On Nov. 5th 2011 a multitude of people from various backgrounds and walks of life descended together upon one of San Francisco's, and the world's, most important galleries of all time. The Luggage Store has been around for over 25 years and has made a permanent mark on the international art scene and the world's creative stage from its inception. It has helped to get the careers and exposure lights running on many artists that I myself consider to be heroes and icons. Artists that have made me believe in making art my life, have challenged my thoughts and views, have made me see in new ways, artists whose work ethics I am in sheer awe of, whose sense style and visual language enthrall, whose message through media have made me strive and work hard to become part of this amazing conversation that we as artists have with one another and the world for our entire lives, simply through what we love to make and do. Twist, Swoon, Maya Hayuk, Mark Bradford, Thomas Campbell, Monica Canilao, Stella Lai, The Date Farmers, Christopher Burch, APEX, t.w.five, Kool Kid Kreyola, Os Gemeos, Cheryl Dunn, and many, many, many more were represented in this vibrant exhibition, benefit, and fundraiser to help the Luggage Store's many arts programs and community involvements. From the mobile projection unit to its curatorial residence, from the Tenderloin National Forest to its artist in residence, volunteer, intern, living wall, just to name a few, they continue to grow and give a voice and supportive environment to minds from all different spheres.
This place and the people who founded it, Laurie Lazer and Darryl Smith, have been a beacon of change, love, communication, and positive energy in a wild and lawless part of one of America's last creative hot beds, for legions of creative minds young and old whom hold it in the highest regard. I had the pleasure and honor of helping them personally with the creation of "In the Moment" as the designer of their online invite and printed invite card, as well as running around the day of the show helping hang, catalogue, and be a general "get this done now" guy. I also had the honor of putting an 8ft painting from my latest series in the exhibition which honestly was a dream come true. The work in the show speaks for itself and the exhibition really marks years upon years of dedication and creativity in the Bay Area and beyond. I made some amazing new friends like Stella Lai, Mari Hashimoto, Yarrow Lazer-Smith, GiGi, Hashimi, and Marsea Goldberg. I got to hang out with great old friends and fellow artists like Chistopher Burch, Ricardo Richey, Ara Jo, Chris Shaher, Daisy, and Kool Kid Kreyola. We all talked and laughed and told stories and discussed new ideas and concepts about the future, bleu cheese, Basquiat, Sheepskin City, bagels, lovage, and huggage. Finally I took some great photos that I share with you here! It was a wonderful night and event and please check out the show before it comes down on the 26th, it is worth every moment you will spend there. Thank you Darryl and Laurie for all you have done for the arts and those who make it their lives! The Luggage Store, to infinity and beyond!
Another truly epic show is about to commence at the legendary Old Crow Tattoo & Gallery in Oakland, CA. The Lineup is insane. This is the third installment of the now renowned Stand Tall series from Old Crow curator Terry Addison. Myself, Poesia, Renos, D Young V, Christopher Burch, Bunnie Reis, Chor Boogie, Apex, and many many more. Stand Tall has become an important showcase of established and emerging talent in the Bay Area, and this time Japanther will also be coming back to do a Shadow Puppet Performance!!! Be There, it is going to get crazy. Here is the flyer and a detail of the piece I have in the show. -JFA III
