BEASTS! book party and exhibit

INFO:
BEASTS art exhibition and 2nd Anniversary Gala
Saturday, December 13, 6:00 to 9:00 PM
Music by Peter Bagge’s CAN YOU IMAGINE?

-BEASTS exhibition of original art and prints by 45 artists continues through January 10, 2009.-

WHERE:
Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery
1201 S. Vale St. (at Airport Way S.) Seattle, WA 206.658.0110
Open daily 11:30 – 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM

for more details, check out Fantagraphic's site.

"Since its publication in December 2006, BEASTS BOOK ONE has become a pop culture sensation, quickly selling out two printings and finding an enthusiastic worldwide audience. Meticulously designed, the book combines colorful illustrations of mythical monsters with imaginative text describing the folkloric origins and characteristics of these creatures."

"BEASTS BOOK TWO, which will debut at the December 13 event, continues the tradition of illustrations from interdisciplinary international luminaries including David B. (France), Jaime Hernandez (US), Femke Hiemstra (Netherlands), Toby Tam (China), Kim Deitch (US), Tatsuro Kiuchi (Japan), and many more. To commemorate the publication of BEASTS BOOK TWO and the simultaneous release of the paperback edition of BEASTS BOOK ONE, Covey has selected 45 representative artists from both volumes for an eclectic exhibition of original works and fine art prints. ."

This is the print that will be available at the show.
"Garlic Friends" silkscreen on Rives BFK

ISM: Untitled Love Project // BOOK RELEASE PARTY

*on the flier is an image by Camille d'Errico whom i'll be exhibiting with in Spring. :)

Go to this if you are in LA area!

details:
ISM: Untitled Love Project // BOOK RELEASE + ARTIST SIGNING
Saturday, Dec. 13th. 7-10PM
@ Cerasoli : LeBasse Gallery
8530-B Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA
artists in attendance: Amy Sol, Anthony Clarkson, Brandon Francis, Caro, Courtney Oquist, Dave Pressler, Erik Siador, Haubs, Ken Garduno, Kristyn Dors, Melanie Moore, Munk One, Nicolette Davenport, Patrick Ballesteros, Ronald J Llanos...+ more

"After two years of exhibitions, interviews and editing the ISM: Untitled Love Project book is finally finished.
http://www.ISMcommunity.org/ulprelease

*above is my contributing piece which is featured in the book, along with interviews

"The untitled LOVE project is an emotionally influenced experiment examining the broken heart. Each individual artist revisited a past relationship through their medium.

The book features each original artistic expression accompanied with interviews, short stories, or journal entries regarding the story behind the conceptual recollection."

Click here for full list of artists!

what do i like?

I've been asked a couple times who my favorite painter is. Twice over the course of the last 24 hours, by my dearest friend Andrew over thanksgiving dinner, and by a gentleman whilst hanging out at Beauty Bar the night before. There are quite a few painters that I admire, both times the first that comes to my mind is Balthus--
































others: Henry Darger, Marcel Dzama, Thomas Eakins .... to name just a few.

I glossed over a really great book a few days ago. "A catalog of hand-drawn patterns" which is another thing that I admire, and there are some meticulous, beautiful examples that can be found in the book, "Over and Over."


I might try to buy this book but I am still waiting to receive Kramer's Ergot 7 from an online retailer, which i hope is coming soon.

wishlist: "Skim" by Jillian Tamaki

currently watching: "Leon" (The Professional)

robot reference

Some reference photos I've gathered through the internet, in light of my latest project.

penelope cruz


aki hoshino

heidi klum

This is just a sampling of my folder filled with hundreds of these photos, i admit its fun collect these on behalf of my new series. My upcoming pieces are pretty much influenced by combination of these photos (the models seem almost robotic-like to me) plus my own personal experiences.

Reading now: Henry Miller

Listening to: Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer
The Dodos - Visiter

the coffee post

Each day I consume at least one largest size cup of coffee (20 oz or more) On days that I am at my day job or days where I feel especially productive I drink 2 or 3, sometimes 4. A lot of the cafes i've visited in San francisco, and for the most part in NY offer medium to stronger brew for their house coffee, which is the only kind I prefer. Colombian brew won't do the job for me, give me Sumatra! Mexican coffee beans are also very nice-- I had a brew that tasted like unsweetened chocolate at Gimme! coffee. Other places I really enjoy - Ritual, on Valencia st. People's cafe, on Haight.

APE weekend, halloween, and everything else

I had an incredible time at APE! But, because I don't own a camera i'm afraid I don't have pictures. It took place during halloween weekend and i do, however, have a picture of me and my friends on halloween night!from the left: me as a rainbow, tabitha as pimp, allison - ms lovett, and tony -johnny depp

This took place at a bar close by after the APE exhibitor mixer /pre party, which took place at Last Gasp publishing office/shop. The night became a bit of a blur, as to be expected on halloween in SF.

The next day, arrived an hour early to set things up, I managed to remember everything except for a table cloth! (which I didn't even think about) but a table neighbor was kind enough to loan me his extra one. It was my first time at APE and my first time having my own table so it was triple exciting! and very successful. I sold plenty of prints and books, all silkscreen, and had the pleasure to interact with so many people. It was definitely the best time I've ever had at a con, despite being glued the entire time to my table (although I managed to attend 30 minutes of the "Making of Kramer's Ergot 7" panel, on Sunday)
The Isotope party that Saturday was also an amazing time. I am deeply grateful for my friends, Teddy Hose and Scott Norton for helping me out with my table and for keeping me company! And my mom for bringing me food all weekend.
I will most definitely return to APE next year (too good not to) and I will try to drag with me my very talented, former roommate and close friend Jon Vermilyea (perhaps we will share a table next year? hopefully!)

In other news, Obama is our new president! My friends and I couldn't stop screaming, took ourselves outdoors and everyone else felt the same. Tabitha asked me to paint an Obama mural in their household, i might do it if I find time (still in mural painting mode, especially after Asa's ginormous one)

Now that APE is over, I'm continuing my work for my next show which is taking place at Gallery1988 (SF), opening in March 2009. One of the owners, Katie, who i believe runs the SF location, stopped by my table this weekend to say hi. The group show is going to be a good line up of myself and 3 other very talented female artist, more info to come!

In the mean time, here is my set up at my parents' home as I try to spend the rest of vacation doing a little catch-up.
This is the birds eye view where I have a view of the porch ahead of me and a TV next to that. I pay most of my attention to music and reference photos on my computer.


Above is a detail of part of my painting surface, my muses, the antelope brown ink I always use, and a new bottle of Prussian blue ink (beautiful color!!) I originally was looking for purple but was happy to discover (or rather, rediscover) prussian blue. Its purpose will be revealed later.

"waverly" by asa kawano

hi everyone!

I had the exciting opportunity to exhibit at APE this past weekend and it was a phenomenal time! more on that later.

While in new york just before leaving to visit the west coast, I spent one evening helping my very talented and close friend asa kawano (and her boyfriend chad) paint her gigantic graffiti/mural. It was an amazing experience.The mural, titled "Waverly" is 45"x22" can be seen riding the F train towards coney island, just before approaching the Smith & 9th st. stop (sitting backwards, on the left side of train) You can also see it from the BQE where the Lowe's is located (Hamilton Ave.)

new update on the site

I've posted new work on the site, everything I did for the show at Metropolis and also the piece that will be in the next Beasts book. check it out!

"Cannibal Hearts"

For Immediate Release

Cannibal Hearts
Jennifer Tong
Solo Exhibition
September 5 - 30, 2008
Opening reception: September 5, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Metropolis Gallery is pleased to present Cannibal Hearts, Brooklyn-based artist Jennifer Tong’s first solo exhibition at the gallery. The artist’s new works explore the symbiotic relationship between living things, both human and non-human, in a forest setting where shared carnal nature and emotion come alive. An opening reception for Cannibal Hearts will be held Friday, September 5, 2008, from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

For Tong, Cannibal Hearts inspires, on a general level, exploration into the universal carnal nature of all living things, and, more specifically, investigation of the characters’ interaction with and reflection of the surrounding natural world. “It alludes to the feelings of these people who are food, eating food, eating each other,” says Tong, “It could be a semi-romantic situation, or a gluttonous one.” Her depiction of “garlic nymphs” exemplifies this attitude and attention to aesthetics. The juxtaposition of the nymph characters and cloves of garlic showcase the striking similarities in form, while the stark color contrasts reveal the differences in content and emotion. Although she leaves the interpretation of her work up to the viewer, the primitive feeling of Tong’s world where instincts are Law cannot be missed.

Tong admits her palette is constantly changing as it is constantly inspired, pushing her to evolve her oil and ink paintings and to experiment with new mediums, including watercolors on toothy, skin-colored paper. Tong draws inspiration from “a vast pool” that includes literary authors like Nabokov; artists and cartoonists like Marcel Dzama and Helge Reumann; and musicians ranging from the melodic Radiohead to the calming folk songs of Joanna Newsom. Tong creates works that possess a vintage look, while her theme maintains a modern disposition and is saturated with emotion.

ABOUT THE ARTIST From Brooklyn by way of San Francisco, Jennifer Tong is one of the foremost young indie comics artists. Appearing in the second volume of the landmark Fantagraphics book "Beasts!", which has previously featured such great artists as Tim Biskup, Jeff Soto and Jeremy Fish, as well as showing in major galleries across the US, Jennifer has just begun to truly emerge. Her work recalls the indie comic innocence of Chester Brown, the outsider art creep vibe of Henry Darger, and even famed "Gnomes" illustrator Rien Poortvliet. Part of the growing webcomics movement, Jennifer was recently featured in an ongoing show celebrating the webcomics scene at The MOCCA in NYC and was part of a three person show, “Smoke From Distant Fires” in July 2008 at Lab 101 in Culver City, CA. Tong received her BFA in Cartooning from The School of Visual Arts.

About the Gallery

METROPOLIS is both a retail store and art gallery in one space featuring Mid-Century Modern Furniture, Designer Art Toys, and Modern Art. Whereas the traditional idea of an art gallery has typically been 2-D art hung on white walls and little else, METROPOLIS expands by combining good design from any medium and presenting a clearer idea of how any or all of these pieces could co-exist within one's home. METROPOLIS Gallery is located at 154 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. For more information on Metropolis Gallery, visit www.metropolis-store.com, email info@metropolis-store.com or call 717.572.9961.

old show, and the new

I've updated my website with all the new pieces I did for Lab 101 in LA.

Click here to check it out!

Also, here is a preview photo of a new painting that's nearly complete. For the show at Metropolis, opening September.

I've been vacationing in San Francisco and it's been a surreal experience, to say the least. One of the first things I made sure to do was to attend the Frida Kahlo exhibit at SFMOMA. Ever since then, my dreams have become slighty more haunting - sharing these dreams with my friends have been an increasingly interesting experience.

Every time I "vacation" in SF is really more of an opportunity to dedicate more time in making art/getting things done. Its also a nice breath of fresh air from being in New York, but I love both cities for its differences. I wonder if I'll be able to someday live in both places, take turns.

LA "smoke from distant fires"

The Lab 101 Presents;

'Smoke From Distant Fires'

small artworks by

Jennifer Tong, Faryn Davis & Elesavet Lawson

July 12 - August 13, 2008

Opens Saturday July 12, 2pm / Artists Reception 6-10pm

If you're in LA, please go to this!
My art site will be updated with all new works for this show during the week of the opening.

Lab 101 Gallery

8539 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232

for more details: http://www.artslant.com/la/events/show/21482-smoke-from-distant-fires

liesurely things

ever since the move, i find myself going to places and doing many things that are very in tune to this neighborhood. I guess that goes with anywhere you live, you get to know the locals and acquire a few favorite places.I recently saw Gogol Bordello play at McCarren Park pool with my friend Cat who introduced me to them for the first time. They were crazy good and they had all this energy that made most of the audience near the front jump up and down. McCarren is a ridiculously gigantic space/formerly a swimming pool (although i can't imagine that) so its easy to either jump around or do cartwheels if you want, or lay back and relax from a distance. Every night there's a band or movie playing at the pool.


Other book I've been reading--- (besides "The heart is a lonely hunter" which, so far, s been sad but beautifully written)
"No One Belongs Here More Than You" stories by Miranda July
comics/visuals--
"Goddess of War" by Laura Weinstein (so good!)
"Elvis Road" Helge Reumann, Xavier Robel

where i've been

hello!
i know i haven't posted in a while,
i recently moved to a new apartment in Williamsburg and I'm loving it.
Still trying to get myself adjusted/settled and trying to tackle deadlines.
I'm shipping out new work tomorrow to Lab101 in LA for a 3 person show, and I am extremely excited.
It opens July 13th, I will post the flyer later.
I'll update my site with the new pieces the week of the opening.
Here's a sneak peek in the meantime:

"Falling Stars"

"Hope You're Swell II"

"Onward, Upward"

Lately I've gotten into music by the band Metric. There's one song I find myself listening to over and over again. called "Hustle Rose" Emily Haines (the band's lead) has a talent for words.
I've also started reading "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers.
Ever since my move my train commute is much shorter now, which is the time I use to rely on to get some reading done. I will try to put a little time aside to read.

fur like snow

polar bear mountain in color













its not the best picture.
I'll scan it after its all finished.
all it needs now is ink.

arctic lands

currently working on a polar bear.












I'm almost finished with the oils for this. Just needs time to dry so i can ink.
So far i've more or less kept up with the workload. One of my biggest fears is to run out of ideas.
But, i'm sure as long as one is constantly inspired, the ideas will then follow.

"i feel like drawing a whale today" "I think I want to paint a bear"

"i feel like drawing an orgy of naked-sushi-women"

diagonal

whenever i'm under a creative block i doodle nude bodies.

Prints of "Defeat-Victory"

Thanks to David (DvA Gallery), prints of Defeat/Victory are now available at Slingshot! Press. A new print is released each week, check it out.

Nymph for Beasts! 2

I'm very happy to announce that my garlic nymph painting will run in the next volume of Beasts!

BEASTS! blog: http://www.beastsbook.blogspot.com/
Published by Fantagraphics
Drawn! blog: http://drawn.ca/2008/03/18/see-the-submissions-for-beasts-book-2/

twins

attached
by the
tail

My little nymphet

-garlic nymphet study-

This is a small ink study, using antelope brown acrylic ink on rives BFK paper. I'm going to go over it with watercolor and a tiny bit of acrylic paint. Hope the paper reacts well.

Breast Cancer benefit

My friend Andrew is auctioning off some very exquisite necklaces to help raise funds for Breast Cancer research. Help make a difference! This is to benefit the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Check out his blog for details on the auction.

from sketch to finish

Sometimes the sketch is pretty much traced for the final outcome.
I did that one in my sketchbook on a plane ride to Chicago.




























Usually the idea is taken down in tiny thumbnail and the final image is worked on from start to finish.

garlic nymphets on my mind

a good sized detail of a new piece.

I've recently read Nobokov's "Lolita"for my roommate's book club. I think it had something to do with the idea for this.

i drew one of these little garlicky ladies for the first time during a work/drawing session over at my good friend Andrew's place. The painting is very close to being done (just needs the ink job)

sit on my lemon

Lets take it for a spin.

past-present-future

history--------~~~~

-Various group exhibits curated by the folks at thinkspace/sourharvest
--including "Picks of the Harvest" in LA and Chicago

-untitled LOVE project Traveling show throughout south California

-"The Kindness of Srangers" at Helm Gallery

-"Infinite Canvas" Webcomics show at MOCCA, soho New York

what to expect in 08--------------

-a few press/publications, including the book to accompany the LOVE project

-a huge show in the Fall

so far

I'll make updates here as everything progresses.