LA Canvas Issue 5

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Art

MUSIC STYLE food

EVENTS www.lacanvas.com LACANVAS.COM 1

14 Colors

All oF Them GreeN

The 2012 FIAT 500 ®

Named a 2011 Top 10 Green Car by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

Now available at a Studio near you. fiatusa.com 2 LACANVAS.COM

LACANVAS.COM 3

Chrysler Group llC. FIAT is a registered trademark of Fiat Group marketing & Corporate Communications SpA, used under license by Chrysler Group llC. For more information about the 2011 Top 10 Green Cars from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, visit http://www.kbb.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. ©2011

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T H E

D E N N I S

H O P P E R

C O L L E C T I O N

LACANVAS.COM 5

TAKE

TEN

Volume 1, Issue no. 5 JULY/AUGUST 2011 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dante Colombatti Editor-in-chief Justin Fitzwater ART DIRECTOR Kevin Hidalgo Art Editor Shana Nys Dambrot STYLE EDITOR Vivianne Lapointe Food Editor Kat odell Tech Editor Curt Hutson MUSIC EDITOR Ashley Eliot Account Managers Amy Dobbins, Matt olson CONTRIBUTORS Marilyn Chiu, ERIN DENNISON, Max Hurwitz, RAEgan Payne, E.T., Stampz Photographers Sergio Estevez, Luke Lovell, Emily Bradley, Rodney Ray Graphics Scott Hanson, Jimmy Mnoian, MATT OLSON

“THE COOLEST POOL SCENE IN THE CITY.”

Our info 1778 N, Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90031 P:(323) 352-3250 E:PR@LACANVAS.com LACANVAS.COM

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NEW YORK TIMES

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Copyright 2011, by LA CANVAS. All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission in writing from LA CANVAS. LA Canvas makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but is not responsible for unsolicited or contributed manuscripts, photographs, artwork or advertisements. LA Canvas is not held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions.

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MORE AT WWW.LACANVAS.COM BOOK FOCUS: Our On-Line books coverage includes David Kipen’s Libros Schmibros, the new ALOUD season starring Shepard Fairey as Honorary Chair, and reviews of Susan Adele Wiggins’ Cupcake Nation and Anthony Ausgang’s The Sleep of Puss Titter.

2011 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MFA INVITATIONAL GROUP EXHIBITION

www.boomlosangeles.com

July 21-Aug 18 2011 LA Mart, 1933 S Broadway Concourse Level Los Angeles, CA 90007 RECEPTION Thurs July 28 6-9p GALLERY HOURS Tues-Fri 12- 5p

Kim Alexander Jonathan Apgar Rebecca Bennett Bess Kunath & Emily Halbardier Tim Brown Daniela Calandra Daniela Campins Jenny Donaire Roxy Farhat Jake Fowler Jane Gillespie Andre Goeritz Mathiew Greenfield

Ashley Hagen Michelle Carla Handel Jeffrey Hastings Jiyon Hong Raymie Iadevaia William Kaminski Michael Kelly Nikki Leone Nick Loewen Patrick Melroy Kenneth Morehouse Ruby Osorio Erin Payne Justine Ponthieux

Cima Rahmankhah Kerry Rodgers Nano Rubio Shilla Shakoori Rimas Simaitis Elizabeth Tinglof Van Tran Ian Trout Matthew Waller Christine Wang Emily Wiseman Kim Ye Michael Zahn LACANVAS.COM 9

BANDS TO KNOW

ho o d ire some child sp in d an s e ffith ut those tan lin onica Pier, Gri ady to even o M re ta , n an ai S ag to s ce re on n the -alongs. Trip Summer is he s, might be o d bonfire sing sa o an im ts h m fig ss n le u m uir t g some botto Here is our antics like sq some tunes. olly wood, for d H e in e n e fl to af g W in T he g, you’re go Park or even L A. u plan on doin yo r ve e at r days here in h e w m t m u b su s … u n o ri horizo pass the glo gs that encom n so l ca lo f o list

• • • • • • • • • •

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

“This Is A Desert” The Henry Clay People “Work I’ve Done” The New Limb “Naked Kids” Grouplove “Loved One” Hanni El Khatib “Until She Says” Moving Units “The Wallflowers” Odd Modern “Satellite” Leila Broussard “Color on the Walls (Don’t Stop)” Foster The People “Lil Whiz” George Glass “All Night” Y Luv

“Mercy” Light FM “1957” Milo Greene “Cars” Lady Danville “Sarah Beth” Nightmare & The Cat “Lazy Daze” He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister “A Current Affair” Risers “Oblivion” Dante vs Zombies “Broken Arrows” Francisco The Man “Homeheart” Amanda Jo Williams “Fault Lines” Les Blanks “Blackout” Voxhaul Broadcast “Puzzle Pieces” Saint Motel “Paint Your Lips” Wake Up Lucid “I’m Just Drifting” The Outdoors “No One Knows” Hello Vegas “Magic Fingers” Hands “Ridge” Handshakes

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DJ’S / CLIENT ENTERTAINMENT / BENEFITS / BACHELOR(ETTE) / PARTIES / SCREENINGS / BUSINESS INCENTIVES / REHEARSAL DINNER / CEREMONIES / FASHION SHOWS / ART EXHIBITIONS / WEDDINGS / GRADUATIONS / ACTIVATIONS / EXPOS/ GALAS/ ENGAGEMENTS / CONCERTS / CONFERENCES / LAUNCH PARTIES / TRADE SHOWS / PRESS JUNKETS / PRESS RELEASES / CONVENTIONS / AWARD SHOWS / RELEASES / FUNDRAISERS / CELEBRATIONS / PHOTOSHOOT / BRIDAL SHOWERS / PROMOTIONS MITZVAHS / RED CARPETS / PRODUCT / LAUNCHES / BIRTHDAYS / CORPORATELACANVAS.COM MEETINGS 11

MUSIC FOCUS

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What was once used as a fictional character to promote their music, now Milo Greene hits the scene with their heavenly indie pop.

W

hen first starting out in the music business you often encounter many obstacles. As an unsigned artist you can face anything from promoters not giving you the time of day to media outlets deleting your email at first glance. What’s an artist to do?

Why not make up a fictional person to be your manager, and use him to prove to the music pros that you damn well deserve their time. That’s how the LA folk/indie pop quintet Milo Greene actually got their name.

A few years ago, Milo popped up while Robbie Arnett (formerly of soulful rock band Links), Andrew Heringer (singer-songwriter and formerly of Dawson & Marie) and Marlana Sheetz (Dawson & Marie) were attending UC Irvine and needing someone to promote their music.

However, it wasn’t until recently that the trio officially started playing together, bringing along Arnett’s previous bandmate Curtis Marrero (drums) and The Outline’s Graham Fink (guitar, vocals).

Sharing similarities to Local Natives, Fleet Foxes and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, the quintet boasts dwindling guitars, distinguished choruses and well-orchestrated harmonies with shared malefemale pop vocals. The band sounds as though they’ve been playing together for years. Arnett, Heringer, Sheetz and Fink’s blissful vocals all blend and balance perfectly, which is definitely noted in the group’s live

performances. On stage, these five talented musicians perform naturally well together. With infectious energy, they make it look easy.

“Most of the writing/recording is done outside of LA,” Heringer says. “For many of the writing/recording trips, we’ve escaped to cabins in the Sierra Nevada Mountains to find clarity and really focus on the music.

No Internet,TV or cell reception … just us, all our instruments, the evergreens and the lake nearby.”

So far, the group has only released two tracks - “Don’t Give Up On Me” and “1957”, the latter of the two being named after the address of the house in Los Feliz where a few of the members currently reside. “’1957’ is a tribute to our friend and the house we, Marlana and I, sublet,” Heringer says. “I think we like the lyrics to speak for themselves, but I will say that our friend was in an uncomfortable relationship situation and that’s where the deeper story comes into play.”

Milo’s music encompasses heart-felt lyrics sung by gentle voices beneath a mesh of explosive acoustic guitars and percussion, creating songs that will, no doubt, lead them to be the next breakout artist of the LA music scene. Check out LACANVAS.COM and MiloGreene.com for more.

Story by Ashley Eliot.

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Venue Focus

O

n any given night, the sights and sounds of The Music Box fluctuate. You might catch Friendly Fires, Calvin Harris, a Corona commercial filming or even some Dubstep. A staple in Hollywood’s nightlife scene, this 1300 capacity venue offers a variety of entertainment fit for anyone from the Silver Lake trendsetters to the posh-living club goers.

Previous performers include an array of artists from Green Day and Black Eyed Peas to recent performers Matt & Kim and Black Lips. You may even spot some LA locals headlining like Fitz & the Tantrums and Flying Lotus.

What was once created solely for showing films, the 25,000 square foot Music Box, designed by stage and film actor Carter DeHaven, debuted in 1926, right around the same time “talkies” were born. In the mid-80s, it was taken over by actor Henry Fonda, thus changing the venue’s name to the Henry Fonda Theater, which featured concerts and Broadway productions. In 2002, new owners Idan Shulman, Kobi Danan, Tamir Cohen, and Thaddeus Smith took over the venue and revitalized its offerings as well as bringing back its name, The Music Box. After improving the overall look and ensuring to preserve its old Hollywood flare, the facility continues to bring locals the best music selection and atmosphere.

Speaking of atmosphere, the rooftop offers a remarkable panoramic view of Hollywood, and, depending on the night, you can find some amusing elements there like performing DJs, screen-printing and live art.

The Music Box has remained a signature entertainment outlet for almost 90 years and continues to hold 20+ concerts and club nights a month. Mark your calendars for some of their great upcoming concert dates. Don’t miss James Blake, performing Sept. 18; or Howard Jones, performing Oct. 14.

Story by Ashley Eliot.

LOCATION: 6126 Hollywood Blvd.

Hollywood, CA 90028

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HOWS WITH MORE S RD 3 EVERY 1ST & Y A D S THUR BER JULY - SEPTEM

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ARTIST Focus

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Life During Wartime

A

typical month in the life of legendary photographer David LaChapelle is a lot like the one that started the morning after this visit -- involving a flight to say, Prague or Istanbul, thence to Hong Kong or Guadalajara, with a stop in Paris or Miami en route home to LA, along the way opening one or more hugely anticipated new exhibitions, and/or shooting a gorgeous and expensive fashion story, and/or accepting invitations to the most fabulous parties you can think of.

But throughout it all, he never, ever stops working, not for one single second. Lately his obsessive creativity and an expanded production team (aka “the sexiest sweatshop on Earth”) has been focused on the June-August show at New York’s Lever House.

Commissioned by this powerhouse east coast gallery, but made in Los Angeles, this exhibition weaves together several disparate threads

INSTALLATION PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSE DAVID HARRIS

of DLC’s personal artistic practice, including brand new, site-specific elements and components of larger multi-part projects, and is anchored by “From Darkness to Light,” the culmination of a profound groupportrait project that started 20 years and several lifetimes ago, and has been gathering meaning ever since.

The Lever House’s glass-fronted, shiny-chrome modernist facade opens onto the street. Through the window, passersby see “The Raft,” an imposing mural-size photo-object, partially obscured by an enormous origami dove suspended in between it and the window. “The Raft” is the middle of an ambitious trilogy that started with “The Deluge” and will end with “Paradise.”

It is an edgy, heavily dimensional collage -- messy, visceral, and likely upsetting to fans of DLC’s trademark high-fashion gloss and cheeky glamour. References to Gericault’s 19th-century masterpiece “Raft of

the Medusa,” with its art historical and politically charged commentary, are unavoidable but mostly coincidental. As its distressed surface and epically allegorical tumult express, this work is about the darkest, lowest point in any important journey, when the outcome is hoped-for, but still unclear.

Once you enter the gallery and come around the side of the plain wood wall that supports “The Raft,” the full space comes into view, revealing the ebbs and flows of a paper chain 25,000-plus links long, unfurled and coiled, festooned and pooled in corners, anchored to the back of “The Raft” and undulating across the room. “From Darkness to Light” is a human chain whose title contains its meaning and description -- as thousands upon thousands of unique, hand-assembled nude photos progress through flesh tones of earth, rust, and gold, gradually fading to cream, ice, and water.

It’s the extension of a show he did in a tiny NYC space in 1991 called “Facility of Movement” which had to do with losing friends and losing innocence, about people who become angels, and whether there was solace or hope to be found anywhere in the AIDS crisis. In its new incarnation, the work is transformed, and has become fully realized as something new; something more about the intervening 20 years and the journey that took the artist to LA, where he has called home for some time now, and the life he’s been leading since coming here. It’s about what has shaped and defined his increasingly socially engaged, historically sophisticated, emotionally honest, and politically activist mature work -- it’s the work he has been destined to make since the beginning.

Story by Shana Nys Dambrot.

LACANVAS.COM 17

C

ulver City’s Mark Moore Gallery is a true family business, founded by its eponymous owner/director and now run by his daughter, the gorgeous and brilliant Miss Catlin Moore.

Raised in galleries, studios, art fairs, and museums, she has embraced her destiny -- plus which, she’s really good at it.

The current program is an eclectic, risky mix of established and emerging artists reflecting a youthful, fearless spirit -- with artists as diverse as post-modern videoart magician Josh Azzarella, darkly

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folkloric sculptor and painter Allison Schulnik, satin-brushed Op-Art painter Tim Bavington, currentevents paper-collagist Kim Rugg, and internationally sensational muralist Andrew Schoultz all under one roof.

Though not exclusively Cali-centric, there’s the unmistakable character of an LA outfit in their breezy diversity of style, embrace of new media, and progressive enthusiasms that make room for beautiful alongside smart and edgy.

The next few months more than live up to this promise; with chilling, Mod-Goth paintings by Cindy

Wright; a collaborative project from Cordy Ryman & Kiel Johnson in July and August; and Ultrasonic VI, their anticipated annual group show highlighting new artists in the family, opening September 10. They relocated from Bergamot Station in January, to a 1925 brick building renovated by architect Peter Zellner, modernizing its lofty interior while preserving the quirky exterior and opening up a video lounge and the big back patio. This summer Catlin and her assistant director Matthew Gardocki put those new spaces to use, with a monthly series of short

films, music videos, and animated reels curated by gallery artists, plus DJs, and wine and beer tastings, which started in June.

The first was curated by Allison Schulnik, then by Kiel Johnson on July 8; and on August 12 a special LA CANVAS/San Antonio Winery night curated by Jeremy Fish, whose solo show opens in October -- making this the season to get hooked on the Mark Moore show. Markmooregallery.com.

Story by Shana Nys Dambrot.

LOCATION: 5790 Washington Blvd.,

Culver City. CA 90404

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARK MOORE GALLERY

Gallery Focus

Works by:

Leo Saul Berk, Davis Birks, Cris Bruch, Mary Heebner, Brian Hollister, Flora Kao, Adam Silverman, Steve Schmidt & Mike Whiting

July 9 – August 28, 2011 Opening Reception: Saturday, July 9, 6 – 8pm

Above: Left, Leo Saul Berk, Dark House , 2008 (detail), Sparkle pen on paper (7 sheets), 92 x 145 inches; Right, Brian Hollister, Ruggedy , 2008 (detail), Oil on canvas, 78 x 66 inches

EDWARD CELLA ART

+ ARCHITECTURE

GALLERIES

TOPO/GRAPHY Edward Cella Art + Architecture July 9- Aug 28 Opening: Sat, July 9, 6-8pm A group exhibition that investigates the mapping of the relief, using land as an historical muse. edwardcella.com

Little Tokyo Design Week

July 14-17 Celebrating cutting edge Japanese design in Los Angeles. ltdesignweek.com

Joan Nelson

Michael Kohn Gallery July 15 - Aug 27 Opening: Fri, July 15, 6-8pm Paintings playing with the idea of what nature is, and subsequently the role of an artist is within it. kohngallery.com

Johnny White: Reflections on Marian Seldes’ Bertha of Ondine Canton Art and Jazz Club July 16 - Aug 13 Opening: Sat, July 16, 5–8pm

Cordy Ryman and Kiel Johnson: Construct

Mark Moore Gallery July 16 - Aug 27 Opening: Sat, July 16, 6-8pm A two-person installation of quirky, progressive, mixed-media craftsmanship. markmooregallery.com

Simone Lueck and Jeffrey Milstein

Kopeikin Gallery July 16 - Aug 27 Opening: Sat, July 16, 6-8pm Two photographers share very different perspectives on Cuba’s regal, eerie beauty. kopeikingallery.com

Jason Martin LA Louver Gallery July 21 – Aug 27 Opening: Thurs, July 21, 6-8pm British artist Jason Martin continues to evolve his voluptuous style of viscous, sensual abstraction. lalouver.com

Paul Wackers & Owen Schmit

New Image Art July 30 - Sep 03 Opening: Sat, July 30, 7-10 pm Thorny, pretty urban art history with a dark suntan. newimageartgallery.com

Julia Schwartz

Bleicher Gallery La Brea Aug 9 - Sep 5 Opening: Sat, Aug 20, 6-10pm Painter Julia Schwartz continues her investigation of psychological poetry along the abstract/figurative continuum. caporale.omnavon.com

ALEC MONOPOLY

LAB ART Aug 18 - Sep 21 Opening: Thurs, Aug 18, 7-10pm Highlights LA street artist Alec Monopoly, famous for his paradoxical spins of the Monopoly Man. labartgallery.com

LACANVAS.com takes you to more of LA’s best gallery openings.

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MAXIMILIAN WIEDEMANN

ERIC LIOT

SPEEDY GRAPHITO

CEDRIC BOUTEILLER

SPEEDY GRAPHITO

SHEPARD FAIREY

MAXIMILIAN WIEDEMANN

FABIEN CASTANIER GALLERY

JEAN-CLAUDE CUENCA

12196 Ventura Blvd Studio City CA, 91604 T: 818 748 6014 F: 818 748 6046 Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 7pm Monday – by appointment only contact@castaniergallery.com

castaniergallery.com LACANVAS.COM 21

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Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Line 20/720

Watts Tower, 103rd Street Station, Metro Blue Line

Old Pasadena Shopping, Memorial Park Station, Metro Gold Line

Universal Citywalk, Universal City Station, Metro Red Line

STAPLES Center, Pico Station, Metro Blue Line

11-1551th Š2011 lacmta

Little Tokyo, Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, Metro Gold Line

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Alameda 1st and

Melrose @ Fairfax

Melrose @ La Brea

Downtown Arts District

PHOTOS by emily bradley

Downtown Arts District

t Distric n Arts Downtow

Arts Dis trict

Sunset @ Echo Park

Downtown

Downtown Arts District

ts District Downtown Ar

W

h at do you get when you cross fashion with the effortlessly cool elements of skateboard and surf culture? Insight clothing. With the label’s roots planted firmly in Sydney, these guys are the real deal.

But unlike your stereotypical beach-inspired clothing line, Insight has cultivated a more mature, trend- savvy aesthetic.

We caught up with the brand’s Marketing Manager, Vanessa Chiu, to tell us about Insight’s new Venice Beach digs. She clues us in on how the brand has expanded to over 28 countries, without compromising it’s fundamental values.

From its humble beginnings on the Northern Beaches of Australia, cofounders Drew Down and Greg Webber began by developing a unique product with a grass-roots sensibility.

As they expanded, Insight caught the attention of George Gorrow (of Ksubi fame). By the late 90’s, Mark Byer, an industry veteran, joined the team to secure Insight’s position as a leader in the retail industry. For Mark, the decision to hop on board was an easy one.

“When I first looked at getting involved, I looked for three core strengths: strong and consistent leading edge design direction, grassroots surf culture and history and

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solid support from Australia’s leading retailers. Insight had all three.”

Recently, Insight has opened doors in Venice Beach. Taking a peek around their new spot, their embrace of the DIY sensibility and creative lifestyle is apparent.

The LA concept store features photograph’s taken by Clayton Woodley (of LaPanda fame); hand-crafted hardware by sponsored artist, Peter Wilday; and a descending stair case that leads down into a hidden art gallery. An eclectic soundtrack plays methodical beats while customers are greeted as members of the family. It’s obvious that this team walks the walk. They truly love what they do and believe in the essence of creative culture. For a global company, the Insight crew has an undeniably authentic core.

Throughout the summer, Insight will be throwing weekly events and trunk shows to introduce itself to its new neighborhood, and demonstrate to Angelenos what the rest of their followers have already experienced.

“It’s about getting together, not soliciting,” explains Vanessa. “This is family. We are excited.”

Story by Erin Dennison LOCATION: 1501 Main St.,

Venice, CA 90291

PHOTO BY SERGIO LUIS ESTEVEZ

STORE FOCUS

FASHION Focus

BLACK ISSUE

O

ver the last couple of years, the fashion industry has witnessed a revolutionary new trend: the style blogger. This new hybrid of couture diva and girl-next-door has captured our attention by helping the everyday girl digest the fashion formula. Editors and designers have taken heed; giving some bloggers celebrity status and making muses out of social media darlings. LA CANVAS caught up with a few of our favorite SoCal fashion writers to dish about their summer style and why they write. Story by Erin Dennison.

SEPTEMBER

Natalie Suarez: NATALIE OFF DUTY http://www.natalieoffduty.blogspot.com

Which summer trends are you loving right now?

Natalie: Right now I’m loving colored shorts. When it’s hot out, that is all I feel like wearing! I’m also really into the flowing long maxi skirts. For summer, I always lean towards bohemian looks, though I still love the classic trouser and blouse look as well.

ty lie Off Du arez @ Nata Natalie Su

Olivia Lopez: Lust For Life http://www.fashionsalade.com/lusttforlife/

What are your favorite places to shop around LA? Olivia: I’m huge on flea markets and vintage shops!

I’ve come to realize that going online is the best way to find deals on my favorite labels and designers, but I pop Opening Ceremony simultaneously. It feels more like a museum though because every garment of clothing is like a piece of art--and out of my price range.

Olivia Lo pez @ Lust For Life

Danielle DeFoe: HOT BABYSITTER http://www.hotbabysitter.wordpress.com

How did you get into blogging?

Danielle: I got into blogging to share my vision with the world. The Internet has replaced the library in the sense that it enables users to research and connect in ways that weren’t possible before. I think a lot of photographers and artists use it in this way, for inspiration. I post my work and the things that inspire my work and daily life. I don’t do it for Internet fame I do it to inspire others.

PHOTO BY Rodney Ray

LACANVAS.COM

tter

ysi ot Bab oe @ H F e D e l Daniel

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THE GIRLS

GIRLS STREET FASHION

Name: Jennifer Shields Shoes: Rainbow Top: Venice Beach Shop Bottoms: Capezio

Name: Cat Baker Shoes: GGDB Biker Boots Top: Vince Bottom: Free People Name: Sarah Soto Shoes: H&M Outfit: Cynthia Vincent

Name: Brooke Bailey Shoes: Vintage 70’s FRYE Top: Mon Petite Oiseau Vest:Limited Edition H&M Bottoms: GAP

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Name: Lauren Hollingsworth Shoes: Steve Madden Dress: Hand Leiar

Name: Jillian Tedrow Shoes: All Saints Top: All Saints Bottoms: All Saints Photos by SCOTT HANSON

Name: Ashley Williams Shoes: Prada Boots Top: Patterson J. Kincaid Bottoms: J Brand Jeans

Name: Daniel Resch Shoes: Creatures Vintage Top: Creatures Vintage Pants: April 77

Name: Zach Feverstein Shoes: Gravis Top: Katin Pants: Matix

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Name: Yossi Miller Shoes: Converse Top: H&M Pants: Levis

Name: Yuta Hanada Shoes: TOM’S Top: Browny Vest: Lucy Pants: OBEY

Name: Nikko Wambach Shoes: Aldo Top: Hollister Pants: Ezekiel

Name: Izzi Goldman Shoes: Addidas Top: H&M Pants: Mr. Price

Name: Matthew Townsend Shoes: Combat Boots Top: Zonic Youth Band T Pants: Vintage

Photos by SCOTT HANSON

THE BOYS

GUYS STREET FASHION

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SHOES

STREET SHOES Flats from Kate Spade

Boots from Wanted

Sandals from Mink Pink

Boots from Creatures Vintage Sandals from All Saints

Sneakers from Protege Sneakers from Creative Recreation

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Photos by SCOTT HANSON

Distressed Boots from Steve Madden

fresh garments

TM

WE SUPPORT OUR ENVIRONMENT WE SUPPORT OUR ECONOMY

100% CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS// MADE IN LA

Get it at:

PLANET BLUE KITSON GENERAL QUARTERS THE CLOSET

GROCERIES is a vertically integrated garment manufacturer based in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles. We are a pioneering company committed to researching greener textiles and creating a significant shift in the demand for organic textiles. This dream is actualized by sacrificing profits in order to bridge the gap between a niche market and defining a new industry standard.

www.groceriesapparel.com

Made in LA

LACANVAS.COM 35

ACCESSORIES

Summer’s finally here. Time to grab your friends and head to the closest body of water. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or kicking it at a backyard BBQ, LA CANVAS has got you covered.

We took the liberty of rounding up our favorite backyard/ beach must-have’s for your weekend excursions. Everything from sunglasses to shoes, check out our list of this season’s MVP’s:

1

3 2

5 4

6

7

8

9

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(1) Kiehls Facial Fuel SPF 15 $25, (2) Marmol Radziner Women’s Wide Bracelet $240, (3) Kate Somerville Tanning Towelettes 360 $48, (4) Gucci GG 3132/S $295.00, (5) Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal $189, (6) Supra Wrap Shoe $49, (7) American Apparel Nail Polish $6, (8) Pull-In BS CHOCO $78.99, (9) ZARA Tricolour Vamp Shoe With Heel $69

08-11_Print-Ad.pdf

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CHEF Focus

Conversation With Chef Jason Neroni

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After skipping coasts from New York City to San Diego, Portland to Los Angeles, Chef Jason Neroni has finally returned home to shake things up at Hollywood’s Osteria La Buca. LAC caught up with the chef to chat about his specialty, the pig, plus what to expect from this tried and true Italian haunt’s new menu pages. Story by Kat Odell.

LAC: You’re originally from SoCal but spent many of the past few years on the east coast. How does it feel to be cooking on home turf?

Neroni: I’m very happy to be back home. I’ve thought about coming back here for quite some time. You can’t beat the weather and the produce.

LAC: How did you land at La Buca?

Neroni: I was introduced to the proprietor, Graham Snyder, last year and we hit it off right away. He asked me to help with the pizza program at La Buca and things just clicked, so when the opportunity arose to be part of the re-launch of the restaurant … I was in 100%.

LAC: Was there anything you were especially excited to utilize in your menu that you can access here but not in New York?

Neroni: Two words - Chino Farms. I think they are the best. I don’t know of anybody out there growing better product.

LAC: You’re known for pork. What percentage of your menu involves pig product?

Neroni: A fair amount, but not as much as the hype might lead you to believe.

Yes, I really like to utilize the swine, but I also appreciate other meats as well as good-looking vegetables. As far as percentages, I don’t have a number but you could certainly eat a good meal at La Buca without eating pork.

LAC: What would you consider your signature dish?

Neroni: I have always really loved making pasta and I love that I’ve been able to really make the pastas at La Buca mine … I think my “signature dish” is the anglotti. I have played with various versions of this dish for a long time, and I’m happy with the version we do now with spring peas, crab, mint and lemon zest.

LAC: Would you still consider La Buca to be vegetarianfriendly?

Neroni: Absolutely! Despite the moniker I earned of “pork provocateur,” I still really appreciate vegetables and I love delving into the green market for inspiration. I have tried to make the menu at La Buca balanced so that the amazing vegetables, that we are so lucky to have in own backyards here in SoCal, get plenty of space on the menu, and there are options for vegetarians besides the standard modified fare.

LAC: I understand you helped create La Buca’s specialty cocktails. Do you have a favorite and what was your inspiration behind crafting these?

Neroni: The cocktail menu was really a collaborative effort between Graham, the managers and myself. We all really wanted to move away from the idea of fussy, 10step cocktails and move back to the basics of things that we like to drink. I love the Penny Arcade, a drink created by our bartender Travis. It’s made with Snap liquor and Benedictine. It’s to the point, tastes good and gets the job done.

LAC: How frequently do you plan to change your menu?

Neroni: The menu will change seasonally, with some staples being available year round with minor changes due to availability. We run a good number of specials, though, that will change depending on what we find day-to-day … so those definitely change more often.

LAC: What’s your stance on guest modifications?

When a diner tries to change part of a dish...

Neroni: My philosophy is that you can take away but you can’t add.

LAC: What percentage of La Buca’s menu is new? Which dishes did you keep from the past?

Neroni: The menu is 99% different from a month ago. We still have the tiramisu.

LACANVAS.COM 39

PHOTOS BY LUKE LOVELL

RESTUARANT Focus

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hen Matt Bendik and Dave Koral, principals of Voyeur nightclub in West Hollywood, teamed up with Michael Kassar (Spago) and decided to branch out into restaurant hospitality, I knew they had their work cut out for them. While I was aware of how talented their chef Micah Wexler, a Craft alum, was … most of LA remained in the dark. Matt and Dave originally brought Micah on as the chef at Voyeur. Voyeur doesn’t serve food unless there’s a private event, so when they decided to overtake the former Sona space on La Cienega, Micah was placed in charge of edibles.

You may have dined at great casual Middle Eastern places around town

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like Sunnin, Marouch, or Carousel (mentioned in this issue), but have you tried elegant, refined Middle Eastern?

In a bright, earthy space clad with Moroccan tile, reclaimed wood, and olive trees?

First off, Micah’s plates are beautiful.

They have that simple, clean (yet elegant) organization that one sees at Craft, but the flavors of the dishes are easily recognizable as Mediterranean.

A wood-fired baby chicken is served in its own deep brown natural jus, with a sprig of thyme, and dressed in zatar (Middle Eastern spice blend).

The beet salad is studded with purple, pink, and yellow beets; chunks of fried haloumi cheese; small scoops

of creamy sheep’s milk cheese; chickpeas; and edible flowers. I also loved the merguez flatbread topped with fontina, tomato jam, and Aleppo pepper. To drink, try ordering either a bottle of Middle Eastern wine or a specialty cocktail like the Baharat Milk (Barbancourt 8 year, Remy VS, Baharat Milk, salted pistachios).

If you opt for but one dessert, don’t miss the assorted cookie plate, which includes five Mediterranean sweets.

I absolutely can’t stop thinking about the cardamom zimtsterne; little almond paste stars made from cinnamon, cardamom, ginger (scented with orange blossom water), and painted with a sugar glaze.

“Mezze” stands for small plates in Middle Eastern cuisines. Most dishes are on the smaller side, three per person is about enough, so expect to drop about $50 per person before tax, tip, and without drinks. I’ve used this saying before, but don’t judge a book by its cover. Just because these guys come from a clubby background, and have proven they know how to serve drinks, doesn’t mean they don’t know how to serve food too.

Story by Kat Odell LOCATION: 401 N. La Cienega Blvd.,

West Hollywood, CA 90048

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FOOD FOCUS

CAROUSEL

Probably the shmanciest of the three restaurants mentioned here is Marouch, which, frankly, doesn’t really say much.

This East Hollywood Lebanese-Armenian hybrid boasts an oriental cave-esque feel with faux-stone imagery pained on walls, arched doorways, and non-windows filled with pastoral scenes. It that a hookah over there on the table? Yes indeed. Marouch serves three different type of fatayer, stuffed with either cheese, beef, or spinach, and its cheese version most closely resembles the deep fried sensation served at Carousel: a rectangular golden brown deep fried pastry flattened at each end and filled with white cheese. Falafels come out of the deep fryer slightly larger than the two aforementioned, perfectly round, composed of a mashed chickpeas and fava blend. Tender grilled meats – beef, chicken, or lamb – come de-skewered, glued together, served over white rice with a roasted tomato and charred onion wedge.

The restaurant’s only alcoholic drink option falls to a few bottles of uninteresting house wine, but you can always BYO. Overall Marouch is the most expensive restaurant out of these few, appetizers run from $8$15, entrees mostly under $20.

4905 Santa Monica Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90029 (323) 662-9325

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5112 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323) 660-8060

SUNNIN Not too long ago, Sunnin, a perennially popular, tiny, gritty Lebanese café that survived almost two decades on Westwood Blvd jumped ship into a vastly expanded, more modern space just across the street. No more lunch jams with servers behind the restaurant’s tiny lunch counter screaming orders, Sunnin 2.0 provides a more civil restaurant experience, no yelling, just the murmur of diners chatting at two and four-tops dotting the rectangular dining room. At Sunnin, fatayer are filled with spinach, pine nuts, onions and sumak, folded into a triangular then baked; and falafel are composed of mashed favas shaped into a slightly flattened ball then fried until golden. And the house specialty, which nobody should ever miss, is the deep fried cauliflower (a similar version of this is also offered at newbie The Spice Table) served with a side of tahini.

Oh, and note to self, no alcohol served here. Expect to spend about $4-$5 per appetizer, entrees cost just over $10.

Cap off your meal with sticky housemade baklava and a Lebanese coffee.

1776 Westwood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90024 (310) 475-3358

Photo by SERGIO ESTEVEZ

MAROUCH

Some of Los Angeles’ top culinary gems reside in hidden dingy strip mall locales, as is the case for Carousel, a no frills, powerfully-flavorful LebaneseArmenian-Greek restaurant celebrating 26 years on Hollywood Boulevard. Here it’s all about the cheese fatayer, a deep fried Middle Eastern pastry stuffed with white cheese; skewers of incredibly juicy and tender chunks of chicken marinated and cloaked in yogurt and served over crispy pita chips; and of course the falafel, a deep-fried flattened orb composed of mashed chickpeas, garlic, and cumin studded with sesame seeds and served over a lettuce and tomato salad dressed with tahini. To drink, Carousel serves standard American brews like Amstel and Heineken, plus one beer from Lebanon, Almaza, and an Armenian selection, Kotayk. Overall food is relatively inexpensive, about $7 for an appetizer with entrees in the teens, or about $30 for a family-style main.

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CocKtail Focus

I

magine a low-slung rectangular building composed mostly of glass designed by architect, Renzo Piano, plus an adjacent patio flecked with modern red Saarinen chairs, white Bertoia lounge chairs and bar stools. Throw in a few of Arne Jacobsen’s highbacked egg chairs, also in red. This is the design-oriented scene at Stark

Bar, the drinkery attached to newly opened Ray’s at LACMA (Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art).

Some drinkers, or diners, might balk at the idea of hitting a museum post 5PM, but one taste of chef Kris Morningstar’s menu and a sip of mixologist, and founder of Neve Ice, Michel Dozois’ alcoholic offerings (plus free parking after 7PM!) will

change the mind of even the most discerning consumer.

Dozois offers guests a slew of classic cocktails with his own spin, plus a handful of unique creations like the Owl & Pussy Cat. Think freshly muddled cherries and banana peppers, a splash of rum, and just the slightest hint of sweetness. This neon red elixir, which comes playfully

garnished with the bright yellow top of a banana pepper, has a fruity floral flavor, slightly sour, balanced with delicate notes of cherry and herbaciousness from the pepper.

Just one more piece of art at LACMA. Story by Kat Odell.

Owl and the Pussy Cat RECIPE (Recipe from Stark Bar Barsmith, Michel Dozois)

Ingredients: 2 fl. oz. Rum ¾ fl. oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice ¾ fl. oz. Simple Syrup ½ Banana Chilli 3-4 Cherries

PHOTO by luke lovell

Steps: * Shake, strain, serve on a rocks cube.

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PHOTOs by luke lovell

Bar Focus

O

ver the past two years Los Angeles has experienced a beer Renaissance. Many restaurants around town now place just as much emphasis on their beer list as they do on their wine, with specialty beers even showing up on pairing menus. Beer-centric bars have begun sprouting up across town like West Hollywood’s The Surly Goat and West LA’s Steingarten.

Now there’s City Tavern, a recently opened Culver City beer bar from

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the team behind Rush Street, located just a stones throw away. At City Tavern, owners have upped the ante from Rush Street’s more standard offerings and gone out on a limb with a comprehensive list of esoteric brews, boutique wines, creative cocktails, and fun finger foods. If you only order one dish at City Tavern, I strongly recommend their version of freshly made Cheetos, aka Cheesy Poofs, squiggles of deep fried dough rolled in manchego and buttermilk dressing.

In one word: epic.

Beers come in cans, 12 ounce bottles, large format bottles, or from draft. I love local brewery Telegraph’s sour ale (an acquired taste!), Eagle Rock’s lighter wit beer, and Hitachino’s Red Rice Ale, and yes it’s actually red!

Take in City Tavern’s dark, rustic, industrial-style interior: exposed brick walls, bare Edison bulbs, long metal communal drinking tables, and, best of all, their oversized brown booths equipped with self-serve beer taps.

SO fun! Three taps per table enable guests to self-serve and refill beer glasses while keeping track of how much beer the table consumes. And while this device may come in handy, one’s ability to walk in a straight line at the end of the night will probably be just as adequate an indicator.

Story by Kat Odell Location: 9739 Culver Blvd.,

Culver City, CA 90232

Since 1917 The Stella Rosa brand by IL Conte D’Alba has been the category leader of semi sweet, lightly sparkling wines for all occasions.

I invite you to try one of our 3 delicious flavors: Rosso, Bianco, and Moscato D’Asti D.O.C.G. From all of us at the San Antonio Winery - SALUTE!

StellaRosa.com

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FILMMAKER FOCUS

The creators of Peach Plum Pear talk blood, sweat, and

PHOTO by luke lovell

E

ighteen days. Eighty grand.

Three pieces of fruit.

That’s the recipe for an indie film in 2011. And I’m talking real indie -- movies made without proper financing, union crews, or fancy catered lunches. These are movies made with elbow grease, favors, and good old fashioned luck.

Peach Plum Pear is such a film.

Shot entirely in Los Angeles during August of 2009, PPP follows the story of two friends on a mysterious road trip from LA to Chicago. When their car gets stolen in middle-of-nowhere Nebraska, the duo spends a week working for a local contractor in exchange for a beat-up Studebaker to finish the trip, and along the way befriend a quirky, troubled girl and learn what’s really important in each of their lives. And I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s a lot darker than it sounds.

Which begs the immediate

question: Why the hell is it called Peach Plum Pear?!

Laughter from across the table.

I’m sitting with Alana Morshead (director), Samantha Genovese (writer), and Annelise Dekker (producer), the mid-20s creative hydra behind the film.

“It started with the song by Joanna Newsom,” Genovese says. “It was hugely influential and worked its way into the script. Now I’d be bummed if it was called something else.” And fortunately, it doesn’t have to be.

The greatest treasure in DIY indie filmmaking is the creators don’t have to listen to any opinion but their own.

“If you love filmmaking, do it yourself,” Genovese asserts. “It’s going to turn out exactly how you want. This turned out exactly how we wanted because we were in charge of everything.”

Not that being totally in charge is without disadvantages. The

three-woman team was solely responsible for every step of the process, including banal tasks like RV maintenance. “We put air in it ourselves, put gas in it. The toilet overflowed and we fixed that.”

Dekker chimes in, “We say there’s a curse on Peach Plum Pear because whatever could have gone wrong, did -- but when we say that we’re ignoring the fact we had a lot of good luck to make it.”

Luck and goodwill. On projects like these, favors from family and friends separate successful ventures from abandoned disasters. The trio secured locations, cameras, lighting equipment, and crew on the cheap, all because these three were able to sell others on their creative vision. “We bet everything on it -our careers, our friendship, a lot of money,” posits Genovese.

So far the bet’s paying off. “We’ve won an award at every festival we’ve

DIY

been in,” says Dekker. “And we’re learned a lot of people think the movie we made was good, so that’s a good feeling.”

But Peach Plum Pear is still an ongoing process. Next step?

Distribution. They’ve had a few offers, but “they haven’t been a good fit,” explains Genovese. After spending so much time as the sole guardians of their film, the PPP team doesn’t want to hand their baby to just anyone. But make no mistake: they’re looking to get their film in theaters.

“Getting exposure and having people be able to pay to see the movie is what we want right now,” Dekker says. Chirps director Morshead: “If anyone reading this wants to buy our film, go ahead.”

Shameless pandering? Maybe.

But with a little luck, it just might work. And that’s the spirit of DIY filmmaking in action.

Story by Max Hurwitz.

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Tech Focus

August fast approaches which, for most of us, just means another month with the A/C on full blast, but for some it’s time to hit those books. LA CANVAS has you covered with a special selection of gadgets for students and non-students alike. We’ve got stuff to wake you up, keep you cool and even amp up your social life. Story by Curt Hutson.

Lifescribe Taking notes can be a drag and, sadly, note taking technology hasn’t yet evolved to the point where a pen will just write for you. The Lifescribe may just be the next best thing. It isn’t self-sufficient, but with a mic for recording audio and a pad that records every stroke of the pen, you can upload all of the notes you’ve taken you’ve taken directly to your computer. Now you can have everything organized neatly in glorious digital form to access whenever you’d like. www.livescribe.com (Starts at $99.95)

Tunebug Tunebug is just about one of the most useful things you can carry with you. It’s a portable sound generator that will hook into any standard 3.5 audio jack, found on almost any MP3 player, and turns. The sound quality is crystal clear and, depending on the surface, can rock out louder than you can imagine. It also includes its own carrying box/speaker.

Tunebug is a necessary item in any emergency party kit. www.store.tunebug.com ($69.99)

Clocky This alarm clock might be your best friend, or your worst enemy, depending on how easily you rise and shine. For those of you who are a hassle to get out of bed, Clocky has no mercy. Clocky’s motto: You can only snooze once. After that, it launches itself 3 ft. off your bed stand and rolls around beeping like crazy till you get your lazy behind out of bed. Just try to sleep through that; it dares you. www.nandahome.com ($39.99)

Water Bobble

Roomba If you’re like me, you hate cleaning, but love robots. That’s when Roomba might just be the perfect gadget for you. We all know the Roomba, but few have ever actually met one.

You should. It tells the most hilarious stories. I kid, but it IS really good at cleaning. It’s changed a lot over the years and can tidy up pretty much everything on just about any surface in your place and works automatically. Need I say more? www.store.irobot.com ($199.99 - $599.99)

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As humans, we’re supposed to be drinking a lot of liquids each day. No, Margaritas don’t count. (Trust me, I’ve checked) You should really stick to clean, delicious water. Unfortunately we live in LA, so that kind of water is just unrealistic … but if you want an inexpensive, environmentally friendly way to make this a reality, then check out the Water Bobble. It filters while you drink it.

It’s easy to travel with, and you only have to replace the filter about once every few months. Please, don’t try to filter your liquor though this. (Again, trust me on this.) www.waterbobble.com ($12)

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EVENT FOCUS

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ith longer days, summer brings us more time to party it up before the sun goes down. Thankfully there’s plenty to do before sunset … ON Sunset. The historic boulevard will see two of LA’s most anticipated yearly events which will bring live music, alcohol, great food and much more!

photos courtesy of daniel

4th Annual Sunset Strip Music

huse

Festival (SSMF): Aug 18-20

Vicente), this threeStrip (between Doheny and San In West Hollywood on the Sunset s from some of ance It boasts nightly perform day event averages 30,000 visitors. t and the Veronicas. dcas Broa the Limousines, Voxhaul today’s hottest bands including Viper Room, The (The LA y of the best venues in Check them out each night at man opening night the to ss t holders also get acce Roxy Theater and more…) VIP ticke s place on the take ival se of Blues. The Street Fest tribute to Motley Crue at the Hou trucks and VIP food ens, or performances, beer gard 20th with both outdoor and indo . com SunsetStripMusicFestival. lounges. For tickets and info visit

31st Annual Sunset Junction Street Fair: Aug 27-28 Taking place in Silver Lake, this two-day fair extends from blocks 3700 to 4300 on Sunset Blvd, as well as blocks 4000 to 4200 on Santa Monica Blvd.

The event has been known to bring in 75,000 to 100,000 visitors daily. There are rides, games, food, arts and crafts, and over 30 bands performing live on six stages!

Don’t miss this issue’s featured band, Milo Greene, or other great bands like Vanaprasta, He’s My Brother She’s My Sister, and The Melvins. For tickets and info visit SunsetJunction.org.

these and For more information on visit other events, be sure to LACANVAS.com 54 LACANVAS.COM

800 E. 3RD ST. • LOS ANGELES, CA 90013

GROUPLOVE VOXHAU L

FREE!

B ROA DC A ST

EASTERN CONFERENCE

CHAMPIONS CHICANO BATMAN LOVE GRENADES BULLET & SNOWFOX HELLO VEGAS RAUL PACHECO

& THE LITTLE BASTARDS

featuring KCRW DJs Raul Campos

Anthony Valadez • Mario Cotto ALSO VISIT ANGEL CITY BREWING 2PM-CLOSE MUSIC: Dance Party Jams by I&I Sound System - reggae, funk, soul, and Latin plus special guests and performances EXHIBITIONS: (on view thru Sun 8/14) • Burning Man Portraits by Owen A. Kelly • Street Brewed: An Exhibition of Contemporary Street Art

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CALENDAR FILM Second Friday’s Film Series @ Mark Moore Gallery

ART PANEL Downtown Legends @ Art Share ART EXHIBIT Street Brewed @ Angel City Brewery

ART EXHIBIT Fly On The Wall @ Bamboo Lane Gallery

Th MUSIC Paper Ships Presents: Beats,Rhymes,and Life-The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest @ Exchange LA, Downtown

ART EXHIBIT Ernest Concepcion’s LA Guerra @ Untitled: Art Projects, LA ART EXHIBIT TOPO/GRAPHY @ Edward Cella Art + Architecture

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ART EXHIBIT Friendly Fire: An Urban Art Show @ Le Spec Gallery

MUSIC Andy Clockwise Monday Night Residency Begins @ the Satellite, Silverlake

F EVENT Prince William and Kate visit Inner-City Arts

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CONCERT Foster the People @ El Rey Theatre

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MARKET Silverlake Farmers’ Market @ 3700 Sunset

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ART EXHIBIT Date Farmers @ ACE Gallery

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EVENT Bastille Day LA @ Elysian Park

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MUSIC Juice Box Wednesdays with Jonni Hipp @ Bronson Bar

MARKET Melrose Trading Post @ Melrose and Fairfax

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W Th POETRY inkSlam ’11 Begins @ the Greenway court theatre

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EVENT Fusion Fridays, Mad Green Tea Party @ Pacific Asia Museum

EVENT Little Tokyo Design Week Begins @ Little Tokyo

CONCERT The Blow @ Troubadour, WeHo

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17 ART EXHIBIT “Return of Bad Wisdom” Featuring David Bray @ Thinkspace Gallery

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FOOD Eat Real Fest @ Helms Bakery, LA

ART LA Downtown Art Walk ART EXHIBIT Gregory Michael Hernandez @ EGHQ

PARTY Full Moon Party @ ACE Hotel, Palm Springs

FILM BLUE HOUR! Summer Movie Series @ Lomography Gallery Store, WeHo CONCERT Streetlight Manifesto & Reel Big Fish @ Club Nokia

ART LECTURE Jim Prigoff @ PMCA

FOOD LA Street Food Fest @ the Rose Bowl FAIR Renegade Craft Fair @ LA State Historic Park, Downtown 58 LACANVAS.COM

ART Inner City Arts’, Summer on 7th @ Downtown LA ART Lomography Tours LA Lomo-Journey @ Lomography Gallery Store, WeHo CONCERT Fitz and the Tantrums @ the Music Box

EVENT 6-Man Vollyball Tournament @ Manhattan Beach

CONCERT Dolly Parton @ the Hollywood Bowl

S EVENT Los Feliz Village Street Fair

SPORT Nike US Open Surfing Begins @ Hunington Beach

COMEDY Eddie Izzard @ The Hollywood Bowl

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M WORKSHOP Stencil Workshop @ Le Spec Gallery

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CONCERT Grouplove + Milo Greene, KCRW DJ: Eric J. Lawrence, “Also I Like to Rock” Music Series @ the Hammer

CONCERT The Henry Clay People + Lady Danville, “Also I Like to Rock” Music Series @ the Hammer

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ART EXHIBIT Eve @ Subliminal Projects, Echo Park

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FESTIVAL Bloomfest LA @ Downtown LA

FESTIVAL 2011 International Surf Festival @ Manhattan Beach

CONCERT Ben Folds @ the Wiltern

SHOW Cirque du Soleil’s IRIS Opens @ the Kodak Theater

ART EXHIBIT Fuck Pretty: A Photo Exhibition @ Robert Berman Gallery, Santa Monica

SPORTS X Games Begins @ LA Live, Downtown

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Festival Long Beach Jazz Festival @ Long Beach

CONCERT The Decembertists @ Greek Theatre FESTIVAL Summer in the City @ Culver City

Art Exhibit Mr. Fish @ Robert Berman Gallery

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CONCERT Sia @ The Wiltern

Art Lecture Steve Grody @ PMCA

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CONCERT Eels @ El Rey Theatre

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ART EVENT Finale week of The Levi’s Film Workshop @ MOCA

CONCERT MGMT @ US Open of Surfing Hunington Beach

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MUSIC Juice Box Wednesdays w/ Jonni Hipp @ Bronson Bar

Art Exhibit Arkiv Solo Show @ Toy Art Gallery

Concert Katy Perry @ Nokia Theater, Downtown

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CONCERT Deerhunter @ The Wiltern

COMEDY Comedy Bang Bang @ Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre

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ART Los Angeles Downtown Artwalk

Art Exhibit 08-11_Print-Ad.pdf 1 6/10/11 2:13 PM Viva Los Angeles @ Le Spec Gallery

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CONCERT Amos Lee @ the Orpheum Theatre CONCERT The Glitch Mob @ Club Nokia, Downtown MUSIC Camerata Sundays @ Hemingways

Art Exhibit Ai Weiwei: Circle of Animals/ Zodiac Heads @ LACMA FESTIVAL Fusion Fridays: Island Style Grand Finale @ Pacific Asia Museum

CONCERT Phranc & Exene @ Grand Performances, Downtown

CONCERT Death Cab for Cutie @ the Greek Theater MARKET Rose Bowl Flea Market @ the Rose Bowl

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Art Exhibit Alec Monopoly @ LAB ART

Open House SAE @ Hollywood

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CONCERT Avaland; Markus Schulz / Kristina Sky @ Avalon, Hollywood

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FESTIVAL Sunset Strip Music Festival @ West Hollywood

21 MUSIC Roy Orbison: The Soul of Rock & Roll Continues @ Grammy Museum, Downtown

MARKET Melrose Trading Post @ Melrose and Fairfax

22 PARTY Tiki Oasis ‘11@ San Diego

Art Exhibit Hal Glicksman @ Pomona College Museum of Art

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S FOOD Wine 101 @ San Antonio Winery

PHOTO BY DANIEL HUSE

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CONCERT Sade w/ special guest John Legend @ Staples Center

FESTIVAL Sunset Junction Street Fair Begins @ Silverlake

Submit your events to WWW.LACANVAS.COM LACANVAS.COM 61

PA R T I C I PAT E SEE • SHOW • SHARE • SHOP • SELL

FREE ONLINE ARTISTS GALLERIES HUNDREDS OF ARTISTS • THOUSANDS OF ORIGINALS & PRINTS

FUSION FRIDAYS at Pacific Asia Museum Mad Green Tea Party Island Style Finale

Friday, July 15, 7:30-10:30 Friday, August 19, 7:30-10:30

$15 General Admission, Free to Museum Members

46 North Los Robles Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101 626.449.2742 www.pacificasiamuseum.org

  —  

a fifth anniversary showcase a fifth anniversary showcase

w w w.c r 8 s p a c e .c o m

PROFESSIONAL

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C

atching up with street art crew CYRCLE pronounced [ surkuhl ] is almost exactly like profiling a rock band. Three young guys crashing in a crappy apartment on the fringes of Hollywood, every square inch crammed with instruments, obsessively working at their collective ambitions and artistic visions -- but without the MTV-style drama of that life. They seem to communicate telepathically, in only the way a close-knit crew can; they don’t even have to look at each other to finish each other’s sentences. They work in a pattern rotation, sliding from floor to chair to wall; paint to sander to glue; one starting a line

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that another finishes; directing each other’s movements and sometimes leaving each other alone.

It’s the visual equivalent of a jam session. And there’s no paste-up vs stickers vs tagger rivalry inside the studio -- their way of working and their impactful visual style both reflect a deliberate fusion of all manner of street art strategies, plus some art history and pop art.

One of the boys is a self-described “animation school drop-out,” and he and another have been friends since “about middle school.”

Eventually, along came the third lad, who first took up graffiti to impress a girl. “We broke up, but my

love for letters stayed.” And when two became three, the whole thing clicked. Saying, “We lead together, organically,” they describe the band-on-the-run spirit also inspiring the crew’s name, bringing it all full circle, pun intended. “We don’t like squares. Inside the circle, outside the box!” That would make a great name for a debut EP -- but what they mean is that they are happy to pool their rival strengths, Lennon & McCartney style, except there are three of them.

As for a recent surfeit of murals and sold-out gallery shows, they gladly welcome the paying jobs, and, ironically putting an end to the indie rock band analogy, the

success is both bringing them closer together and making their work better. “Normally you’re trying to do beautiful work under time constraints and paranoia -- you’re freaking out the whole time. How long will it take?

How long will it last?” Like when they hit a stretch of Melrose in a collaboration with skater Mu$ka, or hit the Wilshire-facing metal fence in front of LACMA with a pre-cut mural pasted to the posts for April Fool’s Day. With the jobs, they can stop worrying about cops and just do the art the way they want. “To do this for a living just makes it that much sweeter.”

Story by Shana Nys Dambrot.

PHOTO by luke lovell

LAST LOOK

May 29-OCTOBER 31

Tim Burton Los Angeles County Museum of ART

^

Tim Burton, Untitled (Vincent), 1982, private collection, Š Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Reserve Your Tickets In Advance!

Ensure prime viewing days and times by ordering your tickets today at lacma.org.

LACANVAS.COM 67

5905 Wilshire blvd (at fairfax ave)

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