A Smack of Jerryfish

wow it's been a long time...

2010-12-18T00:38:00.002-06:00

i'm alive!

hello bloggers,

it's been a long time since i last posted. a lot has happened in the last several months. i just wanted to post something here to remind myself that i have bonded with you all and can't forget that.

I'll upload something for more substantial soon. promise. don't hate me.

- Jerryfish

A couple of Videos I Recently Found

2010-09-09T01:31:00.001-05:00

Big Buck Bunny - Peach Open Movies

I wish my sketchbooks and journals were this beautiful...

"Anchored" - Lindsey Olivares

an awesome Flash animated project from a talented illustrator and animator.. Etoli.

http://etoli.deviantart.com

Copper River Adventure...

2010-07-08T19:28:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting in Copper River Cafe. The smells of brewed coffee and the low hum of overlapping conversations swirl around me. It's quite pleasant...I don't get this feeling walking into a Starbucks (though I like their chai). There is something about the atmosphere this place exudes that makes me feel relaxed.

I should venture here more often...if not to get a drink, but maybe just to leave my apartment and remind myself there are some bright spots of interest here in Peoria.

*break* talking to the owner, Scott, about possible exhibiting of work here at Copper River.

*return* Scott likes my work and is interested in showing the work. They are currently booked for the summer, but definitely a good chance of securing the back room.

It's a start to a small exhibiting life as a post-grad artist. I gotta do what I gotta do, right? Right.

It's been awhile since I have posted something substantial here, and I apologize to those following this blog...(all six of you, much appreciation). Anyway, a lot has happened. I was considered for employment as an adjunct professor in Nashville, Tn. The didn't work out. I graduated and I think I pulled a thesis paper and exhibition together. I folded hundreds of paper boats. I've traveled to San Diego to meet family from my father's side for the first time in my 27 years of living. I drove a friend, he infant daughter, and her mother to Roseville, Minnesota for her friend's sister's wedding. I watched the US Soccer team lose to Ghana in the world cup while being surrounded by a dozen young and excited Ghanians and others from various African countries. It was Awkward, but nothing bad.

Oh right! I really got into the World Cup South Africa. The Netherlands are going to take it all Saturday!

anyway, I've been hanging out with friends that are still in town, and eating free tacos, cheap chicken wings. I've been catching up on sleep and gouaching it up like crazy. Life is good, despite the serious lack of funds in my bank account.

Yesterday I applied to work at Target, and Toys-R-Us and tomorrow i plan on driving around and applying at K-Mart, Macy's, and TJ Maxx.

Hopefully something will come around. It has to right?

I found an Illustrator on Deviantart I would like to feature on the Smack of Jerryfish...I'll contact her tonight and see if she's interested.

newest gouache!

2010-06-24T22:25:00.000-05:00

Collaboration - Heather Brammeier and JerryFish

2010-05-10T22:49:00.000-05:00

we think it's complete now.

Frank Boelter - Biggest paper boat in the world

2010-05-10T22:38:00.000-05:00

click here

One Man Paper Canoe!

2010-05-10T22:33:00.000-05:00

whoa!!!

Paper Canoe

Moving Paper Boat Sculpture - Heidi Hove Pederson

2010-05-10T22:29:00.000-05:00

A great project by Heidi Hove Pederson and another artist...

a lot of littering though.

but still cool

click link to see a video.

Heidi Hove Pederson

NEW VIDEO: 70 Million - Hold Your Horses

2010-03-15T08:08:00.000-05:00

This is another video find from Hope Batterson!

She's been on the ball with this video discoveries!

How many of the art references can you recognize?

and I really dig the song as well!

Who dat be?

2010-03-04T01:23:00.000-06:00

no title at the moment still in the process of being created

2009- to current

mixed media

calligraphy ink, gouache, stamping, prismacolor pencil, graphite, and acrylic

here's a side project i'm working on the side.

This is a collaboration in which i'm teaming up with Heather Brammeier, professor of painting at Bradley.

the visual resources are the same pool of imagery we both dip from from, but the approach we take is completely diferent.

just some info on the project

Contributing Artist:
Jerry Phillips - Bradley University Graduate Student - Printmaking

Heather Brammeier - Bradley University Professor of Painting

title: *currently incomplete so no title at the momenet"
size: 22"x 30"
Paper: Rives BFK White
media: Mixed (brown and green calligraphy ink, gouache, prismacolor pencils, acrylic, and graphite)

Conceptual Content:

The Painting Professor at Bradley University, Heather Brammeier, has often worked on collaborations with her graduates students who wither take a drawing and/or painting course with her.

Since I've taken painting, drawing, and color theory with her, she thought collaborating with me would be a great idea!

When compared to each other, our work appear to be on the opposite sides of the visual spectrum. Her work is abstract color compositions focusing more on creating an illusion of depth based on color interactions. Although the flat curvilinear forms she draws and paints come off as geometric initially, they actually base the beginnings in the movements of plant life and ocean life as they waft effortlessly in the currents and the waves.

Where as the my work is a more literal depiction of oceanic and other aquatic critter, I still look to how those organism exist in their water environment. The conceptual idea for why My obsession with the dark values of Mezzotint can't set my work farther apart form Heather's colorful paintings then is possible. But i've grown to appreciate color (no i love color) and even my adventures into color fall on a very different plane.

Some how, the origins that birthed these ideas have come merged and created this amalgamation of two different artists.

How We Do:

the basis of this collaboration is to be completely reactive to what you see on the paper. You manipulate the image due to your instincts and gut feelings while keeping in line with your own style/imagery.

above all else, WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO OBSESS OVER IT!

History of the piece:

This started as an ink wash drawing i had started back last semester. after agreeing to collaborate, I passed the piece on to Heather who worked a little before giving it back. I work on it and passed it back...and so on and so forth.

The best part about the collaboration is the history of marks and images layered on there has helped build and created a sophisitcated world/environment that reflects the aquatic qualities Heather and I are visually attracted to.

I cannot wait to see just how much this invented environment evolves and changes before we both decided the piece is gone.

The possibility of continuous growth within the image is exciting and quite breathtaking, due to the fact that it could continue to change and develop for another day or even years to come.

Post Valentine Prose

2010-02-16T00:54:00.000-06:00

some words worth of shakespeare:

"Look how much I love you

I hope you like Valentine GOO because

There is no one just like you,

Will you be my valentine?

Please be my valentine.

If you don't I'll go to the valentine MOAT."

-Caitlyn McCracken

3rd Grade

"Roses are Red, Violets are Blue,

Yes they are beautiful,

But not as beautiful as you,

Though sometimes you make me cry,

and when I see your face I flee,

But soon this Valentine's Day,

I'll ask you to be my Valentine Today."

- Bethany Arline Hardy

6th Grade

I love how completely honest this words of prose are.

The Edition

2010-01-30T00:54:00.001-06:00

stalling, 2010

jerry b. phillips

mezzotint

Wiping and Printing the "stalling" mezzotint...

you can actually see me go through the process!

listen carefully, you may actually hear me singing.

Color - Highlights

2010-01-20T00:30:00.001-06:00

Highlights from Drawing 102-01

Fall 2009

Watercolor Assignments

color study, 2009

Amy Petrek

watercolor/gouache

flat color study

backpack, 2009

watercolor

Stephanie Dacuma

still life study

heel, 2009

watercolor

Emily S. Muir

part of final assignment

folded paper, 2009

watercolor

Laura J. Wirtz

folded paper study

fan and bricks, 2009

watercolor

Emily S. Muir

department still life study

light switch, 2009

gouache

Joshua van Arsdale

still life study

crane, 2009

watercolor

Shannon Gordy

folded paper study

Black and White - Highlights

2010-01-19T23:54:00.001-06:00

Highlights from Drawing 102-01

Fall 2009

Black and White

flower, 2009

graphite/charcoal

Nick Younglove

final assignment

plant, 2009

graphite

Laura J. Wirtz

organic still life assignment

starbursts, 2009

graphite/charcoal

Joshua van Arsdale

monumental assignment

bicycle, 2009

graphite

Hope Batterson

bicycle still life assignment

hair clip, 2009

graphite

Stephanie Dacuma

monumental assignment

bicycle, 2009

graphite

Amy Petrek

bicycle still life assignment

plant, 2009

graphite

Shannon Gordy

organic still life assignment

bicycle, 2009

graphite

Aaron Schleickhorn

bicycle still life assignment

Brad Vetter - Designer/Letter Press/Art

2010-01-19T18:36:00.000-06:00

The Beast of Burden

the artist

photo credit: Adrienne Miller

Artist: Brad Vetter

Location: Nashville, TN

Online Portfolio: Beast of Burden

This is Brad Vetter, working designer, letter press printer, and artist. Living and working in Nashville, Brad has made a very successful name for himself as one of the printers for Hatch Show Prints.

His work, although feeds into the fields of poster design and graphic design, maintains a strong foundation in art. For those of you interesting in including text into your work, take a look at his work. He balances the use of words in to well thought out compositional pieces.

Graphic Designers, I'm showing you Brad's work because I want to stress what Gary has you do. I know for a fact that Gary has you sketch out your ideas before you even touch the computer. The great designs you created are not created because of the computer, but from you. Brad is an excellent example of how good design is still made by hand.

I love how Brad approaches color within his pieces. They enhance and don't distract. It's pretty amazing how he is able to use minimal color to make a poster just beam. It's also pretty amazing that he can overlap a small amount of color and create depth.

I've met Brad once, in Murray, Kentucky. I was in town for my friend's BFA show, and I met him and Adrienne for dinner at Jasmine's. This restaurant is one of many things I miss of that small town in Western Kentucky. I ate Singapore Noodles with chicken and a spicy crab sushi roll.

My initial impression of Brad was "this guy has awesome facial hair." I aspired to have facial hair like this guy, but alas, genetics has not granted me the ability. The artist is a really great guy (Adrienne - I totally approve of this guy).

work produced at Hatch Show Print

old crow medicine show, 2007

show poster

letter press

wilco,2008

show poster

letter press

jason mraz, 2008

show poster

letter press

work produced for design

the show

wine labels in environment

charles and charles, 2008

rose wine label

hatch show print

the ponys, 2007

show poster

power house factories

anthropologie catalog, 2009

letter press

Brad's personal work

let's talk about books, 2009

ink on book cover

modular things #1, 2009

relief and xerox transfer

the places i have been

letter press and xerox transfer

When everything seems to fall apart...

2010-01-17T02:29:00.000-06:00

and you don't seem to be able to makes sense of things...

Keep Moving Forward

and you'll pull through.

Video Find - Regina Spektor - EET

2010-01-14T06:07:00.000-06:00

Hope Batterson found and brought Regina's "EET" song and video to my attention.

I must say I'm quite fond of this song. and I really enjoyed visuals. There is something about using a typewriter as a musical instrument that is beautiful.

Also check out Hope's Website and her personal blog!

website: Hope Batterson

Blog: The Artwork of Hope Batterson

Amy Casey - Painting

2010-01-14T00:19:00.001-06:00

the artist

http://www.cia.edu/blog/?p=936

Artist: Amy Casey

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Medium: Painting, Printmaking

Website: Amy Casey Painting

A trip to Chicago with Heather Brammeier, painting professor at Bradley University, saw a couple of graduate students and Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree gallery hopping one day. Heather took us to some of her favorite galleries, and one in particular represents Ms. Amy Casey.

The ZG Gallery had an exhibition of Amy's work hanging that day. There is something about Amy's work that just intrigues me. Could it be the muted palette of colors she utilizes or maybe the unconventional use of the buildings. Whatever the reason, I was happy to find out that Heather was also attracted to Amy's work.

ZG Gallery printed a small book of her imagery and I jumped at the chance to purchase it. With my purchase, the gallery stuck a simple sticker with her signature in my copy and I felt like I had just received an autograph from a rock star.

From her artist statement, Amy describes her work as an extension of a series of dreams she had. Not wanting to depict her dream exactly, she evokes the feeling felt within them.

Here's what she had to say:

"For about the last eight years, I've been experiencing a sporadically recurring dream about the end of the world. Animals stampeding and buildings falling into dust around me. I wake in panic and with a heavy sense of inevitability...

...I think that like my dream, my paintings reflect my view of the nervous state of affairs the world seems to be in."

-Amy Casey

Read he entire statement here: writings on the wall

Check out the rest of her work! I'm sure you'll find them just as intriguing as I do.

Now onto some of my favorites:

an abundance of caution, 2008

22" x 30"

big cities, small towns, 2009

41" x 54"

keeping it together, 2009

36" x 50"

safety in numbers, 2007

22.5" x 19.5"

Rory Coyne - Painting

2010-01-11T18:16:00.000-06:00

self portrait, 2007

oil on canvas

15" x 24"

Artist: Rory Coyne

Location: Chicago

Technique: Oil Painting, Printmaking, Drawing

Subject: Figurative work

Webiste: Rory Coyne Fine Art

Deviantart Gallery: DeRoodeKoning

Rory Coyne is a an artist living and working in Chicago. So kiddies, he's somewhat of a local artist. Maybe we should plan a trip to Chicago and catch an exhibition of his work in the near future.

I discovered his work at www.deviantart.com, and immediately was impressed with his technical skill with oils and drawing, but more importantly is rendering of the figure. You all know that the next drawing class listed in the curriculum is LIFE DRAWING. What better way to familiarize yourself with how the human figure is used in Contemporary Art World then by looking as work that focuses on the subject.

Coyne's work is very much contemporary but also draws on the work of others, such as Jenny Seville, Ron Muenck, and Rembrandt ( I'm sure there are many others). All are listed as favorite artists by Coyne, and only supports my constant push for you all to look at other artists.

It's important to connect to what's being made in the art world. It's important to find a group of artists you feel influenced by. It will only make your work stronger as you head deeper into your degree program.

I've been follow his work on deviant art for awhile. It seems he really appreciated feedback and tries to reply to most (if not all) comments left on his pieces. He's a great example of strong figurative imagery with an interesting twist.

Now some images:

who to listen to, 2009

photograph of artist

another ::conversation::, 2007

oil on canvas

6' x 5'

one of those days...murr, 2009

oil on canvas

42"w x 48"h

pig tale, 2008

oil on canvas

1' x 1'

tri and tri, 2007

etching with aquatint

Don't be freaked out about having to draw nude figures. It's important to learn the human body while working from a live model. Photographs don't provide a 3-dimensional source of information.

Go into the figure drawing class and just draw...Remember, Go Big or Go Home. Step Hard or Step off.

Sondre Lerche - Music

2010-01-07T23:48:00.000-06:00

Sondre Lerche

September 16, 2009

Shcubas in Chicago, IL

If you've seen Dan In Real Life, you've heard this song and this amazing musician.

I had the opportunity to catch two performances of his in Chicago, thanks to my friend, Becky!

Those of you who have been in my class, you've heard his music. I played all of his albums multiple times.

enjoy this performance.

Here are some photos from the two shows I attended in Chicago back in September 2009.

Venue: Schubas

City: Chicago

Date: September 2009

crooning the crowd

audio failure doesn't stop the show

pretty awesome

highly recommend seeing a live show

his "baby" or as i refer to it "ol'bluey"

Emma Mueller - Watercolor

2010-01-07T23:09:00.000-06:00

self, 2005

(if you don't want your picture here,Emma, please let me know

I thought it would be nice for my students to see what the artist looks like)

I ran across Emma's work while checking on messages in my deviantart account. Her three watercolor studies are perfect examples of how manipulate the media. As this past semester was the first time I taught watercolor, I'm beginning to look for other works I can use as good examples of how watercolor can be used. (at least in my opinion)

From my brief interaction with Emma, she seems to be a really nice and humble artist, and I believe you all would love her studies. They are beautiful, and offer excellent use of pigment/water ratio, and control of the brush. They also hint at the ink wash drawings and painting for the Japanese and Chinese masters, so of course I was immediately pulled into these works.

I asked her if there were any tips she would like to share with you all about water color and here's what she said:

"In all truth these are just doodles and I haven't worked with watercolors in years. What I've realized picking it up again is that paper is everything. These were just done on a bristol pad, so the medium did not act with the versatility and freedom that it should. So using a paper specifically for watercolors, or at less nothing hot press, is the best. Also, if you're going for detail it's best to use a very small brush loaded with color and water. Watercolors used dry (unless that's the effect you're going for) are never as satisfying. I hope that helped, at least a little bit. I'm no expert!"

- Emma Mueller, via deviantart message, 01-07-10

bird I, 2010

watercolor on bristol

bird II, 2010

watercolor on bristol

bird III, 2010

watercolor on bristol

Emma's Deviantart Gallery : Sequana

please visit her gallery, she has many more pieces you may find interesting! :D

Dwayne Labuschagne - South Africa

2010-01-07T22:25:00.000-06:00

Dwayne Labuschagne ("la-boo-scugg (harsh 'g' sound with a dutch/afrikaans tone)-nee" is the best i can come up with -straight from the artist himself")

So I have a friend in South Africa, and he's a pretty talented artist. He's very productive and never seems to stop producing work. Sometimes I wish I retained a work ethic like his.

Dwayne has a really good eye for composing his imagery and I find his instinctual use of color very fascinating. He often inserts a narrative/story to each image, that i pick up on. That's something I'm working on including in my own work.

So photo kids, here's another photographer for you too look at! (Especially, you digital photo kids).

thoughts of you, 2010

digital photography

oasis, 2009

digital photography

fade to black, 2009

digital photography

clinging onto life, 2008

digital photography

autumn leaves, 2009

digital photography

When I asked him what his tools of the trade were here's what he said:

"I currently use a 'Fuji Finepix A900' which is a basic point-and-shoot camera with maco functions and adjustable settings, and a recommendable starter camera for any newbie photographer. But I'm planning to upgrade to an SLR camera - preferably a Canon model. As for software, I use Adobe Photoshop CS3 and/or Adobe Lightroom 1.4.

We can't all afford the best equipment when we're starting out and I needed to learn how to push my camera for all it's worth to get the kind of photos I wanted. And a little editing goes a long way in showcasing those photos in an even better light. It's about effectively combining the resources and learning about when enough is enough. There is such a thing as too much editing.

Also when it comes to the technical aspects of photography, there may be rules, but one should never see them as limitations and there is still so much free reign for creativity. Rules are just guidelines in photography and there's so much one can do while keeping it aesthetically pleasing."

- Dwayne, 01-07-10 : 11:01pm (my time)

He hopes to upgrade his camera to a Canon SLR soon, but from his work, he proves it's about the artist's use of the camera (not the camera itself) that makes good work.

Remember, you make your work good. The materials and tools can only do so much, before it's all up to your hard work.

His Deviantart Gallery: Chronophasia

His Column: Ask Dwayne - he's a funny guy too, so check it out.

Adrienne Miller - The Way I See It

2009-12-26T19:54:00.000-06:00

rawr! the artist with tiger

photo credit: adrienne miller

Artist: Adrienne Miller

Location: Nashville, TN

Medium: Photography, Printmaking, Drawing

Adrienne's Online Portfolio: Adrienne Miller

Adrienne's Blog : The Way I See It

Hatch Show Print Gallery: Hatch Show

Sometimes the best and most influential artists you come to meet or come across are those who you go to school with.

This is the reason i try and encourage my students to talk to each other during class, and especially in critiques by vocalizing their opinions and listening to one another.

Adrienne is one of my good friends who i went to school with. we have been through a bunch of similar situations as you all and know exactly how it feels to be in an artistic rut. I've called her many times to complain or run ideas by her and vice versa.

Here is some of her older work.

Damien Rice

2007

letterpress

printed at Hatch Show Press

Nashville, TN

Damien Rice

2007

Letterpress

printed at Hatch Show Press

Nashville, Tn

2007

silkscreen/lithography

2007

silver gelatin print

adrienne's primary focus in her BFA program at Murray State University, was in Photography. As a photographer, Adrienne never let the hand of the artist escape her. She drew as much as she could, by taking many (if not all) of the printmaking courses offered at Murray State University.

I met Adrienne in printmaking. Many late nights we had in the studio with classmates...making art, watching movies while making art...late night food runs. Good times.

For a summer, Adrinenne interned at The Hatch Print studio in Nashville, TN. She is still good friends with them, and currently resides in Nashville.

Daniella Woolf

2009-12-23T01:30:00.000-06:00

Daniella Woolf

Daniella's work is a great example of how to use found objects and creat something that is meaningful, beautiful, and just creative.

website: www.daniellawoolf.com

Sketches are Beautiful

2009-12-23T01:18:00.001-06:00

Sketchbook

2002 B

James Jean

the sketch above is soo beautiful. a perfect example how using just line can be expressive. utterly gorgeous.

Sketchbook: Mole

2009 A

James Jean

ballpoint pen, 10"x9"

2009

James Jean

James Jean website: CLICK HERE

Hope's video find!

2009-12-14T06:44:00.001-06:00

Cute Boy plays "I'm Yours" on a ukelele!

Brad Vetter

2009-12-13T19:31:00.001-06:00

my friend's boyfriend, brad's work

Beast of Burden

K. Donadies

2009-12-13T19:10:00.000-06:00

Check out her website : Kelly Donadies

Hub-Bub

2009-12-10T16:22:00.000-06:00

my friend Claudia Dishon has been an artist-in-residence for Hub-bub Artists Residency program.

She is living in a nice apartment/studio for 11 months free of charge.

Here's a video the people at Hub-Bub put together to showcase and advertise their program.

Claudia is in the top left corner of the video.

The Invisible Man

2009-12-10T15:41:00.000-06:00

Check out this work from Chinese artist: Liu Bolin

The Wisdom of Calvin

2009-12-10T05:44:00.001-06:00

Simparch: Bradley Visiting Artist Fall 2009

2009-10-22T00:50:00.000-05:00

Meeting the Simparch Guys

Team Work

Professional

Design/Concept Meeting

Power Tools

Power Tools Again

Day Three

Continued Planning and Discussion

Working Hard

And the Last Night to Help Simparch

Livin' For the City

tetris

2009-10-07T18:21:00.001-05:00

Sarah Sze

2009-10-06T17:24:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite artist of all time.

Sarah Sze's installations bridge harmoniously line and space.

Hidden Relief, 2001

installation

Hidden Relief, 2001

installation (detail)

Sarah Sze working on Corner Plot (2006)

Website:

Sarah Sze

James Jean

2009-10-06T17:13:00.000-05:00

James Jean is an amazing illustrator/artist. Those of you interested in pop culture and illustration check out his work.

Shoes

James Jean

tea ceremony?

webiste:

James Jean

Where the Wild Things are...awesome video 02

2009-10-05T20:30:00.000-05:00

we should as a class go and watch this.

and oldie for the clsss. just remember color is fun.

another sony bravia commerical!

Awesome Videos 01

2009-10-05T20:04:00.000-05:00

Band: SOUR

Song : 日々の音色 (Hibi no neiro)

Tone of Everyday

Created By: Matt Harding and Melissa Nixon

Vocals: Palbasha Siddique

Song: Praan

In the beginnging

2009-10-01T02:05:00.000-05:00

and so another batch of drawing students think i'm a teacher...

I'm actually a gallery working Super Hero!

I fight crimes against art with my sidekick.

The Jerryfish and The Shinn race to the crime scene!! The Crime this week...DIRTY PODIUMS!