LJP Blog

Everything But The Kitschen Synch at La Luz de Jesus, March 7, 2008

The 11th annual juried “Everything But The Kitschen Synch" show at took place at La Luz de Jesus Gallery on Friday, March 7 and consisted of over 150 pieces by 100+ artists including Ron Adkins, David Aronson, Jonathan Baker, Leigh Barber, Lou Beach, John Berger, Stephen Blickenstaff, Gary Both, Michael Brown, Dan Brown, Mark Bryan, Trent Call, Julian Callos, Chrystal Chan, Wayne Coe, Jenna Colby, Joey Coon, Will Crane, Mark Darcey, Edwin Daniel, Gleen C. Davis, Alicia Debrincat, Eben Dodd, Trace Drury, Dave Dziemian, Francisco Enciso, Luke Feldman, Barry Fitzgerald, Sam Foote, John Fortes, Lauren Gardiner, Mark Gleason, Jason Godeke, Brad Greenwell, Tamara Giuon, Yonas Galle, Gale Hart, Dara Harvey, Danny Heller, Andrew Helm, Scott Holloway, Bree Hranke, Virginia Jvanicki, Jeffifer Jelenski, Marti Dixon Jones, Jennfier Kensworth, Norbert Kox, Dennis Larkins, Carl Lozado, Hal Mayforth, Ryan Milner, Joel Nakamura, Nikki Nash, Richard Oliver, Christ Peters, Bob Pitt, Jjerome Prieur, Rick Resse, Bonnie Reid, Erik Sandverg, Paola Sao, Kim Scott, Anna Sea, Rafael Silveria, Alan Simensky, Mike Sosnowski, Sean Steppenwolf, Cameron Tiede, Magda Trzaski, Rich Tuzon, Ronald Velasco, Andrew Verhoeckx, Laura Wacha, Debby Wang, Mel Weiner, Sri Zeno Whipple, Martin Whitfooth, Davey Wong and Star 27. Here are some glimpses of the work on display. Photos by Ashley Edmond.

Jason Houchen

Francisco Enciso and model

Dale Sizer

Lauren Gardiner "painter of tiny paintings"

Annie A of Billy Shire Fine Arts and La Luz de Jesus

Lee Joseph, photographer Richard Edson and Kristen Edmond.

Jack Howe

Jason Houchen

Jessica Cooper

Richard Oliver

Guess who bought both of Jessica's pieces?

Art teacher Cheralynn Johnston and Black Maria's Sam Saga

The Velvet Hammer Burlesque book signing party and photo exhibition at La Luz de Jesus, Sat. Feb 23, 2008

The Velvet Hammer was the brainchild of Michelle Carr and was created while she was still running the legendary Jabberjaw club way back in the 90s. As the LA club underground musical tide was slowly turning away from grimy altrock and truly ugly sounding AND looking riot grrrrlll to a more fun and way better dressed garage and surf scene, Michelle revived the concept of Burlesque as seen through the eyes of a bunch of crazy punkrockers. It was a no-holes barred amalgamation of old-style burlesque dancing, comedy, skits, magic and acrobatics in a completely unabashed and politically incorrect stew which included girls and guys of all shapes, sizes and sexual orientation. The shows were both amazing and hysterical. (Anyone remember the very first shows at this restaurant/bar across the street from The Dresden Room? Michelle had given us space to sell Dionysus stuff in the back!) By the time Michelle left the States for Berlin and ended the Velvet Hammer, there was a decade long history, a very impressive list of cast and crew, and a lot of truly amazing photographs. While in Berlin, Michelle landed a book deal to publish a mostly visual history of the Velvet Hammer. I had the pleasure of being the Velvet Hammer DJ for the last year of their performances which were held monthly at The El Rey and was in touch with Michelle and a few of the old crew. Upon Michelle's arrival back in the states I suggested a book signing and photo exhibition at ground zero for LA's alternative art, culture and lifestyle, La Luz de Jesus Gallery / Soap Plant / Wacko and it made a lot of sense; Michelle and many other Velvet Hammer alumni were at one time or another employed by Billy Shire and his truly legendary empire. La Luz de Jesus has had a direct impact on each and every one of us in many different ways.

We could not have imagined a better turnout. The store, main gallery (which still had on it's walls the very excellent Marco Almera, Bryan Cunningham and Kryss Sapp show) and back gallery which gave home to three walls worth of Visual Velvet Hammer History, were entirely packed for three hours straight.

Have a look at the night's festivities!!

And, by the way, the book is beautiful! Pick one up if you have the chance. It's simply called "The Velvet Hammer Burlseque" by Michelle Carr.

Velvet Hammer founder - Michelle Carr!

Dainty Delilah Fruitbat

Michelle Carr and Barbara Duffy aka Bibi Poubelle

The Millionare and Barbara Duffy aka Bibi Poubelle

Vanessa Moselle and unnamed person.

Vera Duffy aka Fifi Poubelle

Vera Duffy aka Fifi Poubelle and former Velvet Hammer DJ, current La Luz publicist, yours truly!
With LA Punkrock legend, Hellin Killer

Billy Shire and our favorite art teacher Cheralynn Johnston

Kelly Hardy aka Jewel of Denial

Marie Astrid Gonzalez, Kelly Hardy aka Jewel of
Denial, Nick Ut

Selene Luna aka Bobby Pinz

Hope Urban aka Scarlet Fever

A very crowded La Luz de Jesus Gallery

Me again, with Kastle of Cool Girls.com

Vivian Mr. Uncertain and Selene Luna

Marissa Gomez aka Tipsy Toodles and Van Arno

Mr. Uncertain

Kari French aka Calotta Bleu and Husband Mickey

A crowded photo gallery

Jessica Daniels aka Fifi Le Bum and boyfriend

Maria Basaldu aka Senorita Bunnypants and daughter Olive

Melissa Duke aka Bubbles LaRue

Michelle Ora

Augusta

Ron Lynch

Corset maker Sue Nice and husband Ted

Jillian Lauren aka Sparkle Diamond

Fan Art Perez

The names have slipped right by us!

Andrea

Marc Graville and Annie Sperling

Craig Anton

A fan in her Lous Vuitton hat!

Craig Aton, Slim Evans, Marc Graville

Three walls of fantastic Velvet Hammer photographs!

The show remains up at La Luz through March 3. Go see it!

Igloo Tornado opening at Black Maria Gallery, Saturday Feb. 23, 2008

IGLOO TORNADO opening at Black Maria Gallery, Saturday Feb. 23, 2008. Thankfully, the four-person Igloo Tornado show was still going strong when I got there at 10 pm on a very rainy Saturday after the Velvet Hammer book signing at La Luz de Jesus Gallery.

Four comics by the four members of Igloo Tornado.

Gin Stevens with his untitled Crying Elvis sculpture

Gin with another unnamed piece.
These are the first sculptures Gin has ever done.

Media - Polyurethane, Acrylic Paint, Plexiglas, an aquarium pump and Neon Lighting

Billy Shire from La Luz made it by after the Velvet Hammer Book Signing.

Tom Neely
"Brainwash," Okay" and "Sunday Afternoon"

Black Maria's Zara Zeitountsian and Billy Shire

Gin Stevens' "Untitled" - Chrome Plated Ceramic Bisque, edition of 3

Levon Jihanian and "Mindflyer" on the left

"The Zoologist" behind Gin

"Untitled" detail

More "Untitled" detail.
Zara with neighbors Carol Moore and Bobby Green from Bigfoot Lodge/Saints and Sinners/The Little Cave

Billy of La Luz, Zara of Black Maria and Bobby of Bigfoot Lodge ++
Scot Nobles and his "Songirds," each 6" by 6"

Our heros; Tom, Levon, Scot and Gin

Igloo Tornado!

"Bomp! Saving The World One Record At A Time" book signing party at La Luz de Jesus Gallery, Feb. 19, 2008

In celebration of the release of the "Bomp! Saving the World One Record at a Time” book, a signing party was held at La Luz de Jesus Gallery on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008. The book, a compendium of "30 years of rock 'n' roll viewed from the garage," was written by Bomp! Co-founder, Suzy Shaw with journalist, Mick Farren. Together they tell the story of CA's seminal, rock 'n' roll independent record label and music zines Mojo Navigator (1966 to 1967) and Bomp! (1970 to 1979) and that means original writings by a host of hip and cool: Lester Bangs, Greil Marcus, Ken Barnes, Gene Sculatti, David Harris, Lisa Fancher and of course, the man behind the Bomp!, the much-missed, Greg Shaw. In attendance at La Luz de Jesus were Suzy, Mick, Joe and Mike Nolte of The Last, whose voices sounded just like they did on the “LA Explosion” album, along with DJ Audrey Morehead who supplied a Bomp! heavy set of vinyl. Also in attendance was a great crowd of lively fans and supporters.

For further words on the book and event, check Lina Lecaro's column in the LA Weekly as well as the event/book reccomendation on LAIST.com

Lee, Teenacide Records' Jim Freek and former Bomp! publicist, Paul Grant.

Audrey Morehead

La Luz Gallery director, Amoreena Stout

Mick Farren

The Nolte Brothers

La Luz De Jesus owner Billy Shire with long-time friend Deborah

La Luz employee and photog, Pan

Leighton of The Morelochs and Suzy Shaw

Former Flipside Magainze scribe, Bob Cantu with former Trash Can School and Black Angel's Death Song guitarist, Jim Miller

Audry, Kerri French and LA Weekly writer, Lina Lecaro

With friend/fan Doug Miller of Silverlake, California

Sadly Beautiful, a Vinyl group show at Black Maria / Under The Table, Dec. 8, 2007

Sadly Beautiful is Ally Takeuchi’s curatorial debut at Black Maria Gallery. Earlier this year, she organized the Wishing Well exhibition at Monkey House and will be putting a benefit exhibition together early 2008.

Artists: Brent Nolasco, Motorbot, Adrian Pina, Ryan Crippen, Bwana Spoons, Jon Measures, Phuek!, Jovanne Santos, Lynette May, David Wagner, Squidnik, Jennyfur, Edzepln, Jason Jacenko, Doktor A, Peenloon, Drilone, Lou Pimentel, Randy Kono, Mr. Atom, Dawn Lauckner, Rhinomilk, Jennybird, David Epochalypse, Marion Hawkes, Blinky, Julie B, Nathan Lumm, Benedict Sisters, Jet Wrench, Jenna Colby, Mark Meyers, Paul Candler, Renee Lawter, Shiro Fujioka, Coreroc, Kid Lew, Lionel Uhry, Leecifer, Nick The Ring, Henry Lichtmann, Jester, Podgy Panda, Katherine Wilson, Deeann Morales, Agg, Anna, Manimal, Scott Cummins, Bucky Lastard, Monica Campbell, David Wagner, Jane Gotts, Terk, Glory Tsui and more....

Jason Houchen and Jordin Isip at La Luz de Jesus Dec. 7, 2007

Photblog for the Jason Houchen / Jordin Isip show at La Luz de Jesus, which opened on Friday, Dec. 7, 2007.

L to R; Paul Chatham, Van Arno, Sophia Gasparian, Suzanne Givens, Lee Joseph, Lydiaemily Archibald, Tom Neely.

Sophia Gasparian a/k/a “Ghetto Girl”

Lydiaemily, Van, Suzanne

Jason's work and installation

Photos of Jordin’s work

Van Arno and Lydiaemily

Paul Chatham and KuKula

Jason with his amazing “Hunters and Hunted”

Jason’s "paintbrush and paints", his soldering iron!

Jamie Torres the Framer with Jason

Detail of "Hunters and Hunted"

Remy Holwick

La Luz Gallery director Amoreena Stout

More details of "Hunters and Hunted"

Bob Dob

Jordin Isip

Jason Houchen: 600 plus hours on a 108” by 48” woodburning piece!

Artist Jason Houchen put a whole lot of his time into one particular piece that will be in his upcoming show opening at La Luz de Jesus on December 7 (on a split bill with Jordin Isip); a 108” by 48” woodburning surrounded by hundreds of vintage cigar bands and strips titled “HUNTERS AND HUNTED.”

Creating the piece occupied Jason for between four to five months and an estimated 600- 700 hours from start to finish. “I did the piece for two reasons; because the frame was cheap, it was an unused frame from Gary Baseman’s show at BSFA this summer. I also wanted to just see if I could do it.”

"HUNTERS AND HUNTED"

detail of HUNTERS AND HUNTED

"The neat thing about woodburning is that the product is still just a plain piece of wood; no paint, pencil, pen or other media (except cigar bands when I add them) of any kind. The theme of the show is about the everyday struggle that animals and humans share just to survive. I’ve never understood this feeling so much until I moved to Los Angeles.” “I liked doing mainly animals themes for this show because it allowed me to work very intricately with their fur and feathers while expressing my ideas in a less in-your-face way” stated Houchen.

The show will consist of 15 pieces ranging from 4"x 5" to the larger piece. Jason’s work is collected by artists and art dealers and can be found in the private collections of; Liz McGrath, SHAG, Glenn Barr, Miles Thompson, Greg Escalante, Jan Corey Helford, Billy Shire and Annie Adjchavanich. Visit his website at www.jasonhouchen.com

"Punk 365" and "Creem, America's Only Rock 'n' Roll Magazine" book release party at La Luz de Jesus

There has been a flurry of punk-rock events here in Los Angeles during the past couple of months including the Dawn Wirth / Lous Jancinto "Destroy All Music" photo exhibit at drkrm. Gallery (which happened while my camera was broken and before this site and blog went up), a photo show at Track 16 Gallery and the Masque 30 Year Anniversary and book release - signing party at The Echoplex just one week before.

The La Luz event was a combination photo exhibit and book release party / signing for two landmark rock 'n' roll books, "Punk 365" by Holly George-Warren and "Creem, American's only Rock 'n' Roll Magazine" by Robert Matheu and Brian Bowe. Both are beautiful coffee-table books which cover similar periods of time.

The crowd consisted of a lively mix of fans, photograhers, former and current punk rock legends. Chip Kinman's Los Trendys did a fine performance in the main gallery. Here are some shots of just a few of the attendees.

Photographers who's work appear in the exhibit include Theresa Kereakes, Gary Leonard, Jenny Lens, Chuck Krall, Robert Matheu, & Dawn Wirth.

The exhibit remains open in the back gallery at La Luz de Jesus Gallery until December 30.

Teenacide Records' Jim Freek with Robert Matheu

Robert Matheu and daughter Ruby sign books and postcards

Holly George-Wareen signs "Punk 365"

Photograher Larry Underhill with Marina Del Rey formerly of the Hollywood '70s glam band, Backstage Pass

LA Weekly's Lina Lecaro with daughter Charlotte

Photograher Chuck Krall and Todd

Punk Rock Brothers and former Dils, Rank & File, Blackbird and Cowboy Nation, Tony Kinman (currently of Los Trendys) and Chip Kinman.

Photographer Theresa Kereakes (punkturns30.com) and Eddie Munoz

Show goers Kerri French and Kitty Diggens

Photographer Ann Suma

Jenny Lens, Hellin Killer and Robert Matheu

Gabi Berlin and Rick Wilder of the Mau Maus.

Billy Shire and Eddie Munoz

The first LJP blog.

I’m christening this blog with a welcome and thanks! The idea for LJP materialized during the summer of 2006. I had been running Dionysus Records, a small independent record label for many years and needed something fresh. At the time, I was considering starting a dog walking business. A friend, Lisa Erickson who was in the process of starting a fashon design company, had made a very aggressive point via phone conversation, that I should do something more than walk dogs all day (uuuh...excuse me...I love dogs) by the very fact that I had cultivated a lot of resources and was surrounded by a bevy of creativity from a lot of talented friends. A few days later while having drinks at a very lively multi-media art, photography, live-painting and fashion show in Culver City at Black Cat Gallery headed up by LA punk rock producer legend and friend Gexa X …an idea came to my slightly buzzed head which kind of floated around until two days later, on a Monday. While sitting silent on the sofa, I was hit with a revelation and wrote up two pages of ideas for a visual art publicity company, keeping in mind my music background. I called a group of people including friends, favorite artists and some who had designed record jackets for Dionysus including Shag, Heather Watts, Lisa Petrucci, Andrew Brandau, Chantal Menard, Bobby Green and Carol Moore of Bigfoot Lodge/Saints and Sinners and Jay Naylor of M Modern Gallery, with the legendary Billy Shire recieving my first call on the subject...each one was asked their opinion on the ideas. All were very positive and supportive, most telling me that what I had in mind did not exist on this level. Billy Shire was the first to hire me to work the "Glenn Barr's Haunted Paradise" book. Heather Watts came aboard shortly thereafter. I didn’t even have a business card or website or email address other than my Dionysus Records account.

Backtracking for a moment, I had done a three year stint at the log-cabin motif Bigfoot Lodge booking bands and started the groundwork for publicity work when we stopped having live music and went with a seven-night DJ schedule….At the suggestion of Bobby Green, I had kept my Wednesday night, shifted to a four-hour DJ set…and started doing publicity for the bar. I still DJ at Bigfoot every Wednesday and also spin every Thursday night at one of Bobby’s other amazing bars, Saints and Sinners. The bars have become a part of the visual art publicity company as these are very much “high-concept” theme establishments, every bit as much art and eye candy as they offer liquid, social and musical treats.

Thanks goes to all my initial supporters, clients, all my press contacts and friends in and beyond the vibrating Los Angeles art scene for their support and again my clients for their patience in hanging with a company that is just starting out…rough spots and all. Thanks to an early supporter, Leora Lutz from Gallery Revisited who designed my business card...that design became the basis of the look of this site. Thanks to Jeff Turney of The Next Level for desinging this site.