Hip Hostess Series in Los Angeles...part two: the hotel

[a large, playful SLS logo seen on the private guest entrance]

The long, cold trip [yes, fifty-nine degrees is cold to us ;) ] was worth it! The SLS Hotel was more gorgeous in person! It is as Jenn described it --- a grown-up take on Alice in Wonderland. But this ain't yo mama's Alice. This Alice is pushing tea time outta her schedule and booking it permanently with cocktail hour.

[Bazaar Blanca Terrace. a patio area to the left of the main entrance. makes waiting for valet fun!]

Designed by Philippe Starck, no corner was left untouched. The interior blends with the exterior and the meticulous attention to detail is seen throughout. Adorned with whimsical statues, over-sized decor and magnificent textures, it's a miracle if you leave without feeling inspired. It took me awhile to pick my jaw off the ground.

[over-sized welcome mat to the main entrance -- rug with poem by Paul Eluard]


[huge piggy statue and huge mirror to the right of the main entrance]

[through the main doors, this area sits to the left.]


[as you walk through the main doors, your are greeted with a full bar. isn't that the best greeter? you had me at bar. Bazaar Bar Centro.]

[Private Guest Lobby - Tres Bar. another great sitting area where you can grab drinks or eat. the hotel is dimly lit, but we brighten the above photo to show detail.]


[love the decor in this sitting area...leather, mixed woods, cool lamp accents. hard to not fall in love with the lit buck over the fireplace!]

[a tucked away, intimate sitting area. love the dripping chandelier!]

[the private guest entrance area off to the right of the main entrance. reinvents the definition of outdoor furniture.]

[our favorite room -- it's at the end of the hall in the Tres Bar -- an all black room with silver accents. Decor that won us over: a mallet, whip, some dumbbells and mirrored walls and ceiling; its totally a room to discuss who was gonna get the ax...you're fired! Mwuahhahaha...]

Check out other cool areas of this hotel that we weren't able to venture here.
Next up, our main feature...your look inside the Hip Hostess Series which will include Jenn's decor ideas, Chambord recipes and tips for your Old Hollywood Glam themed party!


[niche in the foyer where the hwtm series was being held.]

[click photos to enlarge. photography by O K E E d O R K E E.]

Luke Feldman: ONE Night Only @ Rotofugi & then some

[Photo courtesy of Luke Feldman/Skaffs]

Our boy Luke Feldman is going to be having a one night only gig in Chicago at Rotofugi on Wed. Dec. 10. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by and watch Luke do his thing. I've witnessed it briefly at Wondercon and it's pretty friggin' amazing (see)!

Can't make it? Me too, but no worries. Luke's got other things up his sleeves to keep the rest of us entertained. 

Recently he's created a piece based on Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are." This is available at Culver City's Wonderful World of Animation Art Gallery for $400 -- clearly, for those who are collectors with beaucoup bucks to spare. 

*sigh* Must be nice.

[Photo courtesy of Luke Feldman/Skaffs]

Now for something on the affordable side. The lovely Ester is now immortalized on her own skate deck. Pick one up for $65 at Pop Art Skate Boards. See, $65 isn't that scary. Right? Mmm hmm.

[Photo courtesy of Luke Feldman/Skaffs]

Christmas is around the corner and this totally matches my room .  .  . hint. Mom, are you reading this? =)

Pantone'n your kicks

[photo courtesy of seavees.com]

So you have the Pantone stunnaz, cellphone, mugs, cuff links, limited edition bag, the flash drives and all the other crazy-cool gear, top off your collection with some kicks.

Pantone x SeaVees collabo!

Preorder these from SeaVees before the general public gets to them -- you have now until november twentyfourth. Click on photo above. login: pantone password: seavees0963

shh...

The Party's Over, time to clean up!

"The Morning After" by Zina Saunders
Writer-Illustrator Zina Saunders is known for her quirky portraits based on current figures. She has recently collected her pictures of the McCain/Palin campaign in a 40 page full color book, "The Party's Over."

Zina says:

The website offers a preview of the first 15 pages of the book, and the actual book includes 25 more pages featuring 20 of my campaign paintings, all of which you can see in this gallery.

Let's hear it for Hope, Change and Progress!

Panelists IV show @ Giant Robot in SF

Starting Nov. 1, GRSF presents its latest group showing in the fourth installment of the Panelists show. This time 'round comic artists from across the country (of the indie and art gallery caliber) will show off original illustrations, paintings, and mixed media work. There'll also be some special surprises from a few contributers -- amongst them are Eisner and Ignatz Award nominees and winners.

The following artists will have their artwork shown:

Trevor Alixopulos
Jeffrey Brown
Lilli Carre
Christine Castro
Shawn Cheng
Allison Cole
Eleanor Davis
Vanessa Davis
Theo Ellsworth
Renee French
Matt Furie
Tim Hensley
David Horvath
Rama Hughes
Hellen Jo
David King
Mats!?
James McShane
Dan Moynihan
Tom Neely
Anders Nilsen
John Pham
Lark Pien
John Porcellino
Jesse Reklaw
Aaron Renier
Emilio Santoyo
Kazimir Strzepek
Daria Tessler
Jeremy Tinder
Steven Weissman

An opening reception will be held on the aforementioned date from 6:30-10 p.m. with appearances from several of the show's featured artists.

Panelists IV runs till Nov. 12. 

Things are looking ugly at Double Punch

Quirky Kaiju, bossy bears, cake eating spiders, and dolls so ugly they're charming have taken over Double Punch's gallery space in "Things." The show is a collection of, er, things that Uglydoll creators Sun Min Kim and David Horvath have created over the past 7 years since launching Uglydolls. Other works in "Things" include Bossy Bear, LittleBony, Choco & Minty, etc. 

Many of the items on display are extremely rare and long sold out. Have you seen the LittleBony DVD or CD at your local Best Buy? Nope? Uh-huh. I thought not.

The show ends Nov. 2. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for kids (under 14), plus you get a little gift too (refund if you purchase something). 

And sold exclusively at DP (and their webstore) for "Things" is the Lonely Otaku print for $50. This print is a limited run of 50.

Uglydoll's actually got a really sweet love story. Read about it here.

David and Sun Min Qee figures.

Coca Cola bottle caps sold in Japan, circa 2005.

Uglydoll vinyl toys, circa 2004. These were manufactured by the now defunct toy company Critterbox.

The aforementioned LittleBony DVD and CD. Little Bony is actually a kids show that aired in Japan.

Sun Min's Spider-Boom pink Qee, Circus Punk, and Baby-Boom prototypes.

Various Choco vinyl figures.

The merchandise table included a ton of Uglydoll plushes in mini and big forms, keychains, blind-boxed LittleBonys, Ugly Guide series, and Uglydoll notebooks.

I picked up a mini Moxy. She's magenta. I had to. And she matched my outfit that day too. 

Anywho, to see more things be sure to go --> here. 

Till next time, keep it dorky, folks.

[All photos courtesy of NiNa]

Party like a Super Hero!

For those who didn't get enough fun on July 24, the first day of the San Diego International ComicCon, comes the Superhero Live Music and Art Party, hosted by San Diego graphic agency Ninthlink and Murphy Art Books!

Make sure you're dressed up as your favorite superhero (or villian) because from 7pm to Midnight the free, 21+ event will happen at the Warehouse Space located at 1616 National Avenue, San Diego 92113. Among the featured artists' works include Anthony Lister, Jeff Soto, Joel Nakamura, Jen Lobo, Matt Stallings, Luke Chueh, Mark Todd, Esther Pearl Watson, Martha Rich, R.G., Peter Taylor (Handmade Feet), Andy Howell, Kathie Olivas, Chris Ryniak, Lola, Germs, Marco Wagner, Mark Murphy and many more. All of the art exhibited will also be available to be sold. Plus there will be plenty of finger foods and sushi plus Effen Vodka drinks, plus live music from the Modlins and DJs SSI.

Check out Ninthlink blog for more information:

Directions from the Convention Center:
Start by going SOUTHEAST on WEST HARBOR DRIVE toward SALIDA LOOP.
Turn LEFT onto SIGSBEE ST.
Turn LEFT onto NATIONAL AVENUE.
End at 1616 National Ave San Diego, CA 92113.

Sponsored by Effen Vodka, HiFructose, Ninthlink, Murphy Art Books.

Awesome art, booze, music, food, and superhero party-goers? Is there a reason not to go?!

~via Holiday Matinee & NinthLink

Hope, Change & Progress are definitely tenets our next president should OBEY

Recently artist Shepard Fairey of OBEY has recently donated his iconic Obama "Hope" poster in support for the Art For Life Art Auction. As of this writing, the 45 x 69 1 of 3 editioned collage is going for upwards of $75k.

More Obama, right?… Well, this is something special. After Shepard’s initial feeling not to make a fine art piece of the OBAMA image, he thought about it and was presented with an opportunity to do something exceptional. When Shepard was asked by industry heavyweight, Russell Simmons, to donate a piece for his Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, he felt this was a worthy cause. The piece is being auctioned for the Art For Life Charity event. This piece is approximately 4×6 foot in size and its a mixed media stencil collage on paper. It may be the only fine art piece of this image available to the public. You can bid on the piece through the Art For Life Auction here.

from ObeyGiant.com

For those not in the know, Fairey made his support for Barack Obama known when he created prints concerning the 2008 candidate's themes. These prints sold out indefinitely and are now as much in demand as they are famous.



However those who missed out on showing some love by obtaining the prints have the opportunity to wear that support with OBAMA x OBEY x UpperPlayground collaboration hoodies. At $60 each, the hoodie sales will go back into producing more Obama Campaign materials and maybe more posters according to the website.

For those who like a little light-hearted support, Karmaloop has some Back To The Future inspired Barack threads by Sons of Liberty!

Great Scott! This is HEAVY!

Kurt Halsey returns to LAlaland!

Artist Kurt Halsey Frederiksen has his share of dedicated fans, as evidenced from his tremendous popularity, and us at Okee Dorkee are of no exception.


So you can believe our excitement finding that the always thoughtful and clever Mr. Frederiksen will be returning to one of favorite Los Angeles galleries, G1988, for a second solo show!
You may remember his first solo gallery at G1988 the previous year where I provided extensive coverage of his art and meeting the talented artist. If eye-ailment permits*, he will be present in the shows opening reception on July 15th, 7-10pm Tuesday night. From July 15 onto August 8th fans will be able to catch a glimpse of his new paintings, drawings, prints, installations and other works!


sketch via g1988.blogspot.com & kurt halsey

The G1988 blog revealed a sketched layout of the gallery submitted by Kurt, showing evidence of mixed media works. Beyond drawing and paintings, there will be park signs, painted records and plush cats (our condolences btw to another one of his cats) displayed throughout.

Listen to your heart and tune in as we'll be seeing you at Melrose!

previous posts:
Video of Kurt Halsey at work, sketching my portrait!
Kurt Halsey's meet and greet at G1988!
Kurt Halsey Fredericksen's "A Subtle Existence..." at G1988
See all posts of Kurt Halsey Frederiksen

"So Good For Little Bunnies" Brandi Milne weekend gallery!

The always awesometastic Gallery 1988 LA will be having a special weekend engagement opening tonight, Friday the 13th (GASP!), featuring LA artist Brandi Milne's upcoming book "So Good For Little Bunnies!"


G1988 says:

In addition to viewing and buying the actual artwork, you can also pre-order the "So Good For Little Bunnies" book exclusively at Gallery 1988, and get an original drawing inspired by the book directly from the artist! The book is only $20 and you'll be the first to have it!

The show will only run through the weekend, closing on Sunday, so make sure not to miss it.

So if you're up in La La Land and are a fan of bunnies, cupcakes, ice cream, crazies or just plain 'ol amazing art it is definitely not to be missed!

More SKAFFS info

If you guys like the work of our pal Luke Feldman comes up with, be sure to check out his blog. It's got all the latest from him including art, upcoming projects, shows, events, and the occasional giveaway. 

Last Wednesday he participated in the Split Obsession show in Honolulu where he did a live painting and artist signing. Here's our boy doing his thing:

Say Hello to Piximix

Today at 7 p.m. is the opening of Double Punch's new gallery show "Say Hello to Piximix." Join the festivities early to grab some food, drinks and a limited edition poster.

"Say Hello to Piximix" will include fine art prints, t-shirts, handmade plushies, and books. There'll also be a signing with the whole Piximix gang: Kyle Hoyt, Catherine Maske, Garth Webb, and Rhandee Leano.

If you can't make it to tonight's gallery opening, the show will be running throughout the whole month of June. 

For more info, check out the Piximix and Double Punch sites.

Clingy Chicks

Luke Feldman (remember, our homeskillet from Comic Con and WonderCon?) kindly let us know that he debuted a few prototypes of his life-size vinyl adhesive ladies and fairies at his "sell-out" Melbourne show at Paper Shadow Gallery last month.

Statement:

"SKAFFS launches life-size vinyl adhesive female prototypes at the sell-out Melbourne show last month. These life size sexy chicks and fairies provide the perfect opportunity to decorate your shop or apartment walls."

Thanks for keeping us in the know, Luke! ^_^

[Photo Courtesy of SKAFFS-- go here to see the other 2 pics]

Cameron Tiede's Cali Weekend

Whether you're reppin norCal or the SoCal, Cameron Tiede will be your super cool, friendly neighbor this weekend. Unlike your other friendly neighbors, there will be no trolley or cardigan in this episode. Instead he's got a sick subway and stylish melvin.

[Cameron Tiede's "Unlucky Seven." photo courtesy of Cameron Tiede.]

This Friday in Santa Cruz, he (and other artists too) will be showcasing his custom All City Style Blank NYC Subway Car for Cardboard Spaceship's show, Derailed. They got a great lineup of artists. The opening reception will be this friday and the show will run until may 31.




[Cameron Tiede's Melvin. photo courtesy of Cameron Tiede.]

In fabulous Pasadena, Cameron will be giving you a Melvin at the VTN show this Sunday who also has a great lineup of artists. More info on Melvin coming this week on Cameron's blog.

Thanks again to Cameron Tiede for keeping us in the know!