Jeff Soto, "Storm Clouds" Introduction

"Storm Clouds" front and back covers


Riverside’s favorite son, Jeff Soto, delivers his second fine art collection, “Storm Clouds.” “Storm Clouds” represents Jeff’s evolution beyond his signature robot vs. nature motifs and features his politically charged solo exhibitions, “Supernova,” “Cold Ice Age,” and “Storm Clouds” created over the past three years. The Riverside Art Museum, with funding from the James Irvine Foundation, generously contributed the introduction to the book written by RAM’s senior curator, Peter Frank. (Kind thanks).

“Jeff Soto wants that salty ambience and visual-cultural diversity to suffuse his paintings. He is, after all, making a statement about humanity, never an easy thing to do, much less do eloquently. And he wants to make sure that we understand that he falls on the side of the “little guy.” Soto – like so many artistic champions of the working man – doesn’t aim for eloquence, but in his persistent raffination of his art he may achieve it.” – Paul Frank



Fans of Jeff’s work will not be disappointed as the book reveals many experimental works with his daughter Shannon, as they collaborated on many watercolor pieces during “daddy daycare.” There are plenty of new images created for themed exhibitions and artist wanderings, looking for the next timely voice and visual editorial. There is also a pregame intro, created by David Choe, a young near-schizophrenic American street artist from Los Angeles. “Let’s just say David’s intro will get you talking.”



“Storm Clouds” features a hard bound, archival edition, that matches the size and format of the sold out, “Potato Stamp Dreams,” with a few design style changes and printing techniques over 154 pages. The standard edition features specialty printing on the cover and the limited edition will feature a custom printed box, signed book, with 4 archival prints and special touches. There is also a preface to the book put together by yours truly:

"The silent hiss of spray cans have been temporarily slowed as Jeff and his wife welcomed the birth of their first child, Shannon Daisy. There is no doubt that this blessed occasion inspired Jeff to paint on new found points of view. At first glance, Jeff’s paintings have become darker, more intense with deeper appreciation to the abandoned landscape, political circumstance and his good-natured persona. Jeff's evolution of “Storm clouds,” is one part — worldly concern and one part—loving concern for his family. Seemingly, “Storm Clouds” has swallowed the robotic machines featured in “Potato Stamp Dreams,” and has scattered their jumbled up parts onto the deserted landscape for other worldly creatures to descend upon us while contemplating apocalyptic notions.” – Mark Murphy


The above image shows print set cover sheet, 1 of the 4 prints and certificate of originality, packaged in the one of kind clam shell boxes

Jeff Soto’s new book, “Storm Clouds” will be on hand at the San Diego Comic Con, July 23 and available for pre order the same week online. The distribution date of the book is the end of August, with the special edition shipping mid September. If you attend Comic Con, Jeff will be offering a new zine, “Brain Decay,” and will be be on hand to sign. After Comic Con, Jeff will be going into hibernation into his studio as he readies himself for his first museum exhibition mid-December at the Riverside Art Museum. Stay tuned.


Sample spread from Jeff's mini zine, "Brain Decay"