Spraygraphic Pic(k) of the Day: Aaron Biggs
By Spraygraphic | October 6, 2008
Everyday Spraygraphic will pick from one of its member’s Creative Projects and spotlight the work here on Sprayblog.
Today, this cool image comes from Spraygraphic Member Aaron Briggs’s creative project Animated Advertising series.
Topics: Graphic Design | No Comments »
Spraygraphic Interview with Musician Sam Wiley of The Wiley One
By Spraygraphic | October 6, 2008
Spraygraphic Interview with Sam Wiley
SG: Please tell us about yourself and your band?
SW: Sam “The Wiley One” Wiley, was born in 1980 and grew up in Miami, Mexico City and Phoenix. Being the son of an author and artist, My first love was writing. At the age of 7, I began writing creative short stories, poetry and lyrics for his older siblings who were all aspiring musicians. I grew up surrounded by a musical family, which heavily influenced me to learn about music. I began taking guitar lessons from my older brother Michael Wiley (composer) starting at the age of 9 years old, singing lessons from sister Marta Wiley (WOMB) at the age of 10, and drum lessons from my sister Cristiana Wiley (WOMB) at the age of 12. I began composing songs at the age of 13, it was during my early college years at Northern Arizona University when I began to spread my wings as a singer/songwriter. In early 2001 I started performing locally and was being compared to various popular acoustic artists such as G-Love & Special Sauce, Sublime, Nick Drake, Jack Johnson and John Mayer.
My music is rapidly gaining recognition. Its unique bouncy-bluesy string style riffs combined with creative lyrical poetry has attracted audiences far and wide. My live shows incorporate acoustic, hip-hop, blues, jazz, reggae and folk styles. The band lineup consists of Wiley alongside New York-born bassist, Jay of the Funk, and the amazingly talented jazz drummer, CTX of Identity Crisis. The Wiley One has evolved into one of the most impressive up and coming bands in the Southwest. “No7 Kid,” has received enthusiastic reviews from The Phoenix New Times, among others, and is spreading like wild fire through the West Coast and beyond. Radio Stations from K-Rock in Los Angeles, California to The Edge 103.9FM in Phoenix, Arizona have featured live performances and airings of The Wiley One’s music.
Since The Wiley One signed to an Independent Record Label, Sundawg Records, in 2007, and our performances have ranged from main stage performances and broadcasts at the 2008 Summer X-Games in Los Angeles, CA and the 2008 Winter X-Games in Aspen, CO to the NFL Network Super bowl Party in Scottsdale, AZ, performing with such acts as Big Bad Voodoo Daddies, Lord Jamar and Roger Clyne. They will be touring in the Fall of 2008 with their forthcoming album, which will be produced by multi-platinum producer Gardner Cole
SG: Where do you currently live and work?
SW: Right now Phoenix, Arizona is the place we call home. I also work from my home. I am the Vice President of a Latin American Construction Consultant company called Borderland Enterprises LLC. I manage and co-own an art company as well called Marta G. Wiley Studios. I represent my sister as the artist. She is unbelievably prolific.
SG: How did you come up with the name and what does it mean?
SW: Well Wiley is my given last name but the actual meaning comes from the word “Wile” which is defined as stratagem, trickery, and cunning, to beguile or to entice. I like to think of it as being a Wiley Person through the use of Art and Music. Hence, The WILEY One.
SG: What instruments do play?
SW: I play mainly Guitars & Vocals. I also dabble in drums, percussion and the piano.
SG: What kind of music does your band create?
SW: Acoustic, Hip-Hop, Blues, Reggae, Folk
SG: Describe your working process when creating a new work.
SW: Creating and writing a new song is actually my favorite aspect about music. Being in the moment of inspiration and creation is by far the most rewarding and blissful experience for me. There’s nothing better than playing/singing the song you just wrote for the first time. I enjoy that more than performing, recording or recognition!
SG: What kind of things do you do when you get blocked or find it hard to create something?
SW: I run, swim, stretch, breathe, go on a trip, and watch a documentary or a movie to get inspired. Anything I can do to relax and get centered really. Most of the time I just keep playing, writing and singing every day until that intense inspiration comes through. When it does finally arrive, you’re ready because you’ve constantly been practicing.
SG: Where are you currently finding your inspiration? Well lately I have been focusing on politics, religion, the environment, sustainability, corruption, and metaphysics. I have already written my 2nd album which is full of betrayal and love. I want the third album to contain my ideas for social change and evolution.
SG: How many albums do you have out and what label are you on?
SW: I have one album out titled “No 7 Kid”. We are currently recording the new album “Kill it with Love”. I am currently signed to Sundawg Records.
SG: Where has your work been heard?
SW: All over the world through I-Tunes, My space, Face book, CD Baby, etc. We have played Arizona, California, and New York City, Colorado, Las Vegas, Portland, Canada, Mexico, etc. We’re just chasing the dream one bar/venue/festival/concert at a time.
SG: What is your dream concert?
SW: My dream concert would be to play the main stage at a big festival like Coachella or The Red Rocks! Any place where people come from all over the world to see music on a grand and peaceful scale.
SG: What is your favorite kind of music?
SW: Honestly, I love all music in all types of genres.
SG: Who is your favorite artist? And Why?
SW: I am heavily influenced by Bob Marley, Sublime, G-Love and Special Sauce, Nick Drake, The Pixies, The Chili Peppers, and massive amounts of underground hip-hop etc etc. One of my favorite bands right now is Modest Mouse and The People Under the Stairs. One of my favorite bands of all time would probably be Pink Floyd.
SG: What cd/mp3 are you listening to this week?
SW: I actually have been listening to “Acid Rain Drops” by The People Under the Stairs and “Night Swimming” by R.E.M.
SG: Where is your favorite place to play out?
SW: Well I always enjoy playing Flagstaff for its beautiful weather and laid back atmosphere. Our most enjoyable performances took place at the Summer and Winter X Games stages.
SG: Any final words of advice?
SW: Never ever think about what you don’t want!
Topics: Artist Interviews, Music-bands, Myspace Artists, Phoenix Art Scene, Sprayblog | No Comments »
Spraygraphic Pic(k) of the Day: Kristen Terrana
By Spraygraphic | October 5, 2008
Everyday Spraygraphic will pick from one of its member’s Creative Projects and spotlight the work here on Sprayblog.
Today, this cool image comes from Spraygraphic Member Kristen Terrana’s creative project Sen Seuno Sogno series.
Topics: Paintings | No Comments »
Gilbert & George
By Spraygraphic | October 5, 2008
Gilbert & George
British duo Gilbert & George arrives at the Brooklyn Museum-the last stop of its international tour. The show includes more than 90 works from 1971 to the present.
When: Now thru January 11th, 2009
Where: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway New York 11238-6052
Topics: Museum Events | No Comments »
Spraygraphic Pic(k) of the Day: PaperMonster
By Spraygraphic | October 4, 2008
Everyday Spraygraphic will pick from one of its member’s Creative Projects and spotlight the work here on Sprayblog.
Today, this cool image comes from Spraygraphic Member PaperMonster’s creative project Feast series.
Topics: Graffiti-Art, New York Art Scene, Public-Art | No Comments »
Z Spot Miami
By Spraygraphic | October 4, 2008
Fujifilm Heads South to Host ‘Z Spot Miami’ Pro-Skate Event:
Hosted by pro-skater and Jack Ass crew member Clyde Singleton, the second Z Spot event in the series will take place at the M.I.A. Skatepark in Miami, Florida and feature skate demos from Habitat Skate Crew and sounds from the acclaimed DJ Z-Trip. A special guest appearance from Miami Ink tattoo maestro Darren Brass will also take place.
Featured Habitat skaters include: Fred Gall, Ed Selego, Kerry Getz, Stefan Janoski, Danny Garcia, Silas Baxter-Neal
When: Saturday, October 18th, from 2pm – 6pm
Where: M.I.A Skatepark (1850 NW 84 Ave, Doral, FL 33126)
Topics: Skateboards and Skater Events | No Comments »
Spraygraphic Interview with Artist Wayne Wolfson
By Spraygraphic | October 3, 2008
Spraygraphic Interview with Wayne Wolfson
SG: Please tell us about yourself?
WW: I am a California/Paris based artist. My main thing is my writing, but I do other things to feed the stimulation for the pen: painting and some music collaborations. Stimulation is the main thing for me and everything feeds the pen.
SG: Where do you currently live and work?
WW: My main base of operation is California. I could not do what I do without also spending time in Paris every year. It truly is the holy land of poetry but I do not mean necessarily “poetry” in the strictest sense of the word; it is more an attitude and way of life: from good conversations with complete strangers over drinks, to watching a beautiful woman walk by knowing that it’s enough to enjoy the effect of her fleeting presence.
SG: What mediums do you work with?
WW: For my visual work I mainly use acrylic paint. I value how quickly they dry. What you see is what you get with them too. There are no surprises from mis-mixing or anything. I just started using gouache too which comes in little expensive tubes. I also have been doing some pastel pieces, oil pastels are very hard to control and if I come close to getting effects and emotions I want with them, then when I use paints it is easier. I have always been a compulsive doodler and still get great satisfaction from tattooing restaurant placemats.
With my writing, I am old school; I write all my stories out first in Moleskin notebooks then type them up. When I fill a Moleskin the spine gets a number and I get another.
SG: Describe your working process when creating a new work.
WW: When I write, I have never been one to plan out a plot or make a “skeleton” which I then flesh out. I may mull over a scene or plot point in my head and usually while I am doing that I paint or take a walk. Really, most of a story comes to me all at once; like being hit by lightening. My paintings do not necessarily directly correspond to what I am writing but there has at times been a definite cross pollination of story inspiring painting or vice versa.
SG: What kind of things do you do when you get blocked or find it hard to create something?
WW: I am never blocked (knock on wood) but I also am almost always doing something, whether its visual work or writing. I find that one thing can feed the other even if indirectly. My friends with straight jobs constantly joke that I am always at work.
SG: Where are you currently finding your inspiration?
WW: Music has always been my main source of inspiration, I am constantly listening to it; to what, depends upon my mood and what I am doing. I also read a lot. Even after all this time, there is a thrill discovering a new (to me) author or music. I am also a keen observer of the savage tragedy of the human condition.
SG: Can you please tell us a little about your anti-column in Outsideleft.
WW: That came about because of two Pauls. UK culture vulture Paul Hawkins had done an interview with me which appeared in Brick and several other places. Paul Lamont one of Outsideleft’s editors saw it and asked if I would be interested in contributing. Paul L has strong vision of what he wants his journal to be. He looks at what comes in with a critical eye designed not to keep anybody “down” nor be just a circle jerk for his friends but to present good art in several mediums. After my first piece he asked me if I would be interested in doing a column. It was dubbed an “anti-column” because it is not really a “look-at me-read my musings” type of deal. Really it is stories written in Paris with Paris serving as a sort of backdrop accompanied by some piece of my visual work. Since I started I have also written two pieces of non-fiction for Outsideleft too.
SG: Where has your work been seen?
WW: I have a CD titled Midnight Latitudes which is a sort of non-linear noirish story told in soundscapes, music and spoken word which is available world wide through amazon.com and all the usual suspects. I know parts of it have been on the radio on BBC, in Canada and Australia too. My writing appears world wide in journals as I currently shop around my novel. I have finally gotten brave enough with my visual art to start to put together a small show for some gallery.
SG: Where will it be seen next?
WW: Right now I have my monthly anti-column at Outsideleft and many journal appearances which vary from month to month. I am currently waiting word on the galleries.
SG: What is your dream art assignment?
WW: I would like to do another CD or maybe some of my words with a visual artist whom I admire.
SG: What is your favorite color?
WW: I like greens, there is so much one can do with different greens.
SG: Who is your favorite artist? And Why?
WW: I have a long list of artists whom I admire, the first one who comes to mind is Chaim Soutine (1894-1943). He was an Eastern European painter who mainly lived in Paris during the heady days of the Montmartre scene. His stuff initially was viewed by many as “primitive” and only later were some of the complexities of his colors and composition recognized; very much in some ways like Thelonious Monk’s (pianist/composer) reputation. He went from being an “artist’s artist” to being appreciated but only after it was too late. His works are rife with emotion and he creates in some of his pieces a sense of tension which is even more impressive by the fact of how natural it comes across. You really do not find much of his work in museums stateside and even the Centre George Pompideau (Paris) only has his portrait of a bellboy.
SG: What book/magazine are you reading this week?
WW: I am finishing book of essays by Paul Valery.
SG: Ever do a self portrait? Where is it now?
WW: I was out walking by Notre Dame one night, I had a digital camera which I was not adept at using and took an extended armed self portrait. Because it was so dark the shutter stayed open a long time. The resulting photo was surrealistic with weird lighting and trails. When I got back to California I painted my self portrait from that photo on giant canvas and it is now hanging on my wall. I think it’s too big for anyone to want to try to take/sell anyways.
SG: Where is your favorite place to hang out?
WW: For me, largely the appeal of a place is what is going on internally. Really, all I need is to be able to get one strong cup of coffee a day and a notepad and as for the rest I am pretty adaptable.
SG: Any final words of advice?
WW: For all of us, we can only be what we do and if you are worried about whether or not someone is seeing you do it, then you are doing it for the wrong reasons.
Topics: Artist Interviews, International-Art, Literature, Paintings, Sprayblog | 2 Comments »
Spraygraphic Pic(k) of the Day: Amanda Jeanne
By Spraygraphic | October 3, 2008
Everyday Spraygraphic will pick from one of its member’s Creative Projects and spotlight the work here on Sprayblog.
Today, this cool image comes from Spraygraphic Member Amanda Jeanne creative project Collage series.
Topics: Paintings | No Comments »
Fresh work from Banksy
By Spraygraphic | October 2, 2008
Fresh work from Banksy
Via Wooster
Topics: Public-Art | 3 Comments »
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: 2009 Artist-in-Residence Workspace Grant for NY Emerging Artists
By Spraygraphic | October 2, 2008
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: The Center for Book Arts 2009 Artist-in-Residence Workspace Grant for NY Emerging Artists
The Center for Book Arts is pleased to continue the Artist-in-Residence Workspace Grant for New York Emerging Artists in 2009. Up to 5 New York-based emerging artists will be offered space, time and support to explore the production of artist’s books and related work for a full year. The purpose of this program is to promote experimentation in book arts, thus artists from all disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Center especially encourages applications from artists of culturally diverse backgrounds.
For an application and more information on the program, please click here.
Deadline: October 15, 2008.
Topics: Literature | No Comments »
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