resplendent chaos

Bureau of Surrealist Research: newest work from Chris Crites

Chris Crites' newest work is a superb portrait of Sigmund Freud created by using hand-written words.  I've always marveled over his precision in creating tightly detailed, nearly photo-realistic work and have often wondered what kind of dedicated patience it must require to create such laborious works of beauty.  Chris says the words are as stream of consciousness as possible, but much of the portrait is composed of songs or talk shows he was listening to while drawing it. I think Freud would appreciate this depiction of himself and would enjoy psychoanalyzing the artist's use of plucking random lyrics and talk show rants out the ether while creating it. Somewhere, buried deep in all that carefully scrawled graphite are clues not only to the artist's psyche, but also our current state of culture. 

Guest Artist: Chantell Van Erbe's Fantasized Realism

I met Chantell Van Erbe randomly on Facebook and discovered not only a talented artist, but a very spirited and creatively driven human being. She approaches her work as a "beautifully maddening and meditative practice" and describes her technique as a "process overflowing in transition". Viewing her work as a series of evolutions, she declares, "I have a long way to go and little choice but to give in to a higher vision". I wish I were as eloquent in describing my artistic process, but it's hard to make "I goof around in my studio and draw messy sketches while giggling" sound more astute. Not only does her philosophy inspire me, I love the vibrant motion and fluid shapes of her work - they almost appear animated. Go Chantell, we can't wait to see how your work evolves over time. More of her work can be viewed here.

Technical Pens Gone Wild: Enchanting Art by Kipling West

Kipling West's meticulous illustrations command your attention. At first glance, the prismatic colors and flowing line work grab your eyeballs. Tight detail and pulsating composition impress and inspire as the image unfolds to reveal hidden creatures and mysterious symbols. After that, you simply fall into the page and become happily engulfed in a strange and beautiful wonderland.  If you're seeking a delightful diversion, head over to Kipling's "Tales From The Moleskine" series and prepare to be dazzled. Above, Cathedral of Jellyfish.

She creates these images by narrating her life experiences in the form of a visual diary. Says Kipling, "My moleskine work is a kind of a visual diary; some stuff is private symbols, some things I don't understand till after I draw them and then 'oh, that's how that fits together.'" Above, Children of the Narcissus, a cathartic release of the frustration of growing up with a narcissistic parent.

 

Kittens in the Toilet is inspired by a childhood memory of false accusations experienced during summer camp.  

The Newest Addition To My Art Collection

About a year ago, I commissioned Chris Crites (The Bag Painter) to paint one of my favorite contemporary celebrity mug shots: Nick Nolte. We both became busy over the year and I had forgotten about it. One day after participating in one of Chris's art shows, I was surprised to find the Nick Nolte painting tucked into the box of my returned art. He GAVE it to me. No charge at all. Not only is he an insanely talented and hard working artist, he's one of the kindest individuals I've ever met. All his paintings are created using bright acrylic on brown paper bags. Says Chris, "I try to bring new life to these practically discarded portraits of criminal and human history. Using an everyday, disposable item as the surface gives new life to the bag as well. It is my hope to get people thinking about the past, their present, and how we all affect both." See more of Chris's work here. Thank you Mr. Crites!

Face Painting Taken To A Whole New Level

Artist James Kuhn uses his own face to create and animate the most delightful self portraits I've ever seen. View hundreds of his diverse creations here.

Art I Like: Western Spaghetti by PES

See more work by PES here.