I recently had the honor to participate in an all Latino group show put together by Sean 9 Lugo, a fellow artist from Jersey, who’s work is seen on and off the streets in Philly and NYC. The show took place at 17 Frost Gallery in NYC this July, and featured over 30 artists.
My piece for the show. It had been a while since I’d done an all graphite drawing. The piece is still available, contact me for inquiries.
I’ve come up with some new(ish) things the last couple weeks. I’ve continued to draw and paint on new surfaces, including wood, vinyl, floppy disks, ect. Although some are for sale, the majority of the work I’ve done lately has ended up on the streets of Philadelphia. I’ve revisited the theme of saints, which has been a favorite of mine. Each drawing is done with oil markers, as well as copic markers. They are then installed throughout the city.
They are up all over the city, some prominent, others hidden out of sight. Philly has a very active and diverse street art scene, and it’s share of devoted fans who document it. For a sample of what Philly offers check out Elgrba and DDay521‘s Instagram feeds for a taste.
photo by @elgrba
photo by @elgrba
photo by @leahcreation
dino install with Old Broads. Photo by @old_broads
I’ve got 2 larger ones I’ve done for sale via my shop. I’ll be doing more large pieces in the near future as well
St. Nicholas-mixed media on encaustic boardSt. Patrick- mixed media on encaustic board.
2013 started off on a roll (pardon the pun). I had been previously making some simple block prints (mainly examples that I’d use in class) which I’d make stickers out of, but I hadn’t really worked seriously with lino blocks since college.
Older blocks from 2012Stickers
Getting some new blades motivated me to work detailed again. My first couple prints were more studies than anything, making block print versions of several drawings/paintings I had done previously.
More blocks are upcoming, And these are all currently available through Etsy!
Various Icons on wood panels. I started buying wood plaques for Free Art Fridays, since they tend to fare better in the outdoors (There was a tendency to rain after I put art out). I started out with small 3 inch panels, and slowly moved up. Some were done with a wood burning tools and paint markers, while the larger ones are acrylic and ink.
I’ve been doing Free Art Friday for a little over a month now and it’s been great. I’ve given out quite a few pieces so far, about 30 or more (I’ve taken the liberty to start free art Wednesdays and Thursdays). The plethora of discarded student canvas panels I’ve collected at the end of the year give me the fodder to make and give out so many. My students are aware and like the idea of what they thought was trash has become a collaboration of sorts. I’ll be sure to continue until I run out of canvases, but I know I’ll just end up buy more canvases.
A few of the paintings I’ve bestowed on Philadelphia:
These last two were at Tattooed Mom’s Bar. The owner had found one of the pieces I left behind a couple days ago and hooked me up with free tacos! I was sure to tip the server well.
A lot of these are/will be available for sale through Esty (If you don’t find one on the streets).
I’ve added 10 new stenciled canvases to my Esty Shop! These paintings have been selling fast, but I’ve still got a few left. Check out my shop for 15+ paintings/prints for under $20! For a limited time, you can get free shipping if you use the code NOSHIP!
Josean Rivera 