“Prodigal Son (Page of Wands)”

Throughout the body of my work the image of the boy or youth has been a consistent feature nested within the metamorphoses and dynamic manifestations of psychedelic visual environments. The result is that the coming-of-age youth is a fundamental thread to the cosmology at large which my work describes.

The reasons for this are multifaceted; the symbolism of the male who is self aware cognitively, emotionally, and sexually but in between pre-pubescence and adulthood, represents an interstice that is in itself accessible to both polarities, and which is, by nature, still formless yet perceptive. Such a condition corresponds inherently to a prime conditionality of psychedelia and enlightenment; a being not concretized or conditioned, but still discovering, uncovering, reveling.

He is still plastic respective to identities of gender, still androgynous, still capable of a type of non-ordinary dreaming. He is charged with inherent vitality.

Taken further, such qualities represent the very hope for the innovation of society at large to turn over the paradigms of the old. This is perhaps why in older symbolic systems, such the Tarot card entitled “The Fool”, the boy often represents that which contradicts the orthodox paradigms because of the apparent chaos of his nature. Seeded within his shenanigans lies an intention which gives birth to literal new worlds, should the real dangers of karma be overcome.

The psychedelic boy also symbolizes the inherent child in us, the incomprehensible being that is both old in soul and young, wise and given to zen folly, passionate and cool. He is unaccountable to the laws of the land because they are incapable of accounting for him. His process is an adventure of the heart and mind which, in its prime capacity, transcends all the structures and organized perceptions of the social psyche, and even of his own form.

He is ignorant locally, but wise cosmically. For this reason, too, he is by nature a forbidden fruit, an ambrosiatic Adonai adonis. His seduction is twofold; in the fetish of him lay devils and exquisite dangers, and in the communion with him lay divine Tantric oneness. To merge with the psychedelic boy one will necessarily lose all comfort zones and must rely instead upon the sensitivities of the heart and the expansion of the mind from objects to atmospherics.

In the process of shucking off the tenets of his entrenched world, the psychedelic boy, upon resolving himself, also resolves the petulant attachments of his society. He gives birth, expressing a great female principle, byway of his ingestion and recapitulation of the universe; his transformation of poisons into illumination. He possesses Christ nature and divine sacrificial capacity.

In my work the psychedelic boy is both seeker and source, reveling and teaching simultaneously. He is the Bodhisattva; a womb for Buddha nature, an egregore for the local manifestation of God, the compassionate avatar star child born to the terrarium of ordinary humanity. He is courier of a kernal of creative originality– through the tribulations of his local form through samsara he finds the way. In his example, we see tangible possibility.

"Flauta de Paxiuba" by Fernando Chamarelli, 60 x 90cm, Acrylic on Canvas, 2009

Learn more about this painting and take a look at some of Fernando’s other art pieces after the jump.

“Flauta de Paxiúba” is based on a legend. Fernando, who resides in Brazil, translated the story for us saying, “The legend is about a boy Indian named Milomaqui, who lived in the tribe Kamaiurá. He sang so beautifully that all in the village stopped working to listen to his songs. When the cacique knew what was happening, he was furious. He ordered the arrest of the little Indian and forbade him from singing. If he disobeyed, the cacique would order, “Take out his shadow”.

Later Milomaqui was released, and soon after his release the young Indian escaped to the forest. He found a beautiful girl there and sang to her, and without explaining anything to the Indian girl he slept. Milomaqui was eventually captured by the cacique who served the promise to take out his shadow and buried it in a place with soft earth where there rose a slender tree, the paxiúba. With this tree the Indians make the flutes that only may sound to men: they say that the songs of Milomaqui survives within them.”

The artist at work, Fernando Chamarelli

“Born and raised in Brazil, artist Fernando Chamarelli has a degree in graphic design and illustration.
His early artistic interests started with drawing cartoons, caricatures, and realistic portraits. Later, his interests expanded to street art and tattoo. By merging these different backgrounds, he developed his signature style.

Fernando still resides in Brazil, a multicultural country of contrasts. This dynamic and colorful environment inspires his work. Fernando’s paintings present mosaic, geometric elements, organic forms, and harmonic lines. His visual imagery connects symbols, legends, philosophies, religions, and customs of ancient and modern civilizations.

Sensed within Fernando’s diverse visual language is the strong influence of Brazilian popular culture and pre-Columbian indigenous art. Fernando has worked and exhibited in Latin America, the United States,Canada and Europe.”

Fernando Chamarelli’s work has earned him many fans and supporters including Absolut Vodka and Microsoft, each of which has used Chamarelli’s art to decorate special art editions of their products.

"Dono do Caatinga", 60 x 90cm, Acrylic on Canvas, 2008

"Beija-flor Canhoto (Huitzilopochtli)" by Fernando Chamarelli, 60x90cm, Acrylic and Oil on Canvas, 2008

"Máscara" by Fernando Chamarelli, 60x90cm, Acrylic on Canvas, 2007

"Peixe Morre Pela Boca" by Fernando Chamarelli, 50x100xm, Acrylic and Oil on Canvas, 2007

More of Fernando’s work can be found on his Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lfchamarelli/

“Many of the best pieces and ideas are born out of tragedy. A botched work could turn out to be a work of genius.”

Nathan Cartwright, Owner of the Hive Gallery

Ohio native turned Los Angeles artist, curator and owner of the Hive Gallery, Nathan Cartwright is a man of many top hats. With parents encouraging a “let me be me” attitude. this monster-obsessed lad attended a liberal arts college and studied everything from per-veterinary science to art and graphic design, hoping to become an art therapist. Cartwright’s Hive provides a workspace studio, performance/music outlet, and activities center to the many artists he houses, while his art delves into the hidden mental and artistic authenticity of humankind.

Full interview after the jump!

Art Voices Magazine Interviews Nathan Cartwright

Michael C. Hsiung: Describe your works, themes and influences.

Nathan Cartwright: I created multidimensional and interactive paintings designed for all, using sculpture, lights, sounds, and paints. My visually applied melees consist of classic images, interactive-sculptural rooms, cartoony monsters, and epic battles. My unchecked palette and imagery allows viewers to let their guard down and approach from a place of innocence.
My work is a personal mythology about the importance of living an authentic life, keeping and open mind, and having fun as a creator. I have been incorporating “happy face” characters into my mythology. These characters known as “The Man”, are symbolically mankind in a sleep state. Like an emoticon, they are devoid of core truth. They represent mankind existing in an unawakened, inauthentic state; and my works tell their stories and experiences- from being eaten by large deities, warring against beasts, to wreaking havoc upon the earth. Occasionally characters experience a “waking up” to their true selves: taking off their masks, or their pre-conceived and media-created ideas of themselves. To express the temporary state of all things, I depict eastern and western deities destroying “The Man” whose sole purpose is to gain money, power, and then die. Different levels of “The Man” are symbolized by different states of awareness: A happy face with business outfit equals sleep; farmer’s outfit equals slowly waking up; cowboy equals waking up and becoming a hero; and a maskless character equals being awakened and engaged in the creative life.

MH: Art school, good or bad?

NC: I had a great teacher, Crossan Curry, at Miami University. I came in very tight and illustrative, but he encouraged me to get dirty with my mediums- chalk, charcoal, and gesso. my work got ugly and unformed – a great thing. I went through a de-programming at school. The doors opened and reforming my anatomical and illustrative style with a “sky’s the limit” vantage point.

MH: Advice for aspiring artists?

NC: Stay open with their ideas of who they are and where they are going with their work. Many of the best pieces and ideas are born out of tragedy. A botched work could turn out to be a work of genius. As for the business side, I’m a realist. Work an easy and slightly creative job that doesn’t drain your drive to come home and create. It will ground you and teach you valuable lessons.

MH: How did the Hive start?

NC: Bert Green, founder of the art walk told me of a space on Gallery Row. In early 2000, I had been curating large group shows and performances at Hangar 1018, and realized the potential for this opportunity. Many of the artists I exhibited with were “taking off” – Luke Chueh, Joe Ledbetter, and Nathan Spoor- so I wanted to continue curating shows, hence the gallery. However, it was too large for just shows. Because I was a studio artist at the Hangar in a similiar setting, I knew having studios was the way to go. The gallery was going to be active and exciting so I needed a name to mirror that: The Hive refelected the idea of having busy artists running around, making things, like lil’ bees.
One of the first and longest standing galleries on the art walk, the Hive has two main spaces: the first being primarily a large exhibition space for featured artists, the second a performance/music room with a group exhibition space. As you move deeper into the Hive, you hit the real honey. Artist exhibition space and working studios comprise over half the gallery. Resident artists not only have 24/7 access, but can also participate in monthly Hive field trips and activities. For exhibition/resident artists i don’t charge commissions on sold works as long as they are at shows.
Artists are encouraged to partake in Hive-centric activities and only have to donate if they participate. Some activities include: Tuesday figure drawing, Hive movie night, wine-tasting, Downtown Art Walk (free), public events, fashion shows, and more.

MH: Last show?

NC: We had a major line-up of sculptors, Stephen Chiodo (“Killer Clowns from Outer Space,” “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” and “Critters”); Heather Henson (Jim Henson’s daughter); Chet Zar; Simon Lee; Sam Koji Hale (“Yamasong”); John Hadley lll; Jason Hadley; myself and more. The opening was unbelieveable- a huge turnout and a great buying crowd.

MH: Can artists submit works?

NC: Currently, I’m looking for artists who are making smaller, illustrative works. I’d like to see an artist put time into their trade, so if you can’t draw the human figure or haven’t developed a distinct style then i feel there are plenty of opportunities to show at other galleries. This seems harsh, but I am specific about what I’m showing and have learned tons about trying to run a business,l make sales, and harmonize what works best for my space. I’m open about talking about work and pointing artists in other directions, if their work doesn’t fit.

MH: What’s coming up?

NC: I’m pretty excited that we’re opening three new studios in January 2012. A partner and I are putting more time into “Hive Live” in the coming year. We have been bringing artists and helping fund installations for large music events like “Epicenter” and “Rock on the Range”. Finally, in late 2012, the Hive will be traveling around: I’m working with a curator to bring the Hive to Tokyo in 2012 and 2013.
 
www.artwrightstudio.com (Art of Nathan Cartwright)
www.hivegallery.com
www.artvoicesmagazine.com

Here are some other pieces shown in the video that were on display at the Hive Gallery during the month of October:

"Dark Hybrid" by McEvoy and Rodriguez, 18" x 24" Acrylic on Wood Panel

"The Trooper" by McEvoy and Rodriguez, 18"x24" Acrylic on Wood Panel

"LA Skyline" by Alex Schaefer, 24" x 30", Oil on Canvas, Plein Air

"Spirit Rabbit" by Sayuka Bloodstone, 23" x 26"

"Hunger" by Mimi Yoon, 20"x20"

Brom and collector with his painting, "The Grim"

Last April, we were pleased to add an original Brom art piece to our collection of fine art and paintings. We acquired the 10″x16″ acrylic on board from a collector out of Tennessee. Coincidentally, I discovered the above picture posted on Brom’s facebook fan page a few days ago. It shows the artist, Brom, in the stripped shirt on the right, and a guy who we can probably assume is the collector from Tennessee holding “The Grim”.

Brom looking like a dark evangelist.

"The Empress" Tarot Painting by Cody Seekins. 11"x14" Oil on Canvas

 
Small 11″ x 14″ painting for the Hive Gallery’s Tarot show January 7th, 2012 in Los Angeles. This is an Empress interpretation. The script on the right side reads “Devoted Mother”.  It is harder to see in the photograph but the head dress, lips, eyes and furr around the neck are glazed with high sparkling glitter alternating between reds and green in color.

More about the show itself:

Hive Tarot 3 show- 22 Featured Artists from 2011 create custom tarot cards to printed and sold exclusively at The Hive Gallery and Studios
January 7th, 2012
8-12:30AM
$8 door
Show Runs: January 7th – 28th

"The Chariot" by Erik Siador

• Featured Artist 1: Renee Lawter and Jeff Lawter
• Featured Artist 2: Greg Noppe
• Tall Wall Artist: TV5D
• Small Wall Artist: Brian Kessinger
• Installation Artist: Brendan Waegner

1. Eric Hamm-magician
2. Salah- high priestess
3. Cody Seekins- empress
4. J.Slattum- emperor
5. Yoko D’holbachie- the heirophant (pope)
6. Shannon O’connor- the lovers
7. Erik Siador – the chariot

"The Emperor" Tarot Painting by J. Slattum

"The Heirophant" Tarot Painting by Yoko D'holbachie

8. Ver Mar – Strength
9. Sherry Delorme – the Hermit
10. Stephen Umana – Wheel of Fortune
11. Macsorro – Justice
12. Ken Dougherty – the Hanged Man
13. Tanya Maiboroda – Death
14. Mimi Yoon- Temperance
15. Sze Jones – the Devil
16. Rudy Fig – Tower
17. Deanna Addona - the Star
18. Craig Cartwright – the Moon
19. Maxx Mose s- the Sun
20. Alex Chiu – Judgement
21. Joan Charles – the World
22. William Zdan – the Fool
23. Greg Noppe – The Hanged Man

"The Hanged Man" Tarot Painting by Greg Noppe. 5"x9"

"The Star" Tarot Card Painting by Deanna Adona. 11"x14"

Larkin- Ace of Swords
Steven Sandoval- Princess of Cups
Hector Hernandez- Ace of Cups
Mat Savage- 8 of Swords
Paul Thomas- Knight of Swords
Don Farrell- Wheel of Fortune
Charles Swenson- 2 of Pentacles
Daisuke Okamoto- Queen of Swords
Don Farrell- Wheel of Fortune
Dabbs Anderson- 2 of Swords
Peter Adamyan- The Magician
Kitty Brown- Queen of Wands
Laura Cosner- 10 of Swords
Lydia Burris- 5 of Pentacles
Megan Elizabeth Ford- Queen of Cup
Chris Hernandez- King of Wands
Adam Maloney- 3 of Swords
Masha Vereshchenko- 7 of Wands
Stephen Holman- 2 of Cups
Catherine Kaleel and Alex Schaefer- Knight of Pentacles
Matt Hendon- Knight of Cups
Matt Hendon- Knight of Cups
Cissy LaLa- Queen of Pentacles
Yvette Endrijautzki- Page of Cups
Jinx- 9 of Wands

Lately much of my time during the semester has been focused on Grad courses.  This image is one of the portrait studies worked on for a class.

Me, Chet, and Aaron, with "Chronic Anxiety" oil painting

I received a private invitation from Chet Zar for me and my partner Aaron Bolton to meet with him while we were in town for our own showings at the Hive Gallery.  Chet gave us a tour of works in progress leading up to a large October 2011 exhibition, “The Left Hand Path” featured at the CoproGallery.  We also had the opportunity to view other works like “Chronic Anxiety” pictured above. Take a look at some of the paintings we saw from “The Left Hand Path” after the jump!

"Father and Son" by Chet Zar, 30" x 24" Oil on Canvas, 2011

"Mourner II" by Chet Zar, 30" x 24" Oil on Canvas, 2011

"Siamese Witches" by Chet Zar, 30" x 24" Oil on Canvas, 2011

"Spirit Guide" by Chet Zar, 14" x 11" Oil on Canvas, 2011

Aaron Bolton, Nathan Cartwright (gallery owner), and Cody Seekins at the Hive Gallery, LA

Earlier this month, Cody went to Los Angeles to attend the opening of the Hive Gallery’s October show where Cody was a featured artist. As usual, it was a packed event with the special addition of many attendees arriving in costume to compliment the gallery’s Halloween-themed group show. View some photos from the trip after the jump!

Cody hanging work

Cody with artist "3RDi"

Cody with the infamous Alex Schaefer

Aaron Bolton with "The Scapegoat"

Cody arriving at Thinkspace

Cody reviewing the art of Lindsey Carr at Thinkspace

Having coffee at El Segundo beach

Jātaka Tales of the Budgie-Sattva, Pt 2.

The Budgie-Sattva experiences a consciousness set against an environment interwoven with extra-terrestrial influence and psychedelic morphologies. The mystery of psychotropic formations penetrate his hardened ideologies, breaking apart the crystallized frames of past mystical experience in a moment serving as prelude to radical re-awakening. The boy is vastly older than his form, subliminally aware of his cosmic origins, hesitating and waiting for imminent transformation; the chrysalis suspended in a-temporal moments before the veil falls irrevocably away. His condition is neutral both from lingering sleep and ingrained meditation built into him from previous lives as a wandering ascetic.