Ian Johnson lives in two worlds: the world of skateboarding and the world of art. Yet assuming that individuals are so quantifiable, we must include the world of jazz- one that intersects Ian’s previous two. His works carry the intensity of low double bass vibrations coupled with a skateboard underfoot, all in a dynamic graphic style. They echo the soulful bellowing of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington send us deep into the cradle of contemporary music.

Painting what comes naturally to him, Ian produces golden canvases interrupted by vibrant colors and black and white portraits. Nothing short of inspiring, the iconic faces of jazz giants overlay design elements that reference contemporary skateboarding culture. Although Ian claims that these works have little explanation, we dug deeper to uncover some personal history. Tune in for insightful thoughts on starting a skateboard line, moving across country, and balancing brushes with a computer mouse. -White Walls staff Read more »

You may think a monkey in a suit is simple to portray on paper. However these process shots from Becca prove that it takes quite a bit of consideration, layering, and imperative details such as a cane and boutonnière. Keep your eyes peeled for more enchanting works to come this July.

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We have already established that Damon Soule will be back in SF for his upcoming show at Fecal Face- but in case you missed the memo, here is a friendly reminder from Fecal & Co.

Although Alex Lukas‘s immaculate disaster paintings have crumbled from our walls, a trip to Fecal Face just jogged our memory. We can’t believe this never made it to our blog, but better late than never (any excuse to showcase Alex’ gorgeous work).

We all know Ozzies are social butterflies, and Anthony Lister is no exception. Nylon has caught wind of his ever-increasing presence in the States, as he was featured in their March 2009 issue (courtesy of Anthony’s blog). And while we’re on the subject, Wooster Collective just posted new in-your-face work from the man himself:

You may have seen Shepard Fairey’s Kenwood Vineyards collab. You may have seen his stint with Saks Fifth Ave. You might be wondering if he is still loyal to his roots. Well my friends, Arkitip says yes. This no-BS art magazine heralds the return of Shepard Fairey to its pages, accompanied by a Los Angeles installation this summer. Although little information has been released about the event, Arkitip expands here.

Hundreds of thousands of Sharpies have met their demise at the hand of Mike Giant, and his current show at Galeria Magda-Danysz is partly to blame. In a perfect world we would be floating down the Seine, Nutella crepe in hand, after seeing these works in person; but for now we must consult The Art Collectors for a digital tour of the show. Looking good, Mike! For further research, check out the Rebel 8 blog.

While perusing AJ Fosik‘s Flickr photostream, we encountered many a ferocious beast. Beware: they shall be roaring their way into White Walls this June for a show that promises to induce double (or triple) vision.

Becca‘s foxy ladies are enough to stir a girlcrush in any of us. They flaunt Tinkerbell lashes and teeny waists reminiscent of Disney classics, but their eyes demand attention that goes beyond the surface. With the mysterious Becca’s new show opening this July at White Walls, Female Persuasion prompted her to reveal a few thoughts. As her choice of venue for displaying painted ladies has changed over the years, Becca explains:

“I’m not too interested in the streets anymore. I used the streets for practice and self-promotion. Each piece I put up was a one-of-a-kind painting. No Xeroxes or posse, just me and my painting. I certainly don’t see myself crawling and scrawing, as I put it. I did the streets for 20 years, now I take care of my mum (full time) and paint for shows or commissions.” -Read more at Female Persuasion.

666 Gallery Presents

“The Future Is So Bright” Group Show

Featuring Mark Warren Jacques, Timothy Karpinski,

Nas Chompas, Kyle Lee and Alexandra Steele

We are thrilled to open 666 Gallery with prolific artists both from the Bay Area and Portland, Oregon on May 15th, 2009. “The Future Is So Bright” group show is a mash up of paint, pen, warm colors and immense joy. Please join us for the opening reception of “The Future Is So Bright” at 666 Gallery, May 15th 2009, from 7-10 pm.

“The show is united with an overall idea embodying an earthy spirituality and organic quality. Movement of objects can be seen with certain stillness, which attempts to provoke viewers to slow down, take a breath and witness the world around us.” Read the full press release here.