Need something better than Star Wars day? Ok so It might be hard to beat but something on par would be Sandi Ray Pierce, FOREVER, NEVERMORE / Otto Bjornik, FLORA & FAUNA / Jellykoe, I’M YOUR WEIRD FRIEND show at Stranger Factory which launches TODAY! Yes, not need to adjust your eyes, that’s three shows that launch on the same day under the same roof!
In her first solo exhibition at Stranger Factory, local artist Sandi Ray Pierce will be featuring a series of her iconic pen and ink and mixed media works on paper. As a self taught artist, she is heavily inspired by the local lowbrow culture of tattoo graphics, Dia De Los Muertos, and the rich typography and visuals of historic Route 66. Pierce contrasts themes of death and rebirth with the fleeting beauty of youth. She incorporates vintage floral art nouveau and graphics reminiscent of old rock and roll gig posters. Her love of the southwest and attention to detail in her meticulous cross hatching and stippling creates a nostalgic interpretation of life and death in the land of enchantment.
Artist and toy designer Otto Bjornik will be exhibiting a new series of hand-made toys and graphite drawings. His clean, minimalist style celebrates the curiosity of youth with a rich narrative that integrates his love of design and human connection through its many cultures and the unifying emotional states we all share.
“The Pen is Mightier than the Sword”
I am more than an illustrator. I am a storyteller. My tales are a rich mixture of precious childhood memories and fairy tales. I weave together lines to celebrate the beauty and elegance of nature and human form. And sprinkled within that tapestry are touches of whimsy that bring to mind the wonderment of childhood and play. It is my way of rekindling youth with a wink and infinite mirth.
An architect by training, I create works in pen and ink that are filled with intricate detail and influenced by stringent rules of design. The elements I choose often hold symbolic meaning, and I take care to piece them together like a jigsaw puzzle to tell an overall story.”
Artist couple Jellykoe will be exhibiting new mixed media works sure to be a nutritious blend of cute and creepy. The pair is known for wide eyed, blank stared children and creatures alike often in the forms of plush or 3-d cutouts. Their work is humorous, often drawn or encapsulated in a somewhat dark, kawaii style that makes you want to relive or perhaps re-evaluate your childhood.
Jellykoe is a designer toy company located in the heart of Columbia, SC. It was founded in 2009 by husband and wife duo Kelly and J. Spencer Shull. Spencer acts as lead product designer and illustrator for Jellykoe while Kelly is in charge of production, design, and marketing.
All three exhibitions are free and open to the public. – Stranger Factory
Opening Reception: Friday, May 4th from 6-9 PM
Stranger Factory
3411 Central Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-508-3049
2 Noon Pacific Standard Time on Monday, May 7th.
All inquiries must be emailed to [email protected]
See the preview of all the work at http://www.circusposterus.com/
Online sales open Monday, May 7th at Noon PST.
In the meantime, why don’t you take the time to go vote for The Toy Chronicle in the Best Media Outlet award at this year’s Designer Toy Awards? Every vote counts. Literally & figuratively.
You can also download our TTC Mobile App too! FREEEEE. Available on both the App Store & Google Play!
