Strawberryluna

New art print released: Coffee, Thee & Me

Do you love coffee?

new 3-color, hand screenprinted art print, "Coffee, Thee, & Me"

New hand screenprinted, 3-color art print "Coffee, Thee, & Me"

Do  you love things that good, sweet, fair and even? What about best friends and love? You better! Otherwise where’s the fun in life?

This is my all hand screenprinted art print done for a traveling print show and Fair Trade coffee benefit organized by Mugshots Coffeehouse* in Philadelphia. These bestest buddies are my all hand screen printed art print with sun-orange, warm red-brown and elephant grey, hand mixed and non-toxic water based inks. Hi friend! Edition of 80. Size: 16 x20 inches (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm.) Paper: acid free & archival Cougar, White 100lb cover weight.

Freshly printed and available on my website here.

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Beans & Screens, screenprinted art print Coffee Show 2009 Important Details:

*Mugshots Coffehouse in Philadelphia is a part of the Independents Coffee Cooperative, both working collectively to raise $16,000 for the Peruvian farmers who grow the coffee sold as their house coffee (Independents Peruvian Select). The farmers are undertaking an ambitious project to build a solar powered drying facility (to dry the beans after they are harvested). This will allow for the farmers to improve both the quality and quantity of the coffee they grow, by protecting it from the frequent rains in the region. 100% of the profits made through the show at Mugshots will go to Cooperativa San Fernando, a farmer-owned organic coffee cooperative located high in the Andes Mountains near Cusco, Peru.

Beans & Screens traveling show dates in Philadelphia, PA:

Opening June 26th 2009 – Green Line on Locust – Green Line Cafe

August 2 2009 – Kaffa Crossing – Home Page

October 4 2009 – Metropolitan – Metropolitan Bakery : The Art of Old World Baking

November 1 2009 – Mugshots Coffeehouse, Manayunk – Mugshots CoffeeHouse & Caf :: Homepage

December 6 2009 – High Point Café @ the Allens Lane Train Station – High Point Cafe

Januray 31 2010 – InFusion Coffee & Tea – InFusion Coffee & Tea

February 7 2010 – Mugshots Coffeehouse, Fairmount – Mugshots CoffeeHouse & Caf :: Homepage

All 25+ artists’ prints will available through Mugshots online when the show opens at: the Mugshots Coffeehouse  website here.


Phoenix – Super new releases of May, part three.

Part three, the final installment. Finally!! Parce que c’est trés bon!

Oui, the new Phoenix record is out.

Oui, the new Phoenix record is out.

Ahh, really, I feel like I shouldn’t even write and prattle on about this record. Instead, I just really urge you to listen. I mean, if mostly all that you dig is Black Metal, well, you might want to move along to something like Big Business’ new record. (And yes, I know that Big Business isn’t Black Metal, don’t be rude.)

But, if you’ve been on board with the previous two new releases of May here, get on the bag son. Wolfgang Amdeus Phoenix might be my favorite Phoenix record. Scratch that, it is my favorite.

Again, like the previous two records discussed (The Wooden Birds, Magnolia and Jason Lytle’s Yours Truly, The Commuter), Phoenix not only have continued the reincarnation theme that seems so prevalent this May, but more, they have done something super special, complete and lovely with their new record Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. Sprite, multi-layered, poppy and webby like a giant tight rubber band, I think that you just need to listen. And, you can do so here on Myspace for free, of course. Or, you can purchase the record here on iTunes and support the band, or (gasp!) leave the house and find this record at your local indie music store.

I don’t know why this superbe French band sings in English, but I’m glad that they do. Though even if they sung en Français comme Stereolab, I’d still be singing along to every word phonetically. Phoenix is on tour in the US now (dates here), so give it a go if you’re lucky enough to live someplace where this quartet of awesome is landing for a night.

Some fun things always crop up on the Phoenix blog here, such as a few process photos from a screenprinted run of vinyl LP covers here (!) Don’t know who printed them, but I’d love to. Anyone out there know?

Close-up of screenprinted LP covers (yay!)

Close-up of screenprinted LP covers (yay!)

Jason Lytle – Super new music releases of May, part two.

And now, for part two of a probably just 3-part series of posts. Unless of course, you have a recommendation, then feel free to let me know of anything else released in May.

Yours Truly, The Commuter

Part two, and certainly not in any order at all, is Jason Lytle and his first solo record, Yours Truly, The Commuter, released by the fiercly rad ANTI. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, really, as it feels like he’s released a solo record before. But he hasn’t. And this one is worth the wait. Ooooh yes.

Following the apparent theme of reincarnation for music in May this year, once again, you may feel this record sounds familiar, and I honestly hope that you do. That would mean that you are already familiar with Grandaddy, one of Lytle’s previous and superb band projects. Furthermore, if that’s the case, then you really ought to listen to, and will likely also love this first solo record Yours Truly, The Commuter as well.

Written, recorded, and sung by Lytle from every angle, as he played each instrument and sang all of the vocal tracks, it’s about as complete a record as one can get without being self-indulgent in any way. Again, we’re into editing, choices and commitment to a vision around here, and again, we love it when music is made with those sorts of internal parameters too.

Do you like thoughts of floating, flying, dreaming and falling in love all over again with the beloved pets that have moved onto the fields near The Rainbow Bridge? Then this record and Jason Lytle in general, are you for you. Bub.

Yours Truly, The Commuter is available at yoru local independent record stores, and also on iTunes with a bonus track “Weather Girl”. You can also listen to a few tracks for free on Myspace. And better, Jason Lytle is embarking on a great big US tour this summer, dates here, hopefully some are near you. Mad stoked for the Pittsburgh show at motherfreaking SANDCASTLE water slide park, what?!

And now, for the greatest interview on good songwriting ever:

The Wooden Birds – Super new music releases of May, part one.

So, around these parts? We love music. Stunning revelation, I know.

Also, around these parts, we love melodic, perhaps occasionally quiet, intentional, well constructed and pretty stuff too. Kinda like design, we appreciate restraint and the product of many choices, edits and vision. With that leaning, let me tell you, it’s a lovely month for music with two fantastic new and newly-incarnated, say reincarnated even, releases.

The Wooden Birds first record, Magnolia

The Wooden Birds first record, Magnolia

The first is The Wooden Birds‘ first record, Magnolia, put out by Barsuk records. Give a listen, fall in love, feel the eerie sweet. Sound slightly familiar? Ahh yes, then you also were a fan of The American Analog Set. A band dear to my heart. Andrew Kenny, of AmAnSet has moved home to Austin, TX, regrouped and formed a new band in The Wooden Birds. And! They are out on tour right now, dates listed here, so if you’re approving and inclined, go see them. They’re pretty great, and we can’t wait until we get a chance to see them ourselves. Magnolia is available on through Barsuk Records in the US, Morr Music in Europe, and on iTunes as well as your local independent record store. You can always listen for free at Myspace, if you think I’m joshing. (Which, come on…)

And, here’s a great little video of The Wooden Birds performing “Never Know” Cafe De La Danse in Paris, France, on 5/4/09.

Tomorrow: Super new releases of May, part two.

Gig Posters Volume 1: Rock Show Art of the 21st Century, new book!

It has finally arrived!

Gig Posters Vol. I book, chock full of 101 poster artists

Gig Posters Vol. I book, chock full of 101 poster artists

Freshly published and totally incredible. I’m so proud to be a part of this rad book, as is taken from the imaginations of, and containing the work and words of 101 working, contemporary and kickass rock poster artists from around the globe. All compiled into a nifty book format. Just for you! Each poster artist talks about their work, influences and process as well as providing a full page format, perforated page tear-out poster. It’s a lot of awesome, and not just because I’m in it. In fact, I would venture to say despite the fact that I’m in this book.

Published just this May, you can now find this fantastic book at booksellers everywhere. Or, you can order a copy from the following websites:

Directly from me, at my website here, NOTE: personalized and autographed by me, just for you, with a bonus set of stickers, over 15 designs in all.

Directly from the author at Gigposters.com here. NOTE: BONUS ART PRINTS (While Supplies Last!!):
Order now from GigPosters.com and receive an exclusive limited edition screenprinted art print by Jay Ryan! Jay has created 3 different 10″x13″ art prints for the book release. The first 900 orders get free art prints! (300 of each) *Order the 3-pack to assure you get one of each art print!*

Directly from the publisher, at Quirk Books here.

Directly from the publisher, at Chronicle Books here.

Publisher’s description: 11×14 inches, paperback, 208 pages.

Since 2001 Gigposters.com has been the Internet’s first and best resource for rock-show poster art; their massive online database showcases more than 90 000 posters from 7 000 different designers including all of today’s top poster studios. Gig Posters Volume I highlights the 700+ best examples in their collection including 101 perforated and ready-to-hang posters for bands such as Radiohead Wilco the Decemberists the Shins Arcade Fire Sleater-Kinney and TONS more. Packaged in an oversized 11-by-14-inch paperback, Gig Posters Volume I is a spectacular compilation of rock show art (and one hell of a cheap way to decorate a dorm room or apartment). Author Clay Hayes is the founder and proprietor of Gigposters.com. He lives in Alberta, Canada.

Designers included in Volume I:

3d Glasses, Adam Turman, Aesthetic Apparatus, Alan Forbes, Allen Jaeger, Amy Jo, Andrio Abero, Andy Vastagh, Beyond The Pale, Billy Perkins, Bobby Dixon, Bongout, Brad Klausen, Brian Ewing, Budai, Burlesque of North America, Casey Burns, Cricket Press, Crosshair, Dale Flattum, Dan Grzeca, Dan McCarthy, Dan Stiles, Daniel Danger, Delicious, Denny Schmickle, Diana Sudyka, Dirk Fowler, Drew Millward, Drowning Creek Studio, DWITT, Eleanor Grosch, Emek, Engine House 13, FarmBarn Art Co., Firehouse, Furturtle Printworks, Gary Houston, Gregg Gordon, Guy Burwell, Hero Design Studio, Invisible Creature, Ironforgepress, James Rheem Davis, Jamie Ward, Jared Connor, Jason Goad, Jay Ryan, Jay Vollmar, Jeph, Jermaine Rogers, Joanna Wecht, Johnny Crap, Jon Smith, Josh Rickun, Judge, Justin Hampton, Justin Kamerer, Largemammal Print, Leia Bell, Lil Tuffy, Little Jacket, Lonny Hurley, Lonny Unitus, Luke Drozd, Lure Design, Malleus, Mark Pedini, Mat Daly, Methane Studios, Micah Smith, Michael Michael Motorcycle, Mig Kokinda, Mike King, Nate Duval, Patent Pending, Powerhouse Factories, Powerslide Design Co., Print Mafia, Rob Jones, Ron Liberti, Ryan Nole, Sasha Barr, Scrojo, Seripop, Squad 19, Stainboy, Steve Walters, strawberryluna, Tanxxx, Tara McPherson, The Decoder Ring Design Concern, The Heads Of State, The Little Friends Of Printmaking, The Small Stakes, Thomas Scott, Tim Gough, Todd Slater, Vahalla Studios, Zach Hobbs, Zeloot

Thoughful oversized, yet lap-fitting dimensions of the new Gig Posters Vol. I book.

Thoughful oversized, yet conveniently lap-fitting dimensions of the new Gig Posters Vol. I book by Clay Hayes.

Show Time! The Greatest Trunk Show On Earth, this weekend

The Greatest Trunk Show On Earth is in Philadelphia!

Philadelphia City Paper's "The Greatest Trunk Show On Earth" is this Friday, May 16!

Philadelphia City Paper's "The Greatest Trunk Show On Earth" is this Friday, May 16!

The fantastic crew at the Philadelphia City Paper (part of the newspaper group that puts on the superb DC-Baltimore area Crafty Bastards show) is sponsoring and organizing a great one-day DIY indie craft and arts show in Philadelphia called (awesomely)  The Greatest Trunk Show On Earth. The Trunk Show is part of the opening day festivities for The Piazza at Schmidts celebrating this new and exciting cultural, art & entertainment space’s grand opening weekend.

The Greatest Trunk Show On Earth will be held (for one day only!) in the Northern Liberties newest cultural center The Piazza at Schmidts featuring live music, films, galleries, restaurants, bars and more. The Greatest Trunk Show On Earth show is on Saturday May 16th, from 11am – 4pm. Over 100 artists will be vending, showing their handmade work and talking to people about their arts, crafts and the life of a working artist. I will be there with a booth filled to the brim with art prints, posters, test prints and more!

The Greatest Trunk Show On Earth and The Piazza at Schmidts are located at Germantown Ave & N 2nd St, in Philadelphia, PA.

For more information click the links and images in this post.

Hope to see you there and enjoy the springshine!*

*Rain date: May 23rd, 2008

piazza_at_schmidts

Germantown Avenue & N. 2nd St. in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia