Jeff Soto Storm Clouds on Urban Vinyl

Jeff Soto, Riverside’s favorite son, and inspirational artist has been busy creating limited edition silk screen prints in support of Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Black Keys and more. This week Jeff Soto and his book, “Storm Clouds” is featured on Urban Vinyl Daily written up by Travis. This Ohio based company loves to review great products and I am proud that they gave the book a big thumbs up.

And yes, this book originally came out in November of 2008, and there are a few copies left. Check out the review at Urban Vinyl Daily. Check out more Jeff Soto and limited edition books here. Read more: Interview, Art Basel feature. (Above, Rusty Swingset, featured in the Riverside Art Museum Retrospective in December 2008).

Tim Mantoani’s Press Attraction

Tim Mantoani’s epic journey, “Behind Photographs” has become a significant trend online. Major features in WIRED, Yahoo News, Juxtapoz, the Huffington Post, Trendhunter, Gizmodo, and local press and television attention in San Diego.

In 2006, Tim Mantoani began his historic journey and instantly captured two of his photographic heroes in San Francisco—James Marshall and Michael Zagaris (pictured above)—on large formatted Polaroid film. Tim’s initial experience was awe-inspiring. High on the buzz of harnessing the power of the 20x24 Polaroid camera, Tim Mantoani put 150% into his project burning 100s of hours on the coordination of each photographic session—156 in all; 1000s of dollars invested into equipment (20x24 camera), suplies (Polaroid film, now discontinued) and travel (NY—CA; and over 10,000 minutes of focussed scrutiny on each page of “Behind Photgraphs: Archiving Photographic Legends.”

And it’s no wonder, press and online traction began trending this week in support of “Behind Photographs.” One reason for this trend leads to the media demands for measurable, authentic and accessible content. Ultimately, this has lead to Tim’s integrity, consistent connection with the media over six years, 156 legendary photographers portraits featuring their most iconic image unified by one dynamic, visual storyline. Online trends are often based on the variety of information that can be derived from one story line: Tim Mantoani—the self-driven, self-financed catalyst who archived culture shifting photographers, (lifers), who shape shifted our planet’s visual understanding of politics, tragedy, fame, entertainment, sex and iconic position over seven generations.

Archival trends promote international relevance. National Geographic Brazil picked up “Behind Photographs” to celebrate their rich tradition of collaborating with amazing nature and world traveled photographic icons.

Trending is even cool for friendly competitors. Phaidon, an amazing publisher, featured the archival importance of Tim’s visionary assemblage on their website. A wonderful support tactic to elevate many of the featured photographers showcased in “Behind Photographs,” elevating Phaidon’s library of photography books.

Industry spotlights. Those who care most in the world of photgraphy. Often industry trending is the hardest to come by—call it politics or top of the heap snobbery—but authentication wins. Tim Mantoani did a great job curating 156 of the who is who in the world of photography including a wide variety of niche specific industries—sports, music, nature, politics, war and conflict...Visura Magazine

YouPublishing—self manifesting your intuition to promote a good thing when you see it (Mark Murphy ISM). With over 3500 tweets generated from WIRED alone, Tim Mantoani’s “Behind Photographs” continues to grow in relevance as the word is spread by the public through a host of many websites with diverse offerings. Over 10,000 connections have been made, sharing “Behind Photographs” within hyper-focussed visual communities who identify with the archival merit and scope of making the impossible possible.

Tim Mantoani’s,“Behind Photographs” will continue to gain the attention of the world public,photographers, collectors and fans of all things culturally inspired. Two yearsof design development and one year of solid production was and IS completelyworth it. Job well done equals socialized traction. Please check out morearchived articles featuring Tim Mantoani and “Behind Photographs”—Book Packaging, Behind Photographs, Book Release, Tim Mantoani Interview (Tim Mantoanipictured above)—Fire up your content, promote and invite your community toattract maximum traction.

Clayton Brothers—Language for Vision

The 7:30 jackhammer made me jump out of bed and get right into it. As my feet touched ground I was extra motivated to race with rush hour LA and head north to visit the Clayton Brothers studio.

My mind was awhirl, filled with creative thoughts for the day. “Language of Vision,” written by Gyorgy Kepes occupied my mind on the drive over. The book is dynamic, written in 1944, introducing theories and illustrations on how to better understand the function and structure of art in our society.

“The language of vision” is a perfect way to describe the Clayton Brothers as their densely painted surfaces convey a narrative that archives the force of two frenetic technicians who layer thousands upon thousands of shapes and shards of color on top of one another to create a unified language of beauty. (“Redi Whip Laughter,” 84x84”, above).

Gracious hosts, Rob and Christian, reorganized the studio, showing 3 never seen before works on paper created during their 2006 “Wishy Washy” exhibition (above), as well as one of their most important pieces featured in the 2009 “Jumbo Fruit” exhibition “Redi Whip Laughter” (84x84”). Also floating above 2 tubs of white paint and gesso, “I’m Just Joking,” (below).

Rob and Christian are prolific creators—constantly constructing and deconstructing the surface of their canvas until the right balance of pattern, color, character and support details invigorate the narrative edge to edge. There is no need for empty space in the world according to Clayton. Looking at their work up close, you are quickly immersed in a visual language that amplifies childhood insecurities and curiosities while surface ornamentation presents a bright spectrum of possibility.

Life’s experiences shared between two brothers presents unique, yet individual, interpretations of the same event. However, everything experienced between Rob and Christian is unified in their work. The Clayton Brothers are an important force constantly evolving their shared language of vision. Check out ClaytonBrothers.com for more and archived articles: Inside Out Madison, Pre-Madison Opening Hang Out and Inside Out Pasadena.

Jeremy Chandler Camouflage Interview

Jeremy Chandler is traveling to Atlanta this week in support of his latest photographic installation titled, “Camouflage,” at the Hagedorn Foundation. Jeremy’s body of work exhibits photographic images that address the feminization of masculinity with visual antidotes featuring male’s mythological role in society. (Above, AJ Walking, 2008)

I caught up with Jeremy Chandler and asked him a couple of questions to get ready for this great exhibition. (Above, Sid and Eric, 2008)

mM : Your work was recently chosen by the Hagedorn Foundation Gallery in a thematic exhibition titled, Camouflage January 5 through February 12 in Atlanta, Georgia. Please share a little bit about the exhibition’s title, Camouflage.

JEREMY : Hagedorn approached me about doing a show after I met the gallery director this summer during a portfolio review in Atlanta. It is a two-person show with another artist, Kristine Potter, who is showing a series of black and white portraits of West Point cadets. In both Kristine’s and my own work, the figures are dressed in some form of camouflage, whether it is traditional military uniforms, hunting “camo” or some type of covering that cloaks/conceals. So taken literally, the show’s title refers to the dress of the subjects in the images. However, metaphorically, I think it refers to the concealing of one’s identity by aligning with some greater cultural archetype. This is an idea present in both of our work independently and I think contextualizing our photos together creates an interesting dialogue. (Pictured above: Eric in a Ghillie Suit/Flowers, 2011, archival pigment print, 40x50")

mM : How many photographic pieces will you be presenting? Describe your process in evolving your themes revealed in the hunter and Ghillie Suit series.

JEREMY : I’m showing seven pieces total - four hunting photos and three large ghillie suit prints. The process of taking the photos remains similar. I still use my friends in the photos and scout locations in advance of the shoot. The main difference is the amount of labor put into making the props. While I have long made props and costumes for my narrative images, the suits require a higher level of craft and much more time to construct. The suits themselves become sculptural objects and the images become more about the prop than in previous works. There is also the shift of having one man in the image rather than two. This definitely changes how the images read, as there is the loss of tension between the two characters. However, I like the ambiguity of the suit pictures because the character could be stalking something or hiding from something that might be hunting him. Through that uncertainty, I feel the space outside the frame is activated and there is tension created by that. (Pictured above: Ghillie Suit 3/Flowers, 2011, archival pigment print, 40x50")

mM : What are you up to these days? And what is next for Jeremy Chandler?

JEREMY : I’m mostly keeping busy with my artwork and teaching. I recently made a couple new photos that I’m excited about, one new ghillie suit and another on a recent trip to the Appalachian Mountains. Last year, I collaborated on a short film titled “Coventry” with my friend Shawn Cheatham. The film is being shown at the Beloit International Film Festival this February in Wisconsin. Shawn and I are flying up for the festival and I’m really looking forward to it. It should be a unique experience to see our film shown in that context. (Above, Pot Hunters, 2008).

Kind thanks to Jeremy Chanlder for sharing his vision. You can see meet Jeromy and see more of his work in person this week at the Hagedorn Foundation Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia. “Camouflage” features photographic work by Jeromy Chandler and Kristine Potter with an artist reception on Thursday, January 12 from 6 to 8:30PM and artist lecture on Saturday, January January 14 from 1 to 4PM. Visit Hagedorn Foundation Gallery for more information, contact the Mindy Solomon Gallery for available work or read the 2011 interview with Jeremy Chandler. Enjoy. (Pictured above: Ghillie Suit 1/Flowers, 2011, archival pigment print, 40x50")

What’s up Twenty—Twelve?

One week down and 51.177457 weeks of action packed design goodness to go featuring: Clint Eastwood, Cartoon Network, Guru Tattoo, Martin Wittfooth, Kevin Paulsen, gallery promotions for 101/Exhibit plus the Mindy Solomon Gallery and a full length fine art documentary film.

Anyone who knows me, recognizes my commitment to design and love for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to collaborate with the fine arts community. The Scribble 08 blog is an active resource for artist interviews, exhibition reviews, new music and a great resource for Murphy Design portfolio pieces. (Guru Tattoo on location details).

As fate would have it, one of the first people I met when moving to California began with Clint Eastwood. Your can imagine my excitement when Lisa Fitzpatrick, project director and catalyst, called and invited me into the Malpaso Productions world of Clint Eastwood? Over 50,000 words will fill the pages of “Clint Eastwood: Master Filmmaker at Work” with an introduction by Steven Spielberg, preface by Morgan Freeman, authored by Michael Goldman, edited/coordinated by Lisa Fitzpatrick of Swan Studio and Robert Hoffman of Technicolor and published by Abrams, New York. (Flags of Our Fathers Storyboards, Clint Eastwood, courtesy of Jack Taylor).

Guru Tattoo features eleven creative professionals that make a forever lasting impression with inspired draftsmanship and dynamic ink for your “bod.” Guru founder, Aaron Della Vedova, is mixing up the flavor for the shop’s first book, “Creative Urges” featuring edge-to-edge reproductions of some of Southern California’s finest tattoos. (Tim Mantoani photographing Aaron at Guru Tattoo).

Over the past ten years I have been operating a booth at the world-famous Comic-Con in San Diego. An honor, as the exhibit halls are filled with wall-to-wall inspiration and good pals. Fortuitously, I have made friends with the kind folks at Cartoon Network over the years and a creative collaborative project has emerged to celebrate their twentieth-anniversary celebration in book form. The Cartoon Network 20th Anniversary Book will be one part celebration of their commitment to deliver an entertaining array of entertainment, one part celebration of the men and women who bring hundreds of characters to life, one part artist interpretations of their characters, one part extravaganza to be announced prior to Comic-Con 2012.

2012 will feature active promotion of important contemporary artists through Murphy Book Publishing, documentary filmmaking, active reporting, art collecting and archiving. The long awaited film and longer filmmaking process continues with the delivery of a new feature length documentary film that features: James Jean, Souther Salazar, Martin Wittfooth, Matt Furie, Mark Todd, Esther Pearl Watson, Megan Whitmarsh, Kelsey Brookes, Victor Castillo and more.

New books are in the works for Martin Wittfooth and Kevin Paulsen (pictured above), two contemporaries living and practicing in New York. (Clint Eastwood sets for Mystic River and matte painting for Unforgiven courtesy of Jack Taylor).

And yes there is more. Collaborative projects and creative exchanges with gallery owners, support at art fairs and Art Basel in Miami in support of 101/exhibit and Mindy Solomon Gallery. New websites in the works for yourBuddhi—Yoga for life, Murphy Design (really? It’s been way too long), and goodChatter.com promoting all things good.

Thank you for taking a glimpse of a few of the projects happening this year. My sleeves are rolled up and I’m ready to deliver on an inspired year. If you are interested in more information or would like to collaborate, email me and “magic” will happen, or at least that’s what Christian Clayton has coined—“Magic Murphy.” The new year is turned on and looking forward. More soon. (yourBuddhi.com website design).

Guru Tattoo Photo Day w/ Tim Mantoani

Pacific Beach based Guru Tattoo is generating art of all kinds for their first book, “Creative Urges,” to be release later this year. Leader of the band and ink on skin aficionado, Aaron Della Vedova reveals, “Guru’s essential ingredient is the flavor derived from eleven artists working together as one formidable art collective.”

Having recharged their creative batteries while on holiday break, Guru was a buzz today with tattoo guns inking inspired art work of the permanent type. The energy within the shop was/is super positive and features a diverse group of creative talent working hard for their clients. Tim Mantoani and I spent the afternoon photographing the studio and capturing the special details that will bring “Creative Instincts” to life. The photographs reveal the multi-dimensional persona of Guru Tattoo and assist me with the visual narrative with the turn of each page. (Above: Body Sleeve art details, in the office of Adam Hathorn).

Tim Mantoani is one of those photographers that understands the importance of instantly connecting with his subjects. A great attribute when you have 150 minutes to shoot up the place. Tim moved the camera around, looking for the most sacred spaces that provide daily inspiration for the guys at Guru. I think we scratched the surface and were successful capturing great portraits and details that will most certainly elevate the book and provide fans of “all things creative” an intimate look into an award-winning tattoo shop like no other. (Pictured above: Ron, Kyle Walker sanctuary and Paul Dhuey at work).

And as Jean Dubuffet penned, “For me, insanity is super sanity. The normal is psychotic. Normal means lack of imagination, lack of creativity.” There is wall to wall creativity and I can’t wait to reveal the tattooed pages of “Creative Urges,” not to mention the artistry of Aaron Della Vedova, Paul Dhuey, Adam Hathorn, Cooper (pictured above 1), Nate Banuelos, Rory Keating, Kevin Dickinson, Nick Alvarez, Eno (pictured above 2 and art work wall below), Kyle Walker, Champion, Ron and Peeps.

Stay tuned for more details about the 2012 release of “Creative Urges” featuring the artistry of Guru Tattoo with a lively intro penned by Greg “Craola” Simkins and the vivid photography of Tim Mantoani and Peeps—as well as all of the guys and their digital arsenal. I promise over 172 pages of wall to wall photos, illustrations, tattoos, paintings and visual meanderings that capture the essence of Guru Tattoo goodness. (Feel like reading more? Article Two, Article One).

(Above: Craola opening original, Champion working hard). All photography by Tim Mantoani photography. And with kind thanks extended, no job is possible without the imaginative talent of great friends helping you along.

Low Roar New Music Review

Music and art for me go hand in hand. Afterall, “It’s the sound that moves you!” “Right...?” The year sounds off with a surprising musical find Low Roar, the musical mastermind of San Francisco to Reykjavic transplant, Ryan Karazija. Check out the review:

“Down tempo music interlaced with meaningful acoustic song writing. Low Roar's debut consistently builds over 12 tracks delivered by Tonequake Records. Ryan Karazija, front man and musical brainstorm, may have sat through the dark winter of Reykjavic, Iceland with deep introspection. The results can be felt over the course of the record and especially on Track No. 2--Just a Habit and Track No. 12--Tonight, Tonight, Tonight. Electronic effects are added when needed and the musical voice is delivered with unique clarity, perfect for creative thinking, painting and simply chilling out. Ryan Joseph Karazija delivers a signature voice that captures the moodiness of personal longing as compared to the musical efforts of Nick Drake, Low and Elliott Smith. Low Roar rating 4 1/2 Stars with great musical flavor if you are in the mood for discovering something new.”

Check out Low Roar on Tonequake Records. Melodic goodness. Just a Habit free download. Additional Review.