Opening night pics from Sarah Joncas, Kelly Vivanco & Tran Nguyen openings at Thinkspace...

(l-r) Kelly Vivanco, L. Croskey (Thinkspace), Shawn Vezinaw Hosner (Thinkspace), Andrew Hosner (Thinkspace), Sarah Joncas, and Ann Kornuta (Sarah's friend)

Check out a great video of the installation process for Sarah's show as well as the opening night festivities shot and edited together by Sarah's friend Ann Kornuta. Thanks Ann!!!

All shows are on view through July 2nd @ thinkspace

View a full set of pics from the opening night here. Thank you to all that came out to show support!!!

TONIGHT @ Thinkspace...

Thinkspace is proud to present, Beneath the Seams, the debut solo exhibition from Canadian artist Sarah Joncas. Her debut solo exhibition features 18 new works including oil on canvas and graphite on paper, as well as a very special installation in our front entry area, and marks her largest body of work to date both in size and scale. Next level in every regards, as Sarah has knocked the new works out of the park in our opinion.

Opening in conjunction with Joncas' show is an exhibition from San Diego based artist Kelly Vivanco. This will be the artist's first solo exhibition in Los Angeles and will be showcased in our project room. She has just done an amazing job and it's been awesome to watch Kelly grow with us over the past few years.

Alongside Vivanco's work in the project room we will also feature new works from Vietnamese artist Tran Nguyen as part of our 'Fresh Faces' series. This is Tran's first showing with our gallery and we look forward to many great things to come from this young artist.

All shows are on view June 12th - July 3rd

Opening Reception TONIGHT - Fri, June 12th from 7-11PM

Thinkspace - 4210 Santa Monica Blvd in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles

Both Sarah and Kelly are in town for the opening, so please help us welcome both to LA!!!

Sarah Joncas - Beneath The Seams PREVIEW:

http://www.thinkspacegallery.com/2009/06/works.php

Kelly Vivanco - The Conservatory PREVIEW:

http://www.thinkspacegallery.com/2009/06/project/works.php

Tran Nguyen - Portraits of the Unknown PREVIEW:

http://www.thinkspacegallery.com/2009/06/project2/works.php

If you are interested in any of the works, please get in touch via email at contact@sourharvest.com.

Arrested Motion posted a lil' preview of the show as well here.

As did Dailydujour over here and Juxtapoz over here.

Look for opening night action to be posted here this weekend. Interviews with each have been posted here over the past week, so please be sure to look for those and check 'em out.

Hope to see some of you tonight!

A look inside the creative process of Sarah Joncas...

"Beauty In The Breakdown" progress / 18x24" / Oil on canvas

"Hide and Seek" progress / 20x30" / Oil on canvas

"Wallflower" progress shots / 14x18" / Oil on canvas

Sarah Joncas

'Beneath The Seams'

June 12th - July 3rd

Opening Reception: Fri, June 12th 7-11PM

*Artist in attendance

'Sneak Peek' set for 'Beneath The Seams':

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thinkspace/sets/72157616356552417/

Thinkspace

4210 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles 90029

Sarah Joncas' 'Beneath The Seams' named an event to watch in new Juxtapoz...

The new issue of JUXTAPOZ hits stands next week (cover below) and within, they call out Sarah Joncas' upcoming debut solo show, 'Beneath The Seams', as an event to watch for. Very cool.

Sarah Joncas 'Beneath The Seams'

This June @ Thinkspace... more details soon.

In the meantime, peep the 'Sneak Peek' set for the show here.

Photos from this past Friday's opening night reception now posted...

(l-r) Andrew Hosner (Thinkspace), Allison Sommers, Kathleen Lolley, Joao Ruas, Shawn Vezinaw Hosner & L. Croskey (Thinkspace)

Photos are now posted on our Flickr from this past Friday's opening night reception. Thank you to all that came out and said hello to this month's exhibiting artists and made them fell like they were at home. They all had a blast and had very succesful debut Los Angeles solo shows. We can't thank you all enough for coming out and showing them support. There are some great pieces still on hand from each show, and their works are even better in person, so please be sure to come on through before their shows come down in early June.

Links to all the works in each show and interviews with each can be found on our homepage at www.thinkspacegallery.com

Some great coverage of the opening night festivities courtesy of Dailydujour can also be found here, here and here as well. Thanks Jack!

Thinkspace

4210 Santa Monica Blvd (near Sunset Junction)

Thur-Sun 1-6PM

Brand X (MetroMix) cover Kathleen Lolley's debut LA solo show...

The new issue of Brand X (formerly MetroMix) hit stands yesterday all over the LA area and within, they gave a full page of editorial to covering Kathleen Lolley's debut Los Angeles solo show, opening tomorrow night from 7-11PM @ Thinkspace.

"Her new body of work is a collection of intricately embellished wooden sculptures that bring a little bit of the country to the urban east-side environs. The richness and whimsy of these dreamscapes have helped her ascent in the art world." - Brand X

An interview with Kathleen Lolley...

"Sea Owl"

An interview with Kathleen Lolley

Please talk a lil' bit about the general idea/vibe behind your new series of works for "Away From The Things Of Man”. What can our gallery patrons expect this coming May?

I know this sounds silly, but “Away From the Things of Man...” is a line from the film 'Joe vs. the Volcano'. It’s the last line in the movie, when the two characters are floating on some luggage out to sea. The paintings in the show aren’t about the film, but they are just as dreamy and fanatsy-like. I created these works mostly in seclusion and was inspired by letting my imagination run wild while doing the daily chores. Most of the characters in these works are alone and day dreaming.

Portrait of the artist

What’s your earliest memory involving art or creating art?

Making animal sculptures out of play dough, then eating them :)

When are you most productive / when do you normally work on art?

In the morning, right after my first cup o’ coffee

"Goodbye Dear Friend"

You excel at a variety of mediums – oils / drawings / sculpture / impressive installations – do you have a favorite amongst them all, or does each deliver a different feeling of satisfaction?

I love oil painting because when i mix mediums I feel like a mad scientist.

"Joyride"

You currently reside in Louisville, Kentucky – how do the rugged woodlands surrounding your home area help to influence your work?

When I was young I used to take long walks in the forest on my grandfather’s farm. I used to think up elaborate stories for all the little woodlin critters. Each animal had a home life and career path (the raccoon was the go-getting business man...), I still walk through that forest every now and then, doing the same thing. Except the stories are more dark and complex.

Progress shot of critter coming to life for this May

For those new to your work, can you give us a lil’ background on the meaning associated with some of the recurring imagery / symbolism used in your work?

I just wanted to see how far I could push my own imagination. I just wanted to create something from another realm.

Close up front view of Kathleen's 5 foot tall owl sculpture

Tell us something about yourself that someone would never guess in their wildest dreams.

I used to be an avid skate boarder in high school. But I wasn’t that good. I could do three and a half tricks (ollie, nollie, shove-it and a shaky kick flip). Back then, I was intent on getting better. I was a serious tom-boy.

Close up of the mid-section of the five foot owl sculpture

Are you reading anything right now?

Yes, 'Geek Love' by Katherine Dunn.

"Birdcopter"

Do you listen to music while painting/drawing? If so, do you have a current favorite that inspires?

I listen to music while I create. It’s a combination of internet radio, NPR and Pandora. Whatever I’m in the mood for that day.

The studio desk of Kathleen Lolley

You are well known for creating some amazing lil’ pieces of ephemera and keepsakes. Any cool projects planned that you hope to debut soon?

Bob, my step-dad, helps me build my large wooden creatures. After this show, we are going to build a large wooden pony. I’m excited about that.

If you had to explain your work to a stranger, how would you do so?

I usually just say it’s somewhere in between folk art and surrealism.

"Gentle Warrior"

Favorite artist (living or dead) and what makes them special to you?

It's a toss up between Leonora Carrington and Edward Gorey. Leonora’s art and life story is an inspiration to me. She rejected ideas of female stereotypes back in the day before feminism. And her imagination is boundless. Edward Gorey appeals to my love of macabre. Plus, growing up, my dad used to give me a book of his each birthday.

"Gypsy Countess"

What have you got coming up in terms of shows after "Away From The Things Of Man”?

First I will be taking a break and visiting my new to the world niece, then building a large wooden Pony.

"Midday"

Be sure to check out the recent '20 Questions' short feature that Juxtapoz did with Kathleen here.

"Moon Ritual"

Kathleen will be in town for the opening all the way from Kentucky, so please be sure to come on through to say hi.

Kathleen Lolley
...Away From The Things Of Man

Opening Reception: Fri, May 8th 7-11PM

Thinkspace

4210 Santa Monica Blvd (near Sunset Junction)

Los Angeles, CA 90029

Juxtapoz post '20 Questions' with Kathleen Lolley...

"Gentle Warrior" - Kathleen Lolley

Juxtapoz just posted their '20 Questions' feature with Kathleen Lolley here. Speaking of, be on the lookout for an interview we did with Kathleen here early next week.

Kathleen will be in town for the opening all the way from Kentucky, so please be sure to come on through to say hi.

Kathleen Lolley

...Away From The Things Of Man @ Thinkspace this May

Opening Reception: Fri, May 8th 7-11PM

In the meantime, be sure to check out the recently updated 'Sneak Peek' set for the show here.

João Ruas 'Inner Myth Pt. 1' works... ready to go to the framers...

All the goodness for this May laid out and ready to ship. They'll be off to the framers this weekend and ready for all to check out next Friday. Can't wait!

'Inner Myth Pt. 1'

João Ruas

Opening Reception: Fri, May 8th 7-11PM

*also opening: solo shows with Kathleen Lolley & Allison Sommers

Thinkspace

4210 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90029

Juxtapoz post early preview of our show this May with Kathleen Lolley...

"Goodbye Dear Friend" / Oil on wood

Kathleen Lolley
...Away From The Things Of Man
@ Thinkspace this May

Opening Reception: Fri, May 8th 7-11PM

View the early preview from Juxtapoz here. Juxtapoz will also be doing their '20 Questions' feature with her in the next week or two... so be sure to watch for that.

Speaking of, our interview with Kathleen will be posted here soon as well.

Kathleen will be in town for the opening from Kentucky, so be sure to mark your calendar now and come on out to say hi.

In the meantime, keep your eye on the 'Sneak Peek' set for the show here.

João Ruas sneak peek at 'Inner Myth Pt. 1'...

João Ruas

"Enkindu & Gilgamesh"

11x11" / 28x28 cm

Watercolor, Gouache and Gold leaf on 300gms Fabriano

João Ruas is hard at work finishing up the final piece for his largest showing of works to date in the States. Opening on Fri, May 8th @ Thinkspace in our project room as part of our 'Fresh Faces' series, 'Inner Myth Pt. 1' will feature six new works. Big news is that João will be in town from Brazil for the opening reception.

"Enkindu & Gilgamesh" process shot

"Enkindu & Gilgamesh" process shot

"Enkindu & Gilgamesh" process shot

We leave you with a close up shot of "Elephantman"... more images and info soon, including an interview with João. In the meantime, check out our full 'Sneak Peek' set on Flickr here.

João Ruas

'Inner Myth Pt. 1'

Opening: Fri, May 8th 7-11PM

Thinkspace

4210 Santa Monica Blvd in Los Angeles (near Sunset Junction)

http://www.thinkspacegallery.com/

Stella Im Hultberg busy at work on her upcoming solo with us...

Stella Im Hultberg recently moved to a bigger space in Brooklyn, NY with beautiful natural light and more space for a larger studio area (image of her new studio area is above).

She's currently hard at work on her upcoming solo show at Thinkspace scheduled to open on Fri, July 10th. We were excited to see the pics of her new studio space when she posted 'em the other day on her blog, and wanted to share the shot with you all. Look for much more here soon.

An interview with Brandi Milne...

An interview with Brandi Milne

'Run Rabbit, Run' is the first solo exhibition at our gallery from Los Angeles-based artist Brandi Milne. 'Run Rabbit, Run' will feature a new fantastical world of whimsy painted with acrylic on wood panels and a collection of hand-painted antique books that will make up a very special installation.

Born and raised in Anaheim, California, Brandi Milne always had a love for creativity. Growing up, she was happily influenced by the oddities of the 1970's and 80's, vintage Halloween decorations, classic cartoons and an abundance of nostalgic child playthings. A self taught artist and illustrator, Milne's work represents a melding of many very different genres while embracing beauty and aesthetic over message or propaganda. Milne has shown at numerous galleries throughout California including Corey Helford Gallery, CoproNason, Gallery 1988 LA and SF, and La Luz de Jesus.

Brandi also recently wrote and illustrated her first book, “So Good For Little Bunnies”, which was published by Baby Tattoo Books. Plans are already underway for her next book project as well.

Please talk a lil' bit about the general idea/vibe behind your new series of works for 'Run Rabbit, Run'?
The idea and feeling behind this body of work is strongly related to my mother's passing in March '08. My work is emotionally narrative (not by choice), and because I'm struggling through this huge loss, it's reflected in my new works. I've tied in the show's theme 'Run Rabbit, Run' - a lyric from Pink Floyd that hit hard for me one day while I was listening to Dark Side of the Moon, and really feeling my mom's absence. It struck a note with me, and opened up this idea in my mind. This was the inspiration for my new show, and in turn, extremely helpful in my heart.

"And The Choir Sings Quiet" - 12x16"

There’s been a shift in your technique over the past couple years that has really given your latest works a vintage look & feel. I think this has really breathed a whole new life into your work. You've made many great strides in your style and the mediums you create with, care to elaborate a bit on some of the new techniques you have been incorporating into this new body of work?
My techniques have drastically changed in the past few years as I moved from working in an illustrative style to that of a more painterly style. I used to work on paper/illustration board with watercolors, pencil and ink in order to keep things REAL tight and clean. I used to hold my breath whenever I worked, and my poor hand would cramp up because I was so pressed for perfection. Over time, I couldn't stand feeling like a mistake would set me back the entire piece - I wanted to be free. Painting on wood was my ticket out of that stress filled bind I was putting myself in, and I took the leap a few years back, scared as hell! But since then, that freedom is the rabbit I've been chasing!

"Ice Cream Smile" - 16 x 13 1/2"

What’s your earliest memory involving art or creating art?
My earliest memories of creating art was coloring books. It was always special to me, all the hours I spent coloring, looking at the drawings, choosing which ones I preferred to color and why. I remember I loved the pictures with thick lines, and would scribble out the thin-lined drawings in a rage! My mom was really good at making (us) feel better if we were sick by having my dad bring home a new coloring book and a new box of crayons - the big box!

"My Pain" - 12x16"

When are you most productive / when do you normally work on art?
In the morning/day I guess. It used to be at night, and still my mind won't shut up when I lay down to go to sleep. Maybe that's it, my mind works all night with ideas and visions and when I wake up, I can't wait to turn on some musica and get to work!

"Lucky You" - 16 x 13 1/2"

For those new to your work, can you give us a lil’ background on the meaning associated with some of the recurring imagery / symbolism used in your work?
Let's see...well, my girls are an endless narrative for me. She's my way of voicing an emotion in a piece, sad, innocent, scared. The happy characters around her are flash and silly like the world we live in. The strawberries I draw are symbolic for my heart, or the hearts of people that I love. There's a lot of strawberries in my recent work, for obvious reasons, they're really special to me right now.

"Can You Hear Me?" - 16x27"

Tell us something about yourself that someone would never guess in their wildest dreams.
Wildest dreams? Um...I like to rub pig noses. I like dog noses and cat noses too, but pig noses are my favorite. What?

Are you reading anything right now?
I just finished reading Kat Von D's book High Voltage Tattoo and Ghosts/Aliens by Trey Hamburger. Both books ruled. I need to finish my work and then I'll have more time to read.

"Darkness Keeps A Steady Hold" - 20x20"

Do you listen to music while painting/drawing? If so, do you have a current favorite that inspires?
Yes, I have to listen to music to set me free!!! Pink Floyd really does it for me, as I mentioned before, but I also like Elton John (old classic Elton), Led Zeppelin, America, Tenacious D, and so on. Music is my foundation for creating. It's key.

Speaking of music, I know you also play the guitar – any favorite songs to play? Ever thought of bringing the two worlds together and creating a soundtrack for one of your exhibits and/or performing at one of your exhibition openings?
I don't think people are quite ready for my death-metal/flamenco stylings at this time. Maybe some day...

"Nice Face" - 9 1/2 x 12"

You mentioned to me recently that you've been working with Hurley – can you elaborate on any details yet / future plans?
I did some tee shirts with Hurley for the fall '08 line of my "Alice In Wonderland" & "Patina" paintings. They also have a wonderful online artist feature that I'm part of along with other awesome artists like Jason Maloney, Bob Dob, Todd Schorr, Lola, Chet Zar, Greg Simkins and lots more.

If you had to explain your work to a stranger, how would you do so?
Yikes, this one's hard. I never seem to get a grasp on describing my work, so I just say it' s surrealistic, sloppy, old-time-fun, pop, paint on wood. And then people nod and smile and say "OH, yea, I think I know what you mean", but they don't.

"I Can't See You" - 15x20"

Favorite artist (living or dead) and what makes them special to you?
If I had to chose one, I would say Camille Rose Garcia. Her work is special to me because it's neverending insane. Her colors blow my mind and her stylings are impecable. She's a jewel.

What have you got coming up in terms of shows and projects after 'Run Rabbit, Run'?
I will be having my next solo show at the Corey Helford Gallery early 2010, I'm working on my next book with Baby Tattoo Books, a few features in magazines including Hi-Fructose and an exciting collaboration is in the works with Gallery 1988 and one beautiful rock star couple - so keep an eye out!

"Alphabet Babies" - 5 1/2 x 7 1/2"

If people walk away with one thing gained from seeing one of your exhibits, what would you hope that would be?
I hope that people go away with a feeling of warmth, love and hope.

Website: http://www.brandimilne.com/

Blog: http://www.brandimilne.com/11HOME.htm

Sneak Peek of 'Run Rabbit, Run':

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thinkspace/sets/72157613106768163/

'Run Rabbit, Run'
Featuring new works and an installation from Brandi Milne

April 10th – May 1st, 2009

Opening Reception: Fri, April 10th 7-11PM

PLUS, don't forget about Brandi's "Easter Egg Hunt" taking place during the opening...

A large number of Easter eggs will be hidden about the gallery (both inside and out) for patrons to hunt for and discover. Each egg will contain a special ticket, good for one of many prizes to be redeemed that evening, including the grand prize, a framed one-of-a-kind original drawing from Brandi herself. Other prizes will include copies of Brandi’s latest book with Baby Tattoo “So Good For Little Bunnies”, copies of her new Gelaskins, and much more.

*Limit one egg per patron during the hunt

Thinkspace Gallery
4210 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
#323.913.3375
http://www.thinkspacegallery.com/