If you haven’t been living under a rock you probably have heard and read about the Spectrum Fantastic Art Live event that took place over the weekend. I probably can’t add anything of significance that other people haven’t already mentioned. The show was amazing, period. The number of top names in the industry was astounding. There aren’t too many events where virtually almost every hero you had growing up are all in the same place. Not only that, but they are all very approachable, even for someone as introverted as I am. I’m always afraid to go up to people like Brom or Paul Bonner, but everyone was so nice and friendly that it was a big weight off my mind. It is always nice to meet your childhood heroes and find out that they are awesome people in person.
My booth was located at 521 on the end. It was a pretty good location and I was right next to a bunch of amazing artists. RK Post sat directly behind me and would, at times, peek his head through the curtain and scream at my wife and I before disappearing again through the blue veil to return to his adoring fans.
I actually had two paintings on either end of my booth, but you can’t see them in the picture. As usual, I came to the show fairly unprepared. I didn’t have any easels or a pegboard to display my work. As I looked around I realized I was one of the only artists that didn’t have any. Luckily a few of my friends were able to help me out. I hijacked a few easels from Eric Deschamps and a pegboard from Vincent Proce. I have to tip my hat to these guys for helping me out of a bind. It is great to know that people like Eric and Vincent are always ready to help you out.
I admit that I didn’t attend as many of the social gatherings as I should have. On Friday night I went to the patio party at the convention center. We got there a little late so the hors d’oeuvres were already gone. That wasn’t a pleasant sight since my wife and I hadn’t eaten for about 15 hours straight. Everyone was having a good time, almost too good. Most people know that I don’t drink and I’m not exactly the type of person that hangs out at social gatherings. I spoke to a few of my friends there and then decided to go on a quest for food. It was past 9pm, so room service was already closed. My wife and I walked down to Chipotle, which was about to close. End of day one with burrito-filled bellies and inspiration from countless amazing artists…not too shabby.
Like I mentioned before, SFAL was nothing short of amazing and the caliber of artists was mind-boggling. You couldn’t take two steps without being greeted with inspirational piece of original art that you’ve admired on the web for years, only to be standing in front of it now. Where else could you go look at an original Phil Hale and then take two steps and see an original Catherine Jeffrey Jones, and then see one from Brom, Donato Giancola, Greg Manchess, Paul Bonner, James Gurney, and hundreds of others. Walking the halls of legends was intimidating to say the least, but also inspirational. One didn’t feel wanting for anything as there was something for everyone from every discipline.
I would like to make a big shout-out to Virginie Ropars for winning the gold in the dimensional category. Her work is ridiculously good and leaves you wondering how in the world she does it. It was great being able to meet and spend time with her over the weekend.
The great thing about attending one of these events in person is that photos really don’t do a piece justice. You can’t appreciate the detail or color of an original through a photo. There is something magical about being able to see a piece a few inches away. There is a tactile connection that you can make that you just can’t achieve through the internet. Anyone that has the opportunity to see Virginie’s sculptures in person should make it a priority.
I apologize for the lack of photos, but I always end up forgetting to take photos and I always end up having to use my iPhone. I can’t express enough how great the show was and I would like to thank Arnie and Cathy Fenner for putting on such a memorable show. Not only were the artists great, but there were so many panels that I didn’t want to be stuck sitting at my booth. I must admit that I spent way too much time away from my booth because I couldn’t stay away from the panels and chatting with friends that I hadn’t seen for years. Maybe next time I need to hire a booth babe! There were so many people that I didn’t even get a chance to say hi to, let alone chat. I feel like I missed a lot of people too. Now that I look back, I keep finding so many names that I didn’t even realize were there. I’m sorry if I didn’t get a chance to say hello. Also, thanks to all the people that dropped by, I really appreciate it!
Donato Giancola
Justin Sweet
Phil Hale
Catherine Jeffrey Jones
Thomas Kuebler – The scariest freaking sculptures you will ever see. I kept expecting them to turn slowly and look at me.
Chris Seaman
Chris Rahn
Lucas Graciano
Francis Vallejo
The Tumbler!!
