Detroit felt like it use to be amazing, a long time ago, and folks kept reminding others that it use to be amazing as the the city is slowly falling apart. It was like showing up to a party 20 years too late. Since that trip I’ve been facsinated with Detroit…from a distance. It’s amazing and bazaar that a place that I have always felt represents many if not most American cities. Industry comes, folks work and live, industry leaves and the folks are stuck. Eventually trains stop rolling through, flights become few and far between, those that can leave do those that can’t or won’t stay and become forgotten. This seems like it can happen to just about any city in America. I’ve always felt that If there is a revival for the Motor City it will be spearheaded by artists and DIY folks, both insiders and outsiders. A few years ago when I first caught wind that one could buy a house in in Detroit for the cost of one months NYC rent. My ears perked up a bit and I mentioned to a few friends that we should but a few places near each other and set up shop…but  I wondered if I had enough optimism to actually live in Detroit or if the hopelessness would swallow me.  Well, I guess I decided that the hopelessness would swallow me and decided that it’s not my journey right now.

In the nature of artists creating awareness I recently saw to documentaries that addressed Detroit…in two different ways.

The first one is Searching for Sugar Man. It’s a Swedish/British documentary directed by Malik Bendjelloul. It is about is an American folk musician Sixto Díaz Rodríguez based in Detroit, Michigan. His career initially proved short-lived with two little-sold albums in the early 1970s and some brief touring in Australia. Unbeknownst to him, however, his work proved extremely successful and influential in South Africa, although he was mistakenly rumoured in that country to have committed suicide. In the 1990s, determined South African fans managed to seek out and contact him, leading to an unexpected revival of his musical career. Their story is told in, Searching for Sugar Man, which has also helped give Rodríguez a measure of fame in the U.S. I enjoyed that Rodríguez continued to live out the themes and views addressed in his music even though his music carreer was pretty much non existant for most of his life. He worked from the inside out and is a bit of a reminder that, it’s not a race. It’s not linear. It’s life and that’s all. One more thing…he makes Bob Dylan’s music seem like elevator music. A portion of it was shot with an iphone proving that many of us have all the tools we need to create in our pockets…pretty powerful.

I saw Detroitopia and was happy to see a documentary that tackled many perspectives on the city of Detroit. Detroitopia focused mainly on the economy and was directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady. ‘The three Detroiters who are profiled are video blogger Crystal Starr, nightclub owner Tommy Stephens, and United Auto Workers local President George McGregor, each of whom reflect on their own experiences and share their observations about the city, its problems, and its opportunities. Also featured are portions of Mayor Dave Bing’s discussions with city officials and residents about the possibility of geographically consolidating Detroit residents as a cost-saving measure. A group of artists, mostly newcomers to Detroit, are shown as well, particularly Steve and Dorota Coy. The Coys, who are performance artists, are featured on the poster and DVD cover for the film.’ (info courtesy of wikipedia) The artists they showed kinda annoyed me. I have issues with outsiders being too large of a representative for problem solving. I wish they were working more with the local community (or if that was shown, if they are). That’s my own issue though, and overall I was happy to see that the city was thoughtfully and sensitively documented.

Detroit may still have a bit of magic left. What are your thoughts?

Opening reception Sunday January 27th 1p-3p
Curated by Peridot Smith
Featuring art by Natassia Davis, Chanel Kennebrew, Soo Yoon Lym, Jamel Shabazz, Alexandria Smith, James Petrozzello,
Tabitha Bianco Brown, Toyin Odutola, Philece R. and Peridot Smith

Refreshments
Live Music by DJ Spawn
Live hair styling Demonstration by Diva Designs and Cuts by D
For further Information, call 917637-7796 or visit www iona.edu/artscouncil

LADIES LOVE PROJECT
PRESENTS:

HOLIDAY 2012 POP UP SHOP!
Shopping Event Showcases Brazen Art, Avant-Garde Fashion & Design at the  University Settlement!

On Saturday, November 17, 2012, the LADIES LOVE PROJECT presents its 6th POP-UP SHOP at University Settlement 183 Eldridge St from 12pm – 10pm. The PROJECT, a brainchild of renowned street artist TOOFLY, sound sensation PattyDukes & Rephstar of the Circa95 duo and creative non-profit efficionado A.Mari, highlights some of NYC’s most creative underground artists and designers.  The one-day-only event boasts an intimate, yet extraordinary colorful market shopping experience – designed to familiarize consumers, media and tastemakers with artists currently celebrating prominence.

Featured female market designers and artists include Toofly, Junkprints, Vanilla Medallions, Dominique Reneè, Shiro – as well as the fellas Marka27, Rebelution, Soh Nup Ink,  and a host of others, will be exhibiting one of a kind, limited edition, handcrafted goods just in time for the holidays! Event music across all genres will be handled by RephStar and Dj Enygma. A live broadcast of the event will be streamed all day at www.Circa95.com and will include the first ever performance showcase by Brooklyn based rap sensation, and self-proclaimed “Mistress of Ceremonies,” Jasmine Solano. Complimentary empanadas, coquito, and cupcake treats will be served by Jenny Kinns Cupcakes, Mi Isla Coquito, and Martha’s Kitchen.  Funky fresh ladies in the *new* LLP Lounge will be rocking make-up makeovers, dope nail art, and tarot card readings. This year the photo fun will continue with homegirls Sheena She on deck with event photography and Samantha Morales holding down the LLP Photobooth!

University Settlement, a celebrated art and community space located in the Lower East Side, plays host to the eclectic mix of prosperous and established talent. Art pieces on canvas, jewelry, t-shirts, graffiti, make-up, nails, live music—you name it— the LADIES LOVE PROJECT HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP doesn’t get any more New York than this! “Having the LADIES LOVE PROJECT POP-UP SHOP in our space is a perfect fit,” says Alison Fleminger,  Manager of University Settlement space. “All of the vendors have styles that honor old New York, but each demonstrates a unique progression with great, must-have niche items.” “We are ecstatic and honored to be partnering with such a NYC institution of Art! We, the LLP team and event participants, are enthused to be hosted in this inviting space – the pop up will be sure to kick the holiday off with LOVE!”

In the case that you are attending Comic Con NY, I’ll be holding down booth #3140. Come say hi and hug up on the new Matilda plushies.

Screen Printing Tutorial

Below are step-by-step instructions for 2 popular methods used to prepare a screen for screen printing–Drawing Fluid/Screen Filler Method and the Water Based Emulsion Method.

MATERIALS 10″ × 14″ Wooden Screen 9″ Plastic Squeegee Fabric Screen Printing Inks Screen Filler, 4 oz Drawing Fluid, 4 oz Photo Emulsion, 4 oz Photo Emulsion Remover, 4 oz Sensitizer, 0.5 g #6 Round Brush Mixing Sticks Iron

DRAWING FLUID/SCREEN FILLER METHOD

Step 1 on a sheet of plain paper, make up the illustrations or message you wish to print with your screen. Place this layout on a table top or other flat surface. Place your screen over this layout, top side up. Trace your design directly on the screen with a soft lead pencil.

Step 2 Select an appropriate brush. This will be determined by the type of line or texture that you want to be produced. You can work using either side of the screen. Remember that your printing will be done from the top (or “ink-fill”) side of the screen.

Step 3 Be certain that the screen is elevated–not touching the table. Paint the Drawing Fluid over those areas of your layout that you want to print. Leave the screen to dry in a level, flat position. Make sure nothing touches the areas covered with Drawing Fluid.

Step 4 After the drawing fluid is completely dry, open the screen filler and mix it thoroughly to a smooth consistency. Spoon it onto the screen fabric on the same side of the screen used for the application of Drawing Fluid. Use the squeegee or the plastic spreader to apply an evenly smooth coating over the entire screen. One pass over the screen should be sufficient. Multiple passes of screen filler will dissolve the Drawing Fluid and prevent character (image) washout.

Step 5 Again, put the screen to dry in a horizontal position making sure nothing touches the fabric. It is important that the Screen Filler dry completely.

Step 6 When the Screen Filler has dried thoroughly, spray cold water on both sides of the screen. Concentrate the spray on the areas where Drawing Fluid was applied. These areas will dissolve and the screen will become open at those points so that ink can flow through them.

Step 7 If some areas remain slightly blocked, scrub them lightly with a small stiff brush on both sides of the screen (an old toothbrush will do a good job). DO NOT USE HOT WATER DURING THIS STAGE. Allow your screen to dry in a level (horizontal) position, bottom-side up. Drying time may be accelerated by using a hair dryer or fan.

MAKING PRINTS: PRINTING WITH TEXTILE INKS

NOTE: When screen printing on fabrics, use only fabrics that can be subjected to temperatures of at least 275-375 degrees Farentheit. Do not use on nonporous fabrics such as nylon. Pre-test all fabrics. Fabrics with sizing must be washed prior to printing. This will assure proper adhesion of the textile ink to the fabric.

The screen frame is usually detached from the base and used by itself. Usually two people should work on the printing process-one holding the screen frame tightly against the fabric, and the other doing the printing. On articles like T-shirts, a piece of cardboard or paper must be put inside each garment to act as a barrier. This guarantees only one thickness of material will be printed by the ink.

Step 8 To transparentize or to improve the lubricity (slipperiness) of the ink, you may add the Transparent Base. To slow drying or to prevent screen clogging, add the Retarder Base.

Step 9 Wash-up of screens and tools must be done immediately after use. If they are allowed to dry on your screen or tools, they are difficult or impossible to remove. After the textile ink dries on the fabric, set a household iron at the highest heat that will not scorch the fabric and with a cloth or paper between the iron and printed material, iron on each side for 3 to 5 minutes. This will make the ink withstand repeated washings.

MULTICOLOR PRINTING

Step 10 Multi-color signs can be achieved easily by making one screen with the entire message on it. Prepare the screen by any method you prefer.

Once the screen is ready, simply block the words you do not want to print with your first color by putting masking tape or paper on the bottom side of the screen fabric.After you have made your first run of prints, wash the ink from the screen and let it dry. Follow this by blocking out the words you just printed and unblocking words you want to print with your second run of color. After you have made this second run, again wash the screen and let it dry.

NOW YOU’VE MADE YOUR OWN SCREEN PRINTED TEES! GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!

Summerfest Kick-Off Party & Silk-Screening Workshop

Join your friends, neighbors, and Summerfest grantees for a fun Summer’s night out! Start your night with a free silk-screening workshop with Chanel Kennebrew of Junkprints. Bring a shirt, and Chanel will help you make it into a work of art. Enjoy music by Summerfest grantees Omnia and Bob Wright & Harbortown, and celebrate with refreshments, including a ‘’Make-Your-Own-Sundae-Bar.’’ Bring a blanket or chair to sit! Free for everyone!

When: Friday, June 8, 6:30-10pm
Where: Tappen Park, intersection of Canal, Bay, and Water Streets in Staten Island

Time
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Venue Info
Supernova
26-19 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City, NY, 11101

In 1944, during World War II, President Roosevelt called for an Economic Bill of Rights. “People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made,” he warned. Today, some would say we have inherited that fate, although they might disagree on the causes and the culprits.

In a new world, how would artists create a sustainable and equitable economy to the benefit of citizens, businesses and communities?

“What If We Re-Made U.S. Economic Policy?” is a QAX event featuring new collaborative work by Leslie Alfin, Theresa Byrnes, Chanel Kennebrew and Toshi Reagon.

Presented by Queens Council on the Arts with generous support from Rockrose Development Corp.

QAX After-Party w/ GlobeSonic Sound System: 9-11pm @ Currency, immediately following this New World event.

Join FOKUS & NYC Artists -
Junkprints, Jessie Levandov of Debris, Kali, Daniela Hernandez-Pedreaza, Suzanne Goldberg of Bon Bon Trust, Zoe Kessler, Johnnie, Breucklen Riesgo, Charlotte Corini, T. Cleo Austin, Marthalicia Matarrita, Aaron Lazansky-Oliva Spaze Craft of SohNup, Alice Mizrachi, Anna the Bumble Be…e, Anny Mefford and Aimee Cox of Sacred Brooklyn -

for movement workshops, live music, visual arts market,
creative activities and more!!

Live performance by Sophia Urista & DJ Lynnee Denise will be spinning all day!!

check us out:: bit.ly.theflock2012
#theflock2012
@FOKUS

There may very well be one thing that is more foolish than the concept of ‘owning land’ and that is ‘renting land’. In many ways I do buy into this system, because I’m renting a space in a building in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Well I have finally jumped off the fence and decided to but a building with some like minded folks . Yep you heard right, buy a building on a piece of land in a place that is currently known as Brooklyn new York. I’m calling this endeavour Project Buy a Building A Brooklyn…duh. And what does this means for Junkprints? Well it means more open studios (maybe a store), a larger work space and maybe some rooftop parties

The goal is to be ready to buy no later than this time next year. My hustle is tight right now (real tight, style like crazy, make like crazy, sleep when I can get it, blog on train rides and eat lentils and rice tight) and I’m about 27% there financially, with a great team and 2 months a head of schedule. Guess I’m taking a bite of the apple and drinking the koolaid at the same time.