TODAY'S CRITTER NUMBERS
Jun 06, 2011    posted by: Sunny

Update: We have a winner....CONGRATS MAGGIE HSU!!!

We're giving out critters and prizes in celebration of Nate Wragg's first solo exhibition:



Now through the month of June, on select dates, we will be announcing 10 randomly generated numbers. If the number matches your critter, give us a call 626-458-7477. First one to call us WINS.
More details here.

Today's winner will receive " A Bad Week" print + A Nucleus t-shirt of your choice.



The Winning Critters for June 6th Are:

1414
1396
1262
1560
1604
1480
1483
1662
1706
1512

Artist Spotlight: Nostalgic Worlds of Paul Barnes
Jun 05, 2011    posted by: Nucleus

Scotland based artist, Paul Barnes, is another artist that will be showcased in next Saturday's Baker's Dozen exhibition.  His paintings center around wondrous characters derived from mysticism and folklore, often conveyed through warm and muted colors.  In a brief interview, we had the rare opportunity to learn more about Barnes:

  

Barnes left school at the early age of sixteen to pursue his interests in arts, he eventually earned a degree in illustration and graphic design from Gray's School of Art in Scotland.  Since then, Barnes has made a career out of painting, but notes that his desire to paint is fueled his passion rather than financial gain.
 

Despite having elements conducive to a narrative, Barnes states that his works do not align themselves with any particular story or meaning. Instead, Barnes seeks to create a kind of interpretive nostalgia, a feeling for the past that can only be determined by the audience's own intuitions.

Currently, Barnes is continuing to progress as an artist and family man, his proudest moments being his children and his first solo shows in the UK and the USA.  

In Paul's own words, he let us in on a few of his quirks:

• I've never owned a cell phone.
• I still live in the 80's.
• I want to grow my own vegetables.
• My favourite quote/life lesson is from Buddha...'The mind is everything, what we think we become'

Thanks Paul for providing a glimpse into your world!

 

Be sure to come by Nucleus Saturday June 11th, to see Barnes' work as well as many other fantastic artists in Baker's Dozen. 

Illustrated Type Artist Spotlight: Jessica Hische
Jun 04, 2011    posted by: Alexis

After graduating from Tyler School of Art with a degree in Graphic Design, Jessica Hische worked for Headcase Design before taking a position as senior designer at Louise Fili Ltd. She continued developing her freelance career at night, and after two and a half years, she left to pursue lettering and illustration further and to try her hand at type design. Hische and her work have since been featured in many publications, such as CMYK and Uppercase Magazines, as well as in exhibitions both nationally and internationally. Her impressive list of clients includes Chronicle Books, Etsy, GQ Magazine, HarperCollins, Penguin Books, Random House, Tiffany and Co., and Victoria's Secret.

So basically, Jessica Hische is a design powerhouse. Surely you've seen her Should I Work for Free? flowchart and her Daily Drop Cap project! Below are her letterpress prints for Illustrated Type, which are nothing short of amazing in person. Alphabirds is still available for purchase, and some of her letterforms are still up for grabs. See them all before the exhibit comes down on Tuesday, June 7th!


 

Gentle Giant Studios Surprise at Harry Potter Tribute Art Exhibition
Jun 03, 2011    posted by: Nucleus

Gentle Giant Studios returns to Nucleus for the Harry Potter Tribute Art Exhibition, this time bearing surprises that you won't want to miss.  For those unfamiliar with Gentle Giant Studios, they previously showcased with Nucleus' past art exhibition, "Curiouser and Curiouser", indulging audiences with maquettes modeled after the character designs from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland film (seen below).  The models were flawlessly created, capturing every speck of minute detail in most perfect form--these were truly a sight to behold.  Expect something just as amazing.  Here's a little teaser to satiate your curiosity in the mean time.





Photos from Alice in Wonderland Exhibtion:





The Harry Potter Tribute Art Exhibition begins on July 9th.

Baker's Dozen Spotlight: The Blissful Paintings of Daniela Volpari
Jun 03, 2011    posted by: Nucleus

Rome based illustrator Daniela Volpari creates playful and charming drawings, often narrative scenes, characterized by bright friendly colors and erratic and exaggerated shapes.  She will be one of thirteen artists featured at Nucleus' Baker's Dozen exhibition.  



Volpari's interest in art began at an early age, her earliest memory being when she attempted to redraw an image from a newspaper...

DV:I remember a drawing made  to kindergarten, I copied a picture from a newspaper. I was very young (Approximately 5 years), but I fondly remember the amazement of the adults to see that plan (which in their opinion) was identical. I thought, 'how is easy surprise the adults!

From the encouragement gained through her achievements she went on to graduate from Rome's International School of Comics. 

 

Since then, Volpari has earned great acclaim as an illustrator, although she admits that like any career, illustration has its ups and downs.  She identifies her optimism and confidences as guiding her toward the success she enjoys now....

N: At what point did you realize making art was a viable career? Is it?
DV:Often making art isn't profitable. Sometimes you're lucky, sometimes not. Sometimes you have to make compromises and sometimes not. I am optimistic and every time I cross my fingers. I have confidence (too much?) in the quality of my work.

N: What has been your proudest moment?
DV: When I was selected for the first time in a contest drawing. It was the first time I took part in such competitions and also the first time that I was trying to get in this world. When I was selected I was given the charge to continue, and made ​​me realize that I was able to do so.


While the content of her works often revolve around stories, Volpari is more concerned with establishing atmosphere and mood.  She hopes to convey feelings of serenity, bliss, and playfulness, always aiming to make her audience smile.

Like any artist, Volpari has her own quirks and lessons, luckily she shared a few of them with us!
In Daniela's own words:

• After lunch, I drink a cup of coffee, and after it a great chocolate. Good humor is made of little things. Our feelings are transmitted on the paper.
  
  
• The thing I like about this job is that every day I could receive commissions from all over the world. I love Internet.
  
  
• I am very embarrassed about the compliments made  in person. I turn red as a ripe tomato. Often, when I attend shows and events around Rome, I pretend to be a visitor.
  
  
• I understand that sincerity and humility helps a lot in this (field of) work. There isn't reason to quarrel and envy among colleagues, as there isn't a reason to invent a curriculum that doesn't exist. Your art and your talent speaks for you.
  
  
• Listen to good music while you paint.

Thanks Daniela! Be sure to swing by Nucleus between June 11 and July 4th to see Volpari's works during the Baker's Dozen exhibition!