Happy New Year!

Andy Warhol x Dom Perignon

 I am one of those people who is VERY into new year's...reflecting on the past year for both it's good and bad attributes, and feeling very hopeful about what lies ahead. As far as Art Duet goes, it's going to be a really exciting time as we officially get our office up and running (finally, after many months!), plan many exciting gallery events and prepare to aid in the release of Brandon's new book, which will also have events planned around it. And those are just things that we ARE currently aware of...there are always surprises at every turn. Change, growth and the resulting evolution are the necessary cornerstones of Art Duet's philosophy, and of mine as well. 

I wish everyone a very happy new year and i look very forward to sharing news and developments in what will certainly be a rocking 2013! 

Brandon's 'Applause' print release moved to 12/13

Brandon's print of a brand new ink and watercolor work, titled 'Applause' was slated to be released via Poster Child Prints today, but in non-shocking news, the site crashed immediately as soon as the link was live. PCP had even increased their bandwidth prior to...crazy! Anyway, it will now be released tomorrow at 10 am PST.  Thank you to everyone for their patience and enthusiasm!

Brandon x Poster Child Prints - new release!

We are collaborating with Poster Child Prints again! This Wednesday, they will release a BRAND new work of Brandon's!  Visit their blog HERE for more info. This is extremely exciting since it's been a while and this is a preview of the many amazing images from Brandon's sketchbook that are to come...

Art Basel travels

Art Basel was truly incredible. A true sensory overload with so much too see and do - so many people to meet, so much art to observe and admire. The landscape was vast as it was very spread out and i can definitely see why people go for a whole week. I had a wonderful and amazing travel partner, Janette Beckman, who of course wanted to go on visual adventures!  We spent one of the best days ever wandering around the Wynwood arts district and I was overwhelmed by it. The huge murals that were everywhere, the tucked away galleries, seeing murals actually in progress at all phases, the ENERGY there was palpable. We also attended many of the art fairs and met many gallerists, artists and saw incredible pieces. When you think about how many people are out in the world pursuing and creating art, making their own personal statements and presenting their perspective and technique, you can't help but feel awed and inspired.  Personally I love taking it all in --  greeting new artists, observing new mediums and perhaps unique methods of hanging and displaying art, etc.  But at the end of the day I am just a fan of art like anyone else.  I'd encourage anyone and everyone to go - you don't need to be "in the art world" to admire, observe or be 'affected' by art.  So, see you next year! Below are some shapshots from the trip...

Janette bumped into her buddy Mr. Brainwash! they may do a future project together!

this mural in wynwood arts district was STUNNING

Janette left her keith richards t-shirt under my pillow!

mural painting in action, in a beginning phase...at wynwood of course

seen at one of the fairs, clever - entitled 'cops and robins'

yikes, i can't remember where i saw this, but i loved it!

john breed 'goodbye paradise'

seen at SCOPE art fair, by artist carlos aires, made of vinyl!

very profound words... i now love the art of citizen X

This was AMAZING at betsy hotel! The room had a vinyl ceiling and the photos were illuminated... they were lost photos of The Beatles and Rolling Stones by Bob Bonis

speedy graphito mural @ art miami, amazing to watch

the eye of a fish mural...the line work here was INCREDIBLE

more of the fish mural...wish i knew the artist, will find out!

random from wynwood arts district

peter tunney from 'enough is possible' exhibit

words in neon...interesting statement

more words we love, seen at CONTEXT art fair

Bansky mural on display @ Art Miami...this guy's become a pretty famous rat... behind a red rope and all!

ron english mural at underground location / wynwood arts district

BAD picture, but this was such a beautiful rare photo of Andy Warhol & Basquiat 

camille rose garcia @michael kohn booth

starbucks coo coo clock seen on exhibit at art basel miami opening night! funny.

Art Basel

We are so excited to finally go to Art Basel in Miami this week!  For some reason it's never worked out in years prior and maybe it was worth the wait...we are super happy to accompany Janette Beckman there!  There truly couldn't be a better art-viewing partner in crime.  She has a a few pieces on display at the Morrison Hotel's take over at the Dream Hotel. They have an event on Thursday we are looking forward to. Hoping to return with a full report and rundown of the week's art and event highlights!!
Read about this artist being at last year's Art Basel, Yinka Shonibare...looking so forward to being inspired this week!

UPDATES!

Updates! 

Once again, the blog is the last thing to be updated! Just a quick post about a  few updates, with many more to come!

Firstly, leave it to Janette Beckman to be working with maybe the coolest magazine we've ever seen, Jocks & Nerds based in the UK. 

Yes, that's Paul Weller on the cover of a really cool music-filled issue. Brandon sat for Janette in NY and made it into a sweet full page photo in great company...

                                                                        

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Brandon's talk at Chicago Ideas Week was fantastic! That was already nearly a month ago, yeesh. Anyway, he was on a panel about 'The Creative Process' with people from Disney and Pixar, as well as his good friend, the amazing photographer Brian Bowen Smith. The talk was high energy, humorous, and inspirational. It was a great end to a wonderful few days in Chicago. I highly recommend everyone attending Chicago Ideas Week next year!

                                                                         

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Our friends are working on a cool new project - CDSAVOIA -- they've been traveling around doing documentary style interviews...while the site will be ever-changing, and this was a soft launch, I urge you to watch a few of these for inspiration and insight into the artist process. We helped to bring Yevgeniya Mikhailik, Anthony Ausgang and Brian Batt into the project (Brian's will be in the second phase). But please do take a peek at these!  

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Lastly, our dear friend and iconic artist Alan Aldridge is slowly recuperating from a painful surgery. We saw him last night and he is definitely on the mend. Sending you lots of love, Alan!

'The Plunge' on display in Venice!

Brandon's stunning original work 'The Plunge' is at CAVE Gallery in Venice, CA for a few weeks. GO by and have a look!

Labor Day

To be perfectly honest, I didn't know the EXACT significance of Labor Day. Do you?  Clearly i knew it celebrated work in some way, and it does - here is the "wiki" definition:

Labor Day is an American federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September (September 3 in 2012) that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.

Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events.^[1]

<sup>Work is hugely important - it's such a huge part of your life, your identity, focus, etc. I feel very proud of what I do and what i am creating, and I definitely recognize that I am fortunate to say that.  But it was a long road of risk, confusion, sacrifice, and extremely hard work to finally find MY path. I think I've been on more job interviews than most, and actually held more jobs than most. It was ridiculous.  A 'highlight' for my interviews was with Mariah Carey - breaking a heel on my shoe while walking up the stairs as she waited for me to shake her hand. Yikes. I could go on about tough interviews at CAA, ICM, working for Jennifer Lopez and Benny Medina, my stint at E! True Hollywood Story - on and on. From publishing to radio, record label to PR company, I've literally covered ALL grounds.

As the quest went on, for years, I had no clear idea that it would eventually lead to something incredible; I very often thought it wouldn't. But I did have faith in myself. And as it turns out, there was no "interview" to establish the exact start in my career. Extreme passion for all things artistic, a little creativity, and extensive work experience is precisely why it's happened. Oh, and b*lls (rhymes with smalls). Yep it's true, you gotta have those too.</sup>

^{So without carrying on for too long about me (boring), I'd just like to encourage people to follow their passion - it sounds so trite but it IS true. Doing so will surely account for the aforementioned risk and confusion  - riding it out is hard, but ultimately worth it, whenever that happens. Sooner than later would be ideal, but understand that definitely isn't always how it goes -  it's a Long and winding road.}

^{On that note, below is a picture of Brandon with a cat - but it's not just ANY cat - it's Janette Beckman's feline friend -- while in New York, Brandon went to her studio so she could shoot him for a mag she works with - the amazing UK publication Jocks&Nerds.  Janette, the most incredible photographer, doesn't love getting her own photo taken as is is often the case.Having Janette and Brandon collaborate was completely perfect.}

Brandon and feline friend by Janette Beckman

<sup>How does this tie into anything I previously mentioned? Simply the fact that while my business is ever-morphing with highs and lows, I work with amazing people I SO adore and truly admire, and that is definitely an incredible thing that fills me with pride and inspiration. Do i feel lucky and grateful? YES, I do. Who wouldn't? But it's loyalty, perseverance, and seriously hard work that can get you to a "lucky" place.

So - Is every day perfect? Nope. Let's remember it's the 'long and winding road'.  However, there's no daily drama that can alter my bigger picture...now that i have one.</sup>

^{Keep working. And make it rewarding.}

^{Happy Labor Day!}

Blue Canvas

We have been friends with the people at Blue Canvas for a while now. They are an awesome group of people who give great exposure to artists at all levels. You may have heard of them through Bravo's show Work of Art in season #2. Can't say enough good things about them!

Nathan Ota (an absolutely incredible artist with an LA exhibit upcoming this fall) interview Brandon for their August issue. It will be at Barnes and Noble nationwide and sold online HERE.

This was a very fun interview to put together and we love the results. Here's the exclusive video from the interview day. Enjoy!

And here's a peek at our favorite page from the spread. It's a collage from Brandon's sketchbook and it's beautiful!

 

What's New(s)

Wow, astonished it's been since April that we blogged. Hate to admit it, twitter may have replaced the way we update people with news! Are you following @artduet? Please do!

Onto what's new(s)...

Obviously a lot has happened the past few months, there's never a dull moment around here and most times there's an ebb and flow that's happening.

One of the most exciting current projects is the office we are setting up!!! We can now show art and have salon visitors, such a major and long awaited step!  This has been the top priority of late...

Brandon did a mini photo shoot in Rome a few weeks ago with photographer Daniele Barraco...the pictures turned out beautifully - here's a sample:

And Men's Health just chatted with him while he was in the UK - read interview HERE.

In other news, Janette Beckman is teaching her first ever CLASS in NYC, at the International Center for Photography. Can we say 'golden opportunity' ?! I'd have to imagine the class is thoroughly intrigued and attention is captivated! Is everyone following her blog, aptly titled 'Archive of Attitude'?  Do so HERE !

Apart from working in the business of art, we are also working on art collecting! Recently bought this piece entitled 'Angry Girl' from Ming Ong who we discovered at Art Mere Art Pere when we bid and won on another piece of hers. Here's Angry Girl...

Prints, interviews, charities, art opening...

Prints, interviews, charities, art openings... these are four things we love planning and being involved in! so let's recap and start at the top...

Brandon's release of Spilling/Spinning with Poster Child Prints sold out in less than 24 hours! People were so excited to get their hands on it. There is currently one up for grabs on Music-News so head over there if you missed out. Keep an eye out for possibly one or two more contests! Follow @artduet on twitter!

Also this week Brandon had an artist conversation with incredible artist Nathan Ota for Blue Canvas Magazine. It was a filmed interview and will also be in their July issue - one of the best interview-style pieces we have ever worked on...super exciting!

Here's a piece of Nathan's so you can get familiar if you aren't already:

Watching Over Me

Artworks For The Cure is coming along nicely. Have you bought your tickets? A mere $50 to spend the afternoon at a family-friendly, laid back event at a beautiful location, with amazing art pieces all around. What more do you need? AND it benefits children's hospital -- specifically pediatric cancer.

BUY A TICKET!!!!!! Don't be confused, there are two events -- the one you are looking for is Sunday, April 29.

Lastly, Brandon is part of a group show that opens tomorrow at Skotia Gallery in Culver City. It runs through May 5. Check their site for hours. He will have brand new drawings on display...here's a sample:

Dancer In The Wool

Busy!

Lots going on -- first and foremost we have been working hard on securing art for the upcoming Artworks For The Cure event taking place at the end of this month. We have so many great people on board!!! There will be an online auction we will announce so you can bid, and if you live in LA buy a ticket for the April 29 event! you won't be sorry!!!!!!!!! 

In other news...

Brandon has collaborated with the super cool Poster Child Prints on a release of his hugely popular image 'Spilling/Spinning', putting him in great company with artists on their print roster such as Dalek, Dee Dee Cheriel, Mark Mothersbaugh, Curtis Kulig and many others. The print went on sale today and i am told they are nearly sold out already. NOT surprising!!!

read about it here --  http://posterchildprints.com/blog/.

Brandon has embarked on an entirely new body of work that will be revealed in the upcoming months, so this is a very good opportunity to get your hands on this iconic piece from the 'Ectoplasm' series. Many of you have asked me about this over the past few years, so here is your chance!

 

Also, If you live in Australia, you will be able to find Brandon in two magazines in the upcoming weeks - Culture and LUNA These are both interviews he did while Incubus toured the country in January. Be sure and check them out online if you can't get a physical copy.

 

Lastly, Brandon is part of a group show this month at Skotia Gallery in Culver City which we are very excited about! Details soon!

 

Press is good!

Just a quick post...check out THIS interview Brandon did with LA Canvas - a popular art/event magazine all around LA! Take a close look, there is a sneak peak of brand new work from his sketchbook!

And then read THIS interview the amazing Janette Beckman did with The Telegraph newspaper in the UK...

Lastly, follow Art Duet on Pinterest. We are getting really into it!

We have to be honest...

We have NOT been blogging nearly enough. But we are have our reasons! 

A lot of our time the past weeks have been spent doing the following:

Attending a LOT of art events, art charities, and meetings! There was Grammy week, Oscar week, etc which always add up to a lot of events!!! Always fun catching up with people and mingling to see what everyone is up to and how we can all work together on upcoming projects.

We've also been setting up interviews for Brandon which will be coming out in the upcoming months... Four magazine print interviews will come out with artwork published so that's super exciting! And there are many more in the works as well. Most exciting of all is that a preview to his brand new work that we JUST scanned will appear in an April article.

Last but definitely not least, we are on the board for the TJ Martell Foundation helping to plan this year's 'Artworks For The Cure' event. This invite may ring a bell from the event last year:

Sooooo we have been reaching out to all our clients and friends : Brandon, Janette Beckman, Alan Aldridge, Neil Zlozower, ARKITIP for artwork donations. It pays to have world renowned artist friends that are willing to help out ! We are also approaching new(er) artists we love such as Ming Ong, Yevgeniya Mikhailik and then new friends such as Brian Batt & Poster Child Prints!  It's exciting to be very hands on in planning the April event which will take place at the ultra mod and fabulous Pier 59 at Bergamot Station. The event website will be done very soon, and artists are being added weekly.

Stay tuned on all fronts!

It's mid-January already!

WHERE is the time going? New year, new beginnings, but same pace --- time is flying by!

As we type we are waiting to board a plane to Park City for Sundance Film Festival which is always a great time to mix and mingle with new people and see amazing films.  Also, it's been Art week in LA, and we went to the opening parties for the LA Art Show the past two nights, last night at the Convention Center where the work is exhibited...there was so much great work there, LA is quite the formidable art city.

Things are off to a running start...here are a few tidbits...

Firstly, we love this VIDEO Brandon did while at The Museum of Monterey where he continued his talk about oceanic pollution...That video with his brief essay were featured on The Huffington Post homepage under the 'good news' section! Thanks to his appearance, there is now a great chance that the 'Flows To Bay' exhibit will be able to travel to other like minded places and museums.

Brandon was also interviewed by Middle East Rolling Stone which is a great read!

He also did two shoots/interviews last week that are set to come out in the spring which 

we are looking forward to. Details to come...

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Oliver Cartwright was mentioned in the quite awesome COMPLEX about his new work...do a scroll through there and check it out, we like this one:

Miss Janette Beckman has a new limited edition book out!  This one documents her time spent in East LA over one summer in the 80's. Published by Dashwood Books, this is a very cool conversation piece to have, and a subject matter not all that often documented. And of course, done the way only JB can do. She has re-connected with several people in the book who have REALLY interesting stories and paths to share...

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That's all for now, plane is boarding!!!