How to Lose a Show in 3 Easy Steps

Today I'm allowing myself a bit of bitterness...because I'm worth it.
Early on during my residency at the Workhouse Arts Center I approached the then Director of Visual Arts, Sarah Sheppard (there's been 3 different people in the position in less than 2 years, which I'm sure says absolutely about the working environment, but I digress...) and curator (a position no longer in existence) Amy Lust with my idea. Both were very excited at the possibilities that a show like it could present the Workhouse in an increasingly diverse community. They graciously presented me with the format in which my proposal would need to be submitted.

Some time passed and I was eventually informed that my proposal was accepted. The Workhouse would take on my show Sueños Americanos and I would be involved in its development and execution. In spite of my reaching out to clarify my role in the show I found myself out of the loop in the show's evolution. The last bit of information expressed to me was that a juror, Laura Roulet, had been found. She is a fantastic and renowned independent curator and not one ounce of resentment is aimed at her. As a matter of fact, one of the things that saddens me most about being left out of this show is that I didn't get the opportunity to meet and work with her.

So without further ado, here's a bit of therapeutic bitchiness:

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Last Call

I've had a few requests in the past to create black and white work. Well, here it is, Mr. Color does black & white (mostly). This is the first of my pieces for Studio 4, Old Town 's October show Back to Black. Enjoying this challenge.

Last Call, acrylic and collage on canvas, 18" x 24"

This painting is available directly from my studio or Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Over the Canyon

Over the Canyon, acrylic and collage on canvas, 18" x 24"

This painting is available directly from my studio or Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Neuro-Diversity Collaboration: Mermaid Party

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Mermaid Party by Charlotte and John Gascot, acrylic and paint marker on canvas, 18" x 18"

Neuro-Diversity Collaboration: Kryptonite

Kryptonite by Allen & John Gascot, acrylic on canvas, 18" x 18"

The Neuro-Diversity Project

Over the past few months my studio mates and I have been collaborating with a group of children on the autism spectrum to create a body of work that will hang in the Studio 4, Old Town gallery the month of September. Project creator, artist and mother to a child on the autism spectrum, Gina Cochran has paired professional artist volunteers to work with the children one on one. “We wanted to give these children a chance to not only experience the creative process WITH someone else, but also to know the joy and pride that comes from seeing your work hanging in a show.” I'm extremely proud to have had the chance to collaborate and learn from these great group of kids.

Here are a few of our finished pieces:

Ghost, collaboration with Allen, mixed media on canvas, 18" x 18"

Heroes & Villains, collaboration with Allen, acrylic on canvas, 18" x 18"

Trans Art Project Participant: Venus DeMars

I'm thrilled to share that three Trans women have already agreed to be a part of my art project. One of them is Minnesota rocker/artist Venus DeMars. Venus is a fixture of the Twin Cities music scene but currently finds herself in a entirely different spotlight. While DeMars makes her living solely off her craft and considers herself a professional artist, the Minnesota Department of Revenue has launched an audit against her, deeming her a "hobbyist". Reasons listed for this ruling included the claim that DeMars takes too much pleasure from her work and that she does not try hard enough to make a profit from it. If the audit is successful, it could set a precedent that could put many-an-independent-artist's career in danger.

I very much look forward to conversations with Venus about her transition, artistry, struggles and triumphs. Stay tuned!

Trans Art Project Video Journal 1

Adventures in Self-Portriature

I've been asked about self portraits before. I've had the desire to dip my toes into that pond but never found the time to explore it fully due to other projects. Or perhaps I haven't allowed myself the time because I struggled with feeling it might be a bit too self-indulgent to paint images of myself. I did include a child figure (partly hidden behind a table) that represents me in En la Cocina and a photograph of my mouth in a constructed tongue-in-cheek piece titled John.

Today I came into the studio without any ideas. I asked my facebook followers "What to paint today?" to which one replied "A man with a beard." Hey, I've got one of those!

OK. Here's my first "official" selfie.