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Light Grey Art Lab
  • ART SHOP
  • ABOUT
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • CV
  • THE GALLERY
    • Group Exhibitions
    • Solo Collections
    • Featured Collections
    • Gift Shop
  • PUBLICATIONS
  • GET INVOLVED
    • Event Calendar
    • RENT + PARTNER
    • Blog
    • Podcast
    • Young Mystics
    • CALLS FOR ART

Light Grey Cookie Party- Recap!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by last week for our annual Light Grey Cookie Party! We had a wonderful time tasting the holiday cookies, making hot chocolate, and celebrating the end of the year with all of you!

Light Grey Cookie Party 2014

This year's Light Grey Cookie Party featured a HUGE selection of baked goods, bars, frosted treats, and more! Throughout the afternoon, we taste tested many of the holiday creations and were able to vote on some of the most interesting, best looking, and best tasting desserts! The winners included Ian's frosted sugar cookies (seen above), Anna's traditional gingerbread, and Jason's orange, ginger, and cranberry cookies!

Light Grey Cookie Party 2014

If you missed the party or want to see more details, you can check out all of the photographs from the Light Grey Cookie Party on the Light Grey Flickr page here!

Thanks for celebrating with us, and we hope to see you in 2015!
tags: 2014, cookie party, cookies, holiday
Thursday 01.01.15
Posted by Jenny Bookler
 

Make My Holiday pairs announced!

Thanks to everyone that signed up for our Make My Holiday art swap!
Tis the season to be thinking of others -- and we're happy to facilitate our third annual art swap with you guys!
If you signed up -- Go check your email for a note from me with a list of partners for this year's art-gift exchange!

And here we go!!

Here's a quick reminder on what's next!
Now that you've got the name (and email) of your partner, send a quick email to say hello within the next week,
introduce yourself, and maybe even ask a couple questions so you can get to know them! One thing we love about Make My Holiday art swap is that you might just meet someone from a different background, a different kind of art, and our world becomes a little smaller and more connected! We hope you guys have a blast sending fun things to each other!! Think of it as a way to swap, sure, but also a way to get to know another really awesome person a little better!

One quick note! Keep an eye out and peek in your spam filter every now and again in case someone is trying to contact you! Since we have people joining us from lots of different places around the world, it'll be especially important to get their info as soon as you can so you'll be able to send out your present by DECEMBER 24th!

THEN!
Once you receive a gift from your partner we'd love to see what you got! We'll be featuring gifts on the blog from all recipients that care to send them on in! Just send us an email at hello@lightgreyartlab.com with a photo of you with your gift and the name of the awesome artist that sent you a package and we'll give them a shout out!

Thanks again and take a peek and check your in-boxes for a note from us!
Happy swapping!
:)

<3 -- Lindsay

tags: 2014, MakeMyHoliday
Sunday 12.07.14
Posted by Lindsay Nohl
Comments: 1
 

Make My Holiday! Art Swap Sign-up!

MakeMyHoliday_2014

EDIT: 12.7.14 -- Thanks guys! We are just sorting all the names and will email everyone with their partner's info shortly! Thanks again for signing up for our 3rd Make My Holiday art swap!


We're hosting the third annual Make My Holiday art swap!
This will be the third year we're hosting and we are SUPER excited to have you join us!

Just sign up in the comments section with your name and email and we'll pair you with another artist from around the world!
Like this:

Lindsay Nohl
hello@lightgreyartlab.com


Everyone is welcome to join in -- it's all about the love of art, other creative people, and just spreading the love around during the holidays!


Sign ups end December 6th, so tell your arty friends! We'll email everyone with their partner on December 7th! Then! All you have to do is send a note to your partner to request their home address and send them a piece of work made by you!

In the past people have sent prints, original paintings, zines, jewelry, ornaments, art-books, drawings and other fun things! There is no real limit to what you can send your partner, just a couple tiny rules for signing up!

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

1. Send a piece of work made by you!
2. Only sign up if you can promise not to leave your buddy hanging!
3. No need to make anything new -- but if you'd like to, feel free! In fact, it might be fun to do a little research on your partner and make them something special!

We hope you can join us in making the tail end of 2014 amazing!

Questions? Send us a note! Hello@lightgreyartlab.com!
---Lindsay
tags: 2014, MakeMyHoliday
Saturday 11.29.14
Posted by Lindsay Nohl
Comments: 80
 

SKATE OR DIE - Participating Artist List!

SkateorDie_POSTCARD_FRONT

Congratulations to everyone that will be joining us for the October Skate or Die exhibition!
We're really excited about the enthusiasm for this one and can't wait for the show!

Thanks again to everyone that submitted links to the call for art! We saw a TON of incredible work this time -- it always makes us wish we had more space on the walls!


SKATE OR DIE
a macabre skateboard show

Opens Friday October 10th 7 - 10pm
Light Grey Art Lab
118 E. 26th Street #101
Minneapolis MN 55404
612.239.2047


PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

Scott Bakal
Terence Hannum
Daniel Fishel
Bene Rohlmann
Max Fiedler
Eric Gorvin
Bill Ferenc
Romain Mennetrier
Keith Negley
Katie Sanvick
Colin Foran
Merideth Miotke
Angela An
Jared Tuttle
Catherine Unger
Alison George
Manuel Kilger
Kyle Stecker
Stephanie Shafer
Camille Chew
Jessica Roux
Derrick Dent
Adam Tan
Miranda Meeks
David Aguado
Alexxander Dovelin
Kate O'Hara
Charlotte Gomez
Benjamin Currie
Gino Pambianchi
Jokub
Bridget Underwood
Jenn Liv
Marianne Vincent
Catherine Virginia
Christopher Hegland
Lissa Treiman
Jenny Zych
Ann Macaryan
Glenn Harvey
Brandon Robertson
Alex Hagen
Drew Schmidt
Jake Giddens
Jason Norman
Hiten Damodar
Tanner Ellison
Nathan Durfee
Daney Rivera
Rachelle Boyd
Angela Rizza
Nic ter Horst
Rafa Alvarez
Schuyler Huber
Boya Sun
Alice Tse
Lindsay Nohl
Irene Alfaro
Ashley Hohnstein
Matthew Filipkowski
Janelle Fortes
tags: 2014, Skate or Die, art show
Tuesday 09.16.14
Posted by Lindsay Nohl
Comments: 1
 

Artist Interview with Junyi Wu

Junyi Wu

Meet Junyi Wu. Junyi is an illustrator living in Los Angeles. Her illustrations are composed primarily with pencils with which she blends multiple layers of color to create a moody and dreamlike sensibility. Junyi graduated from the Art Center College of Design, and her illustration has been featured in a number of galleries and publications, including Gallery Nucleus, QPop Shop, Juxtapose, Design Work Life, and American Illustration.

Junyi is one of the current exhibiting artists in the Stacks Show. We are thrilled to celebrate her work, concepts, and contributions to the show. You can read the full interview below, and more of Junyi's work on her website and blog here.

Hi Junyi. Can you tell us about your background? How did you find illustration?

I studied Biology at UCSD for a year before transferring to Art Center for Illustration. Since graduating, I've been working doing graphic design during the day and do all of my illustration projects under the cloak of darkness and on weekends. It's been a good balance so far -- the variation keeps me motivated. My first encounters and love of illustration came from books and animations.

What is your experience with the art/illustration scene in Los Angeles? Inspiring? Intimidating? Other?

It's been a good experience so far! There are some nice galleries and shops out here that support local artists and I like going to events like the LA Zine Fest, Patchwork Show and Unique LA to see the work that's there. I see a lot of familiar and new faces so it seems like it's a pretty good community for new and established artists alike. The artists I've met have been very nice!

Junyi Wu

Tell us a little about your practice. What is your work space like? Do you have any "studio essentials"

My work space is a desk in my room. My usual setup consists of: my laptop, colored pencils, acrylic gouache, a stack of copy paper, and the books and images I find relevant or inspiring for what I'm currently working on. I like copy paper for sketching because sometimes I'm lucky enough to bang something out in one go, but other times I need to go through stages, figuring out a piece of it with each attempt. I throw out a lot of drawings during my process and there's something satisfying about being able to crunch things up and try again. I do most my finished pieces on vellum bristol or Rives BFK. To stay focused, I usually listen to one or two songs on repeat or play a movie I've seen before in the background. It's always fun to go out and eat/drink/draw somewhere with friends too.

Junyi Wu

Your work has a sweet, gentle, lovely aesthetic–it's clear to see how Studio Ghibli is a favorite of yours! Is there anything in particular that drew you to those films? What are your other sources of inspiration?

One of my favorite qualities of Studio Ghibli's animations is how gracefully they blend magic and whimsy with quiet, poignant moments. Each aspect strengthens the other to make the stories very organic and keep the characters' struggles and triumphs relatable. I also like how Ghibli animations are always blurring a very fine line between the everyday and fantastical worlds, similar to a daydream.

For inspiration, I like to scroll through Tumblr and see other people’s work and resource photos. I also enjoy compilation books with big pictures -- landscape photography, fashion designs, diagrams, paintings, etc. I like reading about history, psychology and mythology and I really like opinion pieces and KCRW's UnFictional podcasts. I LOVE listening to people tell stories. My other main sources of inspiration are song lyrics and moments I remember from daily interactions and activities.

Junyi Wu

Could you talk about the development of your texture and color process? Was there a lot of media exploration?

Yes, I guess for me, if I can blend something I will! The tactility of different media really appeals to me- I like to get dirty. So I'll go in with my hands and push things around when working with pencil, charcoal or acrylics. The different results you can get from playing around with scale are also cool. I think media exploration is important because the different ways of working really come to inform each other. With my general way of working, I fill in and knock back a lot of layers to create the textures and color fields I want.

There is a really healthy balance between digital and traditional media in your finished work. How did that come about?

Thanks! I guess it's a reflection of the art I like. I have equal respect for artists working in digital and traditional media, and it's always inspiring to see what different artists bring to each and how far they take it. Working with the tablet is a lot newer to me than working with a pencil, but working digitally has encouraged me to push shapes more across the board. Personally, I still keep some stylistic distinctions between the two methods so, unless a client specifically chooses one, I go with the one that will help me achieve the image I'm going for. I like the flexibility of working digitally and the process of working traditionally.
Junyi Wu
Both character and place have prominent roles as the subjects of your work. What draws you to your subjects? Do you find there are parallels between your illustrations of characters and environment?

In some way, I'm always drawing the way I relate to a story or remember a certain scene. The things that resonate most with me are emotional experiences, color, and the way things contrast from one another visually or characteristically. With characters and environment, there are plenty of opportunities to play with all of these by making one or the other the focus.

What are you working on currently? Any dream projects?

With my personal work, I'm doing some new pieces in preparation for a couple of upcoming events. I'm excited to be sharing a table in a couple months at CTN with my friend and fellow illustrator Jon Lau (we also shared a table with earlier this year at ICON) and we're doing a few collaborative works. Stay tuned to find out what they're going to be! I'm trying out some new things, including some apparel designs and a comic, and illustrating a children's book is still up there on my list of dream projects!

Thanks Junyi!

You can find Junyi's work for the Stacks Exhibition on the Light Grey Shop and permanent online gallery here. You can also follow her work and website: junyiwu.com and junyiwu.tumblr.com.
tags: 2014, Stacks, artist interview, junyi wu
Tuesday 09.02.14
Posted by Jenny Bookler
 

SKATE OR DIE: OCTOBER SHOW CALL FOR ART

Skate or Die : Skateboard Show at Light Grey Art Lab

Skate or Die
A Macabre Skateboard Exhibition
Opens October 10th
7 - 10pm


EDIT 9/6/14 --HEY! THANKS, EVERYONE, FOR PUTTING YOUR NAMES IN THE HAT FOR THIS SHOW! WE'LL BE ANNOUNCING THE FINAL LIST OF ARTISTS EARLY IN THE WEEK! CHECK BACK FOR MORE INFORMATION IN THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS!

In the late 80s/ early 90's I had a Powell Peralta. That skateboard was probably the most metal thing I've ever owned in my life. It was an old-school board, nearly as heavy as I was, and twice as thick. I could barely get it off the ground but I loved it to death. I felt like a beast when I held it, covered in bruises and scabs from practicing kickflips. I was never very good, but I still remember coveting my "I wish my boyfriend could skate" shirt, and the excitement of sending Thrasher my envelope drawings, hoping they'd get published in the next issue.

In honor of the most metal of months (October, obviously) we're hosting a new exhibition featuring your artwork gracing 7-ply Canadian Maple 'canvases'. Make it dark, make it paranormal, or make it a throwback to the good ol' days when They Live and Return of the Living Dead were our go-to movies for a Friday Night… We're looking for artists that want to join forces for a Halloween exhibition that will make you... flip.

The Skate Or Die exhibition launches just as we get our minds set on cooler weather, bonfires and creepy stories near the railroad tracks. Do you have an irrational fear of the man-eating plant from Little Shop of Horrors (Francesca does)? Or maybe a favorite scene from a slasher flick you just can't purge from your brain at night? Sorcery and hexes, superstitions, nature's bizarre and unexplained phenomena, and history's most nefarious circumstances are all fair game. Let's bring your phobias, urban legends and nightmares to life, how you dissect the project is up to you.

So put on your "time-to-die" playlist and let's get dark.

Skate or Die : Skateboard Show at Light Grey Art Lab
Lindsay Nohl's Venus Fly-trap Design on a 7ply Canadian Maple deck.


*********
We've mastered the art of making professional skate-ready decks with vibrant, detailed graphics and a sturdy finish. We'll help your work take shape in time for the exhibition by applying your work to professional grade blank decks, worthy of hanging, displaying or skating on.

The call for art ends September 5th, and we will be curating the exhibition within the following week and posting the final list of artists on the blog shortly after!

DETAILS:
Once the final participating artists are announced, each artist will need to supply a digital file of their artwork by September 26th
(sizes and specifics will be sent via email!) and will need to pay for their single blank deck at that time ($25).This deck will be shown in the brick and mortar gallery and listed for sale online for $65 (in addition to the option of purchasing prints of the graphic, which the price is determined by the artist.)
The decks will be for sale and the artists will receive $20 for each deck sold. As always, art prints are sold at a 60%/40% split in favor of the artists, and artists may price these prints however they wish! Each deck that is purchased during the exhibition will be hand crafted by the Light Grey team as ordered.
To enter the call for art, please submit your name, email and a link to your portfolio below like this:

Lindsay Nohl
hello@lightgreyartlab.com
lindsaynohl.com

We'll be sending out more specifics about the gallery exhibition and details on the show to all participating artists shortly after the closing of the call for art! But! If you have any questions, please feel free to send us a note!
hello@lightgreyartlab.com!

SUBMIT YOUR LINKS BELOW BY SEPTEMBER 5th TO BE CONSIDERED!
tags: 2014, CallforArt, Skate or Die, art show
Monday 08.25.14
Posted by Lindsay Nohl
Comments: 199
 

Thanks, City Pages! STACKS opens tomorrow! 7 - 10pm.

citypages-3
Hey! Look, you guys!
Jimmy Malone's STACKS zine was featured on in the City Pages A list! Thanks so much to the awesome staff of the City Pages, and Jessica Armbruster, for telling everyone about what we're up to! Some of the other awesome excerpts by Jimmy Malone, Julie Boehmer, Adriana Bellet, and Andrew Kolb) from the STACKS zines are shown on the online article here.

citypages-1

"Long before online blogs, Facebook rants, and Tumblr communities were ubiquitous, zines were a form of communication created for the people, by the people. These little handmade booklets are made by artists and activists to disseminate in coffee shops, bookstores, college campuses, and other hot spots. Their purpose varies. Some are intended to educate and pass along information, others feature political rants, some have great art, while others are about celebrating underground culture. The zine and its rich and ongoing legacy will be celebrated in Light Grey Art Lab's latest show, "STACKS." For the exhibition, over 60 artists from around the world have created zines designed to take viewers through time, from 1984 to 2014. Each work takes on a tone and theme personal to the artist, and includes things like childhood memories, influential moments in pop culture, pivotal decisions in politics, and more. There are celebrations of teen angst, explorations of '80s hairstyles, thoughts on Legend of Zelda and Pokemon games, and trips through the streets of New York City. These pieces come together to create a timeline of sorts, but they are unlike any history book you will ever read. There will be an opening reception from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, August 1.)" --Jessica Armbruster, City Pages

citypages-2

If you guys can, try to stop by and see them in person!
STACKS
opening reception

THIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 1st!
7 - 10pm
Runs through Sept 5th
118 E. 26th Street #101
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612.239.2047


Questions? Give us a call or send us a note!
hello@lightgreyartlab.com
tags: 2014, City Pages, Stacks, press
Thursday 07.31.14
Posted by Lindsay Nohl
 

Artist Interview with Nick Blazey

Nick Blazey

Meet Nick Blazey. Nick is a New Zealand-based artist who graduated from the AUT University in Auckland in 2010. He is currently working as a Graphic Designer at Periscope Design. And although he is a designer by trade, Nick is skilled in many mediums, including drawing, watercolors, painting, and illustration. His work is absolutely captivating- containing extreme detail, care, and breathtaking subjects.

Nick has participated in several past Light Grey exhibitions, including Rolemodels, Macro + Micro, and the current Animystics Exhibition. It is always a pleasure to include Nick in the exhibitions and see his process along the way. In this interview, you can read about Nick's work, his subjects, working habits, and surrounding creative community.

Nick Blazey

Nick, can you tell me more about your studio practice and your work?

My true passion is my art. I mostly create illustrative and fantasy-based work in graphite and watercolor. I work from my bedroom studio, which is a sunny room with a tiny glimpse of the sea. There are piles of books, animal bones, driftwood, and feathers that surround my desk. This is my haven where my art and illustrations happen. I also regularly get together with fellow artists for a group drawing sessions in a studio space in the city.

For three days a week, I work at Periscope Design where I am one of the twelve designers. It’s a commercial design studio in a lively open plan environment with music and banter. The majority of work we do is point of sale and packaging design.

Your work seem to recall ideas of mysticism, poetry, and decay. Can you talk about the inspirations behind the work?

The outdoors completely inspires me to draw. As a child, I did a lot of sailing around the Hauraki Gulf, and I spent many hours up trees wishing I had a tail. Nowadays, I try to get out of the city as much as possible doing whatever is going to immerse myself in the natural world like hiking, sailing, surfing, etc. These experiences are the core of my inspiration and give ideas to my work and understanding of the natural world.

One of the most consistent themes throughout my work is the supernatural. I often take something natural and enhance its features and qualities- giving it a body and a force beyond the understanding of science and the laws of nature. To achieve this, I try to add mystery and an untamed, wild feeling to my paintings.

Nick Blazey Sulvan Pteropodidae by Nick Blazey

Your work walks the line of science and study. Could you talk about the research side of art making?

When I am planning out an image, I like to find out as much as I can about the subject. This involves hours of trawling through the internet and a trip to the library. If possible, I’ll try to get a specimen from nature. I will do a number of studies that gives me a better understanding of what I’m about to paint. Doing this amount of research usually leads to finishing a painting with ideas for several more.

For the Animystics Exhibition, you made an original watercolor painting, Pangolin. Could you talk about your process in making this piece and the mystical properties you were trying to convey?

After drawing dozens of loose thumbnail sketches and a few tonal studies, I needed some decent references photos because drawing people climbing is hard. I dragged a tree stump into my room, climbed on top of it and took a bunch of photos using the self-timer. Next, I drew the final sketch and transferred it onto stretched watercolor paper and started painting.

Blazey_Pangolin Pangolin by Nick Blazey

The Pangolin painting was about mediating between man and nature, a symbol of our connection to the natural world. I did this by visually combining the essence of nature (through the Pangolin animal) with man. I was trying to make a human in a state of metamorphosis, with armor-like scales growing out of his skin. It is a sort of wingless tree fairy, half human and half animal.

What are some of the biggest differences for you in the variety of work that you do? From graphic design, to illustration, to fine arts? Do you maintain a different style or approach for each type of making?

The biggest differences are timing and the level of creative freedom I have over a project. Graphic design is how I make a living- it is very fast paced and commercial. I give it my own edge where I can, but most jobs require a pre-determined look and feel. With my personal work, I can let loose, try new things, and be as creative as I want. It’s nice to have full control over a project without it being influenced by someone else’s direction and deadlines, whereas illustration is a mix of the two. Generally someone will come to me wanting my style, which I will have to alter according to the job, and I usually end up working overtime to make sure it has the look I’m after.

Nick Blazey

Do you have any resources, books, artist, or media that you would recommend to other creatives?

Gustave Dore and Ivan Solyaev are two of my favorite artists, particularly through their use of tone. I’ve been reading a lot of Algernon Blackwood lately who has some amazing fantasy horror stories. Also I am a contributor to a group inspiration blog called Something For your Atelophobia, which is run by some other New Zealand artists that I have drawn with all my life.

Thanks, Nick! It is great to hear about your practice and all of the ways you make artwork! You can find Nick Blazey's work for the Animsytics Exhibition on the Light Grey Shop or online archive here. You can also see more of his work on his portfolio and website.
tags: 2014, Animystics, Nick Blazey, artist interview
Thursday 05.22.14
Posted by Jenny Bookler
 

Artist Interview with the Animystics Featured Artist, Cat Rabbit

Cat Rabbit Cat Rabbit

For the Animystics Exhibition we had the pleasure of featuring a collection of work by Australian-based artist, Cat Rabbit. Cat is known for her colorful, felted, and plush dolls, with human-like personalities, accessories, and charming faces. Her work is extremely high crafted, with embroidery and hand-sewn elements, miniature glasses, backpacks, and outfits, and much more!

This week we had the chance to speak with Cat Rabbit about her studio practice, interests, and process of making. You can find all of Cat Rabbit's work on her portfolio here or see her collection of work for the Animystics Exhibition on the Light Grey Shop here.

Cat Rabbit

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background in making?

My name is Cat. When I was attending my University, I began making little soft toys for friends under the name Cat-Rabbit. I majored in Graphic Design and English Literature, going on to graduate with honors and then to receive my Masters Degree. By this time, I was selling my soft sculptures in shops and had established my Etsy Store. At the end of studying and school, I realized that what I really wanted to do was sew! I now live in Melbourne, Australia, and have a lovely studio where I work and make things almost every single day - it's a dream come true =^-^=.

Cat Rabbit

Can you walk us through your studio practice and work space?

The nature of my work (all made by hand) is very time consuming, so I allow myself a lot of time to complete projects. I love making things so much that I don't mind at all! It also helps that I have a lovely studio environment, sharing with my buddies Andrea Innocent, Catherine Campbell, and Lauren Nicholson - all amazing artists and incredibly supportive friends! I also like to keep particular crafts as 'leisure crafts' - I'm an avid knitter and baker!

What are the sources of inspiration behind your work and how it has evolved over time?

As a child, I always loved to make little things, and during school I re-discovered my sewing enthusiasm. I started making felt toys, purses, and bags based on the characters that I would draw in the margins of my lecture books. It grew so slowly - at first the shapes I was sewing were *very* basic - essentially a two-dimensional cushion! Over time, and as I started getting more confidence in my brand, and began selling them in stores, and exhibiting them in galleries. I then started thinking about the structures of my plush - each time trying to make them more finished and with more features than the last. Now I have to restrain myself in regards to making accessories for my little guys, otherwise I would never finish! Lately, I have been making backpacks, hats, satchels, and flowers, and I have more ideas in my head!

Cat Rabbit

The Animystics Exhibition is all about our real life animals, inspirations and spirit animals. Do you have a spirit animal or creature you identify with? If so, what are its mystical, physical, or healing properties?

I really love the idea for the Animystics exhibition! I feel like animals are constantly providing me with inspiration and make me feel better about the world. If I ever feel down about politics and the bad sides of human nature, it's really good to switch on an animal documentary of some sort, just to get some perspective on things. In this way, I think all animals have healing properties! I have many animals that I love and identify with, but I think when all is said and done, it is cats that are my real spirit animal. I just feel better around them.

Many of the creatures you are creating seem to have a specific personality and mood about them. Could you talk about character development and personality within your work?

I really try to let my plush creatures develop their own personalities during the making process. Everything I make is handmade without a pattern, so my process is more of a sculptural one. I draw a quick sketch before starting, and then just start cutting shapes and sewing them together. Sometimes their features will end up in a slightly different place, and they will take on a particular stance which will determine their own little personality. This is what I like best about the way that I work - it's like they take on a life of their own!

Cat Rabbit

I am always impressed by creatives who manage their own business and freelance lifestyle. Could you talk a little about what it is like running your own Etsy and online shop and your time spent as a creative? How much time is spent marketing, making, and in free time?

The freelance lifestyle is definitely not an easy one! It helps that I have friends who have a similar working situation and we can talk (and complain) about it often, and best of all, we can offer each other advice on how to deal with certain situations. So far, I have really liked running my own Etsy store- it helps to have the support of the Etsy team behind you to help sort out any tricky situation.I also have a really nice base of shops and galleries that sell my work- they are sympathetic to the lifestyle of running your own business.

What advice do you have for artists who are beginning their own shops and styles?

Never forget that the product comes first! I see a lot of people get all wound up in the marketing side of things and forget that what actually matters is having an amazing product to sell in the first place. Keep working on making things, make things every day and enjoy making them! If you enjoy it, then that will be reflected in the work and people will enjoy seeing it :)

Poodle by Cat Rabbit

What projects are you currently working on? What can we look forward to seeing?

I'm currently starting work on a second book for children with my friend and all-round-amazing lady Isobel Knowles, to be published by Thames & Hudson. I have also started a new range of miniature works in needle felt, which I'm super excited about releasing to the world!

Thanks Cat! It is fantastic to see some of the behind-the-scenes of your world!

You can see Cat Rabbit's work on her website and Etsy shop. You can also see her work for the Animystics Exhibition on the Light Grey Shop and Animystics Online Gallery.
tags: 2014, Animystics, artist interview, cat rabbit
Wednesday 05.21.14
Posted by Jenny Bookler
 

Artist Interview with Justyna Neryng

Meet Justyna Neryng. Justyna is a talented and concept-driven photographer living and working in the United Kingdom. Her body of photographs include emotive portraiture that draws out childhood memories, isolation, and vulnerability. Justyna has been recognized for her powerful images, and in 2011, was awarded the Gold Medal for the Royal Society Print Competition. She has also been featured in publications such as Getty Images 2009-2011, New Polish Photography, The Guardian Magazine, Professional Photographer, and Absolute Magazine among others.

We were first introduced to Justyna's photographs in 2013, and were captivated by her portraits, handmade costuming, and attention to detail. We are thrilled to share her work with you and discus some of the important considerations in her photography studio. In this interview, Justyna discusses her relationship with photography and the subject, using herself and daughter in images, her sources of inspiration, and much more.

Justyna Neryng

Could you tell us about your background, where you are from, and your introduction into photography?

I was born in Poland in 1981. I grew up roaming the dark forests around my village. I came from very creative and artistic family. My Father introduced me to drawing, painting and photography when I was about 5 years old. He taught me how to use a camera, and I have such fond memories of creating prints in our darkroom.

As a teenager, I kind of gave up photography and decided to follow my Grandmothers dream and become a dressmaker. I’ve studied fashion for a few years back in Poland, I guess my interest in costume came from her, and expresses itself in “Childhood Lost” more than some of my other work. I began taking photographs again about 14 years ago when I become a resident in the UK. I started to experiment with digital cameras and self portraiture. I was very lucky to meet some wonderful artists who encouraged me and generously shared their technical knowledge, and I suppose it was only natural for me to start by using myself and then my daughter as models.


Can you describe your current body of work and aesthetic?

My recent body of work is “Ghost dance." This project explores ideas of spirit and soul, inspired by Japanese ghost paintings Rocudou-e. (It is a series of elegent and active nude photographs. You can see this series on Justyna's website here.)
Justyna Neryng
You made an incredible series of photographs called Childhood Lost, which included portraits of children in formal and heroic attire- a combination of nostalgia, and drama Could you share the process and inspiration for this project?

"Childhood Lost" is an autobiographical project- a self portrait in a different body. The images are aesthetically inspired by portraiture from the Golden Age of Dutch painting. I use traditional drawing on paintings as inspiration, giving the photographs a timeless feeling. The other main component of this project, is the painstaking style and prop building, which are used to evoke different personas. In the photographs, the personas are played out by my daughter. Later this year, I will be remaking new costumes to shoot this series for a solo exhibition handmade books.
Justyna Neryng
You have a unique ability to capture portraits that directly connect with the viewer and camera- they feel vulnerable, open, and emotive. Can you describe some of your favorite subjects and moments while shooting?

I must say, I’ve never been interested in the way people look. I am most interested in what moves them deep down. I try to capture there soul, not their likeness. As to my favorite subject and photographing moments, is definitely working with my daughter. Producing "Childhood Lost" with her has been and still is an incredible journey and an adventure for both of us.

Some of your images feel like Renaissance paintings or plays. Could you talk about this relationship and what elements you are inspired by?

I am influenced by the lighting used in historical painting, and I’m always dumbstruck by Caravaggio lighting. That being said, all of my images are constructed so I have the ability to create space and light, much like a painter's methodology. My photographs are composed and lit within the studio, and even on location. I use artificial lights to control the mood of the image I’m making. I am trying to use these techniques to document something I feel, rather than something I can see. I am not one to go out into the world and use a camera to capture what is already there, but instead I try to use the camera to record how the world affects what is in me.

Justyna

What is it like using yourself as a subject of many of your works? What are the considerations and differences in body language and approach?

I find it much easier working with myself; I guess it is because I feel that I have all the power and control over what I am photographing.

”I give my soul now one face, now another, according to which direction I turn it. If I speak of myself in a different ways, that is because I look at myself in a different ways. All contradictions may be found in me.” quote by Michael de Montaigne


Justyna

What projects are you currently working on? What can we expect in the coming months?

I’m currently working on “Childhood Lost” and “Ghost Dance." In April, I will be developing a project that explores the physicality of the body, photographing male and female body builders. This project is inspired by Robert Mapplethorpe’s work. The most challenging project that I am making this year will be the“Concentration Garden” project. It will take place back home in Poland, where I will be producing new self portraits using the beautiful landscape of my home land as a background.

Thank you, Justyna, for letting us into your world. It is an honor to hear about your thoughts in photography, see the projects that you are working on, and some of your most powerful images. You can find more of Justyna's work on her portfolio site here. We are featuring Justyna's work as a creative and artist in correlation with the upcoming Omnibus Treasury Exhibition. An illustrated jewelry exhibition that embodies our love for adornment, costuming and personal identity.
tags: 2014, artist interview, justyna neryng
Tuesday 05.20.14
Posted by Jenny Bookler
 

Dream Arcade Artists Announced!

Dream Arcade

We are happy to announce the final artist list for this September's Dream Arcade Exhibition!

Dream Arcade
Opens September 12, 2014
Opening Reception 7 - 10pm
Featuring an arcade filled with artist created platformers.
at Light Grey Art Lab
118 E. 26th Street #101
Minneapolis MN, 55404
612.239.2047


For more information, feel free to email us: hello@lightgreyartlab.com

Dream Arcade features a winding, twisting series of artist-illustrated platformer games tied together by an epic adventure story, and a quest to save the galaxy.
Light Grey Art Lab will be transforming into an arcade -- the walls will be lined with stations where you can step up and play the games, and get face-deep in the adventure.

More information about the opening reception & details about the release of the games online and in the Microsoft App store will be available on the Light Grey Art Lab website.


Without further ado!

Contributing artists:
Abby Boeh
Adam Hoppus
Alyssa Winans
Ansel Lies
Ashley Mackenzie
Bianca Bautista
Chris Beukes
Chris Schons
Ciaran Gaffney
Cole Ott
Colin Brown
Diana Castillo
Emory Allen
Frank Macchia
Glen Brogan
Jessica Cheng
Jorge De La Paz
Joyce Lee
Kevin Jay Stanton
Leanna Crossan
Lisa Manuzak
Matt Doering
Nic Skrade
Nicole Hamilton
Philippe Poirier
Richie Pope
Sara Talmadge
Shannon May
Tommy Sunders
Joey McCormick

Dream Arcade Development Team:
David Washington (programming)
Chris Hajny (game design & layout)
Lindsay Nohl (graphic design, additional assets, story)
Jenny Bookler (project management, editor)


Thanks again to everyone that submitted their names for the Dream Arcade show!
Can't wait for the exhibition! This show will be legendary!


tags: 2014, Dream Arcade
Tuesday 05.06.14
Posted by Lindsay Nohl
 

CALL FOR ART : DREAM ARCADE

dreamarcade_callforart

EDIT: 4.23.14 Thanks to everyone that applied! We'll be posting the list of participating artists shortly!

We have been keeping quiet about this one for the last six months as we've gotten face deep in all of planning and prototyping! We can finally announce the newest call for art :
DREAM ARCADE
A Platformer's Paradise
Opening September 12, 2014 at Light Grey Art Lab!
DreamArcade_Screenshot2
Hyper-shifting has never been a problem for you. In fact, because of your ability to flex between the spacetime fabric, you've been singled out to covertly infiltrate a list of alternate realms to seek out a handful of top secret energy sources that have been scattered throughout time and across dimensions. You will have to shift between worlds, take on new forms, fight deadly enemies and navigate dangerous environments -- all to collect these essential celestial artifacts. If you're unable to find them all, the universe as we know it will cease to exist.

If you've ever wanted to design the characters and world for a platformer game, here's your chance! We have been researching ways for interested artists to design the environments, the enemies, and the heroes in a new exhibition that will explode everyone's faces with awesomeness! During the month of September we'll transform the gallery into an actual arcade, and the walls will be lined with YOUR GAMES. All of which will be tied together by a dimension-hopping storyline!

You could make an all-slime universe, a kitten-filled candy paradise, a hamburger land with mustard waterfalls, or a barbarian's loin-cloth dream! If you've ever said "I'd love to see a game where..." now's your chance!

The end result will be a playable game, and an epic journey that pays homage to the classic games of the 8 and 16 bit generations!



CLICK HERE TO PLAY A MINI SAMPLE GAME SO YOU CAN SEE WHAT WE MEAN!

See all of those little assets? The objects, danger zones, characters, background? Each artist will create a set of graphics used to populate their unique world! Then we'll take that art and turn it into the playable game!

We'll design a big, winding level -- filled with items, barriers, puzzles, and story! Each artist also get a chance to make a piece of lush artwork (think - crazy splash page!) inspired by your game that will be available to purchase. This piece will be the "cover art" for your game as well as being the piece hung next to the games in the gallery. Your artwork will be archived permanently on our online gallery as well as displayed for the month of September in our brick-and-mortar gallery in Minneapolis!

*********

example Dream Arcade assets
Example of raw game assets!

In order to make something crazy-huge like this happen, Light Grey Art Lab is working with David Washington from Microsoft, a great friend and awesome guy, to help release each of your mini games for free on the Microsoft App Store, so you can share them with friends, family and everyone else :). David is helping us code each game individually, and helping us create ONE BIG STORY-FILLED platformer that spans all mini-games -- where you'll see the story unfold with tons of extra secrets! We're excited to create this huge universe of games, and even more excited for you to see your characters come to life.

The Development Team:
The coding will be done by David Washington and the level design and art layout by Chris Hajny. Graphic design, story and extra in-game assets will be handled by Lindsay Nohl and editing and project management by Jenny Bookler and Francesca Buchko.

How is it possible that we can do things like this?
All of our Light Grey Art Lab projects are built with the blood, sweat and tears from volunteer hours from the four of us at Light Grey Art Lab in coordination with art makers and art lovers like you! As always, we're all in it for the love of the game! :) We spend our nights and weekends developing programming like our diverse calls for art, the LGAL podcast, the free events, and our meet & greets! If you like seeing projects and calls for art like this, or games like Great Personality, our series of dating sims, PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING A COUPLE BUCKS to support Light Grey, and ALL of the creative folks involved! The best way to help is to head over to our shop and consider purchasing a piece of art! Everyone wins! You get something awesome, the artists who make the work earn some money, and we get to keep making crazy things for you guys!

*********

The Exhibition!

During the exhibition, we'll have 30 game stations to line the walls with your games! Of course, we'll also be releasing the games online so you can have access to all of these awesome worlds from the comfort of your own computer!

So put on your bounty-hunting, treasure-hungry, adventurer hats and join us for one of our craziest exhibitions yet!

*********

TO BE INVOLVED
Put your name, email and links in the comments below by APRIL 23 to be considered! Your comment should looks something like this:

Lindsay Nohl
hello@lightgreyartlab.com
lindsaynohl.com

Space is limited and we have two deadlines! We'll be looking for a couple super ambitious people that want to be part of the promotional games / press kits to be able to turn in art by May 15th, and everyone else's artwork will be due by mid-late June(exact date TBD!) so we can program everything before the exhibition! -- so if you think you're up for it, let us know!

And that's it!
Again, due to VERY limited space in this show, please check the dates and specifics above and ask any questions to make sure you can make the deadlines & dates! THIS IS A SHOW THAT NEEDS 100% FOLLOW-THROUGH BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THE PROJECT, so please do not apply unless you are able to meet one of the two possible deadlines, and parameters above! Let us know if you need any more details and thanks for helping us spread the word!!!

We'll be jurying the show after APRIL 23!

Questions? Send us a note! hello@lightgreyartlab.com
tags: 2014, CallforArt, Dream Arcade, games, video game
Monday 04.07.14
Posted by Lindsay Nohl
Comments: 109
 

STACKS artists announced!

Stacks_Callforart__

Thank you to everyone that submitted for the STACKS call for art! We're proud to announce the list of participating artists for our upcoming timeline of the last 30 years!

STACKS
A zine exhibition
Opening August 1, 2014
7 - 10pm
Light Grey Art Lab
118 E. 26th Street #101
Minneapolis, Minnesota




PARTICIPATING ARTISTS / YEARS:
1984 Chris Visions
1984 Andy Brinkman
1985 Junyi Wu
1985 Jimmy Malone
1986 Kyle Harabedian
1986 Xanthe Bouma
1987 Erica Rier
1987 Swati Addanki
1988 Taryn Gee
1988 Savannah Schroll Guz
1989 Kelsey Dusenka
1989 Leonard Peng
1990 Adriana Bellet
1990 Catherine Ho
1991 Alexandra Beguez
1991 Cat Rocketship
1992 Evyn Fong
1992 Kim Ku
1993 Taylor Kristan
1993 Rebecca Olene
1994 Brenna Lindblad
1994 Christopher Hegland
1995 Kelsey Henderson
1995 Jenny Bookler
1996 Mildred Louis
1996 Matt Rockefeller
1997 Ashley Huebner
1997 Karina Rehrbehn
1998 Andrew Kolb
1998 Ian Densford
1999 Evan Palmer
1999 Shirley Liang
2000 Melissa Ling
2000 Angela An
2001 Yelena Bryksenkova
2001 Kate Thomas
2002 Luke Rusch
2002 Barbara Dziadosz
2003 Kyle Coughlin
2003 Annie Stoll
2004 Francesca Buchko
2004 Katrina Castillo
2005 Anna Bongiovanni
2005 Anna Rose
2006 Maximillian A Queripel
2006 Patsy Chen (patabot)
2007 Janna Morton
2007 Julie Boehmer
2008 Jaime Willems
2008 Hannah Kennedy
2009 Drew Schmidt
2009 Erin Lux
2010 Vanessa Port
2010 Salina Trevino
2011 Chris Kindred
2011 Leigh Luna
2012 Esther Hong
2012 Mary Rothlisberger
2013 Ashley Hohnstein
2013 Rosena Fung
2014 Lindsay Nohl
2014 Jo Yeh

Watch for more information about the exhibition and show soon! We'll keep you up to date about the show in the coming weeks!
Thanks again and congratulations to all involved!
tags: 2014, Stacks, zines
Sunday 04.06.14
Posted by Lindsay Nohl
 

CALL FOR ART! The Omnibus Treasury : A Designer Jewelry Exhibition

omnibustreasury_callforart
lindsaynohl_jewels_B
Let's make it wearable.

NEW CALL FOR ART!


EDIT 4.11.14 --- THANKS, EVERYONE, FOR SUBMITTING YOUR LINKS! WE'LL BE WRITING THE FINAL LIST OF ARTISTS ASAP! CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES SHORTLY!

The Omnibus Treasury
A designer jewelry exhibition
Opens May 30
7 - 10pm
at Light Grey Art Lab
118 E. 26th Street #101
Minneapolis, Minnesota USA

lindsaynohl_jewels_A
Examples by Light Grey's Lindsay Nohl -- showing some of the types of things we can do! We're looking to transform your drawings into wearable work!

For the month of June, Light Grey will be transformed into a curated treasure chest of wonders. We'll be talking about ornamentation and decoration, the idea that what we wear might define us (just a little), and the idea that we are constantly accessorizing, even if we don't realize it!

To celebrate the concept, we are looking to partner with a group of artist to create a limited edition series of jewelry featuring clever ways of using illustration in jewelry design. Think iconic elements, hand-done typography, piecing clever elements together across physical space, and straight-up cute-ness. Each participating artist will be asked to choose a theme that reflects a little bit of yourself - whether that's through the elements you draw, the stylization, or even the colors. Each artist will design a series of mini-illustrations and we'll do the rest!


*******

How it'll work!
We'll be sending all participating artists a template showing you the approximate sizing for a small collection of jewelry items so you can start drawing! Then, we'll apply your work onto earrings and necklaces for you! No need to know how to put together jewelry! -- we've got that part covered! We've also got some tricks up our sleeves! We've got jump-rings that will allow you to create moveable work (you could design elements with articulated pieces!), we've got semi-precious gemstones and some gorgeous chains, and are super excited to help you build your dream collection. We've also got some personalize-able facets we'll share with our final list of designers. So many fun things and so many possibilities.

We'll send each artist a list of things that are possible and you can choose to keep it simple, or try something a little more complex!

It's as simple as that!

The collections will be hung in the gallery alongside a little description of your work / your information, and we'll be celebrating the art of decoration for the month of June! Topics are totally open!
The work will be featured in the gallery and archived online, and in our shop.

Let us know if you have any questions! This should be a lot of fun!

EDIT: Someone online had a great question! Just like many of our gallery shows, we're building one of each of the gallery pieces for all of the participating artists to hang in the gallery! We believe in trying to make it easy for artists to exhibit with interesting techniques and fun subjects regardless of their location or level of expertise. We absorb the cost of making these pieces for you through materials and time donated by our Light Grey staff!

Since the pieces will be listed online, you have the potential to sell more than the one piece if you wish. If the single piece isn't sold during the exhibition month, artists (as always) will have the chance to keep it on display in our gallery shop in Minneapolis until it sells. More info will be sent out to all participating artists at the close of the call for art, but feel free to send us a note if you have any other questions!

*******

If you're interested in making some treasures with us, submit your name, email and links below like this:

Lindsay Nohl
hello@lightgreyartlab.com
lindsaynohl.com

And that's it! Submit your links by APRIL 11th!
Questions? Send us at note at hello@lightgreyartlab.com and we'd be happy to help!
Good luck!

---Lindsay
tags: 2014, CallforArt, Jewelry, The Omnibus Treasury
Friday 03.28.14
Posted by Lindsay Nohl
Comments: 67
 

Artist Interview: Celine Loup

Meet Celine Loup. Celine is a comic artist and illustrator living and working in Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2010, and since has been working as a freelance illustrator and studio artist. Celine has participated in several Light Grey Art Lab exhibitions, such as Girls: Fact + Fiction and the Great Personality, and has worked for clients such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, Mental Floss, The Chicago Reader, Scrubs, Flare, and more.

We are continually impressed and inspired by the work that Celine creates. Through this interview we get to see some of the behind the scenes work, sources of inspiration, favorite techniques, and the world behind her work- intimate, nostalgic, and fantastical scenes.

Celine Loup

Could you tell us a little about your aesthetic. What are some of the biggest themes in your work, stories and themes motivate you, ways of making?

Those things that form the root of human experience, and especially the perspective of women, are what I'm drawn to most. Cyclical things like insect and plant life-cycles, the relationships between women, birth and death, and the fears that have always haunted us make the best stories. I look for common threads in the stories of other times and cultures, going as far back as I can, and see how I can make it personal again. I'm terrible at "slice of life" stuff!

My studio is where I come to work and reflect on what I want for myself- A sense of serenity and privacy is extremely important to me. My style is a reflection of my values, my memories and the way I perceive my surroundings---which I think is the case for every artist, and why it is so incredibly personal.


Celine Loup Sascha for the Great Personality Exhibition

For the Great Personality Exhibition, you were prompted with creating a character based on personality and allure. How did you approach this assignments and what considerations did you include in making the piece?

Is it cheating to say I based my character on my boyfriend? He fit the age and profile I chose very well. I'm sure my friends who know him don't even have to wonder! The character was supposed to be androgynous, so I femmed my drawings up hopefully enough to disguise my source. The character was supposed to be eccentric and have a flair for the dramatic, so I made sure to put them in clothes inspired by Julius, Junya Watanabe and Gareth Pugh ( I have a pinterest board for such things here).

Although you were a part of the character artists for the exhibition, you also include space and memory into your work. Could you talk about your relationship to place, travel, and location?

Context is everything. A beautiful body lying in a dumpster is going to (hopefully) arouse different feelings in the viewer than a beautiful body lounging in a tastefully done-up apartment. I'm really sensitive to place, and I get depressed if I'm surrounded by mess or tacky/garish things. Comfort, natural light, and cleanliness are a bare minimum requirement before considering the lowering of inhibitions needed to feel aroused, personally.

Celine Loup Grouper for The New Yorker

Do you have any techniques for generating ideas? Do you approach client, gallery, or personal projects differently?

I'm fortunate enough that a lot of my client work comes to me through people who want my personal touch----they want to see how I approach the problem based on what they like in my portfolio. Sometimes though my head is a little too high up in the clouds, and my ADs gently pull me back down to earth.

As for generating ideas, the best practice I've found for that is to simply sit down to one's desk and fill a pre-determined number of pages in one's sketchbook without regard to quality. Our minds get bored with our own insecurities, and after a while, we eventually relax into a state far more open to suggestion than they normally are throughout the day. If you can base the success of time spent in your studio on the number of drawings you make verses the quality, you'll never fail---and sooner or later the quality will catch up. If you base your success as an artist on something you have no control over like your level of creativity on a given day, you'll always be at risk of feeling like a fraud.


CELINE LOUP Poster for Illisa's Vintage Lingerie in NY

What are your other sources of inspiration? (books, media, mentors, resources?)

I love looking at pre-historic art and artifacts. So little is known about them that it's always fun to imagine what sort of culture produced such things. Pinterest has been incredibly useful for this. Below are a few really great resources on historic and prehistoric costume and artifact:

pinterest.com/marilola678
pinterest.com/p8ronella
pinterest.com/stonefinder


I am also inspired by books. I'm always listening to something while I work- I have an audible account and love being read to. I also have a stack of books next to my bed. The current reads are The Diaries of Sylvia Plath, Galore by Michael Crummey, and The Donjon Series of French comics.

CELINE LOUP Over You Nanook Zine Cover

What is your creative community like? How has that affected the way that you work?

Right now, most of my creative community is online, and also the new people I meet at the comics festivals. I don't get a whole lot of critique since most everyone is just way too busy, but I've found most of my friends are more than happy to answer questions about their own process. I'm always pleasantly surprised whenever I publish a new comic or project, and the level of anticipation and excitement it's met with---it makes me think one day I might be able to work on comics full time.

Do you have any upcoming projects? Any in process works or ideas that you could share?

Haha, I never stop having personal projects. Right now, I'm so backed up with work that I've had to swear not to take on any more until I've completely finished with what's on my plate. April 3rd, I will be part of a group show at Baltimore's Creative Alliance, so I'm busy making work for that. I recently did a short comic called "Mother" in French for a Canadian anthology called TRIP, which will debut at TCAF. I want to continue to expand and translate it into English, hopefully in time for SPX this year. I will also be doing a HONEY related comic for STUDY GROUP. And further out in the wings I have many more secret comics projects planned, but I want more time to build up my comics-chops before taking them on.

Celine Loup The Prestige

Do you have any big goals or aspirations for this year? Any dream projects?
If I had the capital and the connections, there is a palatial gothic mansion in my old neighborhood that has been for sale for years that I would buy and fix up into a ladies comics and illustration commune. We could use that huge lawn out front to hold a yearly comics festival of our own, and maybe teach classes to the local youth. It's a total pipe dream but I fantasize about it whenever I see the latest crop of talented MICA seniors flee to New York or back overseas.

Thanks Celine!

You can check out Celine Loup's work for the Great Personality Exhibition and Game on the Light Grey website here, and all of the prints for the show on the Light Grey shop. You can also see her entire portfolio and projects on her website here.
tags: 2014, Great Personality, artist interview, celine loup
Tuesday 03.18.14
Posted by Jenny Bookler
 

CALL FOR ART: STACKS: Zines about the way we spent it.

Stacks_Callforart

CALL FOR ART:
STACKS: Zines about the way we spent it.
Opening August, 2014

EDIT: 3.29.14 -- THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT SUBMITTED THEIR LINKS! WE'LL BE POSTING THE LINE-UP AND YEARS FOR WHO GETS WHAT IN THE NEXT WEEK! THANKS AGAIN, GUYS! SIT TIGHT!

We are hosting a HUGE exhibition and zine swap this summer and we are looking for comic artists, narrative creators, writers, book artists and anyone that's ever wanted to make a zine!

When I was a sophomore in high-school the world was a different place. I sat in the basement of my parents house lighting opium-scented incense and writing novel-length letters to my pen-pals about my love for Pennywise and NOFX... I spent countless hours on America Online chat rooms, running up the charges and getting kicked off of our old-school dial up connection every time my parents wanted to make a phone call. Those were the days that I wished I could be Tank Girl, and I was making comics all day, every day, instead of doing my math homework. Instead of eating lunch, I saved my lunch money and spent it on the weekends going to $5 punk rock shows.

••••••••••••••

You remember the good old times, don't you?
So get ready to bust out the photo-copier and make a zine about it.

This show categorizes the last 30 years in the way we love to remember it -- full of the ways we spent our time, our money, and our energy. It's a show about the characters, music, properties, wishes, secrets, food, or people we used to pine for. Remember all those good old things that shaped you as a person?

Well, we are creating an exhibition / massive zine swap where we cover the last 30 years : from 1984 - 2014 in a timeline-like fashion. Across the walls of the gallery we're building a actual, physical timeline. So you'll walk in, and be able to reminisce about each year from the perspective of a different person. The specifics of that year are up to you -- for example, if you got the year 1994, you could talk about how all of your friends mourned the loss of Kurt Cobain, or maybe you want to list your tv crushes from that year and draw pictures of all of their hair (I'm looking at you, Boy Meets World, Shawn Hunter.) This can be collaborative, so you could find all of your friends that were born in that year and draw their alter egos. Maybe you want to rank best to worst boyfriends during 1994 and make a zine out of all of their stats and quirks. All of these things are fair game. You could even make a whole zine about Darkwing Duck if you wanted to, as long as that show originated in your year!

As long as you tell us about that year, we're up for anything.

If you decide to do a fanzine, just make sure that the theme you pick STARTED in that year. If you need to do a little research, go for it! Once all of our participating artists are selected, we'll be building a shared google doc for everyone involved so that you can see what other people are doing and we hope you guys chat with each other!

HOW IT'LL WORK / DEADLINES / INFO AND ALL THAT:

Once we finalize the list of artists, we'll make sure every year is covered. Once the call is up, we will reach out with a list showing who got what year and we'll start making! We are shooting to have at least two people per year, so don't fret!
Then, we'll be asking all artists to make a limited edition of 75 zines, signed and numbered. 60 of those will go out to the other participating artists.

The way you make your zine is up to you.
All zines should be between 8 pages and 32 pages (max), no bigger than 8.5" x 5.5"
Color or black and white, processes, paper or special treatments are all up to each artist.
As long as they're easily stackable / mailable, anything goes.


So! If you're involved in the exhibition, you'll receive a box full of every zine from the entire collection. The whole stack will be mailed to you along with a special Light Grey surprise :)

The first zine from each edition will be displayed in the gallery during the exhibition so people are able to view / open / peruse / read / absorb your secrets from your year. The rest will be available on the shop for the duration of the exhibition!

The rest of the month will be jam packed full of interviews, content and other fun stuff revolving around zines, comics and artist books.

Please do us a big favor and only respond to the call for art if you are absolutely certain you can follow through with the above parameters. Since we jury down to a very specific number, we want to make sure that everyone that claims a spot is in for the long haul! Thanks for understanding!

If you have any questions at all about the parameters or anything else, feel free to send me a note and I'll be happy to help!
hello@lightgreyartlab.com

*************************

So here's how to be involved.
First, put a comment below with your name, your email and your site/ blog.

THEN, tell us which years you'd be up for. (Make sure that you have a year from the 80s, another from the 90s, and one from the 00-10s.)
You can rank them in order of which years you want most, to least. And if you have no year preference, you're welcome to say that, too!)
We're looking to have each year represented, so we'd love to know if you're flexible.


Here's an example:

Lindsay Nohl
hello@lightgreyartlab.com
lindsaynohl.com

1. 1988
2. 2003
3. 1994

I am also open to any other year!


*************************

Please submit your portfolio links, email, blog or site and your preferences below in the comments!

Submit by MARCH 28th to be involved!

We'll be jurying soon after and will announce the final list of artists by the first week in April so you have plenty of time to make your zines! The final deadline for shipping the zines will be sometime during the summer :) More info for our participating artists after the call ends! Once we have the final list of artists, we'll make sure to post the details on the blog!

Thanks again, guys, and we're totally looking forward to finding out how you spent the last 30 years!

XOXO
---Lindsay
Questions? hello@lightgreyartlab.com





tags: 2014, CallforArt, Stacks, zines
Tuesday 03.04.14
Posted by Lindsay Nohl
Comments: 119
 

Artist Interview: Evan Monteiro

Evan Monteiro- The Mercurial Priestess The Mercurial Priestess

We are excited to share our newest artist interview with illustrator and student, Evan Monteiro! Evan is originally from Providence, Rhode Island, and is a current Illustration student The Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL. He has participated in several Light Grey Exhibitions, such as Rolemodels: The Battle for Vyk'Tornaahl, and is one of the environmental artist in recent Great Personality Exhibition and Game. We are captivated by Evan's fantastical narratives, scenes of grandeur and adventure, characters, and lush, imaginative environments!

Evan Monteiro

Could you tell us a little about yourself- the person and artist?

I was born in Providence, Rhode Island, right under the massive shadow of The Rhode Island School of Design. Literally, I live two blocks away. I am thankful for that, as my career as an artist began in the RISD Museum. My mother would tell you that I was born an artist, and that I drew circles better than all the other toddlers, but I feel I can attribute my early passion to draw to two things: RISD Museum’s Free for All Saturdays (which my mother would take me to every month) and Cartoon Network. While the wonders of the museum showed younger me why drawing was important, early saturday morning Toonami cartoons and late night Adult Swim anime shows were a large influence on what I decided to draw.

As much as I enjoyed visiting the museum, Providence has a lot to offer for young artists. I attended a summer art camp called City Arts for a few years during middle school, I made monster masks with the Big Nazo Lab (this was really awesome as a child), and spent the majority of my high school years at a local art studio called New Urban Arts. I attended high school at Classical High School, a college prep school that... well...provided me with lots of time to draw in class, hahah. I am currently attending Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL.


Evan Monteiro Rooftop Balcony created for the Great Personality Exhibition

For the Great Personality Exhibition, you were prompted with creating two intimate and romantic settings. How did you go about creating these works and what elements did you include to set the mood?

When I approached these pieces, I thought of situations that I felt people could relate with. Experiences that are common, but still striking or memorable. With the balcony piece I thought of summer romances. Bright summer sun, warm colors, strong shadows, flowers, and a view of the city. I wanted a place to sit and talk for hours, hidden in the concrete city, a place just for you and someone else. I’m not sure I was able to portray exactly that, but I hope I was able to capture a similar feeling.

For the apartment piece, I wanted a spontaneous feeling. Clean enough to be presentable, but still clearly lived in. A moment where you bring people over, but didn't exactly have it planned very far in advance. Anticipation and excitement overcoming preparation. The room itself has clothes laying about, but through lighting the mood is set regardless. The lovers probably aren't paying too much attention to the clothes anyway.


Evan Monteiro Studio Apartment for the Great Personality Exhibition

The environments you typically depict are vast, grand, fantastical, and otherworldly. Can you talk about the contrast between this and creating environments more grounded in reality for this show? Were there any challenges?

I can say with absolute confidence that the biggest difference between fantasy environments and these is that you can't fudge the details. Interiors especially require a lot of hard edges, straight lines, and perspective grids. With fantasy environments, you could have as many weirdly shaped, arbitrarily placed rocks and plants as you want to draw. For these two, however, I was constantly thinking “Why would anyone have that many pillows on a couch?” or “Who would be watering that many plants on a rooftop?” Reality really kills your fun sometimes, hahah.

Evan Monteiro- Just Another Storm God Just Another Storm God

Can you talk a little about the role of storytelling in your work? What kind of stories do you like to tell, share, or take parts of? What elements do you include?

I love to tell stories of the occult in the literal sense, though my pieces tend to avoid the visual aesthetics that come with the genre. I like to paint witches, angels, mages, gods and clouds. I like exploring the mythologies of different cultures- Greek, Indian, Irish, Native American, and I love to play with the stories of their gods.

I think a big recurring theme in my personal work is the dynamic of scale. Scale in size, scale in power, etc. In many ways, the stories of gods and mythological entities in each culture showcase the highest scale of abilities- moments, places, and people that could only exist in stories. While the extent of those abilities vary from culture to culture and story to story, they say a lot about the priorities of the people that tell them. I like to try capturing the same sense of wonder and awe in my pieces that those stories are able to portray so well.


Evan Monteiro- The Adventures of Major and Minor The Adventures of Major and Minor

What are some of the biggest differences in creating personal verses academic work or work for larger projects? Do the topics and themes ever relate?

With academic and contract work, there is usually this sense of anxiety/stress that comes with the territory. There’s a deadline, which always affects the way you think of the piece regardless of the length of said deadline, as well as the understanding that you don’t have final say on art direction. You always have to consider ‘Will the client like this design for clothing?’ or, ‘Is this far enough within their style?’ for parts of the piece that you might love as is. As far as theme, they can relate, though it usually depends on the client/teacher. When working on illustrations for card games, I’d say there is the strongest connection with my personal work. Academic work tends to vary from project to project.

Your environments make an appearance in an interactive dating game through the Great Personality Show! Do games inspire or influence elements of your artistic practice? (Video games, card games, etc?)

Absolutely! I interned at Riot Games last summer (and will be again this upcoming summer) working on League of Legends. I have played Magic the Gathering for a little over a decade now and have admired their artists for just as long. I was a huge MMO player for years, getting in to WoW, Aion, TERA, and GW2 before kicking the addictions when I started up school at Ringling.

What are some of your biggest sources of inspiration?

I find myself pretty split between sources of inspiration. In terms of contemporaries, I find a lot of inspiration from artists such as Vitaliy Shushko, Vasili Zorin, and Alexandre Zedig Diboine who work with vibrant colors, bold shapes, and generally heavy stylization. I also really enjoy the more painterly work of Chris Rahn, Karla Ortiz, and Tyler Jacobson. I look at a lot of Golden Age illustrators as well. J.C. Leyendecker, N.C. Wyeth, Charles Dana Gibson, and Coby Whitmore.

From animation, my biggest sources of inspiration would be One Piece, FLCL, and Tekkonkinkreet. All three of which have been huge influences on my growth as an artist. My book list is huge, but standouts include the works of Brandon Sanderson, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series, and A Song of Ice and Fire.


Evan Monteiro- Major Snapshot Snapshot from The Adventures of Major and Minor

Do you have any recent or upcoming projects or goals you can share with us? What are you currently working on?

I’ve had a pet project that I have been playing with this past year, a collection of stories about two young sibling explorers called The Adventures of Major and Minor. I havent been able to sit down and spend a big deal of time on the actual project, though I have a lot of fun featuring the characters in illustrations. I am currently learning zBrush, and just finished a character model of my character Major that I was pretty happy with.

Thanks Evan! if you want to check out more of Evan Monteiro's work, visit evanmonteiro.blogspot.com, check out his pieces for The Great Personality show at the Light Grey Art Lab online shop, or at our permanent online gallery, and don't forget to download the Great Personality game!
tags: 2014, Evan Monteiro, Great Personality, artist interview
Tuesday 03.04.14
Posted by Jenny Bookler
 

CALL FOR ART : Animystics

Animystics_promowebimage_500px
NEW CALL FOR ART :
Animystics : Spirit Animals, Totems and Familiars
Opens April 2014

EDIT : 3.9.14 : HUGE THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT SUBMITTED LINKS TO THIS EXHIBITION! WE'LL BE RELEASING THE LIST OF PARTICIPATING ARTISTS EARLY THIS WEEK! WE'LL KEEP YOU POSTED! :) THANKS FOR THE AWESOME TURN-OUT! <3 *************************** How to find your SPIRIT ANIMAL.

Ah, so you see, there is actually a mystical method for finding your Spirit Animal. It doesn't require you do fast, or to ingest any herbs, or go on a journey out into the wilderness. This one allows you to channel your spirit animal through easier, more comfortable means.

This wise method was taught to me by my incredibly wonderful Comic 2 teacher, Peter Gross, and now I will pass this wisdom down to you.

First, find a quiet space and get comfortable. Close your eyes.
Focus on your breath. Breathe in and out slowly until you get comfortable and you're able to be still... Now, with your eyes closed, focus on trying to see the color red.... really SEEING it. It'll be tough at first, but hold out until you really can see red while your eyes are closed. Hover there for a moment. Keep breathing.
Now, slowly, try to change that color to orange. Again, wait until you truly can see orange before moving on... Once you have the hang of envisioning color (which sometimes takes people a couple trys!), you can move throughout the whole spectrum... Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet....

When you come to the end of the spectrum (sometimes this process takes a half hour, sometimes ten minutes...) keep you eyes closed.
Envision yourself standing on the edge of a body of water. (What kind of water is it?) Ready yourself and then, once you are ready, jump into the water.

Allow yourself to spend a moment under water until you are ready to surface.
Surface slowly... When you surface, look around you. Where are you now? What can you see? All with your eyes closed, what is in front of you? If you can't see anything, begin exploring your surroundings. Many people re-surface in a different place than when they jumped in the water... Look around for any signs of life....Take notice of the first creature you see. Remember it's size, shape, color and demeanor.

This is your spirit animal
.



Baby blue-eyes and... Weirdy-green-eyes. #cats
Jade, one of Lindsay & Chris's cats, with a wonderful mystical figure by CatRabbit

***************************

We are looking for animal lovers of all types for this exhibition... We are building a catalog of totems, patron saints (of sorts), familiars and spirit animals. This show combines a bit of historical, cultural and mystical research with some of our favorite furry (and not so furry) creatures. We need artists that want to find their own spirit animals, and help us write their histories, characteristics, helpful (or hilarious) abilities, and our connection to them.

We're looking for artists that would like to name, describe, illustrate their spirit animal in a way that encompasses it's true calling, special abilities, healing, protective features, or anything else. This can be as mystical, serious or personal as you'd like. The final works can be traditional or digital medium and we will be showcasing a variety of prints and originals for the exhibition. A small plaque will accompany all of them in the gallery that helps tell the story of each spirit animal. More information on this will be provided to the participating artists.

Also! During the month of April we'll be showcasing all of these spirit animals by building an interactive quiz so viewers can find their own spirit animals through the collection based on their decisions!

We will be choosing an animal rescue to sponsor for this event, and a portion of the proceeds from any sales of the work will be donated to help our furry friends! More information on that to come! We'll also be doing all sorts of fun animal related podcasts, meet-ups, and more during the month of April as an homage to our funny pets, companions and creatures that we love dearly.

Gratuitous #cat photo. I call this one "longing". Or maybe "creeper". Either will do.
Miles, patron saint of creeping.

***************************

If you're interested in joining us for this exhibition, put your name, email and links to your online portfolio below by March 8:

Lindsay Nohl
hello@lightgreyartlab.com
lindsaynohl.com

We will be jurying the show and should be able to announce the final artists by Monday March 10th! If you have any questions about the parameters, the deadlines or the project, please let us know! All details, deadlines and specifics will be sent out via email to our final list of artists on this date! Keep an eye out for another call for art (or two) very... very... soon.
Send us a note at hello@lightgreyartlab.com

----Lindsay

Good luck and have fun!
tags: 2014, Animystics, CallforArt
Tuesday 02.25.14
Posted by Lindsay Nohl
Comments: 328
 

Artist Interview: Manuel Kilger

Manuel Kilger

Meet Manuel Kilger. Manuel was born and raised in Bavaria, Germany, and has a background and degree in Communication Design and illustration. He is a currently a full-time freelance illustrator, creating works for clients such as BOOM!, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Clone Magazine among others. He has also participated in several Light Grey Art Lab Exhibitions such as Night of the Exquisite Corpse, The Tarot, Mystics and Occult Show, the In Place Exhibition and Book, and the Great Personality Exhibition and Game!

Manuel's work is filled with fascinating, humorous, and narrative scenes- it is recognizable by its bright colors, playful characters, and fantastical animals. It is always a pleasure to work with him, and we are thrilled to share some of the things that he does both personally and professionally, get to know him, and a see a little of the behind the scenes!

Manuel Kilger

Could you tell us a little about your working approach? Can you describe your practice, materials, and style?

When I get a new freelance job, I at first start to deal with the topic, inform myself about it, and then draw out the first pictures and ideas that come into my mind. I create the pictures in my head and try to fix them into little sketches. I always try to put a little of myself into an image, which is not required in the task, but gives the image something special and personal. I always try to add something, maybe something funny, that is not seen at first sight. I mostly work with Photoshop or Flash, depending on which style I have chosen for the illustration.

Manuel Kilger

We have had the honor of including you in several Light Grey Exhibitions and projects. Could you talk a little about the difference in the creation of work- creating gallery work to client work to personal projects?

Commissions from clients are often very limited concerning topics and what will be shown. You do not have as much freedom, of course. Illustrating for galleries is cool and quite relaxing. Of course, you get a topic, too, but you are quite free in style and content, you can experiment, try something new and so on. It is always very interesting to see what other artists create and how they dealt with the topic. In personal projects you are completely free, which is, I think, not always better, because I often have so many ideas and try to put them all into one project, and I do not know where to start. Then I spend most of the time planning, sketching, including more ideas and so on. I like to work with given topics, especially those that challenge me.

manuelkilger

For the Great Personality Exhibition, we ask each environmental artist to create two intimate and mood setting environments. Can you tell us about the spaces you chose and what elements you used to create a specific atmosphere?

When we had to choose which backgrounds we would like to illustrate for the show, I decided the sceneries that seemed most thrilling and the ones that I thought would be the most fun to draw. I already had pictures in my mind of how to draw them. For one illustration, I chose the museum of natural history- museums like this have always been fascinating to me and I still like to visit them. What I liked most, is that I could include a lot of funny ideas and details.

The Lake Side reminded me of a lake near my old home town I often visited when I was younger. It was surrounded by dense forest and you could rent canoes there, too. It was a wild, silent and idyllic place.


Manuel Kilger

Through research, we know that spaces and lighting can create specific moods and interactions. How do you approach creating spaces- both realistic and fantastical? What do your spaces provoke?

Before I start, I search for a lot of background information and references. This is important if you want to create something credible. I think for both realistic and fantastic environments, it is important that the viewer can find something familiar in the picture. Maybe it provokes a special feeling or reminds him of a place he has been.

Manuel Kilger

What are some of your biggest sources of inspiration?

When I was a child I loved to watch cartoon series, for example, on Nickelodeon - Ren and Stimpy, Rocko's Modern Life, Hey Arnold!, Batman: The Animated Series, and Disney's Gargoyles. They influenced me a lot, especially concerning style and character design. Movies for children are a big source of inspiration as well - movies from my childhood like Mio, My Son, Ronia the Robber's Daughter, Labyrinth, and The last Unicorn. What I like most about these movies is that they are quite serious, sometimes a little spooky and not too kitschy and "sweet" like many children's movies today. As Guillermo del Toro said, 'children's movies have to be a little spooky, too, that's what makes them special…' and I think he is right.

Nowadays I find a lot of inspiration on the internet, of course. I look out for new trends, what is "in" right now, what other illustrators are doing and so on. Travelling is also very inspiring, getting to know new cultures, tastes, colors… And, very important: books! What, for me, is always annoying in typical Superhero stories- the characters are either good or evil, there is nothing in between. That's why I like novels, like "A song of ice and fire" by George R. R. Martin or "The Night Watch" by Sergei Lukyanenko. The characters are very multilayered, not either good or evil, black or white, but rather 'grey'. I miss this in a lot of common stories and I also try to consider things like this in my illustrations.


Manuel Kilger

When you are given specific prompts, how do you make an image your own? What are some of your own tips and techniques?

In my illustrations, I try to tell little stories inside the picture. I include many details, sometimes funny parts that the viewer can discover and which will not be seen at first glance. I guess the method I use to draw people is also quite unique - the proportions or my choice of color for example. Lately, I'm mostly working in Photoshop. In the past, I used Flash more often, but this also depends on which style I have chosen for the picture. For me, it is important to do real pencil sketches beforehand and spend some time thinking about my illustration before I really start illustrating.

Manuel Kilger

What is your favorite project you have made or been a part of?

My favorite project is my diploma project, "Headz". It is a graphic novel about a guy that can shift himself completely into another person. Besides the 'normal' comic it contains 10 really big illustrations that describe 10 different characters, with many details in just one picture. Each picture is drawn in a different style, which made this very interesting and challenging for me. I developed this project from the very beginning by inventing a story first and then bringing it to paper piece by piece.

Manuel Kilger

Can you tell us a little about your creative community? How do you connect, collaborate, or communicate with other illustrators and designers?

Well, Facebook is very important of course, as well as forums and groups. You can exchange stuff, get feedback, and stay up to date. I go to meetings in my city or to comic fairs, for example, where you can talk to other illustrators and designers. I’m always in contact with friends of mine who are illustrators, too. In general I am very open to any kind of collaborations provided that I like the topic and I have the time for it.

What is the best pieces of advice you have ever received? What advice would you recommend?

Because I've always tried to be perfect, I like this quote from Salvador Dali: "Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it." It is so true and takes a lot of pressure off of you. And what advice can I give? Well, it is always good to compare yourself with other artists but never let yourself be unsettled by their work and what they do. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

Manuel Kilger

What projects are you currently working on? Is there anything you can share?

In the course of the previous months I have been working on a new app called "Elfcraft“ together with friends of mine. It is a game where you have to merge gems to get more and more precious gems. It was a lot of fun to develop and design such a game, but also hard work. I was responsible for the complete design. It is my first app and I can’t wait to see it released. I really hope people will like our game.

What is your dream project? Something that you have always wanted to make?

I have an idea of a children’s book or a comic. I already have a very complex story in my mind, which still grows and grows. I developed a lot of characters for it as well as a whole unique world with special flora and fauna and an economy and so on, but unfortunately I have not found the time to start it. Maybe some day I will!

Manuel Kilger

Thanks Manuel! if you want to check out more of Manuel Kilger's work, visit www.schattenkino.de, check out his pieces for The Great Personality show at the Light Grey Art Lab online shop, or at our permanent online gallery, and don't forget to download the Great Personality game!
tags: 2014, Great Personality, Mauel Kilger, artist interview
Tuesday 02.25.14
Posted by Jenny Bookler
 

Artist Interview: Amanda Lanzone

Amanda Lazone RSVP (Lavender)

Meet Amanda Lanzone. Amanda is an editorial and freelance illustrator, living and working in New York. Amanda is recognized for her attractive drawings, line quality, and intruging characters- creating narrative and concept-driven illustrations. As a freelance illustrator, Amanda has created many works for clients such as the New York Times, the New Yorker, Cosmopolitan, the City Pages, and Procter & Gamble among others.

We are honored to work with Amanda in the current Great Personality Exhibition and celebrate her as a person and outstanding illustrator. Through this interview, you can get to know Amanda, her process, background and inspirations, and her love for drawing!

Amanda Lazone

Could you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I was born and raised in Queens, New York. I always loved drawing, and became very serious about it from a young age. From grade school through high school, I took art lessons in and out of school, including summer courses at Cooper Union in the city. I then got accepted to the School of Visual Arts, and graduated with a BFA, majoring in illustration. College was amazing, I learned so much there. I actually got my first editorial jobs while I was still at SVA, and won multiple awards for my work senior year. Those were defining moments, all the hard work was paying off, and things continued from there. . .Drawing is what I love to do, I draw all the time, even when it's not for work.

What is your studio practice and process like? Your materials, use of color, style, work habits? 

I like to look at things, and research. I draw using pens and ink brushes to create various lines, and I like to use a generous amount of black. Making a solid black and white drawing is first. When I don't stop there, I tend to work with a somewhat limited palette, and color and edit in Photoshop. Sometimes, subtle textures like a watercolor wash or colored pencil is added.

Amanda Lazone Shut Up (ver 2)

For the Great Personality Exhibition you were asked to create a character based on a personality description. How did you approach this project, what elements and characteristics did you include?

I based a character on the personality type INTJ otherwise known as 'the Mastermind'. They may be the 'quiet type', but they have other qualities, such as being very logical and driven people. I created the expressions based on typical feelings or reactions to certain situations. To accompany the character's expressions, I created the physical appearance based on what kinds of features I personally find attractive. I tend to be drawn to the various 'lean, floppy-haired male' types.

Amanda Lazone Shy Boy (Aaron) by Amanda Lanzone for the Great Personality Exhibition

You do a really lovely job of creating potent, beautifully composed and clean images. What is your ideating process like? How do you arrive at your final image? 

Thank you very much for the kind words. I like to pull from life; inspiration can really strike from anything, even if it's just something as minor as seeing colors that look cool together or something. I like to make things fresh, visually and conceptually. I articulate each detail of the illustrations, and I use my point of view to my advantage. Then it all comes down to the drawing really. 

Amanda Lazone Hunger (The Landing)

Can you talk a little about the differences between freelance and personal work? Do the subjects and themes overlap? Inspire one another?

Since I do draw what I am partial to, I think this definitely happens. When a client presents me with an idea, interesting visual storytelling is most important so the point communicates. There are defiantly reoccurring themes, and I think do overlap at times, but I work to make each piece it's own.

Amanda Lazone XO

You graduated from SVA a few years ago. What have  been some of your strategy in kickstarting your career? Best advice? And thoughts on freelance? and aspirations?

My best advice would be to keep pushing. Keep practicing, keep learning, and keep trying. Getting used to freelance work was a bit intimidating, but I continue to put myself out there. When you are passionate about what you do, it's worth all the effort. It's very rewarding, and things are continuing to progress. 

Can you talk about your creative community? Do you often collaborate and work alongside other illustrators and designers?

There have been times friends and I would give each other assignments and we would create an illustrations based on those themes, which was fun. I know a lot of creative people, but we all tend to work on our own things. Everyone I know has always been super supportive, and I am very fortunate to have that.

Amanda Lazone Cab

Thanks Amanda!

You can check out some of Amanda's upcoming projects, all of her illustrations and process on here website here! You can also see her work for the Great Personality Exhibition on the Light Grey website, and check out all of the archival prints on the Light Grey Shop here.
tags: 2014, amanda lanzone, artist interview, illustration
Thursday 02.20.14
Posted by Jenny Bookler
 
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