This was the first day we got the key to Jeff's gallery space on Marsh Street.
It was about 8 times the size of the old one, and Evelyn took the opportunity
to dance all over the big empty space. Evelyn has always been our tiny dancer.
Showing posts with label jeff claassen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jeff claassen. Show all posts
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Heads up! 50% OFF, 24 hours only!
Hi friends! Just thought I'd tip you off on Jeff's crazy once-annual, 24 hour only, 50% off sale. He's offering half off EVERYTHING... original paintings, limited edition prints, t-shirts, wallets, stickers - you name it. This is a great chance to stock up on unique Christmas presents and birthday gifts, at ridiculously good prices. Buy 'em now, and stash 'em away for later!
xoxo,
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Blogging on borrowed time...
First, a quick overview of the current situation...
WHO: Me.
WHAT: Blogging when I should be using my time wisely and catching up on my work.
WHEN: Late Sunday night.
WHERE: Jeff's art studio.
WHY: 'Cuz it's way more fun than doing my actual work.
HOW: Because my mom's visiting, and taking care of the kids. P A R T Y !
Ok, so this guy...
"Batch" - Mixed Media on Wood
"Survival" - Mixed Media on Canvas
WHO: Me.
WHAT: Blogging when I should be using my time wisely and catching up on my work.
WHEN: Late Sunday night.
WHERE: Jeff's art studio.
WHY: 'Cuz it's way more fun than doing my actual work.
HOW: Because my mom's visiting, and taking care of the kids. P A R T Y !
Ok, so this guy...
Obviously I like him, but sometimes something happens that makes me think - yeah, I really like him.
You know how artist bios are these really brief little stale statements like...
I'm so-and-so and I've been painting for blah blah blah, in the style of _________. I trained at such-and-such, graduated in _______. I'm amazing and innovative and I won this and that...
No? You're not familiar? They're the lamest blurbs ever written and after reading them, I just want my 30 seconds back. They're the stale saltine cracker of bios.
Except this one, written by that craisin air-jumper up there recently:
STUDIOS ARTIST HIGHLIGHT
"Batch" - Mixed Media on Wood
"Survival" - Mixed Media on Canvas
Jeff Claassen
Jeff lives on strict diet of cereal and Thai iced tea with an occasional chocolate donut. Despite his poor dietary choices he has been pumping out colorfully bold paintings since before you had an email address and carried a phone in your pocket. His obsessive painting efforts have earned him the title "Best Artist In SLO County" by SLO New Times Readers for 2010-2013. These accolades haven't gotten to his head or inflated his ego. Just kidding, he totally thinks he's a rockstar. When not painting or making digital doodles on the iPad he can be found walking around town with his family taking way too many photos with his phone camera, riding his watermelon colored bicycle, or laying on his couch reading a book when he should be doing house chores like replacing the leaky skylight.
Isn't that refreshing? He's my favorite. :)
Friday, April 26, 2013
Guest Post: Ten Reasons Zach Braff And I Are The Same Person
Hello! I'm shirking the standard content, and sharing this post from Jeff. It made me laugh.
Also shamelessly plugging his project. Enjoy.
Ten Reasons Zach Braff And I Are The Same Person
If you haven’t figured this out on your own yet, I’ll just tell you. Zach Braff and I are the same person. The similarities are as uncanny as they are plentiful. Let me run down the list for you.
1. Zach was born in New Jersey. I was born in San Jose.
2. Zach is 38 years old. I’m 35.
3. Zach wrote, directed and acted in Garden State. I watched Garden State.
4. Zach was Punk’d by Ashton Kutcher when he caught a kid tagging his Porsche. I used to sell spray paint in my gallery.
5. Zach has worked with Natalie Portman and Method Man at the same time. I worked with a guy once that would clock in then just go home.
6. Zach has hosted Saturday Night Live. The last time I watched Saturday Night Live “live” was probably junior year in high school.
7. Zach was the star of a TV show called Scrubs. I was the star of my 8th grade play and I have no idea what the name of it was.
8. Zach has over 1 million Twitter followers. I follow close behind at just over 800.
9. Zach opened a restaurant in New York City called Mermaid Oyster Bar. I went to New York one time with my friend Ryan.
As you can see, the similarities are endless, but the fact that we are the same person couldn’t be more evident than now. And that brings us to number…
10. We both launched a Kickstarter campaign this month. He’s a writer/actor/director so his project is, obviously, to make a movie. I’m a painter so my project is, obviously, to make a painting.
I’m looking at this as a friendly competition among buddies.
27 days from now let’s tally up our funding to see who wins. Honestly, I think he has a chance to beat me, but this early in the game you never know what can happen. If you only back one project this month make it this one. Good luck, Zach.
See ya,
Jeff
1. Zach was born in New Jersey. I was born in San Jose.
2. Zach is 38 years old. I’m 35.
3. Zach wrote, directed and acted in Garden State. I watched Garden State.
4. Zach was Punk’d by Ashton Kutcher when he caught a kid tagging his Porsche. I used to sell spray paint in my gallery.
5. Zach has worked with Natalie Portman and Method Man at the same time. I worked with a guy once that would clock in then just go home.
6. Zach has hosted Saturday Night Live. The last time I watched Saturday Night Live “live” was probably junior year in high school.
7. Zach was the star of a TV show called Scrubs. I was the star of my 8th grade play and I have no idea what the name of it was.
8. Zach has over 1 million Twitter followers. I follow close behind at just over 800.
9. Zach opened a restaurant in New York City called Mermaid Oyster Bar. I went to New York one time with my friend Ryan.
As you can see, the similarities are endless, but the fact that we are the same person couldn’t be more evident than now. And that brings us to number…
10. We both launched a Kickstarter campaign this month. He’s a writer/actor/director so his project is, obviously, to make a movie. I’m a painter so my project is, obviously, to make a painting.
I’m looking at this as a friendly competition among buddies.
27 days from now let’s tally up our funding to see who wins. Honestly, I think he has a chance to beat me, but this early in the game you never know what can happen. If you only back one project this month make it this one. Good luck, Zach.
See ya,
Jeff
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Let's KICKSTART this thing!
Jeff launched his KICKSTARTER campaign today!
I can't even begin to tell you how much hard work and planning (and absurdly late nights) he's already put into this project. The idea is to piece together a giant painting, one little square at a time- like a puzzle! He's got 30 days to meet his funding goal to make this happen, and pledges start at just $1! In the end the final size of this painting will be determined by YOU. I love that! He's offering really fun rewards, including pieces of the puzzle and exclusive merchandise just for backers. Click here to check it out, and be sure to watch the video above for a quick overview of his PUZZLE PAINTING idea. He's already off to a great start, and I'm so excited to see HOW BIG THIS PAINTING WILL GET.
LET'S MAKE IT HUGE! :D
Monday, April 1, 2013
Jeff's feeding my pillow addiction...
I've already ordered the black + white one for our couch.
Which one would you pick?
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Friday, December 21, 2012
A Cute Little Christmas Show...
I'm SO excited about Jeff's little Christmas show tonight!!! I don't think we've hosted an art show in about a year and a half. Hmmm... is it a coincidence that we have an almost 18 month old?
ANYWAY, YES!!! ART SHOW!!! TONIGHT!!!
A lot of people have asked me what's up with the gallery since we officially closed for regular business hours, and the truth is- Jeff's a painter, not a retail clerk. When one began to outweigh the other, he simply shut the doors, got back to basics, and began to paint again. I'm so happy that he did, because he's much easier to live with when he's being true to himself (and his inner artsy fartsy-ness). No more shop hours- just painting full-time, keeping other galleries stocked with his work, private commissions, and online sales. Much better. But of course, a part of him misses the social aspect, and the stress of hosting events... so this little, low-key, show is perfect.
If you're around tonight, definitely come say hello, eat some cookies, enjoy some music, and take a peek at Jeffrey's latest work. Plus, it's officially too late to order anything online to get in time for Christmas, so if you need a gift- this is a really fun way to shop. He has both prints and originals in big and stocking stuffer sizes. I'm especially in love with his new sparkly pieces. Yes, S P A R K L E A R T. It's kind of amazing. He's also been experimenting with gold foil crowns on octopi, and marbled backgrounds. Please note: By "experimenting", I mean: 90% making huge messes, 10% making great artwork. ♥
Thursday, December 13, 2012
SLOmygosh Christmas List...
Yup, we're jumping on the gift-list bandwagon... 'Cos, why not?
And we've got a lot to talk about, so let's do this!
1. First of all, don't even talk to me about Christmas until the Candy Cane Joe-Joe's are out. Amiright?
These things are so coveted in our house- you have to smuggle the boxes in, hide them in drawers, and disperse them very carefully. Otherwise we'd be going through a box a day during the Holidays. And I KNOW we're not the only ones. Available locally at: Trader Joes, SLO $2.49
2. Did I say not to talk to me about Christmas until the Joe-Joe's are out? I meant until the sparkles abound. I'm talking glitter, sequin, tinsel, you name it... if it sparkles, I'm all over it. Hi, I'm a magpie. Nice to meet you. Sparkle Shine Bobbies, Ban.do $25
3. I'm equally excited about this West Elm/Confetti System collaboration! These are the only ornaments on our little tree this year, and it's like a party in my heart every time I look at them. Even better? You can open them up like mini-fit-in-your-hand piñatas and put gifts INSIDE! :)
Confetti System for West Elm, $6-12
4. Ok, so we missed Brave in the theatre... but finally got it on Netflix last month.
And you know what... this is one Netflix disc that just isn't gonna make it back. Our entire family loves it so much. Jeff has to remind us constantly that if he was a teenage cartoon boy, he'd totally go out with Merida. Yeah. ANYWAY... Highly recommend the movie, but next on our list is the soundtrack. We like it a lot. Available locally at: Boo Boo Records, $12
5. Ohhh, this skirt from Ruby Rose... Actually, I can't believe that I haven't already bought this one.
I think I've got a weird 50's full-skirt fetish. I just love the softy, worn-in cotton and muted prints. They're comfy, and lady-like. Not typically an easily achieved combo. The nipped-in waists are super slimming with little cardigans, and the full bottoms make them extra twirly. Yes, I totally still twirl.
Available locally at: Ruby Rose, $25
6. I love this magazine. Lately, when I find a quiet moment alone, this is who I like spending it with. Everything about it is calm, and inspiring, and 10 minutes of flipping through leaves me feeling totally re-charged. Available locally at: Ambiance, $18
7. We're not big drinkers over here, but my friends know that I won't turn down a glass of champagne (and Jeff won't turn down Kahlua). This fun shirt reminds me of silly champagne nights with this girl.
Lords of Liverpool tee, Urban Outfitters (on sale!) $25
8. I am such a sucker for hearts. And fluorescent pink. And petite romantic sentiments en Français .
Plus, I love the longer-than-usual length of this awesome pendant. Yellow Owl Workshop, $44
9. I know this isn't a Christmas-themed book, but can we please talk about how amazing Roald Dahl is? "Dahl read 749 creepy tales at the British Museum Library before selecting the 14 that comprise this anthology." "Dahl's taste, it will surprise no one, is impeccable," says the Washington Post.
Amazon, $11
10. Warm and cozy, and keeeeeyoot! Is it weird that this Circus lambswool hat by Donna Wilson reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesen West. Yes, I would like a little Taliesen on my noggin.
Available locally at: Brick House Goods (Formerly Atmodsphere)
10. Jeff will be the first to tell you that I'm his sassiest critic. But I'm also a big fan, and these are two of my favorite paintings of his. I love the goofy-toothed whale and the pretty little cherry blossom bird.
Yeah, I would toootally dress up my iPhone in these. Jeff Claassen iPhone cases, $35
11. You mean, I can dress up my wrist like a Bedouin pony? Um, YES! This gorgeous tassel bracelet is both dainty and ridiculous. That combination pretty much defines me.
Made in the Netherlands, available at: Leif, $52
16. Do I love mexican hot chocolate? DO I LOVE MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE?
Is the Pope Catholic? Does fairy dust make you fly?!
Linnaea's makes the best one in town. Promise. Linnaea's Cafe, $3-ish
12. I'm having a big love affair with black and white bedding. This simple wool blanket is exactly what I need to pull up over me on these chilly nights, when Jeff doesn't get to bed until 4am.
I love the clean, graphic element of this cozy throw. Cross blanket by Pia Wallen, $245
13. Baybuh, baybuh... uh.
Biggie Smalls by TeeTwice, $15.99
14. This book documents the fascinating career and mysterious dissent of 60/70's surf photographer, Ron Stoner. His innovative use of color and perspective helped propel the sport to an artform and forever changed the way it would be documented. Personally, I'm a huge fan of the way in which he used balloons in his work. Surprise, surprise... :) Plus, he scored a pretty great photo of my grandpa.
Available locally at: Barnes & Noble, $40
15. Make no mistake, this cool anatomical print lets the one you love know exactly where they stand.
You Are Here Print by Kyle & Courtney Harmon, $44
17. How cute are these two? Doesn't this remind you of Munro Leaf's Ferdinand?
One of my all-time favorite stories. Vintage Bull & Matador Figurines, $45
18. Aaaaaand last but definitely not least... my favorite place to over-indulge.
Novo gift card, any amount
Friday, November 23, 2012
JEFF'S CRAZY HALF OFF SALE!
As a thank you to all of you for your continued support I am offering HALF OFF on all items in my etsy shop. Yes, all items!
The shop was down to 99 items yesterday so I relisted a bunch of stuff and also added 18 totally brand new items that have never been seen before in the shop. Here is the newest of the newbies.
“King Octopi”
8″ x 8″ – limited edition print of 50, signed and numbered on the back.
$80, plus shipping
To order, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/115804803/print-king-octopi-8×8-limited-edition-of
King Octopi is my newest painting so I’m pretty stoked on it. The original is out of my hands and is available to purchase at Lumen Gallery.
Happy shopping!
- Jeff
Monday, November 5, 2012
Self Portrait Challenge...
Jeff had a fun idea over the weekend, to do self portraits. Because I'm a pill, and I often resist his ideas- just for the sake of resisting; my immediate response to this challenge was an emphatic "No". But I do like a challenge, and it's good to break out of our comfort zones and ruts sometimes- so here's what I came up with late Saturday night...
Elliott, Bruno, and I.
This was actually a great idea, Sahnzy. And fun too. I'm excited for next weekend's challenge.
♥
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Elliott Immortalized As Public Art...
Our little monster has been immortalized on San Luis Obispo property (legally)
by Stenzskull as part of the city’s “Box Art Project”.
I sent Stenzskull the above three photos as source material. His idea for his box was portraits of people confined within the parameters of the box. A baby seemed fitting. Especially ours since he has an obsession with crawling in boxes. He’ll even remove drawers from the dresser, drop them on the ground and then sit in it. Yeah, he’s a weirdo.
The finished product is so awesome! I’m tempted to say “epic”, which has become quite overused among the cool kids lately, so I’ll resist the temptation. Coral and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I mean, our son is painted on a freaking electrical box! It’s pretty sweet, if you ask me.
A huge thanks and shout out to our good friend and fellow artist, Stenzskull, for his amazing work. Thanks, homie!
If you want to see this in person the box is on the corner of Santa Rosa and Mill St in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Thanks for looking!
- Jeff
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
6 locals you should be following on instagram...
You know how much I love instagram, right? I love and follow instagramers from all over the world, but did you know that we've got some awesome instagram users with super fun, inspiring photos- right here in SLO? There are so many great accounts, but these are 6 local users I just can't get enough of. Here's who you need to be following right now! I mean, besides @SLOmygosh, of course...
Trust me, your feed will thank you. :)
who @MNKR_BRAND
what All things MNKR related. Day-to-day life of an upstart -gone big city.
where Arroyo Grande native/local t-shirt Co., both recent LA transplants.
why Inspiration shots, new design sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes of downtown LA.
who @jeffclaassen
what Local art hustler/blogger/dad. And yes, SLOmygosh better-half.
where SLO native, downtown dweller.
why Life as an artist, and family man. When your art is loud and your family is louder.
who @jasonxyouth
what Tattoo artist, straight edge, camera-obsessed, train-hopper.
where Vagabond-at-heart, frequent low-brow trips elsewhere, always finds his way back to SLO.
why Amazing talent, adventures you wish you were on, insects you wish you hadn't seen.
who @misocrafty
what Cloth-diapering, baby-wearing, super mom. Crafter, gardener, and the cook I aspire to be...
where SLO-county family, happy at home.
why Amazing meal ideas, craft inspiration (she MADE her baby carrier), + gratuitous cutie pie baby shots.
who @josepholesh
what Photographer, videographer, marketer-extraordinaire, wine and food enthusiast...
where From SLO, to DC and frequent travels between.
why Fascinating auto-shots (and I'm not even a car fan), and the coolest dog on instagram.
who @jorybrigham
what Life as a kick-ass furniture designer/brilliant wood-worker/goofball dad.
where Los Osos shenanigans.
why Hysterical kid-shots, family life, behind the scenes workshop'ing, drool-worthy product shots.
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