BayVAN News

Mini Interview with BayVAN artist Steven Barich

2011-05-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

BayVAN artist Steven Barich has an exhibition titled Zen with a Kickstand and Other Work at Branch Gallery.

Artist Reception: Friday, May 27, 6pm-9pm
May 6 - July 1, 2011
First Friday receptions: May 6, June 3, July 1, 6pm-9pm

We took a minute to ask him some questions to get a little insight into his work, artmaking process and life.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I live and work in Oakland, CA. I pretty much grew up here, studied here…but I feel that I really cut my teeth as an artist by living in Europe for nearly five years in the mid-2000s. Currently, there is a strong and supportive community of artists in Oakland—and the SF Bay Area in general—and it makes me stick around. The thing about a good community is, as a member, you have to actively nourish it, grow it…so besides participating as an exhibiting artist, I started Artopic.org as well as curate shows now and then.

Tell us a bit about the works featured in the Zen with a Kickstand exhibit, back-stories on where/how the work was made.
The actual piece Zen with a Kickstand came out of the working process: I was working on another drawing in my studio, totally fixated on the work-at-hand and blasting music in my studio while trying out names for this upcoming exhibition at the Branch Gallery/BayVAN, when I just came up with an idea of a new stone shape in the form/action of a Zen circle (the Zen circle being a supposedly perfect moment/movement of drawing a circle in one single ink stroke). However, a Zen circle made of my mosaic patterns couldn’t just “stand” there on it’s own, nor would it be perfectly drawn in one single movement of the brush…so, I thought it would need a supportive kickstand! Voila! Zen with a Kickstand. And then of course, I had to draw the new piece right away.

Two important things related to the above comment: the working process of the artist—how being active in action and thought in the studio creates new ideas, new work—and how the title ‘Zen with a Kickstand’ really represents my current work: drawn objects that reflect our desire for perfect things, images and devices…but all require a certain help, assistance or “propping up” to be perfect. So much of what is thought as perfect from nature is often remade by Mankind’s own hand to be even better. I think this is both such an amazing and disturbing process in our collective human history…this idea is connected to why if I’ve been incorporating the idea of Chinese Scholar’s Rocks into my most recent body of work. Also, ‘Zen with a Kickstand’ is like a Koan…it doesn’t make any sense…but now I’ve drawn it and it exists on paper, so how amazing is that?!?

When/ how did you get into making art?
I wish I could remember that far back! But seriously, I think I was predetermined to make art: my mother was/is a huge influence on me, as she is an artist and I grew up in and around art schools for a majority of my youth…that creative/DIY spirit is just what I know.

What is your favorite media to use?
My true favorite media is pastels. Very immediate, with amazingly rich creamy color, and it requires skill and patience and gives back so much beauty. Just thinking about it makes me want to go make a drawing in pastel.

You are working on a limited edition print with fellow BayVAN artist Tallulah Terryll for BayVAN's new Print Registry, tell us a bit about the process and how this differs from your normal work.
Well, I’ve desired to make an intaglio print in the vein of my Logic Stones body of work for some time now…but I know first hand how challenging printmaking can be if you don’t keep the practice up, and it has been many years since I’ve worked on a plate. Working with Tallulah is great. I’m taking full use of her extensive knowledge, and I’m excited to get the end result: a hard ground/aquatint/spit bite combo image!

For me, this print really needs to have a high investment in terms of the hand-of-the-artist and the printmaking process itself, just as much time/energy investment as my drawings in the Logic Stones series. In this way, nothing is different from my normal way of working. However, because the print will be an edition, I’m not focusing on it as a true unique object per se…and the print image itself is an alternative take on the large Zen with a Kickstand drawing I’ve made for this exhibition at BayVAN. I decided to tie together the large drawing, the limited edition print and the title of the exhibition…something completely new overall. I like the idea of a tone of an exhibition being created from a single major work, and then giving the rest of the works space to feedback off that primary piece.

Tell us about Artopic.org
Artopic is a side-project in my artistic practice where I’ve tried to create a format where artists can reflect on their own practice or the practice of colleagues, and their artwork. The online blog-portal format is simple and effective, and has a far reach. I’ve managed to interview a number of great local/international artists about their artistic practice over the years, and I’ve kept up that activity in contributing to Artopic with interviews situated in the Bay Area. It is important to note that I am not the only contributor, that other artists and colleagues have given their time and energy to Artopic to really make it shine—Artopic is a great collection of essays, poems, videos that collectively create a recent history of artistic thought. And, Artopic is always open to new contributors who want to reflect on their own practice or find interest in documenting their local scene.

What is next for you?
Besides looking forward to exhibiting all this new work at the Branch gallery during the spring/summer, I have a small work in a CCA Alumni exhibition at the San Pablo Art Gallery in May, as well as having a nice work in the Southern Exposure MEGA MEGA MEGA auction on May 7th in San Francisco. This year so far has been a very busy and exciting time for me artistically. For the rest of the year I plan on focusing on different mediums that I think will expand my focus with the Logic Stones, taking a look at further abstraction of the current images as well as breaking out into subtle three-dimensional wall works. I could also mention those few videos and other collaborative projects I’m going to be working on, but then I’d have to tell you a secret…wait, I just did!!

Mini Interview with Branch Gallery artist Tabitha Soren

2011-03-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

TABITHA SOREN

Tell us a little about yourself.
I started out thinking my pictures needed to be hard to love for them to be art. But then I remembered how much I respond to the beauty in J.W.M. Turner’s paintings and to Hiroshi Sugimoto’s photographs. I am patiently waiting for the sublime to come back into fashion in the art world.

Tell us a little bit about the works featured in the Dreamtime exhibit.
YOU CALL THAT DARK? was made on a dirt driveway in Hawaii. I dragged my 9 year old daughter out of bed before dawn, drove her to the end of the driveway, turned on the rental car’s headlights and asked her to run back and forth in her flip flops. It was her idea to put her nightgown on backwards. She felt like she was too old to be wearing Disney princesses in a picture. To her chagrin, the picture we liked best shows her and the prin cesses from the back.

When/ how did you get into photography?
I was born into a US Air Force military family but grew up all over the world. I left behind homes, friends, schools and neighborhoods every 3-4 years. Taking snapshots was the only way to remember the people, places and things that c ombined to make me turn out the way I am. After getting married, I ended up at Stanford University. The wonderful professors (Joel Leivick, Bob Dawson, Alex Nemerov) in the Art and Art History departments, encouraged me to make time to fall in love with photography all over again.

What is your favorite camera to use?
After a decade of shooting film with a simple Hassleblad 501cm , I have started projects that really do n’t work with a square format. I have been renting a bunch of different cameras as of late to see which one to buy to use for the next 10 years. YOU COME TO MIND from Dreamtime is one of my first rectangular images that I felt deserved to be in an art gallery.

Which artists inspire you-either in your artmaking or in life.

I really like Elizabeth Peyton’s portraits and Gerhard Richter’s paintings of people. Kara Walker has also been a huge inspiration. I have learned a lot from Director Phil Morrison (Junebug) and Producer Rick Rubin (Dixie Chicks, AC DC, LL Cool J, System of a Down). But lately, it’s comedian Aziz Ansari is who really keeps me going.

What is next for you?
My work is currently in group shows in a bunch of cities in the United States: Seattle, Washington, Santa Barbara, Minneapolis, Brooklyn and of course, at Branch in Oakland. I have two new series in the works. One of them is a series of ocean landscapes called PANI C BEACH. I don’t really care for the outdoors so this is a stretch for me. The catalyst for the second new project is YOU CALL THAT DARK? from the Dreamtime show. The projects look very different but they are about the same thing: what people survive and what they don’t. Life can be rough and reckless with human beings. I am continually struck by the amount of misfortune catastrophe people can endure in a lifetime.

Branch Gallery closed for Frist Friday July 2nd

2010-07-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

Branch Gallery will be closed this Friday July 2nd,
both day and evening, due to concerns of safety in Oakland and respect for public protests that may occur.

Please note we will also be closed this Saturday July 3rd

We will re-open regular hours July 8th.

Latest Exhibit at Branch Gallery

2010-06-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself in Uptown Oakland now thru August 7th stop in to Branch Gallery to check out the latest exhibit Everyday is Not the Same, featuring stunning minimalist works by local artists Hadley Williams and Pablo Manga.

Beyond the impeccable attention to detail, what also sets these works apart from traditional minimalist works is the fact that both artists are using unconventional materials. Pablo limits his material to industrial tapes and Hadley uses many kinds of materials including hang tags, tissue paper and correction tape.

This an exhibit worth checking out in person, images online do not do it justice.

The exhibit runs thru August 7th.

The gallery will be open late from 6-9pm for First Fridays July 2nd and August 6th.
regular gallery hours: Thurs- Friday 12=6pm, Saturday 12-4pm.

PLEASE NOTE: we will be closed Saturday July 3rd.

455 17th St, suite 301, oakland, ca 94612..1/2 block from 19th BART

First Friday happenings at Branch Gallery

2010-06-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

Branch Gallery is open until 9pm on the First Friday of every month. Join us June 4th for the closing reception of No Man’s Landscape by Jessalyn Haggenjos.

Many great things to see and do on First friday in Oakland. Take BART and get off at the 19th St. Station to walk to Branch Gallery 455 th 17th St. between Broadway and Telegraph, walk over to the Crucible Gallery, then hit up Pro Arts, Awaken Cafe, Joyce Gordon or head north to 23rd St.

Restaurants close to us include Flora, Spice Monkey and more. Find out whats happening in the Midtown Arts District at the website www.midoakarts.com

Branch Gallery closing at 3pm today

2010-05-22T13:19:00.001-07:00

We will be closing the gallery early today to head over to the SF Arts Fair.

Special Announcement!

In a partnership with Artcards SF, we are thrilled to offer you & your friend free VIP access to the San Francisco Fine Art Fair. Free drinks will be served at Artcards private reception next Saturday, May 22, 4-5pm.

RSVP: http://artcards.eventbrite.com/

If you are not already an Artcards subscriber please check them out here: http://artcards.cc/sanfrancisco/ and subscribe to the Artcards weekly email update about openings and art events around the Bay. I hope you can join Deputy Editor of Artcards Jason Benson and representatives from BayVAN for a private drink, while seeing the artwork at the fair.

We Won!

2010-05-15T13:52:00.001-07:00

BayVAN and The Compound Gallery won and Indie award last night in the "Ripple Effect" category.
We are so excited and thankful to all that nominated us. Thank You! yay!

There were many, many great nominees in all categories. We were very excited to be in such great company and a special congrats to Joyce Gordon Gallery for winner an Oakland Soul award!!

It is events like the Oakland Indie Awards that remind us how great our City really is.

and if you have been looking for good news about Oakland, stay tuned there is a new website being produced called "Good News in Oakland" right now they have a Facebook page and from reading it the website should be up and running soon... that is good news...

Oakland Indie Awards Tonight

2010-05-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

BayVAN is a finalist for an Oakland Indie award in the Ripples category!
Come support us and all of the great small businesses at the party tonight.

Friday, May 14, 2010

5:30 - 9:00pm
Jack London Pavilion
(Formerly Barnes & Noble)
98 Broadway, Oakland

Tickets $20 at the door

Cheer on the winners as you enjoy food from
over 20 different Oakland restaurants, local beer, wine, tea,
coffee, and chocolate, DJ spinning Oakland music,
cool products from Oakland Unwrapped stores, and more!

Bayvan News

2010-05-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

BayVAN - May Newsl

Spring is in the air and change is all around. In the spirit of the season, BayVAN has sprouted an updated website. Included in the update is a list of all of the artists in our registry, information about marketing services for artists and organizations, new ideas for collectors and an expanded exhibitions page, including a direct link to the new gallery website bayvanbranch.org. Check it out at bayvan.org.

In the Gallery

Branch Gallery will now be open until 9pm on First Fridays, join us May 7th for the next First Friday event.

Current Exhibition: No Man's Land Scape
Solo Exhibition by Jessalyn Haggenjos
Now through June 5th, 2010

Jessalyn Haggenjos is a San Francisco based painter and sculptor whos work has been featured in numerous publications including New American Paintings and the San Francisco Chronicle. She has shown in venues across the US and beyond. Jessalyn's work is process oriented and steeped in its materiality. The thick, glossy enamel erupts on the panel and causes a reaction to other paints by cracking and flowing in both a playful and toxic way. This duality conveys a sense of both the beauty and contamination she sees in the American landscape.

To read more visit bayvanbranch.org.

News
Only a couple of spots left for our first workshop

GET SERIOUS AND ORGANIZED ABOUT YOUR ART CAREER

BayVAN, along with artist and art career coach Michele Pred will present a series of workshops on promotion, marketing and development for artists who are ready to take the next step in their careers. These workshops have been designed to give you the foundation you need to present yourself as a professional artist, increase visibility and boost sales. You will come out of these workshops with a better understanding of how to harness your portfolio and newly acquired skills in marketing to approach galleries, apply to open calls and seek funding.

Session 1: Writing a Artist Statement, Resume and Bio – May 18th, 2010, 7 to 10pm

Interested in presenting your work through galleries, exhibitions or other venues? This workshop will focus on developing your artist statement, resume and bio.

Michele Pred will help you develop and/or fine tune these necessary tools. Whether you are an emerging or mid-career artist, this workshop will support your growth as an exhibiting artist.

Workshop will include:
* The importance and many uses of a strong artist statement.
* Creating/updating your artist statement and resume.
* Writing an effective artist bio

PLEASE RSVP TO INFO@BAYVAN.ORG WITH "REGISTRATION" IN THE SUBJECT LINE
Sign up ASAP, as the workshop is almost full!

4th Annual Oakland Indie awards

BayVAN is a finalist for an Oakland Indie award in the Ripples category!
Come support us and all of the great small businesses at the party

Friday, May 14, 2010

5:30 - 9:00pm
Jack London Pavilion
(Formerly Barnes & Noble)
98 Broadway, Oakland

Early Bird Tickets
$15 each or 2 for $25

go to www.oaklandunwrapped for tickets

Open Call Opportunities

2010 Kala Fellowship Awards Competition
Deadline: May 7th, 2010
http://www.bayvan.org/kala_fellowship/

Richmond Art Center: Innovations on Contemporary Crafts
Jurors: Gary Knox Bennett & Nancy Selvin
Deadline: May 15th, 2010
http://www.bayvan.org/rac/

BayVAN Artist News

Modesto Covarrubias
Liminal
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art
Exhibition: April 10 – July 3, 2010
Opening Reception: Fri, May 7, 6-8 PM
Talking Art: Thur, June 10, 7-9 PM
560 South First Street
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 283-8155
www.sjica.org

Brian Caraway
CREAM from the top
Surfacing talent from Bay Area MFA programs
April 6 – June 5
artists' reception: Saturday, May 1, 3-5 pm
www.therac.org

Two BayVAN artists included in this 2 person show
Alissa Goss & Tallulah Terryll
Round Rhythm
April 17-May 23, 2010
The Compound Gallery & Studios
1167 65th st.
Oakland, CA 94608
510.817.4042
thecompoundgallery.com

Robert Reed
Falkirk’s 2010 Bay Area Juried Exhibition,
curated by Donna Seager of Donna Seager Gallery.
March 26th - May 29th
falkirkculturalcenter.org

Lorrie Fink
is including in multiple local shows
Edible Art
The JanRae Community Art Gallery
Reception: Friday, April 2, 7–9 p.m.
Exhibition: April 2 to June 25, 2010
www.wcrc.org

L'Amyx Tea Bar – Lakeshore
Solo Exhibit: Edges and Seams
3437 Lakeshore Avenue (at Mandana)
Oakland, CA 94610
Exhibit: May 2–June 27, 2010
Public Reception: First Friday, May 7, 5–7 p.m.
Enjoy a complimentary L'Amyx beverage during reception!

Black Dot Cafe Gallery
Group Exhibit: The Color is Red, Secrets, Symbols, and Statements
1195 Pine Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Pacific Cannery Lofts in the Village Bottoms, West Oakland
Exhibition: May 14 to June 18, 2010
Public Reception: Friday, May 14, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
blackdotcafegallery.wordpress.com

Scott MacLeod
The Museum of Bitter Sorrows presents
"Life Is A Prison, Please Grant Me Release"

New Work by Scott MacLeod
at Saint Mary's Art Center
Virginia City, Nevada
Opening Reception June 5th, 2010

Branch Gallery New Exhibition News

2010-04-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

Branch Gallery is excited to announce our new exhibit

No Man's Land Scape
by Jessalyn Haggenjos.

The Exhibit runs April 22-June 4th
The reception is this Thursday, April 22nd 5-8pm

First Friday receptions: May 7th and June 4th 5-8pm

Jessalyn’s work is process oriented and steeped in its materiality. The thick, glossy enamel she uses erupts on the panel and causes a reaction to other paints by cracking and flowing in both a playful and toxic way. This duality conveys a sense of both the beauty and contamination the artist sees in the American landscape. The luscious colors combine with force to create tumultuous yet sensuous abstractions of monumentally iconic American Southwest scenes.

Jessalyn Haggenjos is a painter and sculptor who lives and works in San Francisco. Jessalyn received an MFA from California College of the Arts. Her work has been shown in New York, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston, Las Vegas, Portland, Seattle and Copenhagen. She was a recent resident at Ox-Bow.

Jessalyn's work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle, New American Paintings, ArtSlant, Cheap and Plastique, Shotgun Review and the San Francisco Bay Guardian.

Branch Gallery
455 17th St, 3rd Floor
Oakland, CA 94608
510-508-1764
www.bayvan.org
Hours: Thurs-Fri 12-6pm, Sat 12-4pm, First Friday until 8pm

image: Freestyle Rock Balance, 2009, enamel on panel

Branch Gallery open until 8pm tonight for First Friday

2010-04-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

Some pics taken with my iphone from the Branch Gallery. I am using this great app. I downloaded that makes all images look like polaroid film...

Did I mention in the last post that we extended Karen Gallagher's show one week, so it will now be on view thru April 9th.

Branch Gallery news

2010-03-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Branch Gallery is open.

Discolorations the solo exhibition by Karen Gallagher has been extended and will run thru April 9th.

The Gallery will be open to 8pm for this upcoming First Friday, April 2nd.

The other galleries near by will also be open late including The Crucible Gallery, Pro Arts, Awaken Cafe Gallery and Joyce Gordon. Nearby restaurants include Flora, Le Cheval and Spice Monkey..and don't forget the Layover bar for a nice cocktail.

+++++++++++++++++++

Karen has been working to isolate in her artistic process those facets integral to the alchemical 'print' process in both her printed & hand drawn works. By focusing on the underlying elements: pressure, stains, and the use of information systems as a sieve these hand drawn encaustic works are created.

Within this body of work, bruises are her primary subject. Focusing on the pure mechanics of writing & line work (similar to handwriting), brocade & other flourished line patterns are layered on wax panels in raw pigment to build up images of bruises. This subject matter illuminates her deep interest in scars & bruises as a fading, or permanent, record of an action or event that is intense enough to cause an imprint or stain on the body. The physical and observable evidence of damage to the body is represented as sensual and seductive undulations of brocade patterning.

Karen Gallagher was born in Queens, New York and is currently maintaining her studio in Oakland, CA. She is an experimental printmaker focused on disassembling the traditional format of printmaking into a contemporary experience of self-documentation and re-composition. Gallagher has taught in Bay Area educational programs such as Kala, the San Francisco Art Institute (where she received her MFA with the department Merit Fellowship), and the Richmond Art Center. She exhibits locally and on the east coast in Solo and Group exhibitions, and maintains an Artist Residency at Kala in Berkeley. Her work is in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art through their acceptance of a group printmaking portfolio "The Printable Principles of Dialogue" and The State University of New York at Albany Art Museum.

Image: Black and Blue 7, drawn dry pigment on beeswax panel, 2009

Gallery Hours: Thursday and Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 12-4pm. Open until 8pm on First Friday, and by appointment.

Branch Gallery open late for First Friday

2010-02-28T21:32:00.000-08:00

Branch Gallery will be open until 8pm this coming First Friday. If you missed the opening for our current exhibit, this is a great time to check it out.

Discolorations
Solo Exhibition by Karen Gallagher

February 18th - April 2nd, 2010
First Friday Events 5-8pm, March 5th & April 2nd

Image: Black and Blue 7, drawn dry pigment on beeswax panel, 2009

Gallery Hours: Thursday and Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 12-4pm. Open until 8pm on First Friday, and by appointment.

BayVAN news and opening reception this Thursday 5-8pm

2010-02-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

GALLERY NEWS
Join us this for a reception this Thursday 5-8pm

BayVAN is excited to officially announce the launch of Branch Gallery. The gallery will exhibit work drawn from Bay Area Visual Arts Network’s (BayVAN) premier artist registry, Branch features thoughtfully curated exhibitions showcasing a wide range of contemporary Bay Area Art.

Branch will be open Thursday- Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 12-4pm, open until 8pm every First Friday and will also be available by appointment

In the Gallery:

Discolorations

Solo Exhibition by Karen Gallagher

February 18th - April 2nd, 2010
Artist Reception, February 18th 5-8pm
First Friday Events 5-8pm, March 5th and April 2nd

Image: Black and Blue 7, drawn dry pigment on beeswax panel, 2009

Gallery Hours: Thursday and Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 12-4pm. Open until 8pm on First Friday, and by appointment.

BayVAN News

2010-01-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

We hope you all had enjoyable holidays. We are excited about the new year and would like to fill you in on a few great events coming up.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12th 6-8pm
Join us for a cocktail reception for BayVAN artist Daniel Healey at one of Oakland's latest great creation the Layover bar.

1517 Franklin Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 834-1517

FIRST FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH 5-8pm
We will be open for Oakland's First Friday art walk. The gallery is currently hosting a group exhibit of BayVAN artists who we worked with during our first year.
Participating artists: Brian Caraway, Jason Byers, Steuart Pittman, Modesto Covarrubias, Maryly Snow, Zoe Ani, Eric Larson, Martin Webb

BayVAN at the Ellington!

2009-07-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

The Bay Area Visual Arts Network invites you to view the Twelve-Artist Collection at The Ellington Condominiums.

OAKLAND, CA – Three acclaimed Bay Area Arts Organizations, Blankspace Gallery, Objet D’Art and BB Art, have unveiled their first project as the joint venture, The Bay Area Visual Arts Network (BayVAN). Beginning August 1st the Ellington collection can be viewed daily by appointment. The collection features work by a cadre of emerging and established professional artists based in the Oakland area.

We invite you to visit the works by artists Peter Foucault, Modesto Covarrubius, Jessica Dacher, Jason Byers, Brian Caraway, Steuart Pittman, Eric Larson, Victoria Wagner and more. Works can be viewed daily by appointment and during a public reception on Thursday, August 20th, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m, at The Ellington, 222 Broadway (@ Third St)., Oakland, CA.

The Ellington unveiling coincides with the opening of BayVAN’s new showroom in Oakland’s Uptown entertainment and arts district. Located at 455 17th St. at Telegraph, the third floor showroom will serve as the administrative offices and exhibition space for the new venture whose mission it is to source opportunities for Bay Area artists to display, lease and sell artwork outside traditional gallery venues. BayVAN founders Nicole Neditch, Kerri Johnson and Brook Baird are all working artists with a combined 35 years of experience in arts administration, curation, design and marketing. Their goals in forming BayVAN were to create economic opportunities for fellow artists, promote originality in corporate collections and bridge communities. Professional services include acquisitions, project management, commissions, leasing, marketing, design services, curation, framing and installation. The BayVAN showroom will be open daily by appointment.

For more information and to set up a viewing at the Ellington please contact BayVAN at 510-508-1764 or the Ellington at 510.835.8885, or by emailing info@bayvan.org or visit the website at www.bayvan.org

Click here to download the info sheet

Uptown Unveiled Tonight!

2009-06-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

Bay Area Visual Arts Network will have a booth at tonights Uptown Unveiled event. Come say hello and welcome us to the neighborhood!