Tribe Magazine 16 Interview

The latest issue of Tribe magazine (Issue 16) features an interview with yours truly, starting on page 12. After May 28th, 2013, you may need to click this link instead.

Not Penny’s Boat

For Gallery 1988‘s upcoming “The Official Bad Robot Experience”, they asked artists to contribute work inspired by the films and television shows produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions. I have to admit I was a pretty big LOST nerd; it was probably the last show I ever watched when it actually aired each week. I chose to illustrate what many fans would agree is probably the most heart-wrenching scene in the entire six years of the series. If you haven’t watched the show, I won’t say anymore as to not spoil it entirely.

Not Penny’s Boat
Giclee print on canvas  •  19.75″ x 9″  •  S/N Edition of 25

The Official Bad Robot Art Experience
April 26 – May 18, 2013

Opening Reception: Friday, April 26th, 7-10PM

Gallery 1988 West
7308 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046

Hours: Wed – Sun: 11AM – 6PM
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
(323)937-7088

Legends of the Hidden Temple

This Friday, April 19th, is the opening reception for iam8bit‘s exhibition “It’s the ShizNick!”, remembering the good ol’ days of the network (Nickelodeon) that ruled our youth. For my contribution I decided to go a little more obscure and focus on the Jeopardy-meets-Indiana-Jones gameshow “Legends of the Hidden Temple”. The show had sort of a real-life video game feel to it anyway, so it was a natural fit for my 8-bit illustration style.

Olmec Coming!
Giclee print on canvas  •  19.75″ x 9″  •  S/N Edition of 25

The opening reception will feature (in addition to art by over 60 artists):
Live tunes by DJ Lance (from Yo Gabba Gabba!)
A very cool photo playset (hmm…)
25 ft wide “Animated GIF Theatre”
And of course… SLIME!

It’s the ShizNick!
Remembering the Good Ol’ Days of the Network that Ruled Our Youth!
April 19th–May 5th, 2013

Opening Reception: Friday, April 19th, 2013, 7–11pm
iam8bit
2147 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Press Paws

Press Paws is a charity art show I recently contributed to, taking place on February 9th at Gallery Nucleus. The theme is “Saving Animals with Art and Video Games”, and all proceeds raised at the event go to What’s Up Dog! LA, a volunteer animal rescue.

For my contribution, instead of picking an existing “pet” from a video game, I decided to combine my favorite dog breed (Boston Terrier) with one of my favorite games growing up, Double Dragon. When I was younger, I always thought the villain Abobo looked kind of like a Rottweiler…

Double Doggin’
Giclee print on canvas / 15.75″ x 11.75″ / Edition of 25

Judd Apatow Tribute Show

Opening Tuesday, December 4th, Gallery 1988 presents A Tribute to Judd Apatow, an art show inspired by the comedic producer. Best of all, Judd will be hosting the event, and if you’re able to attend (RSVP at gallery1988melrose@gmail.com) you might just see some other familiar faces.

For my contribution, I chose the infamous dodgeball scene from Freaks and Geeks. Sometimes I’ll try and reference specific games and/or genres in my work. When I decided to illustrate Freaks and Geeks, I tried to think if there were any games from the 80s that had to do with high school and bullies, since that’s an integral part of the show. I kept coming back to River City Ransom for the NES, and when I realized the same company, using the same graphic style, made the game Super Dodge Ball, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

“Smear Weir”
Giclee print on canvas • 19.75″ x 9″ • S/N Edition of 25

A Tribute to Judd Apatow
December 4–30, 2012

Opening Reception:
Tuesday, December 4th, 7–10pm
Hosted by Judd Apatow

Gallery 1988 Melrose
7020 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
www.nineteeneightyeight.com

Frobisher Says

Awhile back I was commissioned to do some illustration work for a rather peculiar video game for the SONY Vita called Frobisher Says. The brainchild of Richard Hogg and indie developer Honeyslug, Frobisher Says involves playing through a fast-paced sequence of minigames at the command of the titular character. It’s hard to explain, so I suggest watching the appropriately bizarre commercial for the game here:

The first one involves running through Frobisher’s Mansion and finding friends from your Playstation network and leading them to Frobisher’s hot tub.

The second one is a slot machine game, with an unusual twist… I won’t spoil it for you!

The last one, my favorite, is called “Stir My Soups”, and involves rotating the thumb joysticks in the required (usually alternate) direction as Frobisher’s crazy eyes spin around and around.

The game was originally only available in Europe, but I just found out it will be available in the US as of October 23rd! And best of all, it’s free! So if you have a Vita, make sure to grab your free copy.

Fangamer VERSUS Attractmode

If you live in Seattle, or are there now for PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) you absolutely must check out Fangamer VERSUS Attractmode tomorrow night! Video games, music and beautiful game-related artwork! What more could you ask for?
Play indie games like Super Time Force and Cumulo Nimblers, rock out to chiptune musicians, including hip hop genius Mega Ran, and feast your eyes on artwork from over 40 amazing artists, all available for purchase!
For my contribution, I created the piece below, titled “Couples Counseling”, as a commentary on the use of virtual space within the context of relationships, and how that affects and dehumanizes communication.

Couples Counseling
9.125″ x 9.125″ / Edition of 25 / Giclee print on canvas

Fangamer VERSUS Attractmode

Saturday, September 1st
7pm until 11pm

1927 Events
1927 3rd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

You can RSVP for the event on Facebook.

John Hughes Tribute Show

For Gallery 1988‘s upcoming exhibition at their second gallery in Venice, The Road to Shermer: A Tribute to John Hughes, I created this piece “Shitter Was Full” based on National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Merry Christmas!

Come see the amazing work of 50 artists paying tribute to the filmmaker who defined a generation.

The Road to Shermer: A Tribute to John Hughes
Opening reception Friday, February 11, 7–10pm

Gallery 1988 Venice
214 Pier Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405

SCION and Giant Robot Present Pixel Pushers

“Pixel Pushers” is a group show curated by Giant Robot’s Eric Nakamura, centering around the Famicom inspired custom Scion art car which will project the Giant Robot produced video game, Return of the Quack. The exhibition will feature not only video game inspired art, but a bank of retro custom pachinko machines in a pachinko parlor‐like installation, an interactive environment by a renowned digital conceptualist artist, 8‐bit sculptures, projected digital visuals, and 4 mini game consoles.

The featured artists are: Jude Buffum, Matt Furie, Zach Gage, Len Higa, Chevy Ray Johnston, Nullsleep, Daniel Rehn, Shawn Smith and Kohei Yamashita.

SCION INSTALLATION L.A. GALLERY PRESENTS
“Pixel Pushers: An Exploration of 8‐Bit Digital Media”
Curated By Giant Robot
Opening Reception November 13th, 2010, 7‐10 p.m.
On view November 13th – December 11th

Scion Installation L.A. Gallery
3521 Helms Avenue
Culver City, CA 90232
T: 310.815.8840
http://www.scionav.com/art

Pixelated Picasso

I recently did an interview with EGM[i] Magazine to coincide with The Autumn Society’s “The 3G Show” at Gallery 1988. You can read it here.