Category: press release

press release

Chenhung Chen “I Ching In America, Hexagram #32”

Chenhung Chen
I Ching In America, Hexagram #32

Shoebox Projects Residency
Reception: December 2, 2017 3-6pm

Shoebox Projects
660 South Avenue 21 #3
Los Angeles Ca 90031
661-317-1069

shoeboxprojects.com
chenhungchen.com

(Los Angeles) – We are pleased to present Chenhung Chen’s I Ching In America, Hexagram #32 an installation created as an artist-in-residence at Shoebox Projects. The completed work will be on view during the reception on Saturday December 2nd from 3-6pm.

Chenhung Chen’s artistic language utilizes the physical and suggestive capabilities of line, material and space. She uses repurposed and discarded cables and copper wire to convey a sense of the force whose original function was to harness electricity and transforms its potential, bending it to the will of man. This function has always fascinated Chen, so she utilized these man-made materials to create sculpture and installations.

Interested with the dichotomy of order and chaos, Chen is able to touch on the pursuit of and embrace of balance. She is inspired by the innovation and perseverance of mankind to create the technological phenomenon of the information age.

In her artist’s residency at Shoebox Projects, Chen will be working on her hexagram series entitled, I Ching In America, based on the hexagrams by I Ching. This three-dimensional installation will be composed of a “skeleton,” which will consist of a computer desk and a large crocheted piece of electronic fabric, made from electric wires and components.

Touching on the subject of continuity and un-ending change within the natural cycle of creation and destruction, Chen’s I Ching In America, Hexagram #32, refers to I Ching’s hexagrams. Each one represents the human condition and its consequences and acts as an oracle to provide insight and understanding.

Chenhung Chen is a visual artist living and working in Los Angeles. Born in Beigang, Taiwan, Chen graduated from the Chinese Cultural University. She received her MFA at the School of Visual Arts in New York City where she studied with Ursula von Rydingsvard and Jackie Winsor. She has traveled the world as a volunteer for The Prem Rawat Foundation, working for global peace. Her artwork has been exhibited across the United States and internationally. Chen has exhibited at the PS1 Museum, Hwa Kang Museum, UVU Woodbury Art Museum, Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego Art Institute, Crafton Hills College Art Gallery, Fullerton College Art Gallery, Torrance Art Museum and Gallery 825 in Los Angeles. She has been written about in The Creators Project, Konbini, Art and Cake, Diversions LA, 365artists365days and Trebuchet Magazine.

 

press release

Mike McLain | Carolina Calling

Mike McLain

Carolina Calling

Shoebox Projects
Artist residency and exhibition
660 South Avenue 21 #3
Los Angeles, CA 90031

Residency:
July 13 – August 13, 2017

Closing reception:
Sunday, August 13, 3pm – 6pm

mikemclainart.com
shoeboxprojects.com

(Los Angeles) – Artist Mike McLain is a boundary-pushing artist who defies the expectations of any media he uses. His unique and hypnotic artwork often involves installation, digital imagery, sculpture, drawing and painting. The initial visual impact of his work is highly attractive, while his materials and process evoke questions and help maintain interest, creating extended viewer interaction and deeper connectivity. McLain combines many juxtaposing visuals, which pushes the work toward chaos but maintains its composure. His work touches on the humanity of flaws, the humility of imperfection, and comments on the complex issues of being human and interacting in a society.

Interested in the constant underlying history—and more recently contemporary atrocities—of the systematic racism in the United States, particularly in the Southeast, McLain is fascinated by the American tradition of sweeping the country’s racist and bigoted past under the rug. McLain believes that pretending racism is a condition of the past is not a solution for our future; it only drives that problem deeper into the undercurrents of our culture where it continues to poison societal function and separate people even further. With the necessity of Black Lives Matter holding a spotlight on inequality in the justice system, as well as the rise to power of bigoted Donald Trump, McLain feels a need to examine with an unflinching eye the attitudes around race imbedded in our culture.

During his residency at Shoebox Projects, McLain will expand upon a previous exploratory piece called Carolina Calling. He will research his family history and build work around what he finds, and use them to create a dialogue with his own personal childhood memories of dealing with issues of racism, growing up in a Southern family, based in the Carolinas. Using various media, McLain plans to create a large installation with a variety of imagery, sculpture, drawing and video work to illustrate an experience that touches on his familial history of white privilege and the poison of a racist society. Just as the descendants of slaves are forced to accept the history that is in their DNA, so must those who carry the familial legacy of slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation from the other side of the aisle. He hopes to gain understanding through this project, of how racism is perpetuated in white culture, and by bringing it to the forefront of the greater public consciousness he will be able to find freedom from its damaging tyranny, and help the public see a path beyond the bigotry and prejudice inherent in this country’s history.

About the artist:
Mike McLain received his MFA from Claremont Graduate University in 2010. His work has been shown in Los Angeles, Illinois, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Las Vegas. He has had six solo shows of his work and has been in over forty group exhibitions. He has also curated a number of art exhibitions in Los Angeles, Pomona, Joshua Tree, and at the Coachella Valley Art Center in Indio, where he recently was an artist-in-residence.

About Shoebox Projects:
Shoebox Projects is a new experimental art space in DTLA, where emerging and mid-career artists are given an opportunity to freely experiment with new ideas and directions for their practice. Founded by Kristine Schomaker, multimedia artist and director of Shoebox PR and Art and Cake, Shoebox Projects intends to give artists a chance to recharge and renew their relationship with their work.

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press release

Diane Williams “My America”

June/July 2017

Diane Williams
“My America”

Artist residency and exhibition at Shoebox Projects
660 South Avenue 21 #3
Los Angeles, CA 90031

Residency from June 5 – July 9, 2017
Closing reception: Saturday, July 8th, 3pm – 6pm

dianewilliamsartist.com
shoeboxprojects.com/

 

Diane Williams is a multidisciplinary artist whose work stems from the political and social landscape that surrounds her—specifically the ethnically diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles. She uses art as a call to arms, creating works that explore issues about immigrants and gender to encouraging cultural and social understanding.

In her series Monsters & Aliens, Williams created masks woven from shredded paintings and discarded materials and wore these masks in performances where the masks clearly signed for “other.” She wanted viewers to question what they feared from strangers and to begin to examine their own prejudices with respect to race and gender. In a mixed media work entitled Fractured but not Broken, she also displayed the masked and fragmented female body– depicting the disparate body parts in photographs and drawings, overlaid with Plexiglas and blue and yellow duralar. This human scaled work confronted viewers declaring, “see me for who I am — not as a cultural stereotype.”

During her residency at Shoebox Projects, Williams will create a site-specific installation that further explores ideas of marginalization by physically dividing the space. In addition, she will embark on a new series of works that track the surges in hate crimes since the inauguration of President Trump. In her work, Williams seeks to find a common ground between the works she makes and the community at large. For example in the participatory piece, This in my America, she asks viewers to write the first name of an immigrant they know and their relationship to that person on a piece of paper and then post it on a wall. Collectively illustrating the idea of an extended community.

 

About the artist:
Diane Williams is a multi disciplinary artist and an emerging curator living and working in Los Angeles, CA. She earned her BFA degree from California State University, Long Beach in 2013. Her work has been featured in select publications and exhibited in solo shows and several group exhibitions including Personal Narrative at the Annenberg Beach House Gallery, Santa Monica, With Liberty and Justice for Some at Walter Maciel, Culver City (2017), Countenance Divine, at Gallery 825, Los Angeles, and Defend & Advance, National Immigration Law Center, Los Angeles (2016).

About Shoebox Projects:
Shoebox Projects is a new experimental art space in DTLA, where emerging and mid-career artists are given an opportunity to freely experiment with new ideas and directions for their practice. Founded by Kristine Schomaker, multimedia artist and director of Shoebox PR and Art and Cake, Shoebox Projects intends to give artists a chance to recharge and renew their relationship with their work.

press release

Material Identity

Material Identity
Cecelia Caro, Katie Shanks, and Stephanie Sherwood

MAY/JUNE 2017

Material Identity
Cecelia Caro, Katie Shanks, and Stephanie Sherwood

Reception: June 3rd 3-6pm
Artist-in-Residence May 1st to June 3th

Shoebox Projects
660 South Avenue 21 #3
Los Angeles, California 90031
https://shoeboxprojects.com/

 

(Los Angeles, May 2017) – Shoebox Projects is pleased to announce its sixth artist-in-residents: the collaborative team of Cecelia Caro, Katie Shanks, and Stephanie Sherwood. They are working in the experimental art space in the Brewery Arts Complex as of May 1st with a reception of work completed during the residency to be held on Saturday, June 3rd, from 3-7pm.

Have you ever found yourself wondering about the gender of the artist upon seeing an artwork? Have you ever found an artwork that you very strongly identified with only to be surprised by the gender of the artist who created it?

Material Identity: Making Art on the Gender Continuum seeks to gain insight into how art is experienced in a society which still clings to gender biases and how it impacts what it means to be a female artist navigating and creating in the contemporary art scene.

In March, the artists began seeking feedback via an online questionnaire:
https://goo.gl/forms/RsuoP7ucIo21Bpyv2 which asked contributors to indicate their initial gender specific associations in regards to a variety of art making choices. This was in order to expose and examine internalized biases—and the stereotypes that are perpetuated through their maintenance. Examples were provided in each of the following categories: color, texture, scale, speed, technique, and genre, and contributors were provided the following five options to express their perceived gender bias:

Mostly Feminine Associations
Some Feminine Associations
Neutral Associations
Some Masculine Associations
Mostly Masculine Associations

Since then, they have received over 100 responses. Using this data, and the materials they have begun to collect and create, the artists will be creating an installation at Shoebox Projects during the month of May. While the survey is by no means comprehensive or scientific, it was fantastic way to begin thinking about preconceived notions we hold about art, who is making it, and how it is created. There are many aspects of the data which the artists plan to address in the piece—one of the most interesting of which is the demographic of the respondents. Those individuals who self-selected to respond to the survey, were predominantly themselves highly educated individuals involved in the arts who identified as either women or nonbinary—giving them a shared background with the artists themselves. Highlighting that perhaps that is the crux of the interest and contemplation of these matters, is a thwarted desire to be able to see oneself in the art that is seen and shown in the art world at large.

The artists conducted a workshop on Saturday, May 20th, where they discussed the survey and asked attendees to take and examine their own internalized biases. From there they discussed their inquiries, findings, and opened up to a wider discussion of gender in the art world before shifting to how to interpret this in the construction of an actual piece of art. The in progress installation was examined, and participants were provided with materials to create their own pieces centered around the conversation.

How will three female artists create a collaborative installation which addresses the nature of gender bias using the language of the artmaking process? Where will they adhere to societal expectations, and how will they subvert them? Visit Shoebox Projects in May and find out!

Cecelia Caro, Katie Shanks, and Stephanie Sherwood met while working on their BFAs in Drawing and Painting at California State University, Long Beach. While working their way through the Drawing and Painting BFA program, they fostered each other’s development as young artists. Since completing their degrees they have remained a strong support system for one another while moving to new cities, developing new bodies of work, and keeping their studio practices as regular as adult life could allow. Katie and Stephanie began collaborating on installation work with their first piece “Unrequited” in March of 2015 and since then have collaborated on several large scale installations as well as a collection of wearable art objects entitled “Meat Market”. Although the artists have very different methods of creating artwork – color, form and drawing have always remained significant their practices.

Shoebox Projects is a new experimental art space in DTLA, where emerging and mid-career artists are given an opportunity to freely experiment with new ideas and directions for their practice. Founded by Kristine Schomaker, multimedia artist and director of Shoebox PR and Art and Cake, Shoebox Projects intends to give artists a chance to recharge and renew their relationship with their work.

press release

Tony Pinto, “Artist Seen” a Residency and Solo Exhibition at Shoebox Projects

Andi Campognone

Tony Pinto

“Artist Seen”

Artist Residency and
Solo Exhibition

Shoebox Projects
660 South Avenue 21 #3
LA Ca 90031

Residency from 3-21 to 4-30
On view to the public during the Brewery Artwalk 4-29 to 4-30

(Los Angeles, March 2017) – For his residency and solo exhibition Artist Seen at Shoebox Projects at the Brewery, LA artist Tony Pinto will create a series of portraits of artists, gallerists, curators, critics and writers— people he considers his tribe — as they share his values and interests in art. He sees the creation of this body of work as a chance to document these important relationships and it reinforces his sense of connection and belonging to the art community.

Pinto begins with photographs. Sometimes he asks his subjects to pose, other times he snaps a candid image. Each photograph is then transformed into a large scale oil painting. Pinto isolates and carefully cuts the shape of the head from the wooden panel transforming the works into quasi sculptures. Each portrait has a unique shape that is derived from the specificities of the subject’s head. Pinto is an accomplished painter who finesses his expressive brush strokes to create realistic representations. For example the portrait of Jane Magdalena Bauman includes a bit of neck whereas the image of Andi Campognone is closely cropped so the shape is defined by her blond hair and slightly protruding chin. Each painting captures the essence of the sitter and together the disembodied images become a compelling portrait of the local art community.

Tony Pinto is an established artist, designer and educator currently living in Anaheim Hills, California. He received a BA from the University of Massachusetts, Boston and an MFA from California State University, Los Angeles. He currently teaches courses in painting and art appreciation at Coastline Community College in Newport Beach, courses in digital foundations at California State University, Fullerton as well as design classes at Irvine Valley College, Irvine, CA. In addition to working as an Art Director/Creative Director at Grace/Pinto Communication Design Pinto also exhibits his paintings on a regular basis. Recent group exhibitions include Illicit Liason at the Museum of Design, Atlanta, GA (2017); Like Mark, Coastline Community College, Newport Beach, CA (2016) and MAS Attack 13, Torrance Art Museum, CA (2015).

Bradford J. Salamon at the Final Mas Attack, Torrance Art Museum
David Michael Lee at Mas Attack, San Diego Art Institute
press release

Got Shui? A Moment, with artist Karrie Ross

gotshui_cvr_3d_4in-72

 

Got Shui? A Moment, with artist Karrie Ross

Artist Residency and solo show

 

Reception: Sunday, March 19, from 2pm to 5pm

Karrie Ross will be at the Residency space at the Brewery every Tuesday, Wednesday and Sundays from 11-2pm from now until March 19th

http://www.shoeboxprojects.com

Shoebox Projects
660 South Avenue 21 #3
Los Angeles CA 90031

Facebook event

Shoebox Projects is pleased to announce a residency project and exhibition by Los Angeles based artist Karrie Ross. Ross has been exhibiting her works since the 1980s and although she creates drawings, paintings and installations the focus of her endeavors is in essence the integration of art and life. As one reviewer has remarked, “Ross’ artwork is about the pursuit of answerable questions. She lives for them, and frames a life through the use of questions, rules and parameters.” Her two-dimensional works on paper and canvas are energetic abstractions bursting with energy, created with a wide-range of materials—oil, acrylic, watercolor, ink, collage, metal leaf and pencil. In addition to making visual art, Ross has also published numerous books in an ongoing series entitled “Our Ever Changing World.”

Got Shui? A Moment, with Karrie Ross is both a book and an installation. Ross will be on location at Shoebox Projects from February 13 – March 19, 2017 and during her residency she will illustrate the myriad ways Feng Shui is integrated into her life and her art. In the Installation / Performance 10 chairs will be set up three rows of three with two in the middle as yin/yang and representing a ‘corner’ of the energy Ba-gua. The chairs will be arranged according to the preferred energy flow. Visitors are invited to join the performance, helping to paint the chairs to embellish the color of each corner. In addition viewers can sit in the chairs and engage in conversation about the colors and

energy flows represented in the work. Ross will also provide information about Feng Shui and via discussion, help the audience members achieve better Feng Shui via new arrangements of furniture in their homes.

Ross will document her interactions and post information as well as a link to her book Got Shui: Feng Shui Tips, Trips and Transformations on her website. At the end of the residency, the painted chairs will be offered for sale, with proceeds going to the ACLU.

got-shui

About Karrie Ross
Karrie Ross, a native Los Angelino has been exhibiting her artwork since the 1980s. Her artwork is included in corporate, retail collections, and installations around the world. Her exhibitions include over 125 shows between 2010 and 2016: including local and international museums and galleries. Ross has been written up in publications such as Hollywood Today, the Los Angeles Times and the Huffington Post. Ross also publishes an artist story art-project-book “Our Ever Changing World” with the main focus of creating community, and documenting the California Art Scene. These publications are available on Amazon or on Ross’ personal website. http://www.karrierossfineart.com.

About Shoebox Projects
Shoebox Projects is a new experimental art space in DTLA, where emerging and mid-career artists are given an opportunity to freely experiment with new ideas and directions for their practice. Founded by Kristine Schomaker, multimedia artist and director of Shoebox PR, Shoebox Projects intends to give artists a chance to recharge and renew their relationship with their work.

Got Shui? A Moment, with artist Karrie Ross Through March 19th
Got Shui? A Moment, with artist Karrie Ross Through March 19th
Got Shui? A Moment, with artist Karrie Ross Through March 19th
press release

New artist residency by Shoebox Projects encourages bold moves from emerging artists

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LA’s Contemporary Art Scene Just Got More Interesting

New artist residency by Shoebox Projects encourages bold moves from emerging artists
shoeboxprojects.com

Reception
Saturday December 3rd 3-6pm

Shoebox Projects (at the Brewery)
660 South Avenue 21 #3
Los Angeles Ca 90031
http://www.shoeboxprojects.com

http://susanfeldmanart.com/home.html
http://www.jennifergunlock.com/
https://shoeboxpr.com/

(Los Angeles) – Los Angeles has a new experimental art space where emerging and mid-career artists have a chance to boldly go where they have never gone before. Shoebox Projects is the latest innovative idea from Kristine Schomaker, multimedia artist and the founder of Shoebox PR, LA’s fastest growing artist marketing agency.

“We wanted to create a space where artists could experiment with new ideas,” said Schomaker. “As an artist myself, I know how hard it can be to create new work in the same space where you’ve always worked. Shoebox Projects is a change of place, a change of energy and, we hope, a new spirit.”

With its first residency underway as of November 1st, the local contemporary art scene can look forward to bold and exciting new work coming out of this space in the Brewery Art Complex. With new projects beginning every month, there will be lots to see and talk about.

Shoebox Project’s first residency is a joint project between mixed media artist Jennifer Gunlock and sculpture artist Susan Feldman. Gunlock holds an MFA from California State, Long Beach. Her work explores the relationship between object of nature and those man made. Feldman whose background is in graphic design, creates 3D structures from wood, yarn, plexiglass and other found materials.

“Both of these women had often discussed somehow finding a way to bring their work together,” said Schomaker, “and now they finally have a chance to create something totally new. I can’t wait to see what they do.”

Schomaker said that a call for artist submissions in September exceeded her expectations. The 12 residency spaces for 2017 were filled within a week. Artists were encouraged to submit work that would foster a large step forward in their career. Each residency will end with a solo show in the where it was created. Visitors are encouraged throughout the period of the residency to engage with the artists and the work as it evolves.
https://www.facebook.com/events/632462993602957/

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