Krisis Kommiserating with Abel Alejandre

Abel Alejandre was born of hot earth. No, really. He comes from a region of Michoacan, Mexico called Tierra Caliente. But he cites Wilmington, Ca. as his hometown and a boys club he attended there as the most likely seedling for his path as an artist. As best I can tell, Abel first showed his art in 1984, taking part in a Special Olympics mural. Since then he has shown in countless group shows, over a dozen solo shows, and had paintings acquired for museum collections. He's taught printmaking at university, and was one of the artists chosen for the roll-out of the Metro Expo Line in Los Angeles.

I've written about Abel before. I interviewed him 4 years ago (almost to the day). Back then though, we weren't all grappling with a global pandemic. Back then, the L.A. Convention Center wasn't a make-shift hospital.  Back then, we had a President who wasn't bragging about ratings as his citizens were dying. Things were very different then.

I checked in on Abel yesterday.

How are you feeling, brother?

Physically, I feel relatively normal. However, my mental health is a wreck. On ordinary days, I tend to overthink everything and these days it has been tougher than ever to quiet my mind.

Were you able to quarantine in the studio? How long has it been?

My studio is next to my house, so it is easier to do social distancing. I am fortunate that my studio is a converted two car garage with restroom and a stocked fridge. I've been quarantined for almost two weeks. I have left to grab some groceries at some point. I have also gone on two short bike rides, one last week and one this week. Of course, I wear my gloves and mask whenever I leave.

When did ya get the "Holy Shit" gut punch?

It probably hit me about a month ago. I am a news junkie and so I already suffer from a healthy amount of paranoia. As the onslaught of coronavirus got closer to home, I kept expanding my social distancing strategy.

Have you had cancelled/postponed exhibitions as a result?

Two running exhibitions were closed to the public. There are two other exhibitions pushed out, but I would not be surprised if they are cancelled or postponed to a later date. I also had three speaking engagements and a workshop cancelled.

What have you been doing with the downtime? Are you able to make art right now?

I work in the studio almost every day, but not as long as I would like to. There are too many distractions from the news. Since, I'm a news junkie, distractions are unavoidable.

Abel's recent painting on chest X-ray

Are you finding any inspiration in this mess?

Only two things inspire me, available time or a deadline. I’ve had lots of available time.

What has been the most challenging part of this for you?

Food security has been my greatest challenge. I'm on a special diet and it makes me anxious to not have access to fresh produce.

What are some of your coping mechanisms?

I keep to a routine to keep my mind occupied. Every morning I plan out my day, so that I know that the work has moved forward.

What's the thing/place you wish you could do/go but can't right now?

I would love to go see art and to visit with friends and family. Like everyone else, I am relegated to fulfill these tasks online. It is definitely unsatisfying.

Done any binge watching, book reading, game playing?

I've watching Babylon Berlin and Star Trek series on Netflix. I am currently reading Slumberland by Paul Beatty. I don't play games, but love wood puzzles.

Favorite work of art in Los Angeles?

My favorite work is a John Valadez mural in my hometown, Long Beach.

What song is stuck in your head right now (commercial jingles totally count)

“Stay the fuck at home”

Favorite brand of toilet paper and where do you find it?

My favorite brand is Charmin and I can't find it anywhere. I have been reduced to buying a bunch of single rolls from my local 98¢ Plus store. LOL

If you could hoard one food item, what would it be?

I would hoard Bob's Red Mill Muesli. I have to have it, it is part of my routine.

Do you know anyone personally who has contracted the virus?

Fortunately, no one so far.

How do you think this all ends?

I fully expect the economy to stay in the toilet for a minimum of a year and half. The art world that we love and love to hate will be gone; it may take even longer to return. I hope that I am wrong.

El Buk

Krisis Cooking with Mike Street

Although Mike Street has a degree in Communication and Fine Arts from LMU, he cites a year of independent studies in Paris as a "most transformative" time. He's worn many hats over the years, from graphic design for the 70s game show Joker's Wild to Visual Merchandiser for Pottery Barn. The latter gig led to him being promoted to managing the company's VM nationwide. After retiring early, Mike has been a fixture in the Los Angeles fine art community. Mr. Street has had a studio at Hive Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles for the past decade, often baking cookies and various other treats for the Downtown Art Walk. He is honestly among the kindest humans I've ever met. Here's how he's doing:

How are you feeling, Mike?

I’m feeling physically fine at the moment. 

Emotionally, I’m feeling unsettled and fragile as news and protocols unfold daily.  The future is uncertain on so many levels.  It is suddenly a new world without our regular routines and practices

How many days have you been self-quarantining? Are you separated from your partner?

Except for 3 supermarket trips, I have been self-quarantined for nearly 3 weeks.
I AM separated from my partner by 2,500 miles.  It’s VERY concerning to be that far apart in these rough times.

When did it hit you how serious this was?

I’d say the penny dropped about a month ago or when Italy’s virus events started hitting the news.  Each passing day, things got exponentially more serious.  In the end, I think this will hit America far harder than 9/11.

Have you had cancelled shows as a result?

Sure.  I’ve cancelled shows, art walks, etc. - five within a month’s time.  Like everyone.  Relatively unimportant to me right now.

What have you been doing with the downtime?

In general, most of my downtime is spent on strategizing basic survival.  With an uncertain future in store, my priorities have shifted.  I’m staying apprised of the latest news, keeping in more frequent touch with loved ones, looking at more social media, watching comedy films, playing a couple video games, etc.  Cooking, baking and doing a little gardening are controllable comforting routines.  Quite frankly, in this newness, art is currently on back burner as “a-nice-to-do” not “a-need-to-do.”  With time, of course that will recover and change.

Is there any inspiration to be found in all this?

Yes, current events are inspiring to a degree.  But I want some distance and less worry before I commit them to making art.  Things are still unfolding - and ramping up.  I’m still knee-jerk reacting to them, not objective.  I don’t want to make sad or angry art.  I want to make and see meaningful expressive “good” art I can live with in the long run.  Without being too frivolous, even my darkest art is playful.  And I don’t feel very playful right now.  Also, to my thinking, specific current events have a shelf life that expires somewhat quickly.  Unless I come up with a compelling concept that transcends today’s news, I’m tentative about adding it to my body of work.  I could be wrong.  Sure, every artist’s work is a little journalistic (like a diary) bound by the maker’s thoughts and feelings at a given time. I think of Philip Guston's numerous obsessive Nixon drawings - terrific, but thank goodness they played out.  Ha!           

What has been the most challenging part of this for you?

I worry terribly about the safety of my loved ones, especially my “at-risk” loved ones.  I really should clean and organize my work space, too.  I’m beholding to spend time in different States, and some routines have been neglected and gotten out of control even before these pandemic times.  That should improve as I learn to be a better and more proactive dodge-ball player.  As life gets more complicated, I see the need to edit and simplify, simplify, simplify - or dismiss altogether.  Peace of mind has been difficult to achieve lately.  Otherwise, solitude is not a challenge.  I think most artists require it. 

What are some your coping mechanisms?

Cooking seems to help me cope.  It’s a necessary activity for survival and requires care but a minimum of thought - a good zen zone for me whilst I ponder other things.  I also find that doing a little simple gardening is calming.  Nurturing even a few plants or flowers keeps me connected to life and the earth.  (My circumstances prevent owning pets, but I would if I could.)  Meditation has been essential as a daily coping mechanism.  

What's the thing/place you wish you could do/go but can't right now?

Definitely. I’d like to go back East and be with my partner.  As I view him as an at-risk loved one, it’s very distracting.

Done any binge watching? Any recommendations (books, films. TV, games)?

I haven’t binge watched anything for a long time.  BC (before coronavirus), I recently binged watched FORGED IN FIRE and RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE.  I actually discontinued cable television earlier this year.  At the moment, I’m drawn to smart light comedies like THE PRODUCERS (1968).  I’m no stranger to movies of all kinds, but humor and fantasy seem to call me.

Favorite work of art in Los Angeles?

Chris Burden’s “Urban Light” at LACMA is NOT my favorite artwork in Los Angeles, but it IS.  I see it often, day and night, even in passing.  It’s monumental and nearly public art.  It pleases me to see crowds of people interacting with it at all hours.  It’s accessible enough on some level for everyone - art for the people.  It’s rare for an artist to hit the mark of personal vision AND public popularity.  

Urban Light by Chris Burden

Got a song stuck in your head right now?

After a long absence from my playlist, Tom Petty’s DON’T COME AROUND HERE NO MORE.

Hmm. You are the second artist, so far, with Petty head.


Alright, serious business, Mike. Favorite brand of toilet paper and where do you find it?

Aww, crap!  Shitty question.  Ha!

If you could hoard one food item, what would it be?

Good coffee (and real milk).

Can you share one of your favorite recipes with us?

USE IT OR LOSE IT STIR FRY

(You might as well start the companion rice of your choice before you get going on this recipe.)

  1/4 cup olive oil

  1/4 cup oyster sauce

  1 pound of cubed meat, chicken or beef (or go vegetarian)

  2 pounds of chunks of various vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, celery, zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, mushrooms, onions - whatever you’ve got that might spoil if you don’t do something about it)

  1/4 pound of snow peas

  2 cups of bean sprouts

In a large pan, heat oil and sauce on medium.  Add meat and carrots (and whatever other vegetables that take longest to cook) and toss for several minutes.  Gradually add in the other vegetables (again, sequentially guided by whatever takes longest to cook.)  Keep tossing.  The final ingredient to add will be the bean sprouts.  Serve with rice.  There will be leftovers.  

How do you think this all ends?

Most of us will be physically okay.  But sadly, I think we’re all gonna know someone who didn’t make it.  I do believe a vaccine will be found sooner or later, but not in time for many.  Financially, this will require a very long recovery, perhaps involving a depression.  Not doom and gloom, just being realistic.  We will bounce back after the uncomfortable duration.

Thank you so much, Mike! I hope to bear hug ya soon.


Top photo by Ray Mata
Photos below courtesy of Mike Street


The following four images are works in progress for a series titled MT. OLYMPUS BELOW THE TREE LINE.

Cerberus after Tamayo (WIP)

Sisyphus (WIP)

Sphinx (WIP)

Siren (WIP)

...and here are some older works by the incomparable Mr. Street.

Rockin' Korona and the Boogie Woogie Flu with Joe O'Neill

An SFAI alum, Joe O'Neill is a fine artist, muralist and bad-ass sign painter. 

Let me tell you snotty little brats something, if you see a masterly hand painted commercial sign and walk right by it without recognizing an artist's hand at work, I don't even wanna know ya. Joe is pretty damn adept with gold leaf too, and trust me, that stuff's a bitch to work with. 

His most recent solo show, "Secret Head Trip/What Struck Me" was at Keystone Art Space.

Here's what notorious art world crank Mat Gleason had to say about it:

"The layers and flourishes of the lettering that are the master sign painter's calling card are all still there. They stand strong yet are reduced to compositional elements within a painting that carries a larger purpose. These bold, slick, unbent letters signify that there are many here among us who will not sacrifice our personal style in the face of a world going wrong."

But that was so 2019, before the world really took a turn. I reached out to Joe yesterday to see how the end of the world is going for him.

How are you feeling?

Pretty good despite all this. I’m well rested and getting exercise. but I am worried.

Were you able to quarantine in the studio? How long has it been?

I bought a bunch of supplies to my house. My studio is only a couple miles away. There’s minimal common space and few people so I will go back there soon. I felt like the right thing to do was to just stay home for a couple weeks.

When did it hit you how serious this was?

2-3 weeks ago, when films and commercials started shutting down. my day job is in the film business.

Have you had cancelled/postponed exhibitions as a result?

Yes. 2 group shows are postponed indefinitely. a third may be online only. I also have a couple paintings in a show at golden west college that can’t be seen because the college is shut down. it’s a bummer but you know what? I’d rather have them cancelled than not have those opportunities at all.

What have you been doing with the downtime? Are you able to make art right now?

Some. it feels a little futile. I haven’t been super productive. mostly I’m just drawing and practicing painted lettering. I tend to overthink my ideas in times of stress (or maybe just all the time) so getting back to basics is good. it turns my brain off then the good ideas come. 

Are you finding any inspiration in this mess?

Maybe it’s me being idealistic but i am finding people to be a little nicer to each other, at least in one on one interactions, hoarders and profiteers aside.

I’m hoping that we come out of this with a little more compassion and empathy.  a renewed interest in universal health care and a greater understanding of the value of our labor.

What has been the most challenging part of this for you?

I want to do more to help but I must remember that staying home is helping.

What are some of your coping mechanisms?

Meditation, exercise, art, talking with friends.

What's the thing/place you wish you could do/go but can't right now?

See/touch/feel friends. be around people in general. even though I like to spend a lot of time alone I  like people. travel.

Done any binge watching, book reading, game playing?

Tiger king, like everyone else. there are some other shows.
I love reading but haven’t been doing as much as I’d like.I have had long conversations with people. longer than I would have before the pandemic. some are friends I haven’t seen in decades. that part of this is great.

Favorite work of art in Los Angeles?

There is so much great work to choose from but I will go with a long time favorite: The mural on the back side of the post office at Butler Ave and Santa Monica Blvd. in West L.A. (11420 Santa Monica Blvd, 90025. Mural is on the back outside wall overlooking the parking lot). I forget the name but it’s California after it falls into the sea. It was painted in the early 70s, I believe. it’s really faded but still really strong.

That's the "Isle of California". It's on the south side of The Village Recorder, which I think T Bone Burnett owns now, because he's there all the fucking time. It was painted back in 1972 by Victor Henderson and Terry Schoonhoven. They were part of the L.A. Fine Arts Squad. Faded as fuck now.

"Isle of California" circa 1974

How it looks this morning.

What song is stuck in your head right now?

L7 “Garbage Truck”.

You roadie for them sometimes. How are they doing?

I think they’re all right. I’m closest with Jennifer, the bass player. She’s like a sister to me. She’s The only one I’ve talked to lately, she’s doing well. They’re supposed to go to Australia and New Zealand in May, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.

I’ve been asking everybody this, favorite brand of toilet paper and where do you find it?

The bidet attachment I installed on my toilet.

Wow, you fancy!

If you could hoard one food item, what would it be?

Coffee.

Do you know anyone personally who has contracted the virus?

An acquaintance in Seattle.

How do you think this all ends?

I have no fucking idea. We will get through it. I don’t know at what cost.

Here's to gettin' through it! Thanks for talking to me, man. 

Y'all can buy the catalog from Joe's latest show here. and you should. Also, hire/commission the guy here.

Photos below courtesy of Joe O'Neill
Top photo by Marlene Guidara