Podcast: Creative Love - Part Two

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Creative Love - Part Two
Length: 00:57:27
Synopsis: This week's podcast is the second in a series of interviews with creative couples. First, we talk with Sam Bosma and Kali Ciesemier, two illustrators working side by side in Brooklyn, NY. Then we talk with Jessica Roux and Nick Stratton, an illustrator and industrial designer, respectively, also from Brooklyn, NY. We discuss how they work together, drive each other artistically, and how they deal with things like strange quirks and competitive tendencies.

Show Notes:

Sam Bosma: Website - Tumblr - Twitter
Kali Ciesemier: Website - Tumblr - Twitter


Jessica Roux - Website - Tumblr - Twitter
Nick Stratton: Behance

And there's still time to fill our our Dating Creative People Q&A!

Artist Interview with Matt Rockefeller

Meet Matt Rockefeller, an illustrator, animator, and student, living and working in Baltimore, MD. Matt has created work for several Light Grey Exhibitions such as Station Zero, Rolemodels, and the upcoming show 6 Degrees, and it has been an honor getting to know him! In this interview, we were able to ask about his style, sources of inspiration, real-life heroes, and creation. His work is wonderfully captivating and continues to instill a sense of wonder in us all!


Can you tell me a little about yourself? Your background, where you are from and what you currently do?

I was born in Tucson, AZ and grew up in the unique landscape of the Sonoran Desert. I lived there until I moved to Baltimore, where I currently attend the Maryland Institute College of Art as an Illustration Major with a concentration in Animation. This past year, I completed an internship at Zenimax Online Studios working as a UI Artist on their upcoming game The Elder Scrolls Online. Earlier this year, my friends (Leonard Peng and Xanthe Bouma) and I conceptualized an idea for a gallery show at MICA called “Small Creatures Such as We” which recently had its opening on campus featuring over 700 3x3 illustrations by 15 MICA illustrators.

Can you talk a little about the character you created for the Rolemodels Exhibition?

This character is actually a part of a story I’ve had brewing that involves a boy and his dog finding a portal that takes them to space and eventually other worlds. I thought it was a good fit for my fantasy alter ego (since the characters were initially based on my dog and I), and I developed him into a sort of mythical explorer who travels eternally through these different environments. I love exploring, seeing new people and places and stopping to see the small details, so I thought that a character who is in a constantly shifting environment would be perfect!


Matthew the Curious: Explorer of Worlds

What was your process like creating a character modeled after yourself? Did you give it off of real life attributes or enhance feautures? What do you think this says about your personality?

It was really interesting! I based my general appearance off of myself and focused more on the clothing and armor to define the character. I definitely heightened my physical coordination and build a bit though; I guess I wish I were more physically active, since I tend to sometimes forget to go outside instead of drawing. I also typically wear ordinary clothing from day to day, so the choice to draw such a complex outfit might reveal something about where my true confidence lies.

What are some of your favorite character types to draw? stories to create?

My stories usually involve extraordinary things happening to ordinary people. I find that I can relate to these types of stories, and they feed my inner thirst for adventure. I love to draw mysterious, isolated characters who slowly, over the course of the story, reveal their complex history and warmth of heart. At the center of all of my stories, though, are the places my characters travel to or live in, since the setting can often be just as rich in personality as the characters themselves.



You are also a great draftsman of spaces. Are there types of spaces you are attracted to? moods you are trying to set?

Growing up in Arizona, I was constantly shifting between different landscapes – the vast plains of dead grass, the quiet, pine covered mountains, and the unbelievable cactus ‘forests’. Everything was so vast and inviting, and I try to recreate that feeling in my work. There is so much about the world that is beautiful and mysterious, so I am constantly considering light, time of day, history, and a place’s unique biology when drawing the setting for a story. I want to draw attention to the place- that there is something more to it than what is seen.


How important is collaboration in the things that you do? Do you work as a team? Share ideas? Work on projects together?

Having recently put together a gallery show with 14 other illustrators, I have a reinvigorated appreciation for collaboration. We were able to create a staggering amount of work, and I was continually inspired by the variety of ideas and personalities. Working on projects with others allows something entirely new to come to the surface. There’s nothing like having a group of artists whose tastes and opinions you can rely on when you feel unmotivated or stagnant. I’ve learned so much from my peers, and I hope to continue working with them after graduation!

Who are your real life role models?

My freshman year at MICA, I had Kali Ciesemier as my first illustration professor. She’s definitely been a rolemodel and mentor for me as an artist. She is very dedicated and hard working, and also takes the time to answer questions and share information about her process. She’s very genuine and open, which I try to emulate. Daniel Krall, another one of my professors at MICA, has also been an incredible mentor. He’s hilarious, friendly, and honest, and his ability to generate ideas and talk through problems is unbelievable.

I also have endless respect for what Hayao Miyazaki has done with his vision for animated films. I strive to some day have a fraction of his imagination and storytelling ability.



What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

“Never give up! Trust your instincts!” –Peppy Hare from Starfox 64. This one’s stuck with me for a while.

In all seriousness, the suggestion to always remain curious sticks out to me as being particularly relevant, to art and life in general. There are so many interesting people, creatures, places, and ideas to be uncovered; it would be a shame to lose that sense of wonder that makes life so exciting.

What are some of your favorite resources for inspiration?

I find most of my inspiration from books/comics, animation/film, and videogames- anything that can immerse me in a different world altogether. I find that I am drawn to visual storytelling due to its expressiveness and flexibility. I also have a book featuring woodblock prints by the Japanese artist Kawase Hasui, and I constantly reference these when I’m searching how to convey a mood in my environments.

In addition, being outside, hiking, camping, breathing, all of these things can pull me out of a rut and bring my motivation back.


Can you tell us about any projects that you have in the works or things we can look forward to seeing?

I am currently finishing the first half of my senior thesis, which involves narrative illustrations featuring folklore from around the world. Next semester I will be developing my own folktale/ legend of sorts that is inspired by these stories and draws from my own experiences. Perhaps I will develop this or another story into a book or graphic novel in the future, so you can look forward to that!

Thanks Matt!

You can check our more of Matt's work on his website here or purchase his piece for the Rolemodels Exhibition here.

Make:2013 Presents Searching For Secrets

It's a week full of secret surprises! As a part of Kali Ciesemier's Resolve to Make: 2013 workshop, each participant was asked to create an illustration. It was a good chance to exercise some of the techniques taught by Kali and to begin a yearful of creative collaboration. The collaborative part is where the secrets come in–aside from creating an illustration that suited the topic of Light Grey Art Lab's current show, Message In A Bottle, each illustrator was also asked to hide a specific letter of the alphabet in his or her piece.
 
We present to you this gallery of artwork (which has found a permanent home on the Light Grey website) and ask that you try and decode the message! Find the letters, write them down, and voilá! Secret revealed.

Make: 2013 With Kali Ciesemier Recap!

MAKE:2013 was a huge success! This past weekend we were honored to have the incredibly talented Kali Ciesemier visit us at Light Grey Art Lab to host a weekend workshop dedicated to illustration, creativity and goal-setting, as well as being productive and happy in the new year!


As we poured into the small zashiki room at Fuji-ya (our first stop of the weekend), spirits were high and the room bubbled with introductions and animated tales of each person's journey to the Resolve to MAKE: 2013 workshop. Just a few hours prior, we had picked Kali up from the MSP airport. She was surprisingly energetic after a day of traveling and eager to meet everyone that night!

The Light Grey team had spent the last several weeks planning with Kali, and we were excited to finally jump into an intense weekend with our 18 workshoppers!


Early Saturday morning we got straight to business with introductions all around. Kali was brave enough to show her impressive progress as a working artist; from her earliest recorded work (an adorable 2nd grade animation made in Kid Pix complete with voice acting and sound effects provided by her and her father), continuing through her semi-awkward teen years (we all have them), and finally wowing everyone with her current and impressive body of work. She passed around plenty of awesome published samples, speaking to how different types of projects created new challenges.


Everyone was feeling inspired after seeing so much beautiful work, and we talked a little about trying to figure our what is next for each of us. With 2013 looming ahead, we focused on what was important to us about our own lifestyles and what we look forward to in the future. We broke down where our goals stem from and why they are important to us.

Happiness plays a huge part in our decision making process, and we discussed how it should define what makes the goals we set "Our Goals." We shared our thoughts and plans with each other and using the MAKE: 2013 workbook, we charted a path forward, creating an achievable schedule of action. This plan would shape the rest of our workshop.


After a quick lunch of Bánh mì sandwiches and springrolls from local gem Jasmine Deli, we jumped straight into a panel discussion led by Kali that included Brad McGinty, Alyssa Thomas, and Allegra Lockstadt. It was an energetic group with drastically different approaches and methodology, so it was enlightening to see how they had each own carved their own place in the illustration and design world.

It was great to get their perspective on pace, approach, and theories about what is important to them when planning their own goals and growing their own business.



Next, Kali gave a detailed lecture about her ideation and concepting process, which led to an exercise in informal subdivision. This was the first time that many of us had been through this process and it was eye-opening how much it helped create dynamic compositions. She then led everyone through the details of our group project (the results of which can be seen in a special section in the gallery alongside Light Grey Art Lab's upcoming show Message In A Bottle).

As the group began to work on sketches and ideas for their pieces, Kali began one-on-one meetings with each of the artists.


That night we hosted an All Creatives Meet & Greet at Cafeteria, where tons of artists, designers, animators and more got together to have some drinks, talk shop, and make some new friends. The private room was packed, loud, and busy, and it was exciting to have so much tallent packed in such a small place.



Thank you to everyone who braved the cold (and the very vocal and rambunctious crowd watching football in the bar next door) and came out to the Meet & Greet!


Sunday started out with a roundtable discussion about the business side of illustration. The conversation was freeform, ranging from reps to legal questions to promotion and marketing. Everyone was eager to learn and had questions to ask and personal antidotes to share.

From there Kali led a techniques demo where she showed off her whip-smart process and workflow. Although everyone works in there own way, it was enlightening to see Kali's specific method of illustration. Kali has her technique down to a science and is super


Following the demo, the group spent more time working out their sketches for the group project, and Kali continued her one-on-one meetings.


During the final discussion of the day, everyone (included Kali and the Light Grey team) shared a personal goal they were set on achieving in 2013. In the end we asked the workshoppers to check in on the progress of their peers and be accountable for each other going forward. It's always easier to stick to a plan when you have a group of friends to cheer you on!


As MAKE: 2013 ended with one final group dinner, everyone said their goodbyes and went on their separate ways; hopefully a little more confident in their next steps for 2013.


We want to thank everyone who came to MAKE: 2013! It was amazing group of super talented and wonderful individuals! And of course a special thanks to Kali herself, who did an amazing job leading the workshop and just being a all-around awesome person!

P.S.- If you want to see ALL the pictures from the weekend, take a look at the MAKE: 2013 flickr set.

In the Works

Classes on Happiness, Creativity, and Collaboration

We have been spending a lot of time this week talking about our new goals for 2013, what projects we would like to make happen, and new ways of reaching out to artists. I for one, am blown away with all of the changes and growth that came in 2012, all of the projects, exhibitions, workshops, and partnerships that would not have been possible without the excitement and participation of viewers, artists, friends, and family. 

As we begin this new year, we are propelled by the thought of reaching goals, finding happiness, and discoveries new ideas, which has become evident in the themes of our upcoming exhibitions and classes. I would like to spend some time sharing the upcoming events, and how we hope that these will renew a sense of creativity and motivation in all of us. 

2013 Resolve to Make

This past weekend, January 4-6th, Kali Ciesemier led a group of 18 illustrators and designers through a three day workshop focusing on art practice and happiness. The workshop was designed to push each artist to find their own unique needs, desires, and skills as freelance artists- what makes them flourish. It was an intense few days filled with lectures, critiques, and demonstrations led by Kali, individual studio time, group discussions, and guest artists; it was an overall inspiring and productive experience. The workshop will result in a gallery show that will accompany our January exhibition Message In A Bottle. 

January 25th marks the opening of Message In A Bottle, an exhibition featuring original paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures exploring the ideas of hidden imagery and codes in art. This show ignites a sense of curiosity and slowness, transforming the audience into the clue masters and masterminds, as they unveil the tiny details and secret components of each work. 

Event Information

Accompanying the Message In A Bottle Exhibition, Lindsay Nohl will be leading a studio course on Codes, Symbols, and Cyphers. This class will explore how we keep secrets, codes and un-code messages; It is about the history and culture of secret keeping. Also, Tom Cassidy, a local poet, language connoisseur, and visual artists will be presenting on Visual Sound: a lecture and performance on slam poetry, stage mentalism, and hidden meaning. 

February 1st Light Grey is hosting it's second all-night, work party: The Light Grey Lock-In. This event is near and dear to my heart, because I love the idea of collaboration, talking through ideas, and taking on those rough midnight hours together. It is such a struggle to keep moving on a project when you feel stuck and unsure, so we have created this event as a fun and lighthearted art gathering and studio session. 

These are just a few of the immediate events we have on the way. We hope that the beginning of 2013 brings you all happiness and productivity.

MAKE: 2013 This Weekend!

This weekend is a big one! We have the wonderfully talented Kali Ciesemier in town to host a weekend long, super intensive workshop! It's going to be amazing!

We announced it a while back and it quickly sold out (sorry if I got your hopes up) but watch for updates and a recap of the event, and stay-tuned for similar workshops coming later this year!

If you do want to take some part in the festivities this weekend, come to our All Creatives Meet & Greet on Saturday! We'll be at Cafeteria from 7 PM to 9:30 PM!

I wanted let everyone know this event was going on in the gallery this weekend, so we won't have any gallery hours this Saturday! Sorry! But, we'll make up for it by being open ALL next weekend with our Fundraising Sale!

Kali Ciesemier's MAKE:2013 Workshop Announced!

We can't contain it any longer! Not only are we in the midst of a frenzy of shows, projects and upcoming exhibition ideas -- but we have the best news ever!

We're serious and we're excited! You know those New Years resolutions to do more, get better, collaborate and get stuff done? Well, this is our answer to making those come true!

Awesome illustrator, Kali Ciesemier, is coming to Light Grey to head up a two and a half day intensive workshop for a group of motivated, excited artists, January 4 - 6th at Light Grey Art Lab! She's excited, ready and has a ton of great things planned for everyone to conquer in the first couple days of 2013!!

This workshop is open to anyone interested in coming to Minneapolis for this creative retreat, so we'll be offering accommodations for those of you excited to visit us!

You'll learn all about her process, she'll guide you through one-on-one creative sessions, lead everyone in in-depth and frank discussion about the world of illustration, mediate discussions with a half dozen visiting guest speakers from the industry and share a lot of advice on the world of illustration.

As part of the workshop, Kali's got big plans for an in-studio creative project that will challenge you to one-up yourselves! We're so excited about her project that we've even saved a section of our gallery to showcase the work from MAKE:2013!!

And finally, smack in the middle of it all, we'll throw a big party for all of the creatives in the Twin Cities and host our second ever - ALL ILLUSTRATORS Meet & Greet!

So! Now you know why we're so excited! Please help us spread the word and tell your friends that have been waiting to kick it into high gear! We're ready for them!

All of the specifics, schedules and details are here! Thanks, Kali! We're so excited!