"KNOW" featured at this year's Gen Art Vanguard Fair is an exhibition comprised of many inspired artisans that represent a diverse cross section of the fine art world. All of the work has been created specifically for the "KNOW" exhibition and hopes to introduce you to emerging and known talent who have no fear when incorporating digital painting, mixed media, comics, traditional painting, rendering and photographic styles into their work.
Xiaoqing Ding : 9" x 10" Chinese Watercolor on Silk : "Lover's Boat""KNOW" is an invitation to discover the unexpected and closely analyze the eclectic pairing of such a diverse grouping of artists. Murphy Fine Art Editions is working hard to post this exhibition prior to the show dates of December Fourth through the Seventh. Enjoy.
Jennybird Alcantara describes,"In my work I like to explore the complex interconnectedness of opposites as seen through the prism of myth, fable and fantasy. Visually my paintings have an initial sweetness, you first see the palette, this is the sugar coating, 'the spoon full of sugar that helps the medicine go down'. Once you enter the painting that's where the sweetness gives way to a darker side, the brutality and decay lying quietly beneath beauty and nature, that of the natural world as well as human nature. I am interested in what is 'underneath the pretty', I am trying to dig that stuff up and the character in the painting is the medium revealing those bits of flesh and bone." Jennybird has created, "Treasure," oil on wood painting that defines the above statement. Check out more of Jennybird's paintings and dolls at http://www.jennybirdart.com
Artist/gallery curator David "Netherland" van Alphen lives and works in Chicago, Illinois. Though David's family was from Holland, he was born in Toronto, and has been in Chicago over the past eight years. Being a child of the 70's has influenced him greatly and is reflected in his latest painting assembly, "Boarders." Juxtaposing images, his color choices and the new modern context comes through his nostalgic imagery and helps to isolate and enhance them. David has shown at many galleries throughout the U.S. and sold out his first solo show this past January. Check out David's gallery and fine art works at www.dvagallery.com
Ana Bagayan celebrates a love for drawing while balancing her subjects on a tight rope of surrealistic bliss with a twist. Ana's earlier work delivered devilish characters that evolved out of a Children's Fairytale gone astray. Today, Ana is working on a series of paintings and drawings, entitled "Orphans." Ana's seventy seventh "Orphan" is entitled, "Cindy." "Won't you give her a home?" Visit www.anabagayan.com and check out all of Ana's extensive works in progress.
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Robert Bellm is a Seattle based artist, who enjoys living in the northwest surrounded by the Cascade and Olympic mountains. Robert produces art based on subject matter that calls attention and challenges him to try to understand it. Robert's paintings are further interpretations of his mind's analysis, as you can see in his latest entitled, "Guarded." Check out more of Robert Bellm's birds and orchids at www.robertbellm.com
Jonathan Bergeron describes his art work as fine lowbrow art inspired by his upbringing in Montreal celebrating his skateboard while looking for cool punk rock album covers. You may have heard of "Johnny Crap," a nickname provided by his band mates who infamously celebrate punk jam sessions in the comfort of his garage. Jonathan's latest is entitled, "2 Wheel Truck," check out www.johnnycrap.com
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Cathie Bleck was recently featured at the Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio and the New Britain Museum of American Art in Connecticut museums this year. Cathie's busy schedule promotes a dedication the scratchboard arts, a unique canvas, much like woodblock printing or engraving. "Course of the Horse," is a representation of the United States and the historic path, "My piece reflects the change in the course of our history and what we are asked to ponder at present. The horse bucks, as many sit, ambivalent and seeing only what they want to see. And of course, the sting will come." (See the bee?) As a companion piece, Cathie created, "Possibilities," a lyrical painting about hope and positive movement. You can check out more of Cathie Bleck's great work by visiting www.cathiebleck.com
Jonathan Boam writes, "After messing up at school i went to Chesterfield to study art then onto Leeds to study graphic arts and design. I have worked in many jobs over the years and travelled far and wide working and volunteering along the way and always, no matter where I was or what job I found myself in, I made time to draw. At the moment I work as a care worker/support worker and do my artwork in my spare time, I have recently had artwork in the Islands Fold exhibition in Copenhagen…" Jonathan features, "Yes we in the shit," a sad depiction of an environmental disaster. Check out more of Jonathan's goodness at http://jonboam.blogspot.com
Brandon Boyd is a singer, songwriter (Incubus) who is an forever morphing artist who is possessed by a non-stop creative pulse. With two self-published books, "White, Fluffy Clouds" and "From the Murks of the Sultry Abyss," Brandon spring boarded his first solo art exhibition in Los Angeles earlier this year. Brandon's painting, "A Daughter's Last Song," is the last in a series of photo paintings created for the "Ectoplasm installation." As Brandon rummages through antique shops looking for bits and pieces of inspiration, he stumbled upon this train conductor, adding pen, ink and marker musings. For more about Brandon and his artistic endeavors, please visit www.brandonboydbooks.com
Katherine Brannock
Calef Brown is an imaginative artist and writer who has exhibited in galleries, published in magazines and has created several internationally acclaimed children's books. Flamingos on the Roof, the latest in his series of acclaimed children's books, debuted at 1 on the New York Times bestsellers list. Calef's painting is entitled, "The Featherless Seer" and you can see more of his imaginative works at http://www.calefbrown.com/
Ryan Bubnis' clean yet chaotic style has been described as "urban folk." Through his paintings, he comments on themes relating to the human condition. Vibrant, abstracted shapes and faces radiate joy and optimism while they float in and out of rich, multi-layered realms. Ryan's painting, entitled, ""Whatever You Want It To Be, That's What It Is," moves with texture. You can see more of Ryan's works at www.ryanbubnis.com
"Resurrection," by Marc Burckhardt is an acrylic and oil painting on wood panel, inspired by rebirth, the Renaissance and modern circumstance. Marc, who spent much time in Germany, growing up, is heavily influenced by the dark visions of Flemish painters and German folklore. Marc has been featured in Juxtapoz and Communication Arts. Marc's tightly rendered painting style will be on display during Miami Art Basel and www.marcart.net
Chris Buzelli celebrates his love for nature, history and childhood in his oil paintings. Chris balances scenic backdrops with dynamic characters, conjuring feelings from a bygone era, as he explains, "Somewhere in between this world and one inhabited by gigantic beasts and sea creatures." Chris' work compliments the "soul" capturing moments of personal relationships and oddly familiar memories. Chris has created two paintings for KNOW entitled, "Abracadabra" and "Harblinger." You can check out more of Chris Buzelli's work at http://www.chrisbuzelli.com
Ray Caesar invites you to enter into his world where art captures dreams for those who do not know how to sleep away life's circumstances. Ray is a prolific digital painter who creates lush landscapes filled with fantastical images of otherworldly children--safe havens created for his subjects based on his experiences while working at a Children's Hospital in Toronto. Ray created a one-of-a-kind (Edition 1/1) portrait entitled, "Fireflies." Check out more of Ray's imaginative work at www.raycaesar.com
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Luke Chueh's (pronounced CHU), "Screwed" is a 10" x 10" acrylic and ink painting that represents a continuation of his animal character series. Employing minimal color schemes, simple animal characters, and a seemingly endless list of ill-fated situations, Chueh stylistically balances cute with brute, walking the fine line between comedy and tragedy. You can see more of Luke's work at www.lukechueh.com
Dave Chung's work portrays the similarities we all deal with when it comes to dealing with our emotions, no matter how different we may be on the outside. Although his subjects generally deal with humiliation or some other type of anguish, they are generally shown in a light hearted and humorous way suggesting, "we have all been down that road before," and if not, "we know exactly how it would be like if we did." David's latest painting is entitled, "A Cupcake Monster is STILL a Monster." See more of David's work at
Robert Connett celebrates dream sequences, as he defines: "I often think that dreams may be the gateway to another world. Perhaps a parallel world just as important as the waking world we call 'reality?' " Robert is a kind artist who offers you a sincere honesty about life's lessons and his spiraled path to pursue his life long passion. KNOW is proud to present 4 masterful canvases created specifically for KNOW: "SUPPLICANT."AFS 1," "EMPATHICS" and "(Alternative Fuel Source 1)."
Robert Connett features one large painting, 24" x 24" featured in the exhibition entitled, "Crustaceapods, (C-Pods)," which is one part of an ongoing series, "Microbia." Check out Robert's work at http://www.rsConnett.com
Molly Crabapple is an artist, author, and the creator of Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School. Mollhy has worked with the Museum of Sex, depraved New York nightclubs, and Kiasma Museum in Helsinki. Her work is saucy Victoriana, with the devil hidden in the details. Molly's latest painting is a self-portrait entitled, "Self-Portrait." You can learn more about Molly by visiting www.mollycrabapple.com
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Amy Crehore paints mysterious dream worlds from her imagination. Amy's latest painting is entitled, "The Song of the Firefly" features an iconic nude girl playing a ukulele under glass in the spotlight of a firefly. Amy has exhibited her oil paintings in galleries and museums from coast to coast and has been published in a variety of different magazines. Amy is currently working on a Feb. 2009 solo show which will combine her love of old music and visual storytelling. Check out more of Amy's great works at http://www.amycrehore.com
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Rob Day is an artist experienced in creating conceptual images and custom portraits for the corporate, advertising, editorial, publishing and entertainment industries. Rob is a Creative Renewal Fellow sponsored the Arts Council of Indianapolis and a collection of his work was recently exhibited at The Indianapolis Art Center. Rob's delicate oil painting is entitled, "Nymph of Spring," is a testament to his lifelong dedication and eye for subtle detail. See more of Rob's fine art at www.robday.com
Brian Despain describes his artistic passion, "It was the time I spent, like the kid at the kitchen table, creating art for no other reason than sheer wonder of it all, that I was happiest. No matter the piece or the end result it's the art that we do for ourselves that wholly reflects us as people. It is that art which is purest, it is that art which holds the most magic, it is that art which connects on the deepest level and it is that art that this site is all about." Brian complimented one of his signature robotic characters with, "Haunting." See more of Brian's wide variety of work that captures an innovative style at http://despainart.com/
Xiaoqing Ding, originally from Beijing, China, is an artist inspired by her history who combines eight years of study in Beijing (traditional Asian Arts) with her recent exposure to American culture. Xiaoqing's painting, "March 3rd," is a beautiful and captivating mix of old world technique and modern subject matter. Xiaoquing draws upon ancient Greek and Chinese mythology and magical fairy tales. You can see more of Xiaoqing's masterful paintings at http://www.myspace.com/xiaoqingd
Leslie Ditto is a self-taught artist currently residing in Alabama due to an illness in the family. She has emerged on the scene with her provocative oil paintings and sculptures that are a reflection of how she views the world and the political, religious, and social dynamics of our day. She uses symbolism and strong imagery to relay her beliefs and emotions to the viewer in hopes that her test for an echo will be a success. Leslie has created a 2 panel piece entitled, "Dirty Pink Desire." See more of Leslie's fine art at www.leslieditto.com
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Nick Mann is an artist in Oakland who is nicknamed "Doodles." Doodles draws from his influences including: the Pacific Northwest, traveling, animals, graffiti, small towns, large towns, and underwater creatures. Doodles' work can be found in the streets of London, New York city, San Francisco, Seattle, Sweden, France, Ireland and Italy. Doodles is a resident artist at the collaborative group, Islands Fold and has created a painting entitled, "Wise Wolves." Check more about Doodles at www.flickr.com/nickmann and dropping his name in Google.
P-Jay Fidler's body of work reflects a heady amalgam of artistic influences: including naturalism, surrealism, popular illustration and graphic design. P-Jay's complex paintings predominantly address the transformative nature of human experience—becoming all at once, alienating and inviting. P-Jay features a mixture of adolescent archetypes and dark psychological aspects of the human condition, often surreal, ambiguous, and yet very much familiar. Check out P-Jay's new painting "a memorial to mortality as we all become one" and see more of his work at www.pjfidler.com
AJ Fosik is a builder and master assembler of little wooden parts that make up large constructions of lions, tigers and bears. AJ is most defiantly an original who was recently featured at the Laguna Art Museum in an exhibition that celebrated the "Low Brow" art movement. AJ defines, "The ********* is a symbol of everything that makes America great. Straightforward, egalitarian, substantial, and good-natured, it is also a little bloody at times." See more of AJ's work with a little help from Google and http://www.myspace.com/aaaajaaaay
Andrew Foster created, "They Will Never Believe," an oil on canvas painting. Andrew's subject matter is a constant evolution of inspired story telling through satirical renderings of the All-American myth. Many of Andrew's characters are uncouth pinups, aging superheroes and the rumpled businessman. You can visit Andrew's great work at www.andrewmfoster.net
Ken Garduno was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Ken graduated with honors from Art Center College of Design and has been working as an artist ever since. Ken's work has been exhibited across the United States and internationally. Like many artists who forge new ground and wander endlessly, Ken practices the study of nature, people, good food and how all three interact along the way. You can see more of Ken's work, including his KNOW show painting, "Production,"at http://www.kengarduno.com
Regino Gonzales, AKA "RG," is a multi-talented artist who is originally from Manilla. RG works for many of the entertainment and action sports giants, understands the flow and movement of his work and is proud to display an urban influenced style. If you are looking to discover a masterful tattoo artist, RG delivers, along with the rest of his crew at Invisible NYC, one part tattoo studio and one part art gallery. RG's latest, "Afterthoughts," and you can enjoy more of RG's work at http://regnyc.com/
Keith Warren Greiman is an artist who lives in Philadelphia, Keith's latest mixed media painting, "the sirens of fort sumter" celebrates his love of fantastical beasts and other worldly creatures with human qualities. Keith celebrates the human condition through images of mystical lands, walking cats and most notably, sword play. When all else fails, it's good to know you can just hold hands.
Moira Hahn celebrates the mythology of Persian miniatures, Tibetan Thanka paintings, Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, Indian animal drawings and Chinese guardian figures. Moira paints rich watercolors inspired by the Japanese Masters. Moira's most recent work, "Staycation II/Bring Back the Coral," celebrates the Eastern tradition of visual storytelling and provides an intimate look into Moira's love for mentoring and teaching. Learn more about Moira and check out her watercolor collection at http://www.moirahahn.com
Robert Hardgrave is a self-developed artist, Robert Hardgrave, creates work both highly intricate and abundant with personal symbols. Inspired by experiences from disease and recovery, his paintings and drawings reflect ideas of reincarnation and the richness of life beyond death. A Seattle resident for the past 16 years, Robert has exhibited nationally and internationally and currently features, a 10" x 10" acrylic and ink on canvas entitled, "Beckon." Check out all of Robert's works at www.farmerbobsfarm.com/
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Ryan Heshka pays homage to the "Golden" era of Scifi Pulp on a prolific scale. Being born into a low-tech era, Ryan often explores narrative themes of "mad scientist's" gone wrong. In celebration of this continued horror, Ryan's latest acrylic and collage painting entitled, "Doctors Stories," compliments his thematic stance nicely. You can see more of Ryan's work on the pages of "BLAB," gallery installations and at www.ryanheshka.com
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Hiroshi Hirakawa is a master watercolorist who adds a visual language, (editorialized interpretation), in celebration of traditional Japanese watercolor painting. Hiroshi decorates his central figures with delicate storytelling through tattoos, detailed color shifts and masterful color blends. Hiroshi created a beautiful painting from Japan, where he lives and paints full time. You can see a brilliant collection of work at http://www.myspace.com/hiroshihirakawa
Jason Jacenko is a tattooist who has been developing his painting skills since the early 90s. Jason loves creating, whether a sculpture, computer animation, vinyl sculpts or collaborative ventures. Jason describes, "For me the process is an escape into a weird and wonderfully world where the impossible is possible a place I can feel happy in even on the darkest of days. Staying true to myself I've found that its easy for these feelings to flow though to viewer give them a brief glimpse into my world and on the odd occasion a smile too…" Jason has exhibited around the globe and features, "fishrider" in KNOW. Check out more of Jason's imaginative works at http://jasonjacenko.deviantart.com/
Levon Jihanian has created a portrait of his Dungeons and Dragons character, "Drizzle Deukmajian, Secretary of the Treasury." "Drizzle was born in a sprawling cavern city in the Underdark of Thalindor. From an early age he cultivated the manners of an asshole and the archery skills of a master hunter. He left the Underdark at the young age of 55 to pursue a career in slavemongery.His subjugation of the Gnomes is well known in certain regions of the surface world. In the last year, Drizzle has switched career paths once again into the field of raiding, adventuring and mercenary work. He has 5825 experience points. And: Level 5 Drow Elf Ranger, worshipper of the goddess Lolth 15 Strength, 11 Constitution, 18 Dexterity, 12 Intelligence, 14 Wisdom, 12 Charisma." Check out more of Levon's work a www.levonjihanian.com
Ron Job delivers "Cowboy," the result of watching Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" a few too many times. "I have always been inspired by his visual sense and the iconic image of the twins in that hallway, something I knew I had to address at some point. That being said, most of my work is enigmatic, even to me. On some level everything, I suppose, means something, but I find that most of the power of art, of any kind, comes from the mystery of it. . .In my mind, the truly interesting things in life are the questions, not the answers." You can check more of Ron's digital works at www.myspace at myspace.com/rpjob
Dan Kennedy is a Toronto based fine artist who consistently features dynamically charged pop culture, history and science icons in his paintings. Dan's paintings celebrate the fine art of visual storytelling and he has been recently featured in the Peel Museum, Canada and "Juxtapoz" magazine. Dan's painting is entitled, "Rock Story," and celebrates his upcoming series of paintings, "The Geology Songbook." Check out more of Dan's great works (many of which are large installations), at www.dankennedy.ca
Donald Kilpatrick III recently created artwork for the book, " You Can't go to School Naked" by Dianne Billstrom. Don continually creates artwork for books and motion picture clients, and was involved in the design of the Olympic medal for the Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Don lives in Michigan with his family and teaches at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Check out http://www.donkilpatrick.com
Kristine Evans is the creative spirit also known as KINOKO. Kristine is a resident artist at the collaborative group, Islands Fold. KINOKO celebrates all of the good things in life, and not only is she a beautiful human being, she's also a super talented d.j and artist. KINOKO describes, "Kinoko is love making the arts. Fluo Pow! Meow Meow Meow." "Proven" is featured at this year's KNOW exhibition and you can see more at http://kinokogallery.com
KMNDZ aka Johnny Rodriguez began drawing for his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Silvia who he describes, "Soooo hot." Johnny is an all around creative guy who understands the business of design, while pursuing his passion for painting and dimensional assembly. KMNDZ's latest installation, "Red Forest" sold out, and was a great testament to his design understanding and development as a painter. Mr. KMNDZ delivers a two panel art piece, entitled "NVR FRGT," and it is handsomely framed. Check out more of Johnny's prolific works at http://kmndz.blogspot.com/
Zane Kozak is a digital painter who has created a limited edition 1/10, entitled, "New Neanderthal." Zane offers a glimpse into his fictional world, "Like most of my art I am interested in presenting a narrative that is comprised of artifacts, captured moments, and fragments of history or fictional history. The art work presents the components of this story like a geological dig for the viewer to discern rather than guiding them through a liner narrative. The more they uncover the clearer their own impressions may become." You can see more of Zane's work by visiting http://www.zanekozak.com
Travis Lampe is a Chicago based artist who probes the fun side of anger, despair and misplaced glee with characters who call to mind the early days of noodley, elbow-less animation. Travis has been on exhibition with many galleries from coast to coast over the past few years and has created an acrylic on wood panel piece entitled, "Happy Manufactury" for the KNOW exhibition. Travis originally was an ad/graphic design hand and has self-taught himself a signature style. Take a close look and visit http://www.travislampe.com
Daniel Lim is a caring artist who is developing future artists at Otis College in Los Angeles. Daniel's painting is entitled, "Sleepless," while working hard to comple his 1000 painting and drawing series. An impressive collection, that Daniel tirelessly works on in the hopes of producing a book featuring all 1000 paintings and drawings. Check out Daniel's work at http://www.daniel-lim.com/
Jason Limon has a critical eye for design and typography and frequently uses it in his paintings. San Antonio based, Jason works hard to capture the essence of machines and electronics of old. Jason's painting entitled, "Origin," is a testament to machine mixing it up with nature. Check out Jason's evolution from graphic designer to painter at http://www.limon-art.com
Jen Lobo features 3 paintings in this year's KNOW exhibition entitled, "Aisha" (white wolf), " Zulu" (zebra), and "Montana" (white tiger). Jen writes, "Roughly thirty miles north of downtown LA, nestled among the hills of The Angeles National Forest lies the Wildlife Waystation, an exotic wildlife rescue. The Wildlife Waystation {wildlifewaystaion.org
} is home to some 400 plus animals, including lions, ligers, tigers, bears, zebras, hyenas, rheas, & wolves. Several months ago I began volunteering at the Wildlife Waystation. The relationship between the animals and their caregivers is an exchange that I find completely inspiring. Relationships like these have become vital to the very existence of some of these species. Human compassion is becoming increasing crucial. This was the inspiration for this latest series of paintings." Visit Jen Lobo's work online at www.jenlobo.com
Lola is an artist who paints narrative that initiates a visual forum that communicates intimate stores with deep, hidden and personal meanings. Lola's latest painting is entitled, "Ana Wintor moves ahead," where whispers among travelers along the way are only heard by the characters within. Lola currently paints in Los Angeles, non-stop, as the outside world whirls around her. You can discover more about Lola and her latest "the Wondermental" exhibition at the Corey Helford Gallery by visiting http://lolastrangeart.com/
Dan May spends his days (and nights) painting dreamlike environments that transcend space and time. These delightful yet haunting images are often based in personal observations of both human's and nature's relationships with each other, blended with a healthy dose of whimsy, fantasy and cautious relevance, as seen in his latest painting, "Wooden Things and All it's Strings." Dan has exhibited in galleries throughout the US and abroad and is currently working on his first solo show at Copro/Nason Gallery in February of 2009. Check out more of Dan's fine works at www.dan-may.com
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