True Goth Art, Kevin Llewellyn

If you have ever watched LA Ink and noticed that killer painting (and frame) in the background of the tattoo shop (like I did), it is The Virgin Mary by Kevin (above). At first glance I mistakenly thought it was a Shawn Barber - just love this piece! Kevin’s work is about as “goth” as it gets, nice and dark, in subject matter as well as lighting. Obviously an experienced and adept painter, his images are cool and creepy, moody portraiture with a classic old-master feel. Some have a overly pornographic element, with a cheap shock value - whereas subtle, more erotic touches would enhance his works more. Of couse, that is my humble opinion. He is a young artist and shows a lot of promise, featured here are some fantastic favorites. Kevin currently has a solo show at Wonderland Gallery in LA.

Kevin's website here.

A Darker Look at Christmas, New Art by Jeff Gillette

Artist Jeff Gillette just sent me this wonderfully twisted new piece he painted. A more realistic look at the holidays, perhaps. Titled "Christmas Slums", a take on where all the carnage ends up after the big day. Wish I could see this one in person, looks like there is a bunch of fun stuff going on in the refuse. I wonder what the vintage Santa is saying? Or is he singing?

Hey, at least it's all getting recycled somewhere...

Grateful for Pamela Wilson’s Grim Fairy Tales

Stumbled upon these gems on FaceBook and was so happy to have discovered Pamela Wilson’s works.  Gruesome girls, strong pirate wenches in petticoats, mothers gone bad, heroic women and alienated gothic posers - all come together under her spooky paintbrush. For her incredible portfolio click here. She has an upcoming solo show at the Sarah Bain Gallery in December. If you are in OC for Xmas, take some time out from the Tragic Kingdom and check it out. 

For the Eclectix interview with Pamela click here.

New Eclectix Interview With Anita Collins

Just one of the many outstanding works by artist Anita Collins- above is the scary-mad "Kush". To read the new interview with her and see a gallery of her works go here.

New Art from Camille Rose Garcia

"Noct Lucere Lacuna" by Camille Rose Garcia

No words needed here, that's for sure... just amazing!

(via Arrested Motion)

EclectiXmas Tips - Buy Local, Handmade and Artsy!

This weekend and coming up - are a bunch of arts and crafts fairs- in all neighborhoods and walks of life. As well as many wonderful art shows at various venues. This year, more than ever, these galleries, shops and small businesses need the dollars to keep going. So make an effort to do most your shopping where it will help support the artists in your community. Most of the art venues have made an effort to cull together very reasonably priced arts and gifts for this season. And since this stuff isn't made in China and flown here using jet fuel, these are green and environmentally friendly ways to shop. Made in America! Not too mention they are one-of-a-kind, full of talented flavor and soulfully created. Come on - wouldn't you much rather get a cool little wall piece or some hand sculpted earrings than another scarf you will never wear?

We have listed just a few events around town below (many with Eclectix artists, of course)... but if you can't make these, at least take a few minutes to research some events nearby. It sure beats dealing with those cranky pushy shoppers at the mall!

-In San Francisco-

The Affordable Art Show (most art is under $300)

December 10th:  7 – 10 pm and Dec. 11th: 3-8 pm

63 Bluxome Street Gallery

(63 Bluxome Street) 

San Francisco

A group show of Bay Area artists plus some from So. Cal. Last year’s show was awesome! 

Alice Koswara, Dave Eggers, Kellie Peach Nash, Phoneticontrol, Jared Konopitski, Mike Law, Greg Boudreau, Hugh Leeman, Susan Bennett, Josh Herbolsheimer, Michael Slack, Jose Guinto, Angela Penny, Cait Willis, Nelson Loskamp, James Kimba Anderson, Lil Tuffy, Terri Berman, Gabriela Halsey, Marc Sanchez, Ben Walker, Douglas Alvarez, Erica Steiner, Miha Fmt, Patrick Ma, Aaron Toth, Roque, Ballesteros, Isabel Samaras, J Fuchs Art, Jenna Colby, Jessica Huston, Jessica Ward, Kelly Thompson, Patricia Mitchell, Liesa Lietzke, Lisa Mei Ling Fong, Luc Martin, Michael Fleming, Michelle Waters, Missy Feigum, Mr.clam Lynch, Ross K Jones, Sho Murase, Walt Hall, Wendy Shapiro

-In San Francisco-

"Tiny" (small pieces under $400)

Through December 23rd..

STUDIO Gallery

1815 Polk Street (between Washington & Jackson)

San Francisco, CA  94109

415.931.3130

-In San Francisco-

December Group Show

(over 2 dozen artists with affordable works)

Modern Eden

403 Francisco st. @ Powell in North Beach

San Francisco

-In Berkeley-

ACCI Gallery

Holiday Gift Showcase

Dec.10th - Jan.2nd

Annual Friends, Family and Patron Appreciation Sale, Dec. 10th, 4-8pm

1652 Shattuck Ave.

Berkeley, CA 94709

-In San Jose-

"Robot Girl"

Christine Benjamin's solo show, a local artist who creates her own fun and brightly colored cast of characters. 

Monsters, robots, aliens, skeletons & more, culled from her childhood memories and emotions.

Show runs from Dec. 3rd to Jan. 3rd 2011

Caffe Trieste (upstairs)

315 S. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113

408-287-0400

-In San Jose-

"Have Yourself a Crazy Little Christmas!"

Show runs from Dec. 8th to Jan. 7th, 2011

Come check out original off-beat artwork for sale from super-talented local artists like Deborah Barba, Carlos Villez, John Hageman, Christine Benjamin, Sheri DeBow, Kurtis Rykovich, Lacey Bryant, Laura Collin Bennett, Michael Foley, Michelle Waters, Nicolas Caesar, and Christian Cinder and more! And what Psycho event would be complete without Psycho karaoke as well! 

Reception and Party: Sunday, December 12th from 10AM to 3PM

Psycho Donuts

2006 S. Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA 95008

HOURS: Monday - Thursday 6am-9pm

Friday 6am-11pm | Saturday 7am-11pm | Sunday 7am-9pm

Cool Indie Xmas Gifts at Arhoolie Down Home Records, SF East Bay

Just dropped by Arhoolie Records Down Home Music and did some Xmas shopping. They have a cool new book and CD set out-  "Hear Me Howling! Blues, Ballads and Beyond"... 

If you are a blues fan or have someone on your list who is, this is a great selection. Produced locally, sold by indies and full of great art and music. Love the cover!

"Long time coming. The most exciting documentation of this great music in the last 25 years. And not only will you be able to read and see, you'll be able to hear and see, too. Enjoy!!!" 

-- Taj Mahal 

136 page, 8 1/2 x 11" full color, hardcover book with 4 CDS, 

Over 4 hours and 40 minutes of music, 

72 tracks, including 38 previously unissued. 

Over 150 photographs.

Dennis Fortin of Eclair De Lune

Arhoolie also had in stock - the band's CD who used to rock Eclectix opening receptions regularly - "Eclair De Lune". Many of you wanted to purchase one at the openings and we were sold out. So here's your chance. They play a fantastico mix of gypsy swing jazz. Wonderful tunes to paint by...

Ended up checking off many people on my list in one local stop, which is a great thing. For a good friend I picked up "Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women". Great rockabilly-bluegrass-rock-country combo, you may remember Dave Alvin from The Blasters. He also wrote the wonderful X song, "4th of July", which John Doe sang. We sing it every year around the 4th.

And for a salsa/Latin jazz fan I picked up "Estrellas de Areito, Los Heroes". 

Called the original Buena Vista Social Club, 

a crew of Cuba's best musicians got together in Egrem Studios in Havana and recorded epic sessions. Might have to get this for myself as well. Clever and clean cigar box design on the cover, above...

Arhoolie also has used CDs, vinyl record albums, collectibles, music books and just tons of easy gifts for the peeps on your list. With lots of listening stations it's easy to pick just what you want. They are located in the East Bay, just north of Berkeley in El Cerrito. You can shop online as well... but its mo' fun to finger the covers. Support some musicians! 

LINK.