Don't Think Twice

Matt Costa
July 30, 2008 - Paradise Rock Club

Matt Costa is playing at the Paradise Rock Club tomorrow night, and if you don't know each other, then I suggest you get yourself some tickets. He'll have Sera Cahoone and Satisfaction opening for him. Doors at 7, and it will be a 18plus showing.

Stork Five, Out Now!

Stork Magazine - Issue 5

Spring 2008 - Emerson College

Stork Magazine of Emerson College continues to express, and I am not just saying that because I know the newly assigned Editor-in-Chief, and upcoming Designer of Stork Magazine 5.5 and 6, but the whole publication is so well put together with attention to detail. Stork is a student run publication, with short stories by very talented Emerson students. Kyle Kabel, designer of Stork 4 and 4.5, also designed the latest issue out now, along with their first introduction of photography by Lenora Symczak. You will hear a lot more from Stork Magazine on The Struggling Blogger as some new projects to do with the magazine are on the horizon. To receive a free issue of Stork Magazine: Issue 5, simply leave a comment with your email you would like to be contacted at.

Born and Raised

Juliana Press - Local Portfolio

Here at The Struggling Blogger, we are big big fans of The Serif, which is strictly a blog to showcase the worlds latest and great design. Trying to tie in more design to our blog we are searching the local scene for great student, graduate, and veteran design portfolio sites.

The first one we came across that interested us was of Juliana Press, who was born in Boston, graduated from Simmons with a BA, went to MassArt for a GD certifies program and recently graduated from Glasgow School of Art in Visual Communications. Checkout your portfolio site as she has very clean work, which struck our eye. Her handmade books really impressed, as myself have taken an Artists Books course, and know it takes plenty of time and skill to produce.

Surf Metal

Ketman
July 26, 2008 - Abbey Lounge

Recently stated by the Boston Phoenix as currently the best band in all of Massachusetts, it is now your chance to now see them in action. Ketman known as faceless bad, has a bit of a metal feel, but not the type that turn most off. Some songs can remind you of a more up temo Foo Fighters. Ketman play at the Abbey Lounge tonight, but if you can't make the show, you have a second chance on August 15th, as they play the Middlie East.

Ratatat, Only $20!

Ratatat
September 29, 2008 - Paradise Rock Club

Maybe I shouldn't be telling you this, seeing I have yet to get myself tickets, but Ratatat is coming and why the hell have you not gotten tickets. September 29th, they will be taking the Paradise hostage. Tickets have been on sale, but you should be worried about them selling out, thats why I am telling you now. Tickets are a cool 20 bucks. Also a couple other good tickets which went on sale recently is Jamie Lidell as well as Lotus which both are also playing at the Paradise Rock Club on different nights.

Surprise, Surprise

Tricia Rose Burt - Be Fruitful and Multiply
July 25 - August 23, 2008 - Copley Society of Art

So yes, the Copley Society of Art surprised me on the spaces they have (three that is), and the work. One gallery exhibit that starts today that popped out at me was of Tricia Rose Burt. She has a collection titled Be Fruitful and Multiply, which is displaying three types of her work. Graphite on paper, gouache on paper on panel, and my favorite her unique photocopy prints, which I would easily take four of if I had that cash floating around. Tricia was kind enough to reply to an email, and said she will be having an artist talk on July 31st, at 6pm, which I insist you attend.

Two Local Secrets, Kinda

Dave McMahon, Chi-Yun Lau - Secret Prize Inside!
July 25 - August 22, 2008 - Space 242

Space 242 is a great gallery as they are trying to connect with the "low brow" artists and collectors and making art affordable to all, and thank god for them. The show featuring Dave McMahon and Chi-Yun-Lau their first major exhibitions with orginial illustrations, paintings, and mixed media projects. Chi-Yun Lau you might know best from most of his illustrations featured in the Weekly Dig. To attend the opening this Friday at 6pm to 8pm, you must RSVP via their website, which will take 2 seconds. plus it makes you feel important!

Bomb It!

Bomb It - FutureClassic
July 24, 2008 - Church

FutureClassic's is presenting the official movie screening of the release of the Bomb It - Global Graffiti Documentary @ Church located on 69 Kilmarnock Street starting at 8:30 tomorrow. The film features street artists and top graffiti writers from five different continents, with the likes of Mear One, Tats Cru, Tkid, Kid Acne, and Ron English! DJ Stenny will be at the tables, and tickets are limited, so get on it.

The Sounds of Experiments

Live Experimental Sound and Video Performance
July 24, 2008 - Axiom Gallery

The Axiom is taking a bit of a hiatus with the gallery showing and is doing some interesting events, such as their latest event with live video and sound performances. On Thursday, July 24th at 8pm. The showing will feature Allison Maria Rodriguez video installation exploring the psychology of memory and trauma, Sandrine Schaefer and Philip Fryerbr and The Present Tense: "Too soon/Too late" and finishing with minimalist composer and sound artist Kyle Bobby Dunn.

Japanese Classic?

Bound Stems, One Happy Island
June 21, 2008 - Middle East Club

For our first music event on The Struggling Blogger, we need to tell you about a show at the Middle East Club featuring Bound Stems a band based out of Chicago. They classify themselves as a Indie band with a Japanese Classic touch. But before they take the stage, be sure to check out local band One Happy Island is also a must. All starts Monday at 8pm. One Happy Island will most likely be taking the stage at 9pm, with Bound Stems at 11pm. Its a 18+ show at Middle East Upstairs.

Propaganda without Dogma

Interview: Ron English

Ron English, Ron English, how do I know this name! The other day I finally found out, I had read an article in Swindle about him months ago. Now his work is in Boston at the a-Politics exhibit and took over the wall outside the SoWa galleries. I know it would be hard, but I thought I would try, and ask Mr. English for a short and sweet interview, he said "sure." He made sure to keep it short, but we ask him nine questions, and he was kind enough to answer them all. We at The Struggling Blogger would like to thank him for his time, and can't wait to get some more interviews here.

Barclay Douglas: What is the message behind Abraham Obama?
Ron English: I was hoping for an image that would create a dialogue.

BD: What has been your favorite project to work on?
RE: The kid series.

BD: What your greatest inspiration behind your work?
RE: Fear of a day job.

BD: Which artist/designer do you respect most?
RE: I don't have a single favorite.

BD: What is Popaganda?
RE: Propaganda without dogma.

BD: What does Ron English do when he is not doing Popaganda.
RE: Repent.

BD: One thing most people don't know about Ron English?
RE: That I'm a figment of their imagination.

BD: What is next for Ron English
RE: That's top secret.

BD: One bit of advice you would give a young art or design student?
RE: Make the art you want to see, not the art others want you to make. They'll come around.

East Coast Finest

Boston Young Contemporaries

July 18 - August 22, 2008 - 808 Gallery

Boston Young Contemporaries exhibition presented by 808 Gallery at Boston University is back for a third stint. There will be 90 up and coming fine art students, with 159 artworks, from twelve different New England schools! July 18th, DJ Ari Josesph will be kicking things off at 6pm for the opening which is free and open to you the public! Work will consist of paintings, photography, video and sculpture.

July Typography

Typography
July 1 - 31, 2008 - Lumen Eclipse

My new favorite "gallery", Lumen Eclipse, continues to make me all fuzzy inside. They even have their own myspace, come on, that means something to someone (not myself). They are a gallery using outdoor video displays, social venues and our favorite, the world wide web to spread the great world of motion arts/graphics. We are already on the back swing of July, but we had to tell you about their online collection for this month, which is... Typography! All eight videos displays great uses of type and I encourage you to watch. Did I mention, they would love to get videos by you.

Green Somerville

ArtBeat

July 18 - 19, 2008 - Somerville Arts Council

This weekend, Davis Square will completely transform into the Boston area's largest and innovative art festival titled ArtBeat with this years theme of being green of course. Local bands will play such as Allton's Freezepop as well as Elm and Holland street filled with art vendors. The event start at 6pm on the 18th, and continues at noon to the evening on the 19th.

Short-Films Extention

LE:60 Deadline Extention
August 15, 2008 - Lumen Eclipse

Attention all short-film makers, you have one month to make a 60 second film, starting now! This is the first annual Lumen Eclipse: 60 Film Festival and the deadline for all entries has been extended to August 15, 2008 giving you exactly one month from today. All films must be 60 seconds exactly or less. The film festival subject is open to your creativity! All mailed entries must be stamped by August 15, 2008 to: Lumen Eclipse, Attn: Le:60, 248 Beacon Street Somerville, MA 02143. Videos/films may also be uploaded to Lumen Eclipse official website as well, but uploading has not yet been opened. The best thing is the film festival it will be a outdoor event on Palmer Street in Harvard Square on September 27th. Will make sure to remind you of that when the time nears, in the meantime, get filming.

The Paintings are Chronicles

Andrew Saftel - How Do We Get There?
July 12 - August 3, 2008 - Lanoue Fine Art

Andrew Saftel is showing at the latest exhibit at Lanoue Fine Art Gallery consisting of mixed media pieces, which opened yesterday. Lanoue Fine Art has surprised me with some good shows with pieces that can please the older eye as well as the younger. Lanoue will not have a exhibit for August, yet will back back in September with Petria Mitchell. Below are some words by Lanoue, describing the current show of Saftel's.

The paintings are chronicles: atomspheres of thought, filled with words, images and stories. Like a life lived, these paintings are layers of information - partly obscured, partly revealed. This work is about the geology of time, a layering of events through history leading up to this moment. The layering of the paintings is also geological, a build-up of thoughts, emotions and physical interactions buring in the layers of paint. We see only the surface, but everything underneath influeces what the surface eventually becomes. - Lanoue Fine Art

Carni-Tonight

Carnival of the Arts

July 12, 2008 - Axiom Gallery

What are you doing right now? Well down at the up and coming Axiom Gallery they have been having a day art influenced by the old time fairs, festivals and circuses, titled Carnival of the Arts. The reasoning for the festival is simply generate community awareness and participation in art events in Jamaica Plain and around the Boston area, which I am a stronger supporter of. The day has been filled with activities, performances, local artists and a silent auction in the gallery. All ends at dusk, so run down there now! At 8pm tonight Zebbler Encanti will be performing a sound and video which I suggest you go. Tonights show is free but they would love donations (suggested donation: $7), as it will go to future educational program series.

Rare Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss: For President

July 1 - 30, 2008 - Newbury Fine Art

Most of the time I tend to lean away from things the Newbury Fine Art Gallery shows, as modern and contemporary art is not their main drive as a gallery. While browsing I noticed they have had a show exhibiting rare art work that many have never seen of the one and only Dr. Seuss, including some characters you might have seen before like the one above. I do not know much about the gallery, and the times, or if they are snobby, but judging by their website, they might be. The show only lasts until July 30th.

5x5, Randal Thurston

5x5: Fifth Annual Juired Summer Exhibition

June 5 - August 10, 2008 - Tufts University Art Gallery

A number of weeks ago I was reading about this show, it then slipped my mind and now a month into the show I found the show again. The good thing about art exhibits, they tend to be up for awhile such as his one titled '5x5' the 5th Annual Juired Summer Exhibition at Tufts which is up for another month (August 10th, 2008). The reason I am glad to have had this show cross my path again is because Randal Thurston, who taught me and The Struggling Blogger co-writer Greyleaf printmaking at the New England School of Art & Design.

The show consists of work by Kyle Larabee, Mindy Nierenberg, Roy Pardi, August Ventimiglia as well as Randal Thurston. Below is a quick blurb about Wunderkammern, Thurston's part of the show.

Wunderkammern is an installation of cut paper frames, hung salon-style along forty feet of gallery wall. The cut paper frames are richly decorative and from far away appear simply as ornate objects. Closer inspection reveals that the frames are composed of skeletal and floral elements. Thurston is inspired by Wunderkammern (cabinets of curiosity) as proto-museums that contained a variety of exotica, displayed objects in a grand mixture, and instilled awe in the viewer. The installation also recalls spectacular and morbid Eastern European ossuaries, which contained decorations, furniture, and sculptural tableaux composed entirely of human bones. - Tufts University Art Gallery

The show is in Medford, so it is a bit of a hike, but will be worth it. Nothing like a good subway ride can take care of it.

Taking It All In

The Best of AIB Photography 2008: Taking In

July 11 - August 23, 2008 - Laconia Gallery
Laconia Gallery presents 'Taking In', the best contemporary photography by the students of Art Institute of Boston and it is some great photography with some great work from the AIB, as always. The work ranges from subjects and approaches from color to black and white, digital to alternative process, documentary to photomontage. The show runs towards the end of August. Best times to visit the gallery is the first Fridays 5:30 to 8:30 and Saturdays Noon to 4pm.

Meet Jimmi, He's a Softie

Affordable Local Art: Soto Softies

We are going to get a little cutesy on you, as we bring you the latest edition of affordable local art, you can actually purchase. These cute handmade soft animals are made right in Cambridge called Soto Softies. The maker does not take commissions, yet all her mice, bats and whatever else are made are all orginial with a veriety of felts and all are filed with polyfill. They are all 50 bucks in piece, but they are one of a kinda pieces perfect for anyone. They can even stand on their own with a little balance and help by you.

Do Your Laundry

Joan Linder - More Fun In The New World

July 10 - August 3, 2008 - Judi Rotenberg Gallery

You know why the Judi Rotenberg Gallery continues to be one of the best galleries in Boston, who are not being forced to move, merge or even close, three reasons. First they have prime location which other galleries have too. Secondly they continue to update their gallery website with current, and future shows, unlike many galleries who are weeks late after they put up their latest exhibit (it is more important then you think!). Finally, they continue to have great upcoming contemporary artists, which all can appreciate.

So I am done ranting, for now, but the Judi Rotenberg Gallery does have another show you should checkout. Joan Linder has pen and ink on paper drawings which are huge pieces ranging from 22 x 30 to 54 x 60 such as the piece appropriately titled 'Washer and Dryer'. The show is titled 'More Fun in the New World' She has her BFA from Tufts and MFA from Columbia. This is her first one lady show of 2008. The show officially starts tomorrow with the reception from 6-8pm.

Battle Scars

Gil Mares - Harbor Abstracts

July 2 - 26, 2008 - Kidder Smith Gallery

Gil Mares in his own words, describing his July exhibit of Ilfochrome photograph mounted on aluminum of ships and their battle scars.

For the past two decades I have photographed details of Spanish colonial and adobe structures throughout the American Southwest and Latin America. I tend to concentrate on the simple yet elegant details that make each of these buildings unique. Over the years my style has evolved into a "distilling process" that concentrates on what is in plain view and attempts to pull out the essence of the subject. I recently began to use this process to photograph cargo freighters in the Los Angeles Harbor. While searching for images in the harbor, I was drawn to the worn hulls of the ships that dock there. These ships seem as great whales with battle scars which record their life-long struggle to survive. The ships at dock can be seen every day. However, the visual secrets of the ships are generally not known because of the distance between the ships and the observer. I have concentrated on eliminating this distance to reveal their beauty. The brightly painted hulls exhibit interesting patterns and textures which are reflected in the water. The hulls may appear delicate, tenuous, even transparent. However, the scrapes, gouges, rubber marks and rusting wounds, sometimes from the ships' own anchors, sometimes from the ubiquitous tires found on the sides of docks and tugboats, belie this frailty. At times a series of numbers or cryptic diagrams may appear on the massive hulls. These messages communicate only to those who assist in ferrying the ships in and out of the world's ports. - Gil Mares

I have never written about a showing at the Kidder Smith Gallery, but the colors of the work and the stories the photographs give off of the ships are so strong, that this gallery is a must see. The show started on the 2nd and runs only to the 26th of July.

Your Vote Matters

a-Politics
July 4 - October 4, 2008 - Gallery XIV

I posted about a-Politics only last week, and just posted about Ron English's wall installation, but the show a-Politics is also up and they are looking for your vote. When you go to the gallery you are asked to vote for your favorite piece of work. You can guess my favorite, wink, nudge. Checkout some of the works up for the nomination thanks to Reflect-Arts Inc.

Abraham Obama Wall

Ron English - Abraham Obama Wall

July 4 - October 4, 2008 - Gallery XIV

Ron English and his Abraham Obama wall installation is up and running, and you must take a trip down to the South End, and check it out. This wall has generated quite the buzz over the past week as a-Politics and all that they are doing at Gallery XIV is really sending a strong message. The wall installation will be up for a while, but the paste is fresh and the posters don't have rips, so this is the perfect thing so do while in the South End, and why not hit up the SoWa Market while your down there on Sunday! Checkout some great pictures by William on Picasa of the installation of Ron English's work. The wall is open to the public, so go whenever you wish!

Familiar Becomes Unfamiliar

Jesse Kaminsky - Air

July 8 - Sept 9, 2008 - Berwick Research Institute

The Weekly Dig profiled Jesse Kaminsky, a day later I found him while roaming the web on accident, so it was a must to write about his show Air starting on the 8th of July, plus his work is not half bad. I know its early as well, but this local artist is The Struggling Blogger Artist of the Month for July 2008. The explanation on the Berwick Research Institute tells it best, a way that everyone can understand.

Jesse Kaminsky is a Boston-based artist who makes process-oriented sculpture and sculptural installations that create complex systems from simple materials. He plans to explore the way we understand and construct place using perception, memory and desire. With simple materials he will create environments that will alter your sense of space and time. Kaminsky seeks the threshold of perception where the familiar becomes unfamiliar, and the mind explores a variety of new, sometimes implausible, theories in order to make sense of the world again. - Berwick Research Institute

Kaminsky will talk about his show at the BRI at 7:30 of the opening. If you need help finding the place, like myself checkout their directions, no matter what direction your coming from. Also be sure to check out his portfolio website which has other great works from past shows.

From Russia with Skillz

Yana Payusova - ...Told Me I Would Die

The Boston Globe

The Boston Globe has a great article about Yana Payusova, who is a Russian-born artist who does paintings and drawings of her childhood experiences in Russia. Payusova, who currently lives in Jamica Plains, is out with her most recent series titled 'When My Neighbor Told Me I Would Die' which will have a showing soon at the DeCordova Museum and Scupture Park. She had a showing this past October at the Howard Yezerski Gallery, and has been in a number of recent one women's and group showings, such as her most recent, Sultana's Dream at Exit Art in New York. Be sure to also check out her work on her web site.

Make Way for Sharks

Local Design: Sharks and Rays

So if you have not seen this ad campaign and you live in Boston, you should really start getting out more, because they are everywhere and I think its a pretty good campaign designed by Mullen that is strictly for Boston, and Boston only. The only thing that bothers me is that its Sharks and Rays at the New England Aquarium, but all the advertisements seem to be relating to sharks and no rays. When in Boston the best and only great ads are the iPods that you can't run from, these really can catch your eye, but what is great is how they used all the advertising spaces such as at Park Street. Checkout the photos of all the advertisements. Also be sure to checkout the quick blur by The Boston Globe about the campaign. Would love to hear your opinion on the campaign!

I Heart Southie

Deep in the Heart of Southie

June 25 - August 2, 2008 - LaMontagne Gallery
LaMontagne Gallery is finally presenting their first group show titled Deep in the Heart of Southie wrapping up their first year. Names of the show consist of LaMontagne Gallery: Ronnie Bass, Nina Beier, Marie Lund, Alejandro Cesarco, Samuel Ekwurtzel, Tiffany Sum, Laura Harrison, Kiki Seror, Jessica Williams, and Andrew Witkin. The show has soe great work with mediums ranging from video, photography and paint. The show started a week ago, but I didn't have all the information I wanted to give to you, but now that it has started, this show is a must go. It is off the path from most of the other galleries and they have moved recently, but they are located at 555 East 2nd Street. Note they will be closed July 4th and the 5th, for obvious reasons.

Wet Hot...

American Summer '08

July 3 - August 2, 2008 - Kingston Gallery

Introducing the 17th annual national juried show titled American Summer '08. This show is held and sponsored by the Kingston Gallery starting today to August 2nd. The show will have a wide range of art work which was judged by Matt Nash a professor at the Art Institute Boston as well as the publisher of BigRedandShiny.com. The opening reception will be July 11th starting at 5pm. This will be the Kingston Gallery's last show before they close for the month of August.

Abraham Obama

a-Politic

July 4, 2008 - October 4, 2008

Karen from Reflect-arts gave me a kind email about the huge gathering of 40 premiere artists, from 16 different states with art inspired by notions of freedom, war, the environment, terrorism and more at Gallery XIV titled a-Politic. The biggest attraction will be by Ron English known for his 'Popaganda', will be installing a 100 foot billboard of his Abraham Obama. This billboard is open to the press today from 6 to 9, but will be open to the public this Friday, July 4th from 2 to 6pm. Also on the 25th of July Gallery XIV will be premiering Popaganda: The Arts and Crimes of Ron English.

15th Summer at IPG

Summer of Love

July 1 - August 31, 2008 - International Poster Gallery

The International Poster Gallery was kind enough to send us a press kit to talk about their summer show titled 'Summer of Love', their 15th summer show. While their website says the show starts today, we have information that the show officially starts this Friday the 4th of July. The show has impressive pieces such as a silkscreen piece by Arnold Skolnick titled 3 Days of Peace and Love for the 1969 Woodstock, which you most likely have seen elsewhere. The piece I am most excited about is the art deco piece by Nembhard N. Culin, for the New York World's Fair in 1939. This show runs to Labor Day, free, and the IPG encourages the public to view the exhibit on Newbury Street.

1946 to 2008

Loners & Mavericks

June 21 - August 2, 2008 - Nielsen Gallery

So I wanted to tell you of a great group show in Boston, yet could not pile up enough information to make it onto the blog, but never worry, I found another! Loners & Mavericks is a collective show ranging from old to extremely new pieces of fine art. Names from Forrest Bess and Jay DeFeo to Laurel Hughes and Sam Messer. The show has a wide range of all types of work that should tickle anyones fancy! The gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5:30pm located at 179 on Newbury.