The Burning Retina Art Journal

Panic Blue Indian NYE wins EB Poster of the Week

2012-01-17T11:43:00.000-05:00

When I arrived home I was surprised with a the special honor of having the Widespread Panic NYE Blue Indian print being named "Expresso Beans Poster of the Week". Thanks to all who nominated and voted to give it this honor!

New Widespread Panic Print Release

2012-01-05T11:06:00.000-05:00

The store is now live with the Widespread Panic Artist Edition releases . The first is the print for the Alpharetta, Ga show featuring art titled Indian Summer and the second being the NYE Charlotte show featuring the Blue Indian art.

The Blue Indian NYE print is the second in a trilogy of Native portrait prints. The first being the Red Rocks Universal Shaman print. The third and final installment will be released at Panic en la Playa. I'm extremely proud of this set of prints. They will make a great set to have hanging on your wall. I wanted to do something really special for the band to commemorate their 25th Anniversary. Since I love doing Native themed artwork it all sort of fell into place. The band was generous enough to let me run with theme and the reception by the fans has warmed my heart.

Judy and I will be attending Jam Cruise next week for a very much needed break, so all orders will start processing as soon as we get back in the shop.

Please remember to refresh your browsers to make sure you are loading the new page.

BUY HERE

Widespread Panic Alpharetta, GA Poster

2011-10-02T20:45:00.000-04:00

Here is a look at the new Widespread Panic poster that will be available at the Verizon Amphitheatre show in Alpharetta, Ga on October 8th. It's a 15x22 screen print on French paper.

New Releases are in the store!

2011-08-30T00:04:00.000-04:00

Just a note to let everyone know that the new releases are in the store!

Shop Now

Maestro Roberto Venosa

2011-08-10T14:12:00.000-04:00

Maestro Roberto Venosa
January 21,1936 - August 9, 2011

A dear friend and mentor passed on to another realm yesterday. Robert taught me much about art and life. For that I will be forever grateful. God speed Brother. I love you. I will always cherish the time we had together painting. Thank you for the inspiration.

Chris Dingwell Painting Seminar

2011-06-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

Come join me for a day of artistic madness taught by master painter Chris Dingwell and hosted by my brothers in ink at Seppuku Tattoo....read on...

Seppuku Tattoo is proud to host one of the tattoo industry's foremost fine artist and painter extraordinaire Chris Dingwell, teaching an all day painting seminar in our studio.

Chris is one of those personalities that needs little introduction. In addition to his impressive tattoo career, he's known for live painting at his Wet Paint Projects, collaborations with other tattoo industry peers, all painting live before crowds of thousands at tattoo conventions coast to coast. His ground breaking and prolific work is currently being collected and printed in a new book due out late this summer.

From the man himself:

PAINTING WITHOUT FEAR!

Official Chris Dingwell Workshop description:

SUNDAY, July 17th, 12 PM to 12 AM

Always wanted to start painting, but you are "afraid?"

Tried it, but got frustrated and gave up?

Painted for years, but want to try something different?

Whatever your level or experience with painting, this extensive, interactive seminar workshop is for you....

I will be starting with a SHORT but thorough slide show, just to establish some background for my work, and then I will go through the steps of beginning a simple painting of my own from scratch!

I will discuss my process and materials to some extent, but my paintings are not about elaborately involved techniques. ANYONE CAN DO THIS! It's just about pouring your heart into your work and allowing that to be your guide. I will show you briefly how I create my image and layout, then follow with a lot of underpainting, building up to the final result.

Once my painting is off to a good start, it will be YOUR turn.

Everyone in the workshop will be working on a painting from the same reference image that I am, and together we will find lots of different ways to approach the same idea. The remainder of the time will be spent painting together; side by side, discussing our discoveries and hardships along the way. Many of these may be finished that day, but it isn't required.

We will be working with Acrylic paints, but much of what we will be doing can apply to any medium. If you have your own paints and brushes for working in Acrylic, feel free to bring them, but it isn't necessary. If you want to work on an easel, you will need to provide your own!

Otherwise I WILL BE PROVIDING ALL OF THE SUPPLIES; canvases, transfer paper, paints and brushes. Bring your own hands, eyes, ears, and brains.

The seminar will have enough room for between 12 to 15 spots. The seminar will begin at 12 noon, and run all day until 12 midnight. This is an all day extensive hands on seminar. The cost of the seminar is $160, and this includes all materials. A deposit is required to hold your spot, these can be PayPal-ed to chris@chrisdingwell.com.

Seppuku Tattoo does have a limited amount of easels & furniture. Artists are asked to bring any portable easels, folding chairs, artists stools, or travel equipment they have to help facilitate the process. There will be breaks, including a lunch break, but food will not be provided. Seppuku is walking distance from two pizzerias, Chinese, sushi, a diner, a bagel deli, convenience stores, & two Dunkin Donuts. You can call the studio for any other information.

CHRIS DINGWELL STUDIOS

in the State Theater Building

142 High St., Suite 401

Portland, ME 04101

207-773-1911

e-mail: chris@chrisdingwell.com

http://www.chrisdingwell.com/

http://www.chrisdingwell.com/tattoo-news.html

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=534840785

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150232950090786.361365.534840785

Seppuku Tattoo

145 Main Street

Bloomingdale, NJ 07403

973-291-8187

www.seppukutattoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=534840785

Posters Posters, Posters!

2011-06-02T10:36:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posting it's been a very busy Spring. Judy and I have been building the infrastructure here on the homestead for all of our sustainability farming and chicken adventures. Follow our progress at the Drowning Creek Homestead Blog.

Here are the posters completed in the past few months. I will do a release around July 1st for all the artist editions of the these prints.

New Releases

2011-02-16T16:25:00.000-05:00

Widespread Panic Atlanta

Size: 15 x 22

Paper: French Chocolate Paper

Artist Edition of 100

Signed, Numbered and Remarqued

Panic is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. I was asked to do the Valentine's poster for the show at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. I decided to give the fans chocolate and roses. Enjoy!

15 Minutes aka Ode to Brainwashing

Size: 15 x 22
Paper: Nothing Fancy
Artiste' Edition of 100
Signed, Numbered and Hand Splattered

I'm afraid that if you look at a thing long enough, it loses all of its meaning. --Andy Warhol

My social comment on what is called "pop art" these days. Hand splattered in Pepto pink paint.

Purchase Both Here

Jam Cruise and Mayan Holidaze Posters in the Store

2011-01-26T21:22:00.001-05:00

Mayan Holidaze and Jam Cruise Prints can be purchased here: Drowning Creek Store

Mayan Holidaze Art

2011-01-20T11:27:00.000-05:00

Recent poster for the Mayan Holidaze festival in Mexico. 8 color screen print on French Black licorice

Athens Burning Kickstarter

2010-12-21T21:01:00.002-05:00

Just bought my copy... please help rebuild the Georgia Theatre. Here's a letter from the folks at SphereVibe Films who have filmed a documentary called 'Athens Burning". Donate if you can.

Hello friends of the Georgia Theatre and SphereVibe Films, we hope this

message finds you all warm and well.

As many of you know, the team at SphereVibe Films has been working

diligently for the past couple year(s) on their project, "Athens Burning," a

documentary about the Georgia Theatre, its rich history, the artists and

Athens music scene, which flourished there, the devastation of the fire

and current rebuilding efforts. This project is the official documentary,

endorsed by and raising money for the rebuilding of the Georgia Theatre,

and has been covered enthusiastically by CNN.com, The Atlanta Journal

Constitution, and other media.

So far, the production of the entire film has been funded independently.

We are now down to our last leg of post-production. We are asking now for

your help with our final step-- the theatrical release. The film will run

in both Beechwood Cinemas and Ciné. As a stipulation, the distributor has

required that we raise and spend $3,500.00 on the marketing and promotion

of the film.

As a recipient of this email, we believe you have a vested interested in

the well being of the Georgia Theatre, or film making in Athens.

Below is the link to the Athens Burning trailer and its Kickstarter page,

a website that helps people raise money to fund their creative projects.

You may donate anywhere from $10-$1,000 and each level has a different

incentive involved for your generosity. We thank you in advance for your

support, and will welcome social media plugs and links to this page along

with any monetary donations.

Cheers!

The team at SphereVibe Films

This is what it's all about...

2010-12-14T12:01:00.000-05:00

Narayanan Krishnan is an inspiration.

Stop. Take a deep breath. Be the Change.

Visit Narayanan and donate if you can spare some cash. It will nourish a body in need and your soul with compassion.

Holiday Special!!

2010-12-13T13:10:00.001-05:00

For a limited time get the face melting DOSE--"I Need A Brain" screen print collaboration signed and numbered by Stanley Mouse and Jeff Wood for $75.00 in the Drowning Creek Store

Happy Holidays from Jeff and Judy!

New Stuff up in the store

2010-12-10T19:38:00.008-05:00

BUY NOW

I have a bunch of my work from 2009 and 2010 now in the store just in time for the Holidays. The release includes the latest Allman Brothers Fall Tour, Gov't Mule Halloween, UM Halloween animated 3D and STS9 Uncuts. We are also running a holiday special on my collaboration with Stanley Mouse called DOSE for $75.00. It's signed by Stanley and Myself. Look for it in the ART PRINT section.

We've checked the store and all posters should be able to be ordered in one order. Due to time constraints, if multiple orders are placed by a single customer, a tube will be sent for each order. Orders will not be combined, nor will shipping be refunded. Please be aware of that when placing your order!!

Since there is no way for us to know how many orders we'll receive, Drowning Creek cannot guarantee that all packages will be shipped in time to arrive before Christmas. We will do everything in our power to get ALL orders received by December 17 shipped by December 20. We will ship orders in the order they were received this time, so if you want it by Christmas, it would be a good idea to order asap.

People have been asking about International shipping: Alrighty, this is not going to be what everyone wants to hear, but this is how we've decided we're going to ship: We will ship Priority International so that packages can be insured and tracked to delivery. Yes, it costs more. Yes, we will be declaring the value of the contents. Base shipping to Canada will be $25.00 and to the UK-Western Europe it will be $35.00. If you are located in another area, contact me and I will check on it for you.

Happy Holidays,

Jeff & Judy

Visit The Drowning Creek Store

In Memory of Wanda Kay Locklear

2010-12-02T11:51:00.003-05:00

Wanda Kay Locklear

It's never easy losing a close friend, but especially hard when you haven't seen them in many years. This morning I was informed by a tribal member that Wanda Kay had passed away this Summer. I was shocked by the news. We hadn't spoken since the Spring and I had been trying to track her down to catch up when I got the news.

We met in 1985 when I moved to Pembroke, NC to live among the Lumbee Native people and research my family's Native roots. Wanda was quite the character and we quickly became good friends. She was an absolutely beautiful woman with a gracious heart to match. She was always quick with a joke and good laugh. I would often find myself hanging out with her and talking to late hours in the night at powwows. I'll always remember the times we had together.

Wanda Kay was employed by Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina as Director of Youth Services. She made sure each year that I did the shirt designs for the tribe. She was my friend. She was my buddy. She kept me in touch with what was happening in the Tribe. She was my connection to my Native Lumbee past. She always reminded me of where my roots were and that I was always welcome to come home.

Her love and dedication to the children of the tribe’s Boys and Girls Clubs was beyond measure. She was a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe and taught the Club’s children to be proud people. Her legacy will live on through the programs she implemented in her work with the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and Lumbee Regional Development Association.

She served as an ambassador of the community in many capacities. In doing so, Wanda was crowned Miss Pembroke Senior High School, Miss Pembroke State University (now University of North Carolina at Pembroke), Miss Lumbee, Miss North Carolina Blueberry Queen, Miss Montgomery, and was a contestant in the Miss Indian American contest in Wyoming. Wanda appeared on the ABC television show, The Dating Game in 1972, as well as, Merv Griffin Show, Dinah Shore Show, The Jokers Wild, Wayne Newton Show, and Truth or Consequences. She attended, by special invitation, an Elvis Presley performance in Las Vegas where Elvis sang to her and tied a “sweaty” scarf around her neck.

Wanda was a huge Allman Brothers fan and was very excited for me as I became a regular poster artist for the band. She was always calling and asking about what I was up to, where I had been and what shows I had seen.

This one's for you Wanda...I love you. Give Derek and Butch a hug for me. See you guys on the other side. I miss you all very much.

R U Experienced?

2010-11-27T12:06:00.001-05:00

James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix
November 27, 1942 - September 18, 1970

To the man who opened my ears and mind to a visionary view of the world, I wish you a happy birthday. Praises be to the heavens above for allowing you to travel on this plane of existence for a brief moment in time.

Thanks for opening my doors of perception and creating the music that has been the soundtrack to my life.

Namaste' Brother.

Helping a young artist fight for his life.

2010-11-10T18:58:00.001-05:00

I came across this story and it made me stop and think of how fortunate my life has been. I encourage all art lovers to help this little guy with the fight of his life in overcoming this threatening disease.

I see a bright future for this young artist. Let's make it happen for him. I'm now the proud owner of the "Scream". I can't wait to get it framed. It will always be a reminder to me of the healing power of art. Be well, Aidan. We got your back.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AidansMonsters

Family Sells Boy's Monster Drawings On Etsy To Help Pay For His Chemo

By Laura Bassett • The Huffington Post

Every day, Aidan Reed, a five-year-old with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, finds time between his chemotherapy treatments, painful spinal taps and oncologist checkups for his favorite hobby: drawing pictures of monsters.

"Drawing monsters was his second favorite hobby before he got sick," Aidan's dad, Wylie Reed, told Huffpost. "His first hobby was dressing up in costumes and acting out whatever character he was dressed as. But he's a little more lethargic now from the chemo and all the treatments, so he just keeps up with the drawings."

Aidan's aunt Mandi, 26, was frustrated by the fact that she couldn't be with her nephew's family in their hometown of Clearwater, Kansas, to offer comfort when the leukemia was diagnosed, so she came up with an idea to help from afar: She would turn Aidan's colorful monster drawings into frameable prints, sell them on Etsy, and donate the proceeds to Aidan's parents for help with his treatments.

On Sept.17, nearly a week after Aidan found out he had leukemia, Mandi sold his first print on Etsy, and the business quickly took off. In less than a week, Mandi had sold about 2,000 of Aidan's prints.

"My lucky number was 60. I just wanted to sell 60 prints," she told MSNBC. "And now here we are at 2,460. ... I have two printers constantly going in my dining room. In between taking care of my baby, I've been trying to fill orders."

At $12 apiece, minus taxes and the cost of materials, Wylie Reed estimates that Aidan's paintings have earned about $50,000 for the family so far, although they haven't collected any of the money yet because they aren't sure how the proceeds will be taxed. The money will be crucial toward helping them keep up with Aidan's treatments, because even though the Reeds are covered through Wylie's insurance plan, the cost of co-pays, wage losses from taking time off work, and the the expenses of Aidan's new-born baby brother are difficult to keep up with on a single income.

Aidan's mother, who was eight-and-a-half months pregnant when Aidan was diagnosed with leukemia in September, had recently quit her job waiting tables at a bowling alley so that she could stay at home with Aidan and the new baby. Wylie said the family saved, budgeted and planned all year to have enough money to survive on his single income as an on-the-job trainer for Cessna, but Aidan's sickness quickly drained all their savings and threw off the plan.

"I've had to take family medical leave because my wife has a newborn, and she can't stay in the hospital with an infant for a week at a time when Aidan has an infection," he told HuffPost. "The most I could possibly lose would be 12 weeks each year, which is 25 percent of my income. Everybody can understand what it feels like to lose a quarter of your income. My sister's help is gonna be able to replenish the savings we lost, help with deductibles, pay for whatever my portion of the oncologists costs will be, and help reimburse all the lost wages."

After a recent infection surrounding an intravenous line into his heart, Aidan is now carrying a backpack around filled with antibiotics that flow through a line into his bloodstream. Knowing how uncomfortable his son is all the time, Reed says he would not consider letting his son go through any of these procedures alone, even if it means losing a quarter of all his wages for the year.

"I can't let him experience a spinal tap on his own without me being there to hold his hand and talk him through it," he said. "Aidan will ask me what they're doing and why they're doing it, a series of eight to ten questions usually. Then when they're done, he asks me those same questions all over again. That's kind of his coping mechanism, along with the monster drawings."

Fortunately, the Reeds have received the good news that Aidan's particular form of leukemia is 90 percent curable, so the main thing they have to be concerned with is continuing to pay for his treatments and keeping him as comfortable as possible throughout the process. Without Mandi's help and the support of the whole Etsy community, Reed says he doesn't know how he would have made it through this trying ordeal.

"You know, I didn't always have the best attitude towards people and human nature," he said. "I was kind of jaded. This has completely and totally changed the way I think about people. I feel like half the world has stepped up to back up my son. It's just overwhelming -- it's a game changer, and I don't think I'll ever be the same."

Reed said Aidan thinks it's "really cool" that people are buying his drawings. "He understands that strangers are interested in helping him and sending him a lot of stuff from their hearts, like signed photos of famous people, so he understands how great that is, but I don't think he fully understands that this doesn't happen to everyone."

The Allman Brothers Band Fall Tour Poster

2010-11-10T13:25:00.000-05:00

My latest work for the Brothers. 15x22 screen print on French Oatmeal paper. Get them at the shows or hittinthenote.com

Jonas Gerard -- Beyond Abstract

2010-11-10T13:19:00.001-05:00

My Hero, Jonas Gerard, is painting live in his Asheville studio this Sat and Sun. To be inspired attend one or both of these sessions. I'll be there on Saturday soaking it all in. Word of advice...get there early if you want a seat to watch the mastero work.

River Arts District Studio Stroll November 13 and 14, 2010
Sat-Sun 10-6pm
LIVE PAINTING Sat and Sun 2pm in his studio
LIVE MUSIC Saturday 42nd Street (In Bistro)
Ahora Si (In Studio during Live PaintingTraditional Cuban, Puerto Rican and tropical sounds)
Sunday Mark Guest (In Bistro)
240 Clingman Ave. Asheville,NC

Blackboards and Smokebombs

2010-11-04T19:37:00.007-04:00

My friend Chris Bilheimer has an upcoming retrospective show of his design work from the last 20 years. That's a tremendous amount of art ranging from CD covers to posters, shirts and promo pieces for bands like R.E.M., Green Day, Widespread Panic and many, many others. Chris has received many accolades from the music industry for his cutting edge designs. His show is sure to be a visual feast for the eyes!

I have printed quite a few of his posters in the studio. In fact, the first job we printed at Drowning Creek was a Mr. Show poster for HBO that Chris sent our way when we were in desperate need of cash as a struggling print shop. I will be forever thankful for his kindness and support of the studio throughout the years. I am proud to be able to print his commemorative posters for the upcoming show. They will be sold and auctioned to benefit Nuci's Space. Some will be signed by the bands.

To make it even more fun, He has planned another concurrent show with Lance Bangs and Dan Donahue. They will both be showing a collection of their work from the last 15 years.

Blackboards and Smokebombs

The Work of Lance Bangs, Chris Bilheimer & Dan Donahue.

EVENT #1

Date: Friday, November 12th, 2010

Location: Cine 234 West Hancock Ave, Athens GA. www.athenscine.com

Time: Opening at 6:30 p.m.

Film: Begins at 8 p.m. with a Q&A with Lance Bangs

Cost: Free

Showing:

175 Polaroids by Chris Bilheimer

Videos and design by Dan Donohue

Videos by Lance Bangs

EVENT #2

A benefit for Nuci Space

Date: Saturday, November 13th, 2010

Location: Athica Gallery 160 Tracy St # 4, Athens, GA www.athica.org

Time: Opening 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Free (suggested donation to Nuci Space)

Showing:

CD’s. Shirts, posters and other design work by Chris Bilheimer

Don't miss this show!

Expresso Beans Poster of the Week 10-17-10

2010-10-31T15:38:00.002-04:00

I am honored to have won the EB poster of week for my Orange Beach Widespread Panic print. The print is a tip of the hat to the surf art of Rick Griffin, Drew Brophy and Al McWhite. It was drawn the week before the Gulf Oil Spill. I guess my brain was channeling the impending disaster.

Thanks to the EB collectors for bestowing the honor on this piece! It was a small run and the poster is officially sold out.

Gov't Mule Halloween Oakland, CA

2010-10-31T14:08:00.003-04:00

I went with a classic, vintage, psychedelic San Francisco vibe for the art. 15x22 on French Oatmeal paper. Mule's legendary Halloween shows involve covering a certain band throughout the sets. This year's theme was The Who.

The poster art played off The Who's lyrics that I think applies perfect to the misunderstood monster from Frankenstein :

No one knows what it's like

To be the bad man

To be the sad man

Behind blue eyes

--From Behind Blue Eyes

and the line

"Don't Cry" hidden in the top

--From Baba O'Riley

There is also a Who icon as the Third eye on the monster.

Available at the Oakland show and upcoming on the Drowning Creek Web Store.

Umphrey's McGee Halloween 3D

2010-10-31T13:48:00.003-04:00

My latest Lenticular 3D poster for UM. Since working with lenticular printing I've always wanted to do a Haunted Mansion themed piece. I loved that place as a kid when visiting Disney World. I especially liked the pictures that changed as you went past them.

This poster is 12x18 printed using a 100lpi lenticular screen. It's sharp, vibrant and very clean. I did some experimenting and was able to animate the face changing into a skull and the candle flame flickering, as well as, make the piece very 3D. Very happy with this one. Get them at the show in ST Louis, the UM merch store at Music Today and a little later at the Drowning Creek web store.

** the poster does not have the white edge ghosting in the actual printed piece. This occurs when we set up the animated gif for the web.

Beats Antique • New Earth Music Hall

2010-10-17T13:51:00.002-04:00

A most amazing night of music and painting! I cannot encourage you enough to go experience one of their shows. The opening act Lynx made this double bill a perfect mix of music from chill to exotica. The place was packed and the vibe was in high spirits. I had a blast painting along side Kris D and David Hale. Looking forward to more New Earth adventures in the near future.

Kris D and David Hale

2010-10-17T13:41:00.010-04:00

I had a great time getting to paint along side two of my buddies. Watching them cut loose last night at New Earth Music Hall was a treat. Beats Antique laid down one bad ass soundtrack for the gathering of the tribe.

Live at New Earth Music Hall Tonight

2010-10-16T12:07:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder to invite everyone out to the Beats Antique show at
the New Earth Music Hall. I'll be painting live along with Kris D,
David Hale, Keegan Keel and Chris Dennis. Here's a look at what I'll
be working on. See you there!

Georgia Theatre Tour

2010-10-15T11:27:00.001-04:00

Here's a little tour with Wilmot Greene discussing the history of the building that has created so many magical moments in my life. I can't wait until it's back up to it's old tricks.

Follow the rebuilding project progress here. While visiting the site be sure to pick up some Drowning Creek posters to help raise money for the project.

The Amazing Denny Dent

2010-10-15T10:53:00.000-04:00

"Denny" Dent (April 5, 1948 – March 29, 2004)

I got to witness Denny painting this Hendrix piece live on stage at Woodstock '94. It blows me away every time I watch him do his thing.

Visit Denny's Website to learn more about him.

Illuminated

2010-10-15T10:37:00.002-04:00

From the creative minds of Andrew Jones and Phong. This is going to be an epic animated piece!

The DCS Store is Live

2010-10-14T14:40:00.000-04:00

The DROWNING CREEK Store is LIVE

Drowning Creek Store to GO LIVE TODAY!

2010-10-14T12:13:00.030-04:00

The Drowning Creek Store will be GOING LIVE on October 14th at a random time. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the exact time it launches.

We will be releasing posters about every two to three weeks until we get through the back catalog of unreleased work. It's been over a year since the studio offered any sales directly, so we have plenty to put up on the site in the coming weeks. Sign up on the email list to be notified of what the upcoming releases will be and when they will be released. Many of these prints are in very short supply and the merch editions have sold out at the venues.

We will also be adding older posters, special items, package deals and other studio finds to this web store with each release. Stay Tuned!

Live Painting in Athens on Oct 16

2010-10-13T20:24:00.002-04:00

I will be live painting along with Kris D, David Hale and Keegan Keel at the Beats Antique Show at New Earth Music Hall on Saturday night in Athens. This is a show for all people who want to dance. Fans of electronic music and organic instruments will be blown away. Beautiful and seductive lead lady Zoe Jakes will steal your heart and the show too. From Burning Man to Bonnaroo, they are the real deal. Do not, I repeat, do not miss this one. Lynx and Abandon the Earth Mission open.

Beats Antique Sizzle Reel from Robb Pope on Vimeo.

Beats Antique are an experimental world fusion and electronic music group, formed in San Francisco, California in 2007 when Zoe Jakes approached her manager, Miles Copeland (brother of drummer Stewart Copeland of The Police) about creating an album. Copeland green lit the project, and their debut album Tribal Derivations was conceived on Copeland’s CIA record label. Tribal Derivations was a concept album, created to complement the dance styles of producer/arranger Zoe Jakes, whose belly dancing is described as an innovative blend of traditional belly dance with tango, break dance, and Indian dance. The group’s second album, Collide, reached the top 10 of most downloaded artists under the Middle East and World Dance and the top 20 most downloaded electronic albums on Amazon. For their third album, Contraption Vol. 1, Beats Antique brings in collaborators such as hammered dulcimer player Jamie Janover, and beat boxer and hip hop vocalist LYNX. The group’s members, David Satori, Tommy Cappel, and Zoe Jakes use their varied experiences with world music genres to draw inspiration for their music with Beats Antique.

Celebrating Lemmy

2010-10-13T19:53:00.009-04:00

In the summer of 2004 Judy and I decided we needed some studio companions to keep things interesting. We went to the vet to see if we could rescue a couple black kitties from an early demise. We had read a story discussing they were often overlooked by people wanting to adopt. The reason? Because of superstitious nonsense. We found two little guys that fit the bill and brought them home.

They were tiny babies and instantly snuggled their way into our hearts. They ruled the studio and made it their kingdom. We named them in honor of Lemmy Kilmister and Sid Vicious, a throwback to my metal and punk days. Lemmy was the laid back one of the pair. Can you tell by the eyes? We always joked that he looked stoned.

On Friday October 13th, 2006 my world changed. We arrived home from a night out to find Lemmy had been hit by a car. The accident had killed him instantly. Two days later I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. Basically, half my faced was paralyzed for about three months. It was brought on by stress. I attribute the "straw breaking the camel's back" to the emotional trauma of losing Lemmy. It seems it had broken my heart, as well as my body in the process.

Sid was devastated by the loss of his pal. The day after we buried Lemmy Sid was nowhere to be seen. Later that afternoon I found him lying on top of the grave. Buddies to the end. In the following days it was heartwrenching watching Sid look for Lemmy around the studio. A short while later we rescued a new tiny black kitty to keep Sid company. We named him Koji. As Koji grew the similarities in demeanor and appearance with Lemmy was uncanny. To this day every time I look at Koji I fondly remember Lemmy. I personally think Lemmy had a hand, or should I say paw, in that. I know he would approve of Koji being Sid's new buddy.

So today, October 13th, 2010, I celebrate the life of my studio companion who left this world far too soon. It's been 4 years since Lemmy left us, yet I still feel the pain of losing him. I miss you little buddy. You'll always be a very special part of our lives. See you on the other side.

Scion x-Change

2010-10-13T18:26:00.003-04:00

I was asked to paint as a part of the Scion x-Change program where we were raising money for the non-profit Alternative Roots who support the arts in ATL. Check it all out HERE

Into the Middle

2010-10-13T12:38:00.001-04:00

Into the Middle • 18x24 • Oil on raw linen

I've been trying new techniques with my oil painting. Studio paintings tend to get very meticulous when using the Mische technique of underpainting and glazing. Wanting to speed things up a bit a force myself to explore ala' prima painting, I have played with painting on a heavy toothed linen canvas. I really like the results. This piece took about 16 hours from beginning to finished painting.

Widespread Panic Milwaukee

2010-10-13T12:33:00.000-04:00

Another Widespread Panic poster hit the presses last month. It's always a joy working with these guys. I went with an old school beer label theme printed on French Black Licorice paper and those signature thick glossy inks. Very nice piece to frame and hang in a bar area.

SCI Hornings Hideout 3D

2010-10-13T12:26:00.002-04:00

Great new 3D lenticular poster for the SCI Hornings show. This poster was produced for the Conscious Alliance food drive.

High in the Colorado Rockies

2010-10-13T11:50:00.004-04:00

My latest poster for the Yarmony Grass festival. It features Chief Yarmony in a visionary themed print. It's screenprinted on French Licorice paper using thick glossy inks.

Tears

2010-08-29T15:58:00.001-04:00

Tears • 4"x5" • Oil on Canvas

Freshly varnished oil painting entitled "Tears. I was experimenting with painting on a black canvas with some new Old Holland oils I had just received back in the Spring. This is a more structured style of painting I do, more like the poster work. I still prefer starting from abstracts.

New Paintings

2010-08-29T15:27:00.011-04:00

I completed two new paintings this past week. Both were small studies and highly influenced by two of my teachers Robert Venosa and Martina Hoffmann whom I studied under last year . I look forward to painting with them again in September.

I have tried many ways of painting, but find this abstract stream of consciousness style of painting my favorite. Just go with the flow. I don't think about the subject matter, I just paint. I let my mind pull out the images. It's very much like meditation to me.

Rapa Nuiscape 4"x5" • Oil on Canvas

For some reason this piece reminded me of the Easter Island monoliths staring off into the distance, thus the name. I loved the texture of the heavy canvas and multiple glazings. I used Old Holland Oils, Gamblin Radiant Oils, W&N titanium, W&N Glazing Medium and W&N Detailing Liquin

Alien Daisies 5"x7" • Open Acrylic on Linen Canvas

This piece was painted using the new Open Acrylics by Golden Paints. I really like the way they dry much slower than traditional acrylics. I have often stayed away from using acrylic paint. It always seems to put limitations on the way I paint due to how quickly it dries. These new paints had the traditional oil painter in mind with longer working time. I'd say they pretty much nailed it. There are significant differences, but with a little working time I grew to like them and plan on using them on some upcoming live painting sessions where oils cannot be used effectively.

Jamie Thomas Native Spirit Skate Deck

2010-07-01T14:40:00.011-04:00

The deck I painted for Nibwaakaawin and All Nations Skate Jam was used by Jamie Thomas and Zero Skate Decks to make a limited edition run to raise money for Native youth skate programs. It's is almost ready for release! Looks killer! They have shirts with the image also! Check 'em out at Zero Decks.

Seppuku Tattoo 2.0

2010-06-22T10:58:00.002-04:00

My brother Johnny Thief and his partner Matt Lukesh have just opened the doors on Seppuku Tattoo 2.0. They relocated to Bloomingdale, NJ (25 min outside NYC) from Savannah, Ga. Although saddened to see them leave the South, I know they are much happier being closer to their old stomping grounds outside the City. It also gives me an excuse to travel back to the Northeast more often.

Drop by and set up an appointment. Seppuku Tattoo is located at 145 Main Street in Bloomingdale, NJ. The studio is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12 PM to 9 PM weekdays, 12PM to 10PM weekends . The phone # is: 973-291-8187.

These guys have been racking up awards and magazine coverage like crazy in the past 6 months. They have been featured in International Tattoo, Skin and Ink, Savage and many others.

Matt has been painting like a madman also. Studying with the likes of Josh Carlton, He has been cranking out some killer work done in oils. His portrait work is simply amazing and the portraits on skin have to be seen to be believed. If you've ever seen a horrible tattoo of a face, check out Matt's portfolio and be amazed with the precision, true likeness and color. He is one of those rare tattooists that can capture a person's soul in their likeness.

Johnny has also been spending time behind an easel. One of his latest paintings was featured on the cover of Skin and Ink magazine. He has been getting accolades from around the tattoo community for his immaculate skill and color work. His pin ups are some of the best out there.

These two artists never cease to amaze me. Constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of their expanding talents.

In the coming weeks I'll be traveling up to get more work done my full sleeves and chest piece. The above pic is the beginning of my left sleeve( about 11 hours in two sittings) done by Johnny. Matt is going to work up a full phoenix from my right wrist wrapping around my arm up to drape across my chest. I'm shooting to complete this new work by the Fall. I'll post pics of the progress.

Wish You Were Here

2010-06-12T22:44:00.009-04:00

For Butch Chavis and Derek Lowry.

Sometimes life is so crazy you unintentionally allow dear, old friends that have passed on to the next plane of existence to linger in the furtherest reaches of your mind until you need them around you, then it all comes flooding back. Sad, but comforting all the same. I recently had an experience that reintroduced two of my dearest friends back into my consciousness. The memories remained and so do the smiles from those times. The long talks, the knowing glances and those moments when everything seemed right. I got to feel again.

Oh, for one more night sitting in a moonlit tobacco field in Robeson County, staring at the stars, stoned listening to this album with those guys. I can not explain the total serenity of those moments.

This music is always there to remind. It's there to explain what's just out of reach. It's is always the comforting music I reach for when things just need to be.

Here's to you my brothers. I really do wish you were here... and thanks for being there.

A Dog Story

2010-06-12T12:45:00.003-04:00

I went and bought coffee this morning and was still half awake when I
came in the studio. My crazy dog got in the cat box last night and ate
a bunch of what she shouldn't have. Sickness ensued from every orifice
of her body during the night. She was covered in the most god awful
mess imaginable this morning, had completely fouled her kennel,
destroyed her bed that I had just put a new cover on yesterday and the
studio smelled something awful. Irony of it all is she is leaving in
the morning for a new home. I have a friend who has another yellow Lab
that needs a companion, so I gave her to him and I wanted her to have
a nice bed for her new place. I guess this was my grand send off.

Anywhoooo.... I was dragging the kennel and bed out, washing the
floor, moaning about her for getting in the cat box and then yelling
at her as she was getting back into the cat box munching away while I
was cleaning up. Of course, she seems to care less and more yelling
ensues as she is chasing the cats who are freaking out at this point.
So I get the kennel outside, washed and clean, take a deep breath and
go back inside to take her outside for a walk only to find she has
taken another dump in my office....under my desk. Jesus, not again!
Cursing ensued very loudly this time. The smell was so thick I was
turning green.

Now keep in mind all the while this little drama is unfolding my cell
phone is in my pocket just dialing away, going down my contact
list...nice, really nice. With all the cursing, yelling, dog washing,
bending over, dragging and mopping the speed dial button is getting
pushed over and over. I think it called about 20 people multiple
times, some as many as 10 times. A friend called to check and make
sure I was alright after receiving numerous calls with muffled yelling
and cursing in the background. He told me to check my recent call
list. When I did and saw who got called, I burst out laughing. It was
a long list, a very long list. Great, just great.

Those called were close friends, other artists, band managers, merch
companies, label execs, various band members, accountants, lawyers,
etc., etc. God help me if one of them had an answering machine that
recorded any part of the episode. I might be the next viral hit on the
net or end up some DJ remix.

The studio now wreaks of lysol and doggy foulness. There are 10 sticks
of incense burning, 3 fans going wide open, it's already 82 degrees
here with a humidity of 80%. I'm sitting here writing all the folks
who got speed dialed explaining myself losing my ...um.... composure.
It's been a crappy morning, literally. Now all I can do is sit here
and laugh at myself and relate the story to all of you.

And that cup of coffee I paid 4 bucks for, is cold.

Now have a good laugh and revel in my pain with a smile on your face.
I'm going for more coffee.

Widespread Panic Red Rocks 2010

2010-06-08T19:01:00.001-04:00

New poster for Widespread Panic's infamous Red Rocks shows for 2010.
22x15 on French Black Licorice paper with gloss effects. Available at
the show.

Mindbender iPad Gelaskin

2010-05-15T00:40:00.007-04:00

Gelaskins just released my new iPad skin with the Mindbender image. I'm exceptionally pleased with the way it looks. Now I just need to score me an iPad! Purchase here

Mind Over Matter

2010-05-14T12:51:00.005-04:00

As I see it, it all originates in the mind, events depend heavily on motivation. If we develop a good heart, real appreciation, love and compassion for others, our life will improve. If every family member has a warm heart, the atmosphere at home will be peaceful, but if anyone is angry, it will get tense. Despite good food or a nice TV, peace and calm will be lost – so things depend more on mind than on matter.--Dalai Lama

...and this is why I love the guy.

Widespread Panic Orange Beach, Alabama

2010-05-06T12:53:00.001-04:00

My latest piece for Widespread Panic is a 22x15 screen print on French Black Licorice paper. 6 colors with gloss effects. A tip of the hat to Rick Griffin, Drew Brophy and Al McWhite for the surf art inspiration. Available at the show at Panic Merch.

It was pointed out to me that this poster basically illustrates the Oil Spill in Gulf. An angry crying wave surrounded by black oil with the words being Widespread Panic no less.

First let me say I was completely taken back when I saw this. It brought tears to my eyes. I was a bit speechless. The poster was drawn last week in the middle of the night before I left for NOLA. I had no inclination to depict a scene of the oil spill in fact I was just cranking out some old school surf art. I guess my subliminal mind was hard at work because I was so upset being completely saturated by news of the disaster.

Strange but true....

NOLA Fantastic Hullabaloo

2010-05-04T14:06:00.001-04:00

I just returned from New Orleans after attending the Fantastic Hullabaloo. Getting to hang with the artists was a real treat. Not to mention sitting across from Stanley Mouse and watching him paint all weekend was a dream come true. I learned so much watching him work that paint.

Thanks to all the artists who participated. I had a blast. New Orleans is one of my favorite places and I think I ate my way across the Quarter while down there. BEST FOOD EVER!

I did a poster for the event. It's a 15 x 22 Screen print on French Black Licorice paper. Metallic gold ink and thick clear gloss effects. Available at the new and improved DCS web store that reopens in a few weeks.

Jam In The Dam

2010-03-23T12:20:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, I didn't get to go to Amsterdam this year for Jam in the Dam. But, I did do a killer new poster paying homage to Rick Griffin again. It's a screen print on Black Licorice paper with clear gloss effects. A limited number will available on my web store in a few weeks.

Fantastic Hullabaloo New Orleans

2010-03-17T10:23:00.000-04:00

I will be live painting at Fantastic Hullabaloo during Jazzfest in New Orleans on April 29th and 30th. It should be a blast.

Two nights of music and art in the big easy at the The 12 Bar on Fulton 610 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130. The art show runs from 7pm - 1am daily. Music runs until 4:00 am. We are going to paint and party all night!

Performances by Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, and late night sessions from Boombox while multiple artists paint live with a full art exhibition and sale will be going on upstairs in the Gallery!

Appearances and with art on display from Stanley Mouse, Jeff Wood, Scramble Campbell, John Bukaty, Tripp, Isadora Bullock, Like Minded Productions, AJ Masthay, Ian Millard, Steve Schaffner, Patrick Berry, Blake Wiley, Patrick Beery, Jack Shure, Michael Garfield and more!

Allman Brothers NYC Poster

2010-03-03T11:32:00.000-05:00

Here is the new print for the ABB NYC run at the Palace Theatre. There is a very limited supply of these prints. So get yours early. It will sell out early. It's a 5 color screen print on French Black Licorice paper. The gold is metallic. This edition is SOLD OUT at the Venue and at Hittinthenote.com. But wait!!! I do have some to release on the web store in few weeks. Stay tuned for announcements.

New painting in Progress

2010-03-03T11:15:00.001-05:00

Started a new piece on Feb 2, 2010. It's loosely based on the deck I painted for the AllnNations Skate Jam auction (see entry below). It's oil on canvas birch board 15"x48". It's being painted in a modified form of the Mischetechnik which I learned last year studying under Robert Venosa and Martina Hoffmann. It is a slow process but the painting absolutely glows after using so many transparent glaze layers.

Since the beginning of the new year I've been trying to paint at least 2-4 hours a day. Call it my daily meditation. I enter the "zone" while painting and totally lose track of time. It's a wonderful feeling, addictive even. I'm hoping to have this painting ready for the Anchor Gallery opening in April. I'll post more pics as I progress through the piece.

A Path to Wisdom Skate Deck Show

2010-01-29T12:09:00.000-05:00

I am contibuting a painted deck to be auctioned at the ASR show in San Diego on Feb 3rd to benefit the All Nations Skate Jam and Nibwaakaawin. The money raised will be used to fund Native Youth skate outreach programs.

The Skate Jam will be held on April 24&25 in Albequerque at Los Altos Skate Park. It will be held the same weekend as the Gathering of the Nations PowWow. I hope to have my gallery booth set up at the Powwow. It feels good to be doing Native inspired art again.

UPDATE: The deck was purchased by skate legend Jamie "The Chief" Thomas. A special thanks to Jamie for supporting All Nations Skate Jam and Nibwaakaawin.

Mock Show Miami

2009-11-22T01:13:00.000-05:00

I will be attending and showing at the Mock Show EPIC NYE on December 30th 10am-3pm at the EPIC HOTEL, 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way in Miami during the PHISH NYE run. More info.

PS: I'll have some new "Special NYE" prints available.

Fall Color...Gotta Love It!

2009-11-06T13:31:00.000-05:00

My favorite time of year. Pic from this morning's walk.

Zac Brown Band at The Fox Theatre

2009-10-27T18:07:00.000-04:00

Friday, October 30, 2009 at 7:30 PM

The incredible guys in the Zac Brown Band have announced a benefit concert at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta. The GATH and ZBB have a cool history together. The first time they played the GATH was opening for Wilmot's band Ashtray and another band called Brighter Shade. John Hopkins (the bassist for ZBB) was in brighter shade and produced Ashtray's album. Hopkins and Wilmot grew up in the same town and started playing music together in high school. After that first show the crowds started growing exponentially every time the band came to Athens. Zac's last show at the GATH was the same week that 'chicken fried' hit number one on the charts (that was one crazy night!). Zac and his band are showing incredible generosity and tons of love for the Athens music scene by doing this benefit show. It's shaping up to be an incredible night of music with lots of special guests and surprises. The Zac Brown Band has really blown up lately and we are so proud to have these guys in our corner.

I completed this new Phoenix poster to help raise money. Be sure to pick one up at the show. It's a 2 color print on French Speckletone Oatmeal paper.

Bear Creek Art & Musical Festival

2009-10-27T16:31:00.001-04:00

Finally I get to put a bear on a rock poster. Having used the given surname "Standing Bear" back in the days when I was on the Pow Wow trail it's rare I get to do some art using a bear theme. When asked to do this year's poster for the Bear Creek Festival I jumped at the chance.

Be sure to stop by the merch tent and pick one up. It's 11x30 screen printed on Sand French Speckletone paper. All prints are signed and numbered.

Perfect Weather

2009-10-25T23:26:00.001-04:00

Saw this beautiful mushroom the other day while on a walk. The weather
has been wet and warm here in the South. The yard has been exploding
into fairy rings everywhere.

Signing the Mule

2009-10-25T12:49:00.001-04:00

Just finished a new batch of Gov't Mule posters for thier Halloween show. It's another one of those classic old school images I channel out of my brain.

These are 15x22 on French Speckletone Oatmeal paper. An homage to a certain band that the Mule will be covering at the show. Available at the venue.

San Francisco Rock Poster Society Show

2009-10-18T12:34:00.001-04:00

So Johnny and I finally made the trip out to San Francisco for THE ROCK SOCIETY POSTER SHOW. We had a blast playing tourist for a few days in one of my favorite cities. I wished I lived there.

The first night we attended the Lee Conklin Show at D.King Gallery in Berkeley where we met up with old friends Paul Grushkin and Dennis King, the authors of the The Art Of Modern Rock, a book that DCS posters are featured heavily in. Our buddy Gary Houston was there in full force and the fun commenced. We bugged out and went down the street to get some Indian food. The curry was top notch and woke me up for the rest of the evenings adventures. Johnny and I ventured down to Fisherman's Wharf to catch the scenery at night. The neon was blazing and it was a beautiful atmosphere to just hang and drink coffee.

The next day was the TRPS show. Our booth was next to Stanley Mouse and Gary Houston. Once again I found myself lost in Gary's art. The guy does some of the best posters out there today. I always gain a stronger appreciation for his work every time I get to be around it. Well crafted and expertly rendered, the posters sing of the master work that went into their creation.

Gary is one of those people I can't wait to see when I have the chance. We always have a good time just being around each other. I hadn't seen him in a couple of years and there was much catching

up to do. We made up for lost time. I promised him that I would try to make it to Portland to see his studio in the near future.

I also finally got to meet my hero Stanley Mouse. A humbling experience since he is the guy along with Rick Giffin and Alton Kelley that I credit for me becoming an artist. Mouse is a true legend in the art world and one of the kings in the rock poster genre. Just getting to shake his hand and say "thanks" made the entire trip out to SF worth it. I can't thank him enough for the inspiration he has given me through the years. He literally drew the face on my childhood and teenage years as I became immersed in music and art. The man is a legend, plain and simple and one hell of a sweet guy. The world needs more folks like Stanley around. We would all be better for it. After the TRPS show there was the Firehouse, Forbes, Malleus opening at Artrock Gallery and we all got to wish Stanley "Happy Birthday" as they served him a special cake. I can't really describe how I felt standing in Artrock with Stanley that night. It was a dream come true.

Later in the trip we got to hang with Chuck Sperry and George (of Firehouse Kustom RockArt), Urlo, Lu and Paio (of Malleus). We had breakfast at the Pork Store on Haight Street and wandered around a bit. Much fun. The gang from Malleus, who hail from Italy, are super people. I can't say enough about how talented they are. And of course, once Chuck and I sat down and started talking the conversation immediately went to printing and poster art. Chuck and I have this kinship as artists who stay knee deep in ink printing our own work. We discussed a collaboration possibly happening in the future. that should be a good one. I can only imagine what we will come up with. I look forward to going back to California and spending some time at the Firehouse getting crazy. Ron Donovan, Chuck's partner was out of town, but I look forward to getting to see him also. It's dangerous when you get a bunch of printers together in the same room. The place may explode from the ink fumes.

On our last night we had sushi with Dave Hunter, another poster artist and close friend. He brought along Soul Sister Shakti, Brenda Brewer, whom I met earlier this year via Facebook. We ate at Godzila Sushi and the food was killer to compliment the wonderful company. We spent many hours in the place enjoying each other's company, great food and copious amounts of saki.

It was a sad day when we had to leave, not to mention the hellish storm lashing San Francisco that created a three hour delay in our flight. I look forward to heading back to San Francisco. Such a great place. Real culture and real people. Screw Bill O'Reilly and his bashing of such a wonderful city that exemplifies everything good and right about America.

More pics from the SF trip can be seen in my Facebook TRPS album

The Art of Musical Maintenance Show

2009-09-29T11:35:00.000-04:00

Drowning Creek's work will also be featured in the upcoming The Art of Musical Maintenance show in Portland at the Goodfoot Gallery.

The Art of Musical Maintenance, in it’s 6th year, is proud to display the newest installment of music posters from artists throughout the country. The artists in this show are as diverse as the music. Likewise, the artist’s techniques vary as well (from hand drawn to computer generated design). Artists include:Adam Turman, Alan Hynes, Ben Wilson, Brad Klausen, Brian Ewing, Brian Mercer, Brian Methe, Craig Horky, Crosshair, Dan McCarthy, Dan Stiles, David D' Andrea, Drowning Creek (Jeff and Johnny), EMEK, Firehouse

Furturtle, Gary Houston, Gigart, Guy Burwell, Jason Brown, Jay Ryan, Jermaine Rodgers, Joanna Wecht, John Howard, John Vogl, Jon Smith, Justin Hampton, Justin Helton, Lee Zeman, Leia Bell, Lil Tuffy, Lindsey Kuhn, Mark Pedini, Marq Spusta, Methane studios (mark), Michael Hammond, Mig Kokinda, Mike King, Mike Martin, Nate Duval, Plastic Flame Press (Chris Williams), Powerslide Design, Rob Jones, Robert "Marty" Boe, squad 19 (Steve), Stainboy, Tara McPherson, Todd Slater, Tyler Scout, Uncle Charlie

The Rock Poster Society Show

2009-09-29T11:28:00.000-04:00

Johnny and I will be attending the TRPS show in San Francisco next week. We will have lots of vintage and new DCS work for sale. See ya there!

TRPS is pleased to announce that this year's TRPS Festival of Rock Posters will be held on Saturday October 10th from 10:00 to 6:00. Once again we'll be at the Hall of Flowers in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. As always, the show will feature rock poster artists and dealers from around the country, and is the one show not to be missed by poster collectors and all fans of rock art. This year's lineup is already shaping up to be one of our best ever.

The Hall of Flowers (AKA the Old County Fair Building) is located near the corner of Ninth and Lincoln. Admission is $10 ($5 for TRPS members with card).

Mark your calendars for Saturday October 10th, and make your plans to join us for one of the best rock poster shows anywhere. We'll post the lineup of artists and vendors here as things develop, so keep checking this site for updates as they become available. We'll also be posting updates on Twitter (we're at TRPSorg), so check that out as well, and get the latest show info.

You don't want to miss this one. See you all there!

Confirmed list of Artists and Dealers:

PNE (Post New Explosionism: Emek, Justin Hampton, Jermaine Rogers), Malleus (from Italy), Drowning Creek Studios (Jeff Wood with Johnny Thief), Burlesque of North America, The Firehouse (Chuck Sperry and Ron Donovan), Wes Wilson, David Byrd (of Fillmore East fame), Stanley Mouse, Brad Klausen, Victor Moscoso, Dave Hunter, Gary Houston, Lee Conklin, S.F. Rockposters, David Singer, Randy Tuten, Alan Forbes, Justin McNeal, Marq Spusta, Billy Perkins, Paul Imagine, David D'Andrea, Bob Cohen (Avalon co-founder), Chris Shaw, Alex Fischer, Eric King, Carolyn Ferris, Tea Lautrec Litho, John Seabury, Gregg Gordon, John Howard, Cahoots Graphics (Dennis Loren), Ryan Kerrigan, fillmoreposters.com, Jim Pierce, Pat Ryan, Perry Pfeffer, Dano Kuhlken (DKNG Studios), Connected Music, Larry Freeman, Cliff Yamasaki, Vince Dugar, Political Gridlock, Sherwood Donahue, Helie Robertson, Tom Hill, Kris Mikkelson and Ron Schaeffer.

ABB and Widespread Panic Tour Poster

2009-08-24T22:10:00.000-04:00

The Allman Brothers just released the new ABB - Widespread Panic Tour posters online at hittinthenote.com. The screen print is 11x30 inches on Oatmeal French Speckletone paper. It's one of my favorites I've done this year. Based on the classic Filmore/Family Dog style art of the 60's, the design is extremely detailed. Be sure to get one before they are gone.

Uncut: The Rock Poster Art of Jeff Wood

2009-08-16T19:36:00.000-04:00

I have an upcoming show at the 1819 Gallery and Event Space in the Crossroads Art District of Kansas City, MO running from Sept 4-Nov 5. Thanks to Scott Burnett for the gracious invitation to show off the studio's work.

The show will feature uncut sheets of past studio work. For those unfamiliar with what an uncut sheet is, it's the raw press sheet before the posters are cut and trimmed. What makes them interesting is often times two different posters are run on a sheet creating some interesting juxtapositions like Judas Priest and Rufus Wainwright. Many have handbills run across the bottom also. Uncuts are usually limited to 5-10 sheets, so they are pretty rare items.

I have never really offered any of these sheets for sale or shown them except for the occasional festival or charity fundraiser. I decided I would like to show people some of the more interesting combos we have done over the years and let them see the light of day.

More info in the coming days at www.1819central.com

Being a Lotus

2009-08-02T12:42:00.000-04:00

The lotus is an important fixture in the Buddhist world. Most all Buddhist themed art has the lotus motif incorporated in some manner. The Buddha is often shown with the lotus.

We are the lotus.

The lotus grows in swampy, muddy water. It uses the water to nurture itself. It grows upward until it is above the water then the blossom opens in a pristine show of beauty untainted by the muddy water below.

In today's world we must learn to be the lotus. We must rise above and be the beauty in the world untainted by the muddy waters that surround us.

Since I began studying the Buddhist mindset I have have started to wake up to what life really is. Sometimes the reality can be overwhelming. Being at peace in this world can be difficult. Simple Buddhist teachings show us that "simple" is often not synonymous with "easy". Following a zen path of compassion and peace can prove to be very difficult especially in the fast paced, self centered world we reside.

Zazen, or "sitting" meditation is one of the most challenging endeavours I have ever undertaken. I admit, more times than not, I do not enjoy the practice. But, I do find it helps me to focus and "be in the moment". Zen teachers tell us the more we practice the closer we will come to understanding ourselves and the truth that surrounds us. They also warn us that this truth may not be what we want to find or hear, but that it is the truth. So why do we practice something that may show us a truth that we do not want to know? Because, it is the truth.

We have the ability to make this world we live in a paradise (heaven) or we can make it hell. I chose to wake each morning and when I walk outside to utter the words " I'm glad to be alive". Those five words start my day. The last thing I say to myself at night is " I enjoyed today. Thank you". Those two words, "Thank You" have become a mantra to me. I find myself saying them all the time. I say them when I finish a task. I say them when I witness a small flower blooming. I say them when I see a fellow human go out of their way to help another.

The hardest part of practicing Zen is being able to expect the world to not be perfect or not go the way we want it to. If we expect things to to go wrong, we do not become upset when they do. Instead, we are delighted that things are going "right" and can utter the words "Thank You".

We each have our own path to walk, or own truth to find. It is no one else's. it is ours alone. The water that sustains us is muddy. The trick is to rise above and bloom to be the beauty in the world that inspires others to rise above it all and be beautiful also.

The world needs more lotuses as the waters around us grow muddier.

Photo Courtesy of : http://www.lotusbloomingyogaretreat.com/

Buddha Sounds IV " Dakhenha "

2009-07-28T23:09:00.000-04:00

Since my first Burning Man experience in 2006, I have been infatuated with Global Fusion music. I particularly love the downtempo style. Me, being the old school rocker, finding myself drawn to world beats was a bit surprising. Now I find myself listening to this style of music about 90% of the time I'm in the studio. It takes me away. Radio music has worn me quite thin. Change is good.

De Phazz "My Society"

2009-07-28T22:48:00.000-04:00

A German band that I really love. Kind of a cross between lounge, old house disco and global fusion. I find myself playing their album "Days of Twang" often while drawing or painting.

The Music Biz, and so it goes...

2009-07-25T14:51:00.000-04:00

No Mule poster from DCS tonight in Atlanta. Sorry folks, it was beyond my control. I'll be working on the image that was intended for the poster as an art print to be released at a later date.

Sometimes when it rains, it pours. This trick is learning to enjoy the rain.

Thanks for your support.

Surreal Mural Artist John Pugh

2009-07-23T12:37:00.000-04:00

John Pugh is one of those artists that make you scratch your head and wonder how in the heck did he do that. He is a master of the optical illusion. The piece you are looking at is painted on the flat side wall of a diner. Simply amazing. Imagine walking down the street and seeing this. The woman standing looking inside is also painted to really complete the illusion. I did a double take on that one.

Check out more of John’s fantastical mural work at www.illusion-art.com

Jam In The Dam 2010

2009-07-22T20:48:00.000-04:00

Jam In The Dam announced their line-up for the upcoming show in Amsterdam on March 21-23, 2010 at The Melkweg. It is one not to be missed. I'm rather pleased to see Mr. Claypool on the list. Oh, I do love me some Les and to see him at The Melkweg will be all kinds of mind blowing.

The line-up is as follows: Umphrey's McGee, Yonder Mountain String Band, Les Claypool, The New Mastersounds, The Bridge and an acoustic show by Bayliss and Austin. That is quite a chunk of musical nirvana to experience in a town like Amsterdam. And I promise there will be no mud, roadblocks, drug dogs or rude cops to harsh your mellow.

I highly encourage anyone who has not visited the wonderful city of Amsterdam to venture forth and make the trip across the pond. It is one of my favorite cities. Museums, fine food, great beer and the wonderful ambience of civilized culture make for an experience not soon forgotten. Where else can you get baked, eat a 5 star meal and then go stand 3 feet away from an original Rembrandt in his studio? For an artist, that can damn near be an orgasm inducing spiritual experience. I get warm and fuzzy just thinking about it.

Did I mention the coffeeshoppes? Being able to stroll up to the counter and have your choice of the HIGHest quality herb in the world is a bit surreal. The laid back chill of the place can not be described, just experienced. Ah, if we were only so sensible in America.

Tickets go on sale July 29th. I'll be working up a new poster and shirt for the event. Judy and I will see you there.

Losing an old friend

2009-07-16T11:43:00.001-04:00

I awoke a few weeks ago and sat down at my computer for morning coffee only to be jarred fully awake. I saw a Facebook update from a friend that the Ga Theatre was fully engulfed in flames. I was in shock. No, it couldn't be. Not the Theatre. It had been there forever. In my mind, it would be there forever. I could almost smell the stale beer and old wood. For anyone who has ever graced the place with their presence you know exactly what I mean. It was also the best sounding venue in the country. I did the cover for the Derek Trucks Live at the Ga Theatre CD. Everybody loved recording there. Those 3 foot thick walls just made for the perfect room. Now it was gone.

I immediately made a few phone calls to check in with friends downtown. I was planning on being at a Perpetual Groove show that night at the theatre and then leaving the next morning for a short vacation. I was informed that the show was cancelled and a new show was planned for the next night at the Classic center to raise money to help the dislocated staff of the theatre. I went into artist mode. The vacation was postponed. The art schedule for the day got scrapped and I started working on a fundraiser poster. For the next 14 hours straight I painted a phoenix rising from the ashes. The poster was finished the next morning before the ashes had cooled at the Theatre.

The show that night was somber. Backstage, seeing my friends who worked there was difficult. They looked shell shocked, but were holding it together as best they could. It was the quietest I think I have ever seen a Backstage atmosphere.

I found a place in the back of the Classic Center to sit and watch the show. PGroove raged, but there was this hollow feeling that I had lost a dear old friend that would never be replaced. We will build the Theatre back, I'm sure of that, but that beer stained icon of my youth was gone forever. At least I have 30 years of memories of shows and events. Those memories are ones I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Please contribute to the "Rebuild the Theatre" fund at Georgiatheatre.com. Athens needs this venue. I want those 21 year old kids going to shows to be able to look back in 30 years at the new theatre in the same nostalgic manner as I have, knowing we spent some of the best times of our lives in that hallowed room.

The Yurt

2009-07-09T05:18:00.000-04:00

I spent some time away this past week. It was a very good to recharge the soul. Often one needs a break to catch their breath. I was in sore need of some fresh air and change of scenery. It did me good.

Judy and I are presently researching how we are going to build our new home. We are looking at a 30" yurt as one possibility. I went this past week to stay in one at the Falling waters Resort on the Nantahala River in North Carolina.

I fell in love with the feeling you have while inside it. I have owned several large Native Lodges (tipis), but a yurt feels more like a home. A 30 footer will give us lots of room to play with it. The model I stayed in was a 16' footer. Lots of space with a fridge, couch, queen size victorian bed, electricity and running water. not really roughing it by regular camping in a tent standards.

-- Post From My iPhone

Hold on to People. They are Slipping Away.

2009-01-14T00:50:00.000-05:00

Today I found out my friend, Garth Thomson, left this plane of existence far sooner than he should have. I knew his time with us was short, but still I couldn't imagine Garth not beating this illness in some way.

My heart was heavy all day. It was very hard to focus on the work at hand, to even think at times. Knowing this special person loved the art I create, I tried to focus my thoughts and carry on as best I could. It was not an easy thing to do. My mind just kept drifting back to the times we sat around, talked sharing stories of our love for music. I missed him on Jam Cruise this past year. I thought of him many times and often wondered did he know how many people on the boat was thinking of him. I miss him now even more.

My art documented memories for him. It was never about the collecting. It was about the memories. I would like to think that each day he was able to look at those posters they helped him remember the good times. I hope they put a smile on his face and in his heart as he bravely fought his illness.

Brother, I’m so very happy our paths crossed. My life has been richer because of it. I’m glad and honored to call you “friend”. I’m going to miss you.

Why do the good ones leave us so soon?

Namaste’ Garth. You were a very special soul. You will be in my thoughts and meditations.

Sadness, Enlightenment and Questioning One's Beliefs

2008-11-28T15:03:00.002-05:00

Today has been especially trying for one who has chosen the path of peace and compassion. He chose a lifestyle and mindset he tries his best to practice each day his spirit resides in this body on this earth.

Tough has been tough. Today his beliefs will tested. Today he will question himself. Today he will struggle with his feelings of rage, anger and vengeance.

Today two people’s spirits and lives to whom he has never met or known have brought him to question and deeply ponder his core beliefs. In one manner, he has known them since he started walking this path. They are extended family. They are one with him, thus the pain he feels is as deep as the loss of any family member.

Today the true test is how the world will walk through the fire. May Naomi’s and Alan’s spirits guide those decisions. May peace and compassion triumph in this world gone mad.

Today has been tough. We lost two of the people that the world needs most at this time.

Naomi and Alan you will be in the thoughts, prayers and meditations of the world. Know that your short time on this Earth made it a better place.

Namaste’

Voodoo Fire

2008-11-16T22:25:00.000-05:00

The first video blog from DCS. In this entry I described a new painting and the art print it inspired.

Sadness

2008-09-01T18:47:00.002-04:00

I lost a dear friend today. Pelo, my beloved grumpy little chihuahua, I will miss you dearly. The studio will miss your presence and the Grandmother has lost her best friend. Rest in peace little man.

Magic on the Rocks

2008-08-22T15:22:00.000-04:00

Red Rocks has been a place where people have gathered for thousands of years to particpate in spiritutal rituals. I now know why.

High In The Rockies

2008-08-21T17:37:00.000-04:00

Yarmony Grass was a great festival. The weather was whack. Copper Mt Resort is an absolutely fab place for shows. You can't complain about a warm room after a day of nasty weather and tasty music.

It was the first time I have ever experienced snow in August or at an outdoor music festival. Andrew, Jason and the Yarmony crew threw a great party and everyone had a blast.

Yarmony Snow

2008-08-16T16:46:00.000-04:00

First festival I've been to where it snowed

Stella

2008-08-09T00:37:00.000-04:00

Memory foam rules...