I'm cooking up new decks for this summer's skate sessions. The MONO Pagoda decks come in 7.5", 7.75" and 8.0" widths. Each deck is individually sprayed, signed and numbered and comes with griptape. Want one? hit me back with an email and $55 plus shipping or get on down to Fred Skates (604 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia). Of course, decks will soon be at the PONSHOP (916 LibertyStreet, Fredericksburg,Virginia) too...
"FRESH" Workshop: May 28, 2009
May 28, 2009: I gave a Street Art Workshop at the Torpedo Factory to wrap up the month's "FRESH" exhibition at the Target Gallery. Below is an account of how the afternoon's project went. After the workshop, I participated in a round table discussion with Cory Stowers of Words Beats & Life and fellow artist Marissa Botelho about contemporary graffiti.
9 Door panels were donated to the target gallery for the project - one side included this "Exploit" graffiti piece.
The other side of the doors were tagged up - this was to be our canvas...
Moments before the workshop began: Max and Jeff help keep things running smoothly...
The content of our collage was based on the life and legacy of civil rights hero Charles Houston - represented here in a 30"x40" cardboard stencil.
Students layered the existing panels using collage images and text and applying them with wheat paste.
As the panels filled with imagery, other students cut stencils.
6 Panels were taken outdoors to be hit up with spray paint and stencils.
I gave a brief demonstration on techniques and safety tips for using spray paint.
Students then took turns applying spray paint to their stencil designs.
After the panel discussion, participants were encouraged to tag the walls outside of the gallery.
The completed mural on display (click image to enlarge).
Some details (click image to enlarge).
Special thanks to the staff at the Target Gallery and Torpedo Factory. Thanks especially to the participating students for their enthusiasm and hard work. Scarlett and I also want to thank our PONSHOP crew - Jeff Gulick and Max Harvey for their help in assisting us that day.
Intro to Street Art: May 2009
Holly brought a lot to the table for her Intro to Street Art class: she loved to draw and doodle, had a good sense of humor, and was willing to try new things - specifically cutting stencils and using spray paint. Below are some snapshots from her classes. Good Job!
After doing some thumbnail sketches on paper, we took it to spraypaint and mocked up the background.
Holly made a large 48"x24" stencil of her name and applied it to the board.
She had the luxury of being able to paint her piece twice: the second time around she hit it with markers and sprayed the stencil again with highlights and shadows.
(Finger Painted)"FRESH" Exhibition and Upcoming Mural Event
The "FRESH" opening night was fun - we saw some great art at the Target Gallery and had a chance to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones. Below are some more snapshots from that night. I'm excited to announce that I'll be facilitating a mural workshop at the Torpedo Factory on Thursday, May 28. The schedule is as follows:
4-7pm: Gabriel Pons will give a workshop to participating high school students using Street Art techniques including paste-up collage and stencil. Students will use the inspiration of historic civil rights activist, Charles Houston, in this collective effort.
7-7:30pm: Panel Discussion - "The Art of the Tag" including panelists Marissa Botelho and Gabriel Pons.
7:30-7:45pm: Question and Answer session, refreshments to follow. Also, rumor has it that there will be some b-boy breakdancing going on that evening - let's hope it comes through.
"FRESH" runs through May 31st - check it out... For more information about this even, visit the Target Gallery at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, Virgina.
The Torpedo Factory has several galleries and lots o' art studios...
Scarlett and I made some new friends that evening...
The Sons of Batman
Cool formed glass skateboards - "Money Stack", Scott Darlington
My favorites: "AK47", Tara Dumm; "Lead Ballons", Andrew TurnerPONSHOP Summer Tees: MONO Octopus
The latest PONSHOP tees are for sale in the studio and at Fred Skates. The MONO Octo design is derived from the skateboard and canvas paintings that I did and we've finally brought them to the t-shirt! All shirts are professionally screened on American Apparel Tees. Check 'em out...
Girl's Octo Tees: Small, Medium, Large
Boy's Octo Tees: Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large
Get original artwork on a new summer t-shirt. Visit PONSHOP (916 Liberty Street) and pick one up for $20. Also avaible at Virginia's finest skateshop: Fred Skates (604 Caroline Street).
Want to buy them online? Hit me up with an email with quantity, style, and size and I'll mail them out to you. (Payment thru Paypal).
Intro to Street Art: April 2009
Painting, Spray Painting, Drawing and Cutting - when my students have an idea, I help them use anything it takes to achieve their vision. David's private workshop was no exception. In his series of classes, he had an opportunity to learn some of the fundamentals of making a mixed media piece. Nice Job David! See below for the progress pics....
Students are provided a 48"x24" masonite board that they then prime and begin painting.
David used a variety of spray paints to give his background more depth and interest.
He used an enlarged copy of his robot sketch for the foreground figure.
For a Current Schedule of all PONSHOP classes, Click Here.
Skate to Create: March 2009
Spring has sprung for the "Skate to Create" workshops at PONSHOP Studio. Every month we offer up all the materials, tools, and know-how for kids (and adults) to make their very own skateboard graphic. My most recent student took some of his notebook sketches and created a skateboard with his signature style.
For a current schedule of all PONSHOP classes (May-August), Click Here.
Practice makes perfect: Finn draws and cuts a test stencil to experiment with his colors before applying them on the deck. (click image to enlarge)
The finished product: His "PTB" lettering took 3 stencils and a background to complete - good job Finn!Coming Soon: MONO Octopus Tees
May 2009: We'll be dropping the new PONSHOP Summer T-shirts in early May! MONO Octo (Duo) tees for Boys and Girls will be available at the studio and your favorite local skateshop - Fred Skates. Stay Tuned...
Friends of LibertyTown: May 2009
"...Until the End of the World #2", Mixed Media on Wood, 16"x16"
Gabriel Pons and fellow LibertyTown Artists are participating in a group show to benefit LibertyTown Arts Workshop for the month of May. Below is the Announcement from LibertyTown, celebrating its sixth year this month. Pitch in and support your local art scene and walk home with a masterpiece!
The painting I've contributed (above) is the twin of one of my collage pieces I completed earlier this year. "...Until the End of the World #2" is created from old maps, newspapers from around the world and of course a series of stencil patterns I've meticulously been drawing/cutting over the past months (see also the t-shirt design available).
LibertyTown Patron's Show Announcement, May 2009
May 1- May 29
“LibertyTown Patrons’ Show:A Show To Benefit LibertyTown"
Recent work donated by LibertyTown, Local and Regional Artists
With the purchase of a ticket ($100) you will be able to select and go home with an artwork* (value ranges from $150 upwards) that is in the Patrons’ Show. Artwork includes 2-D and 3-D work donated by LibertyTown, Local and Regional Artists which will be on exhibit in the Main Gallery of LibertyTown all May.
* but not necessarily your first choice…keep reading!
As a ticket holder, you are invited to attend the BIG EVENT on May 29th beginning at 7pm, when our emcee for the evening will begin drawing ticket numbers. As your number is drawn, you are to select/announce the piece you would like. That means that you may not get your first choice… you may actually be the last ticket drawn… but all work in the show has been selected by a juror to ensure its value and quality.
That is why you are encouraged to fill out a “Wish List” of your favorite pieces in the show prior to MAY 29, so that when you come on May 29, you will be ready to select your piece when your number is drawn.
In addition, we will also have a raffle all May for the chance to “win” a ticket to the event! Raffle tickets will be on sale in the gallery for $5.
All funds will go to the running, growing and prospering of LibertyTown Arts Workshop! We thank you for your continued support!
Upcoming Show: "FRESH"
I'm excited to announce that one of my paintings will be part of a group show at the Target Gallery in May. "Fresh" An Exhibition of Urban Contemporary Art will include 29 paintings selected from a national/international pool of artists.
The Target Gallery is one of the feature exhibition spaces in the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, Virginia. I'll be heading up for the reception on May 14. Hope to see you there! - G
FRESH: An Exhibition of Urban Contemporary Art
May 6-31, 2009 Reception: May 14, 6-8pm Gallery Talk: 7pm
Target Gallery, 105 N. Union Street., Alexandria, VA 22314
April Painting: "Griffin Captial"
Below is the latest painting fresh from the PONSHOP studio. Many of my friends and students have seen the progress over the past weeks and it's finally done. Mythological creatures have been a running theme of my work as of late, and I can only attribute the inspiration to growing up with a Dungeons and Dragons role playing set and then (as a college student) seeing the historic sculptures from Rome and Greece. Why a Griffin? honestly, the painting slowly developed into that form one night and after doing some research, I found that the creature (being half lion and half eagle) symbolizes intelligence, strength, and beauty.
"Griffin Capital" is currently on exhibit at Art First Gallery for the month of April.
If interested in purchasing, simply contact me via the PONSHOP website.
"Griffin Capital", Mixed Media on Canvas, 24"x24" $600(click image to enlarge)
"Griffin Capital" (detail) (click image to enlarge)
Despite Sluggish Economy, Local Artist Flourishes
I made some crazy cash on moving this painting-like hundreds at a time and plenty of one dollar bills for scratch tickets...
"Don't Believe the Hype" was what a wise young man named Flavor Flav said back in 1988 and these days I think that still rings true today. Sure our economy is hitting rock bottom, but that doesn't mean that folks stopped investing in some killer artwork. Check out the pics of my man Nick on a recent purchase of a painting of mine. He was worried that his account would be stone-cold frozen once Bear Stearns took a dive, so he pulled it all out and bought himself a stimulus package of his own....like visual stimulus!
"Cash Rules Everything Around Me": one satisfied patron more than willing to throw down some dead presidents on a living artist.
2009 Sales Down? No way - in fact, during the last "First Friday" art opening I sold $36 in t-shirts alone - not bad for only working four hours. Later that week, my online shop on RedBubble netted me a cool $25 in my PayPal account. I made money and I wasn't even awake. It's that kind of entrepreneurial spirit that will have us living on easy street.
PONSHOP in the Press
One of the writers for "It!" magazine, a weekly teen feature in the Freelance Star, met with me several weeks ago to talk about the trajectory that Street Art and Graffiti have had over the past few years. With artists like Banksy and Shephard Fairy becoming household names, does that mean that the public will be more receptive to having their streets adorned by anonymous artists? Click Here for the full story.
Intro To Street Art: March 2009
Below are some pics of the most recent student work from the "Intro To Street Art" Workshop. I've been getting some really great kids who are motivated and excited about learning something new. For a current PONSHOP class schedule (April thru June) Click Here.
Sarah sketched up her piece on 8.5x11 paper first before hitting the board with both acrylic and spray paint.
Making lines and carving out fills is a fundamental of working with spray paint.
Sarah incorporated a stencil to create the sneaker/leg detail (above).
Kelly emulated one of her favorite Manga artists "Bleach" by making a silhouette of a character. Both text and graphic are achieved with paper stencils.
Even a seemingly straight forward shape has to be translated into a stencil design for a successful application: the paper must hold itself together to retain the desired pattern.
Winter/Spring 2009
Below are some photos of the boys over the last months. I'm sure we'll look back on these photos next year and reminisce on how they've grown...
Baby Cairo at 3-1/2 months 
Diego is now three years old and ready to take on (and defend) the universe...
Scarlett and Cairo (February 2009)
Don't sweat the technique (remote control to show scale)
Scarlett and Diego pose with the stone guardian at Lolo's House.
Dinosaurs are alive and well just south of Winchester, Virginia.
Mommy and Cairo, March 2009.New PONSHOP tees on RedBubble.com
Below are the latest t-shirt designs that I've put on my RedBubble Storefront. These designs are all derived from my latest paintings and can be found exclusively on RedBubble.com. Why aren't they in our "brick and mortar" shop? Because I'm able to design multi-colored graphics for wear without having to slave over silkscreen equipment for days on end. These designs are printed by RedBubble using a direct to garment color printer. I do the work designing them, you choose the shirt color and style, and RedBubble drops them on your doorstep.
"...Until The End of The World" Tee: Click Here to view shirt colors and sizes.
"MONO Octo (Duo)" Tee: Click Here to view shirt colors and sizes.
"Masks of Now" Tee: Click Here to view shirt colors and sizes.Latest Painting: "My Baby Wants to Rock and Roll #3"
Below is the most recent painting completed: "My Baby Wants to Rock and Roll #3." Many have seen and/or worn this graphic over the years, and I've always wanted to keep pushing it and explore some new aspects. I did this by building a wood panel and using collage (made from newspaper and magazine scraps as well as printed song lyrics). This led to some interesting conditions between the pattern and text in the background and the stenciled figure on top.
"My Baby Wants To Rock and Roll #3", Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 30"x30" SOLD (click image to enlarge)
"My Baby Wants To Rock and Roll #3" detailWinter Workshops: Skate to Create/Intro to Street Art
Bitter cold, strong winds, and darkness by 5:00 didn't stop my students from kicking out some creative designs this winter. Sure, there are challenges to spray painting outside in cold weather, but that's all part of it - adapt and overcome (and have some fun at it...)
Below are some snapshots from my "Skate to Create" and "Intro to Street Art" winter sessions. These guys worked hard and it shows in the finished product. Congratulations! and hopefully we'll see you again this spring....
Skate to Create: David's first skateboard is self-made. He drew and cut all is stencils and selected and sprayed his favorite colors (above and below). Click images to enlarge.
Intro to Street Art: (below) Brad had a 48"x24" board to attack with paint, spray paint, markers and paint pens. After learning the fundamentals of stencil-making, he went at it 110% - working non-stop until the end of the workshop. Good job Bradley, see you soon.
Josh (below) is a guitar rocker and took that energy to his board by carving up some letters with the fundamental outline and fill. He then made a two piece stencil to adorn the top of the "Kelly". Check his progress below...
February 2009: New Work
"...Until the End of the World", Mixed Media on Paper, 20"x20" $500
"Masks of Now", Mixed Media on Paper, 20"x20" $500
February, 2009: I've just finished two paintings that are on exhibit for the month of February at Art First Gallery in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The group show is titled "Transformations" and features new work from participating artists based around this theme.
Commissioned Work
"Live For Me and I Will Live For You", Mixed Media on Paper, 36"x28" 2008I'm currently taking on private commission work for individuals who are looking for a painting with a personal touch. The piece above was completed last month for a family's Christmas gift. "Live For Me..." incorporates a number of items from the client's family album - from photos to memorabilia to song lyrics. This type of commission is always a great challenge for me since I'm using someone's most treasured and personal items to narrate a story about their lives.
"Live For Me and I Will Live For You", (Detail)
If interested in commissioning Gabriel Pons for a painting, mural or other creative project, contact me via my website.