Hot Tamales U Can't Afford

new piece in the series

2010-08-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

Sunshine lava flow

8/10

this is based off a burn victim's wounds, with healing

2010-07-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

From Live in Painting at the Matrix July 14 th. 3 hour span.

New Stuff...

2010-07-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

Here is the first done in a series I'm working on right now. I haven't titled it because I'm waiting to finnish the others, you'll see why later.

WHEW!

2010-05-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

Ok so I finally finished my Black and white drawings....maybe I'll do more and add on as time goes on, but for now I'm satisfied (or should I be..?). I have a new series I want to work on now, in the spirit of my colourful bones and viscera drawings I did a while back. here are the final 3 pieces...they connect in an L shape.

These works are a weird study in evolution...I just drew what ever came to my mind at the time, not thinking about composition or holding back (as much as I could). You can see the complexity taking over in the 2nd and 3rd drawings more so than the more simplistic 1st drawing.

Live Painting

2010-05-20T12:58:00.001-07:00

So some of you are probably aware that I had a live painting show. It was a very unique experience and my first time attempting something like this. At first I was nervous because I wasn't sure what would ensue. I thought my easel would fall apart, or that I would get paint on random people, or just get stuck and not know what to do, or, the worse, make horribad art and have people think I stink. Luckily none of that happened. I came with a general idea of what I wanted to do and started chiseling it out piece by piece. I left room for creativity by choosing different materials that inspired and shifted my original idea to a better piece. The final product is shown below enjoy :D

2010-04-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

Heres a bigger version of my work, so you can see it better :)

More!

2010-04-13T11:37:00.001-07:00

(close up)

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Fencing has taken over a large chunk of my life; however after May 9th I should be easing up on it and concentrating more on my art work. Here's the 3rd pic in my Black and White pattern series, its not finished yet. I have to say its been fun, i'll try and get the other 2 posted soon so you can see how they link up.

The finished result

2010-03-15T00:47:00.001-07:00

Taken by my new camera no less!

SHOW OFF!

2010-03-05T12:07:00.000-08:00

EDIT! PLEASE READ!

Um...just curious, should we try to meet at Fraggle's Beer Revolution this Sat (the 6th) at about 3:30 pm? I want to get there at a time when he's not busy with a lot of customers.

If this doesn't work then maybe it would be a good time to catch him at around 12:30 on Sun (the 7th) afternoon (he opens everyday at 12pm, except mondays), when I know he wont be busy.

Ok this weekend didn't work, but I'm free Wed afternoon and Thurs all day. Victor is down, does anyone else want to tag along?

Needlepoint Luna Moths

2010-02-26T18:07:00.000-08:00

Hi Tamales,

I just wanted to update you on what I'm currently working on. I still need to post my newest koi painting, but in the meantime, I thought I'd show you my needlepoint luna moths. I wanted to see if I could make something 3-dimensional out of needlpoint other than the flowers I've been making for my needlpoint fish pond. I sketched the layout on old graph paper first, composing the wings and body. The top two wings are one piece and the ones underneath are two separate pieces. I then bought some fuzzy pipe cleaners from Michael's and stitched them onto the body.

I made these moths for my Creative Process class. I'm supposed to display them somewhere on campus, so I'm hanging them off of tree trunks.

Enjoy! :)

~Liz~

SHOW OFF!

2010-02-14T15:30:00.000-08:00

Alrighty folks, my friend Fraggle (yes thats his name....or at least he wont tell anyone his real name so...) has just opened up a store/bar in downtown Oakland called BEER REVOLUTION. He is currently looking for any kind of free advertising so I mentioned having an art show for us TAMALES! This is a win win situation if we can pull it off, we get exposure and he can draw in people. This place does get busy in the evening time, so that means people will see the work.

I would like to get some feed back on this from you guys and when things get serious we can (all?) take a trip down there to check out the space and talk with Fraggle in person. Let me know what your guys think!

BEER REVOLUTION LINKS

Myspace

Facebook

-emily

Painting update

2010-01-29T01:30:00.001-08:00

These are some shots of the new painting I"m working on. I'm trying to portray childhood as you all know but this time tension lies in the composition.

Mannequins

2010-01-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

I went on a field trip for digital photograpy to 49 Geary to see some galleries and take a bunch of shots around Union Square. My professor wanted us to capture the reflections of buildings. We came across these mannequins in a display window and I thought they were interesting, so I took some shots incorporating some of the reflections. Later, I fixed them up with photoshop. Enjoy! ;)

The MOSt AMazing drawing EVER!!!

2010-01-16T02:51:00.001-08:00

yes

Human Art

2010-01-16T02:33:00.000-08:00

I'm posting this because in most times in our lives we come across art that's not done by yourself precisely. This one was done by my sister when we were in starbucks and she grabbed the chocolate sauce and drew a face on my mocha. It came out funny because it has a nose but the most fascinating part of this is the call to make art when it's not necessary so please use this post to discuss similar art experiences or post pictures :) HAppy NEw YEaR Tamales!!

It's a Comic Strip

2009-12-22T17:29:00.000-08:00

Hey Tamales,

I don't mean to rain on anybody's art parade, but I love Dilbert (nerd!) and they rarely make art references. (you may need to click on it to read it)

-S.F. Chronicle, 12. 21.09.

Happy viewing,

Leslie Ann

www.leslieannart.blogspot.com

P.S. Apologies for possibly lowering the self-esteem of noncommercial artists :D

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2009-12-20T01:54:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow tamales monsters! Happy Holidays! I can't believe we've shown this amount of interest for art, intellectual conversations, and new additions to the group in such a short period of time. I hope you are all having a grand time being part of this community and hope we all grow from each other like we are now. So I guess what I'm trying to say is thanks, and I love you guys! Except you! You are nasty.

Epoxy Crisis!

2009-12-17T23:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, it’s not a crisis, but I could use any help or advice about epoxy.

I have 307 pills and capsules I made out of clay and wood and I recently coated them in enamel paint. I will attach them to a canvas painted with enamel paint as well. Enamel creates a plastic-like effect once dry. The pills and capsules fit easily in the palm of one’s hand.

I know that I will need to use epoxy to attach the pills to the canvas, but when I went to the store, I didn’t know what epoxy to purchase. There are three types: instant drying epoxy, epoxy plastic, and epoxy gel (there may have been an all-purpose one too, but I can't remember since there were so many brands available). What is the difference? I want to use whatever will keep the pills on the best and not something that will snap off too easily. Any advice would really help.

Some pictures of the pills:

(I just added colors to the pills today. Once they're dry, I'll remove the blue tape.)

Thanks,

Leslie Ann

www.leslieannart.blogspot.com

Recent Works

2009-12-16T15:54:00.000-08:00

Hi Tamales,

These are my most recent paintings. The fish on the cloth is 36x36 inches, and the other two are 11x14 inches (painted on small canvases just for fun). There were a few comments during the last BFA critique about whether my series should be more about the decorative paintings of koi or the smaller, more ambiguous koi paintings (or "fish portraits" as they were called). Personally, I enjoyed painting the bathtub and fish cloth works more so than the smaller ones, but if the smaller fish paintings have potential, then maybe they're the better route to take. Any suggestions?

Happy holidays everyone! :)

~Liz~

Christmas Stuff

2009-12-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

Here are some projects I've been working on over the holidays... making ornaments!

Note that the fruits actually have 2 faces each, but you can't see them because of the tree branches. I bought a buncha fake fruit, clear glass balls, and wooden fish (pre cut).

Nupens

2009-11-29T22:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a pic of one of my latest works. It's pens and sharpies but I'm using a different style and making it seem more painterly. I think it looks hardcore. I'm painting this way because I have been under a lot of pressure and I have deadlines and in some way I feel like my world is melting. Everything is caving in and I"m inside a huge void! Help me!!!! Don't worry I'm ok lol :)

Update on current work

2009-11-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Tamales,

I just wanted to show you my most recent painting in my koi series. It may need to be glazed, but I'm calling it done for now. I've been working on it for about a month (I'm a very slow painter). The ducks and fish are a little out of proportion, but I wanted them to be larger in scale. If you can't tell from the picture, the purple object at the top, right-hand corner is an ashtray with two cigarette butts inside. The water was the most difficult part of this painting, since I'm still trying to learn the realistic effects of light and ripples. Trapped and disoriented, the fish is trying to escape the rubber ducks and becoming entangled by the cloth's extensions. Feel free to suggestion anything you might think would enhance this work. :)

~Liz~

Brazilian Opening Reception

2009-11-07T18:08:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday I attended an opening reception at YBCA for a show called, When Lives Become Form: Contemporary Brazilian Art, 1960s to the Present. It was a lot of fun and totally worth getting a mild sore throat over the next day.

There were live Brazilian bands (both traditional and contemporary), Brazilian cocktails, ladies dressed in pink feathers and half naked, and there was art too. It was a show that could only be fully experienced at the reception because it really transformed the atmosphere from a museum to a party.

Purpose of the Show: The art show was about using cultural, historical, traditional, and societal influences that were deeply rooted in Brazil in order to create a movement of contemporary artistic statements using modern American and European inspirations, such as Dadaism and Deconstructionism to name a couple. Made up of Brazilian, Japanese-Brazilian, Jewish-Brazilian, and Afro-Brazilian artists, the show consisted of visual art, music, fashion design, sculpture, film, and architecture. The central theme revolved around Tropicália.

Tropi-what?:

Tropicália was an art movement in Brazil from 1967 to 1972 that focused on how art was shifting from what was considered "high brow" to commercial art. The idea originated from Hélico Oiticica -who was also the central figure of the art show. In 1967, Oiticica used clichés and tropical tropes, such as palm trees and tropical birds, to show how the culture had been consumed by commercialistic art. It was a form of expression that protested what society was becoming.

By 1972, a military dictatorship emerged in Brazil, which established censorships on art and freedom of speech. Many of the artists who led and followed the ideas and beliefs of Tropicália were incarcerated, exiled, or executed. Despite years of having a military dictatorship, Brazil returned to its democratic government in 1985 and the spirit and ideas of Tropicália flourish once again, but with a modern twist.

Enough with the History: I will show some artists that I really enjoyed at the show and briefly discuss their work. Some work may relate to other issues and themes depending on the artist’s ethnic background.

Fashion Design:
Jum Nakao. Sewing the Invisible.

This is a modified version of the video at the museum -the one at the museum is better. Fashion designer Jum Nakao created all of these clothing articles out of paper. Yes, paper. The featured fashion show was based on traditional Japanese dresses. Nakao wanted to show the rigidness of the past and how people tried so hard to conform to these ideals and to obey governmental authority. By busting out of the delicate dresses, the models were breaking away from the rigid past and governmental restrictions and becoming free to the modern ways of self-expression and freedom. It was stated that some people who saw the fashion show had cried because they could not picture a life without the strict traditions.

To Learn More Information: If you would like to see more pictures and to learn more about the show, visit my blog: http://www.leslieannart.blogspot.com/

Happy reading,

Leslie Ann

http://www.leslieannart.blogspot.com/

Online Survey

2009-11-07T03:40:00.000-08:00

Hey Tamales and Viewers,

I’m taking a statistics class and we have to create online surveys. I wanted to incorporate a measurement that somehow combined art with psychology, so I created this survey about hemispheric thinking processes. If you wouldn’t mind clicking on the link to fill it out, I would really appreciate it (it's completely anonymous). More surveys = more data. :) Where it asks you to give a subject ID number, just put 9999 (it’s also stated on the survey).

http://www.lesbecerra.netfirms.com/

By the end of the week I’ll explain what the survey measured in a little more detail.

Thank you!!!!!!!

Leslie Ann

http://www.leslieannart.blogspot.com/

Comic Strip

2009-11-07T03:06:00.000-08:00

Hey Tamales,

I wanted to post this earlier, but I haven't had the chance. It's a comic strip from the Fusco Brothers (you might need to click on it). I like its creepiness...

-San Francisco Chronicle, 10.28.09.

Enjoy,

Leslie Ann

http://www.leslieannart.blogspot.com/

Painting Tech 101

2009-11-06T19:09:00.000-08:00

ok, for all u ACRYLIC PAINT users out there...like in oil painting can you glaze with acrylics? Do I just use water or is there a certain medium I have to use?

Slowly....

2009-11-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

Heres pic of the piece ive been working on, slowly...

I think there needs to be more of a connect between them, so im thinking of doing more in the middle to tie the two works together better. Im not finished, (the squid and other parts need more detailed work) but i just wanted to let you guys know what was happening.

On another note, here is an updated version of the koi mural on my door. Im going to adjust his face a bit and finnish the water around him. Then i'll work on the body details more. Any suggestions on how to make the fish really pop? Ive really been struggling with ideas.

2009-10-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I went to see a performance art piece by the Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu class and Dance Company at the Palace of Fine Arts (my friend Kailani was one of the 260 dancers). They combine traditional polynesian/Hawaiian dance with comtemporary themes, music, and costume. It was quite a visual and audible experience.

Check out their webpage:
http://www.naleihulu.org/index.htm

I finished it!

2009-10-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

Here's the finished painting! It's actually 94% finished there's some things I might change about the color. I think I'll be doing one more of these portraits and then collect objects to assemble into a surface to paint on. I was thinking of going to yard sales and seeing if there's any furniture worth reusing. It would be awesome if I found a blackboard :) I'm not sure when I'll be done with this series but it will take quite sometime. If you were wondering, the bigger paintings will have more narrative than these portraits.

Hello Fellow Tamales

2009-10-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I'm Elizabeth (or Liz) Zunino and I just join Hot Tamales U Can't Afford. For those of you who don't know me, I've been a long time resident of the East Bay and I'm currently a Traditional Arts major in my final year at CSUEB. I work with both oil paints and ink, though right now I'm working on a series of oil paintings of Koi. In my work, I focus on organic patterns, texture, vibrant coloration, and the fluidity of water and identity. The oil paintings on the far left and center are the first koi paintings in my series based on drawings I did a number of years ago. You may or may not be able to tell in the images, but I added texture (a mixture of Liquin, Stand Oil, oil paint, and talcum powder) to the scales to make the fish emerge from the surface.

The last work isn't a painting but a textile/needlepoint fish pond I've been designing for the past three months. Needlepoint is a combination of counted cross stitch and embroidery and I've been practicing needlepoint techniques for about ten years (since my grandma taught me when I was 12). The image (far right) features nine sheets of 10''x 12'' plastic canvases, the skeleton holding the yarn and stitches in place. It's still a working progress and will eventually be composed of 25 sheets (54''x 60''). I'm hoping to complete this project in time for my senior show.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy! :)

~Liz Zunino~

elizabeth.zunino@yahoo.com

Salazar Update!

2009-10-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a little montage of the pictures I've been taking of the latest painting I'm working on. There's actually more on it now but I'll post it when it's done. I'm not sure what I'll do for the next painting but I'm thinking of using more materials to have these characters in a different light. I think I might go back to the abstract drawings for now because I miss them and I think they miss me. They are like plants you forget to water then they get mad at you.

I also did this sketch of Courtney Love in my break from working at Togonon Gallery. I'm an intern there. I love Courtney I tried to emphasize the plastic surgery and complex personality this woman has.

Leslie Becerra Telling Those Mfrs Off!

2009-10-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

It is clear that tamales are innately hot with creative intent. However, when they get released in the real world tension usually arises. In the pic above we see Leslie Becerra telling one of the bikers off at the Dirty Bird Lounge in Hayward. The reception which occurred at the same time of the incident was a success and lots of booze and pool play ensued.

Ok let me be a little more real with you all :D This experience was actually good. The work was hanging and I know it was the Verses series but it was fun to see them all together again on the wall.

In a way I felt like I was having a flashback and I was 21 again. It's so different now that I'm 23 (Most people are thinking "no it's not, it's only been 2 years" but it feels different explanation follows...) When I create art a lot more background comes into a brushstroke I choose to use or imagery I choose to use. It can be the same look but it means something more complex now. I also catch myself repeating parts of systems I often see in my work and it's not that I ran out of ideas but putting it in different contexts creates different content.

I'm probably not making much sense for most people so to sum it up I'm just going to say that having this show has opened my eyes on how far down the road I am now and how much further I can walk knowing that I've been walking in the right direction.

has anyone felt anything like this? please share in the comment section I'd love to hear and discuss :)

Hidden Art in my Closet

2009-10-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, I had to show pictures of some of my artwork that I have done in the past and I thought that I would share some of those photos with you. It was kind of interesting because I forgot about some of these pieces and I think they show a little of my versatility. These are all things I did a long time ago, so the quality may not necessarily be great, but I think they represent where I have come from as an artist as well as some of my interests and my personality.

I created this chair in 2003. The wings are made from plexiglass, and they can move side-to-side. The stinger was created from a broom stick. This is actually the chair that I use when I’m working and doing art in my studio.

Bumble Bee Chair

Front.

Back.

With a model to emphasize the stinger.

With the exception of the Bumble Bee Chair, all of my other pieces have been and continue to be archived in my closet. Sometimes you have to show the old stuff so people can see where you come from and how you’ve developed.

If you would like to see more pictures of some of my other old pieces, check out my blog: http://www.leslieannart.blogspot.com/.

Update: I’ll post pictures of my current pieces very soon. I’m still working on making objects for one of my paintings and it’s taking me a long time. The process is long, but I hope it will all work out.

Happy viewing,

Leslie Ann

leslieannart.blogspot.com

New Show!

2009-10-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

Comic Strip

2009-09-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hey Tamales,

I was reading the paper this morning and I thought I would share a comic strip from Pearls Before Swine (you might need to click on it in order to read it).

-San Francisco Chronicle 9.30.09.

Happy reading,

Leslie Ann

www.leslieannart.blogspot.com

Transfer Techniques on Paper and Mo' New Pain'ings!

2009-09-21T23:59:00.000-07:00

This is another work form the narrative series. It's done on duralar and I wanted to create something that caused fear. Like fear as we see it when we are younger. It's a feeling that's very unclear but I've always feared people more than anything else when growing up.
This portrait was made with acrylics on paper. That's right I went there. I made an acrylic painting on paper. First I used a light sheet of acrylic matte medium in top of the paper then waited until it dried to apply another layer, and another layer. The point is to have something solid to paint on so it doesn't crumple up when you are painting. After that I laid down two colors: blue and beige. Then I got a xerox and transferred the black and whiteness of it with Acetone. Xerox transfers well on acrylics. You could also do it another way if you don't have acetone. You can paint the image with matte medium then glue it to the paint. Once it dries you can grab a soaked scrub and scrub away the paper. It might take a couple of scrubs but the results are amazing. Lastly I added white to the eye :P

If you can't tell I was going for a Warhol like look with the transfer.

update...

2009-09-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

here's the recent work i've done on the piece. i think i'll take Victor's advice and put more sheets together to make a really huge one, but i feel i should finnish this page completely before i move on.

QUICK!

2009-09-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

Ok this is really quick post before I have to leave for work!

I'm trying to fill up this whole 18x24 inch space with drawings, all in black and white. It has taken many hours to reach this point, and I still have many to go, but its been a rewarding and fun experience. I hope that I can to several "fill the whole page" pieces. Tell me what you think, does it need to pop more, be bolder in certain areas or what. DO NOT CENSOR YOURSELF, I'm really curious to see if it's working as a piece or not. Thanks!

The Unfortunate Reality...

2009-09-12T19:27:00.001-07:00

Hey Tamales,

I just wanted to share a comic strip I read on Monday from Non Sequitor (you might need to click on it in order to read it)...

-San Francisco Chronicle, 9.7.09.

Enjoy,

Leslie Ann

leslieannart.blogspot.com

I finished it

2009-09-07T00:07:00.000-07:00

I just finished (not really there are little details i need to attend to) the painting I previously posted. I've been writing a lot in my journal and I tried to figure out moments in my life where I was more off the earth than others. It was kind of a journey and I if I could I'd split myself into different people. I'm still deciding whether to go anywhere with this or not but it seems like something I personally would want. Like a catharsis of some sort. How do you guys feel about this painting?

A Trip to the Cow Palace

2009-09-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

Lesson I: TAT-TOO: Tattoo comes from the Tahitian word tatau. Tattooing involves injecting colored ink beneath the epidermis with tiny punctures through the skin’s surface.The word “tattoo” was first introduced into Europe in the 1770s by Captain James Cook in his journal that described the Tahitian natives:

Both sexes paint their bodies, Tattow as it is called in their language, this is done by inlaying the colour of black under their skins in such a manner as to be indelible. -Cook, July 1769.

Where is this Going?: Last Friday, I went to the famous Cow Palace to check out the Tattoo Expo. Although I’m still considered a “virgin” in the Tattoo World, I find tattoos fascinating and I wanted to learn more about this fashionable form of art. I thought that the best way to experience and learn about this type of body decoration was to go to the Expo and to see first hand how one goes about getting a tattoo as well as how the tattooists work with this medium. I originally wanted to dive right into discussing my experience at the Expo, but after talking to people about my experience, I realized that a lot of people don't know how historical and cultural the art of tattooing has been worldwide. I decided that I would try to inform people of its long history and then I'll share the pictures and a few things I learned from the Expo. I will only focus on the highlights and attempt to make it as brief as possible, but you can skip the history and go to the Tattoo Expo section if you like.

Cliff Notes Version of the History: Before tattooing even began, body painting was considered the earliest form of body art. Popular pigments of the Paleolithic time were: red (commonly representing blood, vitality, mortality, and fertility); white (often associated with rituals, mourning, purification, and the supernatural); and black (typically representing impurity and evil). Depictions of such body paintings can be found on cave paintings illustrating hunters, men, women, and shamans. Different body painting patterns, geometrical shapes, and colors often represented ceremonies, rituals, tribes, gender, and shamanic experiences. With time, tattooing became the new fad.

Sahara rock painting, Tassili N'Ajjer, Algeria. Dots and lines represent
tattooing and body paint used in ceremonies, as identification,
and for shamanic experiences.

The Tattoo Expo: I didn’t realize before coming to the Expo that there seems to be two types of tattoo groups:

1. the “I only get sentimental and meaningful tattoos” group

2. the “I just get souvenirs and whatever” group

I respect both groups because I see the beauty, passion, and appreciation that each group has about their tattoos and about creating those tattoos for others. Each tattoo is unique and it tells you a little about the person based on their interests, beliefs, and artistic appreciations.

For More Information: If you would like to see more pictures or to learn more about the history of the tattoo, cultural influences, the controversies, and some of the things I learned from the Tattoo Expo, visit my blog: http://www.leslieannart.blogspot.com/.

Happy reading,

Leslie Ann

leslieannart.blogspot.com

New Paintings

2009-09-03T00:55:00.001-07:00

I started this one this week. It's not finished. I want to paint a lot on it because I want to know how it feels to have a lot of layers on top of your work. Anyways this is the first one. It's going to become a lot quieter once I add the dark blue overtones over 90% of the area.

A Glimpse Inside the Studio

2009-09-02T10:04:00.001-07:00

I just finished my third painting yesterday. I went down to my studio this morning to get something and I realized that it looked almost like a crime scene down there. I thought I would show you a picture. When it dries, I'll post another picture -it doesn't look as murderous up close (it actually looks more like something from an anatomy book).

The Scene. (click on it to get its full effect)

My Shoes.

Happy viewing,

Leslie Ann

leslieannart.blogspot.com

Holler!

2009-08-30T22:52:00.000-07:00

Me and Tony went to Autobody today and got offered another show for next year. Mine is going to happen June/ July. I'll have lots of new pieces by then hopefully it will all connect :)

An Art Exhibition Opportunity

2009-08-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hey Hot Tamales,

I was trying to find a library around me so I could do research and I found an announcement for an art exhibition opportunity -talk about serendipity. I know it's not a "hot spot" location, but it's publicity and it gets your names around the Bay Area. I'm copying and pasting it for you guys if you're interested.

-Leslie Ann

CALL FOR ARTISTS
EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITY
San Mateo Public Library invites local artists to exhibit their
work at the San Mateo Main Library and at City Hall.
In October, the Art Exhibit Selection Committee will be reviewing art and
photography for inclusion in hanging exhibits in the galleries and artwork
for display in cases. The Committee is seeking art that represents the diversity
of our community, varied artistic styles and mediums. The jury process will
be for exhibitor bookings from January 2010 through December 2010.
Potential 2-dimensional exhibitors must have a minimum of fifteen (15)
pieces available to hang for the duration of the six-week exhibit period.
The Library has one display case on the 2nd floor for 3-dimensional artwork
and two locked glass cases are available at City Hall. Art pieces may be
available for sale, but that is not a requirement for exhibiting. Artists
interested in exhibiting are required to submit a CD with 5 to 10 examples
of their work and a completed Exhibitor Request Form (attached). In lieu
of submitting a CD, you may provide your website address with the specific
works you want the committee to view. Complete art galleries exhibition
details can be found in the Application Guidelines (attached).
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, October 16, 2009 at 5:00 PM.
Additional copies of the Application Guidelines and the Request Form can
be picked up at the San Mateo Public Library, 55 West Third Avenue or
downloaded from the Library’s website: http://www.smplibrary.org/.

A Painting -Only a Close-Up

2009-08-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

I had to get some business cards prepared since I will be going to an event. As I was working on them, I took a picture of a close-up of one of my paintings. I thought that I would share a couple of the close-ups with you guys so you can see what I’ve been up to lately. I greatly apologize that what you are about to see will be of great disappointment when compared to the other Tamale works that have been posted. I guess that’s why I should just stick to writing. Anyways…

I couldn’t get a full shot of my painting, because my studio is a little cramped right now since I’m stretching a bunch of canvases (I’m working on a series using mixed-media. Each painting is 36”X36” –yes, I'm working with squares). When I get more room in there, I’ll attempt to get standard-sized pictures of some of my completed pieces.

And now, let the criticizing begin.

A Close-Up

An Even Closer Close-Up

Happy viewing,

Leslie Ann

leslieannart.blogspot.com

Mariah Carey Subliminal Interest in Us Tamales

2009-08-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

It's true. Check it out at 0:31 and witness how she already pretends to be one us!

Zeitgeist Opening Featuring Victor, Tony, and Apryl

2009-08-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

We had a show including a couple of us tamales and it was no joke. The work was seriously very interesting and I would go as far to say it was BETTER than most Oakland art murmur openings. If you get a chance you should totally check it out, more details at autobodyfineart.com. In this post: some tamales art in the show. (By the way, Tony's new piece blew me away, very sophisticated)

CUT and PASTE

2009-08-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

More progress with my Koi and Fish theme! As you may have known, I have an interest in Kirigami and other kinds of paper cutting. Being able to make detailed and intricate works from paper is a challenge, and its really engaging, drawing with a knife! So, for inspiration I started looking at the Chinese traditional art of Jianzhi, as well as other forms from all over the world.

Here are some examples of paper cuttings that I've done recently. The red fish was my first one, done on origami paper. The black and white fish was 2nd, and I used black Artigan paper for that one.

Suite

2009-08-11T00:52:00.000-07:00

Look at how sweet computer art looks! I did all with vectors in Illustrator. I'm thinking maybe to do a show entirely digital. I guess I would have editions like printmaking but if I get to work on it the pieces would be at least 5' x 5' . I was also considering doing a digital/ traditional painting collage. You know, just something to bring this new medium to a better light from the designer side to the fine art side.

I could also print out big stencils ;)

2009-08-10T22:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a teaser of one of the pieces that I'm going to include into the "zeitgeist" show.

This is a photo showing just one component of the whole artwork. I was experimenting with this piece but I also had a a basis of what I wanted before I started. WHat I thought was interesting while I was working on this piece, was that I was discovering and adding a lot to the piece while I was making it. That's one thing about art-making that is intriguing to me.

Sorry that I can't post the pictures of the final piece, but if you can make it to autobody fine arts gallery in Alameda on the 21st then you'll be able to see it and plenty of other artist's works.

Let me go ahead and post the link for that show.

http://www.autobodyfineart.com/exhibitions/exhibitions_upcoming.php

Hope you can make it.

-Tony

experiments...discoveries

2009-08-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

So I tried out some Xylol (am emulsifier) today, md the results were very disappointing. I was hoping to get nice bold and clear results from the rubbings but I only got some very light and grainy transfers.

I was going to use this technique to create a neat collage effect with some cut outs i made, but I'll have to try something else now. All is not lost though, I can still draw over this and use some water colours or acrylic washes to bring some life into my idea.

By the way! I discovered a *new* drawing technique! I can draw on cheap tracing paper and then colour over it with markers and use a colourless blender to melt the colours together creating a "watercolour" effect. After that, I draw over the marker with coloured pencil and create extremely bold highlights. When the object is placed on top of a white or black background, it glows and pops off the paper; it's pretty neat!

-emily

Self Portrait

2009-08-02T17:46:00.001-07:00

I'm working on this self-portrait. I guess I decide to start one because I just graduated and it'd be interesting to see how I see myself after all these years.

A Sad, Sad Day in the Art World -Merce Cunningham

2009-07-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Art World is grieving the loss of one of the most influential contributors of modern dance and choreography. Merce* Cunningham (4/16/1919 to 7/26/2009) died of natural causes at the age of 90. Cunningham was a great inspiration in the Art World. I wish I could go on and on about his brilliance and his philosophies, but then it would turn into a research paper that nobody would want to read. I’m sure that a lot of younger people may not be able to identify Cunningham or be in touch with what he did, so I’ll try to briefly highlight some of his major ideas and beliefs while trying not to bore you all to death. He’s definitely an artist worth studying and, if you can, visit his website http://www.merce.org/.

*Merce?! Pronunciation, please: “MURSS”

Major Contributions to the Art World: Cunningham was considered an avant-garde dancer and choreographer who created dance primarily based on movement. His mission was to use movement as a way to go through and across space without the necessity of using a storyline.

Cunningham identified two principals of movement:
1. movement that is learned, studied, structured, classically styled, and used as language
2. movement that is invented and is constantly being invented

I was interested in dancing and I didn’t particularly care the kind of dancing. I was interested in information and trying to find out what made movement up. What is it? The fact that somebody said that it’s a ballet step or isn’t a ballet step didn’t seem to me to be terribly important of what was and still is important. -Cunningham, 2009.

The Cunningham Mission: Starting out as a tap dancer who later studied ballet and modern dance, Cunningham went through his lifetime searching the different ways to express the natural motions of dance that communicated art on another level.

If I didn't lose you and you would like to learn more about his views and philosophies of music, visual art, and dance, you can visit my blog at http://www.leslieannart.blogspot.com/ where you will also find more pictures of the artist.

Happy reading,

Leslie Ann
leslieannart.blogspot.com

Murals

2009-07-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Ed gave me permission to draw/paint on my door so I decided on a Koi, continuing in my current theme.

It's far from being finished, but I'd thought I would give everyone a sneak peak. This is also my first time using Acrylics and I have to say, they are a lot of fun. I've been sort of experimenting as I paint on the door with layers, glazes and techniques. Its been a bit scary, cuz I'm learning as I go, but so far its been fun.

I'm Working with Some Duralar

2009-07-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

Currently I'm working on these duralar pieces (Same material I used to make my headdress in the previous post). They are very interesting because you can create all kinds of dimensions with the unfocused look of the second piece that sits in the back. I'm thinking about making one that's shaped like a blimp that slowly fades out of focus the farther it extends back in the paper. And I want to write " G E N I U S " on top of it. There are these things I wanna write on them because they just come to me when I'm working. It may sound naive and egotistical I suppose but it's my first reaction and I guess it's influenced by all I know about the process of art making, sometimes buying and selling as well from what I hear from most people. Some of the work does not include these "quotes" because I made them on the impulse of just making something because I felt something. Something that led to do my work that day.

Oakland Art Murmur and 49 Geary

2009-07-04T18:17:00.000-07:00

We visited 49 Geary and Oaklandartmurmur openings this weekend and it was a lot of fun. Although I didn't find many interesting shows in either one of the events there were definately some artists that stood out for me. In 49 Geary I really enjoyed all the work in the Jack Fisher Gallery by John M Mcgregor but I was really impressed with the work in Mark Wolfe Contemporary gallery. The show 1981 pervert really surprised me and it was fresh seeing new media art being produced in that scale with the vintage colors and pin-up women. It was a nice clash of many opposing things like sophistication of the patterns and naivety of the subjects and in many moments a morph of the two. In Oakland we decide to wear masks and walk around. At one point me and Apryl decided to join the group of dancing people in front of the Buzz gallery since everyone went crazy after hearing a Michael Jackson song. Tony felt sorry because he scared a lot of children that day with his devil mask which was not well received by

Christian children.

A Visit to the Portola Art Gallery

2009-07-04T04:56:00.000-07:00

I originally went to the Portola Art Gallery to view the featured artist, Alan M. McGee. McGee took photographs of Auguste Rodin’s sculptures at Stanford University. The statues were primarily based on Rodin’s Dante’s Inferno. Being the nerd that I am, I was excited about seeing photographs from the collection –especially when I heard that McGee manipulated lights and shadows in order to get different perspectives of the sculptures. Manipulating a Rodin statue! I was flabbergasted. You can’t change something that an Art God created for all of us to cherish and adore. I wanted to know what McGee was up to, so I went to Menlo Park to investigate.

The Scene: I didn’t realize upon my arrival that the gallery was part of the Allied Artist Guild. There were little shops with crafts, clothing, jewelry, and furniture being sold by the artists. Once I entered, I felt like I was in a Disney cartoon where everything was so cute, perfect, and surrounded by trees. This place is so pretty and cozy that I even saw a wedding reception taking place.

More Specifically, the Scene of Interest: To my surprise, the gallery was compiled with artwork from the other artists in the guild as well. However, my mission was to first observe these McGee photographs, and then I can dilly dally.

Photographs were on walls and a book consisting of each photograph had quotes from Rodin. Inspecting each photograph, I realized that McGee was able to bring to life a Rodin statue in a two-dimensional world.

Pierre de Wissant. Black and White Photography.

His Pierre de Wissant was my favorite.

Who?: Pierre de Wissant was a wealthy burgher* who, along with five other burghers, volunteered to sacrifice himself for the town of Calais, France during the Hundred Years War between England and France.

*definition of burgher: wealthy French guy who lives in a specific town

Back to the Art Piece: The juxtapose between light and dark, smooth and rough, graceful and stiff were clearly defined. The light shining on the statue’s neck becomes the climax while the statue’s clothes are almost monotone in shadow. Accentuating the light on the skin enables one’s eyes to flow with ease over every muscle and vain in the statue’s arms and chest. The light creates a liquid effect that emphasizes motion as if the statue was twisting and contorting itself in a painful pose.

Yes, it was a show that should make Rodin smile. Not only does this show-off a beauty that can only be seen with manipulated light, but it also enhances Rodin’s original intentions of beauty and beast.

For More Information:

To see more pictures from the Portola Art Gallery, you can visit my blog: http://leslieannart.blogspot.com/

If you would like to learn more information about the Portola Art Gallery, visit the website: http://www.portolaartgallery.com/

Happy reading,

Leslie Ann

leslieannart.blogspot.com

Hot Tamales Art at Autobody Fine Art

2009-06-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Several members of the tamales community are showcasing in the Autobody's August show which will open on the 21st. More info to come but please visit and support their website :)

Autbody Fine Art

Continuing The Saga...

2009-06-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, here's an update on what I've been latley with my art.

I've been experiementing with paper cutouts. Kirigami has really been interesting for me and I've evolved my work to include other shapes (besides mandelas, stars and flowers), and layering them on drawn or other cutout backgrounds. I'm focusing on Koi for the time being, but I feel this could expand to other things. It has been really fun and I like the hands on crafty feel of it. I'll get some pics up soon so don't cry!

-emily

So here is one of the projects I just finished.."swimming koi" (23" x 10") Paper cutouts

Politics, Math, and Art -Oh, My!

2009-06-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

OK, I know that what I’m going to say will probably flood me with “hate mail,” but I need to get this off my chest. I’m not being political. I’m just going to say what I notice.

Michelle Obama: I have nothing against her, but I’m so tired of everybody raving about her “fashion.” Fashion? What fashion? She dresses like a Mark Rothko painting (I will explain this in further detail).

Mathematical Equation: I have created a mathematical equation so you can see what I’m talking about. I know that this may pose as a conflict between the right hemisphere and the left hemisphere of the brain, but don’t worry –it’s very simple.

If you have 2 of the same Rothko paintings connected, you can get a Michelle Obama dress.

Rothko/Michelle Equation:

1 upside-down Rothko painting + 1 right-side-up Rothko painting = 1 first lady victory dress

If you were not completely offended and would like to read more about my Rothko/Michelle Equation, you can click on my blog at: leslieannart.blogspot.com.

For Next Time:

This was my first blog entry, so I apologize if things were a bit strange. I enjoy observing and studying art, so my future blogs will focus more on other artists (dead or alive) whose works are on display in the Bay Area. I’ll also try to expand my topics beyond painting, drawing, and photography to other mediums that depict art and self-expression. My philosophy is that everything is art; so everything should be explored whether it instantly appeals to you or not. In addition to talking about other artists, I will occasionally post pictures of my artwork for you to critique and hate (well, don’t be too harsh -I’m not as talented as my Tamale peers).

Happy reading,

Leslie Ann

Whoo Hoo!

2009-06-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

Koi 17" x 14" Marker

Thank you to Victor for all your efforts, I hope this is a success!

Here's a recent pic I drew a couple of days ago, I'm hoping to make several more and complete a Koi series soon. This was done with Prisma markers on smooth bristol paper. I my eye really gravitates towards the black outlined, graphic style so these marker drawings will be a good project for me.

-emily

hello everyone

2009-06-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

First I want to say "thank you victor" thanks for putting this blog together and making an effort to get artist together to talk about art and share art. This is my first post on "blogger", hopefully I can catch on as time goes on. It took me too long to find the link to post this. Anyways for the month of June, here is a painting I finished about a week ago. This painting is part of a series of paintings. I don't know how many I will include but I have two other paintings so far.

"When I grow up" 2009

Acrylic, pen, gouache, and thread on panel 24 in x 24 in x 2 in

FIRST

2009-06-10T22:46:00.000-07:00

2. 22.5"x 26" (for sale)

Welcome to Hot Tamales You Can't Afford!

This blog is dedicated to a group of vicious bay area artists ferociously working to create new art in today's hectic art scene. We intend to own cities one at a time and hopefully we'll be coming to your city to own you one day. Keep yourself posted by subscribing to this blog and receiving emails whenever we update with new art and info. Thanks for Stopping by enjoy!

If you have any questions or comments or you wanna talk to any of the artists in this community please see right bar for emails ;)

Hot Tamales U Can't Afford

new piece in the series

New Stuff...

WHEW!

Live Painting

More!

The finished result

SHOW OFF!

Needlepoint Luna Moths

SHOW OFF!

Painting update

Mannequins

The MOSt AMazing drawing EVER!!!

Human Art

It's a Comic Strip

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Epoxy Crisis!

Recent Works

Christmas Stuff

Nupens

Update on current work

Brazilian Opening Reception

Online Survey

Comic Strip

Painting Tech 101

Slowly....

I finished it!

Hello Fellow Tamales

Salazar Update!

Leslie Becerra Telling Those M***f***rs Off!

Hidden Art in my Closet

New Show!

Comic Strip

Transfer Techniques on Paper and Mo' New Pain'ings!

update...

QUICK!

The Unfortunate Reality...

I finished it

A Trip to the Cow Palace

New Paintings

A Glimpse Inside the Studio

Holler!

An Art Exhibition Opportunity

A Painting -Only a Close-Up

Mariah Carey Subliminal Interest in Us Tamales

Zeitgeist Opening Featuring Victor, Tony, and Apryl

CUT and PASTE

Suite

experiments...discoveries

Self Portrait

A Sad, Sad Day in the Art World -Merce Cunningham

Murals

I'm Working with Some Duralar

Oakland Art Murmur and 49 Geary

A Visit to the Portola Art Gallery

Hot Tamales Art at Autobody Fine Art

Continuing The Saga...

Politics, Math, and Art -Oh, My!

Whoo Hoo!

hello everyone

FIRST

Leslie Becerra Telling Those Mfrs Off!