'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!