December and Paper Trail

Join us Friday, December 3 as we wind down a year of great art and friends!

Opening Friday, December 3, 6-10pm

December 3, 2010 – January 31, 2011

Happy is pleased to present the December edition of Paper Trail. For the fourth offering of Paper Trail we welcome artists Edith Abeyta, Chelsea Dean, Jaime Ursic and Jim Zver to our highly successful revolving group show of artists’ works on paper.

Paper Trail launched in September and features small works on paper by leading artists working in Los Angeles and beyond. A revolving and continuous show, Paper Trail presents new and exciting artists each month. The artists, in turn, have been invited to explore and exploit the medium of paper, giving viewers an opportunity to acquire good work by established artists at reasonable prices. Works are available for immediate purchase. We want to encourage a constant stream of art viewing, appreciation and consumption, inviting to both new and savvy collectors.

With over 30 established artists and over 100 works available, viewers are taking advantage of this little secret tucked away in Los Feliz - Art makes a perfect gift for the holiday season. Join us on December 3, meet the artists in Paper Trail and start your very own collection!

December Artists:
Edith Abeyta, Chelsea Dean, Jaime Ursic and Jim Zver

Current Paper Trail Artists:
Sophia Allison, Susan Arena, Justina Blakeney, Michael Blasi, Rochelle Botello, Matthew Causey, Kris Chatterson, Amanda Church, Audra Graziano, Corrie Gregory, Autumn Harrison, Amparo Jelsma, Aragna Ker, Elisabeth Kley, Joshua Levine, Li 'n Lee, Jay Lizo, Amy Maloof, Brigid Mason, Robert McCormack, Peter Owen, Sandy Rodriguez, Yong Sin, Carl Smith, Amanda Tan, Devon Tsuno, Kim Tucker, Laura Sharp Wilson and Penny Young.

happy
4675 hollywood blvd.
los angeles, ca 90027
323 661 2200
hours: sun-fri 12-6pm, sat. 11-7pm (closed Tuesdays)

Happy's Turning Two!

Join us Friday, Nov. 5 as Happy turns two. We'll also be welcoming new artists to Paper Trail and there'll be treats from Cake Pop LA. You say you can't look at art and eat delicious cake pops without wine and really nice people? We'll have those too! See you next Friday.



Opening Friday, November 5, 6-10pm

Nov. 5 – Nov. 30, 2010

Happy is pleased to present the November edition of Paper Trail. For the third offering of Paper Trail we welcome artists Amanda Church, Amparo Jelsma, Carl Smith and Devon Tsuno to our highly successful revolving group show of artists’ works on paper.

Paper Trail launched in September and features small works on paper by leading artists working in Los Angeles and beyond. A revolving and continuous show, Paper Trail presents new and exciting artists each month. The artists, in turn, have been invited to explore and exploit the medium of paper, giving viewers an opportunity to acquire good work by established artists at reasonable prices. Works are available for immediate purchase. We want to encourage a constant stream of art viewing, appreciation and consumption, inviting to both new and savvy collectors.



November Artists:

Amanda Church, Amparo Jelsma, Carl Smith and Devon Tsuno

Current Paper Trail Artists:

Sophia Allison, Susan Arena, Justina Blakeney, Michael Blasi, Rochelle Botello, Matthew Causey, Kris Chatterson, Audra Graziano, Corrie Gregory, Autumn Harrison, Aragna Ker, Elisabeth Kley, Joshua Levine, Li 'n Lee, Jay Lizo, Amy Maloof, Brigid Mason, Robert McCormack, Peter Owen, Sandy Rodriguez, Yong Sin, Amanda Tan, Kim Tucker, Laura Sharp Wilson and Penny Young.

Paper Trail Artist Spotlight: Kim Tucker

Artwork (or artist)that changed your life and why?

A Red Groom's show that blew my mind as a kid, Dolly Parton's glittery homespun perfection as a young adult, Claude Bell's Cabazon dinosaurs and Knott's Berry Farm floozies. John Ehn's Trapper's Lodge, THE BEST!

When did you first know you wanted to be an artist?

I guess I always did but I still struggle with it.

What do you like about making art in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a great place to make art, anything goes!

What do you dislike about making art in Los Angeles?

Difficulty finding good studio space.



Favorite book, film and food?

Book- Alcoa's Book of Decorations (1959 decorate your home with tin foil.)

Film- Paint Your Wagon

Food- Corn tortillas!



Favorite website?

I don't look at the Internet enough to have one...




Best art advice?

Keep making art and stay connected.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kim Tucker studied ceramic sculpture under the direction of Viola Frey and Arthur Gonzalez at the California College of Arts and Crafts, graduating with a B.F.A. Kim then went on to receive her M.F.A under the guidance of M.J. Bole from The Ohio State University. Kim is currently the teaching ceramics at Mount St. Mary’s College here in Los Angeles.

She will have a solo show of her work at L2 Kontemporary Gallery in Los Angeles in May of 2011. Kim's drawings can be seen in Paper Trail at Happy. Come by and see what she created especially for us!

November Means More Paper Trail and Our 2nd Anniversary!

November Paper Trail and Happy’s Second Anniversary!

Opening Friday, November 5, 6-10pm

Nov. 5 – Nov. 30, 2010

Happy is pleased to present the November edition of Paper Trail. For the third offering of Paper Trail we welcome artists Amanda Church, Amparo Jelsma, Carl Smith and Devon Tsuno to our highly successful revolving group show of artists’ works on paper.

Paper Trail launched in September and features small works on paper by leading artists working in Los Angeles and beyond. A revolving and continuous show, Paper Trail presents new and exciting artists each month. The artists, in turn, have been invited to explore and exploit the medium of paper, giving viewers an opportunity to acquire good work by established artists at reasonable prices. Works are available for immediate purchase. We want to encourage a constant stream of art viewing, appreciation and consumption, inviting to both new and savvy collectors.

In addition, on November 5, Happy will be celebrating its second anniversary. Located in Los Feliz, Happy stocks well designed home and lifestyle accessories and houses the Paper Trail gallery. Happy combines gift, garden and gallery to create a unique space, full of inspired gifts and thoughtful embellishments. Join owner Heather Arndt and the Happy family of local friends, craftspeople and artists for a night of food, art and fun.

November Artists:

Amanda Church, Amparo Jelsma, Carl Smith and Devon Tsuno

Current Paper Trail Artists:
Sophia Allison, Susan Arena, Justina Blakeney, Michael Blasi, Rochelle Botello, Matthew Causey, Kris Chatterson, Audra Graziano, Corrie Gregory, Autumn Harrison, Aragna Ker, Elisabeth Kley, Joshua Levine, Li 'n Lee, Jay Lizo, Amy Maloof, Brigid Mason, Robert McCormack, Peter Owen, Sandy Rodriguez, Yong Sin, Amanda Tan, Kim Tucker, Laura Sharp Wilson and Penny Young.

See you there!

Paper Trail Artist Spotlight: Kris Chatterson

Kris Chatterson was born in Orlando, FL. and currently lives and works in New York City. He received his BFA from the Ringling School of Art and Design and his MFA from Claremont Graduate University.

Happy: Artwork (or artist ) that changed your life and why?

Chatterson: Leslie Lerner changed my life. He was my painting teacher during my undergraduate years. He had more faith in me as a painter than I did at the start. He seemed to know things about my development as an artist that I would only come to understand later. I had the feeling that he trusted me to follow my intuition, which gave me the confidence to explore all sorts of crazy directions.



Happy: When did you first know you wanted to be an artist?

Chatterson: I'm not sure I ever wanted to be an artist, I think I always was one. There is nothing else I could do with my life. In many ways, art saved me. There was a moment in my life when I knew that it was what I needed to do. In high school, I was directionless, and so I ended up causing trouble. That often landed me in the administrator's office. During my senior year, I landed in in-school suspension. At that time, my first class of the day was painting, so my friends went to the teacher to get my painting and materials so that I could "work" on my assignment. I spent the whole day quiet as a mouse, focused on my work. When I ran out of color they would send someone to reload my palette. It was like having an assistant! I had never painted for such a long stretch, that being the whole day, and I loved it. Once I found out about art school it was all over. I was going and that was all there was to it. So here I am.

Happy: What do you like about making art in Los Angeles (and/or NYC!)?

Chatterson: I loved the isolation of working in LA. It was at a time in my life where I needed to face myself to see what I was made of. Working in NYC is great because there is so much to see and do. People in New York are also more curious about art and will go out of their way to see it.

Happy: What do you dislike about making art in Los Angeles (and/or NYC!)?

Chatterson: LA can some times be too relaxed. Getting people over can be like pulling teeth. There is a part of New York that is very competitive. I see a lot of people using each other to improve their career. I find it rather silly and outdated.

Happy: Favorite book, film and food?

Chatterson: Book- "Our Ecstatic Days" by Steve Erickson. Film- "Blade Runner" directed by Ridley Scott. Food- Carrie's enchiladas.

Happy: Favorite website?

Chatterson: Facebook, I love it, I'm always on it.

Happy: Best art advice?

Chatterson: An artist's career is a marathon not a sprint. Work hard, take your time to develop, and be patient. Be nice.

For more info on Kris check out his website, www.kchatterson.com , or stop by Happy to see his sumptuous drawings in person!

October Paper Trail hosted by Scoops Ice Cream!

Opening Friday, October 1, 6-10pm

October 1 – October 31, 2010

Happy is pleased to present the October edition of Paper Trail. For our second offering of Paper Trail we welcome Los Angeles artists Matthew Causey, Brigid Mason and Yong Sin to our curated, revolving group show of artists’ works on paper



Paper Trail launched in September and features small works on paper by leading artists working in Los Angeles and beyond. A revolving and continuous show, Paper Trail presents new and exciting artists each month. The artists, in turn, have been invited to explore and exploit the medium of paper, giving viewers an opportunity to acquire good work by established artists at reasonable prices. Works are available for immediate purchase. We want to encourage a constant stream of art viewing, appreciation and consumption, inviting to both new and savvy collectors.

In addition, on October 1, Happy will be celebrating with its annual Scoops Ice Cream night. Wonderful flavors will be on-hand for all to enjoy, courtesy of Tai Kim and Scoops. Come by early ‘cause Scoops goes fast!




October Artists:
Matthew Causey
Brigid Mason
Yong Sin

Current Paper Trail Artists:
Sophia Allison, Susan Arena, Justina Blakeney, Michael Blasi, Rochelle Botello,
Kris Chatterson, Audra Graziano, Corrie Gregory, Autumn Harrison, Aragna Ker, Elisabeth Kley, Joshua Levine, Li 'n Lee, Jay Lizo, Amy Maloof, Robert McCormack, Peter Owen, Sandy Rodriguez, Amanda Tan, Kim Tucker, Laura Sharp Wilson and Penny Young.

Paper Trail Now On View!

Paper Trail opened with a great crowd of artists, art lovers and fans of Happy on Friday night. Come by and see for yourself what the fuss was all about!


(brand x magazine)

Paper Trail Opens Friday September 3

Paper Trail at Happy

a curated, revolving group show of artists’ works on paper

Opening Friday, September 3, 6-10pm

We are delighted to present Paper Trail at Happy. Paper Trail will launch on September 3, featuring small works on paper by leading artists working in Los Angeles and beyond. A revolving and continuous show, Paper Trail will present new and exciting artists each month. The artists, in turn, have been invited to explore and exploit the medium of paper for Paper Trail, giving viewers an opportunity to acquire good work by established artists at reasonable prices. Works are available for immediate purchase. We want to encourage a constant stream of art viewing, appreciation and consumption, inviting to both new and savvy collectors.

Paper Trail is housed in Happy’s new mezzanine gallery. The past year of shows has garnered much interest and press and we hope to continue to bring new artists, projects and events to the Los Feliz area. We are thrilled to have been able to work with so many talented and generous people. Curators Paul Evans and Heather Arndt invite you to join them for a great season of art and friends at Happy.

September artists:

Sophia Allison, Susan Arena, Justina Blakeney, Michael Blasi, Rochelle Botello, Kris Chatterson, Audra Graziano, Corrie Gregory, Autumn Harrison, Aragna Ker, Elisabeth Kley, Joshua Levine, Li 'n Lee, Jay Lizo, Amy Maloof, Robert McCormack, Peter Owen, Sandy Rodriguez, Amanda Tan, Kim Tucker, Laura Sharp Wilson and Penny Young.

See you at Paper Trail!

happy
4675 hollywood blvd.
los angeles, ca 90027
323 661 2200

coming soon...

JAC VANEK IN STORE SEPT 10th!

Los Feliz Summer Fair Sat. July 31, 2-9pm

Saturday, July 31 from 2:00 – 9:00pm

The local businesses on Vermont, Hillhurst and Hollywood are celebrating summer with specials and discounts! Come see the best Los Feliz has to offer - we’ll have the welcome mat out with amazing 30-70% discount specials, strolling musicians, face painting, live entertainment & music and a scavenger hunt. Enjoy your favorite hang-outs and get to know our new businesses!



Pick up a comprehensive map of participating members & planned events on our complimentary transports. Free transportation throughout the Village provided. Stops will be posted throughout the Village. Get a chance to win a 3G IPAD! $1 raffle tickets will be available at several locations throughout the Village. Proceeds to benefit the Barnsdall Art Center.

Join the fun, relive the good times and come celebrate at the Los Feliz Village Summer Fair. Questions or to participate in the fun, call our info-line at (818) 669-2618. www.losfeliz.biz

This is also the final day for Karen Frimkess Wolff and Carlos Ulloa's exhibitions. The response to their work has been overwhelming and we hope you'll stop by and see for yourself.

Lots of new projects coming up at Happy. Check back on information for our September exhibition, Paper Trail, and specials happening in the showroom. We look forward to seeing you.

Meet the Artist: Carlos Ulloa

Artwork (or artist ) that changed your life and why?
Well, there are the popular influences such as David Smith and his Medals of Dishonor and H.C. Westermann and his Death Ships. At some point, discovering their works changed my perspective, hurling me off in new directions. But the foundation of my work is built on the work ethic, research and craftsmanship of my mentor, Steve Linn. I worked for Steve in NYC during the late '80s. He opened my eyes and my heart to the obsession required to be an artist. More recently, while obtaining my MFA, I discovered the shared responsibility of every artist to be a critical thinker and conscious creator. I was nourished by the dedication and awareness from every staff member at Vermont College. Finally, two local LA artists, Eder Cetina and L. Crotsky, have been holding my feet to the fire. There frankness and encouragement tests me to create to my fullest potential.



When did you first know you wanted to be an artist?
When I got back to Miami from NYC I toyed with the idea of getting an MBA. I applied to a few top caliber universities. I actually got accepted to a very prestigious MBA program at Northeastern University. It was the “safe” gateway to monetary success which I just couldn’t choose over my love for creating. Since then making art has been an unbending way of life.

What do you like about making art in Los Angeles?
LA has dared me to introduce vibrant color and playfulness into my work. It has also forced me to think of new ways to get my work out to the public (i.e. ARTStrike and installations)

What do you dislike about making art in Los Angeles?:
The sense of entitlement and egocentrism that seems to dominate the behavior of its inhabitants, including many of its artists. It's crazy but the City of Angels seems to have the motto, “what can I get from my brother?" instead of "what can I share with my brother?”.

Favorite book, film and food?
Among my favorites: Silk, Rivers and Tides and homemade Cuban

Favorite website?
Anywhere I can download music affordably.

Best art advice?
Constantly pose the question, “what is my goal as an artist?”. Then add daring and dedication to that answer.

Carlos Ulloa's Schrank is on view at Happy through July 31.

Mid-show Reception this Friday, July 2, 6-10pm

Hope you can join us this Friday for the mid-show reception featuring work by Karen Frimkess Wolff (right) and Carlos Ulloa (below). The response for this exhibit has been overwhelming. We're thrilled to have these two special artists with us, on view until July 31 at Happy:

4675 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027

H.A.C.K. at Happy

H.A.C.K. (Hollywood Artists Critical Kollective) will have its first meeting at Happy on Saturday July 10 at 3:00pm. For more info, visit H.A.C.K.'s blog or Facebook page or contact Paul at pweny@hotmail.com for more info!

http://hackla.blogspot.com/

Meet the Artist: Karen Frimkess Wolff

Artwork (or artist ) that changed your life and why? There were many but, to name a few: Francis Bacon - seeing his terrifying painting of the pope (after Velasquez) in the UCLA art gallery in 1960 I realized how powerful an image could be and that an artist didn't have to be nice or try to please. You could be honest about your thoughts and tell the world about it. Seeing Connie Zehr's poetic works and then taking a one-day class with her, learning that my art didn't have to be a permanent object if I wanted to create an experience instead. Woman House and all the experiences with the Women's Art Movement from 1972 to 1975 actually saved my life, let me find art in my own activities and interests and gave me the permission to establish a way of working that fit my own needs and requirements.

When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? From the time I knew anything, maybe 4 or 5 years old, I knew I would be an artist though I didn't know how or what it meant. I tried many ways to be an artist, hoping that one of the paying types like illustration, window design, or advertising would work for me. Finally, I realized I just had to draw and make the art that was in my head and that was called "fine art" so I would have to make a living doing something else.

What do you like about making art in Los Angeles? I was born here. I have always lived here so I'm comfortable here. The art community here is big enough to be exciting and interesting and I know a lot of artists that I respect and admire. I have plenty of support and good friends here. I would make art under any circumstances, and I have, but I appreciate the opportunity to be comfortable in familiar surroundings.

What do you dislike about making art in Los Angeles? Los Angeles is so busy with other things that art gets forgotten and ignored by the city. We have very little effective art press here so it's hard to get serious feedback on your work. Getting around to see art requires so much driving that I miss a lot that I would like to see.


Favorite book, film and food? In high school I read The Cloister and the Hearth by Charles Reade. It's about a young man who travels around and makes his living painting playing cards. I think it was supposed to be about a choice between marriage and the church but that wasn't the important part for me. Later, the diaries of Anaïs Nin were important to my life and development of my own work. Also, e.e. cummings' The Enormous Room. I have liked many films but nothing ever had as strong an impact as seeing The Wizard of Oz. I would have been about 5 when I saw it in a regular theater, when it was brand new. As an adult, maybe Midnight Cowboy. I love food and I am married to a talented chef so I eat really well. But I do love banana splits with 3 flavors of great ice cream, chocolate and butterscotch syrup.



Favorite website? I can barely do the basics on my computer so I don't really go looking at websites. I'm grateful that I have one and someone to keep it up for me. I look at the websites of my friends or new artists I meet.

Best art advice? Work regularly. You may not always have a lot of time but if you can establish and keep a regular work time, however short, you will get your essential work done.

Karen's magical works are on view at Happy through July 31. Come and experience her vision.

Carlos Ulloa Wood Veneer Prints

Carlos Ulloa’s Schrank opened on June 4. Carlos took over our project space, wallpapered it with his unique characters and made a cozy sitting room for inspired art viewing. If you’ve not yet seen it, stop by and check out the limited edition wood veneer prints available at $40.00 each. Take a peek inside our closet, have a seat and view these charming works, available for immediate purchase. Don't forget to go upstairs and see Karen Frimkess Wolff's show Calm Ideas & Mortal Things. Both are on view until July 31.

Opening June 4: Karen Frimkess Wolff & Carlos Ulloa

june 4 – july 31, 2010

opening reception friday, june 4, 6-10pm

KAREN FRIMKESS WOLFF: Calm Ideas & Mortal Things

In our main space, Karen Frimkess Wolff offers new graphite and pencil drawings specifically made for Happy. Known primarily for her sculpture and installation work, this is a rare opportunity to experience the Los Angeles artist’s haunting works. Using pure white gesso on press board as her surface, Karen’s landscapes convey a complex visual vocabulary that combines flora and fauna and a treasury of objects that sometimes soar, sometimes lay perfectly still, but always possess deep meaning. A brilliant draftsman and master storyteller, Karen returns to the simple act of drawing with a sense of aplomb, a hand that is always present and the soul of a gentle soothsayer. Whimsical and unapologetic in her approach, Karen creates meditative encouragements to thoughtful reflection. According to the artist “I want to notice carefully, to be grateful for beauty, to balance nature, artifice and my human contrivance.” Karen lives and works in Los Angeles. She received her B.A. in Painting from UCLA and her M.A. in Art History from California State University, Northridge.

CARLOS ULLOA: Schrank

Carlos Ulloa invades Happy with a menagerie of his signature collage silhouettes. Schrank (German for closet) presents these fragmented, ghost-like hybrids as secrets, memories, nightmares, antagonists or good friends that imbed themselves in Happy’s project room. Some fade into the woodwork while others expose themselves, shamelessly reminding the viewer of the skeletons we keep in our own closets. By creating these works and then repositioning them in our space, Carlos gives himself the opportunity to come to terms with the art he has created; he is able to further manipulate and re-investigate the work and ultimately exploit the delicate balance between the artist and subject. Limited-edition impressions are available in the Schrank. Come in and see what’s in Carlos’ closet. Carlos lives and works in Los Angeles. He received his B.F.A. from Hartwick College, NY and his M.F.A. from Vermont College of Fine Arts, VT.

happy
4675 hollywood blvd.
los angeles, ca 90027
323 661 2200

hours: sun-fri 12-6pm, sat. 11-7pm, closed tuesdays

Meet the Artist: Rochelle Botello

Artwork (or artist ) that changed your life and why?
In the mid-1990s I moved to LA and one of the first exhibitions I saw was work by Annette Messager at LACMA. I found her work to be beautiful, mysterious, odd, and disturbing. She created these amazing installations using knitted materials, fabric and photography. I was completely affected by her work. I just remember being under these strange forms hanging from the ceiling and just wanting to stay still. I still remember this experience so vividly. It was the first time I really thought about the possibilities of art making and definitely questioning the meaning of “art.”

When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? That is a funny question. As a child I liked to do two things: lie and pretend. I liked to think of myself as a storyteller, but I was mostly a liar. I would spend hours with my sister creating stories and then acting them out. My sister didn’t like playing “pretend” with me. I would tell her she wasn’t pretending right and make her do it over again. I still love telling stories...to straddle the lines between fiction and non-fiction. So much hasn’t really changed, except that now I call myself an “artist.”

What do you like about making art in Los Angeles? I like meeting other artists and discovering how they look at the world or understanding their artistic process. In LA there is a sense of “do- it- yourself” resilience that I just love. Galleries close and artists open up their homes and create other spaces to show work. Times are difficult but I also see artists supporting each other and creating a much stronger art community.

What do you dislike about making art in Los Angeles? I suppose it has to be the economic realities of having to work a day job and not spending more time in the studio. So it takes a real commitment…a commitment to the work, to keep working and to push the work in new directions.

Favorite Books, Films, Food?

Books: Writings by Agnes Martin (constantly re-reading), Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, The Accidental Masterpiece by Michael Kimmelman, Willful Creatures by Amiee Bender, Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson.
films: The Red Balloon, Harold & Maude and The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant.
food: Nabeyaki Udon, Korean BBQ and Indian Food.

Favorite website? Pandora Radio.

Best art advice? Trust your artistic process and keep working.

Come and see Rochelle's world in our closet. Yesterday's Combover is on view until May 30!

Meet the Artist: Corina Gamma

Artwork (or artist ) that changed your life and why? I think it was the retrospective of Rebecca Horn at the Guggenheim in New York many years back that motivated me to do a Masters in Fine Art.

When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? I don’t think being an artist is a question of choice. I think you are born with a kind of a storm inside of you. The choice is when you decide to make a living with it. I was obsessed with drawing since I was 12 or so. But, I became really committed to art in my 30s.

What do you like about making art in Los Angeles? There are a lot of clashes here -cultural, religious, there are many different characters ending up in Los Angeles, that makes this place interesting and exciting. It’s a micro-cosmos. It is also a place that teaches tolerance and I like that. Trying to get along is the only thing everyone here has in common. For an artist LA offers a lot of freedom - we are not restricted to a local tradition or lineage. It’s a place where one can experiment.

What do you dislike about making art in Los Angeles? LA puts more attention to film making, not art making. That is the strong culture here. There are other challenges like scarcity of affordable studio spaces.

Favorite book, film or food? I have a favorite book every month, but I really liked Arctic Dream by Barry Lopez. I’m attracted to the Polar Regions, but the way he describes the Arctic is truly poetic. And I love Indian food.

Favorite website? I don’t have a favorite website. But I love surfing the web.

Best art advice? To the policy makers: I do know there are more important problems to solve than funding art. But to have a creative outlet when you’re young teaches you about yourself. I think my art helps me give an identity; an individual identity. I don’t who I would be if art was not part of my life.

Layers of Separation by Corina Gamma is on view at Happy until May 30.

Corina Gamma & Rochelle Botello Opens This Friday

Friday April 2 – May 30, 2010

Opening Reception: Friday, April 2, 6-10pm

HAPPY is pleased to present new photographs by Corina Gamma in our main space. In “Layers of Separation” Gamma continues her investigation of the landscape. Employing her signature pure, opaque style, these winter tales (complete with bundled-up skiers) are atmospheric, illuminated sanctuaries. Gamma’s wicked sense of formal structure re-position these seemingly innocent weekend snapshots as suspenseful melodramas. Huddled figures eagerly await their fate as they are passively strung along, feet dangling from a ski lift cable that may or may not lead them to fun and frolic. Gamma’s figures yearn for freedom but are momentarily stuck in an empty world, encumbered by their uniforms and hoping for the best. Their fleeting moments of closeness, watched over by some unseen force, are soon to be forsaken for the perfect slope. Corina Gamma was born and raised in Switzerland and currently lives and works in Los Angeles. Her work can currently be seen in “State of Mind” at the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego. She is a graduate of Claremont Graduate University (MFA) and University of California, Riverside, CA, (BA) and currently teaches fine art photography at Long Beach City College. http://www.gammasphere.net/

In our project room is a site-specific installation by sculptor Rochelle Botello. “Yesterday’s Combover” is an imaginary world where girls can offer their hair to their dog, boys with hairy faces can ride bikes and men can play dress up. This animated world is filled with humorous and absurd scenarios that exploit extremes and contradictions; humor and tragedy, perversion and pleasure, fragility and brutality, control and letting go. By capturing traces of experiences both real and imagined, Botello crafts stories that address issues of identity, intimacy and sexuality. Constructed in bright color combinations and decorative patterns in unexpected juxtapositions, the sculptures are pieced together with everyday materials such as paper, duct tape and cardboard. Botello creates heartbreaking yet comic vignettes that gently expose the complex and contradictory nature of everyday life. Rochelle Botello was born in Denver, Colorado and currently lives and works in Los Angeles. She is a graduate of Claremont Graduate University (MFA) and the University of California, Santa Cruz (BA, Sociology). http://www.rochellebotello.com/

Artist Spotlight: William Conger

For those of you who've not yet seen our current show of gouaches by William Conger, here's a little something to get you started:

Audio interview of Conger from badatsports.com:

http://badatsports.com/2006/episode-51-william-conger/

Real and inspiring thoughts by Conger from Chicago Artists Resource:

http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/visual-arts/node/355

William Conger's work is on view at Happy through Sunday, March 28. We hope you'll come by and experience these meditative and awe inspiring works. Ask us about our upcoming year of shows by local artists and events happening at Happy. See you soon.

SporkFoods is hosting the mid-show reception at Happy!

Hello friends!

We hope this first day of March finds you well!

This Friday is the mid-show reception for WIlliam Conger and Michael Blasi
at HAPPY. If you haven't been by to see the work along with our new gallery
 space, Friday would be a great night to come by!

 Happy is well, happy, to invite you to meet our pals from SPORK foods this
Friday. They will be hosting our mid show reception with some yummy vegan
treats and lots of information on their Los Angeles-based gourmet vegan food
company. It is owned and operated by sisters Jenny and Heather Goldberg.
Their delicious, innovative cuisine emphasizes organic, local, and seasonal
ingredients. They offer cooking classes, food consultation, and catering.

Up Coming Workshops

Kelly Kilmer "Devotional" create a small and personal hard cover book made entirely by your own hands with Kelly Kilmer - Saturday March 13, 2010 1 - 4 p.m Mary Yanish "Red Rosin Collage" with Mary Yanish - Sunday, March 21, 2010 1-3pm

Edna Hart NECKLACE MAKING CLASS with Edna Hart, Saturday March 27, 2010 1-3pm THURSDAY NIGHTs  ARE HAnD MADE!  Also coming up at happy is our "thursday night's are hand made"  club. Hosted by Emily Cline, Thursday evenings at happy, will be a night to  come and get your hands moving, and well, a time to gather, exchange ideas, set some time aside to work on that project you've been putting off. Crafters, knitters, sewers, jewelry makers, all are welcome.   Pack up your gear and come on over. Edna Hart will be an on going fixture with her knitting needles in full effect.  Starting Thursday, March 4, every  week (that's every Thursday night) from 7:00 -10:00 p.m. Happy Coming up next! Corina Gamma Layers of Separation April 2-May 30, 2010 Opening Reception: Friday April 2, 2010, 6-10pm  Rochelle Botello  Project Room: Yesterday's Combover April 2 - May 30, 2010 Opening Receotion: Friday April 2, 2010, 6-10pm Join Our Mailing List!

Meet the Artist: Michael Blasi

Artwork (or artist ) that changed your life and why?
Paolo Uccello's Battle of San Romano, at the National Gallery in London. I saw it in 1996, when I was abroad to study printmaking in Glasgow, and I just sat and stared at it forever. What struck me about the painting was that it fit together so perfectly: the shapes lock together in complete harmony, and the palette of cream, gold, pink, brown, and gray tones just sing. The painting transcends the subject matter. I wanted to make art as rhythmic and as completely and inexplicably unified as this work. The other two panels of this triptych are amazing too (if you are in Paris or Florence any time soon). Don't tell me though, I'll just be jealous.

When did you first know you wanted to be an artist?
I was one of those kids who you could put in front of some crayons and a stack of that computer paper with the holes on the sides, and I would be occupied for hours. I think had I made up my mind about the artist thing before I could consciously consider that kind of decision.

What do you like about making art in Los Angeles?
Cultural cacophony makes for great inspiration and I'm discovering lots of unpretentious but wonderful places to show are all around us!

What do you dislike about making art in Los Angeles?
I would like it if there was a space and time bubble to take me out of the daily grind. A trans-dimensional artists' retreat. That would make it perfect.

Favorite book, film and food?
Book: I just finished Asterios Polyp by David Mazzucchelli, which I really liked. Another Country by James Baldwin might be my all time favorite.

Film: Atanarjuat, The Fast Runner,
Food: Raw scallops at Sushi Go 55, on the third floor of the Little Tokyo mall on Alameda and 3rd. Also, The Cracked Crab in Pismo Beach.

Favorite website?
art: http://www.efstudio.org/sculpture/
music: http://zenrunningorder.org/

Best art advice?
Develop your own trans-dimensional artists' retreat on this plane.

Treat yourself to Michael Blasi's work, on view at Happy, through March 28.

William Conger & Michael Blasi at HAPPY Opens Feb. 5

Criss-Cross: New Gouache Paintings by William Conger

Psychedelic Suiseki: Sculpture by Michael Blasi

Friday February 5 - Sunday March 28, 2010

Opening Reception: Friday, February 5, 6-10pm

HAPPY is pleased to present the renowned Chicago artist William Conger in his first-ever Los Angeles solo exhibition. The esteemed artist will offer intimate gouache works that further investigate his trademark abstract style. In a career that spans over 50 years, Conger continues to incorporate an eclectic vocabulary that is both hard-edged and biomorphic, static and yet sensual. Electric snapshots that upon initial inspection are quite abstract slowly morph into dense landscapes gone slightly awry. These bravura works seem at home in Los Angeles speaking to our traffic-ridden and stress-polluted lives; yet Conger quietly reminds us how to cope. We are treated to his vision and to a technique that conveys how the most rich and delicious imagery can be profoundly touching. Conger’s career confirms a life of serious investigation based on the pure act of creating. William Conger lives and works in Chicago, is professor emeritus at Northwestern University, and is a recipient of both the Illinois Arts Council Grant (2008) and a Pollock-Krasner Grant (2008-09). Recent one person exhibitions include a 1958-2008 retrospective at the Chicago Cultural Center and Roy Boyd Gallery, Chicago in 2009. His works are in major collections including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois State Museum, Smart Museum at the University of Chicago, Reader’s Digest Collection, NY, Portland Museum, Portland, OR, Wichita Art Museum, Wichita, KS, IBM Corporation, Atlanta, GA and numerous other public and private collections. Upcoming projects include a solo exhibition at the Union League Club of Chicago and group exhibitions at the DePaul University Art Museum, Chicago, IL, Printworks Gallery, Chicago, IL and the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City, IN. He is represented in Chicago by Roy Boyd Gallery. http://www.williamconger.com/

In our project room we feature recent sculpture by Michael Blasi. Blasi’s bulbous sculptures, based on scholar’s rocks or “suiseki”, start from the artist’s 2 dimensional doodles and grow into hyper-active meditation objects. Blasi’s generous use of color envelopes his delicately hand-crafted objects that hang freely or sit, firmly planted. They are tenderly stoic, romantic laments that gently celebrate life and love while confronting and comforting the viewer in their sublime eccentricity. Blasi received his BFA from Purchase College, State University of New York and participated in the Glasgow School of Art Student Exchange Program. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and currently teaches art for the LAUSD. http://www.michaelblasi.com/

Plenty of Plenty Shots!

Plenty is up until January 24. We're honored to have had this group of talented artists participate in our show! Come by and see for yourself. Small, affordable and GOOD. Each work is no larger than 12"x12" at $100.00 a pop.

UP NEXT: William Conger and Michael Blasi - Opening Friday Feb. 5, 6-10pm. Exhibition runs Feb. 5 - Mar. 28, 2010.