Artist Spotlight: CHULAFACE

Chulaface, aka Ashlona, aka Ashley is a totally adorable and talented lady, and she is having her first-ever solo exhibition Tuesday, February 11 at the Tin Can. We got to talking a little bit about her show, and a bunch of other juicy stuff as well. Check out our interview here:

 

Magic Brotherhood: Your first solo art show is coming up Feb 11 at Tin Can, and I am so super stoked for you! What have you been working on for this exhibition?

 

Chulaface: Lots of new stuff. New paintings, a few black-and-white illustrations. Some Teen Angels Magazine inspired pieces. I've been really into the whole mi vida loca, low rider art kinda stuff for a while now. Tryin' to see where I can incorporate it into my own style. Um..what else? A Virgin Mary Tina.. Boobs. Lots of boobs and crystals. 

MB: You're under the moniker Chulaface. What is the origin of this name?

 

CHULA: Nickname given to me a few years back by my off and on again, and again, and again "boyfriend" Aldo. I used to just go by Ashlona, a nickname given to me by an older homegirl I use to smoke with after work when I was like 18. She said Ashley sounded too much like a white valley girl name. So she made up a new one and it just kinda stuck. 

Chulaface fits me better, I think. Aldo was my first really Mexican boyfriend and before him I wasn't really into pet names.. but I don't know, something about hearing them in Spanish just made me melt. So no matter what's going on between us I use it. It came from a sweet place and it always makes me smile. It's mine.. It's me on a good day. I still really love him and the time we've spent together. I guess simple words can really change things coming from the right person. He's had a very positive influence on my artwork and character in general. 

I've honestly had a shit ton of nicknames though, second favorite is "Lil Chips" for sure. 

MB: What are some things that inform you when you are making your work?

 

CHULA: Beautiful women. Sexy curves. Big hair, big boobs. Make up. Old prison art I used to see on the walls of my Tia's bedroom growing up. Love letters. Lots of bad decisions. Lots of hurt feelings. All my blessings. Finding the perfection in the imperfections.

 

 

MB: When did you start making art?

 

CHULA: I've been drawing ever since I can remember. It's always come naturally. It's kinda the only thing I'm really really good at. I remember showing work in a few small art shows when I was in grade school and being in the newspaper at least 4 or 5 times for various art accomplishments in high school.

But I didn't start live painting or really giving a fuck if anyone saw my work until college. That's when I joined CA (Creative Aesthetics), an art group made up of painters, illustrators, graff writers, musicians, live performers etc. in LA. We all support each other, and share gig info. 

Agapito, the founder and I have been friends for years now, I guess you could say he's my art mentor. He keeps me hungry, always reminding me to push on and work harder; challenge myself. He also makes me yummy home-cooked dinners when I'm broke and babysits my puppy when I go out of town. Art friends forever. CA everyday.

 

MB: How has your work developed over time?

 

CHULA: More detail, intricate patterns, more color. Right now I've been trying to create more of an environment for my figures, to try and tell more of a story rather than just floating.

I wasted 3 years in design college. Didn't learn a damn thing. I wasn't focused, and it was hard. Too much to remember and I am not a people pleaser. I just didn't care enough I guess.

Drawing and painting on the other hand have always been my passion and have always been fun for me. No matter how tedious it can be, sitting quietly painting is when I feel the most fulfilled. So gonna just stick to that from now on.   

I get stuck sometimes just painting "pretty" paintings but I'm working on being a bigger risk taker. Fuck it, if it's not prefect just keep working. Always growing, moving forward. 

MB: Favorite artists?

 

CHULA: Elrod, Neckface, Pedro Perez, Glenn Arthur... I LOVE Ise Ananphada's work! Namio Harukawa!!!  The list gose on and on. 

MB: Favorite music?

 

CHULA: Kinda hate this question. There's no right answer. I'm not a music nerd. I like all kinds of stuff. 

I like getting drunk and dancing the night away with my gays. 

Sometimes I like listening to the same lame heartbroken pop song over and over again laying in bed crying over something stupid. 

I love music videos though, even the bad ones! Sometimes I think I should have gone to film school instead. 

MB: Favorite curse word and why?

 

CHULA: Fuck.. Yeah I'm gonna say fuck. That's fucking amazing! That's so fucking stupid. It works for everything. 

MB:Is there anything new in the works for Chulaface we can look forward to?

 

CHULA: Lots of colorful penises and hopefully a lot more shows.. Thats all I'll say for now. :) 

 

 

Chulaface's show I JUST WANT TO CRY ALL DAY & PARTY ALL NIGHT opens Tuesday, February 11 at the Tin Can. The show begins at 9 pm, no cover. 21+

 

MAGIC BROTHERHOOD NOW ON ETSY!!

Check out what Magic Brotherhood has been up to! Follow us on Etsy and who knows, maybe you'll find something you can't live without!

Aaaand just a heads up, rush delivery available for last minute holiday shopping.... :)

Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone!

Artist Spotlight: JT RHOADES

JT Rhoades is a photographer from North County San Diego. I've seen him at just about every show I've been to in the past year, always in the middle of the crowd, always with camera in hand. JT doesn't just take pictures of bands. JT has the ability to capture live action shots that convey the energy and intensity of the moment they were taken.

 

The opening of his solo exhibition, DOUBLE EXPOSURE, will be a chance for viewers to experience a collection of some of these incredible photos. The opening night will be at Tin Can, Tuesday October 8 at 9 pm, accompanied by DJ Mikey Ratt spinning heavy jams and live music by The Lumps, the funnest, coolest punk band in San Diego.
Magic Brotherhood sat down to chat with JT about his artwork, and well, here it is----

 MAGIC BROTHERHOOD: JT, I'm stoked you're having an art show at the Tin Can coming up on Tuesday, October 8th! 
You're going to be showing photographs as well as some cut-out wood photos in this show. What is your background with your medium? 

JT RHOADES: I've only had a small background with wood as a medium, making small 8x10 resined photos. This was a idea that formed from some pieces I've seen before, and some ideas being tested out with my friend Riley.MB: Your work is so reminiscent of psychedelic rock and roll, and also skate culture. Do you think it would be possible for your work to be made outside of Southern California?  

JT: For sure. I believe it's being done everywhere. I've traveled on trips in the US skateboarding with friends and have seen a lot of stuff that inspires me to do different things.


MB: What inspired you to start making the cut-out wood pieces? 

JT: I've been trying to come up with ways of how to present my photos. Framing is just too normal. Resin photos on wood have always caught my eye, and after making a few square ones I wanted to see something different, so I started shaping the wood to the subject in the photo. It was an idea that seemed epic.MB: It does seem epic, can't wait to see it in person! What can we expect to see next from you, JT?   

JT: I have tons of ideas and a ton of stuff going on.  A music book could be cool if I could get on a few tours with rad bands and also go to some epic festivals. I really wanna make a coffee table book also, just interesting photos of my friends and stuff. As long as I keep moving, shooting some film, hanging with my friends, I'll have something getting planned out.

MB: Who are some of your favorite artists/musicians?

 JT: I'm a huge fan of all types of music. Sleep, Earthless, BB King , John Lee Hooker, Ghetto Boys, Scott H Biram. My favorite bands though are my friends, local bands like Harsh Toke, Sacri Monti, Joy, Arctic.
JT Rhoades' solo exhibition DOUBLE EXPOSURE opens at the Tin Can on Tuesday, October 8th at 9 pm.
No cover, 21+ 
DOODS FOODS
DJ Mikey Ratt 
&
THE LUMPS

LIVE / WORK

Magic Brotherhood's sister start-up LIVE / WORK is now up and running!

Magic Brotherhood's new decor and organizing identity LIVE/WORK is now available for booking -- whether it be your home, office, garage, or studio spaces that need some T.L.C. (or maybe even a huge overhaul!), contact LIVE/WORK to help make your space functional, efficient, and somewhere you will WANT to spend your time. Why wait?

LIVE/WORK Facebook
website coming soon!
LIVE/WORK email

What's Op?

During the early 1960's a fateful convergence between mod fashion and the Op art movement happened. The explosion of this style was so fast and so popular that often times, people don't realize that the artists creating the original work were never recognized. In fact most of them were completely against the commercial exploitation of their work.

Bridget Riley, the op artist who created the image above, tried to sue a well-known designer for infringement after seeing one of her designs on his dresses, but was sadly, unsuccessful.

textile designed by Barbara Brown for Heals

There were however, a few textile companies during the 1960's such as Heal's, Edinburgh Weavers and Hull Traders that commissioned and credited artists who designed textile prints. These fabrics were used in furniture as well as fashion.

Op Art-inspired fashion did not stay en vogue long, it was preceded by the late 60's psychedelic, organic patterns. And while I firmly believe credit should be given to artists when it is due, suffice to say I have been really inspired by this Op fashion lately:

André Courrèges

For more info on Op Art

Artist Spotlight: AKE ARNDT

Arist Ake Arndt performing as Operation:MINDBLOW

Ake Arndt’s upcoming solo exhibition, “Sorry I Didn’t Know You Had a Condition” opens Tuesday, July 9th at the Tin Can and will feature a collection of Arndt’s past work as well as several never-before-seen paintings.

Arndt has been a part of the art and local skateboarding scene for the last 15 years, his most recognizable work being a distinct collection of show and event fliers. He initially began making fliers for his own band several years ago, collaging images together by hand, but not long after other bands took an interest in his work and he began making fliers for their shows as well. Much of the fliers he creates now are vibrant digital collage that pay homage to the Surrealist, Pop, and psychedelic art movements.

Arndt’s homage to the psychedelic extends beyond 2-D artwork. He also performs in “an all analog liquid light show” known as Operation:MINDBLOW with partner Josh Bohannon. The duo produces bright, hallucinogenic backdrops for live shows with the use of overhead projectors, oils, and dyes, and have worked with several music festivals and shows in and around southern California.

In addition to the work Arndt is displaying Tuesday night at Tin Can, he will also be performing with heavy psych project California666 around 10 pm. "Sorry I Didn't Know You Had a Condition" opens July 9th at Tin Can and is sure to be a trippy and spectacular occasion. We look forward to seeing you there!



For more info, email Ake Arndt: operationmindblow@gmail.com

Check out more Ake here.

Hobbies: Hanging Succulent Arrangements

New summer project: crocheted hanging holders with succulents in them. Super fun to make! Currently trading these for artwork and teaching buddies how to make them.
P.S. There is a Magic Brotherhood Etsy in the works and I'm sure there will be a few of these up for sale soon! Happy summer :)

 
 
 

 

for more info email me --- danicamolenaar@gmail.com

Coming Soon: SPACE 4 ART Documentary Series

In mid-April, Magic Brotherhood and Kajiki Production will be premiering a collaborative documentary series on Space 4 Art-- San Diego's largest non-profit live/work community for artists. We're really excited to work with the inspiring people that run this space as well as highlight the artists living and creating there. If you're curious about checking the place out or want to go to any of their upcoming events, visit their Events Page. Stay tuned!

Artist Spotlight: SHAY AARON

I don't know what it is about miniatures that is so undeniably adorable; puppies napping, tuxedos for babies, Bagel Bites... The very sight of mini any-thing resonates with my most shameful girlish whims resulting in fits of unwarranted giggling. That being said, I had a recent episode when I caught sight of Israel-based artist Shay Aaron's pint-sized plates. His Etsy is filled with super-small snack replicas made of polymer clay, and if you get a chance, take a close-up look at all the detail put into this handmade fare. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and looks good enough to eat! Tons more yummy treats on Facebook.

Artist Spotlight: PAUL REMUND aka LIGHT VISION

Paul Remund is a superbly introspective guy with a unique sensibility about his art practice. I suppose he might be what's know as a "multi-media artist", being that his work spans music, sound, sculpture, painting, woodworking, and performance. He's been an acquaintance for many years and I'm so bummed we are only just getting to know each other because he is about to move away to New York! :) :`(

February 12th is the night of his opening at the Tin Can and days later he will be in his new home New York, so come out and bid farewell and check out the performance piece and sounds brought to you by Light Vision.



Magic Brotherhood: I'm so excited to be collaborating with you on this show! Tell us about what Light Vision will be doing that night.
Paul Remund: In the last couple mouths I have gone through a lot of life change. Between all of these changes including a relationship end, an artistic collaboration end, quitting my job, a birthday, and planning a move to New York, I began to realize that my independence as a person was nonexistent. This performance will express this very thing through performance and sound.



MB: You were involved in a project called Cathedral X. What inspired that project?
PR: Cathedral X was a project that began with Amanda Schoepflin and Jessica Jeffrey. I joined after its birth and brought an element of sound art and instrumentalism. The project inspirations and concepts were formed to express the human self in its purest most intimate state.

MB: What inspires you?
PR: Inspirations are most always found after exhausting an idea or sound concept... I find that my inspirations come from present situations and relationships and expressing introspective feelings.




Listen to Light Vision on SoundCloud.
Check out Paul Remund's tumblr and also at Cargo Collective.
Like Light Vision on facebook.

Oh yeah, and come to the Tin Can Tuesday February 12th for the opening night of TRANSAGES and give Mr. Remund a proper good bye hug.



 

Rose Bowl Flea Market

I have been back in the California sun for 2 weeks now and find myself generously soaking up the warmth from its rays as well as the warmth of all my dear friends and family that I have missed so much. There is nothing like the comfort of old friends to cheer you up.
Speaking of old friends, my dear friend Jennifer from Portland moved down to San Diego to go to the Gemology Institute and we reunited for an adventure this weekend.

We went to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena where my eyes were barraged with beautiful furniture, stylish people, awesome furs, and we even saw Gisele Bundchen shopping for antiques. (sorry for the low quality camera phone pictures...)

After that we headed out to Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood for the most delicious burgers at Den.

They also had the most incredible bloody mary I have ever tasted.
After an evening on Sunset we watched Shahs of Sunset. Yeah, this show is kind of amazing.

It is so nice to be out in the world again and not riddled with bronchitis anymore. Being sick and stuck in bed for a month is awful!