Carlsbad Art and Culture

Archive Page 37

the Art of the Ocean Villas Rentals

Published August 6th, 2010 in art. 1 Comment

As a visitor to coastal Carlsbad, you will have the dilemma of choosing one of the many outstanding vacation rentals to call your temporary home. Chances are you will want to stay on the beach with barbecue pits, large balconies and breathtaking ocean views. Most rentals offer these amenities, but few offer the visual treat that the Ocean Villas of Carlsbad boasts on the walls of their rooms, hallways and outside stucco.

A floral explosion of color welcomes as you enter the Ocean Villas property. Birds of Paradise are smeared across a light blue sky while other floral designs introduce the tranquility of a mellow week to come. Sandy community beach toys pile in a corner in front of another impressive mural of a parked woody upon a tropical beach. Picturesque waves peel in the background while green leaves and flowers stretch to the adjacent wall and onto another beach themed mural of a pounding set and sun bathing pelicans.

As you enter the villa hallways, you can almost feel the sand between your toes and the fresh burn from a mid day nap on the beach. Framed paintings hint at paradise-to-be as you descend the sandy stairs to your room. Green palms sway on these bright canvases and waves are captured in mid peel. The ocean has yet to be seen through your room windows, but you already feel as if you have experienced a week of beach side sunsets.

Your room is also decorated with impressive oil paintings of the ocean and beach, though one giant masterpiece captures your eyes. Wide windows showcase a view even the sandiest local would awe at. Waves tumble to your doorstep and sunset colors reflect on your villa walls.

Whether looking at the impressive canvases on your bedroom walls, glancing at murals on your way to the village or marveling at the beach through your giant windows, the Ocean Villas in Carlsbad create a sense of beach tranquility during each moment of your stay.

Ocean Villas of Carlsbad
2895 Ocean Street (map)
(760) 730-3000

Click HERE to visit www.oceanvillascarlsbad.com!

The Art of Surfing @ the campgrounds

Published July 31st, 2010 in events. Closed

WHAT: The Art of Surfing- 60 yrs. of surfing
WHERE: Carlsbad State Beach Campgrounds
WHEN: Saturday July 31st 8PM
WHO: Anyone interested in Carlsbad surf history

Interviews include Taylor Knox, Barbie Baron, Witt and other Carlsbad locals.

Marsha Ercegovic Interview

Published July 29th, 2010 in art. 1 Comment

Through tall twisting Eucalyptus trees and bright brushstrokes, Marsha Ercegovic leads you on a visual exploration of the Carlsbad Village…

Click HERE, or on the above image, to read her interview and see her work!

Let us know what you think?

Edgeware Gallery Opening Reception

Published July 27th, 2010 in art and events. Closed

Out From Under Ground: Street Art and Modern Pop Group Show

Edgeware Gallery (map)
4186 Adams Ave.
San Diego, CA 92116

Click HERE for the Mini Carlsbad Temptress VIDEO!

Show runs through September 17th 2010

Street Art/Modern Pop Group Show: TONIGHT

Published July 24th, 2010 in events. Closed

WHAT: Street Art / Modern Pop Group Show
WHERE: Edgeware Gallery SD (MAP)
WHEN: Saturday July 24th 5-9

Proceeds from the sales fund research to develop and validate an effective treatment for people on the autism spectrum.

Opening Day 2010: Del Mar Track

Published July 22nd, 2010 in photography and rambles. 1 Comment

Click HERE for the story and all photos!

Motherplant at Hensley’s in Carlsbad

Published July 14th, 2010 in music. Closed

Austin Trujillo original t shirts still available at Snyder Art and Design…

Motherplant debuts at Hensley’s

Published July 9th, 2010 in events and music. Closed

WHAT: Austin and Dylan Trujillo debuts Motherplant
WHEN: Friday July 9th 8PM
WHERE: Hensley’s Flying Elephant (map)

Limited edition prints and t shirts will be sold of Austin’s art. You’ve seen his doodles… don’t miss this chance to sport his madness!

Click HERE to see Austin’s artwork!

Motherplant’s music may sound different than the above video…

Observations of an Artist: The Dude

Published July 6th, 2010 in art and Artistic Observations. Closed

To be the subject of so many unstaged photos and keep each one as unforgettable as the previous is the sure sign of an natural artist- a artist because of not what they make, but because of who they are.

Click HERE for the full story and photos!

…cut the string.

Published July 3rd, 2010 in rambles. Closed

Tethered to your sunburned hand, a kite floats peacefully in the early Summer breeze. Waves roll upon the tranquil beach like a old dog moseys to and from the slipper of a wrinkled skinned retiree. Palms shuffle and thin wheeled bicyclists glide. Your kite remains undeterred by subtle shifts in the onshores and your day creeps like a moon tugs.

As the sun begins its decent, a thick blanket of gray tumbles upon shore carrying a dense patch of gloom and howling winds. Your bare arms shiver and your eyes bug to the unforeseen alarm. Your kite takes a sudden dive sending boardwalk canines into protective snarls. Nightmarish gusts send chills down your spine and launches your kite skyward. Its wings whip in the hellish winds and plastic pieces are yanked into the distance. Your string is taut and it painfully stretches. Your kite becomes a hazard. It loses all decency and becomes tangled in Machiavellian debauchery. Its key no longer is harmonious and its sound is that of a different instrument. With a sigh for today, but a smile for a sunnier tomorrow, you cut the string.

What strings have you cut?

On your mark, get set… THROW!

Published June 29th, 2010 in photography. 1 Comment

Photographers concerned with aesthetics usually prefer to remain behind the camera. They photo perfectly balanced compositions and they capture heavenly highlights. Conceptual photographers are more concerned with capturing the moment, solidifying a memory and recording an idea. For the latter, a camera’s self timer option is mandatory. Conceptual photographers fill memory cards like scientist fill log books… every event is documented, every idea is recorded… with themselves included!

Most digital cameras offer a 2 second and 10 second timer, with some offering a programmable option. The 10 second option is usually sufficient for most shots. Find something to prop up the camera at least a few inches off the ground or find a ledge, bench or rock. Cans are great options and the lid can be used to tilt the camera. Always keep a count in your head when running into place.

Some shots take multiple attempts- others are perfect first try!

When have you used the Self Timer option?

Hello Trouble and Nathan James @ NVA

Published June 25th, 2010 in music. 2 Comments

June 20th 2010
Hello Trouble and The Nathan James Trio at the New Village Arts Theatre

Click HERE for Hello Trouble (website)!
Click HERE for The Nathan James Trio (website)!

Thank you New Village Arts for hosting this musical showdown!

Let the Good Times Roll…

Published June 21st, 2010 in events. 6 Comments

What skateboarding means to me…

It means saving lunch money for a new deck, walking across cities to skate a set of stairs and hitch-hiking to distant University campuses on Christmas morning to skate without campus security. Walking on your tippy-toes for months at a time because of bruised heels. Swellbows that you thought would never deflate, or to this day turning your arm over and seeing one that never did. Determining a kid’s skate stance without watching them skate, but by the holes in their shoes. Globs of shoe-goo. Inventing new skate pads on Vans. Spending entire weekends sitting on the ledges of the High School waiting for the next car load of pros to arrive. Skating in dark alleys to prevent a ticket and still getting one or the numerous boards smashed to splinters after rolling into oncoming traffic. Writing descriptive essays in school titled how to put together a complete skateboard and how to build a quarter pipe. Leaving books at home so to allow space for your board in your locker. Running errands for the “older” guys who worked at XYZ and giving your parents CCS catalogs instead of Christmas lists. Not caring about cable because you only watched VHS Skate videos and getting hired at Carl’s Jr. only to work the three days necessary to earn enough for new wheels.

Do you still count the number of stairs while walking down a staircase or do you still give local directions by skate landmarks?

If so, happy National Skateboarding Day!

video of Bryan Snyder 1996-1999

Hello Trouble & Nathan James: NVA Theatre

Published June 17th, 2010 in events. Closed

WHO: Hello Trouble and The Nathan James Trio
WHAT: A Blues and Country Showdown
WHERE: New Village Arts Theatre (MAP)
WHEN: Sunday June 20th @ 7PM

Introducing North County’s newest country band, Hello Trouble, in a musical showdown with the nationally-known blues band, The Nathan James Trio. The two bands will share the stage and provide an evening of hoedown fun and great blues music.

Click HERE for Hello Trouble’s website!

Click HERE for Nathan James’ website!

Click HERE to purchase tickets in advance!

Take pops to a musical showdown at New Village Arts Theatre…

Artistic Observations- Ireland

Published June 10th, 2010 in Artistic Observations. 2 Comments

I wanted real adventures to happen to myself. But real adventures do not happen to people who remain at home- they must be sought abroad.”

– James Joyce from The Dubliners pg.11

Click HERE for photos, video and the complete observation!

Next crawl: Ireland

Published May 19th, 2010 in events. Closed

The green hills of Ireland await. Carlsbadcrawl will be on a short hiatus.

Click our TWITTER page for sporadic updates (click here)!

Carlsbad’s First Art Show Created by YOU!!!

Published May 18th, 2010 in art and events. 2 Comments

A black curtain draped over the front window of Snyder’s studio as eager artists and community enthusiasts chatted and checked their watches along Carlsbad’s UpState section of the village. A line formed in front of the locked door well before 6pm and a paint splattered phone buzzed with excited messages and encouragement. Wide smiles and inspired eyes met the face of an artist whom had dreamed of this moment for months as the door of Snyder Art and Design swung open for Carlsbad’s First Art Show Created by YOU!!!

The night’s artists quickly circled the center art supply table while 37 blank canvases hung from the surrounding white walls. Paint soon smeared, pastels scraped, magazines tore and crayons colored to the beat of unrestricted creativity. Like a weed laden forest, each canvas sprouted with wild creativity. Jon Ji animated the studio with his cowboy bebop and gypsy crawl while paint splattered hands periodically traded in the brushes for a spontaneous tambourine solo. The late Spring breeze whipped the scent of Turpentine. The clickity clack of urethane wheels signaled another fresh delivery and cheers tumbled down the streets as Michael presented another fresh order from Paradise Pizza in Carlsbad.

The outside sidewalk was transformed into a giant community canvas where the local kids scraped chalk the color of an Easter morning basket. A feathered friend greeted visitors and a ground level light enhanced the colorful sidewalk saturations. Limited edition prints, hand screened t shirts and CDs piled high atop a table and a community bulletin board rattled amongst the roars of Cantina bound street hogs.

click photos to enlarge!

The night’s goal was to emphasize the creative process while eliminating the stress of a final piece. Each canvas evolved throughout the duration of the night and a final piece sat high atop an endless staircase. Friends chatted ideas and strangers shared canvases. Paint dripped down white walls and burrowed into surprisingly clean carpet. Multiple video cameras hummed and sporadic interviews sprouted. Permanent marker doodles were encouraged on the bathroom walls and the creative photos by Leetal Elmaleh captured the night’s shenanigans.

Carlsbad’s First Art Show Created by YOU!!! was a result of discussions with friends, the desire to encourage the creative process and a wholeheartedly attempt to express appreciation for all the support and encouragement that has received during the past 3 years. Snyder Art and Design has rambled a slew of paintings documenting local iconography and influences, implemented a variety of community connecting projects and highlighted the great members that make up our amazing village by the sea. This event was a gift back to the village community as a way to express my gratitude and appreciation….

Music: Jon Ji (website)
Photos: Leetal Elmaleh (website)
Food: Paradise Pizza in Carlsbad (website)

Click HERE for all the night’s PHOTOS and PAINTINGS!

Thank you for all your support, interest and participation!

Jon Ji: tonight at Snyder Art

Published May 15th, 2010 in events and music. Closed

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Western Massachusetts. Springfield, MA. I live in Normal Heights, Lestat’s area. San Diego

What early musical influences did you have and how did they encourage you to become a musician?
I played in skate punk bands when I was 14. Then got into hippie bands, then jazz. My uncle was a choirmaster and organist at a cathedral in Hartford, Conn. I was exposed to a lot of very good and diverse music, and I got to see how it was done.

How long have you been playing?
I’ve been playing guitar almost 20 years give or take.

What influences your music now?
Anything can influence my music now. It can be a movie, a book, another artist, a conversation, a relationship. Anything.

How would you categorize you music? What instruments do you play?
I call is cowboy bebop and gypsy crawl. It jazzy, yet rootsy and raw. Like Billie Holiday, Mraz, Buble, Django, Beatles, Pixies, and Huddie Ledbetter all smooshed into one. I play guitar, keys, percussion and vox.

What inspires your song? How do you develop each new tune?
What inspires a song? hmmm. The song itself does in a way. Most of my songs are about the struggle we all face. Trying to figure ourselves and each other out. Trying to be good, and trying to keep hope alive.
Many are written because of the way they feel physically to play them. That is really important to me. I have to enjoy playing it, or it’s no good. It is a whole body experience. How do I develop? hmmm. That will be in my book. 😉

What are you favorite gigs to play? Any memorable ones?
Favorite gigs. Well, two kinds. First, gigs where people just love the music and let me know. Second, gigs that pay a lot. If they can be combined, I am in heaven.

What other forms of creative expression do you enjoy?
I write prose and poems. I talk to trees when I go hiking. I have a good time messing with photoshop. I like hiking. Love love love hiking. I go up to Central and NorCal just to hike. Mix in touring while I’m at it.

http://jon-ji.com/

Check out Jon Ji tonight at Carlsbad’s First Art Show Created by YOU!!!
Snyder Art and Design
2695 State Street
Carlsbad, CA 92008

A Balanced Composition

Published May 13th, 2010 in events and rambles. Closed

Colorfully textured paintings scatter across smooth white walls and bright lights beat down on the greasy foreheads of the night’s visitors. Appetizers balance on painted nails and bubbly refreshments fizz in-between sloppy clanks and glassy-eyed hiccups. Live music tumbles into the dark night and contemplative fingers rub chins as observations of colors and compositions itch under the skin of the creator. An art show is much more than the work that hangs from the walls. From food to refreshments, marketing material to music, guests to merchandise, the art is the entire experience.

A solid creative marketing plan is just as important as the art on the walls… and when done passionately, can be just as fun! Color swatches are chosen and print marketing material is created. Slogans are developed and iconographic images are slowly introduced. Coffee shop shows are scheduled as early promotional opportunities and detailed press releases are drafted. The seeds of an idea are gently planted into the fertile soil of each social networking site and days of handshakes, smiles and personal invitations meander the coastal streets from Solana Beach to Oceanside. A successful show not only has a thoughtful body of artwork, but is promoted through a high level of creativity, a wide variety of technological outlets and through the grass roots of any successful campaign.. the streets.

Snyder Art and Design
2695 State Street
Carlsbad, CA 92008
May 15th 6PM-LATE

Carlsbad’s First Art Show Created By YOU!!!

Mom,

Published May 9th, 2010 in events. Closed

mom and grandma ’61

Happy Mother’s Day!

Love,
Your Artist