And the Winner Is....

HEEEEEY LAAAAADIES!

The vivacious ladies of Panel #5 have done it! With their skills and charm combined, they managed to OUT-collaborate the boys in a furious battle of the sexes and I have to say, this battle was a close one. Big ups to Jen Oaks, Janelle Cuba, Erin Hamilton and Corrin Duran, you ladies are amazing and your panel is one serious work of art.

Honorable mention to the Boys- Ed He, Oscar Padilla, Eddie Schiffer and Kevin Sechelksi for putting together a killer panel and making the battle a memorable one. You guys still kicked ass and your panel is ridiculously awesome.

Thank you to everyone who partook and voted during the battle! More collaborations on the way!

ELROD

Panel #1- Lindsey Chesus, Redlands CA

Well, look who it is!

Panel #1 has made contact! Man, I am so happy to see this panel back on the road and gettin' all dolled up by our collaborators. The most recent artist to have her way with the panel was the pet portrait pro from Redlands, Lindsey Chesus. Her addition to the sad pharaoh is completely suiting and looks feakin' fantablulous [you see, the thing about being a blogger is I can write as horribly as i can, with no regrets. "Fantabulous'' is now a word, k?] When I first met Lindsey, she was rockin' the craft scene up in Berkeley and I was sad to see her leave the area to go back to her homeland down in SoCal. It's so great to see her back on the art train and pumping out these killer pet portraits. Check out the goods and her website here!

Oh and may I just say that this panel is turning out to be one of my faves? YUP.

My name is Lindsey Chesus. I am from Redlands, CA, and I paint, sew, decorate, draw and lots of other crafty things.

What is your earliest “artistic” memory?

I remember taking art classes in school and thinking how easy and fun they were. Also, I used to draw with chalk a lot in the front of my house.

What are three words that best describe your artwork?

Saint Feline of Metallic Wonder (I know, it's four words :) )

What inspires you?

Mucha, old religious art, cats, dogs and shiny colors

What is your goal in life?

To enjoy myself as much as possible

Name something you love, and why.

My Aunt, for showing me art at a young age and my animals.

What makes you angry?

Bad things- Bad drivers, bad art, bad people etc.

What was your favorite toy as a kid?

I wish it were some cool and hip artsy thing, but I loved Pound Puppies and Polly Pocket. Those kinds of things made my imagination go wild.

What is your favorite toy now?

My animals, if they could be toys. I play with them, so it counts, right?

What is your “dream” art project?

Designing a pet food or pet treat design with my cat Ben on it. And I would like to paint an animal picture (preferably my cat Ben), and have it auctioned off to help the ASPCA.

What have you been listening too while you’ve been working on your art [recently]?

Louie Armstrong, some other 1930s-40s music, and also nothing at all. I do my best work in silence because it helps me focus on the art and zone out.

If you were a cocktail on a drink menu at a bar, what would your name be?

Kitty Kolada

If you could go back in time and talk to “8 year old YOU”, what would you say to her/him?

NOTHING! Haven't you seen Back to the Future?! That would devastate my whole existence.

If you could collaborate with any other artist [living or dead], who would it be and why?

ELROD. Because with our love of sparkle, we could create a great mexa-cat God.

What is the best bit of advice that you have ever been given?

Life is for the living. Don't waste your time doing things that don't make you happy.

If you had a chance to say one sentence for the whole world to hear, what would you say?

If you had a pet, there would be world peace.

One Mexi-Cat God coming right up! And may I just say that you can totally go back in time and talk to your young self and get hooked up! Remember Biff Tannen in BTTF II? You could have a freakin' casino and be the ruler of a slum town... BALLIN!

So, how about it? Lindsey's cat goddess is perfect for this panel, no? There's still two more sick artists following this act and I can guarantee this panel is going to be a real crowd pleaser. Next to attack panel numero uno is an insanly talented master of his craft, Albert Ramos of San Fran-sicko. Minds, prepare to be blown. Much love to Lindsey~ your work was well worth the wait, darlin'.

Panel #1 mileage recap- during its first leg, it went from SF to Campbell and put 53.17 miles on it. Then, from Campbell to Redlands, it's a 408.22 mile trip. New grand total for the maiden panel is 461.39!

More updates on the way!

ELROD

FINAL ROUND! Battle of the Sexes Finale

Hey art lovers~

OoooooOOoooh I'm so happy right now... We have the next two panels all complete and ready for you to gawk at. EVEN BETTER, it's the ::GONG:: Battle of the Sexes panels! Hell yeah! Now we get to check out what the two teams created in an effort to out-collaborate each other.

As usual, we're gonna start with my girls, heeeeey ladies!!!!

Last up on panel #5 is Ms. Corrin Duran of Covina, CA. Corrin is known for her bold and bright artwork and from what I have seen, she carries on very upbeat/ happy themes. She's got a feel-good vibe and it totally resonates in her art. I think this panel was perfect for her because it already had that sweet babe lounging out all mellow with her jams and flower patterns~ totally made for Corrin's aesthetic. Check it out and enjoy her interview:

What is your earliest “artistic” memory?

My earliest memory would have to be trying to throw a tag on the ground with my chalk...hahah. I remember drawing brick walls and writing on them.

What are three words that best describe your artwork?

Colorful,eclectic and fun

What inspires you?

Graffiti,robots,monsters and myloved ones.

What is your goal in life?

To make sure I fulfill some purpose in life. Also to travel and do art.

Name something you love, and why.

Avocados!!! because they are just so damn good!

What makes you angry?

When people complain about something continuously when they can change it.

What was your favorite toy as a kid?

Cabbage patch kids. My mom would watch my little cousin and I would steal all his diapers and baby food and use them for my dolls. They were well taken care of hahaha

What is your favorite toy now?

I-pod. I can't go anywhere without it.

What is your “dream” art project?

I really want to start a graffiti magazine. I have so many flicks and ideas.

What have you been listening too while you’ve been working on your art[recently]?

recently it's DJ Sneak,Aesop,The Black Keys and Kaskade

If you were a cocktail on a drink menu at a bar, what would your name be?

Well... I prefer beer but as a cocktail i would say CHUNKY BUT FUNKY!

If you could go back in time and talk to “8 year old YOU”, what would you say to her/him?

Dang this question is kinda deep. I would say "pay attention in school this stuff does really matter in the real world."

If you could collaborate with any other artist [living or dead], who would it be and why?

I would have to say Brandon Boyd. I'm a huge fan of his art and his lyrics.

What is the best bit of advice that you have ever been given?

Any advice my parent's usually give is right on but the one thing that always sticks with me is " You can't make everyone happy so do what is best for you."

If you had a chance to say one sentence for the whole world to hear, what would you say?

Love yourself and never stop learning.

AWESOME. Girl rocked the panel and someone stick a fork in it, THIS PANEL IS DONEZO, BABY! Hell yeah! These four ladies definitely created something special here. A glorious babe jamming out to some tunes as the vibes and flowers float about to the beat... goooorgeous! Shit, I really wish I was better writer so I can put into words how I feel about this battle... it's amazing you guys!

And now that the ladies have showed us what they got, it's time to see what the boys have retaliated with.

Last up on Panel #4 is a truly talented artist and bonafide hustler from Houston, TX, Kevin Sechelski. I met this guy through the NeoPopStreetFunk board show and I've gotten to know his art and work ethic relatively well... The boy can hustle. He works in real estate, graphic design, fine art, AND is a daddy/husband.... HOW DOES HE DO IT???

My name is Kevin Sechelski [shell-ski]... I live in Houston, Texas and work in real estate, graphic design and fine art.

What is your earliest "artistic" memory?

Growing up i was always drawing and creating things...Mt older brother would come home from school displaying 80's heavy metal omages drawn on his schoolbooks by other kids in class. I remember trying to draw them myself over and over again until I got it right.

What are three words that best describe your artwork?

Emotional, intense, and ever-changing...

What inspires you?

I really want to inspire other people...I want to create a reaction or conversation and be able to communicate a thought or idea. I want people to feel something inside that makes me look back when they walk away. I said one time that art should punch you int the stomach and leave you gasping for air...

What is your goal in life?

Man this is a hard one... I feel goals change every five years but at this point my one goal is to be the best dad and husband I can. Art wise, i would like to stay consistent in showing my work and maybe one day try to become a full-time artist. Also, maybe making it on the cover of Juxtapoz Magazine would be kinda cool too.

Name something you love and why.

Beer! Because it makes my face happy!

What makes you angry?

People's bandwagon approach to politics...seems like no one can think for themselves these days...

What was your favorite toy as a kid?

I had an E.T. doll that never left my side...

What is your favorite toy now?

My gas powered skateboard...

What is your "dream" art project?

I would love to do a complete installation at a major contemporary museum...

What have you been listening to while you work on your art [recently]?

Manchester Orchestra, Mumford & Sons and some old 80's rap...

If you were a cocktail on a drink menu at a bar, what would your name be?

"Dyn-O-Mite" that's a little J.J from "Good times"

If you could collaborate with any other artist [living or dead], who would it be and why?

Kinda wish I could collaborate with the 10-year old version of me. Life has different visions of mind from different age points.

Or Robert Rauschenberg.

What is the best bit of advice that you have ever been given?

"Treat each opportunity as if it's your last"

If you had a chance to say one sentence for the whole world to hear, what would you say?

"If you're not happy with your life, stop bitching and do something about it"

Ok, no for reals, I LOVE his bit of advice part... man, good shit homie! But what do you all think about his work that completed the Boys' panel? Pretty sweet, right???? Thank you for partaking in el collabo, Kevin. You really helped make this project a memorable and exciting one. Keep up the work and I just know that one day we will be seeing you on the front cover of ALL the art magazines.

OK! So, what have you? WHO DO YOU THINK WON THE BATTLE???? Did Jen, Janelle, Erin and Corrin take the title with their colorful babe panel, or did Ed, Oscar, Eddie and Kevin impress you with their hilariously awesome work??? THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE [well, technically FOUR, but ONE PANEL].

LETS DO A RECAP AND SOME SEXY CLOSE-UPS OF ALL THE ARTIST'S WORK!

On the ladies panel:

The hot bikini babe done by JEN OAKS of Berkeley

The beat box and jay bird by J DUB [Janelle Cuba] of Moreno Valley

The gorgeous tattoo work and floral designs by ERIN HAMILTON of Oakland

Sound and color vibrations by CORRIN DURAN of Covina

Back of the panel! Artist sigs!

And one final look at it!

Now for the BOYS!

The fighting cock of fury by ED HE

The Colonel by P.DILLA [Oscar Padilla]

Dino-riding robot by EDDIE SHIFFER

Whale and prints by KEVIN SECHELSKI!

Back of the beast

And for your final viewing pleasure...

Seriously you guys, this battle was bad ass and you have got to take a sec and give these artists some love in the comments area below. Tell us all what you did about this battle and WHO DO YOU THINK WON????

To the winner goes the bragging rights!

Cast your votes and thank you all so much. Peace, Love and Art!

ELROD

Panel #8- Jessi Kempin of San Francisco, CA

Hey all,

Today we celebrate the birth of a new panel baby, and it's name is Panel #8. The first artist to welcome this glorious love-art child is the wildly awesome Jessi Kempin of San Francisco. Ms. Kemp is not only a strong advocate for the proper burial of small animals [like art st

ore pet fish, or little dead birdies on the sidewalk] but she's quite the fabulous mixed media artist as well. I got a chance to catch her work at a group show in North Beach and her work totally put a smile on my face. Her addition to the panel is super precious and a little somber, but it still made my lips do that smiley thing...

Just to add a little context to her work, Jessi moved her fridge and found a sweet little dead mouse holding a precious nut close to his heart... imagine him using his last little bit of energy holding onto that nut....[tear*]. Sweet little mouser:

Hello ! I am Jessi Kempin. I was born in Germany, raised in Seattle, schooled in New York City (at Parsons),

 and just moved to the fine city of San Francisco in October 2010. I work full time at the coolest art store in 

San Francisco, Artist and Craftsman Supply (in North Beach). When I'm home, I'm breathing life into my own 

business, Year of the Pig Studio (www.yearofthepigstudio.wordpress.com) and also yelling at cable cars from 

my roof. 

What is your earliest “artistic” memory?

It would have to be drawing food. I used to go around my house and make my family "order" from a menu I'd 

written up. Once they'd "placed" their orders, I'd rush to my room to draw their food. A plate of fries. A sandwich.

 An ice cream. Whatever they wanted. And then I would "serve" them their food thereafter.

 What are three words that best describe your artwork?

Whimsical, playful, and colorful.

What inspires you?

I wouldn't be creating if not for other artists inspiring me, naturally. but in general ? I am inspired by animals 

and industrial city landscapes. I'm enamored with powerlines and have been for a long while. 

What is your goal in life?

If I had it my way, I'd spend the rest of my life painting in a studio and taking photographs - selling my work 

in galleries. I want my work to hang on walls in as many corners of the world as possible. 

Name something you love, and why.

Horses. For their strength, wisdom, and compassion. 

What makes you angry?

When people mess with my family, friends, and/or animals; I am loyal beyond belief and will do anything to

 protect them.

What was your favorite toy as a kid?

It's a toss up between 'My Little Ponies,' 'Breyer Horses,' and 'Playmobile.' oh, and let's not forget 'Polly Pocket.'

What is your favorite toy now?

My cameras. Nikon (entirely manual, I never graduated to digital), Holga, and Polaroid SX-70.

What is your “dream” art  project?

That's tough. I've always wanted to do a large scale mural - like the side of a building, filled with all sorts animals 

and cities and colors.

What have you been listening to while you’ve been working on your art [recently]?

 Most recently it's been Radiohead's new album The King of Limbs, The Radio Dept., and Young Galaxy's album

 Shapeshifting.

If you were a cocktail on a drink menu at a bar, what would your name be?

"Kokomo" (it's a long story).

If you could go back in time and talk to “8 year old YOU”, what would you say to her/him?

I would tell her that everything happens for a reason, so stop trying to control the uncontrollable.

If you could collaborate with any other artist [living or dead], who would it be and why?

Probably Aubrey Beardsley - he was a genius.

What is the best bit of advice that you have ever been given?

"Everything will be okay in the end. And if it's not, then it's not the end."

If you had a chance to say one sentence for the whole world to hear, what would you say?

This too shall pass

Bravo, my friend, BRAVO. Many thanks and much respect to Jessi for sharing her talents and words with us.

What do you think? Do you like her homage to the dead fridge mouse? I LOVE IT. 

Next up on the agenda for Panel #8 is a trip down to SOCAL to an artist by the name of 

Phillip Garza. He already did the work on it, so give me a few days to catch up and get his post

 all set up. Promise it will have been worth the wait!

See you again tomorrow with another catch up post!

Much Love,

ELROD

Panel #2- Gilbert Goodwin of Reno, NV

Hello friends!

My name is Elrod. You might remember me from previous postings such as the ones I posted OVER A MONTH AGO. Holy Cripes! My deepest apologies to all of my collaborators who have continued to work hard and keep creating beautiful pieces of art while I got distracted for a hot minute there.

BUT ENOUGH ABOUT ME.

Today we're going to catch up on long lost panel #2! Last time we saw her, she just left the hands of photographer David Rogers in Provo, Utah, and from there she traveled across the state and over to the biggest little city in the world, Reno! Out there, the panel made good friends with an inspiring word smith and experimental artist by the name of Gilbert Goodwin. Between his kills with rhymes, his tricks on his skateboard, and his talent with a brush, Gilbert is basically a walking piece of art. He was more than excited when he found out about this project and it thrills me to see him creating visual art again. Let's do this thing!

My name is Gilbert Goodwin. I am originally from Riverside ca. Now residing in reno nevada.

I mostly skate, make music and try to be an artist in my own way. I guess I chill too.

What is your earliest “artistic” memory?

Making a paper machete face when I was in school real early I used pencil sharperner shavings as eyes

everybody thought that was cool. That and ninja turtles, I was always getting down on those!

What are three words that best describe your artwork

Simple. Complex. Cool.

What inspires you?

Life insipires me. All things.

What is your goal in life?

To be happy, for sure .

Name something you love, and why.

My skateboard- Its my escape.

What makes you angry?

Anger and hate take up too much energy wheres the love?

What was your favorite toy as a kid?

Ninja turtles and fireworks, hands down.

What is your favorite toy now?

My tye dye beer cozy!

What is your “dream” art project?

To buy a house and put a mini ramp next to the bbq.

What have you been listening too while you’ve been working on your art[recently]?

Alot of everything: Sabbath, Biggie, my own stuff, Alot of instrumental love music. Night Nurse.

If you were a cocktail on a drink menu at a bar, what would your name be?

Miller High Gump. The pinnacle of beers.

If you could go back in time and talk to “8 year old YOU”, what would you say to her/him?

Dont steal that car in 9th grade!! haha just kidding. I dont know really, no regrets. Invest!

If you could collaborate with any other artist [living or dead], who would it be and why?

Richie Valens or Jim Corce. I grew up with my dad playing their music on the guitar and I've

always loved there music. It seems like they both got taken out in their prime. Just to sit in on a session

would have been awesome.

What is the best bit of advice that you have ever been given?

Un dia a la ves mi cristo!

If you had a chance to say one sentence for the whole world to hear, what would you say?

LIVE 4 DIE 4!!

Thank you Gumpilla the Killa! you work is tight and it's a treat to have you bestow your talents upon us. Keep doing your thing and SK8 or DIE!!!

Mileage- From Provo UT to Reno NV- 579.84, and a total of 1978.85 [from original starting point of Chicago, IL]. Next up on the bill for this panel is Kim Webster of Sacramento CA. Get a sneak peek at her skills on her website here!

Get ready because you're all getting updated on a new artist EVERY DAY until I catch up with this beast, cool?

Peace,

ELROD