Must have: The Best Part Blog by Jason Dean "Art is my zen"

Jason Dean: http://thebestpart.myshopify.com/

It's like a big box full of artsy treasures: "The Best Part" is a daily commentary by artist, designer and blogger Jason Dean from Orlando, Florida.  With tradeyourtalent he speaks about looking at thousand of art images every day, taking chances and why he loves his job.

When did you start your design blog?

Technically I started it in 2008, but what I didn't realize at the time was that I've essentially been doing this my whole life. Even before the blog, I compulsively collected anything I found inspiring. I copied images from magazines and books, and downloaded imagery I came across from the web. Today the blog still follows this format, a collection of things I find inspiring.

Why "The Best Part"?"

The name basically refers to the idea that I'm collecting and publishing "The Best Parts" of what's out there on the internet. I look through thousands of images daily to find the things I find to be the most impressive. That's the concept anyway. The truth is that I hijacked the name from an album by one of my favorite hip-hop artists, New York's J-Live.

Do you have favorite designers?

Of course! I really admire people like James Victore and Stefan Sagmeister for having balls and taking chances. They could easily play it safe and make a living, but instead they consistently push the envelope. I'm also a huge fan of Josef Muller-Brockmann, his sense of composition and scale is just impeccable.

Where do you find "the best parts"?

Google Reader (and the RSS feed) is a godsend for me. Before that, I would individually visit between 50-100 blogs every day. At this point, I'm lucky enough to get quite a few amazing submissions. But I still spend an hour at the very least every single day going through my reader to find possible posts. It's my favorite part of what I do, simply looking at tons of work and finding inspiration. Looking at art is my zen, I guess.

What do you do besides blogging?

When I'm not working on the blog, I'm normally creating prints that I sell in my online shop (at thebestpart.myshopify.com). That's about it. It's probably a good thing that I have no children and my wife travels a lot for work, because they would probably feel a bit neglected. When I'm focused on my work I can be difficult to be around. It's like nothing else exists in the world. But I guess that's why I love what I do, I wish everyone could have that feeling about their job. The world would be amazing!

Jason Dean: http://thebestpart.myshopify.com/

Jason Dean: http://thebestpart.myshopify.com/

Painter Geoffrey Krawczyk "Connection to the World"

It is something really rare, something that not all artists are able to do. Being able to create surprise and emotional upheaval in the person viewing the piece of art. The artwork of Geoffrey Krawczyk makes you think about the origins of violence and war, it deals with themes and emotions that are often off-limits in our society. This is probably why I was so affected by something in his work that wasn't actually such an obvious symbol of war: the endless night-sky with its countless amount of twinkling stars. How can something so beautiful be enveloping something so evil? 

Geoffrey Krawczyk, The Rivers of Sheol, www.geoffreyk.com

Geoffrey Krawczyk, The Birth of Tragedy, www.geoffreyk.com

The nature of sacrifice and violence have always influenced the artwork of  Geoffrey Krawczyk, painter and printmaker from Oklahoma. Geoffrey's work has been shown in numerous locations throughout the world, most recently he was included in Wet Paint 2010 at the Zhou B. Art Center in Chicago. He just completed an installation that involved 93 paper models of drone aircraft for the Urban Institute of Contemporary Art in Grand Rapids, MI. Geoffrey is  also teaching art at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

How is spirituality reflected in your work?

I think spirituality is merely a connection to something bigger than ourselves. Often, this connection is manifested through elaborate mythologies and narratives that don't have much to do with a tangible reality but rather give us a way to quantify our world and our place in it, good or bad. My work is an attempt to create mythologies from the world around us. I believe to think about death, war and violence is to contemplate our own mortality, which is also to contemplate something much bigger than ourselves. I want people to come away from my work not with any sort of solution or narrative in mind but simply with a foundation to consider their own spirituality, their own connection to the world.

Why is war such a big theme in your work? How do you deal with it in your work?

War is one of the constants of human civilization. Again, it is one of the features of our societies that causes us to contemplate mortality. I am interested in how conflict and the way we view and experience it shapes our view of ourselves. I try to present parallels between what is bad about war and what good can come from it. I suppose for myself, it is a sort of therapy. My father is a disabled veteran, so I guess I am drawn to the nature of sacrifice because of that. I feel very small when I consider the enormity of the problems facing the world, including war and violence. Creating is my way of coping. Perhaps, as an artist, I also feel this is my contribution to a better world.

Do you think it is hard to be an artist today?

Yes and no. I think with the amazing technology that exists it is possible to really promote yourself globally in a way that was not possible just a few years ago. However, because of that ease, there are many more people jumping into the fray. But I think it is possible to carve out a niche for yourself, even in the midst of thousands of other talented people. In the end, it will always be the ones who work the hardest that succeed.

What was your most difficult project?

This last installation that I mentioned was pretty taxing. It involves 93 paper models of drone aircraft. I only had a few weeks to make them and they were all done by hand. The final result was great but it was a relief to see it completed.

 If your worked together with young artists, what advice would you give them for their future career?

What I tell my students is to never stop working hard and making work. Talent alone will not succeed. If someone notices that you are talented, and gives you an opportunity, you have to follow up that interest with discipline. If they see that you are working very hard, that makes a much bigger impression. Everyone has talent; not very many are willing to cultivate discipline. And, truthfully, working constantly will only improve your work.

Geoffrey Krawczyk, Installation: Sell/ Cell, http://geoffreyk.com/

Talent Sneak Peak: Transylvanian abstract artwork: Alexandru Jakabhazi "

Alexandru Jakabhazi, Blue Contradiction,  http://jakabhazi.webs.com/

Alexandru Jakabhazi is an abstract artist from Timisoara, Romania, which lies on the border to Hungary and Serbia. He is a professor at the Faculty of Arts and Design in Timisoara, West University. Jakhabazi is usually inspired by dialogue, movement or daily surprise. He works without sketches, using impressions of the moment, unconventional materials and digital interventions. Jakabhazi admires Hans Hartung, Jackson Pollock, generally abstract expressionism and gestural art. Sincerity and passion is what makes great art to him.

Alexandru Jakabhazi: Misterious, http://jakabhazi.webs.com/

Friday Feature: Illustrator and Fine Artist John Malloy "Be willing to let go"

His work is practically a homage to pop art and unique in every way. John Malloy is not only an illustrator, he works on fine art, design and lately even started his own graphic novel "Queasy". Somehow it seems as though his work contains a hidden message, looking at his illustrations and fine art is like being on a scavenger hunt for me. 

Malloy was born in Pennsylvania, when he was six years old, he already knew he to become an artist. He has done other things besides art, but "all of them were

leading to what I do now", he says.

His advice for young artists: "Work, work, rework, and then keep going. Be willing to let go of old work and follow your instincts."

Malloy's work has been featured in many publications such as The Big Book of Contemporary Illustration and he has already illustrated musician interviews for the award-winning Lemon magazine.

 Definitely an artist-must-keep-in mind!

John Malloy: Weight Loss / Fine Art www.johnmalloy.com

John Malloy: Anima / Fine Art www.johnmalloy.com

John Malloy for Lemon Magazine

Bowie-Themed Sequential Interview, www.johnmalloy.com

For more on John Malloy visit http://johnmalloy.wordpress.com/

Interview with Illustrator and Painter Susan Sorrell Hill: Fairy Tales and Magic

Susan Sorrell Hill is a painter and illustrator living in Northern California. Her artwork is quite magical in every way, just by looking at it you are drawn right into a fairytale. Currently she is working on a children's folktale "The Emperor's Pear Tree", the book will probably be published in the Spring of 2012.

                                                            www.susansorrellhill.com

Your work is often inspired by fairy tales? How do they inspire you and why?

I love fairy tales because most of them incorporate an element of Mystery, an indication that there is a lot more to Life than meets the eye, maybe more than we can ever know with our rational minds. And because there is this element of Mystery, an artist has a wider realm of imagination to work in. I have always been fascinated by the “archetypal Journey of Life”: the themes and patterns that appear all over the world and influence every personʼs life. In literature, these archetypes have been traditionally expressed in fairy tales and folktales, as well as in ancient myths. They also are expressed in the Tarot, and discussed in psychology texts. Because I love books even more than art-for-the-wall, I have gravitated--in this second half of my life--back to my first love, illustration for childrenʼs books.

What was your hardest work up until now?

The hardest work has been making the decision to focus on book illustration, rather than to make work solely for galleries. Despite all of the brilliant art that has been and is being done for books, illustrators are still usually seen as second-class artists, so I had to discover that I really loved illustration, before I could give up the fantasy and hope of being the toast of the New York gallery scene. At the same time, I made the difficult decision to return to watercolors and working small, and to put oils, which I had been working with for years, aside for the time being. After that, the way ahead looked clearer.

Why did you choose art?

I donʼt think that it was a choice. Making beautiful things has always been my best talent, no matter which medium I was working in. Iʼve painted large in other mediums, made jewelry, thrown pots, sculpted with handmade paper, painted on silk, sewn clothes, designed patterns for textiles and gift wrap, and probably some other things that Iʼve forgotten. In the end, it wasnʼt “to be or not to be an artist,” but just which medium to really focus on.

Did you ever want to do something else besides art?

As a pre-teenager, I wanted to be a Rock ʻn Roll singer (despite the fact that I couldnʼt sing, and was very uncomfortable in front of a crowd). Fortunately, that fantasy faded. I knew early on that making art was my calling, but if I would ever have considered anything else, it would have been working as a chef, a clothing designer or a gardener. I have enjoyed all of those in a tiny way in my personal life, but it seems that to be a really great illustrator, drawing and painting must become the primary creative focus.

Anything else? 

When I was in my twenties, working as a graphic designer and illustrator (before the digital era), my work was used for posters, ads, logos or business stationary. It was fun to see that work in print, and widely distributed. But I find working on a book project, especially with a text that Iʼve written myself, to be far, far more enjoyable and creatively challenging than any form or art for commerce. To be immersed in setting the stage, inventing the characters, and visually creating the ʻflowʼ of a book is deeply satisfying. A bit like playing ʻgod,ʼ perhaps! Finding oneʼs way in the book illustration field seems to take persistence, and perhaps some luck too. Iʼve learned that there are hurdles inherent on any path...perhaps especially on a artistʼs path, because creative work is such a personal thing. But in the end, the question that guides our choices has to be, “Do I love it?”

  www.susansorrellhill.com

  www.susansorrellhill.com

  www.susansorrellhill.com

  Susan's Blog: http://susansorrellhill.wordpress.com/

Colombian artist and architect Félix Ángel "Contradictions and Triumphs"

Félix Ángel, artist and architect  from Medellín, Colombia, has presented more than 100 exhibitions in countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica,  Ecuador, El Salvador and The United States and took part in many international competitions. Public collections of his can be found in Miami, Texas, San Francisco, England or Washington. With tradeyourtalent Ángel speaks about being an artist in South America and why it is important not to give up on art.

Félix Ángel, Drawing, from the Horse and Rider Series, a series

that Ángel begun in 1977 and still continues today), http://www.felixangel.com/

What can you say about being an artist in South America?

It is very difficult. One has to be pretty intense. Most people carry out life in a very elemental, almost survival mode. Society in general is not interested in the arts, except from an entertaining point of view. One has to be aware that being an artist, implies a lot of sacrifice and misunderstanding. I am talking about being a real artist.

What are your paintings about? What are your major themes?

My career spans 40 years and my work has evolved visually and technically in a number of ways. However, there has been a constant concern about man, the existential role in life in its many social, political or psychological dimensions. The horrible damage that can inflict to others, the contradictions and triumphs in the context of civilization.

When did you know, you wanted to become an artist?

I think I have been an artist all my life, and I knew since I was four years old that I wanted to become an architect and an artist. I became both.  I had my first exhibition in my  high school at age 14. I have never experienced an indecision about my destiny. 

What were your hardest projects up until now?

The hardest thing has been to stay in course, and not allow anything or anyone to derail the convictions I have about art.

If you could give advice to artists just starting out, what would it be?

To educate oneself about many things that, from a practical viewpoint can give you an edge in life, so when your art does not sell you will not be taken by anguish and desperation which, leads to many concessions in detriment of the principles that rule one' s work and the ethics of life.

Félix Ángel, Dramatic Metaphor, 48 x 60 aproximately, acrylic on canvas, 1991‏http://www.felixangel.com

 Félix Ángel, Mural, Comedal Building, Medellín, Colombia, South America, 1976‏

http://www.felixangel.com

Félix Ángel, Late Sunday Morning

http://www.felixangel.com

Interior designer Kate Pruitt "Insight and Courage"

Kate Pruitt is an artist and contributing editor to Design*Sponge, a daily website with 65,000 daily readers, dedicated to home and product design.  With tradeyourtalent she speaks about her passion for art history and how her perfect interior design would look like. Kate grew up in New Hampshire and now lives in California.

      Kate's DIY project: Notebook lunchbag 

   designspongeonline.com

How does the perfect home design look like for you?


I can't say I have a perfect home design, because my tastes are always changing and there are so many homes designs I love that are incredibly varied from one another. At this very moment, I would say my idea of a perfect home would be something semi-industrial, maybe a loft of some kind, with wood floors, a few brick walls, and a very open floor plan. I've enjoyed the time I've spent in my cozy 1920's apartment, but I am beginning to feel limited by the small rooms and the excessive decorative molding. As someone who loves to change things around and build different things, the perfect home design for me would be somewhat gallery-like. You could always be playing around with furniture, wall decor, and lighting, and large sculptural pieces would feel at home in the space. Throw in good natural light and a working fireplace somewhere, and that's heaven for me.

What does creativity mean to you?

Creativity to me is a combination of insight and courage. Coming up with an inventive idea is useless if you never do anything with it. It takes a certain fearlessness to experiment with new materials or follow through on a seemingly crazy idea. I think this drive is what fuels creative productivity, and I am constantly in awe of the courageous designers working in the field today.

Where do you get your inspiration?

 I am originally a painter by trade, so I like to look at art history, visit museums and galleries, and keep up with all the emerging artists who share their work online. I also find inspiration in all kinds of objects and materials, and I think it's really fun to go to a large hardware store, thrift shop, or art supply store and just examine everything. 

What kind of advice you would give to young artists, who are only starting out?

I would say two things. First, get yourself out there! The internet is the most amazing forum for getting yourself heard and your work seen, and it works very symbiotically. If your work is high quality and unique, it will naturally get the most buzz; good ideas are usually rewarded with good press. Second, presentation is EVERYTHING. We receive thousands of emails a day at Design*Sponge and we have to be tough editors. If we receive bad photos, or worse yet —no photos— we're probably going to pass on that submission. Be sure to get good images of your work—consider the lighting, the styling, everything—and be professional in your submission emails. Good images are your golden ticket to success in the world of design blogs.

 

Kate's uncommon valentine designspongeonline.com/

 

Kate's book strap side table  designspongeonline.com/

For more of Kate's work visit:katepruitt.blogspot.com

Juliana Urrego

 Juliana Urrego works on contemporary design, architecture, photography and creative projecs in Miami. 

When did you decide to make art your career?

I do not think it was ever a conscious decision. I developed a love for architecture early on and that led to an interest in art and photography. I've been able to grow more as an artist because of my formal education as an architect. When I design, I relate the hierarchy of graphic elements (color, typography, shapes) to that of architectural elements.

Why do you think many people stop on the way in pursuing their dream?

I think people stop pursuing dreams because they allow themselves to derail. As long as you have a clear picture of where you want to be, nothing should stop that. There is no greater reward than accomplishing a dream or goal, no matter how big or small.

What are you working on right now?

Right now I am collaborating with Kaleidoscope Collective on the design for the Jai-Alai Magazine cover and website. The magazine is a limited edition, biannual periodical with the goal of documenting literary life in Miami, Florida between 2010 and 2015. (See www.jaialaimag.org). 

If you could give young artists some advice, what would it be?

Being a young designer myself the best piece of advice I can give is to embrace the creative process. Each of us grows a great deal when we embark in a creative process regardless of your career. It leads us to build a strong foundation which we continously build upon. 

 

Kaleidoscope Collective Work, see at www.julianaurrego.com

www.julianaurrego.com

www.julianaurrego.com

Californian Painter Kelsey Brookes "Art was simply more fun"

Kelsey Brookes is a well-known artist from California. 

He calls himself an "artist of contrasts" who works on mixed-media

 assemblages. His work  is represented in La Jolla, Los Angeles and London. 

It has appeared in magazines such as GQ, Modern Painters and Confused. 

Looking at them for the first time it seems like you are looking at an 

explosion, an explosion of colours and emotions. 

Kelsey decided to stop working as a scientist and devote his life fully to art. 

"Art was simply more fun than science and I put great value on having fun", he says. 

And Kelsey is sure, that it was worth the trade. His List of Inspiration is long: Nature, 

Animals, Instinct, Conversations, Jokes, Galleries, Museums, Art, Books, Blogs...

Any career advice for young artists, Kelsey?

And that's what he says: Have fun and work hard at what you love. 

Everything else is a distraction.
 
 

 

 Kelsey Brookes 2010: SOS ( http://kelseybrookes.com )

 Kelsey Brookes 2010: The Storm ( http://kelseybrookes.com )

 Kelsey Brookes 2010: JiffyJiveDooJee ( http://kelseybrookes.com )

 Kelsey Brookes 2010: Explosion Puzzle ( http://kelseybrookes.com )

"Expressing your history through art" Interview with african artist Jems Koko Bi

Jems Robert Koko Bi is an african artist, who was born in Ivory Coast and lives in Essen, Germany. He left Ivory Coast for studying art abroad in Germany. 

Leaving his home was not easy for Jems. This is why he expresses his own history in his artwork. "The best way to be an artist is to be yourself", he says. Serious work and endurance is very important to him. "Anyone who gives up because the world of art is hard, doesn't understand what art is", he concludes. Until now, each of his artworks has been a challenge for him. "It is always hard to find the harmony between myself, my history and the material", Jems says. 

One of his hardest artworks was making the sculpture of Nelson Mandela, he had to use 

27, 000 pieces of wood to make this portrait. However, the struggle was worth it. The sculpture can be viewed in the downtown city of Essen. 

Jems Koko Bi: Babylon ( http://www.jemskokobi.com )

Jems Koko Bi: Darfur ( http://www.jemskokobi.com )