Jon Carling @ Studio 27.28 Jan 3rd

Studio 27.28 is proud to present art by Jon Carling, a solo show, on January 3, 2009 from 6-9pm. Carling, based out of CA, graduated from Oakland CCA with a degree in illustration. Carling’s pen and ink illustrations range from ice cream cones shooting out of a freezer to owls, and dragons.

"I really don't limit myself to any particular subject matter or influence...I try and smash as many ideas into my work as possible...equally interpreting the way I saw life as a child and the way I see life today. Pen and ink is just what I have always done, its great because you don't pay much for supplies, and you can do it in bed."

~ Jon Carling

Carling is added to the list of many great artists that Studio 27.28 has shown from the west coast. He will be attending the art opening and will be available to answer your questions about his art, and maybe cheers a brewsky with you. For more information visit Studio2728.com. The Studio 27.28 is located on 2728 Girard Ave, Philadelphia (right around the corner from NorthStar bar, and down the street from the zoo.)

Newsletter: Issue 12

Article:
Sometimes I don’t feel like a real artist. My mind doesn’t always come up with new and exciting things, I say the wrong words or can’t think of what to say, and I’m very business oriented in my other “work” worlds, mainly marketing.

Painting is what I love and I’m lucky enough to do that some of the time in the 24 hour days. It’s normally only for an hour here and an hour there. I’m ready to jump into it more, but right now the world is not allowing me to. The world meaning, I need another job to sustain my art career.

Most artists do what they have to do to make art. Find a job here, and there, anywhere. Others stumble upon something that will allow them to paint more than work. There’s also the group that dreamed of making art “one day”, and now they’re sitting in an office, maybe a cubicle still dreaming that they once put themselves into the art world and actually made a career out of it. And then there’s that other group, the ones that are sitting comfortably in their office chair, only thinking about their job and not dreaming of anything else. Obviously, not everyone is the same, and I’m not putting anyone down for their decisions but it’s true, there are a lot of people that stop making art just because of a job.

So where do I fall into that scheme? I’m not totally sure. I’m not in the last group, mainly because when I had an office job I wasn’t comfortable. Some days were good, but most of the time I just wanted to get out and paint more and more. Now that I’m working from home, only 1/3 of the week, what am I doing with my time? Well…I just ran out of canvases after a terrible creative block. That’s a good sign…but now what?

What art am I doing that makes me a real artist? I’m doing something I love, I know that much. When I sell a painting, I think about how many more supplies I can buy…not I need to make more money. So maybe I am a true artist after all. Watching videos of artists or reading an article in an art zine, it makes me feel like there’s so much more to know, to say, and to paint. That’s good, art influencing art. That’s how it should be.

I hope that one day I’ll be an inspiration to other artists, whether I know it or not. Sure it would be cool to know who and when and where, but ….that’s ok. I can live with knowing that someone influenced me and I can possibly inspire others to keep creating, and learning. The term artist is a broad term when you look at the whole picture. It’s a tall order to live up to and I think that’s why I question if I’m a true artist or not. One day, and one painting at a time. Someday it’ll sink in that I’m an artist.

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What's New:
Studio 27.28 Jonathan and Leigh's gallery is having a sale on everything in the store, December 24th from 3-7pm. 15% off! Located at 2728 Girard Ave, Philadelphia PA 19130. Not far from the Zoo. Featuring West Coast and Philadelphia Artists. Also, handmade gifts like scarves, stuffed animals, small paintings, and pottery available.


Jan 3rd, 1st Saturday Opening, from 6-9pm
Studio 27.28 presents Jon Carling

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LOL Party #2

Last night was Leigh on Location (LOL), and we had quite the showing.
Tons of food, alot of talking, and I think everyone bought something for themselves.

Rachel's Thread was the sponsor of this party! Here is her display. Impressive to say the least.

And to add to the excitement, our newest entrepreneur had a little display selling
"Hooray for Crochet". It was a hit!

The Gallery will have some stuff from both Rachel's Thread, and Hooray for Crochet.

Rachel told me that her and Andrea decided that the wine color I used for the background was intoxicating. It's true, as soon as I started laying down that color...everyone started claiming pieces. Even before they knew what it was going to have on it, or what it was going to look like!

Never have I experienced something like that. It was a much needed boost after my creative block...what a relief. And let me thank my mom for taking these pictures. :)

Time to get some pumpkin soup started. Til Next time - Leigh

Pushing Through

So it's been about 2 months since I last painted, until this past Monday Night. I had a lot going on, and that's kind of an excuse but not totally. I wasn't thinking about art, I wasn't sketching at all, and when I was doing something artsy it was more with photos.

Of course photography is art, but both are very different and I have a hard time focusing on both. It's one or the other. So, talking to Jonathan he said just do something. So I did. and I'm overall happy with what I did....There's still a lot painting to be done, and series to be thought of but it's a step in the right direction.

I'm still incorporating my "Into the Depths" series. But also doing a little experimental things also. You'll see soon! BUT for now here's one of my new pieces I finished tonight.

Maxwell, Slingluff, and Safaei @ Studio 27.28

6-9 pm. With Music Provided by Brian Reese on Banjo from 8:30-10. Come see the gallery, we made a lot of changes. And of course, come for the art :)

Harvest Opening

The Gallery had our 5th opening this past Saturday night.

Harvest. Our Skateboard Show!


Here's a few pics from the night. Thanks for everyone that came out. Even though Bruce Springsteen was playing and the Phillies had a "clincher" of a game, the art supporters still came out. So thank you! And Hopefully we'll see you November 1st.

Art Mentor of Sorts

So, my niece Macey is getting into art.

And I told her that I would help her out. Mainly so that she keeps creating but I wanted to sell some of her artwork on the site I sell mine. Etsy. I think it's pretty cool but they allow kids under 18 to sell work as long as they have an adult overseeing them.

I JUST made a Macey section in my shop.....and now, we wait for Macey to give me some artwork to post. While we're waiting, here's a pic of Macey and her Mom, Renee. :)

October's First Saturday

As some of you know, Jonathan and I opened up an art gallery in June. We now have openings every first Saturday. Old City, in Philadelphia, does first Fridays. We knew we couldn't compete with that since it's over an hours walk, and about a 15 minute drive...I think it is anyway.

Jonathan books the shows. He's doing a great job at getting in artists that have never shown in Philly. We're the new venue that shows any type of genre. If you're a skater, an old skater, or a skater fan this is the show to attend.

We're showing artwork from skaters who defined skating. Although I pretend to be a skater with my long board, I'm terrible haha. And I never really knew the "history" of skating. Most of these guys have videos, which I'm sure you can find on youtube. "Get Excited" as Rachel from Rachel's Thread would say.


P.S. I designed the postcard. :)

Baxter the Lobster!

So Baxter's getting some action on Etsy! Here's what someone sent to me about him.

"I wish I could afford Baxter the Lobster but...I just wanted to let you know that he's gorgeous. I have a tattoo of a blue lobster on my foot and really appreciate them...it's a beautiful painting and I hope he goes to a wonderful home!Cheers, xxxx"

I left out the name just incase they don't want it floating around in the internet. :) Also pictured above is Baxter hanging out at the LOL party....and the Rock Band I had. (sort of rock band). You can also visit him here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14835920

Creatively Yours, Leigh

Philly Art Galleries DOT com

Just Listed on Philly Art Gallery Website! Check it



I'm listed under Painting! :)

Creatively Yours, Leigh

Art Installation

Last night as I was drifting off to sleep I had an idea for an installation piece. I've never done one, let alone seriously think about doing one. It will incorporate my "Into the Depths" series, and this might be the new direction I take it.

I'm not sure where this idea came from, because I was just thinking about going to sleep not about art! Amazing. Now should I tell you what it is? No haha....I'll tell a select few. Maybe bounce the idea off of a few people to see if it sticks, which I REALLY think it will. But I will tell the general public this...fans will be a major part of it!

Exclamation point, because you might not know now, but it is exciting. It's nothing like I've done before...but man I can't wait to do it! I think it will be well recieved all around.

Every year, I participate in an art show called the Brendan Borek Art Show. It is part of a week long fundraiser for local families in the Cape May County Area that have children with cancer.

The organization was founded because a local family lost their 17 year old son to cancer. He actually went to high school with my brothers. So now, the family is helping other families by giving them food and every day things they might not be able to afford because of the bills.
I personally know a family that they have helped, and I'm sure others in the area do too. Read more here: www.BrendansFund.org

Through generous support we have been able to:

• Pay for travels, food and lodging to hospitals in Philadelphia and beyond for treatment
• Absorb the costs of airfare and lodging for monthly out-of-state medical check-ups
• Provide tutoring for children who have learning problems related to their cancer treatments
• Donate laptop computers to children to keep them in touch with school and friends
• Make rent, mortgage, car, and auto repair payments as needed
• Give monthly supermarket certificates for food
• Provide holiday baskets, gift certificates and Back-to-School shopping certificates for each child in the family
• Offer emotional support through our social worker and intra-family contacts
• Give scholarship monies to our children
• Pay funeral costs when needed

I have decided that my "Into the Depths" series will have 1/2 of the proceeds donated to this Fund for anything sold in the remainder of 2008! I hope that this raises enough money to help support a family in need.

Etsy

Etsy.com is an amazing site with a lot of amazing artists.



I started my etsy shop in March or May of this year. (One of the M months.) I've had two sales which is great! I'd like to encourage everyone to check out the site, along with my shop.
http://www.picturesbyleigh.etsy.com/
Here is one of my listings "Say Hello to My Little Friend" 1/2 of the proceeds of this sale goes to Brendan's Fund, helping local families that have children with cancer.



I have illustrations by myself and my dad, Wayne Seddon on it from our Scribbles Book. I also have my original paintings, oil and acrylic. It's just another way to get my name out there. Please, spread the word about my stuff and of course about http://www.etsy.com/


Creatively Yours, Leigh