INVURT

Four artists will be putting on a show down at 19Karen on the Gold Coast this Saturday the 15th October to do a bit of live art for all the ‘coasters! Gimiks Born, TwoOne, Nolwenn Stephan and Donna Sharam will be featured.

"Ever wanted to watch an artist at work and find out what makes them tick? Join us for our Live Painting Project, an exciting event featuring four of 19 KAREN’s artists who will be painting throughout the afternoon.

Guests are invited to talk with the artists about inspiration, technique, materials and more. The final artworks will be auctioned on the night.  Aspiring artists shouldn’t miss this—and collectors should take this unique opportunity to see our brilliant artists at work!

This exciting project forms part of our upcoming Cash & Carry Exhibition starting at 6pm Guests are invited to stay on and enjoy drinks and nibbles until 8pm."

So not only will there be some live art, but there’s also a cool auction of artists work on.

"Our ‘Cash & Carry’ evening features a range of artworks from 19 KAREN’s represented and guest artists. An exciting chance to see a variety of artists in the one exhibition. Come along and enjoy the evening, and if you find a piece you like you can purchase it right off the wall and take it home with you! Drinks and nibbles will be provided and a special Live Painting Project will also be a highlight of the night."

Sounds like an awesome night down at 19Karen, as always – so head down if you’re in the area and check it out!

Who: Gimiks Born, TwoOne, Nolwenn Stephan and Donna Sharam
What: Live art & Auction
Where: 19Karen Gallery, 19 Karen Avenue, Gold Coast
When: Event starts Saturday 15th October at 6pm and runs til 8pm.

Check out the 19Karen website for more info!

For those of you who don’t affiliate the Sunshine State with all much creativity, you’ve probably been eating your words in this past year.

This October the 21st, Ananlogue/Digital Gold Coast will be calling upon six of the finest creative minds in this great land to expose their inner most secrets and help YOU crack it in the big league.  So, if hearing the industry know-hows of creative directors, DJs and celebrated fashion photographers is your caper, we suggest you get your tickets to this event asap.

As of 6pm on the 21st, you ‘ll be heading  to the Retrospect X A/D Exhibition which will host works from key speakers from the event, you can also chat to them yourselves over a beer, maybe getting yourself a foot in the proverbial door.  How does that sound?

… and did we mention the well stocked after party at Elsewhere Bar, once you’ve soaked up all the creative inspiration you need? A/D speaker Angus Gruzman AKA Gus Da Hood Rat will be in full force, dishing out his buzz starting breed of ear dazzling mash ups. Aaaaw Yeah.

We’re a bit miffed we’re stuck in Melbourne for this, but hey, we can’t have all the fun.

Who:  Analogue Digital Creative Conference, Gold Coast
What: Conference/Exhibition/Afterparty
Where: BC & C Cinemas, Robina Town Centre, Arbour Lane Robina
When: 21st October, 2011, Conference 9am-6pm, Afterparty/Exhibition 6pm

Gimiks Born, is a builder of worlds.

As a storyteller, and lover of both pop culture and ancient histories and mythology, each frame of the work he produces contains a creative narrative that is nothing short of immersive. With cross skilled disciplines in design, illustration, painting and street art, Brisbane based Gimiks Born has, over the years, developed characters, icons and storylines that coalesce his various passions into a visual playground.

When we had the chance to send some questions off to Gimicks, we didn’t hesitate – the man has been on our, and many others, radar for some time. What we received back, unsurprisingly, was a veritable feast of words and imagery, and we found ourselves plunged into a creative land of fantasy, fables and Bitter Winds …

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19 Karen Gallery on the Gold Coast has three openings this Saturday night with solo shows ‘Tarts and Flours’ from Beck Wheeler, ‘The Fellows and The Bloodies’  fromKate McCarthy and ‘Runaway with me’ with Mica Still.

Check out the 19Karen website and the facebook page for more details.

“These vehicles acted as outside galleries, which roamed about NYC and Paris, showcasing artwork to the masses,” Josh says.

“There’s also a reference to the artwork on these vehicles in an outside context; it’s artwork which has originally been created for an outside audience which I am now capturing the feeling, energy and style of and then painting it onto canvases which will be showcased in an inside environment; in this case, inside the 19Karen gallery space.”

An eclectically stunning collection of hand cut miniature vehicle stencils sprayed onto canvas, and containing many layers of paint and thought, these works are inspired, to say the least.  Provoked by 70’s and 80’s subway graff from New York and Paris, each piece within Joshua’s collection brings the street exteriors to the exhibition interior and us, the viewer, to places we might only think upon.

One can see the immense influence Joshua, a widely travelled and practiced artist, has taken from his many experiences across the globe. We’re excited to be invited into this part of his world – so get down if you’re on the GC and soak up some of this sick work for yourself!

Who:  Joshua Smith
What: Outside Inside – Solo Show
Where:  19 Karen Contemporary Artspace – 19 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast, QLD
When: Show opens Saturday 13th August 6-8pm, and runs til 10th September 2011

For more knowledgeable treats and insights into the artist and his works, check out our May interview with Joshua Smith! You can also find heaps of helpful info at the 19Karen website and the facebook event page (which also features the opening of Melbourne based artist Simone Maynard!

Another high energy event is due to hit the Gold Coast Saturday week. And no, it’s not another Cyclone – or Schoolies (is there a difference?). BoardShop Australia, in conjunction with Ironlak, will be hosting a killer all day skateboarding and live art’s workshop on the 13th of August.

”Aside the immense line-up of skateboarding, BBQ eats, beats and giveaway treats, SOFLES and VANS the OMEGA will be performing a live paint demonstration.”

SOFLES – Acclaimed as one of Australia’s finest and most talented contemporary artists, SOFLES exploded into the urban arts scene in Brisbane, creating uniquely confronting and skilled graffiti pieces. He explores a huge array of themes in his works, utilizing mediums including ink, acrylic, spray paint and watercolours on wood, paper, canvas and any other mark-able surface he can find. (Sofles will also be showing some work at his solo show at Rtist Gallery in Melbourne this week).

VANS the OMEGA – “Another self taught Artist/designer/Photographer running around pretending to know something you don’t. First love was my Mum, then came Graffiti.” In his career, VANS the OMEGA has landed him self some killer shows and events all around the globe, now dabbling in Video editing, VTO is an incredibly vibrant and multi-talented artist capable of blowing your pre-conceived conceptions of the urban art forms out of the water.

This is set to be a hallmark event for the Gold Coast art and skate communities, so be sure to get down and check it out!

Who: SOFLES, VANS the OMEGA
What: “Skate Paint”
Where: The BoardShop Australia, 1/10 Ereton Dr Arundel, Gold Coast
When: Saturday 13th August, starting at 10am running until 6pm

For more info visit Ironlak’s event blog, BoardShop Australia’s webpage, VANS THE OMEGA’s webpage or SOFLES Facebook page.

You’re walking through a laneway, and your view is suddenly intercepted by a powerful, looming image of the Indian god Ganesh … you’re having a drink at a bar, and peeking at you from the wall is a beautiful, luscious girl … you’re at a show, and the sight of a dark hued, exotic pinup beauty enthrals and excites your way, and you sit there pondering, just knowing that you’ve seen something like it before …

… because you more than likely have, on walls and in galleries throughout the breadth of the country.

That’s the beauty of Debs work – not only does it have the power to convey a gorgeous sense of femininity, but her style is also one that you just don’t forget. Her dedication to her craft, and sheer plethora of work adorning those walls and galleries over the past ten years has made her one of the most celebrated, and loved, street artists practicing in Australia today.

Recently, Deb opened her latest solo show, Aquarius, to much praise at the 19Karen gallery on the Gold Coast. We here at Invurt were delighted when she took some time out to talk to us about her show, her girls, and some of the views that power her captivatingly graceful work …

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Lately, it feels like there is a lot happening up on the Gold Coast – to us, anyways, or maybe its just that we are delving more into the area and there has always been a lot going on! Regardless, it feels like there is a whole bunch of artistic activity going on up there, and nothing makes us more happy than to put out news on new areas to check out.

The upcoming show, Drawn Forth, at Retrospect Galleries (which also has a presence in Byron Bay), purports that “The very act of drawing is when an artist is at his/her most vulnerable. It is the most pared back, spontaneous and intimate of all the visual art forms.  Its’ simplicity belies the fact that in the act of drawing there is nowhere to hide.”

This, with that in mind, the exhibition of illustrations and drawings will highlight “over twenty of our best drawers, [to] demonstrate the extraordinary length and breadth of this exquisite form of art.”

With a wealth of artists, both old and new, it looks to be a wonderful expose of some of the best illustrative talent in Australia today “The delicate and deliberate works of artists Courtney Brimms, Troy Archer Deb Mostert and Nick Batchelor never falter in their brave use of line and shadow. Pencil and pen take on animate form, and capture a realistic likeness of the object they are portraying, showing their skills by embracing realism but putting their own take on the subject matter.
Hannah Smith’s feminine and rhythmic works are almost translucent in their intricate patterns and give us a tantalising glimpse of the sublime. Twin sisters Christie and Kelly Turner work together in unique partnership where both draw on the same work at the same time to produce fashion inspired, soft but dynamic portrait works. And we also have the expressive drawings of Michelle Dawson in the time honoured tradition of the old masters. Dawson’s technical prowess in hard to surpass.”

Well, we love drawing, and we absolutely love shows like this (there have been quite a few illustration shows around the country lately, which is awesome)– so check it out if you’re around the GC this weekend!

Who: Celia Morgan, Christie and Kelly Turner, Courtney Brimms, Craig Martin, Dave Newman, Deb Mostert, Donna Malone, Emma Theyers, Fiona Kennedy-Altoft, Hannah Smith, John Smith, Kareena Zerefos, Katka Adams, Kellie O’Dempsey, Michelle Dawson, Nick Batchelor, Nikky Morgan-Smith, Ross Booker, Sam Creyton, Shayle Flesser, Simon Roots, Troy Archer, Zom Osborne
What: Drawn Forth group show
Where: Restrospect Galleries Queensland – Cnr Elizabeth Ave & Oracle Blvd (under the Green Fins) Broadbeach, QLD
When: Show opens Friday 15th July at 6pm, and runs til 28th July

Check out the Retrospect Gallery and the online catalogue of the show, as well as the facebook event page!

We’ve been wondering when another cool art event like this was going to pop up – the StreetCube Street Art Project is providing the general public of Surfers Paradise with a fantastic opportunity to watch and interact with some of the hottest talent in urban art forms.

An all-ages Workshop featuring Beastman and Shida will be held at Neil Shannon Park, Surfers Paradise on Thursday 9th July, starting at 11am and running until about 2pm. (hopefully longer)

Later on in the evening, artists Gimiks Born, Beastman and Shida will be at Festival Community Gallery (Circle on Cavill, 9 Ferney Ave, Surfers paradise) for an arts forum, taking questions and giving an insight into the life and experiences of a seasoned street artist.

The forum starts at 5.30pm and will go until 7pm.

If you’re near the GC, be sure to get down there for this brilliant opportunity to meet some fantastic artists, and see some incredible works. With FREE entry to both events and door prizes at the forum, how could you resist?

OneWay Project Music Festival

As if all that wasn’t enough live art for one weekend, Sydney artist Beastman then returns with local artist’s Shida, Gimiks Born and Jae Copp to tackle the OneWay Project Music festival.

It can be expected that the combined force of incredible and varied talent, will transform one of this surfing cities blandest alleyway walls, into what is sure to be a masterpiece.

With DJ’s pumping from 2pm, along side a smorgasbord of funky stalls that will feature both exclusive and up-and-coming designers, a huge array of local art installations and exhibition spaces, and of course, live art, this is definitely one to get out bed for.

Check out this teaser video for the festival and the OneWay project.

Oneway Project Teaser from salvador73nomadiX on Vimeo.

Who: Beastman, Shida, Gimiks Born, Jae Copp.
What: Streetcube Live Art Event @ OneWay Project Street Party.
Where: Alison + Appel Streets, Surfers Paradise.
When: 9th July, Live art will begin at 2pm and run until 9pm.

Check out the StreetCube street art Project, details on the workshop and the forums, and all the other activities happening at the Surfer Paradise Festival. Also check out the facebook event page for OneWay, and the entire shebang – man, we want to go to Surfers next weekend!

Everyone knows the Gold Coast – home of bleached babes, movie world and parties that just seem to go on forever. But the party capital of Australia isn’t just renowned for its plethora of tourist orientated activities, but its DJs also beginning to make its mark on the global electronic and house music scene, and the Stafford Brothers are one of the many acts that are helping to lead the charge. (more…)