29 replies to this topic

[Jacki O.]

i hate the word "scene"
but it's short and descriptive - so nevermind the negative connotations associated with the word and, instead, let's discuss art in Phoenix.

There's a lot of bad (naturally) but there's a lot of good - just like with anything (bands, businesses, etc.)

I personally like working as an artist in Phoenix.

The galleries are easy to get into if you are a starting artist, first fridays is a great way to get your work seen by thousands of people, people buy art here, studio and living spaces are cheap, there are a good number of galleries operating, people are in the "scene" are receptive to new artists/work, it seems like galleries are open to interesting and new creative projects....

it kind of reminds me of the early movements in Berlin, when artist were flocking in droves to the city mainly because of the reasons mentioned above (and also the generous grants being handed out).

Am i saying that Phx's art scene is comparable to Berlin's?
No.

what do you think?

[unluckycharm]

I have no idea how Phoenix compares to anywhere else.

I used to live across the street from this artist, Ed Dominguez. I thought he had a fantastic sense of light & I bought a couple of his paintings. Unfortunately the dude moved to Las Vegas.

http://www.phoenixartspace.com/video/4

The art world is a funny place. Basically if rich people start to buy your paintings, all of a sudden you're "legitimized" as a real artist. Bleah.

[Jacki O.]

true.

and when scenes of any kind become credible and acknowledged, then more people move in to capitalize on it.

but i do think we have a good amount of really talented working artists living and exhibiting in phx at the moment.

[MikeyWretch]

Most of the local art I have been exposed to has been from playing shows at Modified and other art spaces in town.

Oh and Jacki I like this alot!

[Jacki O.]

Thanks!

We should do some kind of shizz music n' art show....

something cool.....music and art exhibition...

[MikeyWretch]

Speaking of local artists and local bands.

Jacki, What would you charge if a band wanted you to do an Album lay out?

Would you have to like the band?
What info if any would you need to do this?

[Jacki O.]

I would charge nothing!
I've never done that so that would be a cool new project.

i would have to like the band or at least respect their music

info.....
i dont really know.
i guess what the music sounds like, deadlines, any ideas or things that the band members like that they'd want to be represented in the artwork.

sizes..is it a cd, etc..

- i would totally do something for one of your bands Mikey! That would be rad.

[MikeyWretch]

GREAT! Lets get on this!

[MattChedda]

I'm only familiar with the art "scene" though playing shows at modified and going to first friday.

I've seen a lot of great stuff!

I like your stuff Jacki.

I plan on doing stuff myself, but it's mostly gorilla style art.

You know, the stuff you get put in jail for!

[MikeyWretch]

I'm only familiar with the art "scene" though playing shows at modified and going to first friday.

I've seen a lot of great stuff!

I like your stuff Jacki.

I plan on doing stuff myself, but it's mostly gorilla style art.

You know, the stuff you get put in jail for!

On page one of this thread i posted and me and you said almost the exact same thing!

WE ARE BROTHERS!!!!!

[differently biotic]

I think Phoenix in general has a lot of awesome things going for it. Especially art and not just traditioanl, painting on the wall art... I've visited a lot of places in this country during their "art walks" and I'm always way impressed by what I see here during our first fridays and even displayed in places you wouldn't think would have art for sale.

[MattChedda]

I'm only familiar with the art "scene" though playing shows at modified and going to first friday.

I've seen a lot of great stuff!

I like your stuff Jacki.

I plan on doing stuff myself, but it's mostly gorilla style art.

You know, the stuff you get put in jail for!

On page one of this thread i posted and me and you said almost the exact same thing!

WE ARE BROTHERS!!!!!

BROTHERS DON'T SHAKE HANDS...BROTHERS GOTTA HUG!!!

[chalupacabra]

Thanks!

We should do some kind of shizz music n' art show....

something cool.....music and art exhibition...

BOARD TOPIC! This is exactly the kind of thing I want to see more of.

[bunnyeyes]

The "scene" is pretty funny in Phoenix. I've been around it since my friend Casey moved downtown in 1998 at one of the studios on Grand. It's really hard to make a living in Phoenix as a artist. It's a good place to start but eventually it seems that most of the good ones leave. Casey moved to Berlin and I don't think he will ever move back. It's also sad because nobody can seem to keep things going. Holga's is a really good example. When they first started it was a good place to live/work/and show. Now the gallery isn't even open. What's up with that?

[sonofpatter]

A debate I have had with people is could Phoenix every dominate a decade like Seattle did the 90’s, Harlem the 20’s and San Francisco the 60’s. Those cities music is probably most well known from those periods but they also had some sort of charge across the arts that helped the critical mass of those cities in those decades.

One of the things I like is how many of the artists cross mediums. For example Jackie O writes, paints, and runs shows. This might be a trait of all creative types but I feel Phoenix really encourages places to constantly try new things.

One of the things I like about the arts in Phoenix is how easy it is too get involved. 3rd Friday at the Firehouse is a great example of many venues and events were it is easy to get up there and try something.

Unfortunately we don’t have enough of an arts industry, like L.A. and New York for people to “make it.” So Phoenix seems to be a great place to hone your art and discover your voice but to make it you will have to move on.