With Valentine’s day quickly approaching, and spring time just around the corner (thank you, Virginia), it seems safe to assume that tons and tons of florals will be popping up soon—both in nature and fashion.

“I make fairly densely interwoven imagery that isn’t representative of a singular image but is unified in its approach.”

“A lot of times ideas pop into my head and I can’t explain them, but I’m glad that they’re there and I hope they never stop coming.” – Brandon Thompson

“Place is not confined to mere geographic locations but could extend into the esoteric places, such as the mind.”
VB’s Rich-Joseph Facun, our FFA

Jules talks about her favorite Friday Featured Artists, the interviews that have left an impact on her, the local art scene, and on re-designing billboards in her head as she drives around town.

“I enjoy drawing/tattooing things with a comic book feel.” – John Thrasher Thiel

So, while some of the work is a little young- it is definitely youthful in a good way. It’s the kind of feeling you get from talking to a gawky, smart teenager that is bursting with potential and on the verge of coming into their own.

Doug is a CNU student, an up-and-coming cartoonist, and a young man with a squiggly mind. We hope you enjoy this monthly series.

Known for his editorial cartoons, featured weekly in The Virginian-Pilot, Walt Taylor is an elusive Hampton Roads local whose illustrations capture the essence of the area’s cultural beauty.

“We need to work-on being a destination and not a stagnant trendy novelty.” – Nichole Ashikis

One of the dudes behind Dumskeme Apparel in images and words.

“I feel like this is an opportunity for Norfolk to prove it’s worth as a market for lowbrow artists and I hope to see similar exhibitions attracted to the area. I certainly plan on doing my part.”

“From Greek sculpture through contemporary painting, nudity and sexuality have always been part of art and I don’t find any shame in continuing that tradition.” – stuntkid

“I want to combat the notion that visual art is a luxury only to be enjoyed by the wealthy and expose the process of creating art through my work, making it more accessible for people to understand.” – Rtistjono

“I drew a naked picture of my aunt and uncle naked at their wedding. But not just naked, it was very creative; my uncle’s penis extended up and around his neck to be used as a tie and her boobs slung over her head as a veil. I don’t know when I drew this but it was sometime around six years old.” – Dana Ellyn

Thinking about it now still shatters my brain. Things make so much less sense when you watch real live people spin like violent cyclones one minute and then suddenly they’re gliding through the air like a wind-plucked dandelion tuft.

“Traditions and rituals of my Italian Catholic heritage were woven into my life and still play an important role in my work as an artist.” – ODU & TCC’s Nikki Webb

If you’ve seen a TCC “from here, go anywhere” ad, Dave Iwans has been in your life. If you’ve ever “taken ORF,” Dave Iwans has been in your life…

“Sometimes I enjoy looking at the design work I did in school because it is absolute garbage and it makes me laugh.” – Carl Floyd Medley III

“They “taught” us how to be professional at art school, but I didn’t really learn that till failing in the field a few times.” – John Sebastian Vitale

I was amazed at the ability of sand to defy the laws of physics in order to make entry into my face and ears. I wore a respirator, sandblasting hood, and glasses but I could still feel high velocity sand pluck me in the eye somewhat regularly.

“My work starts from emotional sensations that I try to describe physically.” – Jeannine Harkleroad

Process. This is what art is: the creation, the trial and error, the hours alone in the studio, editing bay, or with a laptop in the dark. Art is not the final product you see in a gallery or museum. It is a team of seven people sweating over a piece of molten glass that literally glows with heat.

Describe your perfect day in three sentences:

Wake up around noon and ride my motorcycle down Potters Rd. naked.
Shotgun beers with my mom and get Chik-fil-A on a Sunday.
End up watching “Waiting Mortuary” or something loud, and doing hoodrat things with my friends.

Local photographer Robert Kurtz put together a photo comic called ALIVE. Here is a selection of images from the comic. Enjoy.

The VB native shares his thoughts on designing the Stockley Gardens logo, his artistic influences, and his complicated relationship with The Beach.

The big arts and culture institutions in Norfolk are coming together in hopes of growing the scene. Here are some ideas they should consider implementing.

Bringing art back to peoples’ lives as a necessity. – Barry Harbour

Two weeks of performance on The Tide, and art around it. Plus a deal on 50% off Tide tickets for opening night.

“I borrowed a community college Photography 101 book for about two years and would read a chapter and practice what I learned over the next month until I had finished the book. ” – Kurtz

“We want the ‘Wow’ factor and we will know what we want when we see it.” – Rick Mersel, The NorVa

“I don’t want it to just be a drawing of an apple or a tree…I want the apple or tree to tell something much further about itself to the viewer. Sometimes a dream will also inspire a piece. I like to leave the viewer with a mix of satisfaction and thought. I also like my pieces to represent the current state of the outside world, how I see it, and how it could possibly be.”

The winning films from the Hampton Roads 48 Hour Film Project, including “In Captivity,” “Dead Air,” “King of the Roosts,” and “Seizure.”

A lot has happened this past month. We had an earthquake, hurricane, the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and I got sunburned on my balding head. These cartoons are my take.

“If we were to allow our “heroes” to emote fully then wouldn’t that allow those of us not wearing the uniform a broader (acceptable) emotional and masculine performance?” – Jason Hanasik, showing this weekend with Lorrie Saunders.

“When I started making art again I stopped questioning the purpose of life and was able to be constantly engaged in each day and each experience. I can’t not make art.” – Erin Schwinn

“A lot of what I do in art is me saying, ‘This is what God has called you to be. This is what God has called you to do. This is what God desires for you.’” – James Davis, whose favorite artist is Banksy

Arriving in Norfolk in the midst of Norfolk’s Post-war transformation, Kenneth Harris began to make watercolors of the city’s monuments and areas of decay. Here is some of what he painted.

“If you draw happy things you soak them in. If you draw sad things you slip into hell.”- MSYIII

One thing that Hampton Roads now has in abundance that can be helpful to an artist is rental property. In any economic conditions, these vacant spaces can be a unique opportunity for holding art shows.

Tom Barbee is a talented photographer working and living in Virginia Beach. He’s also a pretty rad guy as far as I can tell.

“My creativity was driven almost strictly by a desire to have weird shit in my house that wasn’t like other stuff you could get at Target or something. I function better when I’m surrounded by a carnival-like atmosphere.” – Christopher Jude Ranes

“I want people to see our videos and say. ‘Yo, I know that dude who is dancing. He goes to my school in Chesapeake!’ or hear an out-of-towner say, ‘Yo seriously, the 757 region they got their scene rockin’!'”
-Johnny Breaker of RadioActive Cardboard

“I love that you can make something and someone can think it’s great, they love it, and then someone can come along and think it’s crap. And then as the artist you don’t have to care about either of them.” – Troy Summerell

“I can’t stand the thought, with all the love I put into these pieces, that one day it will mean nothing. Generations will pass, and I want my name to be scattered in with all the prolific artists of their time.” – SKELE

His beach bungalow is littered with the tools of his craft: wood lathe (used for spinning wood at rpm’s of 500-2500), saws, and drills. As we stood in the sunlight, Blake grabbed a piece of sycamore, placed it on the lathe, and began spinning.

An online gallery and Q&A with local charcoal artist Michael Smigiel. Much of his work focuses on the 757 bar and restaurant scene.

For those who enjoy a laugh over some witty sketches, feast your eyes.

I believe there is much less than we are willing to admit separating us from everything else in nature. The images I painted for this series are warped, beaten and bloodied, not idealized or pretty. Once we separate humanity from the abstract ideals in which we wrap ourselves we are no better or worse than anything else that exists.

Any new projects or upcoming shows you have in the works for the rest of 2011? “Meeting Of Stylez”, July 20, Gallery Bar, New York, NY “Chocolate and Art”, July 22, Los Angeles, CA Art For Change, “Hacia Afuera Outdoor & Music Fest”, August 15 “Who’s Next” Showcase, Paris, France “Hampton Roads, The Canvas” Project, [...]

Have you received formal art training, or do you consider yourself self-taught? I took a couple of drawing courses while I was in college. Found out that I had a knack for drawing subjects such as faces, bottles, skeletons, etc. It was cool, but it was never what I really wanted to do. So I [...]

Take a second look at these “pests” we find at all our summer hang outs, they might just pleasantly surprise you.

If you’ve ever wanted to make your own documentary or fiction film but thought to yourself, “How? I don’t have a fancy camera or even know where to start,” then have we got the class for you…

How has growing up in a creative, musical family influenced you artistically? Growing up in a creative family is just inspiring to begin with. My family is something I’m proud of. It kinda allows you to just get out there and do your own thing.   My mom always encouraged me to try new things and to [...]

“The art on exhibit is as stunning as it is varied, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this amazing resource in Hampton Roads.” Video and photos of a young local couple’s visit to Norfolk’s beloved art museum.

Snapshots from Norfolk’s Annual Harborfest Event at Waterside

Art is about connecting us all through our experiences, magnifying them, and giving us an outlet to share them in. Here is a source with all the information and dates you need to have an artful evening, experience, and even an art filled summer.

“Looking at them, I feel like I have stumbled upon them, interrupting their thoughts, or taking away their quiet moment.” Mellissa Malone, Harborfest poster artist.

The ins & outs of shooting a local music video. Plus, the end result.

“On one hand there’s the idea that I can paint a picture of a big cartoon bear holding a beer can and on the other hand there’s this pristine, white gallery to put it in. I like that contrast. I think it’s funny. I think it’s awesome.”

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the long awaited changes. I wasn’t even convinced that much would have changed, but this is a totally new museum.

“She encouraged me to pursue this ability further, something that I more than likely would never have done on my own. I like to look at it as coming in the backdoor into the art world and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

With our first Canvas project behind us and a huge success, we’re moving onto our second building: the former Boys & Girls Club on Colonial Avenue in Park Place. With a little paint and a lot of creativity, we can help breathe new life into this space. Local artists: this is your call to action!

This year the Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival will feature the “Emerging Artist” exhibit in partnership with AltDaily and Tidewater Art Alliance. This is a preview.

Stephen Miles explores Art|Everywhere along Granby Street, with a focus on the street performance supporting the A21 Campaign.

You were originally a Graphic Design major, then moved into printmaking and illustration as well, correct? Your work is a combination of digital and analog design and illustration as well as printmaking. Were you always interested in the drawing/painting aspect of design, especially through illustration and printmaking, or was it something you discovered while working [...]

The real winners are the people of Norfolk, who get to enjoy this great art for 8 weeks. Anyways.

Lot going on here for all you art lovers, from the one and only Kat.

Clay McGlamory Clay McGlamory’s recent work involves creating optically charged images on clear and colored sheets of acrylic. These works are a continuation of his exploration into the formal qualities of color, light, shape, and pattern, which he has been building upon in his work since the early 1990′s. Many of the mixed media installation [...]

Art|Everywhere is an impressive presentation of art from more than 30 artists, which transforms Granby Street in Downtown Norfolk into a large outdoor gallery. For eight marvelous weeks, windows and walls along Granby Street will be transfigured by paintings, sculptures, photography, installations, performance art, and various other types of artwork. The event kicks off with [...]

Local videographer Nick Savides made an awesome video to coincide with this weekend’s Renewal Art Show, which asks engaged, creative folks around town “How Do You Renew Your City?”

“My artwork to me is visual escapism. It is dream landscapes, the mystery of the unknown and creatures of the subconscious. The focus is less on expression and more on raw invention.”

“Sometimes I’m inspired by a story and need to find images, and sometimes, I’m inspired by images and need to find a story.”

“I became fascinated by the myriad ways national iconography surfaces and the ironies that emerge in the story of the American experience. These stories and mythology create a common identity among members of the nation.”

Whoever says there’s not much of an art scene in Hampton Roads needs to meet Kat Marsh. Right now.

“…everything has a secret soul, which is silent more often than it speaks.” – Wassily Kandinsky,

“For some, having no ‘formal’ art training is an advantage because no boundaries have been set and their palette is limitless (i.e., milk jugs, bottle caps, model airplane enamel, tin roofing, etc.)”

We need your vision to help spread ours.

The line-up includes some heavy hitters, old favorites, new faces, and a lot of freaking talent.

Four artists donate their time and talent to “artifiy” The Zedd’s Building at 776 Granby St. in Norfolk, VA.

Those who say they can’t enjoy a creative and cultured night out on the town without spending a lot of cash, obviously aren’t looking in the right places.

“The Big Print Show” at Old Dominion University’s Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries features the work of Dennis McNett and Sean Star Wars, both ODU alumni, and Mike Houston and Martin Mazorra of Cannonball Press.

“I feel a strong connection to God when I’m outdoors and that connection is critical for me as a creative.”

“And all of us are hostage to the preconceptions of the viewer, for positive or negative.”

Wedding photographer, John Cachero, and recent bride, Sarah Serrano, take a look back at her October 1st wedding at the Harrison Opera House, and all the local vendors that helped make it amazing.

Wedding photographer, John Cachero, and recent bride, Sarah Serrano, take a look back at her October 1st wedding at the Harrison Opera House, and all the local vendors that helped make it amazing.

Wedding photographer, John Cachero, and recent bride, Sarah Serrano, take a look back at her October 1st wedding at the Harrison Opera House, and all the local vendors that helped make it amazing.

Wedding photographer, John Cachero, and recent bride, Sarah Serrano, take a look back at her October 1st wedding at the Harrison Opera House, and all the local vendors that helped make it amazing.

Wedding photographer, John Cachero, and recent bride, Sarah Serrano, take a look back at her October 1st wedding at the Harrison Opera House, and all the local vendors that helped make it amazing.

Wedding photographer, John Cachero, and recent bride, Sarah Serrano, take a look back at her October 1st wedding at the Harrison Opera House, and all the local vendors that helped make it amazing.

Wedding photographer, John Cachero, and recent bride, Sarah Serrano, take a look back at her October 1st wedding at the Harrison Opera House, and all the local vendors that helped make it amazing.

Wedding photographer, John Cachero, and recent bride, Sarah Serrano, take a look back at her October 1st wedding at the Harrison Opera House, and all the local vendors that helped make it amazing.

Wedding photographer, John Cachero, and recent bride, Sarah Serrano, take a look back at her October 1st wedding at the Harrison Opera House, and all the local vendors that helped make it amazing.

Dozens will be chosen to participate in transforming empty storefront windows and bare spaces of Granby Street in Downtown Norfolk into unique and varied forms of integrated art.

A chat with John Cann of Hampton Road’s First Local Tattoo Festival.

Our first craft project for you to attempt: adorable and quirky felt fortune cookies. Great for a Valentine’s Day gift, and much more original than chocolate and roses.

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