'Launching on Friday April 13th at 8pm, Design 24 finds its inaugural reception as a new bi-annual event featuring some of the West Coast’s most reputable emerging and established artists, graphic designers and illustrators.' 

With this upcoming event, we wanted to learn more about the mind behind the dark and gritty delights created

by Vancouver artist, Alison Lilly. 

Oh man, this guy Yanick Blanchet is so super talented that his interview exploded my database and can't fit all in one post! I finally catch up to one of Montreal's finest.. 

A fantastic Comox Valley artist heading fresh into the wilds of Toronto...everyone, this is Shandra Matson...Shandra, this is everyone. We will be presenting Shandra's first public showing at our new HQ, downtown Courtenay. It's more of a friends and family gathering but photos of the event and a new sticker image will be available post show.

The super talented and diverse Denver-ite pushes the boundaries in his new series opening Friday June 3rd at Illiterate Gallery. Here's a little annual up-dater with Mr. Max Kauffman.

I wish I had 16 sets of eyes so I could look at a room full of Taka Sudo's pieces all at once. I think my head would explode but it would be sooo worth it. Here's a few words from the Tokyo export and Whistler local...

Finally caught up with one of Vancouver's finest flat-land imports, Mandy Tsung, who is now settled in and quietly capturing your hearts.

We are breaking out of hiatus with a big fancy interview with one of my favorite west coast characters... CHOPLOGIK!!

Introducing a special exclusive webcomic by Scott MacDonald

I'd like you all to give a big friendly wallfarmers welcome to our new radical corespondent, hailing from Vancouver, BC, Mr. Natty Moher! My friendly east coast corespondent, Zachary Pelliccio, stands around & takes photos of Shepard Fairy & his crew while they work. Nice one Bro
'With a style like no other, get to know the man behind the scissors.' Zach Pelliccio of Harpoon Market hits up an interview with
Ryohei Tanaka Denver artist, Max Kauffman reports on annual gathering of creatives at Miami's Art Basel.
Checking out Vancouver artist, Peter Ricq as he gets ready for Robots and Monsters 2009.

Ben Tour interview & images from a pre-show drop in.

Studio visit and interview with Jeff Denomme

Jesse Reno shares his recent trip to France and his upcoming show at Ayden Gallery The one of the most dynamic art exhibits I've seen in Vancouver is currently on exhibit at the PNE until September 7th.
Interview with San Francisco artist, phoneticontrol
Phresha catches up to earthling, Nasimo for a long awaited wallfarmers interview. Book review time! Another gem from Laurence King Publishers.Check out Custom Kicks by MAKI ...
Denz One and the Oakland Wall of Fame!

Studio visit with Indgo
Sketchbot creator, Steve Talkowski reveals his plan to create an army of cute and artistic robots to draw us a new world.
Wallfarmers does a book review on the sickest gift of all time...
...the one stickerbook that schooled them all!
Studio visit and interview with Morgen Parkin of Santa Morgie Designs

A little story about a friend and his cat.

...an interview with the creator of Magic Teeth Dailies(Perogy Cat) comics and owner of Legends Comics and Books.
...and now, here's a little thing I like to call, an interview with Mark Stuckert...
Hmm, after a long crazy day, I was stoked to come home to this gem in my mail slot.
Thanks to Daniel Bennett from Vegas for this great original.
If you want to see more of Danny's art, check out his myspace gallery. Interview (for Paint Your Faith) with Vancouver based stencil artist, Indigo
Interview (for Paint Your Faith) with multi-talented Italian graffiti artist, Peeta

Interview with SFian Troy Holden
Exchanging a few choice words with illustrator, Matt Andres

Finally catch up to busy BC artist, Cory Stewart to find that he eats tea and loves the haters
Michelle Holley from Instinct Gallery gets Van Holmgren to share his secret dance moves & sea serpents.
Laurence King Publishing sent over a new book for review::
Designing Sustainable Packaging
by Scott Boylston
Studio/ gallery visit with Cory Stewart

((sounder)) music mention

Holy sweet shenanigans! Have you seen the work of Lisa Romero at www.paperbullet.com?
Finally, a colouring book for big kids.
LOKAL by EarOne
Jason Fernando is a Vancouver based artist with a kind online portfolio. Here's some of his work. Interview coming soon!
Harpoon Market, Awesome Dudes Screenprinting & Crucial Brutal blogging artist, Ralph Stollenwerk gives us a q&d
Phresha Le Vandalé
shares with the class...

An utterly disheveled interview with
Ben Templesmith
Camilla d'Errico : interview and bio of artsy siren
Gillian Brooks blows up on canvas...a sneak peak at some works for an upcoming show.
Check out Max Kauffman, our first Featured Artists

Thursday April 12th was 'thoughtless' with Dave Barnes and Toby Reid! 

This show is breaking my heart, it's so damn good and the pieces aren't even on the wall yet. 

I fell in love with their work years ago and am so thrilled and humbled to share them with the Comox Valley! 

Coming up Thursday March 8th at the wallfarmers gallery, Edison Rojas brings his Mash Up series to the Comox Valley! Doors open 7-10 pm. Edison will be in attendance. Beverages by donation.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend hitting up Scoundrel. Quoting the base inspirational message, "Scoundrel's core design is based off of the classic biker patch set. Simple lines and feel, but with out the cheese. Well, maybe a little cheese.

Scoundrel's look may be based off of the classic MC patch, but the name and the idea has it's roots in a much more nerdy genre. The Scoundrel name is an ode to the one and only Han Solo. Who completely embodies the idea of the biker lifestyle and this brand. Solo does what he wants, goes where he wants, and isn't afraid of anyone. Not only is he a gear head, a ladies man, and a rebel, but he's a scoundrel to the bone."

Really dig the prints and simple but solid quality to the Scoundrel imagery. Of course they are on fb too.  

'Chopped Angles' is our featured show for February at the wallfarmers gallery and we couldn't be more thrilled to showcase the works of Matt Andres (Victoria, BC) and Russell Alton (AKA: Choplogik. Vancouver, BC). Don't miss this opening Thursday Feb 9th. Doors open at 7pm. As a nice treat, we are featuring our first instillation by Russell Alton as part of the show!!

We can never get enough of Boombox McBeerfridge, especially when he stars along some of our favourite A-Team characters! 

Check out this new short sent our way.. Thank you Scott!! 

Killer package of mini photo billboard by Isaac McKay-Randozzi, Solitary Arts sticker pack and rad design zine by Gluekit...all from 3131clement.com. Killer Thursday surprise!

Something about the way a drip tells a story...that is what I love about them. Check out this beautiful gravity necklace by James Jean...multi-talented and full of story..James creates pieces that ooze brilliant tales. I want to own every single thing he creates. 

A fantastic display of endurance in the underground (no pun intended) art community! Thank you for the coverage Michael Rundle.

BIG THANK YOU to Kaya Lila for the super fun workshop last night at the wallfarmers dot ca gallery! 

This was the little dude I made from Needle Felting..his name is Brixton. I'm looking forward to the next workshop with Kaya that will be announced for December! Some photos from last night over on the flickr. 

Needle Felting workshop with crafty little biscuit, Kaya Lila, at the wallfarmers dot ca gallery!

We are very pleased and kind of shitting our pants to introduce to the Comox Valley, the wallfarmers dot ca Gallery! I know I've been blabbing on about it for a bit but we are now ready to reveal our first line up for the gRAnD opening this Thursday September 9th.   

New Exclusive "Boombox McBeerFridge" t-shirts and hoodies only available here....check it...

This is one of my famous 'better late than never' posts where I go on and on about this awesome weekend I had a month ago. I've thrown it all together like the blur it turned into. Silent Stories at Ayden Gallery, It's Pop Art by Edison Rojas at JD's Barber Shop and the grand opening of El Kartel's hot new location. Philistine 5:  One mans attempt to win back his ex-girlfriend… and learn art. Creep the first hand accounts of Natty Moher's personal and often tumultuous journey into the art world and topical self-helpings.

Recently discovered the historical sound of the Sumner Brothers, brought to the 3C's by the musical treasure hunters, Cumberland Village Works. Here's a little intro to a little band that is about to become your favorite drinking buddy.

ifanboy.com, graphic.ly, and Comic Evolution present the hottest event at this year's Emerald City Comic Con: Live Art at the Noc Noc!

more info here on their fb page

Secret favorite songstress, Kimya Dawson of the Moldy Peaches, hooked me with teenage melodramatic angst like 'Nothing came out' and 'Steak for Chicken'..has been recording with favorite hip hop artist, Aesop Rock, for a mad solo album. I'm pretty much turning into a 16 year old for this release.This is my lead up mention because when this lp gets birthed, I'll be all over it like seals on sardines.

Check out the new cover of The Find by Matt Andres! Super proper!!

West Coast sweetheart, Camilla d'Errico, has announced the printing and pre-order information for her first full-length art book, Femina & Fauna! Published through comic giants, Dark Horse, Femina and Fauna showcases Camilla's best known characters, both adorable and fierce. Forward by awesome artist, Ashley Wood, this is going to be an instant classic for collectors of d'Errico's work.

Pre-orders will be available now until January 25th through TFAW, with a chance to win an original sketch! Creep Camilla's site for more information!!!

And speaking of art books... keep an eye out for Tim Barnard's first full-length art book coming out in '11!

Fresh  report  from the PAWN WORKS crew!

Though I'm crazy late on posting their info, I still had to share this because the concept is pretty awesome and you should definitely check it out....

Our good friend's over at El Kartel in Vancouver have been busy little amigos! They've been setting up shop at their new location just a few blocks away at 1007 Granville St. Their Robson location is still open and crammed with rad sale items you won't want to miss out on. Keep up with their sales, shows and general kindness on their fb site. excuses

Camilla d'Errico releases the Canadian Tiger in to the wild... 100 gorgeous limited edition prints will be available on Thursday September 30th. Each print is signed and numbered & only $100! And what else is on the 30th? Camilla's birthday!!! Don't forget to send out your love .. hit up her facebook page!

I'm saving my shekels for this one! Peep Camilla's site for more info.

It's Monday morning and we actually have an update for you good peoples...if you missed it, on the weekend, we posted an interview with Bill McRight (sent in by our east coast corespondent and beef jerky chef, Zach Pelliccio). 

And this morning, we are excited to bring you part 2 of Natty Moher's art adventure; Philistine: One mans attempt to win back his ex-girlfriend… and learn art.

Big nod to Debb Chen of Hand Pecked Designs in DC, who sent me this totally fun super hero stationary set with scenes from (I'm guessing) Marvel Hero's Spiderman. Also, two sleek graphite pencils from Mohawk Loop. 

Thanks Debb!!!

I LOVE hearing about friendly acts of giving, especially when it benefits artists and also especially when it comes from secret ninjas!

A secret contact recently sent me this link to a surprise global art expedition for Matt Andres. Matt was selected based on his fantastic art, emerging artist status and his general awesomeness as a human being. Keep and eye out for more amazing ninja goodness.

Just in, a fresh update from Andrew over at Sour Harvest with a new show coming up at Thinkspace Gallery in their new location. Read up on Ekundayo and Brett Amory as they roll our for their new show opening on June 11th.

March 2010‹ Arowbe of Times Neue Roman returned home to Toronto during his reading week break from the University of Chicago. After a 6-month hiatus, Times Neue Roman played 7 shows in Ontario and Quebec in this short span of time. Four of those shows took place in assorted Toronto basements, attics, afterhours parties and dive bars, where their collaboration with Tonka Puma, ³Toronto² was championed as an anthem. Here¹s the footage. Do you think it captures the TSOT? (The Sound/Spirit/Sweat of Toronto?)

-Thanks to Eli Wener for the info!!)

Peter and Robbie of HUMANS hilarious and awkward in a "he-said-he-said" interview with the masters of Vancouver music scene, winniecooper.net. 

Their post also includes the new HUMANS video, Doin Things. (ps...NSFW)

Recently received some very cool words from Vancouver artist, Basil McMahon, about a mural project completed last week in Vancouver's downtown east side. Collabing with Jordan Bent, the two diverse artists pay their respects to the city's most ominous over-seer.

No one likes it when people steal from them, especially when that company is huge and makes lots of money off replicating stolen product/ images!

Over the weekend, Susie Ghahremani of Boygirlparty.com discovered that her beloved owls have been plagiarized by a much bigger company.

Here's some more info about what went down and how you can help...

There are few better things than stumbling upon a pot of gold, free Anchor Steam, or in today's case, a pile of obscure and eclectic music. Many of the bands I have heard of before, and love long time but this L.A. based website, Aquarium Drunkard, treats you to lengthy and well written reviews and a shit ton of free mp3s. Sometimes I have a hard time giving up such solid finds, but I'm feeling generous today.

Great interview with Alex from Die Constant (creator of the custom wallfarmers tee) over on themodline.com, 'an online lifestyle magazine that promotes local talent and businesses, helping cultivate the underground in Vancouver'

I've been trying to master the craft of procrastination but it seems I am merely an apprentice.

Good pal and driving force behind Harpoon Market apparel, Zach Pelliccio  had a visit to NYC for the opening of 'From Kojiki to Mordern Herosim' at the Joshua Liner Gallery. The write up was a little delayed but the show is up till this weekend (March 13).

While we are on the topic of awesome, I think you should check out the sultry characters of Julian Kimmings.

His works are perfectly balanced with graffiti, a subtle elusive darkness and comical characters. If I were ever to get my portrait painted, I would be by Julian.

The image on the left will be is available as limited edition prints some time next week NOW! Keep up with Julian on his blog or abuse him through Twitter.

oh yeah, remember this guy, Toby Reid.. I covered a show he did at Antisocial in '09, well, dude has a little blog now..check it out.

Also, I'll be interviewing this character in a day or so, feel free to email  your queries to tarah(at)wallfarmers(dot)ca

If any of you fantastic people are in the great city of SF this weekend, I'd like you to do me and yourself a favor and get down to the inaugural group show of the Guerrero Gallery on Saturday night. Owner, Andres Guerrero (formerly at White Walls), will be hosting the first ever show at his new gallery with 21 artists, DJs spinning and complimentary bevies.  http://fortyeighthoursinaday.com/ 

The artist run gallery down in Austin Texas has been rad for a long time but I recently discovered that they were awarded the Choice award for a commissioned piece for Arthouse at PULSE Miami 2009. The entire collective of OKMT created a corner store setting were everything in the store was either hand made or altered by the artists. My favorite store item, Hot Dog Water from the fountain machine. Okay Mt. Gallery is also the first stop on the art tour of SF artists, Jeremy Fish

I've been wrapped up in another project outside the site and I'll share that soon but first, and my hugest apologies for the delay.. but please enjoy this amazing show that was at Antisocial last month. 'Things We Learned When We Where Young' was created and curated by Merida Anderson and Lindsey Hampton and it was so damn fantastic, I wanted to move in and invite all my imaginary friends to frolic in its blissed out imagery.

Fantastic dude and artist, Darren Camplin is stretching his legs and started a blog. He just finished a very cool painting session with Lulu Lemon in Whistler, BC and chats about his good times.. go check it out!

Coming up this Saturday Feb 20th at El Kartel in Vancouver, El lente loco x Oakley. A group show with 40 El Kartel artists for a one night show of custom, artist designed Oakley sunglasses. I've been honored to be a part of such a talented group of artists and am really looking forward to see the wild designs these crazy cats come up with. Here's a peek at my shades...I'd love your feedback so please feel free to comment.

It's a big weekend in Vancouver city with the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and Artwalk Vancouver 2010. If this was a sport site, I'd bring you information about the Olympics and all their madness, but it isn't so here's more info on the Artwalk. Also, don't forget to hit up the Ayden Gallery for their epic superstar show with Camilla, Ben, Peter, Dark and Mike..don't know who I'm talking about? Then go to the show!

February's issue of The Art Street Journal is up and ready for shipping, for FREE as always...but please take a moment to show your support by signing up at refresheverything.com and help TASJ increase circulation and expand production value with full colour and more pages. 

When you're done with that, make sure you are signed up for their mailing list to get your free copy. 

If you're in Courtenay, you can find The Art Street Journal at The Freakin Coffeeshop.

http://twitpic.com/1187m0 - Just got this rad package from my pal Taka Sudo. Check his site http://tifdyl.com

Very cool promotional video from the New Zealand Book Council.

Friday Jan 8 was the first show of 2010 for Ayden gallery and I was there to dork out and celebrate Matt Andre's first showing in Vancouver at Merge. 

Other than Matt's great work, there were lots of new talents and faces in the crowd.

Check this sick time lapse video of some of the best names in graffiti. Apex, King157, Jase, Neon, Revok, Rime, Saber, Sever and the legendary Vulcan rocking the infamous backyard at 33third Shop LA

Meant to post this when I saw it earlier in Dec. Interesting how they state that it's not the 'context' that is the issue but the fact that it's graffiti, however, it's the first time in 10 years that the Downtown Eastside gallery has EVER been asked to remove any other work regardless of the context.

Thinkspace Gallery has sent over a press release announcing a new amazing show coming up in January 2010. This show, 'A Cry For Help', exhibits 100 artists that cover the entire contemporary spectrum and will be sending 20% of the proceeds to the endangered species of the world presented by Born Free USA & the Animal Protection Institute. 

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the 2nd annual 10x10 show at Gallery Atsui in Vancouver. 10 very talented local artists, 100 panels and a short lesson in timely buying.

Can't wait to see more of this guys work around!

Here are some shots from Toby Reid's show at the Antisocial Mini Gallery.

Back tracking a bit with some shots from Tim Barnard's show, Fever Ocean, on still at El Kartel.

Doing some catch up from some recent shows and write ups...more still.

From time to time I get CDs sent my way or emails from talented musicians and while I haven't had the time to do proper reviews of bands, I wanted to mention Young Sin, a Vancouver musician who kills west coast flow with raw style rhymes backed by thick baselines and sick beats produced by a variety of talents including; QB8 and LokeyNote, Brass Tackz, QB8, Nato, Aries and Spitshine.

I find it increasingly more difficult to get new underground hip hop that is as solid as Young Sin. Definitely looking forward to seeing a live show. Check iTunes and Camobear for his new album!

Tonight (Thursday Dec 3rd), Fabric8 in SF is rocking a stoked show with Leon Loucheur, Martin Hsu, Micah Lebrun, Skriblz and Telopa. If you're in the area, definitely check this out.

Another great show tonight at Ayden Gallery in Vancouver. Infinite Maybe with Peter Taylor, Lani Imre, Milan Basic , Melk and Indigo. 

I can't make it to this one so anyone who wants to take some photos and do a write up, that would be kind! hit me up if you're interested.. tarah(at)wallfarmers(dot)ca.

Over the weekend in Vancouver, I had the pleasure of running into Nym Nums creator, Kristian Adam, doing some live painting in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson. Keep an eye on this dude, he has some cool projects coming up in 2010, including the second run of the popular book Nym Nums Ten Stories.

wallfarmers has just made a small donation to Vancouver Is Awesome and you should too! Also, I, along with some 98 others will be in their 'flickn awesome' photo show at Fortune Sound on Wednesday Dec. 2nd.

Check out their facebook event page for more info

Randy Laybourne of Vancouver Is Awesome.com put on a great show at Walrus Shop in Vancouver on Thursday Nov 19. 

Peek some shots from the show Drawing On Vancouver.

Master of Mermen, Michael Hsiung, will be rollin' deep at the fifth annual 'Skip the Mall' show at Black Maria Gallery in LA this weekend. 

As always, the exhibition will carry a bazaar theme, complete with some of the accoutrements of the shopping experience: paintings suspended on clothing hangers, displayed in shoe boxes and on display stands holding
a variety of artworks.

"Black Market" is quintessential Black Maria, showing the work of emerging artists and established artists side by side. It is a great opportunity to see work by artists with international collectors as well as by artists who will be showing their work outside of an academic environment for the first time.

wow! Thanks so much to everyone that came out to The [Harrington] Project and the After Arty! Big crazy thank you to Maya and Sperlin at the Freakin Coffeeshop, Scott, Jer, Peter & Robbie of the HUMANS, Gordon and every one of the artists who worked so hard to be a part of this show.

Thursday Nov 19th at Walrus, Drawing on Vancouver opens with Ben Tour, Peter Taylor, Porous  Walker + a flock of other crazy good artists. Check upcoming shows

Good friend and amazing artist, Tim Barnard, will be ditching Montreal to hang with us cool kids on the coast while doing a proper instillation at Aldo on Granville St. AS WELL AS an amazing solo show with a shit ton of new work at EL Kartel.

The show is Friday Nov 20th. Doors open at 9.

Vancouver artist gone international, Indigo (Indgo), along with FarkFK, Finbarr and Nine-O rocked this gorgeous mural for the first exhibit of Crack For Your Eyes.