Today was one of those days that I heard a voice say, "This is why you live in Shanghai." Awesome day brainstorming, collaborating, and moving projects. Awesome things ahead!
#shanghai #collaboration #hustle #grayandgrit #graphicdesign
Enjoying a beer after a satisfying session.
Day 1 of Signpainting at Doc Guthrie's
After several years of not touching walls for street art or mural purpose I have been hitting the brushes quite often lately. Today I finished 1 of 5 signs for a Shanghai based old-school barber shop called Doc Guthrie's. It was a pleasure working with the crew from there as they value craftsmanship from the hand as seen in their accomplishments with scissors and straightedge. Many older Chinese stopped and observed while the young and modern zipped by thankfully missing the scaffolding. It's interesting to see who values a more tangible and authentic experience.
It's interesting to pursue this craft in this overproduced and glossy city I have called home for going on nine years. Stay tuned for more work!
Process...
Not needing lights, using the "natural" light of the city.
Placed between the glossy, manufactured experiences.
SPRING COCKTAILS AND PRINTS - 7PM Wednesday, April 15th
This Wednesday the Union Trading Co will be releasing their new menu along with prints made by myself. So stop by fro a refreshing drink and a print to bring some spring time flavors and colors to your home! It starts at 7pm and goes late. Located on 64 Fenyang Rd near Fuxing Zhong Rd with the entrance on Fuxing Zhong Rd.
Linear Narrative Showing
Finally getting some time to sit down and write down closing thoughts about the past showing I was involved in. Previously, I was involved in a number of group shows and this was my first duo show. I am privileged to have shared it with Faith Hampton as we did well collaborating and using our respected skills to produce this month long event. I couldn't have asked for a better art partner. We have already begin planning for the next show as well.
"Where do you go from here?" was the common question I received from individuals attending the event. This was just the third step I have taken in my art and illustration career at I actually hadn't really thought about it. All my energy was placed on this one event. These past few weeks I have had some time to consider where to take the next step.
In some ways others have already taken the next step for me. In typical China fashion, without asking me or giving me an 3 hours to consider opportunities. Already my pieces have been flown to two other group shows. It's amazing the speed in which this country sometimes runs at.
Unfortunately, the marketing of the show was not to my standards as I realized I had done the majority of marketing among my circles of influence. Very little was done from the other side of things. I have learned my lesson in setting expectations, setting standards for others, and motivating within another culture. This aside, I have quite possibly stumbled upon another revenue stream in which to sell my art within. More of this to come later.
In conclusion, I owe much of the success to my wife for giving me the opportunity and challenge to see this through. Having time to complete the work is extremely valuable as in the past it was work done in the dead of night where my skill at precision sometimes lacked. Having time during the morning really did wonders. A special thanks to David Fox for capturing photos of the event! Also, a big thanks to all the friends for their support and to Westwood Ales for providing the party!
