Jarlid Pins

Dave, originally uploaded by gnarledbranch.

I love to think of ways to recycle or reuse-- so I have tried this idea of using a jar lid placing a small painting inside,epoxy and a pin on the back. Monster pins.

View more please visit...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gnarledbranch/

Sweet Dreams

100_1584, originally uploaded by gnarledbranch.

Wonkie
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gnarledbranch/

Sweet Dreams

100_1572, originally uploaded by gnarledbranch.

This is another Wonkie that I painted--depicting a young lad(perhaps me ?) blissfully sleeping while the monsters lurk about under the bed.
To view more of my recent work visit ~
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gnarledbranch/

Wooden Wonkies

detail, originally uploaded by gnarledbranch.

detail of side panel

Gnarled Tunes

A smattering of music I play to entertain my ears and mind whilst I throw
some paint around...
enjoy.
A bit of darkwave,industrial,eclectic and a surprise or two.

Hey gang,

Well its been a great past few days-- still enjoying the high of a fantastic
Hallowe'en party, enjoyed givin' scares and candies to the kiddies on Hallowe'en night and another 5 shops and gallery are on board to sell my work!

I made yet another batch of beer cap pins- around 350 .... and made a few
that were hmmm, shall we say - a wee bit raunchy.

I'd like to share a few...

I apologize in advance and don't look directly at your monitor screen.

Make sure to check out "The Gnarled Branch" on Facebook... I'm there more often and
there's a few tricks and treats to see...

take care and hope you all are well!

href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRQyp8VczQNxR0ExH2221NnnCir2w43iSp-X-jKvp0MpHzRrT2CCOKJmBJQiwUEh_fRC3DlrmMD6VezAPJWKoB4Ey2J1b-YQWQK94Bi0rYNBpfckE2WuHfou-5vR37WxPfNzpFg/s1600-h/2doesntflush.jpg">

octskull1

octskull1, originally uploaded by gnarledbranch.

mixed media on reclaimed vinyl record...

all my records that I paint on were far too damaged to play anymore and were destined for landfill...

a pushpin through the middle is all that is needed to mount.

no$$$ framing required!

octskull2

octskull2, originally uploaded by gnarledbranch.

October.... I'll miss the warmer weather..but Hallowe'en is around the corner--and I get GIDDY!

Here's a sampling of a number of record paintings that could haunt your walls...

Update:

This piece is now SOLD!

Monster!!

Monster!!, originally uploaded by gnarledbranch.

Even though I love painting horror or creepy themes...I can't
abandon the fun of colours and humour...

MONSTER!!!

Sparrow

Sparrow, originally uploaded by gnarledbranch.

The first in a series of 'Sliced' works.

Trick or Treat 2

Trick or Treat 2, originally uploaded by gnarledbranch.

Hallowe'en is by far my favourite time of year...so I've been fooling around with some techniques and medium to provide a spooky
look...hope you like it!

APW arts

APW arts, originally uploaded by shimmerstolz.

APW Gallery in New York...

Three of my records are shown here in the middle...
roadkill bird
teen on bike
and the pink weirdos at the top...

photo credit shimmerstolz--who by the way had some pieces in the show that blew my mind...very inventive--wish I could've been there to see in person.

APW arts gallery opening

APW arts gallery opening, originally uploaded by shimmerstolz.

Opening night at APW Gallery featuring vinyl record artists from around the world.
I submitted 4 pieces.

photo credit- shimmerstolz

Beer Cap Pins

The end of July ALREADY!

Sheesh where does the time go--as they say?

Insert violin music.

I wish I could do my art stuff more regularly and not devote so much time
to a job that I'm not all that thrilled about and leaves me physically exhausted
and sore every night.

Oh well...may have to look into the artist grant thing.

I'm in the middle of making almost 400 new beer cap pins, magnets and pendants.
Making sure I have enough for new shops that are carrying my work and for upcoming events in August.

Thanks to all my drinkin' pals and gal pals who donate the caps.

Here are few samples of ones I've done in the past that I still laugh at when I see them.

Enjoy!

and thanks for reading!!

Latest Works on Vinyl

I always love to fool around with techniques and approaches...
here's some finished pieces that were included in my solo exhibit
at the Loose Canon Gallery.

The opening night btw was amazing---great vibe, super crowded and
lots of sales!

Next event will be the Dundas Cactus Festival on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th.

Nice way to start a Monday

Off to the Races.

Let's see where shall I begin.

Let's start with an unexpected surprise by seeing my beercap creations in a photo while perusing Facebook.

She and her friend were out on the town and she happened to be wearing these .

Apparently they attracted interest from strangers who felt compelled to inquire about

what these pins were all about.

Neato!

Spring is FINALLY here...the spring bulbs are now sticking their noses out of the earth , the birds are noisy, life and renewal is abound.

My show at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto went well... sales weren't too bad, I anticipated better results-however there were alot of really good things available made by very talented local artisans...so I'm happy I sold as much as I did...!

Next show is in Kitchener for Earth Day weekend I believe...

Sunday April 20th...at the Kitchener City Hall

as part of living earth week. More vendors, altered book construction, painting with natural inks, robot creation, movie making, Trashion show and environmental discussion sessions ... all in Kitchener City Hall

http://earthday.ca/pub/events/search/shell_event_public.php?event_id=2808&accessibility=public

If you dont know already the Reclaimed Craft Shows occur once a month, in different locations across city to draw interest from all communities. Following shows: May 24-25 at Heritage House in Cambridge, June potentially at Unity Church in Kitchener
The Eco-art fair also includes
“switch it + stitch it” sewing, “natural painting”, and “altered books” workshops,
environmental discussion groups and
community demonstration booths.
8888888888888888888
There may still be time if you have something to offer.
if you want to be a vendor or create an outfit for trashion show, contact: megan (imadeit.shop@gmail.com) or carey (sinfulbeautygifts@gmail.com)
if you have an activity, workshop or demonstration, contact: brian (brian.scott@kitchener.ca)
volunteers to help the event run smoothly are always welcome (contact brian.scott@kitchener.ca)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Then the big one in Brampton at the Rose Theatre... on Saturday May 3rd.

My art show continues at the Tequila Bookworm in Toronto showcasing vinyl record paintings and a few canvas pieces as well....

Here are some pics from recent shows!

phew!

I don't know about you, but this time of year is tough being an artisan who does shows.

Let me explain.

There's a number of juicy and affordable events/festivals that I'm interested in applying for--but
some are overlapping on the same weekend.
Generally you have to send in with your application and check a few samples for a 'jury' to look at and decide if it is good enough or congruent with the event.

Then you may find out that you are double booked.

ehhh.... I've spent so much time trying to research events and promote the site--I haven't TOUCHED a brush in several days...and I'm getting irked.

Today I NEED to work IN the studio and avoid getting sucked into surfing festivals for possible shows this spring and summer.

Before I go, I'm in a cool art event showcasing artists who paint on vinyl records.
These artists are from all over the globe, and to have my work in with theirs is a cool feeling.

take care gang.

=dave

In 2nd Gear

The latest good news~

Show Dates~~
1. Saturday, March 22, 2008 Time: 11:00am - 4:00pm Craft Show Location: TBA shortly City/Town: Kitchener, ON

2. Thursday March 27 2008...opening night for Group Art Show "12inch3"
vinyl record art The Orbit Room2077 Pembina Hwy
Winnipeg Manitoba
Features artists from Canada,Brasil,USA,Italy,England and France

3. SpeakEasy’s Spring Craft Show Show & Sale
Thursday April 3rdGladstone Hotel, Toronto
8pm- midnight

4. Brampton Art Fair Saturday,
May 3, 2008 at the Rose Theatre - Brampton, ON.9am-4pm


Things are rolling along...now to get some more sales going!
;)

Upcoming Events--- confirmed shows!

Despite the fact there's heaping amounts of snow outside, with more snow forecasted--I know Spring will make her grand entrance soon.

How?

Well, I am grasping to this notion to keep from going completely nutty-- AND more importantly, it's Craft/Art show application time.

The 'wonderful' time of year where artisans try to figure out which show to apply for- which ones that are reasonable as far as fees go, which new ones to try out for, and all the while keeping their fingers crossed that they are accepted.

Thus far I am in 2 shows this spring.

1. REuse+REclaim+REcycle Craft Show

http://reclaimedcraft.wordpress.com/

THE imadeit SHOP

http://imadeitshop.wordpress.com/

This one is in Kitchener and I'm quite looking forward to meeting new folks and artists.

I will probably pop in the pub in Waterloo "Failte" afterwards for a pint and some nibblies.

Oh and can't forget to visit my pal Brent who owns the Eldon Gallery in Waterloo...if you are

into buying original art-that place is chock full of art.

2. The Brampton Art Fair

http://www.bramptonartfair.com/

Brampton. You wouldn't think there's much going on there as far as the cool and unique stuff goes...well don't be fooled, there is--and thanks to the good folks at the Brampton Art Fair there's now a really good venue to show their wares.

It's well organized, fresh ideas, great communication between the organizers and the vendors.

I think this is the case because the organizers themselves are artists- and know where the vendor is coming from.

It all takes place at the Rose Theatre.

I urge you to check out their site.

Well that's it for me --- I have a boatload of pictures to upload to my website...LP's, paintings, painted boxes..oh and a links page.

Tired, and weary but I'm very excited about whats rumbling around the feet of the Gnarled Branch.

stay warm and safe!

-dave

New Video

Things are rolling along with the art.... although there never seems to be enough time in the day.

Enjoy the video.

New Site is UP!

Hey... pretty cool news the site is up, lots more needs to be packed in--but there's new stuff see especially my beer cap pins.

Check back very soon for updates and more photos and available items.

Enjoy!

www.gnarledbranch.com

Very Excited

With mere hours now before unveiling a completely new look to my website, along with
a whole new added section of my popular beer cap pins, over 12 new paintings almost finished and now little snippets of the creative process and moments caught in the studio using video...I really feel The Gnarled Branch is achieving a more well rounded maturity and uniqueness that it didn't quite have before.

I feel invigorated and excited.

Here's a small clip that was taped earlier today. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7r8DLS0NS8

2008

I have to admit 2008 started with a yawn, but now it's getting one toe on the bedroom floor and starting to waken.

I was thrilled to have been blogged by http://torontocraftalert.blogspot.com/...
what a delight.
I've been lurking about that site for quite some time-- at LEAST 5 times a week.
It's a great source of info on what's going on, and where to go thats crafty, arty and neato.

What a great decision it was to post on their flickr group.
Good people there..now it looks like I'll be visiting there more than I did prior.

Other than that it's good to get back on the blogger saddle.
I was distracted with posting rants and info on www.facebook.com
and it just seems that there isn't enough time to work a business, a side business, get groceries,
enjoy a few drinks with my wife, laundry...the mind boggles if I had kids...

I am working on a number of projects and with the longer and brighter days so to is my
creative buzz..longer and brighter.
The time around the holidays ALWAYS saps my want and desire to create.
Its a great time of year for family and friends, but the nonsense that it all entails is and can be overwhelming.

I look forward to rejoining my cohorts on www.illustrationfriday.com
and having a tea....haven't enjoyed a tea in a remarkably long time.

thanks for reading,
Dave.