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Korean artist In Sook Kim has a tantalizing fascination with what goes on behind glass doors. Kim, who considers herself to be an artist of imagery “for whom photography is only one of several mediums,” stages psychological settings based on newspaper articles about people and the ways they cope with isolation.

Kim’s work evolves through three variables; computer-enhanced data, extravagantly theatrical settings, and Kim’s own delicate examination of what some have dubbed a “demonic” revision of the female form.

After developing the photographs for her narratives, Kim pushes the envelope a little more as she digitally places her rooms into the windows of modern, high-rise buildings, making her fictions seem more like realities.

As a self-described visual artist, Kim has a great emotional passion and capacity for seeing. In fact, the act of seeing is her gift. “I don’t interpret or criticize, I see,” she notes of her consuming observations. The best part of Kim’s work is the authenticity that she views seeing as feeling. She somehow sees how individuals make themselves endure and stalk loneliness as they quietly survey the social distance perimeters of eroticism.

Kim’s most recent and thought-provoking efforts include collections entitled; Inside Out, Drugstore, Saturday Night, and Muses.

As a master’s class student for the renowned photographer Thomas Ruff, Kim concluded her conceptual series-and-study entitled Muses, a subtle and provoking work on the female expression as an inspirational machine.

In Drugstore, Kim takes the 20 most dangerous drugs listed in a British study and constructs visual metaphors for each of them. Kim’s work is a psychological challenge for the brain and amusement for the eyes. Heroin, number one on the list, is portrayed by a beautiful woman lying nude across a bed. Admiring herself in a mirror reflection, the woman catches a glimpse of a thinner, more attractive persona, in this way her sense of self is likened to the intoxicating drug. For Cocaine, number two on the list, Kim fashioned an outdoor city setting of a Cologne shop. Passers-by are seen being lured into the store by women who pose erotically in the storefront. Kim parallels cocaine’s addictiveness to that of sexual commercialism.

Kim communicates a world in which people appear as the roles they play and not necessarily as the people they truly are. Kim creates a cycle of voyeurism. In the viewing process, her human subjects become both the seen and the seers.

What we as the audience see clearest, however, is the artist’s playful selectivity. Her eye for preference is what makes each photograph simple, yet complex at the same time.

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Your walls are blank. You’re afraid to hang something you won’t like and can’t afford to buy artwork since you’re still trying to cover the basics — like food and rent.

Creating art is a great way to add some character to your walls and the best part is it doesn’t cost a fortune.

Blank Canvas. This doesn’t have to be a typical canvas. You can use anything — from watercolor paper to large pieces of cardboard or even wood. Scout your local thrift store for artwork that can be painted over or changed.

Art Supplies. Check around your house. Maybe you’ve kept a photo of some fabulous Louboutins or stored heaps of inspirational images. Broken things also are great for artwork.

• Ask your family if they’ve kept any old magazines or books. Ads from vintage magazines are often so graphic and well designed that they can be framed and used as artwork.

•Go thrifting. Amazing books, magazines, photos and ephemera (like a Los Angeles Police Department list of stolen and wanted automobiles from 1948) can often be uncovered at your favorite thrift store. Foundelements.com and eBay also are great sources. You can buy some really cool vintage items like poker chips, old love letters and typewriter keys.

• Go to the art supply store after you’ve exhausted all of your resources. Many art stores give students discounts, so make sure and bring your student ID. If you’re going to collage, you should get some acrylic gel medium. You also can use the medium to seal your collage when you’re done.

Creating the Art

• One of the easiest ways to create art is by constructing a collage. It’s all about mixing and matching different items and materials. There is no right way to do it.  The hardest part of collage is being open. Just put things where they feel right. Maybe add a touch of acrylic paint here and there.

• The look of dripped black ink on watercolor paper creates a cool effect. It’s super easy and you can create a masterpiece in a matter of minutes. Gently wet some watercolor paper by brushing on a light coat of water. Than take the India ink and drip or splatter it on the paper. The ink runs in unexpected places to make a wonderful abstract piece.

Frame Job

• Framing can be very expensive. Look around for local framers, as often times they’ll give you a better deal than the big chains. Canvases don’t need to be framed. They can go on the wall as-is.

Hung Up

• Buy some inexpensive picture hangers at the hardware store.

• Use a level to make sure the piece hangs straight on the wall. If you don’t have a level, have a friend stand at the back of the room to tell you when it’s straight.

The final step — sit back, relax and admire your artistic handiwork.

collage by migraine chick

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Unfortunately decorating your house or apartment can be quite expensive. Here are some ways to add a little flair to your living space — without draining your bank account.

Give your couch the slip. Buy a slipcover for that sofa you’ve had for ten years. Purchasing a new couch can cost upwards of $1500 and reupholstering can run around $800. Uncover great slipcovers at HomeGoods and Tuesday Morning stores. Just make sure to measure the sofa before buying a slipcover because they come in different sizes.

Go green. Plants add so much to a room, but can be a big responsibility. Orchids are beautiful, but extremely fragile. Larger plants or small trees can add shade to your home and naturally lower the temperature. If you don’t exactly have a green thumb, don’t worry — there’s always succulents (which look cool and don’t require much water or care). Spring for fresh flowers whenever you have the chance. Lovely blooms in a glass vase can totally change the feeling of a room.

Pick a wall. Paint, wallpaper and artwork can be expensive. Put the focus on only one wall and make it absolutely spectacular. Look around your place and find the wall you’d like to use. The wall across from the front door is a good choice because it’s the first thing you see when entering. Would a simple paint color improve the mood of the room? How about some wallpaper for a funky edge? Perhaps some cool art work would make the room more alive. (Attention renters — make sure your plan is approved by your landlord before you start.)

• Paint is relatively inexpensive, and you can complete this project by yourself. Be sure and invest in some painter’s tape and drop cloths (painting can be messy). Psychologically, different colors make people feel different ways. For example, red is associated with stimulation and increases appetite (that’s why red is used in restaurants so much). Grey is often used in offices to promote creativity. (Check out this Wikipedia article for more color decoding.)
• If you’d like to spruce up your place by adding some cool wallpaper, there are a few great options out there. Wallpapering is extremely difficult — even on just one wall. Sherwin Williams’ Easy Change Wallpaper or Tempaper designs are both marketed as removable. Multiply the width by the height of the wall to get the square feet needed to cover the space. If this sounds like too much work than try wall decals. They’re basically huge removable stickers for your wall. Find a great selection at Whatisblick.com.
• Art is one of the best ways to decorate a wall. Arrange a bunch of framed art, photographs, posters and mementos on a wall to create a larger piece of art — like a collage. If this feels too unorganized for you, hang items on the wall that are all the same color. But above all, be creative!

photos from endless design and domino mag

art, couch, decor, decorate, design, homegoods, paint, sherwin williams, slipcover, tempaper, tuesday morning, wall decal Hide

Nestled in a residential neighborhood of Sherman Oaks, CA is the newest community gem. Celebrating its one-year anniversary, M Street Coffee is already teeming with a devoted clientele. Even in a reclining economy, business owner Andrea McClain confides that the New Year is already off to a great start.

So what’s the secret? How did a 31-year-old harp player from Indiana manage to get it so right? First and foremost, she’ll admit it’s a commitment to a quality product. Offering organic fare, they also feature an exclusive custom roast of organic Indonesian and South American Beans, roasted in the nearby North Hollywood neighborhood. Dedicated to making incredible coffee it’s not unusual to catch even a Starbucks employee grabbing a cup before they head off to work.

But it’s something almost intangible that permeates from this tiny corner location. There’s a real community blossoming in this sunny café as the manager behind the counter chats with every customer and McClain interrupts our interview to greet a regular.

It probably has to do with McClain spending her childhood in a small town of less than 20,000 people. Realizing that community and business are inseparable, she has defined her space as being more than just a profit-turner. Like your favorite transformer that you secretly stole from your brother, this café morphs into many identities. Part art gallery, concert venue, and town hall, there’s a little something for everyone. Plus McClain isn’t afraid to give back either, offering her space for fundraisers such as children’s organizations, animal shelters, and a Save Darfur Charity art sale.

And don’t be worried; she doesn’t leave out Mother Earth. Doing her best to keep the shop eco-friendly, McClain has a strong recycling program, not to mention biodegradable cups and recycled paper sleeves.

Despite being the sole owner of M Street Coffee and performing every duty personally, including website design, book keeping, coffee brewing, and coordinating all the community events, Andrea is quick to admit, “It really takes a good team.” It takes all her employees to truly embrace what could be overlooked as a ‘simple’ vision of “Be[ing] a bright spot in someone’s day and to serve a great cup of coffee.”

Andrea McClain offers hope that small businesses can survive even as mega-corporations come crashing down all around us. It takes more than fancy business degrees and stock portfolios. By remaining true to herself and focusing her energies on promoting the things she loves instead of just the bottom line, Andrea has created an atmosphere that is both welcoming and familiar. As I look around and every table is occupied, including the patio tables outside, I guess she’s proof that “If you build it, they will come.”

Check her out at www.mstreetcoffee.com

photos courtesy of andrea mcclain

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Movie outings, romantic dinners, and weekend getaways—being in a relationship can get expensive! Traditional dates are fun but they lack creativity and certainly aren’t easy on the bank account. In a time when the economy blows, it’s becoming necessary to start thinking outside the box. Just because you’re low on the dough doesn’t mean the party has to stop. Spice up the relationship by trying one of these great date alternatives.

Get Sporty
Hit the pavement and challenge your partner to some physical activity. Take a break from the gym and spend some one-on-one time getting fit. If you live near the beach, cruise on bikes, rollerblade or even take up kayaking. No beach? Hit the hills. Another outdoor activity great for couples is hiking. Sports are a great way to try something new together, and get a great workout at the same time.

No Reservations Necessary
Instead of fine dining, explore the great outdoors and have a picnic! Grab an old blanket and head to the park or beach. There’s nothing more fun then being outside, enjoying the weather and sharing a meal with the one you love. Be resourceful and look in your kitchen for yummy food to bring to the picnic. Don’t forget to bring board games or a beach ball and of course a camera to capture all the fun memories.

Think Red
Don’t want to spend all your money at the cinema? Then make it a Red Box night. Head to your local Red Box location and rent a DVD for ONLY $1. Enjoy a Red Box movie rental with some red wine. Try the “Two Buck Chuck” (Charles Shaw wine) from Trader Joe’s. You could even do a “red box squared” night, and get a box of red wine if you’re really low on funds. Stay home, get comfy and think red. After all, it is the color of love.

Art Appreciation
Museum visits are culturally stimulating and offer some intimate time to observe and analyze together. Many museums offer events, lectures, exhibits and special events. Be sure to look out for reduced tickets, free admission hours, and Art in Dark nights (art, music, food, and wine) for a low cost.

View from the Top
Stargazing, sunrises, and sunsets are not only beautiful but free. Don’t be embarrassed to grab some fast-food and head to the rooftop of a building or drive to the top level of a parking structure. This is a great place to appreciate city lights, architecture, and a natural setting. Plus, it’s romantic!

These inexpensive date ideas are simple and may be more memorable than splurging on a costly dinner at a fancy restaurant. Take advantage of free events, performances, happy hours, and special offers in your community. Start using the USPS and mail a love letter or cute note to your significant other. Technology is convenient but letters are always tangible and of course, wonderful keepsakes.

photo by tom kulbowski

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Artist Aaron Johnson offers a scintillating and titillating peephole into the filthy love affair of church and state with his latest show, Star Crossed, at the Stefan Stux Gallery in New York City. Frustrated by the challenge of making a direct statement through the subtleties of his previous artwork, he set out to boldly proclaim his dissatisfaction with the current political climate.

Johnson’s aim is true as he spears the heart of the traditional American myth, revealing gritty undertones of secret political lust. Startling and disturbing in content, yet strangely appealing with bright colors and plastic-y sheen, his work effects like a moth to a flame. It’s nearly impossible to tear your eyes away from the shocking images of a bloody and vindictive Christ brutally defiling an eager Lady Liberty, a clownish Uncle Sam parading on his hog-tied camel, or a demonic yet haloed George W. seasoning his ghoulish dinner with the Crucifix and the Statue of Liberty.

It takes a moment for the viewer’s eyes to manage to focus on the most controversial element of all: each of these images is clinging to an actual American Flag stretched as its canvas. This brings us to the heart of this provocative exhibit, the very fabric of which it is made. To some, defiling a flag is an inexcusable act, but as an icon in the greater world around us it has come to represent a shameful savagery wreaked clumsily by President Bush, a man who claims to be led by God. Johnson merely turns on the floodlights, exposing the stains, the flaws weaving in and out of the conscious and unconscious American identity.

A surprisingly poignant undertow pulls beneath the glaring accusations, a longing for the mythical promise of “truth, justice, and the American way” meaning something honest and pure. Appropriately timed before the most highly anticipated presidential election, I wonder if patriotism is anything more than a buzzword on a soapbox. Is it merely a waking dream, ethereal and intangible, a trick of smoke and mirrors? Or is everyone who is born on American soil, under so many stars and stripes, a patriot by default? And each American a canvas whose opinions, beliefs, triumphs and failures all splatter across our collective union, swirling and bleeding together until the original is obliterated? Perhaps the real melting pot is not a melting pot at all, but rather more like Johnson’s abstract pieces: a dynamic explosion of life’s fluids resulting in a metaphoric Big Bang that leaves us like so much flotsam waiting to reform into something new and wonderful.

As I ponder this, it becomes clear that though the title of the show Star Crossed, is less about an affair between church and state and more about the meaning of the physical stars and stripes. Referencing Romeo and Juliet, the star-crossed lovers could very well be the American people and their motherland; doomed to be separated by the greed of corporate lobbyists and overreaching politicians. With our current status and history it would certainly be easier to drink the poison and put America out of her misery, laying her out with a lover’s kiss.  However, the sins of our fathers will not be so easily eradicated. We must boldly look into the eye of our gluttony and obscenity and choose to change. Our nation is lucky to have artists like Aaron Johnson, who illuminate such notions and challenge popular believe.

Check out Aaron Johnson and his revolutionary technique “reverse-painted acrylic polymer peel painting” at www.aaronjohnsonart.com

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Down 7th Avenue in Greenwich Village, nestled between trendy boutiques and French cafes stands The Village Pet Store and Grill. Once you look past the unassuming storefront and the glare coming off the windows you realize it is not your average pet shop. You see that Mother Hen is nurturing a brood of Chicken McNuggets who tenderly nurse from a BBQ packet. Beside her is a lovely rabbit trying a new look with lipstick and eye shadow. Most disturbingly, above them hangs a dilapidated diner board advertising cheap meat.

After walking inside and wandering through the aisles packed with more strange creatures (including fish sticks that merrily swim in their bowl and hotdogs basking under warming lights) I had to ask myself, who is this artist?

Nowhere is his name published or written, but thanks to my art savvy brother I learned that his name is Banksy. Starting his career at the tender age of 18 in the UK in the 1980’s, he is best known for his graffiti art. Covertly, in the dead of night, he ran out and stenciled streets and blank walls in an effort to reclaim critical thinking for the masses.  His are not the gang tags and trashy scribblings of an amateur. Banksy’s stencils are complex and layered images, such as two police officers kissing, Mona Lisa with a rocket launcher, and a starving African child wearing a Burger King crown.

To the average eye, or maybe to your parents’ eyes, his art is simple anarchy and destructive behavior. If you allow yourself to look past the illegal nature of his work though, a different message immerges. Think of how often we are bombarded with advertisements on buses, billboards, and television. We are constantly told what to buy and what to think, all toward the profit of consumerism. Banksy wants to know why these companies are allowed to shout at us, but we are never allowed to answer back.

The Village Pet Store and Grill is Banksy’s first installation and brings his work to a whole new level. Using mechanical moving parts his meat pets are disturbingly brought to life. Inside, the onlooker is completely immersed into a new and different world that doesn’t feel as strange as he or she thinks. As far as most of us are concerned, our chicken McNuggets might as well hatch out of eggs, due to lack of education we have regarding the processes of our food. We want to believe that nuggets are born pre-breaded and that rabbits enjoy testing makeup. We believe this because advertisers don’t want us to have scary bad thoughts about the way we treat our animal friends.

The subtext beneath all of Banksy’s work, beyond hotdogs and fish sticks, is a call to the next generations, saying, “Open your eyes; think critically.” We subconsciously buy into gimmicks everyday. Our brains grow weary of questioning the slogans and jingles that are being endlessly pumped into our heads.  Banksy’s art asks us to take one step back and imagine a world that doesn’t value consumerism but rather profits above peace, love and justice.

#89 Seventh Ave. S.
Greenwich Village, New York
Open 10am – 12pm daily until October 31st
Visit his work year round at: www.banksy.co.uk

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