Panel #1- Ryan Martinez, SF

Daaaaaaang, slacker! Ryan Martinez FINALLY passed off the panel in the #1 spot to the next artist on the bill and we can FINALLY see what it's looking like... Hahaha Ok, Ok, I won't try and make him feel any worse about it. I mean, he did a pretty awesome job on it. Plus, I'm not even one to talk. I'm queen of the slackers so I guess it's only appropriate that he painted a glorious golden king on the panel- Check it!

http://www.illestratedvisions.com/

I've been an admirer of Ryan's work for a while because he's always hustlin' his art and doing sweet ass live painting gigs at clubs in the city. Here's the short list of some folks he's collaborated with already:

Fedde Le Grand

Laidback Luke

LA RIOTS

The Crystal Method

Snoop Dogg

Kaskade

Donald Glaude

DJ Dan

Doc Martin

Mark Farina

DJ Heather

Playboy

DJ Colette

Miguel Migs

Lisa Shaw

Julius Papp

The Martinez Brothers

Luckyiam from the Living Legends

DJ Swamp

VJ Vello Virkhaus

So, OF COURSE I had to ask him to get down on the project! Make sure you check out his website and follow his work because this guy is making moves and it'll be cool to see where his ambition and talents take him~

What is your earliest “artistic” memory?

Drawing my mom as she worked in her office and copying the backs of disney vhs covers to pass time, namely Mickey's Christmas Carol

What are three words that best describe your artwork?

music, nature, life

What inspires you to create?

Feeling my chest rattle as I walk into a bass heavy nightclub or music festival. watching smoke twist around in the sunlight. a beautiful woman.

What is your main goal in life?

To inspire and be smiling while i do it.

Name something you love, and why.

Electronic dance music. because it is universal and makes me move like a jabbawockee

What makes you angry?

Dumb mutha fuckas, and smart mutha fuckas who get shit twisted

What is your dream

project?

To be part of the dopest live art collab in Golden Gate park, while doing a live vj set on stage with BT and Thievery Coorporation, at Sunset... on DMT

What has been coming out of your speakers when you've been painting recently?

Dubstep, Glitch, and Electro. namely Skrillex, Pretty Lights, Pendulum and Rusko. BT is always a constant as well...

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

The Supernova, or Skinny Nova

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

Vello Virkhaus, concert visuals, vj. vsquaredlabs.com Ive actually already had the pleasure of working with this video genius. got to edit some of the original pink floyd concert footage in his studio for ultra music festival in miami! would love to mix my live painting/ digital illustration with his vj work at some of the biggest music events in north america...

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

Just keep doing whatever it is that you are doing...

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

"I am IllestRated, Hear me ROAR!!!"

Right on homie, thanks for getting down with this project! NEXT on the list is a fella by the name of Paul Nicholas Mendoza. I've shown my art with his twice before and i always get great vibes from this cat. His work is fantastic, can't wait to show you more!

You'll be hearing from me next week for a few new updates and THE BEGINNING OF ROUND 2!!! Two new panels will be getting set out into circulation and 8 new artists will be lined up to do the dirty.

Thanks for being a part of this, artists AND spectators... I appreciate you all more thank you'll ever know.

Love and Respect,

ELROD

Panel #2- Kim MacAulay, Chicago, IL

Panel #1 has officially been launched into circulation by my good friend from Chicago IL, Kim MacAulay. She's mainly known for painting bad ass zombies, or what she calls "Post Apocalyptic Portraits". You need to check out her work on her site, it's awesome stuff. Her work is bloody, creepy, and downright beautiful. Take a sec and go look for the zombie baby playing in a pile of slaughtered entrails... that's right, you heard me. Go on, check it out:

http://www.kimberlymacaulay.com/

Let me cut to the chase and show you what we're working with here folks:

Cut to gratuitous close-up on the detail work:

That right there is a sweet and solid start for this panel. Most of her

work is much more classical so I'm really digging the style she went with on this project! Totally unexpected and I love it! Now, how about a little girl talk:

I'm Kimberly MacAulay and I'm located in Chicago, IL. I focus on human anatomy and as of right now I primarily paint zombies, but I've been known to paint the occasional portrait (non-horror) and still life.

What is your earliest “artistic” memory?

As far as one I was proud of, I remember getting an award for a drawing I did in middle school. Looking back at it, I think that's what started everything - the assignment was to draw an animal, a spider, a symbol of fear and an instrument. I drew a tiger that had been poached and torn in half with death standing over it with a sickle. Next to the tiger was an African-type drum with a spider standing on it. (Note: The spider was a large dot with legs, but the rest was pretty awesome).

What are three words that best describe your artwork?

Horror, somber, classical

What inspires you to create?

I tend to be more inspired by things that scare the shit out of me. I'm absolutely fascinated by it and the effects that fear has on the brain. I love figuring out how to bring out other emotions, making the grotesque a footnote.

What is your main goal in life?

To have new experiences. Keeping my perception of the world and the people in it in a constant state of evolution. If I start feeling comfortable somewhere, I get anxious and need to move on. ...I guess the end-all would be to have my art sustain my lifestyle.

Name something you love, and why.

I love to organize stuff. I can't really say why - maybe because it makes me feel completely in control of what's around me. I think i'm more of a control freak than I like to admit :)

What makes you angry?

Double standards.

What is your dream project?

At the risk of sounding incredibly cheesy, each and every project is a dream project.

What has been coming out of your speakers when you've been painting recently?

I tend to go back and forth between music and podcasts depending on my mood and what will stimulate me more at the time. *expects eye rolls* If I'm working more expressive, I have been gravitating toward Lady Gaga, Linkin Park and Kenna. If I'm working more detailed, I favor Barenaked Ladies, Los Straitjackets and Guster. And anytime I'd rather not listen to music, I enjoy the podcasts Nerdist and How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse.

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

"If you mess with the bull...."

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?ing or dead], who would

See, that's not fair since this project is a collaboration! But since I really don't know many artists working on it, I guess I've got a little more freedom :) In all honesty, I've always respected Brom and Jhonen Vasquez (For clearly different reasons). I'd love to either collaborate or do a show with them.

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

"I don't think you can do that" ...nothing gets me more fired up and excited to do

something huge and crazy like a naysayer!

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

If you have dreams or something that you really want to do, just fuckin' do it! The only person holding you back is yourself.

Well said, K Mac, well said. Oh and check it out, this panel will be traveling across 8 states and over 2,100 miles... I'm fairly certain it will probably be the panel withe most mileage on it! This is how I feel about that:

Hahaha! Oh man, never mind. ANY WAYS, the next stop on this panels fabulous journey is Provo UT, with a photographer by the name of David Rogers. We'll get more into that in a few days when he figures what the hell he's going to do with the panel. Have fun with it friend, and treat her good.

Until next time my pretties,

ELROD

Panel #3- Elizabeth Amento, SF

It's the moment you've all been waiting for~ THE FIRST UPDATE OF EL TRAVO COLLABO 2011!

Let's go ahead and get into this, shall we? The fabulously talented Elizabeth Amento was the first artist on Panel #3's bill and she went to town on it and did her thing. Elizabeth is a painter and installation artist based out of San Francisco who's colorful work is both inviting and interactive. My first experience of Elizabeth's work were these awesome installations called "Cuddle Puddles" which where literally piles of colorful plush amoebas that BEGGED you to jump into them. Basically, they are her paintings brought to life and I can't get enough of them!

Check out her website to see more of what she does~ www.elizabethamento.com

But enough chit chat, here is Panel #2 with the first layer of work done by the Queen of the Cuddle Puddles:

AH, I love it! Love the colors, love the rhythm and I dig how the shapes almost seem like they are undulating and moving right on the panel.... heart.

And just for shits and giggles, each artist on the Collabo will be answering some questions. The purpose of the interviews are so you all get to know the artists a little bit better but also so you all don't get totally sick of me and my horrible writing skills... It's ok, I know I suck at writing:

Hello, I am Elizabeth Amento

I was born in MA, grew up in the Bay Area CA, spent 8 years in Boston MA, and now I live in SF.
I paint and make sculptural installations. I am the Assistant Manager at the Artist & Craftsman in SF.

1. What is your earliest “artistic” memory?
My mom showing me how to do a cool art project.

2. What are three words that best describe your artwork?
Colorful, biomorphic, inviting.

3. What inspires you to create?
Moments that make me want to keep living, usually good friends, momentous occasions, and visual stimulation.

4. What is your main goal in life?
To feel successful.

5. Name something you love.
Mixing paint into beautiful colors.

6. What makes you angry?
People who don't enjoy the moment.

7. What is your dream project?
A large scale installation.

8. What has been coming out of your speakers when you've been painting recently?
Pandora. Today is The Black Keys Radio, with added variety of Van Morrison.

9. If you were a cocktail on a drink menu at a bar, what would your name be?
Spicy and Sophisticated.

10. If you could collaborate with any other artist [living or dead], who would it be and why?
The artists in this project!

11. What is the best bit of advice that you have ever been given?
If it's bad advice, you don't have to take it.

12. If you had one chance to say one sentence for the whole world to hear, what would it be?
Remember to have fun.

Damn straight ya'll better remember to have fun. Speaking of fun, wasn't that a hoot?

So, next up on the list is my old friend from back in the day, Sarah Holbach. I've known her since high school and have always admired her CRAZY cool imagination and I'm about to pee my pants at the thought of what she might do with this panel while it's in her possession.... I knew I should have worn a diaper today.

Little ol' Panel #3 is getting packed up and is going to make her way down to Sarah's doorstep in sunny San Diego. Expect an update on her in a week or so. Until then, keep an eye out because we're still waiting to see panels #1 and #2 in their beginning stages.

Peace and so much love to you all!

ELROD

p.s- Much love and respects to Elizabeth for working on this project, I think her and her puddles of color make the world a better place.

AND THEY'RE OFF!

Today, February 21st, Officially kicks off the beginning of El Travo Collabo 2011!

All artists that are first on the list in round #1 have the panels within their possession and I am so DAMN excited to see this project taking flight again.

Here is the line up for the first round [Panels# 1-3]:

Panel #1-

1. Ryan Martinez- SF, CA

2. Paul Nicholas Mendoza- Campbell, CA

3. Lindsey Chesus- Redlands, CA

4. Albert Ramos- SF, CA

5. Justin Delacuesta- Sacramento, CA

Panel #2-

1. K Mac- Naperville, ILL

2. David Rogers- Provo, Utah

3. Gilbert- Reno, NV

4. Webster Kim- Sacramento, CA

5. Ryan Flores- Daly City, CA

Panel #3-

1. Elizabeth Amento- SF, CA

2. Sarah Holbach- San Diego, CA

3. Forest Stearns- Oakland, CA

4. Gian Norte- Montebello, CA

Each artists in the number one slots are getting FRESH, RAW, UNTOUCHED panels to work with. She's young [but legal], she wants you to do whatever you want with her, and she cant wait for you to put your hands on her~

Each artist has until next Monday, February 28th, to do the naughty with the panels and then it's time to kiss her goodbye and send her off to the next person on the list [she's a dirty whore].

We'll be getting photo updates from each artist as the panels fill up, so check back every week for updates and new posts! We'll also post mini-interviews and links to the artists websites so you can follow the rest of their goodness.

ROUND TWO STARTS IN TWO WEEKS!!

Peace and Love

ELROD

The starting Line Up!

What up art appreciators!!!

OK, here is our starting line up for El Travo Collabo 2011:

Forest Stearns

K Mac

Kevin Sechelski

Lindsey Chesus

Nicky Davis

Erin Hamilton

Eddie Schiffer

Dannee123- "Thift"

Bri Wishengrad

Jen Oaks

Brian Treitler

Justin Delacuesta

Ryan Flores

Webster Kim

Ryan Martinez

Laura Marks

Sarah Holbach

Karmene Pruzinskis

Elizabeth Amento

Anna-Lisa Stardust van der Valk

Paul Nicholas Mendoza

Saunders Hildreth

Gilbert

Albert Ramos

Ed He

Kieran Collins

Kellie Peach

Adonia Middleton FIVEISH Gian Norte Agent Peach Jessi Kempin Phillip Garza Corrin Duran Kasey Mahoney JDUB AND ME! Everyone ranges from fine artist painters, illustrators, photographers, welders, mixed media artists, zombie makers, stencil cutters, paint drippers, wall scribes and god knows what else! We're kicking off in a few days and I cannot WAIT to see how this projects turns out! New posting in just a few days, please stand by! Love and Respects, ELROD

THE RESURRECTION!

BAM, SHE'S BACK IN ACTION!

I'm all amped up and ready to bring this project back to life. We have MORE artists and promoters than before and I have a good feeling that this shit is gonna be BIG.

I'll have more news and a list of artists soon to come.

Check out the goodness from before and get ready for some ridiculous talent coming your way.

Mad love and respects to you all,

ELROD

Procrasti-busy

NO, I have not forgotten. I over-cluttered my life with new projects and the old ones got pushed to the back burners. We have new artists and BIGGER ideas for the Collabo- she will rise again.

Please stand by.....

Under Construction

Greetings friends, and collabo appreciators!

I want to send you al my dearest and most sincere apologies for not updating the site. We've hit more than just a few bumps in the road with this project but we're keeping our heads held high and  we plan on picking right back up where we stopped. Thanks for the support and interest, I promise to have some new eye-candy for you all very soon...

Please stand by...

ELROD

Sergeant Sprinkles Meets Corporal Punishment

Hey all-

I decided to kick this thing into high gear by starting a third panel before the second one was finished. The next two panels [3 & 4] are going to be "VERSUS" panels- Panel #3 will be all LADIES artists, and panel #4 will be all GUY artists. Just having a little competitive fun here to make things a tad bit more interesting, although I'm sure the ladies will kick ass!

To start it off, we have Berkeley-based illustrator Jen Oaks. I fell in love with this woman's illustrations the second I saw her work. Her stuff is vintage inspired with a lot of feminine imagery like lingerie~ How could I NOT love her stuff?! Take a look! [don't feel bad for enjoying a majorette in her panties... i know I don't]: 

PANTIES: 

ETC: What is your Name?

JO: Jen Oaks!

ETC: Where are you from, and where are you based out of now?

JO: I'm from Oklahoma City, And now I reside in Berkeley, CA. I do miss living in San Francisco, but Berkeley/Oakland are really great. 

ETC: What inspires you to create your art?

JO: Every amazing nuance of the Bay Area. How my grandma's kitchen looked in the 80's. Inside jokes with my dude. Ridiculous, decadent fashion editorial spreads. Pin ups and underwear! 

ETC: Describe your [art] stye in 5 words.

JO:  Pretty, awkward, colorful, kinda funny

ETC: If you could meet any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

JO: I am dying to know more about Tadahiro Uesugi. His work is incredible! I would also love to have tea with the inimitable Mary Blair. 

ETC: What was your favorite toy as a kid?

JO: I like Barbies a lot. I know, typical. But I did naughty things like cut their hair off an color them with markers. And my grandma made a bunch of funny 80's punk clothing for them. I also had this bizarre compulsion to make little villages out of mud, leaves and twigs, and then populate the villages with My Little Ponies. Honestly, i was happy to play in the dirt for hours. 

ETC: What id your favorite toy now? 

JO: My Macbook and Wacom. I have mixed feelings about this. 

ETC: If you could leave today, and travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

JO: NYC has been calling my name. I've never been! Plus, my husband has been watching all of the Woody Allen films in order, and that has only fanned the flame. 

ETC: If you could paint/print on of your designs ANYWHERE, where would you put it? 

JO: I've been dreaming about some really pretty public art. Not graffiti, I'm not as bad ass as the rest of your collabo artists, but more like a legitimately commissioned outdoor mural or installation. Or illegitimately  commissioned. Call me!

ETC:  If you had one chance to tell the world one sentence, what would you say?

JO: "Eat your veggies, dudes."

Beautifully done. I hope you all enjoyed that one as much as I did! I encourage you all to check out her other works at her website here. And if you didn't click on the link to her website, then you are lame, and should reconsider your lame-status and go back and click on it. Go on... I'll wait....

So, moving along- My heterosexual life mate, Crash N Burn McGurn, asked if she could be a part of this Ladies panel, so I am going to toss her into the mix [again]- the panel is on it's way to Long Beach as I am typing this! I am also compiling my group of males for the Panel #4, so if any guys are interested, hit me up!

"There is no retirement from being an artist, it's your way of living and there's no end to it" - Bono  [even though that one doesn't really  make sense, because life DOES eventually end, i just like the idea of art being a way of life or a culture, not a JUST a job]

We create to live, we live to create.

Peace and love to all,

ELROD

Fresh Cuts from the Butcher

Hey all~

Sorry for this much delayed posting! Sometimes life throws a few road blocks, but we'll just keep busting on through them! So check this out- our latest artist, Manar Laham, has completed his addition to the panel and he defiantly brought the fresh style-

"A creature emerges from the sands of the far east, his shadow cast by the blood orange sky.

The Butcher stands before us, cleaver in hand, ready for the first cut..."

ETC: What is your name?

AML: Ahmad Manar Laham. I was called Butcher for the longest time.. which is the direct translation of my last name in Arabic (Laham). You can just call me Manar

ETC: Where are you from and where are you based out of now?

AML: I’m originally from Syria. I grew up in the UAE (AKA Dubai), and I live in San Francisco now

ETC: Describe your style in 5 words

AML: Punchy sarcastic dark imaginative unique 

                  

ETC: What inspires you to create your art?

AML: I get inspired mostly by people around me. My fellow artists and friends, people that I meet or even just see on the street, on the bus, at the grocery store, Etc. Having been surrounded with a number of good artists for the past 7 years or so has always been a major motivation behind my work

 

ETC: What is your idea of the ultimate collaboration?

AML: A huge panel that travels between artists from all around the world. The names of the artists involved in the project would be kept secret. Then the finished panel would get exhibited in all places it traveled to in the process of its making. I’d love to be part of this!

ETC: This could be arranged....

 

ETC: What was your favorite toy as a kid?

AML: I had a lot of Ninja Turtles action figures and I loved them.

 

ETC: What is your favorite toy now?

AML: You know what.. I still have a lot of action figures. But my favorite has to be Bandai’s Plawres Sanshiro“Juohmaru” chogokin Figure that my brother got me last year.

 

ETC: If you could meet one artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

 AML: Simon Bisley, Ashley wood, Francisco Goya, Egon schiele, Dean Cornwell, John Sargent, Bernie Wrightson, the list goes on and on

.. as for picking one.. I’d say Ashley wood

 

ETC: If your art had a soundtrack, what bands would be on it?

AML: Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Rush, Pink Floyd, the Police, Genesis, Dire Straits, Led Zeppelin, Testament, Death, Overkill, Judas Priest, Megadeth

 

ETC: If you had one last sentence to share with the world, what would it be?

AML: Open your minds and hearts to the world around you. Let’s forget about the planet for now and just care for each other.

Well said. Thank you for sharing your talents and words, Butcher. Check out and follow his work here.

I hope you all are enjoying the eye candy and mini-interviews, send me any suggestions for new interview questions, I am all ears! I told you all I was bad at thing kind of thing, so thanks for sticking with it! And remember, if you'd like to get down on this project, hit me up! ~ travo.collabo@gmail.com

Total miles Panel #2 has traveled- 858 miles

"One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself." - Leonardo da Vinci

Peace and love to all.

ELROD