Craig is a 29 year old graphic designer who has been around the block a few times. Accepted at Fabrica the United Colors of Benetton Communication Research and Development Center in Treviso, Italy. Published in COLORS magazine, VORN Magazine, FAB magazine, SWINDLE magazine, CLEAR magazine and FABRICA 10. Not mentioning awards won and lectures given, Craig Holden Feinburg, is amazing. He’s currently working on a 192 page monster titled ‘little book of shocking food facts‘ published by Fiell. Which will be the first book of Fiell’s publishing career exibited at the historic Frankfurt Book Fair later this year.
Me, myself and I had the amazing opportunity to check out his humble studio about a stones throw from Capital Hill’s Wild Oats. On a weird side note Craig lives in my friends old apartment. Really strange knowing what used to go down in that place. Now thankfully it is inhabited by one of Denver’s most talented and most humble artists.
When you shop at an independently owned business, your entire community benefits:
1. A Significant amount of money re-circulates in Denver when purchases are made at locally owned businesses versus nationally owned businesses.
- Locally owned and operated retailers keep profits in the local economy and support other local business.
- For every $100 dollars spent at a local business, as much as $73 stays in the local economy, compared to $43 when the same amount is spent at a chain store. (”Andersonville Study of Retail Economics;” CivicEconomics, October 2004)
2. Local businesses are owned by people who live in your community and they are invested in your community’s future.
- They hire local accountants, architects, designers, sign makers and so forth to help run their business.
3. Small businesses select products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and needs of their customers.
4. We remember your name.
5. Non-profits receive greater support.
- Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% greater support from local business owners than from non-local
6. Buying local means less packaging, less transportation, and a smaller carbon footprint.
7. We love you and want to support what you do as well.
Evan Hecox is a Colorado-based artist and designer whose work portrays the essence of urban environments. His works depict city scenes or isolated elements that are almost cinematic in their stark contrast and abstraction. Hecox is fascinated with the complexity of the urban landscape and people from the mundane surroundings that one would normally overlook. Like snapshots or filmstrips, his art captures the everyday existence of the average person as they traverse the detritus of the modern metropolis. His stylistic approach is based on the process of amplification as it affects form and color, breaking down the image, removing elements and emphasizing others. In the past, his works have been relatively small in scale and create a very intimate experience with the viewer. Hecox has exhibited worldwide, including exhibitions in Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo. - www.iconoclastusa.com
Evan is the real deal and you can buy his prints here.
11.01.08 to 11.22.08
Check out photos from the trip from CA to CO.
City O City: Ravi Zupa 11.07.08 to 11.30.08
Ravi Zupa is truly one of Denver’s finest artists. Last time I checked there are some piece’s still for sale, but you might have to fight for it. Here’s the piece I almost got.
It is hard to find companys to stand behind these days, but Gamblin Artist Oils Colors is exactly one of the companys we love. Gamblin Artist Oil Colors is a 25 year old family owned company based out of Portland Oregon. Robert Gamblin and staff are dedicated to their product and it shines through to their customers and their work. Gamblin is a driving force behind maintaining the longevity of its paint and healthy painting environment.
In the past turpentine was that standard for oil painters to thin paint and clean brushes. The good people at camp Gamblin work hard at making oil painting a little safer and still maintain its feel and action one expects with oils. Gamblin’s websight explains their odorless mineral spirit: “Gamsol is 100% pure odorless mineral spirits (OMS). Some painters think OMS is more toxic because you cannot smell it. This is not true. Odorless mineral spirits is less toxic because harmful aromatic solvent has been removed. By using odorless mineral spirits (OMS), you can cut down on your exposure to solvent vapors. During a three hour painting session, about 20% of OMS evaporates into the air around you. Compare that with the evaporation rate of turpentine, which is so fast that during a three hour painting session, approximately 90% of the turpentine evaporates.” Gamblin is also the first company to make a flake white replacement, void of all lead yet maintaining all the same properties of its earler moniker.
We are proud to carry Gamblin Artist Oil Colors with their fine balance of the paints integrity and health of its users. For more information check their site.
Developed over 3000 years ago the use of stencils for duplication have been the most widely used method of getting ” the word” out. Developments from paper stencils to photo-reactive silkscreens over the years show just how important screen-printing has been to history. Screen-printing as we know it today is still using the same methods that were patented back in 1907 by Samuel Simon. Popularized by the Pop Art movement in the sixties by the likes of Andy Warhol, Alex Heinrici (Warhol’s master printer) and Ed Ruscha to name a few who used silk-screening as their primary medium. Present day silk-screening has become a fully embraced art form, that anyone can do with minimal means or experience.
What you’re gonna need.
Screen:
A wooden or metal frame with a mesh (most commonly made from nylon) streched tightly over it. Mesh comes in different thread counts 10xx, 12xx, 14xx, 16xx and up. The higher the thread count the tighter the mesh, so a more detailed image calls for a tighter mesh. 12xx mesh is probably the most versatile. The screen should be larger than your image, at least 6 inches on all sides.
Stencil Making Material:
The most versatile is photo emulsion. Photo emulsion is a photo-reactive emulsion that is a two part mixture. Emulsion is not totally light sensitive, when wet it hardens in light. By using a thin layer of emulsion to fill your screen your image will be exposed to light. The image burned into your screen will remain opaque and the rest is sprayed out with water. Burning your screen is one of the most trying parts of silk-screening, experimentation with your exposure time is part of the process.
Your Image:
All the parts you want to print need to be opaque, and all the parts you don’t need to print must be transparent. We suggest you use a transparency or film like mylar or duralar. Sharpie pens or the like work well. The secret is to make a copy of the same image on another transparency to make sure it is truly opaque.
Light:
The more UV rays a light source has the faster your exposer time will be. A 150 incandescent light bulb usually takes about 45 minutes at about 12 inches away. You don’t want any indirect light hitting your screen so a dark room is essential but you don’t have to do it totally blind. Once again experimentation is important.
Ink:
What ever surface you are printing on will determine what kind of ink to use. Fabric ink for fabric and water based for paper.
Squeegee:
A hard rubber blade attached to a wooden handle. It must be small enough to fit into your screen, so about 4 inches smaller than the inside of your frame.
History has been made by all of us on Tuesday as the 44th president of the United States of America, Mr Barack Obama, has been elected into office. All obviousness aside we would like to remind you what our new president wants to do for the arts during his term.
On Mr. President Barack Obama’s Website you can find this:
BARACK OBAMA AND JOE BIDEN: CHAMPIONS FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
Our nation’s creativity has filled the world’s libraries, museums, recital halls, movie houses, and marketplaces with works of genius. The arts embody the American spirit of self-definition. As the author of two best-selling books — Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope — Barack Obama uniquely appreciates the role and value of creative expression.
A PLATFORM IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS
Reinvest in Arts Education: To remain competitive in the global economy, America needs to reinvigorate the kind of creativity and innovation that has made this country great. To do so, we must nourish our children’s creative skills. In addition to giving our children the science and math skills they need to compete in the new global context, we should also encourage the ability to think creatively that comes from a meaningful arts education. Unfortunately, many school districts are cutting instructional time for art and music education. Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that the arts should be a central part of effective teaching and learning. The Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts recently said “The purpose of arts education is not to produce more artists, though that is a byproduct. The real purpose of arts education is to create complete human beings capable of leading successful and productive lives in a free society.”
To support greater arts education, Obama will:
Expand Public/Private Partnerships Between Schools and Arts Organizations: Barack Obama and Joe Biden will increase resources for the U.S. Department of Education’s Arts Education Model Development and Dissemination Grants, which develop public/private partnerships between schools and arts organizations. They will also engage the foundation and corporate community to increase support for public/private partnerships.
Create an Artist Corps: Barack Obama and Joe Biden support the creation of an “Artists Corps” of young artists trained to work in low-income schools and their communities. Studies in Chicago have demonstrated that test scores improved faster for students enrolled in low-income schools that link arts across the curriculum than scores for students in schools lacking such programs.
Publicly Champion the Importance of Arts Education: As president, Barack Obama will use the bully pulpit and the example he will set in the White House to promote the importance of arts and arts education in America. Not only is arts education indispensable for success in a rapidly changing, high skill, information economy, but studies show that arts education raises test scores in other subject areas as well.
Support Increased Funding for the NEA: Over the last 15 years, government funding for the National Endowment for the Arts has been slashed from $175 million annually in 1992 to $125 million today. Barack Obama and Joe Biden support increased funding for the NEA, the support of which enriches schools and neighborhoods all across the nation and helps to promote the economic development of countless communities.
Promote Cultural Diplomacy: American artists, performers and thinkers — representing our values and ideals — can inspire people both at home and all over the world. Through efforts like that of the United States Information Agency, America’s cultural leaders were deployed around the world during the Cold War as artistic ambassadors and helped win the war of ideas by demonstrating to the world the promise of America. Artists can be utilized again to help us win the war of ideas against Islamic extremism. Unfortunately, our resources for cultural diplomacy are at their lowest level in a decade. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will work to reverse this trend and improve and expand public-private partnerships to expand cultural and arts exchanges throughout the world.
Attract Foreign Talent: The flipside to promoting American arts and culture abroad is welcoming members of the foreign arts community to America. Opening America’s doors to students and professional artists provides the kind of two-way cultural understanding that can break down the barriers that feed hatred and fear. As America tightened visa restrictions after 9/11, the world’s most talented students and artists, who used to come here, went elsewhere. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will streamline the visa process to return America to its rightful place as the world’s top destination for artists and art students.
Provide Health Care to Artists: Finding affordable health coverage has often been one of the most vexing obstacles for artists and those in the creative community. Since many artists work independently or have nontraditional employment relationships, employer-based coverage is unavailable and individual policies are financially out of reach. The Obama-Biden plan will provide all Americans with quality, affordable health care. Their plan includes the creation of a new public program that will allow individuals and small businesses to buy affordable health care similar to that available to federal employees. Their plan also creates a National Health Insurance Exchange to reform the private insurance market and allow Americans to enroll in participating private plans, which would have to provide comprehensive benefits, issue every applicant a policy, and charge fair and stable premiums. For those who still cannot afford coverage, the government will provide a subsidy. His health plan will lower costs for the typical American family by up to $2,500 per year.
Ensure Tax Fairness for Artists: Barack Obama supports the Artist-Museum Partnership Act, introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). The Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow artists to deduct the fair market value of their work, rather than just the costs of the materials, when they make charitable contributions.
Professional artwork presentation kit that includes a quality white core acid-free matboard. A sturdy sheet of acid-free foamboard backing is matched to the mat and inserted in a resealable, crystal clear, archival envelope. Perfect for presenting artwork for sale or storage. Comes in 8″ x 10″, 11″x 14″, 16″ x 20″ and 18″ x 24″, White, Lady White and Black. Made just for you. Purchase on our web store.
******************************************** BY THE WAY
Meininger Art Supply has been recognized by BikeDenver.org as a Bicycle-Friendly Business. Take advantage of our close proximity to bus & light rail stops, and the Cherry Creek Bike Path. 40% of our Denver store team members bike, walk, or bus it to work on a daily basis. So watch out for us on those mean Denver streets.
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DAY OF THE DEAD>
Dia de los Muertos Family Celebration, November 2
Enjoy a FREE afternoon of art-making and performances. Create papel picado (punched paper), skeleton puppets, paper altars, zempasuchil (paper marigolds), sugar skulls and more! Sunday, Nov. 2, 2-5pm. Art Students League of Denver, 200 Grant Street, (303) 778-6990
Scattered Arts Collective and Radio 1190 present a most frightening Halloween!!
LOCAL AWESOMENESS>
One of our favorite Local artist Scott Lefavor seems to be everywhere these days. Current show is up at City O’ City up on 206 E. 13th Ave.
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Karyn and Lin went to Magnet Mafia’s shindig last night and had a blast. AIGA Colorado held Craftwork, an event for designers to do “off the clock” creative projects in a variety of diverse venues with artists. This event was about making magnets with Denver’s street art crew The Magnet Mafia. At various work stations they learned to wheat paste, use type stencils, paint, layer art and create a 1 foot square magnet.
Matt & Harrison make it happen while you sleep.
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Check out the new Product>
Pitt Artist Pens with Big Brush nibs for full coverage or finely detailed strokes. Each Big Brush pen contains four times the amount of ink found in regular Pitt Artist Pens.
They are excellent for large artwork or for sketching, journaling, cartooning, and drawing. The acid-free, archival ink is smudgeproof, waterproof, and won’t bleed through paper.
Matt & Harrison make it happen while you sleep.
