Remember when we told you about the Uncle America documentary that is being filmed and directed by local directors Danny Yourd and Steve Hoover back in November? Well, local film producer Danny Yourd and director Steve Hoover (of Animal/Endeavor Media) have returned back to Pittsburgh after filming in India for 30 days between the end of January through February. Danny and Steve went to film Steve's old friend and roommate from college, Rocky Borat. Rocky graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in graphic design, and easily could have had that career path, but he felt empty staying in Pittsburgh - instead he realized his real passion was to help people in need. He knew thousands of people around the world were too poor to afford good food and water, let alone clothing and toys, so he flew to northern India without pre-made plans of where he would help, and eventually hooked up with an orphanage in a small village that takes care of AIDS-positive children. Initially he went to stay for a short period of time, but he fell in the love with the kids there, and after several years there, wants to stay there to take care of the kids for the rest of his life. Along to accompany Danny and Steve while filming were writer Phinehas Hodges (who runs the Speaking Of series we mentioned a couple weeks ago), Steve's wife Kira, Akron, OH-based DP (director of photography) John Pope, and Pittsburgh-based editor Tyson Vanskyver. The children at the orphanage that Rocky teaches and takes care of call him "Uncle" America, but due to legal reasons with this guy, the guys had to change the name from "Uncle" to "Brother." No biggie. I think Brother America has the same effect and will make no difference to the audience.Personally this looks to be one of the best documentaries currently being made in the world with a great message, right here in town. Awesome!
Link
March 24, 2011
March 18, 2011
More Wayno + Piraro
We think this is still one of the coolest gigs that a Pittsburgh artist has: coming up with ideas for the nationally syndicated comic Bizarro, created by NYC-based Dan Piraro. The amazing Wayno™ is the lucky guy who hooked up with Dan when he visited a few years ago to do a standup bit here in Pittsburgh, I think it was run by the then-new Toonseum. Checkout a brief writeup that Wayno talked about the process on his blog, where he even included the original idea sketch. He also mentions in his blog post that he is working on an art show with Dan Piraro for 2012. Rad stuff!
Last Day of Surface & Rigor Tonight!
Before it's too late, I wanted to note another closing date looming even closer then the last post: if you're free tonight, go checkout Mendelson Gallery (5874 Ellsworth Ave) to see Surface & Rigor, a show including works by Rick Byerly, Mark Gualtieri, and Will Gianotti. I can say that this show is a great blend of mediums. Checkout some of the artist's past work (other then Rick Byerly's, not in this show):
The always awesome Pittsburgh Art Blog fills in what we miss, and had posted about this a while ago which I'm sure you've seen by now, but make sure to check them out to stay updated on what we miss. Don't miss this show if you're free tonight!
Seth Clark's Ruinations & Other Shows at PCA Closing March 20th
So we totally missed out on posting about the opening to this show, and it closes in just 2 days (March 20th is the last day), but there's still time to go to the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (6300 Fifth Ave) to checkout a bunch of shows, one specifically that caught our attention is from local artist Seth Clark's (previously here) titled Ruination. The description of the show is simple, as PCA says:
Clark moved to Pittsburgh two years ago, and the Massachusetts native finds inspiration in the row houses and giant abandoned factories of the Steel City. In his new series of drawings, materials such as paint, paper, charcoal and found objects are layered to create depth and reflect a structural decay of the architecture around him.
There's also a great article in the City Paper if you haven't already read it. After seeing Seth's work in person, you'll understand his creative passion and artistic ability, and especially in these large drawings! It's an awesome show that you don't want to miss!Link to City Paper review article
Link to Seth Clark
March 17, 2011
Pittsburgh Designers
I don't know how we didn't hear of this website before, but here's an awesome resource for all of you graphic/web/animation/other designers in the area! Pittsburgh Designers provides a free section of job listings and checkout their extensive and updated list of agencies! This is the perfect service whether you're a seasoned professional or recent graduate, it's always awesome to have access to all of these contacts in one place. Dig it!
The New Yinzer Presents at Modernformations Tonight!
Read more about it on The New Yinzer Presents blog Tonight at Modernformations (4919 Penn Ave) at 8pm come listen to the reads of Dave Newman, Bob Pajich, and Jim Cvetic! For only $5, or free if you bring a potluck dish, you'll get to hear these great stories in the author's words!Link
Top 'O the Mornin'!
Happy Saint Patrick's Day! To celebrate, soak in some Pittsburgh clovers from Pat Lewis (above) and flickr user Michael Righi having a little fun (below).
And be glad we're not celebrating this St Patties Day like they did in 1936!
See more images where these came from here.
Video from KDKA of Local Artist Dave Klug
As the description says, local illustrator Dave Klug talks art on this week’s WHIRL Wednesday on KDKA-TV with WHIRL Editor in Chief Christine Tumpson and Pittsburgh Today Live Host Brenda Waters.
Found via Whirl Magazine!
March 16, 2011
Hill House Association Hooks Up with Kelly Strayhorn Theater
The Hill House Association, based in the Hill District, announced yesterday that they will be joining forces with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater of East Liberty to direct the arts programming of the Association's Kaufmann Center (1835 Centre Avenue). The partnership will allow the Kelly Strayhorn to implement its community theater program in the Kaufmann Center which has fairly recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. There will be a dedication held on Wednesday, March 16th, and just two days later on Friday, March 18th, nine-time Grammy award-winner John Legend will give a benefit performance to kickoff the new management!From Pittsburgh's "flagship NPR station" DUQ 90.5FM:
Hill House President and CEO Victor Roque says the Kelly Strayhorn is one of the most vibrant cultural amenities in the city....."Under the direction of Janera Solomon they have completely revived the concept of walking a few blocks to attend the theater. That's an urban cultural experience we'd like to replicate in the Hill District."Read the rest of the article here!
Executive Director Solomon says the Kelly Strayhorn gives artists theater time and space for preparation and rehearsal leading up to shows and performances and that has built strong relationships with local artists who typically don't have the space or resources to stage productions.
TAK!
TAK is a local multimedia developer and photographer works full-time in the multimedia department at PMI, as seen in his portfolio.
Personally, though, my favorite work by TAK is his photography. A lot of times photoshop work will bug the crap out of me - the filters and modified levels are overused and distracting. But TAK's simple tweaks fit nice and support the overall feel of the content in each image which utilizes Photoshop to support the mood. I love how he sometimes captures the grey/dreary days through a little photoshopping like in the image shown below.
He has a great flickr account where you can spend some time surfing his nice work!Link
March 15, 2011
Mattress Factory Wants YOU!
The Mattress Factory is reaching out to you to find you, the artist, to create their next t-shirt design! The winner receives two tickets to MF's 2011 Urban Garden Party on Friday, June 17th along with "one free fabric edition of their own winning design and bragging rights." The Mattress Factory is a well-known museum that represents Pittsburgh in a hugely positive way, as exemplified by fairly recent articles you can read in the NY Times (under "5) No Beds Here") and the Tribune. Go read the guidelines here and pull open up Illustrator to get yours started today! The contest began this past Friday, March 11th, and ends Friday, April 15th.Link
March 11, 2011
Opening at the Toonseum Tonight!
What are your plans on this dreary, snowy night? I hope they involve brightening your spirits by going to the (free) opening of Brenda Starr: The Art of Dale Messick tonight (March 11th, 7-9pm) at the Toonseum! From their site:Brenda Starr: The Art of Dale Messick presents to audiences with a unique opportunity to see Messick's art up-close and personal. The exhibit presents pieces from the ToonSeum's permanent collection as well as incredible pieces from the collection of comics' matriarch and Brenda-expert Trina Robbins.
Robbins, who will host several events at the ToonSeum in late March, comments on the importance of Brenda Starr as a feminist milestone in American culture. "There had been plenty of women drawing comics over the years prior to Brenda, but they had stuck to subjects considered 'safe for women.' But Messick's work all features Depression era heroines born ahead of their time, working girls come to the big city to earn their living."
Also,checkout this super rad promo, featuring Joe Wos, made by the super friendly and talented illustrator Vince Dorse!
Link to facebook eventLink to Toonseum
March 9, 2011
Pinburgh on March 18-20!
Link
Mike Egan at Anno Domino in San Jose!
So unfortunately for those of you in my neck of the woods, we won't be able to checkout the latest gallery show for Pittsburgh artist Mike Egan. But for those of you reading this on the left coast, if you haven't been to San Jose in a while, then you have a reason to drive up or down to stop by! From March 4th to April 16th, the Anno Domingo gallery (366 S. First St, San Jose) is hosting Egan's Funerals beautiful new show. This show boasts Mike's latest explorations with the style he has developed for years now: the stained glass and religious/death themes. No wonder since his day job is working at a morgue. He recently posted some pictures from painting a large mural on one of the walls of the gallery! 
Mike's work just is so consistent because he maintains the same tonal range, line weight, textures, and overall quality and creativeness from work to work. Checkout a few details:
Link to Anna DominoLink to Mike Egan
Web Design Boot Camp!
This is a late notice I know, but I wanted to put the word out there for this cool opportunity. There are still a few seats left for the Web Design Boot Camp, which is part of a series of classes held at Pittsburgh Technical Institute (PTI) as "brush-up" classes for alumni. From my understanding everyone is invited. This class is run by genius wizard of web-erry Josh Sager. There are three classes, March 12, 19 and 26 for beginner to intermediate level web developers. For anyone who looks at job postings and says, "wow, I wish I knew how to code", here's your chance!
Speaking of Pittsburgh.
If you haven't already heard about the Speaking of series in Pittsburgh at the Amani Cafe (507 Foreland St), then you should definitely check it out. It's an outstanding group of writers who share their passion for storytelling with anyone who wants to come and listen. I think it's safe to say that your imagination will run wild, because in their words they want to "showcase the diversity of words." Link
March 7, 2011
Lohio's Music Video Directed by Thom Glunt
Checkout this new imaginative music video from local film director Thom Glunt for the band Lohio! I know we've been posting a lot of video-related work lately, but there is just so much that is being filmed right now that is turning out beautiful!
February 22, 2011
February 11, 2011
Antuks
Checkout the very cool video production company, Antuks. They are run by film directors Jeff Hilty and Jordan Beckham. Simply put, from their words "ANTUKS is a collaborative media movement focusing on art, culture, and life." I think their work definitely portrays our current culture for sure, through showing us what the day of in the life of Wiz Khalifa is like. That video, which you can watch below, received over 6 million views in just 3 days. Only 72 hours!
So you may agree to disagree with his lifestyle, but his culture is definitely portrayed in the video, in nicely planned compositions visually. But despite all of that, Antuks is able to capture and edit a well lit and shot video. Dig!
Link
February 10, 2011
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