Interview with Rogelio Tijerinia 

857 N. Damen Ave – Sculpture Courtyard 

Originally from Southern Texas, Rogelio Tijerinia moved to Chicago for SAIC. Tijerinia now splits his time between Texas and Chicago working to build artist communities and spaces that encourage creativity.

A renowned artist, Tijerinia crafted most of the pieces in the Sculpture Courtyard and has owned and operated the space at 857 N. Damen Ave. since 1985.

“Everything here is created, constructed, and reconstructed,” Tijerinia told me, 

sitting at a black wiry table over coffee and a smooth, tiled patch of Courtyard with other diners and drinkers from Jam Restaurant.  All the uniform slates were saved from a failed start-up concrete business and set here, in the back half of the Courtyard.

“Did you lay the foundation of the courtyard yourself?” I asked.

“This limestone is from the foundation of a building demolished in the 40s. We excavated the dirt that was above it and left the ground as it was. I just love the look and natural texture. Everything here is made from recycled materials,” Tijerinia said.

“This city has a lot to offer, sometimes it just brings it to you.”

There’s a thin barrier, a metal wall separating the courtyard from the outside world and traffic.  Have you ever thought of tearing it down, opening the space to the street?

“We’re mere inches from Damen Avenue. That simple barrier makes this place an oasis. Even the barrier is constructed with sheet metal I got from a trucker passing by. I figured we could use it somehow.

“And see the little maple tree there? I used to walk the Rail Road lines. Rail Roads cut the trees back when they reach the power lines. There was no future for that tree, so, I took a shovel, uprooted, and saved it. If everyone in Chicago did the same thing we’d save a lot more trees and we’d be doing the power line company a favor.”

The sculptures here, the cow hides, what do they represent?

“The series is called ‘Ghost Herd’ in memory of the Chicago stockyards.”

Are these pieces are inspired by your life in Southern Texas?

“These are definitely influenced by Southern Texas. As part of the process I chose hides that have brandings to keep the memory of the process and the animal. My Dad recognized one of the brands from a commercial tannery in Texas. I got it here in Chicago. I don’t like to speak too much about my work. I leave it open-ended to where people can add their personal experience and history and connect with it themselves.

“A lot of my work is very literal. Look behind me. See the horse there? What’s the title? ‘Horse.’ It is conceptually oriented to address the racing industry. Notice the stance. It is not an equestrian-style pose. It’s elongated and elegant even though the horse is resisting. Rebellious, right at it’s the breaking point, before you can control and master it. Resisting though it’s tied to a pole. There’s a real harness on it so it doesn’t become a total statue—there’s some sense of reality.”

Do you think the art makes the Courtyard so calming, so sequestered in a big city?

“Here are the remnants of things people and time have left behind. I don’t necessarily throw things away—I just reorganize. All the artists that have come through here have left pieces of their work and minds over time. Time, we chase it with art; warmth and that feeling of understanding. Through time of being in space and using space, it all comes in time. You can try and fake it, but it doesn’t feel authentic.”

There’s such a creative and soothing energy here…

“Everyone that visits here talks about the energy. This place is a sanctuary for creative souls. It’s all about energy, building momentum, and creative countenance,” Tijerinia said.

Leaves of twenty-foot trees were playing like we all did in our formative years, audible in the last sighs of conversation; I sat there a while. In the Sculpture Courtyard I felt completely removed from the city, somewhere warm, on a friend’s back porch.

For an in-depth interview and biography of Roy Tijerinia check out this article by the Chicago Reader…

Art Adventure! Events Presents West Town Art-About

Here’s the links & details for the venues/artists/shows included in the Art-About on June 19^th, 2010 from 4:00-10:00 PM.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ART-ABOUT MAP!

Sculpture Courtyard

START at the Sculpture Courtyard, 935 N. Damen Ave. Pick-up maps and local artist & business literature. Muggy Tuesday will be selling their crafts & hand-made jewelry; artist Brittney Ross will be installing her “Curious Creatures” knit jellies. Micky & Friends of the Red Line Tap will be playing acoustic Music from 4:00-6:00 PM and later Magic Milk will perform from 9:30-10:30 PM.

Bend Yoga, the Art Adventure! Art-About Gold Sponsor, at 906 N. Damen, will be showing artist Adam Grossi. Musical sets include Healing Vibes from 6:00-8:00 PM & A Sample Life from 8:00-10:00 PM.

The Architrouve at 1433 W. Chicago Ave, will be showing artists Donna Hapac & Paul Clark. Acoustic music sets from 6:30-8:00 PM by Caulfield & Reading May. The Architrouve is also hosting a wine tasting.

Rotofugi Gallery at 1953 W. Chicago Ave, will be showing a solo-exhibition by artist Kurt Halsey.

Rotofugi Gallery

Stolen Buick Studio at 1303 W. Chicago Ave, will show work from Alexandra & Michael Buxbaum. Stolen Buick Studio will also host a wine tasting.

Vigilante Press at 1931 W. Chicago Ave, will host the Art-About collaborative art piece. Check out comics, graphic novels, artwork, and create with us!

Agent Gallery  at 916 N. Damen Ave, will show Peter Labier’s “Collected of You.”

Lotus Keep Gallery at 1017 N. Western Ave, will show work from brothers Loc & Quang Hong. Inspector Owlwill play an acoustic set from 5:30-7:00 PM. Lotus Keep will also provide refreshments.

Studio 1020 at 1020 N. Marshfield, is the heart of the Green Cross Project, and will have collaborative Green Crosses on display. Studio 1020 will also host wine & foods.

Pawn Works at 1050 N. Damen Ave, will have a solo-exhibition OPENING by artist Montgomery Perry Smith. 

Broken Art Restoration at 1841 W. Chicago Ave, will show work by owner William Marhoefer. William will facilitate live Tai Chi Demonstrations and Broken Art Restoration will host a wine tasting.

Betty Dare Art Gallery  at 1319 W. Chicago Ave, will show Rory Coyne, Tristan Hummel, Aaron Straus, & Martin Bernstein with the theme “Influences.” Betty Dare will also host a wine tasting.

Black Market Caviar

Black Market Caviar  at 1953 W. Chicago Ave, will demonstrate live silk-screening at 9:30 PM.

Resaca Gallery at 935 N. Damen Ave, will show a collection of artists in mixed mediums.

The Dark Room at 2210 W. Chicago Ave, will exhibit photography curated by the Chicago Photography Academy. Music will be provided by DJs: Brian Gardner, Daryl Cura & Guests. Outdoor Patio BBQ provided by Manbque  from 5:00-10:00 PM.

The Blind Robin at 853 N. Western Ave, will show artist John Airo’s  “Robots & Drawings” collection. Drink specials include $2 PBR and $4 Vodka Lemonades.

Barista Coffee House

Barista Coffee House at 852 N. Damen Ave will show artist Andy, Andy, Andy! and host the official (Chicago) Degnans VS DJ Triple B CD release show. Specials include $1 Iced Coffees.

Café Ballou  at 939 N. Western Ave will show art-work from Jesy G., Joshua Robert Backus, Backy Nixon, and more. Café Ballou will host a poetry CRAM from 6:00-9:00 PM and offers .50 OFF All drinks & $1 OFF All Sandwiches.

Atomix at 1957 W. Chicago Ave will show artist Steff Bomb. Music will be provided by Venna, Stephen Ucherek, & JT Royster  from 7:00-9:00 PM. Ask the folks at Atomix about the FREE Art Sale…

ATOMIX

A VISION Wine & Flower Shop at 910 N. Damen Ave, will show artist Brittany Cortina. A Vision will also host an artisan wine tasting.

Swim Café at 1357 W. Chicago Ave will show artists Donald Lee & Christine Holuj. Swim will host a cupcake and arty bake sale. Swim Café is BYOB and will provide wine.

Five Star Bar at 1424 W. Chicago Ave will be showing hand-made cycles by Lug’s Bike Shop. Five Star Bar will be selling their very own Pale Ale Micro Brews for only $5!

Star Lounge

Star Lounge at 2521 W. Chicago Ave, will be showing artist Hira Ballon and facilitating boutique roasting & traditional coffee cupping demonstrations.

The Tree House at 906 N. Damen Ave, will show artists Sven Lager & Jesy G.

The Noble Grape at 802 N. Bishop will show artist Erin Larocque and host an artisan wine tasting.

Look out for performance, live, and street artists along the way & throughout the day.

Email us with questions…. INFO@ArtAdventureEvents.com

Here’s some photos from the official Art-About Map Release  &  Artist Meet N’ Greet shindig. Thanks to Adam Daniels for the wonderful shots & to all the participating artists and gallery owners. 

For more info on the June 19th Art Adventure! Art-About go here… ART-ABOUT INFO and if you have questions email INFO@ArtAventureEvents.com.

Live, Breathe, Eat—Art, Art, Art!

Interview with Claire Molek & Erin Florence of The Studio at 1020

How long have you been at 1020 N. Marshfield?

“Since last June. We started showing in October, 2009.”

Is ‘Studio 1020’ named after the address?

“Ha, at first it was so ambiguous. As an after thought we re-named it The Studio at 1020 so when we move we can be ‘at’ somewhere else. We don’t want to be restricted by words, a phrase, or any particular dogma. This name encompasses the evolution of our space and it is part of the aesthetic.”

What attracts you to artists? I mean,  how do you choose who will exhibit?

“Work that strikes a chord of truth, that’s making a larger statement than ourselves and simple aestheticism. Work that is well thought out, and thoroughly constructed. We want to maintain a contemporary standard of excellence and we want the work we show to be part of the contemporary dialogue. We want this discussion to be as global and all encompassing as possible without restrictions.”

Tell me about your Salon nights on Tuesdays…

“We’re building a community of true creators and appreciators. Sometimes we have a project for people, other times it’s just an open creation/collaboration session. We encourage people who aren’t technically visual artists to draw and think about their lives and the world around them. We want art to be an active part of peoples’ lives. Art culture—what we can do to help and change it? We can create an open dialogue for progresssion while making the world around us more beautiful.”

“There’s nothing the world needs more than art. We need less people taking pharmaceuticals and more picking up a piece of paper.”

What are your thoughts on ‘collaborative’ art?

“You learn so much from working with people—creates a kind of art that you can’t reach by yourself. To work collaboratively is such a large statement—it isn’t traditionally a huge seller but it’s something totally special, something raw and unique.”

What do you think is unique or different about your Studio?

“We’re in a small, intimate space because we feel it makes people more comfortable. There are no blinding white walls or bourgeoisie overtones. Art is a part of everyday life and we don’t want to remove it from its natural sphere of influence, instead we want to emphasize its importance. That’s why we do food art.”

What, exactly, is food art? 

“We accompany openings with food. Nick Jirasek is a phenomenal Chef who works with us on our shows (the catering company is Guerilla Smiles). We hang the show, Nick sees the art, then creates a menu that has the same philosophical nature as the work. The menu is based on what the art makes him feel.”

What made you decide to host food art?

“The menu fuses a connection with the art. It involves all of the senses and art is better recalled and remembered with smell, taste, texture. Plus, we were bored with all the wine and cheese, it’s delicious, don’t get us wrong, we just want something that takes you beyond the traditional gallery setting.” 

Why is food art important for your space and shows?

“It’s a beautiful thing for people to eat together. It’s human and natural. Eating together solidifies a connection within the group, and if the show space feels intimidating, there’s always the kitchen. The kitchen is a gathering space as well as the studio. Nick does a great job making people feel comfortable.

“And food is art. Nick is an artist. It’s another form of creation we’re presenting to people.”

What’s something people don’t know about you?

“We don’t list, we’re not on the Internet—and there’s a reason. We want to protect the integrity of our and artists work. People we attract and the community we’re building is genuinely interested in appreciation and creation versus being a social gathering.” 

The Studio at 1020 is a bit off the beaten path. Does that affect your turn out for openings? 

“Yeah, we are a bit off the main drag but we feel it makes our Studio more of a destination location so the people that come here are truly interested in art and what we’re doing.”

Check out their space at 1020 N Marshfield. In a normal blog post, this is where I’d link to their web/facebook/myspace page. Since they’re anti-Internet, here are a few more images of their space…

Pow! Stay Posted for Articles & Interviews with Gallery Owners & Artists

Yes, yes. We know it’s off set. PRINT the Art-About Hand-Out HERE… Or pick it up from your favorite local gallery or on the day of show at 857 N Damen – The Sculpture Garden.

Interview with Nick Marzullo

Pawn Works – A Pawn Shop for Art

1050 N. Damen Ave

How long have you been in this space? 

About a year, now, since May. Pawn Works, the group, has been around for five years. It started in Cincinnati, OH and was run out of my apartment. I had canvasses piled high in all the corners of my rooms. Back then Pawn Works was more conceptual…

What is the significance of Pawn Works? As an idea, as a gallery space? 

First and foremost I’m a collector, but I’ve always been a painter. I was getting prints from artists like Banksy when they were still unknown—just watching their work appreciate over time.  I am always buying art, hanging things. People would come to my house and literally buy the artwork off my walls. I always had a base, but no space.

What about the name ‘Pawn Works?’

Really Pawn Works is a pawnshop for art. And I’m an avid Chess player.  Pawn Works is also my escape route. This place doesn’t really have an identity because I have many of types of shows—photos, sculpture, collage—exhibitions are something new and different every time.

How do you select an artist for a solo-exhibition?

Originality is hard to measure; it starts with my interests. I’ve searched different Universities I’ve liked and found web sites of their Alumni. Other times, people have found me from word of mouth or online. I want to like the work and the person as an artist. This space is kind of tight and each show encompasses the artist’s personality with their work.

At the level I’m at, I show a lot of emerging artists. It’s where I want to be right now. I took a few steps back to be here. Out of college I got a job at the Art Institute. I left there three years ago to create this space. For me, it isn’t about money. If conceptually this place, or I, physically dies off, the thought that in 30 years an artist will say my first solo-exhibition was here—that’s what I’m about.

What’s something you want people to know?

“I’m indirectly hard to reach,” Nick said and laughs. “It didn’t happen on purpose, just coincidence. A lot of people don’t really know what’s going on here. A friend of mine recently said I ‘was proving that I wasn’t about making money.’

I will be posting public hours in July on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and adding a small shelve to sell small ‘daily’ items. Stickers, pens, small prints.

I’m really embracing the window display feature of this space. Best thing, for me, is when I see people in front of the window or people talking about the art. I hear critiques of people from all ages at all times of the night.

What has been your biggest art Adventure?

I travel to New York and London about once a year to check out solo-street tours and ‘spy’ work that will disappear in two-three days; ephemeral work that won’t last. I travel to check out street art, stickers, graffiti, see who’s working and who’s out.

Tell me about your next solo-exhibition artist, Montgomery Perry Smith… 

His work is sculptural and clean—ceramics and felt. It’s definitely built with a sexual orientation. There’s curvature and spherical movement in his pieces. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily whimsical, but soft and round. I rather like him. He’s soft spoken and genuine.

He was voted by New City as one of the top ten emerging artists in Chicago and he’s part of Harold Arts Collective, a local non-for-profit.

For updates, info, and Chi news, check out Pawn Works on the Interwebs…