. So yeah, Chicago is a good place for painters.

Featured Artist of the Month: Slang

Being born into a world of intrigue for an array of color and undying lines from the heart of Chicago's West Side in 1969 came Tyrue J Jones. With the nation's loss of the nations great leaders such as Malcom X, JFK and Dr. King left hardening impressions that dwelled within many of our counties black communities.

With the earliest life memory of being surrounded by what seemed to be creamy colors and painted wooden bars… not yet able to walk –yet able to visualize the ability to stand. As if the arms of color, with fingers of hues, tones and rendering lifted him, soon after would come the bright burning light followed by the familiar voices. Tyrue felt there was a need to tell a story that could not be expressed in words, but by color and well-defined lines

The sense of urgency grew stronger as there was a lack of necessities to feed this hunger. As a young child at the tender age of 4 and not yet able to read, Tyrue began to create a story that books had yet to tell him. This hunger soon grew became more of an obsession.

Tyrue "Slang" Jones is a natural talent, turned graffiti artist who's gift has evolved from the influences of early morning cartoons and soulful 70's feel-good music,to the likes of John Byrns, Neal Adams, Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Receiving his first commission at the age of 8 for a Sears Tower drawing from memory, it is a testament that he is noted as being one of Chicago's most influential graffiti artists of the Midwest . Contributing his dynamic and expressive illustration and structured stylize lettering helped to pave the way creating an identity in Chicago's early 80's artistic movement. By bending reality with his signature style of "Figurative Graffiti"which is Figurative painting, animation and abstractions of Typography (known to the world as the art of graffiti), Slang continues his gift as a Professional Artist/Illustrator/Painter/Animation Director/Graphic Designer with clients from the likes of Viacom, Warner Bros., General Mills, Glasco Smith & Kline, Disney, Verizon Wireless, Coca-Cola, Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry, Universal Music, Sony Music, NHL, Chicago Public School System, Urban Gateways, Flatfile Galleries-Chicago, and Corridor Gallery-N.Y etc.

From the iron subway cars that grace the urbanized landscapes throughout the Windy City ,to bringing life to some your favorite cartoons on-- early morning television, paintings that have veiled the walls of the Viacom Corp., residing within wardrobes and circulating on over 10 million albums sold, Slang is a true credit for creative inspiration and influence.

-AP



Mecceba Jones