We're Bummed. (ehhh...kinda. sorta.)

[comic con goers -- one word: deodorant. photo courtesy of subtext.]

The Comic Con is a maybe for us this year. Darn, gonna miss the long lines and smell of...well, comic con. ;) But there IS a great alternative for us and a way to break up your day if you're one of the lucky ones attending this year!



Our friends at Subtext will be having a gallery filled with your favorite superheroes. Life throws us all curve balls, and even superheroes are affected and may not be as perfect as we think. The gallery will be showcasing art by fifty artists depicting several superhero mishaps.

Umm...Wonder Woman made a stinky?!?! Weird, us human girls don't. Ever. ;)


[artwork above by Patrick Ballesteros. Photo courtesy of subtext.]

Subtext: Origins

Subtext is one of my fave local galleries, and you know, cool galleries here in San Diego are rare. This ain't yo mama's standard art gallery. They have a constant flow of cool exhibitions showcasing urban contemporary, pop surrealist and lowbrow artists showing off their skills in art media ranging from paintings, graphic design, architecture, and photography. This gallery and bookstore (yes! you can fulfill two basic needs...eye-candy and retail therapy) is located at 2479 Kettner Blvd.,92101.


Their upcoming show, Origins, which begins with an open reception on June 5 at 6-10p.m., will feature 3 artists, Kyung Soon Park, Francis Vallejo and Austin McCormick.

[all photos courtesy of subtextstore.com]

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!

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

Subtext & Zakkamono present Miao: Nov 14 - Dec 7

[diy miao. photo courtesy of subtext.]

Subtext will be having a custom vinyl show on November 14 until December 7 with the opening reception on November 14 from 6-10 p.m. 50 artists will customize Zakkamono's Miao which consists of two vinyls --- Lucky Cat and Mousubi.

Tokidoki has already collaborated with Zakkamono to create yet another hard to find favorite.

[tokidoki miao. photo courtesy of Zakkamono.]

yup, kinda a ways away, but the excitement was killing us already! We'll remind you and give you more info as it approaches.

"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!

Need some OBEY gear in your life?

Sample sales are always great places to rock some hot deals on hot threads and OBEY Clothing's 2008 summer sample sale should be no different. It'll be going down Friday May 30th from 9am to 7 pm and on Saturday May 31st from 8am to 3pm in 3500 W. Carriage Dr, Santa Ana 92704.

If you're ready to OBEY, prepare your credit cards and expect to come home with giant bags full of gear; or at the very least look as awesome as the guy in the back of the flyer:

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!

Warning: be on the lookout for Cereal Killers!

Cereal Killers is an upcoming art book by Docktor Vicktor Von Kreep of Kreepsville Industries featuring some of the most prolific cartoon illustrators today that parody General Mills' spooky cereals like Count Chocula, Frankenberry, and Boo Berry!

Heres the description from Kreepsville Industries' Cereal Killer blog:

Kreepsville Industries presents Cereal Killers. A spooky, kooky coffin table cartoon art book that has been in the works since 2006. This creepy, crawly treat features over 70 terrorfying takes on some of your favorite breakfast cereal's, and some original ones by some of the top animation artists and illustrators from today!

Some of the artists among the many (click here for an exhaustive list with links, over 70 in all) will include Crhis Savino, Sandra Equhua, Eddie Mort, Bill Wray, Lili Chin, Gabe Swarr, Kup Kake, Steve Lambe, Miah Alcorn, Chris Reccardi, Dan Thompson, Richard Wake, Eric Tan and Rob Lily. Plus the forward will be written by Maxwell Atoms of "Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy" fame.

Some examples:


Martin Hsu & Jay Stephen


Lauren Faust & Chris Mitchell


Gabe Swarr & Kup Kake

Animation artists plus cereals plus spookiness equal awesome in my book. Get in the 'spirit' of things at idigcerealkillers.blogspot.com
& check out Von Kreep's Flckr photostream!

Luke Feldman

I found Luke Feldman (remember Gie and Murse checked him out at the Pop Cling show and he was also at Comic Con to show off his animated short "Who Saved the Moon"?) at the Cartoon Art Museum's booth doing sketches for donations and also sold some of his prints.

While there, the prototype of his figure Maiko made it's public debut.



Annnddd, coming hot of the presses (literally -- it was printed the day before) a brand new Pop Cling wall decal made it's debut at Wondercon as well. Luke was telling me and my friend that it was inspired by the Victoria's Secret angels.



Oh yes, when I mentioned our blog, he said he was familiar with it. YAY! >^_^<  

[All photos courtesy of NiNa -- do not take without permission]

Meet Katie

While at Wondercon, I stumbled upon artist Katie Cook's booth.


Cheese! Katie smiles for the camera.

She had some super cute art (seriously, I don't know how else to describe it) and was selling these little water color paintings for $5 -- kitties, a Ninja Turtle, Star Wars stuff, Harry Potter, Tim Gunn (from Project Runway). My friend ended up taking Tim Gunn home.

[Photo courtesy of Ashley]

Random little water color doodles. Sooo cuuttee!

We chatted with her for a bit and I ended up having her do a little deer for me.


Babo proudly displays Katie's water color doodle.

While talking to her, she said that she also designs stationary/scrapbook stuff for Target and will have some things at Michaels as well. She's also been licensed by Heroes, Indiana Jones and Lord of the Rings.


Heroes trading cards. [Property of Katie Cook]


Indiana Jones trading cards. [Property of Katie Cook]

For more on Katie, be sure to check out her website and Deviant Art gallery. Also, she'll be sittin' pretty somewhere in the Artists Alley at this year's Comic Con.

The Nature of...Dopeness.

["One Inch Punch Limited Edition Tape" : a masterpiece by Sharon Dang ]

The opening reception of "The Nature of Water: An Art Exhibition inspired by the Philosophies of Bruce Lee" at Nucleus was dope! Seriously one of the best shows...dope art and madd entertainment. MURSE1 and I will cover different aspects of the show throughout the week...from the Bruce Lee impersonation contest (wowzers!) to the supa dupa star we saw. Got stalker-razzi on him. Hey, anything for you ;)

Enjoy the above teaser pic of Sharon Dang's "One Inch Punch Limited Edition Tape." Totally loved the concept that i got a roll for myself -- one of, or more like, the most fun piece of art i've ever owned. (ok, i know, i said the "d" word too many time on this post, but really, i can't gush enough about this show....promise, the reads about this show will be f.u.n. --- stay tuned!)