In This Issue...
Art! Art! The Magazine | Issue 0 | November 2012
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-Outbreak Crew SPOTLIGHT
- Joshua Charles Hart - Hugo Romo - Plaza de la Raza
-The Da
www.artthemagazine.com
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EATS -Ha’s Corner
MUSIC -The Plugz READS - Hosoi THE ART BOX
-Violeta Moreno - Alfie Ebojo - Gladis Alejandre
info@artthemagazine.com
Letter from the Editor
Art! The Magazine is a publication that highlights all aspects of art and embraces the artistic qualities of all cultures and communities. The objective of the magazine is to unite the art community and its spectrum of expressive modes into a collaborative periodical that showcases the many talents and artistic ideas of the masses. In Addition, the periodical admires the work of nonprofit organizations and therefore provides a platform, and bridge between the two, for the purpose of promoting and making visible causes that affect our communities. On a more personnel note I would love to thank all who have been a part of this project from day one. This could not be possible without the help of this amazing team. I hope you enjoy the preview. Much Love and Appreciation– Mario Alejandro Trillo Editor in Chief
Our Team Editor in chief: Alex trillo | Creative/design Director: Susan Seim | Art Director: John Zender | Managing Editor: Maria Soto Arzola Head Graphic Designer: Pablo Damas | Music Editor: Rick Manny Quintana | International Features Editor: Billy Chainsaw Account Manager: Amber Trillo | Staff Photographers: Mike Arzola, SUsan Seim, John Zender, Mario Trillo, and KidJared Contributing Writers: Alex Trillo, Maria Soto Arzola, Amber Trillo, , Alicia Anahuac Lopez, Angel Guerrero, Rick Manny QUintana, Billy ChainSaw, and SUsan Seim Video Crew: Alex Shaw, David Masannat, and Rick Manny Quintana Special thanks to Maria Aguilar, Mario and Angel Guerrero, Naiche, Risa and Otono Lujan, “Big” Gabriel Calderon and the whole Krazy Vato’s Family. *Front Cover Art by Mario Trillo
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Outbreak Crew INFECTIOUS! — THE CREATIVE EPIDEMIC THAT IS GERMIZM | SICKdotONE
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By BILLY CHAINSAW
he minute you clap eyes on the ultra-vibrant visions of GERMIZM and SICKdotONE – aka the OUTBREAK CREW – you know these guys were put on this Earth to create. Contrasting yet complementary in style, they’re like yin and yang. So while GERMIZM’s art screams mixed-media pop to the max, SICKdotONE’s rides a more traditional, figurative-expressionist route. Usually, the dynamic duo are tightlipped about themselves and their compulsions; content to let their work do the talking. Little wonder then, we’re stoked that they agreed to un-zip their thoughts and ’fess up for us. DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED DRAWING/PAINTING AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU? SICKdotONE: I have always liked art. I can remember my first paintings with tempura paint on newsprint in kindergarten. The timeless landscape of my mom, brother and me standing outside of my square and a triangle house: me flying a kite, and the sun shining down on us neatly tucked away in the corner. GERMIZM: I’ve been drawing since I was a kid. Films like Beat Street and Wild Style are what inspired me to become a graffiti writer as a teenager. Later as an adult is when I started focusing more on mixed media fine art. WHAT KIND OF THINGS DID YOU DRAW/PAINT BACK THEN? SICKdotONE: I got really serious and knew that this was forever when my mom got a second job and my brother started working with her when he was 15. As it was just us three, when they would work together I’d had have to go along with them. I was only nine-yearsold, but I would sit in the back of the video store [where they worked] and try copying the covers of all the Disney VHS movies. I think that was great practice, it taught me how to really look at my subject. GERMIZM: As a kid, I started drawing things like Snoopy or Peanuts from the comics in the Sunday paper. 2 | Art! The Magazine
HOW HAS YOUR STYLE DEVELOPED? SICKdotONE: I find myself almost having to paint in different styles. But the one I love doing the most is a mix of surrealism, graffiti, expressionism and figurative work. I like mixing things up. I think my style has developed from all the different influences and visual stimuli there is in the world. GERMIZM: I would say that my style keeps on developing. As a graffiti writer in high school, I went from busting little tags, to painting full buildings top to bottom. With my art career as an adult, I started out printing limited edition screen prints on paper, to now painting full color mixed media originals on canvas. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST DRIVING FORCE WITH REGARD TO YOUR ART? SICKdotONE: Knowing that I have to do it. Is there a goal? Not really. I’m realistic, and know that there are millions of artists and I’m no greater than any of them. So do I plan on becoming rich and famous because of my art? No. I guess I just want to have fun with it, meet some great people along the way, and make people think something when they stand in front of my work. I also want to leave a cool story for my son and his family once I’m gone. GERMIZM: My art to me is addicting. I love what I do, and I love to see it come together – come to life. The more I paint and focus on my art, the more I want to keep going. I love seeing the library of Germizm originals, and the collection that I am building. It’s hard for me to let go of a painting after it is purchased. I get so attached to them, because I put so much of myself into them. HOW AND WHEN DID YOU FIRST MEET EACH OTHER AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN FORCES AS THE OUTBREAK CREW? GERMIZM: We met at an event in Down Town Los Angeles, while displaying our stuff in a one-night group exhibit put together by a mutual friend. After a few years of doing group shows together and riding the tails of other crews, we finally
thought we should focus more on our own creative collaboration – and put on our own shows. WHAT WAS IT ABOUT EACH OTHER’S ART THAT SAID YOU’D MAKE A KILLER TEAM? SICKdotONE: I think it’s the differences but similarities in our art, and our drive and ethic that make it work. Both of us are also graphic designers for clothing companies and do a lot of freelance work. It’s almost like we live the same lives – just a little different. That and the fact that neither one of us has an ego makes it run smoothly. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR ART SAYS TO PEOPLE WHO SEE IT? SICKdotONE: I just hope it says something. They can love it or hate it, either is fine as long as they feel something and it stimulates them in some way. I create to stimulate. GERMIZM: I love seeing the reaction that my art has on people when they first see it. Since I do mostly women’s portraits, a lot
of people think that the portraits look like them in some way, or that they know someone that the portrait looks like. Love it or hate it, at the end of the day I am just happy to share my art with the world. YOU’VE BOTH DESCRIBED THE OUTBREAK CREW AS A “CREATIVE EPIDEMIC”. IT’S A COOL NOTION, BUT CAN I PUT IT TO YOU THAT YOUR WORK IS ALSO AN ANTIDOTE – FOR AND AGAINST WHEN LIFE AIN’T SO GREAT? SICKdotONE: I said earlier that I have to paint. Well once you get to know me, you’ll see that I am pretty much always in a good mood, I never let myself get too down. [But] while I’ll never kick the old lady walking in the middle of the street, you’ll also never see me skipping down [that same] street singing out loud. Painting is what keeps me in this calm, neutral state. It is my antidote, and luckily I can take it daily. — Pieces by Germizm Right: Alice Opposite Right: Massive Pieces by SICKdotONE Letf: The Day It Landed Opposite Left: Pearls
| UPCOMING EVENTS |
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| SPOTLIGHT |
Joshua Charles Hart
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EUNOIA MUSIC at The Cave Gallery
oshua Charles Hart is an artist with a thumbprint of a style that pulls the strings of the heart. Currently showing at The Cave Gallery in Venice, CA from October 20th – November 12th, his Eunoia Music series shines more of the artist’s romantically aching heart. Always bright and colorful, the joyous vibrancy of the pieces is often contradicted with solemn faces and thoughtfully deep words. His Eunoia Music series does not disappoint– each piece with a character telling a part of the story combined with the poetic words, which seem to provide a silent song. — SS www.joshuacharelshart.com
ONLY LOVE IS FOREVER at Echoes Under Sunset
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Hugo Romo
chicano artitst from Los Angeles, Hugo Romo’s realistic touch embodies the beauty from everyday people to starlits. His very own solo show, titled Only Love is Forever at Echoes Under Sunset, exhibited pieces both from his Dia de los Muertos series and from his Portrait series. The images of the Dia de los Muertos series expresses the beauty behind chicano art. Further, the portrait series were of subjects ranging from Frida Kahlo to Charlie Chaplin. Lined along the brick wall were images both in black and white and color- faces with stories to tell that kept the onlooker ready to hear. — SS
www.hugoromo.com
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Dia de los Muertos Event
laza De La Raza was at it again, this time hosting the 20th annual Dia De Los Muertos event. So many talented artists were present. One of the biggest highlights was having David Flores, winner of red Bull Latagrafica art contest. His design is now featured on 2 million Red Bull cans. In attendance were such artist as David Flurry, Vyal, John Garcia, Antonio Pelayo and Pinche Michi. Even a surprise guest Cheech Marin made his rounds. One thing is for sure– start planing to attend the 21st annual event. — AT
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ThE dA
The Past and the Future Breathing Through Art
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By Angel Guerrero
all has finally arrived, and the yearly celebrations of “Dia de los Muertos” are about to begin. 2012, a much anticipated time in the Mexican cultural experience is influenced by prophecy and propelled by the talented artists invited to gather and express themselves anew and allowing a moment to reflect. On a unexpectedly warm evening in October the Pomona Art Gallery, known simply as “The dA” opened it’s doors to a wonderful array of men and women who make it their business to evoke emotion as they lead us once again down a familiar road in order to embrace our roots. The first show of the season, was the 10th Annual AZTLAN CHICANO ART EXHIBIT curated by Frank Garcia, and on this day the gallery brought together some of our finest local talent. The walls and windows were bombarded by color and passion, the present and the future were showcased as each artist allowed us a small peek into their dreams and possibly their souls. Such honesty is sometimes painful but when done correctly it feeds and also inspires the art lover. Among the impressive list of artists were Sergio Hernandez, David Bottello, Margaret Garcia, Rick Ortega, Jose Lazano, Ruben Pizzaro, Cathy Garcia, Dee Marcellis Cole, Juan Thorp, Gregg Stone, Wayne Healy and Oscar Castillo- over fifty artists’ works are being shown and will be available for viewing until Nov. 30th.The Copali-Copili Aztec Dancers started the afternoon as the early crowd was lured into the gallery by the mournful sounds of an ancestral sea snail conch. Solemn prayers gave way to steady drumming, the crowd moved in close to observe the graceful movements performed
by the young and sleek bodies. The costumes and face paint completed their transformation, as we followed along, they turned before our eyes, into powerful sacred dancers from the past. The gallery also featured “Dia De Los Muertos: Alters and Shrines,” which once again gave the community a place to celebrate personal loss. Each offering shown was dedicated to family members or friends. Even the art on the walls became shrines of a sort and screamed out at the art lovers that filled the gallery and begged them to join in the festivities. A “car alter”by Mario Trillo, that was dedicated to long time friend and fellow artist “Magu,” was parked in front of The dA gallery, welcoming all as he brought the event into perspective. The loss of a mentor, friend and local artist that loved his life at making art, was honored over and over again that evening. Gilbert “Magu”Lujan, has continued to be remembered by his newest community and by his oldest friends. Our memories of loved ones do not just occupy our minds, the need to share our love, respect and loyalty with our community is paramount, “their” memories fill our hearts and souls. Our dead are the past, we are the present, the ability to reach back and bring them forward to join us is tribal, it is natural. It helps to solidify those relationships that seem to fade as we go on with our daily lives, so this is a small effort at honoring those who meant the most to us. Our own existence relies on tradition, each generation will play at this tradition, changing, refining and as any evolving culture, modifying it. In this moment in time “Dia de los Muertos” 2012 has brought together Mexico’s orphaned children whom honor their dead in a very un-American way and allow us to share our Chicano views with all those opened minded enough to join us in our journey. — Art! The Magazine | 5
| EATS |
Ha’s Corner F
Creative Flavors in an Artistic Neaighborhood
or the past 10 years Jason Ha has seen this side of Downtown L.A. come up from the Al Bar days to Crazy Gideon’s patrones lining up during sales. Jason had a vision and has definitely seen this creative neighborhood come up from once being a homeless hang out to the hiptser over priced lofts it has now become. Jason came to the U.S. when he was 18, earned a degree, and in 2002, was given the “mover and shaker” title from his peers in Downtown. He started out with a small sushi spot on the corner of 3rd and Traction and within 10 years has expanded to not only Zip Fusion but has also opened up an art gallery called DISTRICT for local artist to display and show there creativity. Next door he has opened up DISTRICT B.B.Q. & Lounge where various artist are able to display art work and express with photography once a month. It is curated by student and photographer Michael Angelo, who gives an outlook for other student photographers to be able to show and display visions through their lenses. Last but not least, we walk over to Nola’s (a taste of New Orlean’s) a restaurant with live jazz and also, Nola’s after Dark, where well known DJ’s from all over L.A. have blessed this place on certain nights. Jason Ha had a vision to bring
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not only artists together but make it a home for locals and an outlet for artist to come and express a creative nitch of who and what it is to be an Angelino. Jason had a vision and opened his doors to the community and will continue to welcome artist from all over to be part of his dream. Ha’s Corner, located on 3rd & Traction in downtown Los Angeles, is definitely a corner you want to be seen standing on. For more on this story look out for the first issue of ART! THE MAGAZINE coming out soon. Don’t forget, follow your dreams and speak through your — Maria Soto Arzola art, your vision, your voice. Photography by Joanne DeCaro
| MUSIC |
THE PLUGz
LA”S PUNK ROCK HIDDEN TREASURE
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ften written off as just another Chicano rock band, The Plugz were not only one of the first Los Angeles punk rock bands to influence the scene, but truly a hidden treasure in music history. One does not have to dig deep into the bands history to realize that their impact in the LA’s punk scene was vital. They were one of the first bands to instill the D.I.Y. punk rock ethos. Further, they released their first album, 1979’s “Electrify Me,” on there own record label (Plugz Records). Sonically the band was rich in talent and skill that set them apart not just from their punk rock peers, but from leading musicians in other genres. Further, as history shows, the group as a whole and individually have gone on to play with Rock ‘N’ Roll elites, such as Bob Dylan. The Plugz hold the torch for what represents the art of punk rock but are still too good to be pigeon held by any genres. Go ask Zimmerman (aka Bob Dylan) if you have any doubts! — Rick Manny Quintana
| READS |
Hosoi H
The Voice of a Skating Legend
osoi, a biography based on skating legend Christian Hosoi, voices out the details of his journey as a skater, junkie, inmate, and pastor. Christian, otherwise known as “Christ,” was not a practicing Christian when he was first given the nickname. The name was given based on a trick that launched him into stardom – The Christ Air. In most skaters’ arsenal, it is an aerial trick where the skater, while flying in the air, holds the board with one hand while extending the other arm out forming a “Christ-like” pose. Hosoi would rise to the top only to fall. The book details his life, touching on the competition between him and Tony Hawk at the X-Games and Christian’s unfortunate no show due to fear of being arrested for an outstanding warrant. Further it plunges into
his struggles of being arrested in Hawaii while attempting to smuggle narcotics on a flight back home. Rounding out his life, the book voices out about his experience in prison and his amazing transformation after getting his hands on a bible, influencing his newfound practice in Christianity. His story is an amazing testament as to one who can rise and fall and then arise above it all. — Alex Trillo Art! The Magazine | 7
A peek into Art! The Magazine’s artist community Violeta Moreno V
ioleta Moreno, an artist who is noted for her bold use of harmonic color, exhibited her first west-coast solo show, “Hearing Color” with a theme that synchronized art and music in 2008. Moreno’s most recent work, impressionistic self-portraits, flowers, and figurative subjects, center on vivid hues and vibrant strokes. Currently, she is orchestrating themes involved with music, light and color. Artist’s Statement: I see the paint as having a life of its own. A point in the process I cease to think and try to paint, losing myself in the effortless action of painting. Painting is a way of quieting my thoughts and opening my heart to let the voice within speak.
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lfie Ebojo is your typical Jill-of-all-Trades: designer/ illustrator/visual artist, writer, producer, performer (theater and live painting), lecturer, and an organizer/ activist. She believes that art can be a catalyst for social change and balances her personal art career with art advocacy and education. Alfie’s style is best described as contemporary urban. Many of her influences come from the Los Angeles culture buzzing around her- the music in her iPod, the Pilipino Family dynamics and history, graphic design, city life, the diverse multi-cultural population, 60’s-70’s cartoons, mythology, and Frida Kahlo. Alfie’s current series focuses on Pilipino mythology and how much it influences the blurry lines between reality, spirituality and the supernatural.
Alfie Ebojo
Gladis Alejandre A
To view more of images of Gladis Alejandre’s art visit: www.gladisalejandre.webs.com | www.gladisalejandre.blogspot.com/ | www.facebook.com/gladis.alejandre
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Catrina en Rosa , 2012,Gladis Alejandre © www.gladisalejandre.webs.com
painter and photographer, Gladis was born in Los Angeles and raised in Azusa, California. It was in high school when she first started to exhibit and sell her work. Gladis studied Art in the Ryman Program at USC and moved to Santa Barbarba in 2004, receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts from UC Santa Barbara. In May of 2010, Gladis received her Masters in Educational Counseling with embedded School Counseling Credential at Azusa Pacific University. Currently she is living in Covina, California close to her hometown, and works as a Freelance Artist and Educator. Her main objective as a Chicana artist is to promote and cultivate in the community the importance of higher education, art, and the importance of keeping traditions alive. GLADIS ALEJANDRE