-Dream, Inspire, Create.
XO, Jane
Happy first post of 2012! It’s been a moment, and while I meant to blog over the holidays, it rarely happens on account of it basically being the chaos of the season. However, I’m proud to announce the display of my first art show group exhibition coming this friday, January 20th. This exhibition is featuring my first series of the My Chemical Romance/Danger Days inspired “Contamination Series”. The exhibition, entitled “All’s Well That Continues Well”, will be held at the Gallery Godo in Glendale, California.
The Contamination Series features 7 original pen/ink and prismacolor illustrations by yours truly inspired by the world of the Killjoys featured within the “Danger Days” album/universal concept. Mainly these illustrations were taken inspired by moments in their music videos from the album, Sing and Na Na Na. My mission was not only to preserve the memory of this era but to highlight some of the intensity of it and specific moments in their own glory. This wasn’t just to give it the whole “comic book feeling” to it and show the inspiration this band has as artists on me; it’s also because I believe right now as a whole the fans may be suffering from a form of post-tour depression. It’s easy to do when you come down from the high of seeing a band you’re so passionate and supportive of and be in kind of a funk. These pieces will be for sale and a generous portion of the proceeds will go to charity. So here’s to you, My Chemical Romance, the fans, and to those who’ve been supportive of my work through all of this. For more art updates, like my art page on facebook.
The gallery exhibition opens Friday, January 20th, 2012. Opening night reception is from 7:30 – 11:30 pm. The exhibition is open to the public during gallery hours until February 3rd. The following pieces will be on display.
The charismatic Chibi of The Birthday Massacre saluting the enthusiastic St. Louis crowd.
Toronto’s best kept secret seems to be The Birthday Massacre, who killed it at The Firebird Thursday night. Why do I say ‘best kept secret’? As both a fan and a photographer, I couldn’t quite wrap my head around why TBM weren’t playing in bigger venues here. It seems for as long as they’ve been around making music, my fellow Americans haven’t caught on to this band on a larger scale. That’s your fault, America, not theirs, so get off your ass and discover the glory of TBM. With apps like Spotify, you have no excuse. Next time, photographically speaking, I’m hoping the lighting is better. They deserve some front lighting combined with their charisma and energy. I’m not sure if it was partly the venue or what, but I’m hoping next time I photograph them I’ll be able to capture some brighter shots since the band is quite photogenic!
From the moment that front woman Chibi came literally stomping out onto the stage in pig tails and Chuck Taylor’s, she lead the band’s hour long set with enthusiasm and crowd interaction. Their sound is a unique combo of thrashy electronics and beautiful vocals. I’m no journalist and I hate to put labels on bands, so I had to describe their sound as “dark and pretty; melodic” to a friend. This comes to life even more when they play. I’ve seen lots of bands live and these stand out amongst the many as being impressive and fun from beginning to end. If you have the chance to catch them live, do yourself a favor and get a ticket. You won’t be disappointed. Scroll down and check out the gallery!
As a photographer and music lover, I think it’s important to get outside your comfort zone and both listen and shoot bands you’re not used to. If you continue to back yourself into a corner creatively, eventually the thrill of loving the music and shooting the bands may go stale if you’re not careful.
Last Sunday, heavy metal Atlanta natives Mastadon brought that edge musically to the stage at Pop’s in Sauget, IL. Their epic, multi colored lighting was the finishing touch to the thunderous rock sounds of the evening. I truly had an awesome time shooting them and seeing them live for the first time. Portland’s Red Fang got things started with a healthy dose of solid metal to kick things off, whom I was quite impressed with especially for an opening band. I wish I could say the same for Dillinger Escape Plan. While they are a fantastic, energetic band to shoot, my ears weren’t taking to their sound too well. Their lighting and performance was amazing though even if they aren’t my taste. I’d still photograph them again.
Overall, it was quite an unforgettable night of cathartic metal madness that went down in history at the famous Pop’s in Sauget! As always, I brought the gallery love! Click any to enlarge and no stealing!
Shrouded in the shadows with a desert road background setting the mood, frontman of Puscifer Maynard James Keenan (also of Tool and A Perfect Circle) welcomed the audience to the Puscifer show Saturday evening at St.Louis’ beautiful Peabody Opera House. Opening with a montage of a metal trailer, an LCD screen, and lawn chairs, he spoke the words that set the tone of the show: “The desert is a beautiful and dangerous place. A place where you can find yourself or lose yourself.” I thought that was quite true and profound.
Like any solid performing artist, Puscifer is unlike Maynard’s two bands he fronts. The show in itself is a performance of art rock filtered through hillbilly hell comedy. The tour, appropriately named, “The Conditions of My Parole”, shows clips of both him and frontwoman Carina Round (who is amazing) dressed up in redneck attire talking about politicians, going to court, and what the aliens listen to (to which one of Maynard’s characters said “The good aliens listen to Christina, Britney, and the Glee soundtrack. The bad aliens listen to Tool.”). It makes for quite an entertaining piece when mixed in with their unique, art rock sound and backdrops featuring the desert, the ocean, lightning, and ambient LCD designs. It’s like watching a play and a concert wrapped in one package. I found myself entranced and enchanted with the lights, the backdrops, and the vocals. This is a show you don’t want to miss, and regardless of where you are seated, you will get more than your money’s worth.
While it wasn’t ideal for photography, I did the best I could in getting some decent telephoto lens shots. There was no photo pit, and we were instructed to shoot from one side of the stage in between people’s heads. Not ideal, but at least I came home with a handful of shots that were workable. If only I could’ve shown you the beauty of the performance throughout the night. I suppose you’ll have to go and experience it for yourself.
Two posts in one day you say? How can it be? That’s because those are the days of catching up after having two shows back to back, that’s why…and because I love you. I was not disappointed whatsoever by the performances of both Owl City or Never Shout Never the previous night in St. Louis. Both of these acts had amazing lighting and stage presence, which to me personally and professionally, is a winning combo! Both strategies become a make or break value in the world of concert photography. That being said, Adam Young and company brought an energetic yet elegant stage performance on tuesday at The Pageant in St. Louis, and I was there to capture it all for you. Next up is Panic! At the Disco tomorrow night with Patrick Stump. I’m quite excited! Scroll down for the full gallery of Owl City’s performance! Cheers and happy hump day!
There are plenty of bands out there making great music, but when it comes to their live performances, I find it a hit or a miss when it comes to shooting and witnessing/experiencing a show. There are also plenty of bands I’m curious about so I end up shooting them. Such was the case with Never Shout Never. There are plenty of duplicate bands that sounds very similar to them, but it’s truly an original that can both produce an impressive show and still connect with their fans. That’s what I found with Never Shout Never from Joplin, MO. on sunday evening. They love their fans, they love what they do, and they do it well. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, you can’t deny they are making their mark on modern music. Well done and wonderful aesthetics and stage setup/presence. Also, fabulous lighting. Way to go, fellas! Scroll down further for the entire gallery of sunday night’s show at The Pageant in St. Louis! More to come…
How about we stop talking about Kim Kardashian’s ridiculous dirvorce fiasco and stop to celebrate the lives of the souls that we’ve lost but continue to carry their light with us? It is Dia De Los Muertos, you know (day of the dead).
To get creative and make your own masks, you can use either air dry clay or clay that needs firing after molded (baked or fired in an oven).
-Let your clay fully dry before painting.
-I used acrylic craft paint since it dries quickly, but there are really no stipulations on what type of paint you can use.
-Remember when painting your day of the dead skulls that the eyes usually have a design to them: flowers, swirls, or just black. You can use your imagination to the fullest here. As shown in the photos, you can paint your skulls anywhere from black n’ white to bright, vibrant colors. Some skulls have crosses or other religious designs, but it’s not a requirement.
Remember Day of The Dead is a positive and uplifting holiday, not a holiday of sorrow. As long as you are appreciating the holiday and those loved ones who brought you inspiration and joy while here in this life.
XO, Jane
So I usually don’t go shooting in small clubs anymore, but for Canadian electro-pop sensation Lights, I made the exception. I met with fans at the sold out show who had traveled as far as from Evansville, Indiana just to see her perform. Dedication like that must mean there’s something to all this madness packed into a such a small room, I thought to myself. I’d just began to discover her music shortly before the show, so seeing her live was a treat indeed. She’s definitely unique, energetic, and loves her fans! I was happy to capture that on camera despite the extremely difficult lighting (what’s with the new use of multi-neon colored gizmos these days? Great for atmosphere, terrible for photographers. Here’s a gallery of the show below. Enjoy! More coming up with Halloween in less than 24 hours!
It’s that time again, kids. Halloween is right around the corner and I’ve been filled with more inspiration than ever. I’m continuing my work on the MCR/Danger Days collection (which I’ll have to name a little more subtly in the future probably). Here’s what’s been going on so far with the project: I’m on the 3rd panel, 2nd piece. I’m hoping to squeeze in as much as I can with this body of work. However, you know how art is: it takes on a life of its own. We artists are simply the messengers; the channel to which it comes to life. Check it out! Be sure to watch the new time lapse video of drawing Gerard below!
Also, announcing the arrival (finally) of my online store here on Big Cartel! Bookmark it, and you’ll be able to purchase affordable prints of my work as well as original artwork. Stay tuned as the holidays mean more art and products added and that means the magic word: discount!
