Show Recap: Visual Mixtape

VISUAL MIXTAPE

by Sam Rodriguez & Public Meridian.

A compilation of our favorite multinational subjects visually manifested through graphics and custom bracelets.

The Show

Last week I came together with Public Meridian for our debut collaboration to celebrate internationality. This is the first in a series we are beginning on cultural blending and common interests that have been rising on a global level. Musicians were the topic of choice for this first show since they have such a universal impact. The “playlist” was based on our collective likes and what we think is important to our hosts, Cukui. The criteria for this compilation was that it had to have an international and local feel to it.
We hope you enjoy!
-Sam

The Goods

Original Paintings, and a box set that will includes a signed limited edition print and a custom bracelet that illustrates selected musicians. Cukui also made a limited edition tee based on one of my paintings. There are only a few of them left available through Cukui.com.

About Public Meridian

Public Meridian is an independent label from San Francisco that produces custom and limited edition bracelets.

Bjork Box Set: Signed Print & Bracelet (made from Aqua Terra Jasper and Amazonite). Limited to 8 Editions. 

Erykah Badu Box Set: Signed Print & Bracelet (made from Amethyst and Leopard Jasper). Limited to 10 Editions. 

J Boog Box Set: Signed Print & Bracelet (made from Lava Rock, Bayong Wood, & Wood Chips). Limited to 10 Editions.

Mac Dre Box Set: Signed Print & Bracelet (made from Snow Obsidian and Multi Color Stone). Limited to 10 Editions.

Click Images to Enlarge...

First Friday Releases

I am excited to announce that beginning this January 2014 I will be releasing signed Limited Edition Prints on my website every first friday of the month. There will also be special discounts as a thank you to continued supporters who have subscribed to my mailing list. I am also going to be adding a catalogue of available original works including sketches. Prices for originals will be available upon request. I would also like to extend an invitation to any viewers of my site to vote or suggest a piece you would like to see released as a print. How to do this? Simply contact me or comment on images posted to my site, or social media accounts. Thanks for your support!
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Process & Self Discovery

I have finally completed a piece that I am somewhat satisfied with. This was also one of the most transformative ways I have ever worked which included many stages in the process. The result has been very rewarding and I think I am beginning to fine tune my voice as an artist. It started as my usual random sketch which I selected from an instagram post awhile back and then turned into a loose digital mock up which finally became the schematics for a mixed media frenzy that you see here. I guess you can say it went from software to hardware. I think the reason why I am content with this one is because it mixes all of the things I love most in visual art such as graphic design, portraiture, sketching, digital references, 3D architect modeling, patterns, and graffiti marks. I especially loved working with less with paint and more with  the hardware. One thing that stood out about the process was its similarity to cooking in that I needed to prepare the "ingredients" ahead of time which were the cuts and shapes that would later be applied to the final.  I call this piece "Notes" inspired by the different tones in music and mood. This will be the first of many to come. Enjoy and feel free to comment!


Vote YES in the comment box for this to be the next First Friday Release!

My Creative Process Book

Awhile back I was very excited to try and publish a book of my work. This was thrown on the back burner because of tight deadlines. Now I am finally ready to pursue it. So far my plans for the content are to share my process, mainly sketches that I have posted through social media. I am also thinking to include photos that have a direct and indirect impact on my creative process. Speaking of social media, I now recognize it as one of my of my artistic mediums and think it would be interesting to take inspiration from it for the book design. I would also like to include written reflections, and critique. Stay tuned as this develops, and as always feel free to leave comments if you have suggestions or inquiries. Thanks!

Wood Works 2

Yesterday I completed the first piece in many to come using 3D objects with paint marks to render a composition. It left me with more "what ifs" and a new list of possibilities. So far I am seeing this new work as a prototype for a monumental structure. I need to explore more wood and material options. The work is inspired by portraiture, typography, graffiti, design, and especially topography. The process as shown in the photos posted have helped me to become less attached to images I make. There is an important transformation that happens and each stage offers a problem. Solving it involves re-arranging a reference point at every single stage in the process. Starting from a sketch of a randomly selected internet search image, to a larger scale painting, and the final image, the image is constantly changing and unexpected. I intentionally use internet searches. We live in a digital age and something tells me I need to be exploring that, especially during the reference process. Stay tuned as more thoughts and process develop about this series. Thanks.

Vote YES in the comment box for this to be the next First Friday Release!

Source: http://samrodriguezart.com

Wood Works

Today after putting some time in at the design desk, I started the first piece for a new body of work. I should have been working on my upcoming December show but couldn't stop thinking of what's to come. I am making myself do this new one in monochrome, mostly through the use of various wood types, stains, and a pinch of spray paint for contrast. My goal is to try out new compositions in my portraiture and play around with the size, scale and placement. Also the wood is going to be very useful in creating a sense of line, shape, and depth since I plan to use it in a sculptural way. The plan is to make it so viewers can get lost in a little world, sort of a portrait as a landscape for exploration. I am very excited about what it looks like in my head, but we'll see if my hands and eyes can keep up! Stay tuned.

Visual Arts Glossary

I have just added a reference guide of art vocabulary and definitions for new coming collectors, artists, curators, or some of us who simply wish to refresh our memory. This list is subject to editing since things are constantly changing in the field. Please feel free to contact me if you have suggested add ons.

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