Luke Chueh – Bearing the Unbearable

Last week in the mail I was lucky enough to receive this shiny new book, hot off the press, and have been mulling over what to say about it. It helps that Luke‘s work speaks for itself, but I have to admit, it’s taken me some time to warm up to. I think it’s that uneasy feeling artists get when they see such simple, good work: that “why didn’t I think of that?” respect.

His style of painting is so recognizable, and much copied – and for good reason. Bold, simple, warm and fuzzy at first, super gory and stark at times, it’s a delicious mix of cute and off-putting. He’s been painting as a fine artist for nearly ten years now, and the book, Luke Chueh, Bearing the Unbearable, covers the years and spans the evolution of his painting style up to date. A big, beautiful picture book, it’s full of scenes from a children’s story gone wrong, most featuring the sad, black eyes of his famous bear.

If you’re into low-brow, clean, straight-forward, honest contemporary art, get your hands on this book.

Back to bugs and shadow boxes

To prepare for some upcoming shows this summer I brought home a box full of small, white shadowboxes which were on sale at Ikea – feeling the need, again, to work with bug carcasses. First step: paint black.

Second: do the drawings to fit the frames: pencil, ink, and watercolorGlue drawing to cardboard and attach insect(s): I still have some left over from my miscellaneous beatle/bug bits order from last summer, and will probably be ordering more soon, as I’m down to random leg and head pieces. Hmm. Some frankenbugs might be in order…

Then, frame! Oh, I’ll also take this opportunity to show off my new map, to track the world-travels of my little cute girls. Thank you so much!! Kiki never ventures far when you’re working, but she’s pretty entertained by her new drug (catnip) pouch and circle of paper.

Only eight more frames to fill!