Karl Bielik

A little while back in June, we noticed the art of Karl Bielik and checked out his site. We wanted to know more, so we sent him a round of questions, which he replied to.


















Your websites: http://www.karlbielik.com/ - paintings; http://www.terracestudios.co.uk/ - gallery: http://www.myspace.com/lark2006 - band.

Favorite short story or poem: The Bluebird - Charles Bukowski

Favorite lyrics to a song: "Rhodedendrum is a nice flower" from Do The Strand by Roxy Music

What are you currently reading? The Heart, edited by James Peto. It's a welcome trust exhibit based on the heart (factual and fictional) and before A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard - James Frey

Tell us a little about yourself. I'm a painter and musician and that's generally what i do.

Favorite movies: It's a Wonderful Life

Tell us about your recent artwork. Large scale oil paintings, abstract with text and dealing with the idea of departure, failure, leaving and not using any black paint.

Describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us. Do you generally work alone or with people? I work in both art and music in the studios/gallery that I run. I work alone when I paint, with other band members in Lark in two separate studios.

Is it quiet or do you play music? Music in both

What interests do you have other than art? Music, literature, film, second hand things, socializing.

Jessica Stafford

Your website(s): www.jessicastaffordsart.com
My website is constantly being updated with my art and a list of my current shows.

Favorite lyrics to a song:
"Soldiers come quickly, I feel the earth beneath my feet." from the Execution of All Things by Rilo Kiley.

What are you currently reading?
"How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist" by Caroll Michels, and "Limbo" by A. Manette Ansay

Favorite movies:
I Heart Huckabees, Little Miss Sunshine, Amelie, Garden State, and Boondock Saints.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Petaluma, CA. I've always loved art, and started oil painting at 14. I went to San Diego State University and earned my BA in Painting and Printmaking with an Art History minor in May 2006. Since graduating I traveled to Costa Rica and Peru. I missed my family and moved back to Petaluma, where I work at Whole Foods Market as a chalkboard artist.

Tell us about your recent artwork.
I have been working on a new series called "Quarter Life Crisis." I've been creating more collages in birth control pill cases and painting on canvases.


Describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us; do you generally work alone or with people? Is it quiet or do you play music?
Right now I am working in my apartment. I generally like to listen to music or talk to my roommate if she is home. When I was in school I loved to talk while I created. I met great friends in schools by having conversations while painting like Suzanne and Adrienne.

What interests do you have other than art?
I like to do yoga, exercise and travel. I'm also very passionate about helping the environment. For Christmas last year I gave every one renewable choice energy wind power cards, and energy saving light bulbs in a reusable canvas bag.

Michael Ryan

Your website(s): http://www.michaelryanart.com/

Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born is Southern California in 1982, grew up there always knowing I wanted to be an artist.

Tell us about your recent artwork.
I have quite a few paintings and drawings I am working on that are a continuation of this series/theme thats been on going for a couple years. Its ever evolving, but there is an underlying world throughout. Using historical models contrasted with contemporary elements and environments to depict the replacement and direction we are going in regards to spiritualism, the physical world, industry, individually, many other societal elements. Also very much dealing with human condition, the physical effects of a corrupted heart. Everything is being corrupted and polluted, but there is always a glimmer of hope, maybe a chance for salvation. Im also very much in love with just beautiful portraiture and am working on a series of portraits as well. Theres still alot of beauty left in the world and the soul but it just seems like its in front of a really ugly and disturbing back drop, and that beauty cant help but be polluted alot of the time.

Describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us; do you generally work alone or with people? Is it quiet or do you play music?
Yeah I usually play music, either pretty heavy and fast music, or movie scores and classical. I usually prefer to be alone.

What interests do you have other than art?
I pretty much read when I'm not painting.

http://www.manufactured-dissent.blogspot.com/2007/06/michael-ryan.html