karentag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008-04-12:/karen//242008-08-28T17:36:16ZArtist, living in LA
http://www.karenkimmel.com/Movable Type Open Source 4.1Summer's End...tag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.7342008-08-28T17:49:07Z2008-08-28T17:36:16ZAs my family recovers from the the wild abandon of summer, it hits me what a kick ass line up of artwork will be had come this fall. Such a time to get back into the thick of it, re-immersing yourself into the art bounty that will be paraded around art galleries and museums east to west. Before it all descends, remember to embrace the beauty of all things white, the crisp embrace of an ocean wave and the smell of the salty summer night air. Take a majestic long walk on the beach at dusk or perhaps an extra moment to soak in the dwindling warmth of a poolside day because summer is closing its doors and once the...Karen Kimmel
]]>
Art - Jeff Koons Puppy Vase, Take 2tag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.6732008-08-09T02:06:23Z2008-08-09T01:36:10ZIf your like me, there are some art pieces that you could just kick yourself for not buying when the price was right. Jeff Koons Puppy Vase is just that very item. When I see one in someone's house filled with flowers flexing its insane cuteness, I think, "what the hell was wrong with me, why didn't I snatch that up immediately!" Well, if you got some bucks, this is your second chance for puppy power. Gagosian Gallery has created a second art edition of 3000 of these little tail-waggers, but his time you are gonna have to pay for the bloodline, $7500 will get this furry fellow delivered right to your doorstep, crating and shipping included. Looks like I...Karen Kimmel
Gagosian Gallery has created a second art edition of 3000 of these little tail-waggers, but his time you are gonna have to pay for the bloodline, $7500 will get this furry fellow delivered right to your doorstep, crating and shipping included. Looks like I am gonna have to do dog rescue, oh well mutts need love too.
Jeff Koons Puppy Vase
I
]]>
Music - George Clinton turns 67, wowzaaatag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.6502008-07-31T00:37:03Z2008-08-05T04:13:33ZMy wonderfully talented friend, art consultant and writer Sarah Cohen went to George Clinton's birthday party and wrote a little ditti of how it all went down with the master of funk...George Clinton's Party People If you're George Clinton age is just a number and you never need a reason to throw a party. So its no surprise that Clinton's 67th birthday party felt like any other day when the Parliament-Funkadelic family gets together and spends the night eating, drinking, singing and dancing. I was invited by Overton Loyd, an artist who spent almost 20 years touring the world with Clinton and P-Funk, designing multi-media stage shows, costumes and album covers and most recently, an animated music video "Bounce" which...Karen Kimmel George Clinton's Party People
If you're George Clinton age is just a number and you never need a reason to throw a party. So its no surprise that Clinton's 67th birthday party felt like any other day when the Parliament-Funkadelic family gets together and spends the night eating, drinking, singing and dancing. I was invited by Overton Loyd, an artist who spent almost 20 years touring the world with Clinton and P-Funk, designing multi-media stage shows, costumes and album covers and most recently, an animated music video "Bounce" which played on the big screen behind the stage towards the end of the evening. The party, held in an intimate chapel-like space with whitewashed walls and high ceilings, was in full swing when I arrived. Dressed to the nines in a suit and his signature rainbow dreads, George was the center of attention, only to be challenged by a rare sighting of the legendary Sly Stone who came to support his friend. The crowd, young and old, surrounded Clinton with such fervor and excitement you'd have thought he was the messiah. And to drive home the message that George is more than just an influential musician, George's artwork, along with a few works by Overton, was on display in a small gallery upstairs.
Besides George and Sly Stone, there was no shortage of characters. You'd think it'd be hard to stand out but not when you're the Poo-Poo Man, an old school self-promoting R&B singer and one of George's pals (and a friend of the venerable Red Foxx). And yes, he's got some old school moves but he still makes it look good. One of my favorite and most enduring P-Funk characters, Sir NoseDevoidoFunk (think urban Pinocchio), played by Carlos McMurray and brought to life by Overton Loyd, was in full effect. I also had the pleasure of meeting Tom Vickers, P-Funks PR man in the 70's, wearing the most genius satin Funkadelic jacket I've ever seen. But the best part of meeting Vickers was hearing his parting words "I'll Dig You Later" and I realized that I may have been born in the 70s but this guy's got nothing on me. He's a witness and a testament to the enduring admiration for George Clinton, the man and the message and the Funk. And the notion that getting your grove on, even at 67, never goes out of style.
Photos by David Quadrini
Overton and his painting of Sir NoseDevoidoFunk
George and a friend
George surrounded by the ladies
Poo-Poo Man's still got the moves
Carlos McMurray with his Sir Nose nose hanging low
Me, Tom Vick's fresh satin P-Funk jacket and Overton
]]>
Fashion - Margiela, Accessory of Choicetag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.6422008-07-29T04:39:47Z2008-07-29T05:20:05ZMy love for an incredible fashion accessory is profound. A knock out pair of shoes, just the right piece of jewelry, a delicious handbag, they all have the power to transform a girls outfit, not to mention frame of mind. For this upcoming fall season I'm putting my resources into this little conversation starter. "The Present" as I like to call it, ahhh the power of the conceptual fashion designer. Martin Margiela, I adore you!!!...Karen KimmelMartin Margiela, I adore you!!!
]]>
Music - Meet Pandora, Your Personal DJtag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.6182008-07-21T04:26:21Z2008-07-21T05:27:41ZWell, to be honest, with two kids, a husband and a kinda job, sifting through music sites and working on downloads for my ipod doesn't get top billing, but what kills me, is I want the sick collection of music at the ready with out doing all the work. Say hello to my new BFF, www.pandora.com. This site, shockingly put together by music geeks is based on The Music Genome Project. Started in 2000, they began compiling and analyzing music by studying its "genes". They found out that by looking at a piece of music's melody, harmony, rhythm, instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics etc. that the music had certain shared attributes with other music. Okay, what the hell does that mean?...Karen Kimmel Say hello to my new BFF, www.pandora.com. This site, shockingly put together by music geeks is based on The Music Genome Project. Started in 2000, they began compiling and analyzing music by studying its "genes". They found out that by looking at a piece of music's melody, harmony, rhythm, instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics etc. that the music had certain shared attributes with other music. Okay, what the hell does that mean? Basically, you go to their site type in any kind of artist/band you like and the site will stream music that is similar to the music you type in. Pretty amazing...chart your musical course and sit back and listen.
I started by typing in Nina Simone, how you gonna go wrong with that.
]]>
Blog - 3191: A Visual Exchangetag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.5912008-07-13T08:13:51Z2008-07-13T06:08:56ZNow that I am in this blog world, it has sparked me to explore what is out there in the land of blog. On my far from exhaustive search, I stumbled upon 3191. It encompasses all that is good, simple and right about the art of creative dialogue, and the subtle yet complex endeavor of lives lived and shared. Two friends Mav and Steph who live 3191 miles apart, each take a photo of something in their daily lives, then post the images side by side on their site. If you are a fan of Uta Barth, you will be swept away. Warning, viewing is somewhat addicting.Their first visual conversation 3191, A Year of Mornings began on January 1, 2007...Karen Kimmel3191. It encompasses all that is good, simple and right about the art of creative dialogue, and the subtle yet complex endeavor of lives lived and shared. Two friends Mav and Steph who live 3191 miles apart, each take a photo of something in their daily lives, then post the images side by side on their site. If you are a fan of Uta Barth, you will be swept away. Warning, viewing is somewhat addicting.
Their first visual conversation 3191, A Year of Mornings began on January 1, 2007 and lasted the entire calendar year. Their exchange is being released in book form this Fall by Princeton Architectural Press. The friends have since moved on to A Year of Evenings. Here are a selection of some of my favorite moments so far.
mav:left/steph:right
]]>
Art - James Ferrell gets behind the wheel at Creative Growthtag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.5692008-07-09T06:04:33Z2008-07-09T15:21:21ZCreative Growth in Oakland CA is just about one of my most favorite places on earth. It is an art center for adults with developmental, physical, and mental disabilities that provides a stimulating environment for artistic instruction, gallery promotion and personal expression, but really that is just the half of it. I have been lucky enough to work with and collect the artwork from Creative Growth for a couple of years now and honestly the experience has been life changing. The work that is created here will blow your mind. Last week, I had reason to visit and was taken away by the gallery's exhibition "Multiplicity" a show that explores themes of repetition and obsession in the work of Creative...Karen KimmelCreative Growth in Oakland CA is just about one of my most favorite places on earth. It is an art center for adults with developmental, physical, and mental disabilities that provides a stimulating environment for artistic instruction, gallery promotion and personal expression, but really that is just the half of it. I have been lucky enough to work with and collect the artwork from Creative Growth for a couple of years now and honestly the experience has been life changing. The work that is created here will blow your mind. Last week, I had reason to visit and was taken away by the gallery's exhibition "Multiplicity" a show that explores themes of repetition and obsession in the work of Creative Growth Artists. One of the highlights to be sure is James Ferrell who marries his love of paper mache with his passion and knowledge of cars. The combination evokes such feelings of nostalgia, you are happy to get behind the cardboard wheel of 1968 Bonneville and be taken away.
Multiplicity Featuring the work of Gerone Spruill, Terri Bowden, Jay Daley, William
Scott, Dinah Shapiro and more...artwork in wood, ceramic, textiles,
painting and drawing, along with limited edition artist inspired
merchandise.
]]>
Angelyne Busted: The tale of a pink corvette gone badtag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.5452008-07-01T04:58:01Z2008-07-01T05:21:06ZSo I think I may have had my first and potentially last paparazzi moment and honestly it couldn't have included a better B grade celeb. Don't think US magazine will be tracking me down to pay top dollar for this shot (well maybe for their "where are they now" edition) but the moment was sweet non the less. Coming home from the Undefeated picnic my husband and I spotted Angelyne the self proclaimed LA starlet and Hollywood Mayoral hopeful in her infamous pink corvette, getting pulled over by a female LA cop. Ah, the poetry of it all. My man hit a fast u-turn and I nabbed the shot....a LA classic. Remember folks, you saw it here first.Cops doing their...Karen Kimmel
Angelyne the self proclaimed LA starlet and Hollywood Mayoral hopeful in her infamous pink corvette, getting pulled over by a female LA cop. Ah, the poetry of it all. My man hit a fast u-turn and I nabbed the shot....a LA classic. Remember folks, you saw it here first.
Cops doing their civic duty
Angelyne photo courtesy of her Myspace page
]]>
Event - Undfeated "Kick Down" Picnic, Come on...tag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.5362008-06-29T04:58:57Z2008-06-29T05:08:38ZKaren KimmelUndefeated is kicking off summertime with a picnic and some community awareness. Come spread your sneaker love, and for your girlies out there, this is a prime opportunity to meet a young buck, these events are notoriously dominated by well heeled gentleman (kinda). So throw on a summer dress, bring a pair of unworn sneaks to donate and spread the summer love.
Sunday 5-9PM for the Nike x UNDFTD x Gents of Desire "Kick Down". To celebrate launch of the amazing new "Gents of Desire" billboard on the corner of 1st and La Brea in Los Angeles,
The whole event is a shoe drive, so in order to gain entry to the party you MUST bring one pair of UNWORN shoes to donate to the East LA Community Youth Center.
]]>
Design - Glass Octopuss Exploredtag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.5202008-06-25T05:43:46Z2008-06-25T06:07:54ZGlass design has always teetered on the allusive yet somewhat seductive side of life for me, but after discovering these glass octopuses created by artist Jennifer Umphress, I am ready to embrace the beauty and complexities of the ocean floor in an entirely new way....Karen Kimmel
Jennifer Umphress, I am ready to embrace the beauty and complexities of the ocean floor in an entirely new way.
]]>
Fashion - Libertine Draws Blood at Maxfield'stag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.5102008-06-22T07:56:56Z2008-06-22T15:25:10ZCindy Greene and Johnson Hartig's line, Libertine debuted Fall 2008 at Maxfield's on Wednesday. This notoriously macabre line stayed true to its devilish soul by delving deeper into its fascination with the dark-side. Their infamous use of reconsidered vintage and Swarovski crystals remain visual staples, but to that, the team has added a selection of beautifully produced garments including Italian cashmere sweaters and wet silkscreen T's. Their fascination with clustered embellishments has manifested itself in the Badge Blazer, a vintage coat highlighted with fabric buttons gathered on the lapel. Along with their trailblazing use of the skull, they have integrated some other upbeat imagery including a smeared bloody hand, dripping blood and a rather adorable monkey, I suppose added in...Karen Kimmel
Libertine debuted Fall 2008 at Maxfield's on Wednesday. This notoriously macabre line stayed true to its devilish soul by delving deeper into its fascination with the dark-side. Their infamous use of reconsidered vintage and Swarovski crystals remain visual staples, but to that, the team has added a selection of beautifully produced garments including Italian cashmere sweaters and wet silkscreen T's. Their fascination with clustered embellishments has manifested itself in the Badge Blazer, a vintage coat highlighted with fabric buttons gathered on the lapel. Along with their trailblazing use of the skull, they have integrated some other upbeat imagery including a smeared bloody hand, dripping blood and a rather adorable monkey, I suppose added in for good measure. If you are a collector of Libertine's more exclusive pieces, Maxfield's holds the secret key. Cindy confessed that they make pieces for Maxfield's that no other accounts in the world get. Maxfield's gave them their first gig and judging from this Fall's collection they continue to return the favor in style. If you find yourself rolling down Melrose, check out their window installation accented with blood tinged IV bags, it is worth a LA drive by.
]]>
Hang Ten at Libertine for Maxfield'stag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.4842008-06-19T06:10:07Z2008-06-19T06:33:03ZComing from a footwear family (my husband James Bond is the co-owner of the sneaker shop Undefeated) turning out a look for your footsie's is serious business. Tonight, at our friend Cindy Greene's launch of Libertine's new season at Maxfield's proved that some tens are worth hanging with.ChanelGivenchyDreis Van NotenChloe...Karen Kimmel Chanel
Givenchy
Dreis Van Noten
Chloe
]]>
Design - Moss rediscovers the designs of Franz Joseph Esstag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.4472008-06-11T06:00:42Z2008-06-11T06:01:01ZBack in the day when I lived on Greene St. in NY, one of my visual and all to often financial indulgences was going to the Moss store up the block. Murray Moss truly was and is an innovator in design as well as a risk taker. Moss's ability to so seamlessly expose the beauty in both high and low design, paved the way for the Target's and Ikea's of the world to capitalize on the power of brilliant design. So before I get to off message... It came as no surprise to be blown away by these delicate floral beauties by Franz Joseph Ess. These individually hand sculpted and painted porcelain flowers designed in 1765 were originally created by...Karen Kimmel
Moss store up the block. Murray Moss truly was and is an innovator in design as well as a risk taker. Moss's ability to so seamlessly expose the beauty in both high and low design, paved the way for the Target's and Ikea's of the world to capitalize on the power of brilliant design. So before I get to off message... It came as no surprise to be blown away by these delicate floral beauties by Franz Joseph Ess. These individually hand sculpted and painted porcelain flowers designed in 1765 were originally created by Ess as part of a grand table decoration for the Munich residence of the Bavarian monarch. Nice, even Ikea can't mess with time consuming craftsmanship like that.
Nymphenburg, Treasure Box, 7 flowers
Nymphenburg,Treasure Box, 21 flowers
]]>
Art - Check Out This Increadible SF Artist!tag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.4222008-06-05T05:35:21Z2008-06-05T05:28:16ZI knew Tara Tucker as an art teacher and a rug maker, before I ever got wind of her work and once I did, I had to pondered if I really knew her at all. I guess now I always kinda half wonder what might be going on in that head of hers. Her ability to formulate the most insane combinations of highbred animals and plant life always seems to teeter on the upsetting, but yet somehow remains such an accurate mirroring of real life you get confused as whether to be seduced or outraged. Tara's rendering skills are mesmerizing, and her gift for capturing irony, a natural. If in San Francisco, check her work out in this upcoming group...Karen Kimmel
Tara Tucker as an art teacher and a rug maker, before I ever got wind of her work and once I did, I had to pondered if I really knew her at all. I guess now I always kinda half wonder what might be going on in that head of hers. Her ability to formulate the most insane combinations of highbred animals and plant life always seems to teeter on the upsetting, but yet somehow remains such an accurate mirroring of real life you get confused as whether to be seduced or outraged. Tara's rendering skills are mesmerizing, and her gift for capturing irony, a natural. If in San Francisco, check her work out in this upcoming group exhibition.
A COMPLICATED DOMINION: NATURE AND NEW POLITICAL NARRATIVES June 12 - August 16, 2008
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 12, 6-8pm BYO Brown Bag Lunch Discussion: Wednesday, July 23, 12-1pm, FREE
San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery 401 VAN NESS AVENUE (AT McALLISTER) SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 T: 415.554.6080
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 12-5pm
Double Trouble, graphite on paper, 2008
Sloth and Industry, graphite on paper, 2007
]]>
Aardvark Letterpress Turns 40 in Style.tag:www.lipsticktracez.com,2008:/karen//24.4072008-06-03T05:33:32Z2008-06-03T05:38:51ZTo know the folks at Aardvark Letterpress is to be a part of some kind of creative extended family. They have been running their wildly inspiring letterpress for 40 years now, cranking out uniquely culled and beautifully hand pressed wedding invites, business cards and baby announcements, but the creative brothers behind this family run business, Cary and Brooks Ocon (sons of Louis Ocon who purchased the company in the 1978) felt it was time to stir it up. So, the boys teamed up with famed artist/photographer Lisa Jane Persky to celebrate their 40th in style. Drawing on their rich American and Mexican lineage they decided to create an original limited edition of fine art works based on the Mexican game...Karen Kimmel
Aardvark Letterpress is to be a part of some kind of creative extended family. They have been running their wildly inspiring letterpress for 40 years now, cranking out uniquely culled and beautifully hand pressed wedding invites, business cards and baby announcements, but the creative brothers behind this family run business, Cary and Brooks Ocon (sons of Louis Ocon who purchased the company in the 1978) felt it was time to stir it up. So, the boys teamed up with famed artist/photographer Lisa Jane Persky to celebrate their 40th in style. Drawing on their rich American and Mexican lineage they decided to create an original limited edition of fine art works based on the Mexican game of the Loteria.
Tokyo Pequeño by Mel Lim
Hollywood Bowl (Quioscos De Regalo) by Greg Colson
To understand the magnitude of such a project you must take a moment to grasp the skill set needed to run presses of this historical nature. I have personally seen master printers Bill Berkuta, Jorge Estrada and Adan Aragon use paper clips, pieces of gum and snips of cardboard to caress these beautiful behemoths into creative submission. Each color for the press requires a separate plate and considering some artists have upwards of 8-10 colors per piece, at 100 pieces per edition, you do the math. Oh, and by the way, did I mention each color must be hand mixed, after which the entire press must be cleaned and re-prepped for the next plate. In today's talk on the cell phone, while eating lunch and picking up your child at overpriced pre-school, the idea of such time consuming craftsmanship is a downright artistic luxury and I for one was excited to be part of the mix. Here are some pictures of how it went down. Check out all the Loteria cards on the Aardvark's website. The signed and numbered pieces will be sold beginning June 5, 2008.
Dave Lefner's print "El Inverso" rolls off the Vandercook, photo Lisa Jane Persky
