#@*! You, Mask Man!

"#@*! You, Mask Man!" Lenny Bruce piece for "Is This Thing On? 2" at Gallery 1988 Los Angeles . The Title refers to a classic Bruce skit: "Thank you Maskman"

Working on "The Stranger"

When I was asked by Mitch at OMGposters to contribute a piece to the ''Required Reading" show at Gallery 1988 I knew immediately which books would be at the top of the list for me to want to interpret visually. I've been working on a few drawings for a book related series of prints later this year, so I had ideas and sketches at the ready.

Albert Camus' novel "the Stranger" is one of those books I read in High School, re-read in college a few times and then picked up again recently. For such a short read, its a powerful book. Exploring Camus' concepts of absurdism and existentialism, the main character, Mersault, an Algerian Frenchman is sort of sleepwalking through his life- nonchalantly showing up at his mother's wake in pajamas and smoking a cigar at the beginning and then committing a murder almost casually at the climax. The murder scene of the Arab being shot on the beach describes the heat and the sun being the main concerns for Mersault rather than the potential threat of a knife-wielding assailant. I knew that I wanted to use this scene for the poster / Faux Book Cover.

I've been drawn to making abstract skyscapes/landscapes over the past year or so and this seemed a perfect opportunity to do it in a different way. I went through a few different versions, some showing Mersault vividly drawn rather than a chunky silhouette, some with him standing over the body of the dead Arab. In the end I kept stripping away information- until you are left with the scene of Mersault wandering down the beach after the murder, staring at the sun and the beach.

I'm pretty happy with the result- I used a transparent metallic gold/yellow that really worked nicely on the second layer.

Thanks to Mitch Putnam, Rob Jones and Jensen at Gallery 1988 for the opportunity.

This is the final image for "The Stranger", my contribution to Gallery 1988LA's Required Reading show, curated by Rob Jones and OMGposters.
It opens tonight in LA! Featuring work from 40 artists including Rob Jones, Kevin Tong, Ken Taylor, Delicious Design League, Justin Santora and more....

The Stranger

Rough sketch preview for my print of the existentialist novel opus by eternal optimist Albert Camus. The final print will be part of Gallery 1988 LA's "Required Reading " show curated by snappy dresser / witty fellow / grammy winner Rob Jones and OMGPosters maven Mitch Putnam . I'll post an image of the final print after the show opens.

The All-Star

My pal Mitch Putnam over at omgposters/posters and toys was asked by Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles to curate a show of prints under the theme "Greatest sports moments of all time" or something to that effect. I was asked to participate along with 41 other artists and of course said yes.
Now, I'm from Chicago, which means that tragedy and loss are somewhat synonymous with being a fan of either the North or South Side teams (OK, especially North. I am a Cubs fan). So, what do I pick? The 1969 cubs flop? Or any of the many many many chokes since then? Notice the cynical Chicago attitude that doesn't even address the best basketball dynasty next to the Celtics when Number 23 was playing. Nope, back to normal here since MJ retired.
Anyhow, I figured a better option was to delve into creating my own ULTIMATE ALL-STAR. A sort of post-apocalyptic/Mythic/1980's High School burnout sort of awesome guy. So here he is. The All-Star. 18 x 24 screenprint. The Show opens this Thursday in Los Angeles. Someone out there take pics of the show and send em to me ok? THANKS!