Eggs, Art & Changing the World

You know that feeling, when everything happens at once, like you have been sitting on this egg for frigging ever, wondering if it is going to hatch or just hard boil? Well, a couple weeks ago, my, your loving Godfather's, egg hatched and out sprung an acceptance letter to Cal Poly's Master in Public Policy program 2010 and a gorgeously painted model named Alysia Hendry, who will now grace the cool exterior of a bottle of 1800 tequila as a part of their artist bottle series. ( I feel I can say the model was gorgeously painted without emanating too much obnoxious braggadocio, because when a collaborative work of art is so lovely, it almost feels ego free.) So, enough about me, life in general is getting exciting to say the least as the support local movement continues to grow here in SLO county. This Saturday March 20th, CRAFTINISTA is hosting an indie shopping event at Carve, the annual all women's surf contest in Cayucos starting at 11 am. I am also pleased to announce that Picking Daisies in the Creamery downtown will host CRAFTINISTA's Spring/Summer trunk show on Thursday June 3rd. Finally, for all of you localistas, I stumbled upon this cool local organization that deserves a big fat shout out for the local DIY community called Upcycle SLO, whose blog is filled with events and great tips. Also, if you haven't found Neal yet (you'll want to pet his beard, I am just warning you so you are not overtaken by the urge unawares), and his killer art store (dry those tears from the loss of Law's 'cause this little shop packs a punch!) check out San Luis Art Supply; run by a real artist, and a good one, too-plus, he can order anything you need, although his grasp of the basics from everything from brushes to silk screening materials is so scaled down functional, it will blow your mind. Plus, he also uses his shop like a gallery that features local artists. 1116 Morro, right next door to Baxter Moerman, the most incredible jewelry design studio and retail space in town featuring streamlined organic and classic pieces; a must look, and the Granada Bistro featuring a great little wine list, a decor straight out of 1960s Paris and serving up CRAFTINISTA's own, Amy Bakes Cupcakes. So, in a nutshell, as each day passes and I see more and more local good stuff coming to fruition. One of my heroines, Margaret Mead says it best; "Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

*photo of model Alysia Hendry painted by April Worley by Richard Fusillo

Yet Another Rad Local Event

My Experience With Embodiment

When I showed up on thursday morning to paint my models for the Embodiment human canvas show that is being put on by Native Lounge in downtown SLO, I was not sure what to expect. I had formulated a few ideas after selecting my models at the casting call, but, as a painter, I knew that ideas can only really be treated as a starting point, because once you begin, anything can happen. Painting on human beings, of course, throws in another element of inspiration, and I was prepared to evolve with what came next. What I did not expect was the incredible exchange, for lack of a better term, of energy between myself and my models. Dragging paint across another human being with a soft brush, focusing intently on the desire to connect with another body by allowing myself to read the skin, the personality, the shape of muscle and bone to transcend the realm of static art into something completely and totally alive. The way the paint would dry on a hair or over a scar all became part of my adoration for my models. Each line, each color, completely chosen by my own interpretation of their being. I felt intense amounts of boundless love for my models, not jaded by words or judgements, but as two people, artist and muse, forming that instant bond that has shaped art and design from the very beginning. And being in a room full of all of this electric energy, the banter of the models, the deep focus of the artists, was totally electrifying. I felt a deep love for humanity that day; the pleasure of beauty, adornment, comraderie and complete freedom of expression. As an artist, I felt the freedom to move with color inspired by the moment, and I witnessed the models absorb all of the deeply felt creative juices of their artists and become more than human, they became beauty itself.

*click on native's link to find out about the next Embodiment Shows. Photo courtesy of Joshua Jesse. Model Josh painted by Peter Worley.

Fadanistas

I watched a documentary last night entitled Fado. It was a collection of performances done by Portuguese Fado singers or Fadanistas; Fado being Portuguese for destiny or fate. The songs were heartfelt and crooning; graceful trills emanated from deep inside the singers' bodies only to be released through mouths quivering with emotion. These Fadanistas, their eyes would be shut, their faces turned upward as though the only escape from their longing, their heartbreak, was to send this sound up into the ether to be consumed by the sky. The words used in these songs have no real direct translation into English, but convey messages of deep emotions; longing for homeland, jealousy, love, passion, revenge, and betrayal. I noticed 'fado' was used as a noun, a verb and an adjective. (Lila Downs sings of being more 'fado' than another woman competing for her man, and wins him back because she could sing fado, and that made her a real woman.) When the first singer used the term 'Fadanista', I immediately thought of Craftinista and the many definitions that surround our moniker. Craftinista is beyond what it initially implies: crafts for sale. Craftinista also translates to local economy, harmonizing with our community, support for local artists, demonstrating strength in numbers, rejection of poor working conditions, networking, taking an active role in our lives, bringing awareness to the money that we spend, creating beautiful things and sharing them with the people that surround us. We are a group of professional designers who run businesses, but together, we are not a business, we are an idea in action. We are our own sweet piece of the revolution.*

*revolution refers to a regime change; the change I refer to is the shift from over-dependence on 'box' stores back to a more balanced marketplace where locally made goods are able to compete for consumer dollars.

Chilly

It's getting cold outside. It's a California cold, which may be looked down upon by those residing in other parts of the country who enjoy braying on about how much they suffer during the winter, but I am of the 'all is relative' sort, so to those who can not handle a native Californian writing about the seasonal chill, feel free to go back to shoveling snow. For the rest of us, crying over our frozen succulents and the fact we can't ride our bikes in shorts every day of the year, have I got the thing for you! I call them leg warmers for your arms, Joshua shortened that to 'Larms', but, no matter what you call them, they are magical! You can type in them (as I am doing now, refer back to the 'relative cold' statement), you can arm wrestle in them, you can chase your 3 year old on a big wheel while riding a tricycle in them (yeah, i did that today, so I know!)....BUT better yet: you can wear them with a t-shirt and they look rad! They are for that gal or guy (yup, mine are multi-gender-al) who has everything who is not afraid to dress outside the box. Great for biking, driving, skating and beer drinking (man those pints are cold when sitting on the patio at the pub in the dead of California winter!) And, the best part is that they are hand crocheted with love by CRAFTINISTA's own Relished Ravin. It is like wearing love all over your arms, and who wouldn't want that?

*To buy yours, click on photo to link to Relished Ravin's online store

Purely Pacha, Welcome to Cosa Nostra

The first time I came into contact with Pacha, I was shopping in Paper Sky, my favorite card and gift shop in San Luis Obispo, and I came across a card for my mother for her birthday. It was waves of green obscuring a woman's face and within it's sublime collaged beauty was imbedded the words, 'stop making sense'. Aside from the Talking Heads reference that was perfect (our family loves David Byrne), Pacha had taken this simple statement and blended it in a lovely and feminine work of art that spoke volumes about the dualities of life, love and self. Her involvement in the Holonic Arts movement, that flaunts the mantra: This is an experiment. And you are part of it. was the second time I randomly ran into Pacha. I submitted a poem and a photo to one of the collaborative art events, and the outcome was incredible. To see so many local artists in one space (Cork Stop Studios) and more importantly, the splendor of the collaborative works, was stunning. The third time Pacha and I came together, I won her Starlight Necklace Kit raffle (apparently twice!), and due to the fact that I have not made jewelry since knotting friendship bracelets in junior high math class under the desk, it took me a while to put together, but once it was done, it was fascinating and lovely to see a celestial representation of the minute I was born in the form of a lovely beaded necklace. So, needless to say, CRAFTINISTA is thrilled to welcome Pacha into our ranks. (And lil' Matitie and Fred, too!)

*fake credit cards by Pacha. Click on images to link to her website.

Represent!

click HERE to learn more about SLOCDC

The Godfather on Bags

i have a friend, a man, who will not, for any reason reach into my bag. "gum?" he asks. "sure," i say, "get it, it's in my bag." he hesitates and then looks at me with short shakes of the head, and i remember that he does not venture into the personal land of 'the bag.' i have asked him why, years ago, why he would not, and he simply said that it just seemed weird. i imagine his large hand rifling around amongst tampons long sprung from their wrappers bearing their dusty white afros. or, the small granules of crackers, chips and who knows what else that finds its way under your fingernails when trolling the bottom of the bag for change. the chap stick that has escaped its tube like a true opportunist on the last hot day. a toy truck. a wallet crammed with more receipts than cash. a dozen notes floating freely creating an odd stream of consciousness haiku:

remember the mail
Lee Clark imprisoned, write him
cheese, tiolet paper

in my bag, is a land where my most schizoid self is free to collide with a small collection of personal items creating a place that some men may fear to tread. a place that is all mine.

to claim a fabulous bag for yourself, check out CRAFTINISTA designers:
Relished Ravin, hiphugger, The Peach & Fluffy Muffin
*Bicycle bag by Relished Ravin. Click on pic to shop her online store.

When it is Politically Correct to Laugh

A friend of mine posted some ads from the 40s-80s on facebook a while back, and i can't help but keep going back to them. Look at this one, for instance, advertising a new postage meter. The lovely redhead looks as though she is refusing to use it and the man is fraught with frustration because of her obvious stubborn stupidity. There is another woman at the copier who appears to be laughing at the scene, but it is the text that seems so alarming. 'Is it always illegal to KILL a woman?' the ad asks. My first reaction, truth be told, was a hushed, 'holy sh**'! I mean, how the heck did this thing not end up on the cutting room floor? But then I wondered, was this ad conceived during a time when making fun of the stupidity of women was commonplace and it was a cathartic joke to mention murdering a particularly stubborn female? I see men in shiny suits nudging each other saying, "Right?!" "If only!" and "Golly, isn't that the truth!". But, before I got my panties in wad, I reflected upon the same type of humor now days, only directed at men. I can't tell you how many mass emails I get from girlfriends that wittily unwind the stupidities and shortcomings of males, a few even refer to killing them, or imagining a world without them all together. What I see as one of the most prevelant stereotypes these days, is the ditzy dad. He is always ruining dinner, forgetting to pick up the kids or having inappropriate friends over that usually involves belching while the wife stands in the background rolling her eyes and making quips about husband's stupidity that he is too lame to get as the laugh track fades out. Is this ad gross, or does it just reflect another time saturated with other biases? Are men the new women? After all, "Is it always illegal to KILL a man?"

Card Carrying Member of Humanity

what i want to know is this, people: what does conservation awareness, healthcare, education and gun control really have to do with party politics? do we not all want great schools for our kids where teachers actually teach, not teach to a test? do any of us want to lose everything we worked so hard for to outrageous medical bills? do any of us really think that allowing semi-automatic weapons in urban areas where their sole purpose is to be used by humans to kill humans, is a good thing? (we're not talking hunting rifles, here folks.) when we dig down, do we honestly believe that some prisoners don't deserve a trial based on our own deeply embedded ideas of racism or fear? what if our country were occupied by a foreign army and they started rounding up our men and women in uniform without a fair trial? do we not all want justice of some sort? no, i am not a blind utopian, i know we all have differences and on these issues they are the most prominent, but, i do believe that in order to make progress as a nation, as a world, we must start looking at the knee jerk responses we have and begin moving beyond. our prez had a knee jerk reaction when he criticized an officer for doing his job and it birthed a beautiful moment of apology and redemption in the form of a beer summit. i like that. we are all fallible, we will always disagree, but let us not forget that we are not defined by our labels, we do not have to think within the box that we built around ourselves, or feel pride in the stereotypes that are perpetuated about us as though it is some badge of courage. after all, as i've seen on the back of muddied trucks, some cowboys do indeed love mozart. and i like that, too.

Milton Gravy on God, the Subconscious & True Love

Drew Davis, also known as Milton Gravy, enters the small bistro looking curious, almost as though he had left something here that he was returning to find. He spots me, and looks shocked, even though we had agreed to meet, and then his face warms into a dodgy smile, eyes darting back and forth a bit, and for a moment I wonder what has surprised him. We awkwardly shake hands and I notice his t-shirt. It reads: ‘Got Your Tickets to the Gun Show?’ with two arrows pointing at his lanky biceps, which I believe is a salute to Dwight Schrute, a character from The Office, one of Drew’s favorite television shows. He begins to tell me all of the things I imagine he thinks I want to hear: current exhibit (Higher Grounds coffee shop in San Luis Obispo), his newest paintings dedicated solely to swing dancing, a new hobby of his, and some of the commissioned commercial work he does. But that is not why I am here, and Drew picks up on this when he notices I have not turned on my tape recorder. I am interested in Milton Gravy, Drew’s alter-ego (not to be confused with a pseudonym) who is the genius behind Drew’s cartoons and personal body of work that layers a bizarre and beautiful mix of fine art, confusion, irony, chaos, bliss and deep feeling.

April: Who is Milton Gravy?
MG: He is a mystery. He’s kind of a separate part of me in a sense. My fine art is more Drew Davis. Milton Gravy is more of a cartoon, a different personality all rolled into one. I have different plans for Milton Gravy.
April: What are those plans?
MG: To start a comic called ‘Milton Gravy Cookbook’, but not a cookbook, something artsy and funky with art, comics and poetry.
April: Do you enjoy Milton Gravy more than Drew Davis-in terms of the art each produces?
MG: Yeah. Milton Gravy is more popular, more trendy. I enjoy doing that a lot. Milton Gravy is more from the inside. The characters in the comic book portray their own life is what I’m thinking about. There is a lot of feeling behind it- while the other side [Drew Davis] is more plain. It is not like I look at a landscape and draw a landscape, it is like there are these characters and they are doing things. I guess it is kinda subconscious maybe.
April: Where did you grow up and what was that like?
MG: You know ups and downs. I was raised in a Christian household in Nipomo with three younger sisters- pretty normal if you are looking in from the outside. I dealt with it all pretty well. I was home schooled from the third grade on, my mom did not like the public school system, so I graduated when I was younger, 16 or 17. Started going to community college for a bit. I think that really allowed me to pursue my art a lot more then. I also did not have the peer pressures at the early age that the public school kids had.
April: I was really intrigued by a quote on your Facebook page by CS Lewis, “Christianity, if false, is of no importance and if true, of infinite importance.” What does this mean to you, if you don’t mind me asking?
MG: No, not at all. I consider myself a Christian, following Jesus’ way, the one true way, and I try to have that play a large role in my life as much as I can. A lot of people claim to be Christians but are hippocrates-bad examples of being Christian. Granted, I am a bad example of being Jesus’ way-I am not perfect! Growing up, I always went to church and was involved with youth groups and then when I was kicked out of the house at 18, I was not wanting to live by their [parents’] rules so it was not working at that point, I went to go live with friends. I knew if I really needed help, they [parents] would help me out, but I also knew that they would hold out until I really needed help. But, that was good, too. I learned a lot from that. I know a lot of people who haven’t had that experience and can’t function by themselves. So this house that I was living in [with friends at 18] was like a total crack house. I had pretty much hit a bottom. I wasn’t doing crack, but I did realize I needed to do something because I wasn’t going anywhere. I quit smoking, cut off that group of friends and started looking for another youth group to go to. So I found this group of guys, in fact I am moving in with them soon, so I took a positive turn and am hoping to learn a lot. Some of my drawings, I was pretty high when I did them, and I think since I quit, they have gotten better.
April: Where was Milton Gravy at this time?
MG: He was there. I started doing Milton Gravy a long time ago. I never planned it. I just opened myself up. I don’t have a lot of preconceived ideas about it. For instance, it is hard to answer the question ‘who is your favorite artist?’ If I see art I like, I subconsciously store it, and then it comes out at some point.
April: You make a lot of references to God and the subconscious. How do those two themes relate to each other?
MG: Honestly, I think my subconscious pushes me away from God. I think we all have our sin nature, our carnal desires, and that is all on the inside, so that is what separates us from God essentially. That is what I believe. We can do good things for or to people, or we can stab them in the back, there are definitely two natures. Both of those natures come out in that character, Milton Gravy.
April: What about in Drew Davis?
MG: If I were to make the separation, because they are both me, Drew Davis is a little more surface level, a little easier for everyone to swallow, you know like flowers and landscapes and whatever. I think I may be heading in the direction of the two [Davis & Gravy] coming together as one, in a sense. I am trying to be more honest with myself, and that is who I am-Milton Gravy. It’s a process.
April: Is Milton Gravy capable of things Drew Davis is not?
MG: At this point he definitely has a freer character. I don’t really feel like I have to perform for people. My drawing style is more Milton Gravy; my painting style is something else. Not that I want it to stay that way. When I first started drawing, I was really into drawing monsters and mazes with colored pencils. So, I can see this [Gravy] as my roots, too, and that is a strong connection. When you are a kid, you draw whatever you want, and it is very freeing. Every artist has to have the ‘am I selling out’ conversation. There has to be a crossover between what people want and what you want to do if you want to do it [art] for a living. I enjoy the commissioned work I have to do, get to do. But, Milton Gravy is not fully developed commercially, but I definitely want to, that is one of my goals.
April: Where do you see yourself in the future? Or even in your fantasy future?
MG: I definitely would like to open up my own gallery. I have had a few people encourage me to do so. I have not been around much, but New York or Paris based on photographs and stories I’ve heard of those places sounds good. You know, marriage, kids.
April: Do you believe in true love?
MG: I think love is a choice. I think the love God has for us is the example of love we should follow. Being selfless. Complete selflessness is true love. I don’t think that exists on earth. But I will give it my best shot.

interview by the Godfather, April Worley. Milton's Yellow Head by Milton Gravy (click to link to his online shop)

CRAFTINISTA welcomes Stover Tile & Design

Warm welcome to our newest member of CRAFTINISTA, Chris Stover! He will be featured at our next trunk show July 16th. Not only are we happy to add another talented man to our ranks, but we also love his inventive re-use of organic materials. Click on pics to link to Chris' site. Without further ado:

"Hi, my name is Chris and I'm a tile contractor by trade on the wonderful central coast of California. I was born and raised here and learned the tile trade from my father. My favorite jobs were ones where I got to work with natural stone whether it was marble, granite, travertine, slate, etc.... I always played around with the left over scraps, polishing the edges and making different things.

After a stint in the USMC, I moved back here in 2001, started a family, and started doing tile again. I have a wonderful wife, April, and two kids, Jackson (4) and Adelaide (1). I have made different things for friends and family in the past and from their prodding, and my wife finding this wonderful shop, I have decided to open up shop."