Hershel Self
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
Currently I'm gearing up for a solo show at the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture at the end of August here in Tulsa. The show will feature about 12 - 14 pieces of my architectural illustrations.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Buildings! Buildings! Buildings!
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
A few art events have been happening in Tulsa that are worth mentioning for sure! There is Art House (essentially a group exhibition set up in an individual's home that happens from time to time), Frequency (a monthly get together for creatives in all mediums), and Community Art Home (which is a weekly gathering where people can come together to draw, graffiti, paint, play music and sing).
Future things you are looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to October and all the creepy art that comes with it
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Bridge City Sinners
Kevin Morby
Waveshaper
Nation of Language
Tanya Tagaq
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
Stop by my show in August!
If you appreciate my more traditional works all of that can be found at www.hershelself.com and then @hershelself on most platforms.
If you're into the darker side of things, all of my creepy art can be found at www.cursedcloth.com and @cursedcloth on most platforms.
Here is a link to a few images of my work to share.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yrj2g04sjcs0r42/AADE7Z9BF50kuH-G41loqIK4a?dl=0
Anything else?
Thanks a million for hosting my art and spreading the work of us okie artists!
We really enjoyed hosting Hershel’s screen printing exhibition, Dueling Interests, which opened July 7th and is on display in the gallery until Wednesday, August 2nd!
Katie Graham
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
I’ve recently made my way back to OK from a trip in Salem MA, where I met a group of online friends from all over the US for the first time. It was such an amazing experience and opened my mind to a new way of creating art as well as discovering what I really want to do with my life- building community and lending aid to others where I can by using what is currently available to me.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Since getting back from my trip, I’ve mainly been focused on reorganizing my art space and working on my embroidery pieces. I’m also in the process of creating a Frog themed tarot deck and that’s been taking up quite a bit of my mind and time over the last few weeks.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
I recently attended a Makers Market event in Bethany OK at a local metaphysical shop called, “A Little Hokus Pokus”. There I met a collective of some really sweet and insightful people and got my ASS handed to me in a Nordic rune reading by a woman named Nada. They host the market every Second Weekend of the month and I recommend checking out all of the other vendors and maybe also getting your ass handed to you in a reading while you’re there!
Any stories you want to share?
This is quite literally the most ridiculous thing that has ever happened to me and I felt like a dramatic reenactment was the only way to do this story justice:
It was another off day from work, just like any other. I decided to treat me and the kid so I ordered us some sandwiches. They arrived and I sat mine down on my desk when I thought to myself, "I should let the dogs out first ''. I let them do their thing and I went to let them back in. Wilson (My older sister's big giant pain in my ass pitbull) came in straight away but I had to walk outside and call Bean (my toy poodle) to get his attention- my first fatal mistake. As I closed the door behind me, Wilson literally jumped at the opportunity to LOCK ME AND MY SON OUTSIDE. I thought to myself, "how could he do this, after I let his ass outside"?? Cursing under my breath, I walk towards the back gate to go around to the front door but what am I met with? My older sister has locked the gate from the outside due to the wind from the night before- FOILED AGAIN. My only hope is Maggie, a 16 year old they/them gamer who wears headphones every second of every god forsaken day. Will I make it inside to eat my precious sandwich? Or will I be forced to watch it grow cold with only a window keeping us apart? I couldn't let that happen!! I paced back and forth between my office door and our back door, slamming my hands as hard as I could. I hoped Wilson would hear me slamming on the backdoor and that he would possibly go towards the sound and alert Maggie of what tragedy had occurred. I proceeded to go back and forth between the two doors and everytime I came back- there was that big, stupid, smug, face looking back at me. This lasted for about 25 minutes and I finally sat down with Bean and laughed so hard that I cried. After I was about to give up, a thought occurred- there's a kitchen window and it's directly in Maggie's line of vision!! I sprang up from the stoop I once wallowed in and ran to the window. In my final act of desperation, I slammed my hands against the window plane for a good while and then I see it- Maggie's little fingies pulling the blinds down and peering through at me! HUZAH!! Maggie waited to open the door and asks me through the window what happened. "Wilson locked me out" I screeched, "Just let me in for the love of god". With tears in my eyes, my vision was blinded, but I managed to stumble to my desk. I rip open my sandwich to see what damage had been done. It was still slightly warm and the bread was soggy, but it was by far the best sandwich I have ever eaten. And you want to know why? Because I fought for my damn LIFE to get back to that sandwich and I enjoyed every single morsel.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
I’m in the process of renovating my garage into a bigger studio space and converting my office into a mini store front so I can host small pop ups in my backyard with other local artists and I am SO excited to get that up and running.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
I have been obsessed with Laura Marling the past few months. All of her music is delicately mocking religious idealization and every song on her “I Speak Because I Can” album sends chills throughout my entire body.
Poem?
Do Laura Marling Lyrics count??
“What He Wrote” Verse 2
Her skin is white
And I'm light as the sun
So holy light shines
On the things you have done
So I asked him how he became this man
How did he learn to hold fruit in his hands?
And where is the lamb that gave you your name?
He had to leave, though I begged him to stay
Left me alone when I needed the light
Fell to my knees and I wept for my life
If he had've stayed, you might understand
If he had've stayed, you never would have taken my hand
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
I am absolutely obsessed with @froggie._.creates on Instagram! They are such sweet person who has just started selling at the art walk here in Norman. Before then, they always made it a point to come and visit me at my booth and they make my heart happy. Froggie has a variety of cottage core themed textiles and clay pieces on their Etsy, definitely check em out!
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
I’ve recently launched my website! I have some Norman community resources as well as some women's resources local to OK. I also have an Artist Spotlight where I feature a new artist and their work every month! I plan on doing a lot more with my site to help our community in the future so definitely check it out if yah feel inclined!
https://www.crystalgazerscollective.com/
Anything else?
Working on my first collab with OSC Press by helping raise funds for the OK Call for Reproductive Justice meant more to me than any of you know and I want to personally thank everyone who ordered any of the featured designs over these last 2 weeks. Being someone who could be directly impacted by the supreme court's decisions of overturning Roe V Wade is terrifying and knowing that there are people currently facing repercussions by this unjust decision is unimaginable while also being a very real reality for so many. I’m glad to know we helped where we could and I’m proud to have used my art for this purpose.
You can check out more art by Katie Graham on her IG Account: _crystalgazerscollective_
Katie’s T-shirt Design “We’re at Stake” is currently available for preorder until Sunday July, 17th with proceeds going toward OK Call for Reproductive Justice.
Place your order here!
Ash Davis
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
I’ve been spending a lot of my time working on projects, tabling, packing orders, and of course, drawing lil mushroom sprites. I’m delighted that so many people enjoy the Mushlings as much as I do drawing them.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Lately, I’ve actually been working towards opening an online shop! The amount of kindness and support I’ve received recently towards my work has been incredible, and it’s all really encouraged me to finally take that step as an artist.
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
The best tip that even I’ve struggled with is to remember to take time for yourself. Once you find something you’re passionate about it can be incredibly difficult to allow yourself to step away. But it is just as important to make room for your mind and body to rest. Enjoy the quiet moments fully. Art will be there when you’re ready.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
I saw that the artists selected for Artful Inlets have recently finished their storm drain murals in Lions Park. They look great, and I love the mission behind it. Murals are hard work but also so much fun, especially with some of the conversations you’ll have with people passing by. I’d love to do another one in the near future.
Any stories you want to share?
A while back, I took a road trip with a friend to Eureka Springs where we decided to bunk in this tiny cabin in the woods. It was very charming, but we did notice that there were a lot of daddy-longlegs. So much so, that I was worried we wouldn’t be able to enjoy our stay. But as we’re getting settled, I look over and see one of the spiders start to wiggle and bounce. I suppose to appear threatening, but instead, my friend decided to join in its silly lil dance. And before we know it the two of us are laughing and bouncing up and down. Dancing with the spiders.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
I’m honestly quite excited for the ShortBox Comics Fair in October. Seeing so many different artists getting to tell their stories the way they want is always such a treat.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Recently I’ve really been enjoying Dear Wormwood by The Oh Hellos. I also typically like to listen to Daughter, Nightwish, and Lord Huron. But when it gets closer to fall, I just know I’ll be listening to the Over The Garden Wall OST on repeat.
Poem?
Bats and moon
Against the gloom
The night is black
I made a snack
I microwav’d
Pizza I’d sav’d
Tho pizza cold
Is breakfast gold.
- Selmers
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
There are a lot of artists who’ve been inspiring me creatively. Jamie Green, Heikala, Mona K, Lianne Pflug, Matt Rockefeller, AnneMarie Rogers, and Natalie Anderson to name a few. They are all excellent artists I would recommend anybody check out.
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
I’ve just recently designed an exclusive Mushling sticker for Literati Press, which will be free with purchase on April 30th in celebration of Independent Bookstore Day! The sticker will also be available for purchase along with the rest of my Mushie stickers online in May at literatipress.com.
Anything else?
Be kind and go pick a flower.
You can check out more of Ash Davis’s work on IG: @ashleysketchy
as well as Linktree: @ashleysketchy
You can get one of Ash’s Mushlings on a t-shirt for a limited time only! The Lil ‘Shru preorder is open until the end of the day Friday, May 13th. Place your orders here!
Rachel Stout
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
As of late, my art has taken a pretty major shift as I’ve become nearly fully invested in my tattooing. I tattoo at Sacred Soul Collective in OKC which is a women owned and operated space that has allowed me to really take my career into my own hands.
Tattooing has allowed me to continue to draw how I draw but also has helped me improve. It’s exciting being able to create art with the intention of it being with someone for their whole lives and I appreciate everyone who has given me the trust to do so.
Other cool projects/organizations happening in your area?
One thing tattooing has allowed me to do is explore other sides of myself. My whole life I’ve been working up to getting to make my art as a career and to be able to take a few steps back and adopt another hobby. Sort of by accident, I got into park skating on quads and have found so much support from those who take part in the same activity. There’s an indoor park that hosts Quad Nights and Queen Nights where ladies and LGBTQ+ skaters gather together for an evening skate session. Becoming more active has in turn helped me with my art in both mind and body and having wonderful people in both my tattooing and skating life has been quite the bonus!
Blake Baldwin park in Andrews Park Norman, OK
In what environment do you work best creatively?
I enjoy a nice, clean, quiet environment to create in. I prefer working outside the house at a local coffee shop listening to music to draw my designs and enjoy my tattoo studio space to feel bright, green, and open. I enjoy having the influences of others artists work hung of the walls of my studio that I have the joy of viewing everyday I’m in my studio as well as tacking up coming projects to my bulletin board sized and ready to go to be better prepared for tattooing day.
Preliminary Tattoo Sketch/Stencil
Inside Sacred Soul Collectives Tattoo Shop
What initially got you interested in making art?
As a child, I loved to draw animals and cartoons. I’d say “when I grow up, I want to be an artist!” Once I entered high school I began to become a bit more serious and experimental with my art trying out different materials, mediums, and subjects. I enjoyed encouraging others to make art and explored different options for a possible career in art. As the years have gone by, my intentions for creating have evolved but enjoy each faze as it comes.
Future things you are looking forward to?
I have plenty of upcoming projects I’m thrilled about starting from sleeve projects to creating a linoleum cut to use as a stencil for a tattoo. I’m hoping to begin print making a bit more again and I’m working on a couple pre-drawn projects I hope to one day tattoo!
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
You can find my on Instagram @chelsartistry and the studio I work out of @sacred_soul_collective.
Rachel’s Raven design is available on a T-shirt for preorder until Monday, April 11th.
Heidi Ghassempour
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
I have really just been enjoying re-entering society. I, like most people, have been cooped up for far too long. I am loving the resurgence of live music and the connections we make thru just simply existing around others. I'm reminded how important community is to our sense of well being as humans.
In what environment do you work best creatively?
I thrive in a group studio setting. That's honestly what I miss most about art school. As great as it feels to create alone in my home studio, nothing compares to working in a space of shared creativity and community. Having people there to inspire you and bounce ideas off of is invaluable.
What initially got you interested in making art?
I have always felt like a naturally creative person. My mom definitely encouraged and enabled my creativity from day one. She was always making something... Children's books, mosaic, ceramics, cartoons... She was always saying "I could make that..." And then she would! She showed me you can make whatever you want and taught me to see things from a creative perspective.
Future things you are looking forward to?
I'm "planning" a pretty lengthy solo camping trip up the west coast this summer. It's something I've been wanting to do for a very long time. If there's anything life has taught me the past few years it's that things can change in an instant and nothing is guaranteed. We really do have to make the most of every second we have here. And there's no time for later when later might not be there.
All images used in this article are from Heidi’s IG account
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Lately I've just been cycling thru Chat Pile, Warthog, Green tea Peng, and Blink 182... which is just as disorienting as it sounds.
You can find more of Heidi’s art on their instagram Account: @creekgoblin_
Heidi Ghassempour’s solo exhibition: End Times opened in our gallery on March 11th and is currently up for the rest of this month. Their “End Times” Design is available for preorder until tomorrow March 29th!
Melissa Jacobs
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
It’s been quiet and fairly still in my world. My circles have narrowed because of covid which has kept me isolating and kept me home for the most part. I’ve had lots of time to think and daydream and to prioritize myself, the things i love doing, and my family.
Any particular projects you've been working on?
I’m currently working on some larger woodcuts. One specifically for the Annual Steamroller Festival at Artspace at Untitled in OKC. I always enjoy carving.
In what environment do you work best creatively?
I work best at home, alone. But I’ve been really starting to miss collaborative art events.
Melissa in her Studio
Melissa’s Art Studio
Past Interactive Show at the OU Lightwell Gallery
“Arrangements” past collaborative art show in OKC
What initially got you interested in making art?
I first started drawing and making arty things to send as mail and little packages that I would send to friends and family.
Past Show at Tall Hill Creative in OKC
Past Show at Dope Chapel in Norman
Past Show at Resonator in Norman
Future things you are looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to spring, gardening, and all the colors coming back again.
Check out more art by Melissa Jacobs on her IG account: @pityparty
Melissa’s Design, “Love is a Battlefield” is currently available for preorder on a Sweatshirt or T-Shirt until Tuesday, March 1st! Click Here to order today!
Serena Velvet
All photos used in this article are from Serena Velvet’s IG account
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
Serena working with a client at the Hair Art Institute. Photo by Megan Risner
I have been in school to become a hair stylist for the past year. It’s been exciting and very hard but has also helped me realize how to balance my technical and creative skills, which has also helped me to reconnect with and create art and not worry about monetizing.
Any particular projects you've been working on?
I am currently working on a few projects. The most current one I’m working on is my graphic novel “Anonymous “ which I started years ago as to test out ideas and has snowballed into this massive project. It’s a sort of coming of age story loosely based off my life. Big projects are intimidating so it’s hard to stay focused sometimes.
What initially got you interested in making art?
I first got into art when I would watch shows like Pee Wee’s Playhouse, and I mean the 90’s and 2000’s were filled with overwhelming visual stimuli that I obsessively consumed. My family is filled with artists. My mom a photographer, my grandmother a poet, my aunt and grandpa illustrators. My aunt started drawing with me when I was 9 and I haven’t stopped since.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
I am looking forward to working with other artists and putting together art shows to showcase the amazing creative community we have out here. There are seriously so many amazing artists here that are so kind and helpful.
Image from past photoshoot featuring Serena’s artwork.
Photo by Lacey Elaine Dillard
Photo by Lacey Elaine Dillard
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Recently I’ve been listening to Sparks, Donovan, and all the disco I can get my hands on. But my taste in music changes quite a bit.
Watch any good films recently?
Oh don’t get me started ha! I obsessively watch horror movies. Some of my favorites are “One Cut of the Dead” , “Witchboard 1and 2” , “Pulse”, “Salem’s Lot” and many many more. Non horror related are mainly Things like Community and food travel shows such as The Hungry and The Hairy.
Poster for past art show at Resonator featuring art by Serena Velvet and Garrett Young
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
I have so many but I’m always a massive fan of Garrett Young. I also love the work of Milo Manara ,Katie Skelly,Marena Skinner, Dakota Cates.
To see more of Serena Velvet’s work or book a hair appointment with them, check out their IG account:
https://www.instagram.com/_serena_velvet_
Serena’s Design, “I’m So Happy” is currently available for preorder on both a black tie-dye t-shirt with white ink or a long-sleeve black tee with neon green ink.
This Featured Artist Preorder is open until this Thursday, February 10th (end of day). You can place your order here: oscillator-art.com/pre-orders
Bill Fick
Bill Fick and Carlos Hernandez with at Resonator this October for the Printslinger Freak Print Fest
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
I teach at Duke University so I’ve been wrapping up the semester. The fun thing that’s happening is I’m organizing the Flaming Eyeballs Micro Art Fair that will take place in Durham, NC on December 11. It’ll feature work by John Hancock, Carlos Hernandez, Dennis McNett and Tom Huck.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
I’ve been working on a comic book that’ll be a part of a portfolio of comics by a bunch of artists mostly from the USA but a few from overseas. My comic will be 32 pages of wacky abstraction and semi narrative weirdness.
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
Make prints! Making is the method. Nothing but good will come from cranking out the work.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
Curating more micro art fairs that feature local artists.
Tablers at Zine Machine Printed Matter Zine Fest in Durham, NC 2019
Live Printing in Durham Supergraphic Print Lab
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Lately I’ve been doing a deep dive into early punk and related stuff. Bands like The Undertones, Death, The Sonics, Richard Hell and the Voidoids. I’m 58 and I missed all this early stuff. I’m now catching up. Mainly interested in the energy and DIYness of it all.
Poem?
I like signage – does that count as poetry?
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Looking at a lot of tattoo art and random stuff on Instagram.
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
Last year one of my print classes worked on a big project with Carl Pope. Powerful stuff! Here’s a link to the project:
https://artscenter.duke.edu/projects/the-bad-air-smelled-of-roses-a-silk-screen-wheat-paste-project/
Bill Fick is also part the Speedball Professional Artist Network. He and Carlos Hernandez regularly tour with the Speedball Roadshow “spreading the gospel of ink” through demos, workshops lectures and print fests. Bill even has his own ink, Supergraphic Black available at: https://www.speedballart.com/
You can check out more work by Bill Fick on his website: https://billfick.com/
or on his instagram: instagram/linobill
Bill Fick’s Boss Cat Tee is available for preorder until Friday, December 17th
Place your preorder here: https://oscillator-art.com/pre-orders/bill-fick-boss-cat
AnnaVittoria Conner
About the Artist:
AnnaVittoria Conner lives in Midwest City, where she creates her hand-built ceramics and large woodcuts in her home studio. She received her Bachelors in Printmaking from the University of North Texas and her Masters in Studio Art from the University of Oklahoma.
She currently works as Director of Education and Programming at ARTSPACE at Untiled, a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Downtown Oklahoma City. At ARTSPACE, she teaches multiple printmaking techniques to over 140 local high-school students participating in the Mentorship Program yearly.
Anna’s old studio as a grad student at OU
Printing an edition at Artspace at Untitled
Anna likes to work within the flower child of the night fantasy world where her little freaks and flora hillbillies reside. Sometimes they live in the present but often travel to medieval and renaissance periods. They once considered themselves counter-culture, but with age, they have realized that's a load of crap.
Favorite bands/albums lately?
Mina, Ted Lucas, Donnie and Joe Emerson, Stan Hubbs, Kris Kristofferson, Barbara Keith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mia Martini, and Chet Baker.
I have the best Italian playlist on my Spotify account. It's called Mambo Italiano. Check it out. I also enjoy dad rock a lot..... KISS Forever!
Anything, in particular, you've been working on?
I am building a ceramics studio in my home. My husband has been helping me immensely by making me an extruder, a table for my newly purchased slab roller, and canvas stretched boards as far as the eye can see. I have also been working hard on the design plan for my new home. We plan to purchase our first home in the spring. Always working on art and always working my teaching gig.
Poem?
Here I sit all broken-hearted, came to shit but only farted.
On a more serious note, anything Dante Alighieri or Kris Kristofferson has written.
Anything you're involved in you want to share?
I will be showing at the OU Fine Art Library in February with my best art buds. I have a solo show lined up at Resonator for March of 2023. My exhibition at OSC-Press is up for a few more days.
Anna’s Graduate Exhibition at Mainsite Gallery
Anna’s exhibition at Dope Chapel shortly after moving to Oklahoma
Any stories you want to share?
My mother decided to move back to Italy and is taking my two little sisters with her. This has been a hard pill to swallow since my sisters are my best friends. I have been spending every free weekend with them and plan to until they move in May.
You can check out more of AnnaVittoria’s work on her IG Account: @dinguskhan
Anna’s Flower Flame Face Design is currently available for preorder on a long sleeve t-shirt until Dec. 6th
Click here to preorder while they are still available!
Ruth BorUm Loveland
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
So much! I have such inspiring friends working with food, urban faming, flowers, fungi, art, children, animals, and their own mental health.
I think the last year or so has allowed me to have some time away from usual commitments and social relationships and allowed me to re-order what I really want to do. I just opened a small gallery in Norman that doubles as my studio. It is called Magic Sad and kind of describes this particular feeling that when you get so bummed and down that there is a sort of magic in that state of being. Holding on to the idea that sometimes something is so sad that it creates a necessary transformation. The work featured in the gallery does not adhere to that story so literally but it is an outlet for any work that I find to be obsessive, therapeutic, sad/funny, or optimistic.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
I just finished up a huge commission for the University of Kansas Cancer Center in Kansas City and am looking for more opportunities to work big, but also looking forward to some time to work small. I have been working with naturally occurring clay around town to create pigments and studies with those pigments, and I always forage for mushrooms in the Fall. I've been using eggs from my pet chickens to make paint.
Tips, Tricks, Techniques?
Stay open. Plan not to plan sometimes. sharp pencils, Also nature. Always nature.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
Paseo Farmers Market and Flora Bodega (the project of my friend Angela).
Any stories you want to share?
I just learned today that:
"A resonator is a device which exhibits resonance or resonant behavior. An oscillator is an electronic device which produces periodic oscillating electronic signal.”
Future thing you are looking forward to?
I am looking forward to working in the studio, wandering around the woods and making cool art.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Been listening to Nora Brown, Eccentric soul: the Prix label, and Julia Jacklin
Poem?
Star Hole by Richard Brautigan
I sit here
on the perfect end
of a star,
watching light
pour itself toward me.
The light pours
itself through
a small hole
in the sky.
I’m not very happy,
but I can see how things are
faraway
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Peter McCoy with Radical Mycology. Great book and cool dude. Oscillator Press! for the art and the goods!
SO many.
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
https://www.literatipressok.com is an idenpendant bookstore and gallery in the Paseo District of OKC that I work for part time.
themagicsad.agency is under construction but is the website for my new gallery and studio
You can see more of Ruth’s work on her website:
or on her Instagram:
Ruth’s t-shirt design, the Mushroom Tee is still available for preorder until Wednesday, Nov. 24th end of day!
Felix S.N. Blesch
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
I started teaching middle school Science this year. I'm only a month and a half into the school year, and I already feel like it's transformed my way of looking at the world. Additionally, I've been having my first go at being dungeon master in my dnd group. I'm leading a home-brewed Cowboy Bebop inspired mashup set in space.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
I've been crocheting before bed most nights, working on different styles and shapes to continue building a collection of art clothes.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
A wonderful ceramicist in my neighborhood @hen_mar_ben has been organizing a Makers Market in the alley next to their studio in Kendall-Whittier on the last Saturday of every month. I've enjoyed getting to table outdoors for a few of them now & look forward to watching the event grow.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
I am looking forward to planning a Cat Castle retreat in January & the Cat Castle show in February at Oscillator!
Favorite bands / albums lately?
I'm big into seasonal playlists. The one I'm currently working on is called Life is Weird & Special. If you use Spotify, you can find my lists mixed with other members of my fam's under Blesch You.
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Jeffery Gibson is my favorite artist. Lately, I've been continually gasping over Kentaro Miura's illustrations, some of which are now on permanent exhibit in my heart.
Kentaro Miura’s Drawing from Berserk
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
You can check out more of Felix’s art on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felixblesch/?hl=en
There is currently a preorder up for Felix’s design on a long-sleeve powder blue t-shirt.
You can order one here: https://oscillator-art.com/pre-orders/alltogether-tee-ebwh8-89xhx-acgyc-mhhcc
Lottie Jay
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
A lot of hard work behind the scenes! Me and some friends have some serious boredom due to Covid and having to stay indoors still for the most part, and we’ve been working on a game together! It’s really exciting and I’m glad to have such amazing, kind, creative people around me.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Besides the game I’ve been working towards having a solo show at some point. It’s really in its beginning stages and I’m still working on putting a pitch together, but still exciting regardless!
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
Lambchen on instagram is working on what I believe is a solo show, that is just incredible. Aesthetic isn’t even a word grand enough to cover it, I love everything they do.
Any stories you want to share?
Earlier today I was waiting for a dryer to be ready at my apartments laundry facility, and I sat there for over a half hour. When nobody showed up to get their stuff out, I decided to take my damp clothes back and let it air dry. There’s little things in everyday life that I feel I take for granted due to it’s easy access, and while letting my clothes soak up the sun might take an extra minute, I’m lucky enough that I can find a solution to my problems with ease most of the time.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
I’m always a sucker for Halloween, and this year is no exception. I’ll be making savory and sweet treats for myself and coworkers and dressing up spooky starting now!
All images are from Lottie Jay’s IG account: @swollenbabyfat
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Tyler, The Creator’s “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” is fantastic.
Poem?
Here’s one:
“Something precious,
Something rotten.
Please be gracious,
For all is forgotten”
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Rococo_witch, tenderbeingdolls, c_u_l_u_r, and rabbitfears on instagram are some of my favorites.
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
Get the cool shirt collaboration between me and OSC
Anything else?
Have a sweet day!
Check out more artwork by Lottie Jay on her instagram: @swollenbabyfat
Lottie Jay’s T-shirt design, “Bunny Dagger” is still available for preorder until September 15th!
Click this link to preorder: https://oscillator-art.com/pre-orders/lottie-j-rabbit
Tyler Krasowski
What’s been going on in your world/circles lately?
My world of circles has been mostly a recharging of the creative cap since being on an "art tour de force" since April. Its been nice to be back in Montana, and reconnect with the love affair my desk and I have.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
As usual Ive been working on anything everything and nothing. My desk currently has some tattoo flash sheets, collage material, and random desk doodles(which are my fav). All of which will end up getting submitted to a new textile company for an artist series their launch in a few weeks. Im psyched, I was told to think of the medium as art, not so much as traditional textile, so notebook doodles, poems, really anything are a go. Excited to see a full notebook looking set of drapes, or an embroidered couch of grass.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
Looking forward to grabbing a big chunk of land to live on out here, deep in the woods, a creek, and start a barn build out to house whatever the fuck I set my mind to. Plans are in motion so hopefully sooner than later I can leave the hoopla of the city behind and blast music as loud as I want. no parents no rules, pizza everyday.
Also looking forward to cutting some more tracks for this country album I've been writing over the course of, jeez, maybe ten years. started mostly on late walks home from the bars in Chicago, my buddy and I would just start with one liners, for instance in a deep country voice "the only women I ever loved" which would get repeated over n over either getting louder or softer. boom ya gotta song, on to the next. At this point we have material for 10 albums.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
musically on rotation, well right this very second I have the 1984 Metal church self titled album blasting "in the blood". earlier this morn, had a nice Texas Tornados set, ya know ease into the morn with some bright yet sad songs about guacamole. Something is usually always on, lot of Zappa, lot of Metal, Jazz is for when its dark unless its some Herbie fusion. I'm a pretty tough critic musically, most new stuff doesn't do it for me, feel like its lacking discipline or something, no meat all lettuce, so whatever, plenty of music at the library.
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
Lately I’ve been drawn to American folk art and outsider art. I love how immediate and honest it is. It’s a type of practice that I guess I'm kinda jealous of, the imagery seems really loose but in-fact is immensely busy and thought out, looks pretty rational to me though I'm sure scholars would disagree.
Poem?
Suppose I'll wrap it up with a poem which I think is going to end up on some drapes
moon
the closer
the further away
the further
the closer
shine bright
death
reflected light
shimmer
carry shadows
at night
heavy as they are
you're never
far
To see more artwork by Tyler Krasowski, check out his instagram skinpancake !
Michael Wilson
What’s been going on in your circles lately?
I have been caring for my parents increasingly over the past few years and this last year it has been pretty much most of what I do. It has been a time of contemplation and re-evaluation of my own life and work.
Anything in particular you’ve been working on?
I have had the pleasure of doing some public art during the pandemic, painting a couple of collaborative storm drain murals for Artful Inlets in downtown Norman with Bonnie Amspacher. Prior to that when I had more time I was really loving painting portraits of people and animals. I have a real passion for doing large scale public work, looking forward to doing more and bigger things in the future.
I find inspiration in vastly different kinds of music and also conversations with people. The music thing really influences me while I work, I like to have random songs come up so I am interacting with them as I develop a piece.
All photos included are from Michael Wilson’s facebook account
Art is communication and also magic, I really love how malleable it is. It allows someone like me who isn’t a gifted verbal storyteller to communicate different moods, ideas and environments.
I love collaborating with other artists and am looking forward to a major renovation of my work/life to celebrate the things I love about art and living in this world.
Check out more of Michael’s work on her Facebook Page
Tell us about the Woodblock that is featured in your T-shirt Design
The image is based on a woodcut from the 1400’s. It was originally thought to be kind of an Easter card in keeping with devotional prints of the time, of course I added some stuff.
Michael Wilson’s T-Shirt Design “Domination and Love” is currently available for preorder until Sunday July 18th.
Brad Fielder
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
We recently moved out of the University neighborhood into a much more quiet, less condensed area of town(Norman). It's definitely a whole new world for my family and I. We can actually enjoy a peaceful evening without off-campus frat parties raging all around us until well past midnight. There's a huge yard for the boy and the dog to go wild in and my wife has the space to produce the subsistence garden she's been wanting. I finally have a studio/shop space detached from the house where I can work on musical projects without disturbing the household. We're loving it all around.
All photos in this interview were acquired from Brad Fielder’s Instagram account
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Taking advantage of the detached work space, I've been able to really start producing song videos. Nothing real fancy or full production scale, just creating visual content to keep up with the modern world. I only had about 10 videos on my YouTube page for the longest time. I gotta rack up views and subscribers so people(bookers & talent buyers) really think I am somebody, right?!
Any stories you want to share?
One time when I was 18, a friend and I decided to take my 1976 Ford Pinto offroading outside of Enid, Oklahoma. I ended up hitting a rut so deep, it pushed the fan into the radiator and knocked the car out of commission. All we had with us was most of a two liter of Best Choice brand Strawberry soda so we poured that into the radiator for whatever reason. Needless to say, it did nothing to help the car or our situation. The Pinto had a standard transmission so I put it in neutral and we were able to push the car out of the rut and over to the side of the road. This was back before cellphones fit in your pocket so we had to walk back toward town however many miles to find a pay phone. If I remember correctly, he had the quarter so it was his parents who got the call. His dad came and picked us up and gave us the shit talking we deserved on the ride back home. That was stupid. Don't do dumb shit like that.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
Like a lot of folks who do what I do, I'm really looking forward to getting back out to playing shows and being able to share the live music experience with people in the flesh. I've done quite a few virtual shows over the last year and it just doesn't provide the stimulation and instant feedback that artists need.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
I've been stuck on a Hasil Adkins kick lately, celebrating his entire catalog. All his shit from the late 50's up to the mid 2000's just does it for me like nothing else. The shitty production, the one-man-band style, that proto-psychobilly West Virginia holler country wackiness. I love it. That was the kind of music I wanted to make when I first started playing shows at age 18. Before I knew anything about him or that style, I at least knew it was a thing that existed and wanted to do it. So, now going on 25 years later, here I am back to doing the one-man-band thing and cranking up some Hasil Adkins to keep me motivated.
Poem?
The poor man must protect to be paid
The rich man will pay to be protected
A rich man's money is used to collect interest
A poor man's money has interest in being collected
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
My good friend, painter, and overthinker, J. Chris Johnson continues to amaze me. As far as pure talent and real, true skill goes, he is one of, if not the best painter I've ever come in contact with. He could be perfectly executing Rembrandt forgeries that would fool fine galleries if he wanted to but, he's got his own agenda and just paints because he has to. He also makes the most realistic pencil sketches on Post-It notes just to pass time when he's bored. Dude is in his own league around here and I'm not even trying to hate on or disrespect anybody else when I say that. We also bond over 90's hip hop and skateboarding so, that's some solid glue. Check him out if you appreciate fine oil technique, striking visuals, and true artistry.
Check out music and more by Brad Fielder on his website:
Preorders for Brad Fielder’s “Luck & Money” T-shirt design are open until May 27th (end of day)
Available in white ink on a black shirt or black ink on a red shirt. Click here to purchase one!
Haley A Bell
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
Everything has been pretty quiet for me in the past year or so with the pandemic but I’ve mostly taken this time to focus on myself and my art and where I want that to go in the future but luckily have had the opportunity for a couple gallery openings in that time also
Anything in particular you've been working on?
I’m currently working on a portfolio for a tattoo apprenticeship other than that I’ve been working more on developing different techniques in my ink drawings that I haven’t done before even though I’ve been working with ink since 2013
All images are from @lazydogarts instagram
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
I see a lot of stuff on Instagram with a lot of local artists works in progress or small events happening and I really enjoy that and just knowing that everyone is working on something of their own
Future thing you are looking forward to?
Currently just being able to work on new projects and expanding my subject matter/ skills and being able to work with galleries again after a year long break due to covid
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of random music just whatever fits the mood nothing in particular, podcasts tho I’ve been listening to “not just a girl” which is a feminist tattoo podcast that I really enjoy
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
@chelsartistry (Rachel stout) and @racoonpaws (Natalie Schultz) on instagram have been killing it lately with their work as well as Juuri (@juuriart83) I’ve always admired her symbolism and mural work
Links to anything you're involved in and/or you want to share?
YES! I’m currently in a exhibition at DNA galleries in the plaza district with @laurenrosenfeltart and @tcryoungart on instagram from April 8th- May 9th and then have an upcoming exhibition at the paseo plunge with some friends (more info on that closer to august) but it’s super exciting working with more local artists and doing group exhibitions instead of solos for a change
Haley’s work is on the display at DNA Galleries in Oklahoma City until May 9th. This image is from @dnagalleries instagram
To see more of Haley Bell’s work, check out her instagram, @lazydogarts
Haley’s T-shirt Design Moon Moth is currently available for preorder until May 3rd!
Erika Barker and Gray Owl Collective
Our friends at Gray Owl Coffee are currently becoming a worker-owned business so we decided to feature them in our T-shirt preorder series! Erika Barker, part of Gray Owl Collective and the artist behind their t-shirt design, gives us some insight on the process.
What's been going on in your world lately?
Honestly just tryin’ to survive the tail-end of this pandemic! I know I’m not alone when I say it’s been a really tough year. Projects like the Gray Owl t-shirt, and making our worker-ownership dreams happen, have been keeping me afloat until some normalcy returns.
Other projects/organizations happening in your area that are cool?
I’m based in Norman, but I’m getting ready to participate in my first art show, the Cat Castle Spring Art Market, at Edison Studios in Tulsa on May 1. I’m not sure who else is participating, but I bet it’s going to be a lovely, outdoor, socially-distanced time!
How did you and the Gray Owl Collective arrive at the idea of becoming a co-op?
Gray Owl has always been a place that encourages personal autonomy and teamwork from its workers. When the former owner decided to sell, we all wanted Gray Owl to stay in the hands of people who would carry on those parts of it, along with everything else that makes Gray Owl a quirky and special place. The best way to ensure that was for us, the employees, to step up. A couple of my coworkers came together to suggest it and lead the charge. Our current team fell into place from there. Our former owner was super supportive too, so that really helped.
All images in this article are from the IG accounts of Erika Barker and Gray Owl Coffee
What is something you have learned from your experience of becoming a worker-owned business?
Teamwork really does make the dream work! Having six people as our team has been so essential. We all bring different strengths to the table, from creativity to mechanical know-how to finances. Embracing one another’s unique talents and depending on each other to share the workload has been the best part of the transition. It’s been really cool to learn to depend on the other worker-owners throughout the whole process, especially when my mental health hasn’t been the best during the pandemic.
Something you are looking forward to in the future at Gray Owl?
Events! We’re really looking forward to expanding the kinds of events we have at Gray Owl, whether that’s live music, Drag Queen Story Hour, or just interesting art shows with work from local artists.
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
I share my art and anything else I’m working on on my Instagram. That’s @erika___art
A short poem?
Tiny frog, new legs
hops oddly, scared of the sky
Be brave, little frog!
:)
Check out what Gray Owl is up to on their Instagram as well: @grayowlcoffee
Gray Owl Coffee T-shirts are currently up for preorder until the end of April 12th! click here to order
Derrick Adams
Tell us about yourself.
Thanks for featuring me! I’m an artist currently living in Seminole, Oklahoma. I’m patiently waiting for the vaccine/travel ban to end so that I can resume living nomadically. I make art exploring esoteric imagery with ink on paper, inspired aesthetically by sources too many to name. I’m picking up cross-stitch and embroidery from my grandma. I perpetually have no idea what to draw next.
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
I recently unearthed a VHS tape of my birthday in 1992 while moving things in and out of storage. I’d never seen it before! I’t really trippy viewing people you know so closely through a lens going that far back, since camcorders were only just becoming affordable at that time. My folks look so young, and you can see the ways they have changed/not changed. Now they’ve all fallen down the Q-Anon rabbit hole. My past self was speaking to me. He told me Battle Trolls were the shit.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
My ink drawings are really beginning to accumulate. I’m really digging the concept and visual language that has emerged in focusing on the lesser lights, that phenomenon that can be experienced when you can travel no further past the veil. These are represented by the galaxies I include in the negative space of my subjects.
My photography is really reflecting the isolation of covid from this time last year. No human subjects, just places in nature. I would like to approach urban exploration, again. I like sluething around the grimy parts of small and even sometimes abandoned towns. A burned building will stay a pile of rubble longer in these places. A trump flag still waving in the wind will likely be more sad, sun-bleached, and torn to bits. A giant sign pointing to a supposed motel will be just a little more likely to be pointing at a weed-infested empty lot. I don’t know that there even is a concept behind this. I’m probably just itching a scratch that involves going where I’m not supposed to go. As such, I’m obligated to tell you that these actions are dumb and potentially dangerous to do without a friend, and I would never encourage trespassing.
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
I was looking into NFT’s for a bit because the technology interested me. I’ve read the way that they and similar bitcurrencies are used, though, as well as their impact on the environment. So I likely wont be participating.
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
The artist’s name is Piotr Szyhalski and the project is called Labor Camp, you can find it on Instagram. They designed and printed a poster every day during the pandemic, leading up to election day. This allowed the project to observe events of the year as they happened, including the political climate, police brutality, and worker’s rights while maintaining hope for the future. The edition is technically finished but there is an open edition of 12 designs from throughout last year.
Any stories you want to share?
I saw a really fat rat the other day.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
I simultaneously long for and dread living out of my car, again. The structered day melts away, and freedom arrives. All methods are traps, though. So we will see how it goes.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
Hi, How are You? The Unfinished Album by Daniel Johnston & the soundtrack to Blade Runner.
Visual artists (or whatever people) you've been digging lately?
I don’t know who does them, but those graphic design-y people with the tiny heads and flat colors in advertising are just swell. It’s pretty much the only art I look at.
Anything else?
All methods are traps. The path to freedom is the goal, so don't let the method define your path.
Check Out Derrick’s Instagram Here
Derrick’s T-Shirt Design Moon Jester is currently up for Preorder!
Tracy Jane Gregory
The artist in nature with her embroidered collage quilt, entitled Bondage.
What's been going on in your world lately?
I’m an English tutor and teacher’s assistant at a community college in San Francisco, so I spend most of my time Zooming with students. I am privileged to work with instructors who have built their classes around social justice issues, so I get to unpack race, class, and gender with folks in my community daily.
When I’m not working, I’ve mostly been obsessing over RuPaul’s Drag Race. They are airing a U.S. and U.K. season right now, and I find myself crying every time queens have to lip sync for their lives. I think I miss being around people.
Anything in particular you've been working on?
Embroidery! I’ve been spending the last six months creating embroidered pieces to open up an online shop. Right now, I have hoops with human and bull skulls adorned with flowers or sunrays along with some skull and floral masks. Hoping the shop will be open by March or April 2021!
Other projects/organizations happening in your area that are cool?
There have been many great mutual-aid groups popping up in the Bay Area in the last year, like Mission Meals Coalition (IG: @mission.meals), who have a community fridge and supply hot meals to those in need. There’s also Compassion in Oakland (IG: @compassioninoakland), which started after the recent publicized anti-Asian attacks in the Bay Area. Compassion in Oakland provides chaperones to Asian elders, especially in the Oakland Chinatown Community, so they can feel safer walking outside.
In what kind of environment do you work best creatively?
I always fall prey to the mystique of locking myself in a distant-cabin and churning out a bunch of writing/pieces, but in reality, I work best within a community. Other people’s work, of all mediums, inspires me to keep working and try new methods. Also, being able to share what I’m working on with others and have them hold me accountable to finish projects is extremely helpful. That’s why Instagram and Etsy have been so important for me during this pandemic: it’s the most tangible community I can have right now!
What is something you would tell your past self?
Get a therapist! Take your time! Treat “saying yes” like a rare treat instead of an open invitation.
Something you are looking forward to in the future?
This one’s hard! I’ve spent most of my life yearning for the future, so I’ve been using the pandemic to help me stay more in the present. With that in mind, I look forward to getting my first vaccine shot today and going on a hike in the redwoods.
Art, Music, Books you've been into this year?
I’m someone who reads about five books at a time, so here are my faves from my current reading (or re-reading) list:
Photo Poetics: Chinese Lyricism and Modern Media Culture by Shengqing Wu
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
Existentialism Is a Humanism by Jean-Paul Sartre
Socialist Realism by Trisha Low
For music, I recently discovered the all-female doom-metal band Mrs. Piss. Changed my life.
This piece from Tracy’s quilt, Bondage, was recently featured on the cover of the Snail Trail Press’s 2nd printed issue released in 2020.
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
You can follow me on Instagram for updates on all things Tracy & and my embroidery shop: @traceonmyface
I also have a website that I don’t update too often: www.tracyjanegregory.com
A short poem?
For the ritualist
who drives hundreds of miles
to escape their problems:
Take a step to the left.
Let planes buzzing
overhead, turn into breath.
Spine becoming redwood,
stomach a crater lake,
You spiral like a mollusk,
and no longer know your name.
-Written after that hike in the redwoods, 3/2/2021
Anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you, OSC-Press for featuring me and my work! :)
Tracy Jane Gregory’s T-Shirt Design is available for preorder here: https://oscillator-art.com/pre-orders/fire-tracy-jane-gregory
Daniel Schieffer
Any projects you've been working on?
Aside from doing design work on the computer, I've been exploring the Byzantine Painting style and trying my hand at creating my own set of icon paintings. Painting in this style is definitely something completely foreign to me so it has come with various struggles, but I think discomfort has often bred some of my more unique pieces of work. I hope to eventually display some paintings on my website/instagram, but to be honest, I think I still have much to improve before sharing them to the world.
I've also been working on some looping abstract motion pieces that use the rotoscope animation process. I believe it's a much more free-formed/improvised process than the one I mentioned before so I've been trying to not take it too seriously and roll with whatever the outcome is for each of the motion pieces.
Artists or designers that inspire you or you have been digging their artwork?
I've been really enjoying the work of Alexis Jamet, he is a french designer that mixes the digital aspects of design with different airbrush illustrations/textures in his posters/zines. Leon Washere is another artist that leaves me speechless with every new motion piece he creates. He does quick hand painted rotoscope animations of old skateboarding footage. I think both of those artists are putting out incredibly unique projects that tend to stand out in the oversaturated world of instagram design.
Any favorite bands / albums lately?
Some of the artists that I've been listening to while working on design are Death's Dynamic Shroud, Slauson Malone. Microphones, Calacote, Sinead O'Connor, and Burial. It's a bit of an eclectic assortment of genres, but each artist is experimental/inspiring and seems to help me stay curious about new approaches to the creative process.
Links to anything you're involved in you want to share?
A buddy from college and I have been working on a creative project/brand called "Cold Soup." We haven't quite settled on the concrete mission or theme of the group, but our first Zine was made during the onset of the pandemic synthesizing various writings of empathy, and isolation to our own abstract/absurd designs. So far we've only made one zine, and a couple of shirt designs, but hopefully we will be creating some more content under the Cold Soup brand in the near future! https://www.instagram.com/coldso.up/?hl=en
I've also been creating visuals for a dominican musician named Calacote, it's been a really lovely opportunity for me to take the lead on artists' looks, album design, merch etc.
Anything else?
Thanks for reaching out and letting me play around with a design for one of the new oscillator shirts! I'm excited to see all of the unique pieces that Oscillator will be coming out with as you guys move forward as a brand!
Dan Schieffer designed the Skate Norman Longsleeve that’s available now for pre-order in the shop: https://www.osc-press.com/shop/skate-norman-dan-s