chapolito

Color Ink Book vol 3 Launch Party

2009-04-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

I will be participating in the opening of the Color Ink Book vol 3 Launch Party. I will be making some live art and participating in general tomfoolery - should be heaps of fun!

Color Ink Book vol 3 Launch Party
May 16, 7PM
Swiv Tackle Circus
590 South Coast Highway
Oceanside, CA 92054

New Art for Personal Kingdoms

2009-04-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share these new pieces that will be included in my new show Personal Kingdoms.

The opening at Hibbleton Gallery is set for May 8th - just 2 weeks from today!

There are many things in the works for the opening including the opportunity to purchase some art for very cheap and even get some for free! that's right, FREE art! (originals mind you!)

Hope to see you all there!

101 Encinitas Banner

2009-04-25T17:51:00.000-07:00

The banner I painted to hang along Highway 101 in Encinitas has been up for a couple months now. I took some pictures today and I was disappointed to discover that the magenta had faded tremendously and turned a brownish color. Last time I ever use Art Advantage acrylics!

Just a reminder that the opening for Personal Kingdoms is in two weeks! I hope to see you all there! More information can be found here http://chapolito.com/art/

Free PSD Template

2009-04-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

I've uploaded a free PSD template for your designing and downloading pleasure. The design is built around a fictitious company that builds software for marketing and promotions of freelance designers and artists. It uses two fonts - Rockwell for some headers and Verdana for all other text. For me this was an experiment in contrast, repition and color. You can download it here

New Vector Pack - Camera Illustrations

2009-03-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

I've released a new vector pack of 3 camera illustrations! They can be downloaded here

Enjoy!

Personal Kingdoms - New Solo Show!

2009-03-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

Personal Kingdoms

featuring artwork by Jesse Chapo

May 8th - June 7th, 2009

Opening Reception: Friday, May 8th, 7-10PM

Hibbleton Gallery

112 W. Wilshire Ave [West of Harbor Blvd] Fullerton, CA 92832

Description
Still utilizing a playful menagerie of characters, I wanted to move the focus of my work away from common practices in American society that was on display at my last exhibition at Phyllis Stein Gallery and look closer at personal identity, social interactions and the interrelations of the two. The awkwardness of strangers in tight areas, the constant bickering and fighting that occurs between families and lovers and the unease we often have with our appearance and visual identities are a few of the ideas explored. The majority of these issues mean different things to everybody, but for the most part we are all aware and affected by them. Through this channel I feel viewers will be able to connect with the art and for the it to stand as a self portrait by showing these situations through my perspective. This format has allowed me to reveal myself more, develop my visual scope further and provide a better understanding of my ideas.

alongside the new direction of the ideas was a development in the medium and processed used. My entire last show was white acrylic with paint pens on rectangular wood, it was working, but for this show I really wanted to branch out. Mixed in with work in the older style I've included works on drift wood, paper and circular wood, and created with a wide range of materials. Additionally, I feel that a lot of the characters are starting to look more like they are part of the same world, something I have struggled with in the past.

Vector Freebies - PARTY! vector pack

2009-02-23T04:51:00.000-08:00

I've put together another free vector pack - PARTY.eps - please use freely and enjoy! and a link back to chapolito.com would be nice :) also, have you noticed that I have a new logo and cleaner website?

Moving, painting, searching...

2009-02-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago I moved into a new room in La Jolla with some friends - Its been great. As you can see I've already made myself at home and made a mess of my desk! I've been painting a lot since the move, so I'm on schedule to make a bang in May at Hibbleton Gallery!

in darker news, I'm getting low on design work - if you know anyone who needs web/graphic design or wants to buy art - send them my way! you can see my design work at http://chapolito.com/

Thanks! Keep it colorful!

Banner Unveiling

2009-02-03T18:24:00.001-08:00

Every year in my home town of Encinitas, artists are given banners to paint and those banners are then hung along coast highway 101. I was lucky enough to be able to participate this year and I had a lot of fun painting my banner. The unveiling of the banners(I believe there are 101 of them) is going to be this weekend, there will be plenty of wine, art and good people.

I've never worked with a canvas that was so tall. it was an interesting challenge, I've made paintings 8 feet wide, which presented its own challenge, but the height required me to get thinking. what I found out worked great was hanging the canvas from the top of a ladder and using the ladder as an easel.

Banner Unveiling
Saturday February 7, 2-5pm (unveiling is at 2:20pm)
1950 N. Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024

Incubate Magazine from COFA

2008-12-29T14:04:00.000-08:00

Today I received my copies of Incubate Magazine from COFA(College of Fine Arts in Sydney where I studied at for a year) They Printed a double spread of my work and wrote up a review of my website and work.

The write up says:

"Jesse Chapo is a San Diego(California) based artist, who came to Sydney on an exchange program with COFA. His portfolio styled site, Chapolito, features artists interviews(taken from published journals), details on openings and works for sale.

The site is essentially only two pages - one being an artist portfolio and the other a store - yet due to its busy design layout it feels like much more is happening. Chapolito is very colorful, playful and decorative. Its easy to get a sense of Chapo's own personality through the artworks, photographs and text on offer."

Thanks COFA! although by the time this went to print my website-restlessness had resulted in a completely different site structure...those poor confused COFA kids!

A pdf of the magazine can be found at http://www.cofa.unsw.edu.au/newsevents/magazine/

Pictures from Basic Tuesday

2008-12-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

A few pictures taken from my good friend Alex Chiu from Basic Tuesday last night.

SMORGASBORD

2008-12-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

SMORGASBORD

December 11 - January 3

Phyllis Stein Art is pleased to announce Smorgasbord: A Group Feast featuring works by Cecille Carriere, Chapolito, Nolan Hendrickson, John Hyde, Sam Lubicz, Rachel Maxi, Tom Patton, Anne Vanderlaan and William Waggoner. Just in time for the holidays, PSA offers an array of art treats running the gamut from high to low, fine to fun.

Smorgasbord runs December 11 through January 3 at Phyllis Stein Gallery, 207 West Fifth Street in the Spring Arts Tower, Downtown Los Angeles.

213.622.6012

Artist's reception Thursday, December 11, 7-10pm and Downtown Artwalk

Contact: bil@phyllissteinart.com

Basic Tuesdays

2008-12-02T22:49:00.000-08:00

A week from today I will be exhibiting some works alongside Alex Chiu at Bar Basic. Come join us for some art, beer and pizza. Show will be up Tuesday, December 9 from 7pm-12am.

BAR BASIC
410 TENTH AVENUE,
SAN DIEGO, CA 92101
619.531.8869

Also I am now on Twitter! http://twitter.com/chapolito

and all of these works are for sale - pay what you feel is right. email me at chapolito at gmail dot com if you'd like to purchase one.

Surfacing - Opening Reception Photos

2008-11-24T10:57:00.000-08:00

The photos from the opening reception at Hibbleton Gallery for the Surfacing group show are up on the Hibbleton flickr. It was good fun, thanks to everyone who came out!

vector pack and other freebies

2008-11-22T01:13:00.000-08:00

I've put together a vector pack of some food items that I have accumulated. Please feel free to use them as you want! a link would be rad, but this is a little gift for the world. Also, I made a tiling pattern with these.

food vector pack - food.eps
tiling food pattern - food_tile.jpg

Also if you visit my website chapolito.com you will find these and a new wallpaper of the piece "Go West Young Man" in assorted sizes. If you need a size that isn't there email me and I'll make it for you!

1st Ave Machine & Estudio Mopa

2008-11-20T13:29:00.000-08:00

I'd like to share some studios that I love

recently I was introduced to 1st Ave Machine by my friend Jozias Dawson who in himself is a rad designer and they are insane. enough said

Estudio Mopa is a rad little studio out of brazil that churns out some super fun and playful work that is just right on. I'm a big fan.

I'll let you enjoy those and take a little peak at some chapolito fan art I was alerted to here how rad?

solo show!

2008-11-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know I will be having a solo show in May 2009 at Hibbleton Gallery and I've been creating for the last month in preparation. There is still a lot of work to be done, but for now I thought I'd leave you with a little preview of one of the pieces I'm currently working on - something new for me - paper!

Some of My Favorites

2008-11-15T20:53:00.000-08:00

When it comes to art I can be very picky, but there are definitely a few who's work holds a special place in my heart. Below are 3 artists whom over the last few years have had a significant impact on my work. Can anyone point out where their influence can be found in my work?

Parra
The colors, text and characters just grab me. nothing but unique and charming. These witty illustrations keep me inspired for days. the absence of lines definitely helps create the feel of his style and has challenged me to often attempt to rethink my work and the heavy lines I'm so dependent on.

Steven Harrington
I've been a fan of Mr. Harrington's work for a number of years now. I think he was one of the main influences that started my interest in non digital art and especially in my past interests in screen printing. I think he is responsible for the comment I have a recieved a number of times that my work is very reminiscent of Heinz Edelmann and the Yellow submarine artwork.

Anthony Lister
While I often wish I could paint outside the lines and still produce amazing art, I realize I'm a bit too much of a perfectionist. Good thing I still have Mr. Lister's work to look at. I think he's spawn more random and mostly trashed expereiments in my art than any other artist or source of inspiration. I have nothing but love for his work!

Anyone else want to share their favorite artists?

Obama!

2008-11-05T13:35:00.001-08:00

After over a year of campaigns dominating the news it feels surreal to finally be done with the elections and to have Barak O countries first African American President! I couldn't have been more happy to be both an American and Obama supporter when listening to his victory speech. I believe this is the first step we needed to bring our country in the right direction.

Additionally, we have more reason to celebrate, the FCC has ruled that the empty airwaves that will be vacated when the nation switches from analog to digital tv broadcasting will remain open to the public. This means that in the coming years we will see a whole new batch of technology that can utilize these airwaves to provide better communications and computing. I'm excited to see what develops!

with that I would like to share some recent images I received of my work on display.

this is at Bold Hype Gallery in Orlando Florida

this is at a private residence.

The Victims Totes!

2008-10-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

yay! finally the totes are in! get em while their hot!

I'm only producing 10 per color, right now I have blue, green, crimson and purple! purple and green seem to be the favorites, they're selling fast!

$8

S&H - US $2 // INTL $4

You can purchase yours here

Surfacing at Hibbleton

2008-10-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

I'm currently co-curating a show with Ben Pham at Hibbleton Gallery November 14 - December 21st
Opening reception will be on November 14th 7-11pm

Chapolito in Citizen LA

2008-10-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

look! another publication got my name wrong. I suppose its mostly my own fault for having such a similar art-name. Still its way better than nothing! This is from Citizen LA: LA's Premiere Arts & Lifestyle Publication.

BOLD HYPE grand opening show - Orlando, FL

2008-09-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

I have a piece in the upcoming Bold Hype Grand Opening show! check out bold hype and their flickr.

chapolito in the Circus Show & Other Atrocities

2008-07-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

I will be participating in the second annual Circus Show & Other Atrocities on September 13th, which I'm really excited about! The show will be put on by A Bitchin Space and is set to be a great event to utilize the arts to support and help the cause/plight of performing animals. There are going to be something like 100 or so artists, so it'll prolly be off the hook. If you live in the SF/Bay area or around Sacramento I strongly suggest you reserve that date!

Also the opening last night at Phyllis Stein Gallery was amazing! the place was packed for 3 hours and we were able to meet a whole bunch of new artists and art appreciators! Big thanks to everyone came out and especially those who purchased some of the art!

chapolito at Phyllis Stein Gallery in LA - July 10

2008-07-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

Everything is set for the opening of my new show with Eric Smail at the Phyllis Stein Gallery. The space looks amazing and everyone is getting really excited! The show will be open July 10th at 12 noon for the monthly Downtown Art Walk. At 6pm Councilman José will be present to officiate the ribbon cutting ceremony which will be directly followed by the reception for our art. If you live in the area I urge you to come out, say hi, have a drink and enjoy the art!

Phyllis Stein Gallery
Phone: 213.622.6012
207 West 5th Street
Los Angeles, California 90013

Interview on Spray Blog

2008-07-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

my interview with Spray Blog is now up! go check it out here below is the interview.

Please tell us about yourself.

I’m Jesse Chapo, aka chapolito, and I’m just about to graduate from UCSD and I cannot wait!

Where do you currently live and work?

For now, San Diego, which is great because it’s much nicer than LA but only two hours away from it.

What mediums do you work with?

Recently I’ve been working with pens and paint on wood. I’ve been happy with the outcome, but I’m working on incorporating different objects and mediums.

Describe your working process when creating a new work.

It all starts with an idea and sketch. I don’t go too crazy sketching out pieces cause a good part of the details come out when I get into making the piece but its important to get the main objects and ideas translated. Once I get it all figured out, its time for the trip to Home Depot to get some wood. I’ve been using Birch, I really like the stiffness of it and the patterns of the gain can be beautiful. Then I prep the wood with a clear finish, which keeps most of the wood’s original colors and prevents any pens bleeding into the wood grain. Then it’s time to sketch and paint a base in white. Then I sketch again and use the pens to make the final piece.

What kind of things do you do when you get blocked or find it hard to create something?

I find that I constantly have a number of projects going on concurrently so I take lots of breaks from projects while still being productive.

Where are you currently finding your inspiration?

Literature definitely has been giving me fuel. I’ve been picking up a lot of little things through collaborating and learning how others approach their work.

Can you please tell us a little about your piece, The Death March.

The Death March materialized from a collaborative drawing I did with Alex Chiu that had a bunch of heads in circles. At the time, I was reading Franz Kafka’s The Trial. The image of two executioners leading someone to his death was sticking in my mind.

Can you tell us a little about your NEW WORKS show at Cafe Roma. How did it go?

Awww the show was lousy. I was happy with the work, but nobody really noticed and it’s a peculiar audience. I think I just need to stop displaying work at my university.

Can you tell us a little about your involvement with the Beyond Borders 2008 ? How did you get involved in the show?

Beyond Borders is a juried group show of work from college students in the western US and Canada. There was an entry form hanging on a bulletin board at my university so I entered. Also it was only $10 to enter - most juried exhibitions are like $30 or more; which is whack.

Where has your work been seen?

Not a lot of places. Maybe a billion times on my university campus and the Internet aka the world wide web.

Where will it be seen next?

Right now I’m working on a big batch of new pieces for a show that will be displayed with the work of Eric Smail at the Phyllis Stein Gallery in LA. I’m really excited cause we’ve got a lot of ideas right now and I’m going to finally have some free time in a little bit here to really get cracking on the new work.

What is your dream art assignment?

A big collaboration with my favorite artists. And it would come with a free case of beer. Make that two.

What is your favorite color?

I love a deep purple. Maybe with some accents of cyan and yellow or a pinkish/magenta. I really think that colors work best in multiples.

Who is your favorite artist? And Why?

Jon Burgerman . I think it’s a combination of his colors and characters - just brilliant. Also I’m getting heaps of momentum from Benjamin Cee, Parra and Steven Hanrrington

What book/magazine are you reading this week?

Juxtapoz, always something fresh in that magazine. También he leído mis libros de español por escuela.

Ever do a self portrait? Where is it now?

I can’t take myself serious enough to create one.

Where is your favorite place to hang out?

I grew up on the beach and don’t think I’ll ever be able to live without it.

Any final words of advice?

People are generally pretty friendly and social so if you ever feel like sending them an email, they usually respond and then generally good things come out of this practice. This interview is a good example of this and its also an invitation to send me a hello at chapolito@gmail.com. Thanks Chuck b.!

chapolito graduates college!

2008-06-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

I graduate from college on Sunday! yAy! so we are having a party and it should be lots of fun. Margaritas and mexican food for all! and I made this snazzy and colorful flier to excite people! now on to the real world and making money...did I mentioned I have paintings for sale?

chapolito at Phyllis Stein Gallery - July 10

2008-06-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

I've been busy painting a whole new slew of works for a show I will be having with Eric Smail at the Phyllis Stein Gallery. the Gallery is huge and I've got a lot of work left, :D the opening reception will be July 10 and the show will run for a month and a half...more info to come.

imagination:reality show May 19-23 at the Annex Gallery, UCSD

2008-05-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

I will be having an exhibit with fellow artist(and my girlfriend! :) Caitlin O'Connor in the Annex Gallery in the Mandeville Center at UCSD. It will include some of my new paintings, a large collaborative painting between us and a really exciting and fantastic installation by Caitlin. It's going to be a great show! come on out the reception on friday, May 23 7-10pm for food, drinks, art and some great socializing! send me an email if you need directions or any other info.

Also a few of my paintings will be on display at the Sungod Festival at UCSD.

chapolito on juxtapoz.com

2008-04-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

My art was featured in the reader art section of juxtapoz.com see it here

Also I will be participating in two group shows in the near future...Beyond Borders 2008 at the Viking Union Gallery at Western Washington University and the 2nd Pool Visual Communication Design Exhibition at (some?) gallery in Turkey.

And I've been selected as an AKA for Tiger Beer's Tiger Translate 2008

chapolito show @ cafe roma, UCSD

2008-03-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

Come out and join us for a fun reception!

Featured in Etel Magazine #2

2007-12-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

I was featured in etel magazine #2! go check it out here below is the interview.

Chapolito is a young freelance artist and designer,his work is very fresh, colourful and of course, very creative, Right now he lives and works at Sydney, Australia.

Tell us a little bit about your work space

Well…its a mess. But it’s comfortable. Random pieces of inspiration and art cover the walls. My desk, which runs the length of the room, is littered with papers, paintbrushes, books, unfinished canvases, computer gizmos and a myriad of junk that I have some how created a special bond with. I’m kinda a pack rat.

Where do you get inspiration for your designs?

I’d say about half of it comes from my environment, things I see, experiences and anything that is part of my life. The other half is other art and designs. I take pictures in galleries and on the street of art I like. If there is a poster that catches my eye I’ll take it off the wall. That way I can always refer to it and when I’m spacing out I’ll think about it and why I like it.

Which designers, illustrators or artists do you admire?

At the top of the list is Skwak, his work is amazing and full of energy. I have one of his shirts and it’s my favorite by far. Also Parra is someone who really has made an impact, the solid colors and wonderful type is just perfect. Additionally, Jon Burgerman, Matei Apostolescu, Steven Harrington and Benjamin Cee are very refreshing artists.

If somebody made you choose any city in the world to work in doing whatever you wanted, which city and job would you pick?

I’ve been living in Sydney for the last year and I grew up in San Diego, they’re both pretty rad. I think I may choose San Diego though, the surf is a bit better and it’s close to Los Angeles/the art world. And I’d work as an artist.

How would you like to be in 5 years from now?

I would love to be a working artist/illustrator having regular shows and doing freelance work. I think it’s just important that I stay in control of my life, not caught up too much in routine. We’ll see how all that goes, for now I’ll just focus on my work and not worry about it.

What message would you like to give to young designers like yourself, starting their careers?

Don’t be scared to make shitty work, I’ve made plenty. Don’t be discouraged to have your work turned down or receive negative critiques, it happens all the time. Try to avoid skulls and diamonds. Don’t be ashamed to drink cheap beer. And lastly, you’ve really got to motivate yourself not wait for inspiration to come.

Would you recommend a book to us?

I have read some good ones lately, but two that stick out in my mind are Modoc by Ralph Helfner and Tomorrow’s Eve by Villiers de l’Isle-Adam. Reading Modoc gave me a completely different perspective of elephants and interspecies relations (no, i’m not referring to furverts, zoophiles or bestiality). I found Tomorrow’s Eve interesting because it made me think critically about how invested we are in technology.

Chapolito on Myspace

2007-08-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

i did some wallpapers to download(no longer up, sorries) at vraw's website here about a month ago and now vraw put up an ad for them with my work on the frontpage. I'm not sure if its still up but it was definitely cool to see, even if they did talk me up a lot. lol. here is a full screen shot.

Street Creatures Article in The Guardian

2006-11-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

The UCSD newspaper, The Guardian, ran a sweet article on our show. Although, they did spell my name wrong :( Still really cool to see!

Street Creatures Show @ Cafe Roma, UCSD

2006-11-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

Come to the opening reception on Wednesday, November 15, 8-10pm! Refreshments and food will be provided thanks to Lagunitas Brewing Company and The University Centers respectively. Also we're excited to have DJ Predakon spinning up a storm.

Color-Spun Show @ the Annex

2006-10-30T13:28:00.000-08:00

Color-Spun, my first solo show will be up in the Annex gallery at UCSD the week of October 30th. It will include photography and instillation work exploring the radically different approaches to design that two neighboring cities have and how that is reflected in their cultures. Check it out, or better yet come to the closing reception on Friday the 3rd and get merry and dance with us!

Joined Konvulse

2006-10-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

I was accepted into the artgroup Konvulse, so I will begin releasing art with them. check it out here.

Snap to Grid

2006-09-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

I entered "mixtape 01" into the LA Center for Digital Art's annual "Snap to Grid" unjuried exhibit. Go check it out if you're in the area!