Special Guest Post: by Lisa Solomon

COMPOUND GALLERY
by Lisa Solomon

compound2.jpg Compounded show [http://thecompoundgallery.com/2008/10/01/compounded-october-11-october-27/]

Before I round out my posts here for poppytalk I just want to thank Jan so much for asking me to contribute to her blog. She is such an inspiration. I don’t normally blog on a daily basis and putting these posts together has made me realize how much work that actually is. Thank you Jan for always giving us fresh stuff to look at!!! And thanks again for having me. I’ve had a great time talking about my home town!



So today I’d like to introduce you to Compound Gallery. They are literally a stone’s throw from Blankspace Gallery — next door!

Matt Reynoso

Run by the dynamic Lena Reynoso [ http://curatorofoddities.com/] and her husband Matt Reynoso [ http://reynosofabrications.com/] both again amazing artists/makers in their own right – Compound opened up earlier this year and we are so lucky to have them. I think their space used to be a liquor store – they’ve left the doors to what used to be the fridge in place.... a touch of ambience. Compound gallery also has 10 artist’s studios on site. Often the artists are there working and will allow you to poke around their spaces. There’s something really cool about being in a place that’s active with artists working.

One thing I forgot to mention yesterday is that both Blankspace and Compound have Sunday teas for their shows. You can come have a relaxing and VERY yummy cup of Numi tea [ http://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/numitea/store.d2w/report] AND look at art. It’s a much mellower scene than first Fridays.

With out further ado – here’s Lena on Compound Gallery:


why did you start your gallery?

It wasn't something we (my husband Matt and I) ever really considered. We were friends with Kerri and Jason and when the space opened up, we all pondered how great it would be if another art space opened up. After having several friends check out the space, and posting vigorously online to find someone to do it, we realized...why don't we do it? We feared that something weird like a muffler shop might move in and we wanted to try to foster the art community that Kerri and Jason already started. As artists ourselves, it seemed like a natural progression.

was there a hole that your felt needed filling in the Oakland Art Scene?

Yes, there are so many artists in Oakland, with so few places to show work. We wanted to create a space for people who were passionate about their art and who are not necessarily producing mainstream or "lowbrow" art.

how does the Oakland Art Scene vary from San Francisco’s?

I would have to agree with Kerri, Oakland seems a more relaxed and community driven. It probably comes down to cheaper rent=more space and more opportunity to be risky.

what kind of art do you tend to focus on.... Sum up your program/intentions for us.

We try to focus on artists who create art with and for a purpose. The purpose can be for personal reasons, or to address a larger social issue, but always to satisfy something within the artist. Every gallery has their own agenda, and ours is to give serious artists a chance to express themselves, even if it isn't the current trend in art.

Compounded show [http://thecompoundgallery.com/2008/10/01/compounded-october-11-october-27/]

off the top of your head name 3 artists that are inspiring you right now [you don’t have to work with them, but it’s fine if you do]

We like to support all the artists we work with, so I can't pick among them, but outside of the local art scene: Neo Rauch [http://www.metmuseum.org/special/se_event.asp?OccurrenceId={8A3293A2-4A10-483D-B226-E22C4E8E6905}] , Max Beckman [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Beckmann] and Yoko Ono [ http://www.a-i-u.net/index.html]

what is the best part of owning a gallery?
being on the other side of the art "business" and giving artists a place to show their work. We also have 10 studios and it is always such an inspiration to see everyone at work, creating, and bustling around.

what’s the worst part?
Having to turn away artists who are very talented, because of limited space or because their work may not fit within our agenda. This certainly has made me realize that you just have to keep getting your work out there! Just because one gallery is not into your work, it does not mean it isn't good. Keep producing and believe in yourself.

Communication Gap show [http://thecompoundgallery.com/2008/07/08/communication-gap-august-24-2008-september-8-2008/]

dancing – pro or con?
Dancing, of course!

hug or handshake?
HUGS!

what did you have for dinner last night?
A leftover sandwich from Sufficient Grounds in Berkeley.

anything else we should know about you and your space????
I second that! {what Kerri said yesterday}


Don’t forget – Blankspace and Compound gallery are having a HUGE handmade sale for the Holidays. Otherwise known as HOLIDAYLAND – this is the place to come to get small works of unique art and all kinds of handmade goodies to give as gifts. Why not support small artisans??

HOLIDAYLAND
Dec. 5 - Dec 15th, 2008
First Friday Holiday Cheer Reception: December 5, 6-10pm
Holiday Cheer Sunday Reception: Dec 14, 4-7pm

Compound Gallery
6604 San Pablo Gallery
Oakland, CA 94608
510-655.9019
thecompoundgallery.com

Yelling Clinic show [ http://thecompoundgallery.com/2008/07/09/yelling-clinic/]

Special Guest Post by Lisa Solomon

Special Guest Post: by Lisa Solomon

BLANKSPACE GALLERY
by Lisa Solomon



Believe it or not Oakland has a burgeoning and VERY lively contemporary art scene. There are a lot of artists who live and work in Oakland. A LOT. What's great is that it seems like there are people working in all kinds of media ­ traditional painting, sculpture, photography etc. but also artists who are interested in exploring newer genres, performative, mixed media, and installational type work. Often traditional galleries are leery of work that doesn't simply hang on a wall. This is where non-profit spaces, artist-run spaces and more non-traditional galleries step in. Oakland has become a mini-mecca for these spaces.

It seems like plenty of DIY folks have just decided that they are going to open up shops, galleries, and cafes and feature artwork that interests them. Some of them have big budgets and have slick spaces, some of them are doing this out of the front rooms of their living spaces. They are all doing it out of love because in these economic times you can imagine that art is the one of the last things that people are rushing out to buy.

A main feature of the Oakland art scene is the Art Murmur. Galleries have decided to stay open late the first Friday of every month. It's a great way to spend an evening. Many spaces are within walking distance of each other. It's also great people watching. You can learn more about the galleries that participate in the Murmur here {oaklandartmurmur.com]. Please take note that some of these galleries have very limited hours ­ this is because most of these folks have to keep their day jobs and do this [labor of love remember?]. Be sure and check hours before you decide to make the trek to see a space.

Today and tomorrow I want to feature two of my favorite neighborhood gallery spaces. They consistently put on strong shows, are run by some of the nicest people on the planet, and they are with-in walking distance of my house ­ a little off of the grid in terms of where other galleries are located, but well worth the trip.

First up is Blankspace Gallery. It's run by Kerri Johnson [kerrileejohnson.com] and her partner Jason Byers [jasonbyers.net] who are both incredibly talented artists in their own right.



why did you start your gallery? Why did you choose to be off the beaten path?
I had been wanting to start my own space since I graduated from SFAI and our friend Adam was already running Lucky Tackle gallery at this location and wanted to stop, he knew I was looking and offered me the space...which I gladly took over. (this also answers why we are off the beaten path - the opportunity came my way and it happened to be located on 66th and san
pablo...you could say the space chose me, I did not choose the space.)

was there a hole that your felt needed filling in the Oakland Art Scene?
Yes especially at the time there were a few new spaces popping up, but there was still a need for new spaces that focused on the emerging talent coming out the art schools.



how does the Oakland Art Scene vary from San Francisco's?
I would have to say that from my experience the art scene in Oakland is more community driven, not only with the type of shows being curated, but also amongst the spaces, we all work pretty well together as a whole and genuinely support and work with one another on a regular basis.

what kind of art do you tend to focus on.... Sum up your program/intentions for us.
Blankspace primarily focuses on exhibiting emerging artists (both local and international) in a wide range of media. Blankspace seeks to foster solid relationships with artists, collectors, non-profit spaces and other contemporary art galleries in the hopes of expanding the Bay Area arts community.

off the top of your head name 3 artists that are inspiring you right now [you don't have to work with them, but it's fine if you do]
Sam Lopes [samlopes.net]
Henry darger [en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Darger]
{lisa's note also one of my all time personal favorite artists!!]
and dutch conceptual artist, Bas Jan Ader [basjanader.com]

what is the best part of owning a gallery?
Working with artists, meeting new people, bringing people together

what¹s the worst part?
Gallery sitting on days when you are alone and have to go the bathroom and there is a non stop flow of people...and days when I am all alone...



dancing ­ pro or con?
LUV IT!!!!!! PS- not a well know fact but I am currently a member of an all girl dance troupe called Tekniq-we have been hailed as the "Best, almost amateur, junior high dance troupe that is performed by adults...unforgettably entertaining..."

hug or handshake?
Handshake the first 2-3 times, then progress into a hug, if you don't know me, don't hug me....a hug needs to be earned...

what did you have for dinner last night?
Carrot soup from Franklin Square wine bar in Oakland.
yummy.

anything else we should know about you and your space????
Come visit us, between Lena {owner of compound gallery and the subject of tomorrow's post] and I, there is always fresh coffee at hand, we love to get visitors who come hang out with us on the benches in front of our spaces...

Also ­ Blankspace and Compound gallery are having a HUGE handmade sale for the Holidays. Otherwise known as HOLIDAYLAND ­ this is the place to come to get small works of unique art and all kinds of handmade goodies to give as gifts. Why not support small artisans??



HOLIDAYLAND
Dec. 5 - Dec 15th, 2008
First Friday Holiday Cheer Reception: December 5, 6-10pm
Holiday Cheer Sunday Reception: Dec 14, 4-7pm

{images: front of gallery, Misako Inaoka [misakoinaoka.com],
Pete Nelson [blankspacegallery.com/gallery/nelson], Peter Foucault [blankspacegallery.com/gallery/foucault/index.html], image from This House is Not a Home [blankspacegallery.com/gallery/house], Moira Murdoch in the foreground- ceramic houses on rubberbands, Middle ground- Alexander Cheves-skyscraper and buildings made from wood, back wall multi piece drawings of dream vacation homes by James Gouldthorpe}

Blankspace gallery
6608 San Pablo Ave
Oakland, CA 94608
510-547-6608
blankspacegallery.com

Special Guest post by Lisa Solomon

Special Guest Post: by Lisa Solomon

TAIL OF THE YAK
by Lisa Solomon



Today I want to introduce you all to one of my all time favorite stores. It's called Tail of the Yak and is run by Alice Erb and Lauren McIntosh [a fabulous artist: laurenmcintosh.com]. It' s located in the Elmwood district [elmwoodshop.com] of Berkeley [but is super close to Oakland, so I consider it part of my stomping ground].



I'll never forget the first time I stumbled into this treasure trove. I had never seen a store like this. What's ironic is that there are now plenty of stores that have similar aesthetics and merchandise [I have yet to find anyone who does it better]. Honestly, though, this was one of the first stores I¹d ever seen in this style. [I can't tell you how many times I've gone to stores and said ­ oh ­ they are trying to be like Tail of the Yak]. It's so lush, and colorful; full of absolutely beautiful things from all over the world and all periods of time. It's almost overwhelming ­ there is so much to look at. But I love looking through nooks and crannies and piles of objects all lined up in a row.



In any given visit ‹ and this is a place you should visit often as the merchandise changes constantly ‹ you can find vintage anatomy posters, bird cages from Europe, hand printed paper goods from local artisans, paper Chinese Lanterns, vintage jewelry of all kinds, milagros, saints from South American churches, ribbons like you¹ve never seen before, soaps, perfumes, glassware, office supplies, etc. etc. etc. It definitely is a cabinet of curiosities.



The other thing that I LOVE about Tail of the Yak is that you can easily find something for under $10. Sure, there are are items that are exorbitantly expensive - but they always manage to have a little something that you just really want to walk away with that won't break the bank. This is where I come to find perfect and unique gifts. Especially for people who have everything. Or for those who have similar tastes to mine. This is where I found the vintage Czech floral beaded headband I wore at my wedding. Every year I come to a little special Holiday shopping ­ or gaze longingly at the glass Christmas ornaments. It's a great place to come to be inspired. I've only had positive interaction with the staff always friendly and will gladly tell you the origin of all the merchandise! It really is like stepping into another world and another time.

Tail of the Yak
2632 Ashby Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 841-9891
Mon-Sat: 11-5:30 Sun: Closed
They don't have a website [so oldschool] - but there is a
page on them here .

Special Guest Post by Lisa Solomon

Special Guest Post: by Lisa Solomon

ARTICLE PRACT
by Lisa Solomon



Since I talked about fabric yesterday I thought it would be fun to talk about yarn today.

Article Pract is a BEAUTIFUL yarn store that is practically within walking distance of my house. It's on a very cute block of Telegraph Avenue in Oakland known as the Temescal district. There are a couple of really fantastic restaurants [Donna Thomas, Piezzaiolo, Genoa Deli across the street, Bake Sale Betty on the corner], as well as a few other small local shops that are fun to visit. Full disclosure ­ Christina ­ who owns the store is a dear friend and a studio mate of mine ­ but I swear even if she wasn't I would love this store.

Christina has a wonderful eye. She always finds the softest, tweediest, most complex, unique, interesting yarns [including my all time to die for line: habu]. I often go to find yarns to wrap
packages with ­ or for other projects other than knitting/crocheting. She also always stocks the basics ­ cottons and wools of all
density and sizes in a wide array of colors. Plus there's always something yummy in the sale section. AND she carries the tools that you need, a nice selection of vintage buttons, a wide array of pattern books and a GREAT selection of bags. These are bags that yes, of course, you can use to stash your knitting, but they are also just cool bags. There are also classes and workshops offered at Article Pract... I'm not sure you could ask for anything more.

Christina was kind enough to answer some questions about her store:



why did you start Article Pract? And what¹s in the name?

I started Article Pract after my old LYS (local yarn store) Straw Into Gold closed. The world hadn't quite come down with the
knitting bug and there weren't many shops near me that really "spoke" to me ... I had to drive over a bridge to shop and that seemed silly. I had been knitting for years, but many of my friends were just starting. We were "younger" than the knitting
demographic at the time and none of us had found a knitting supply shop that reflected the colors and textures we were wanting to use in our knitting. At the time my friend owned a shop (Porch Light Antiques) and when I was at her place I would walk by this empty storefront a couple of doors down... and the idea for a shop planted itself. Originally I wanted to create a space that not only sold supplies, but had a craft space as part of it as well as a mini-gallery of practical art local folks had made. I also wanted to create a space for newer knitters/crafters to feel welcome and inspired to learn in their own way. Knitting supplies quickly took over as many customers who came in and saw the practical art wanted to make things themselves instead of buying them already made, and knitting/crochet classes and workshops became a big part of the shop. The name "Article Pract" is a play on words for practical art, based on the original concept of the space.



what do you do/have that other yarn stores don't?

My taste. Every store has it's own personality, whether that be based on the clientele, the owner/buyer's taste in arn/supplies, or a little bit of both. I learned early on to trust my taste and my judgment. If I love something, the people who shop at my store seem to love it, too. Buying from the heart keeps me inspired in my designing and merchandising and that is reflected when you walk in the door. I also love to changethe shop around, add new products, re-merchandise, add new classes and
workshops and programs. It keeps my job and environment endlessly interesting. And the bonus is that there's always something new or different for customers when they come in the shop. Everyone loves to keep it fresh!

what is your absolute favorite drop dead gotta use yarn of the moment?
Wow, that's actually a hard question for me right now (usually I'd have an answer right off the bat). I've been spinning a lot
recently, so my first instinct is not even a yarn, but a fiber! I am in love with A Verb for Keeping Warm fibers for spinning, particularly camel and silk. All of their fibers are hand dyed with natural dyes and are outrageously beautiful. Plus they're local! After fiber, I'll break it up into two categories for yarn: luxury and everyday. Of course owning a yarn shop allows me to knit with some amazing luxury yarns, but we all have budgets and I like to balance out my fancy schmancy yarns with less expensive but quality yarns so that my projects are amazing, last a long time, and don't break the bank. Fave fancy yarn: Tanglewood Fiber Creations (pretty much anything they do, but particularly the cashmere. Oh my!) Fave "everyday" yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport - amazing yardage, superwash, long lasting, and SOFT! And keep in mind this is all "of the moment". Tomorrow I'll probably have a whole different list of favorites...so fickle!



any thoughts/tips on owning and running your own business?
Do your research before starting. Interview not only small business owners in your field, but in other fields as well. Grow only as fast as you can afford to (if you don't know this already, taxes years one and two can kill a new business. Save save save.) Always have a one-year and five-year plan/list. Stay goal oriented and keep things changing and fresh (helps against burn out, keeps you motivated). Give back to your customers/community/the world as much as you can. But my biggest "tip" is
Trust Yourself. It certainly has worked for me.

what inspires you?
color. texture. movement.

dancing ­ pro or con?
super duper pro.

hug or handshake?
both. hugs all the time and handshakes cause they can be hilarious.

what did you have for dinner last night?
I made purple cauliflower and sweet potato soup. With some tasty walnut whole wheat bread from La Farine. Mmmm.

anything else we should know about you and your store???
Each and every day I am inspired by and grateful for the AMAZING bevy of friends (yes, friends!) I have made through the shop,
whether it be customers, designers, vendors, or neighbors. Often I think I opened the shop for purely selfish reasons (so I could be surrounded by beautiful colors, yarn, and the things people make) but I have gotten SO much more out of having a shop than I ever could have imagined. I am blown away, every day, by the creativity that walks in my door. We all see things
with such different perspectives and I am so lucky to have met and to be surrounded by such amazing and giving ideas and people.

A note on the pictures used for this post... They were taken by Aija Goto and her web site is sockpr0n.blogspot.com.

Article Pract 
5010 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
510 595 PURL   
articlepract.com

Special Guest Post by Lisa Solomon

Special Guest Post: by Lisa Solomon

THE URBAN BURP
by Lisa Solomon



I love living in the Bay Area ­ and I really wanted to focus on the city I live in – Oakland. I think of Oakland as an underrated city. As much as I adore San Francisco I'm very happy that my husband and I have made Oakland our home. That said... I want to kick the week off a post about a gem of a fabric store in San Francisco. The rest of the week will be devoted to places I love in Oakland. And really I could write weeks and weeks of posts on all the great stores, galleries, cafes, restaurants, etc. in my home city.




When Kim [from the blog True Up some of the photos are hers] came to visit we spent a day perusing as many fabric stores as we could. I think we both were incredibly happy to find Urban Burp. Urban Burp is an amazing resource for vintage fabric. Hands down it is the biggest collection I've seen in one place ­ especially of barkcloth. Electra ­ the owner of the shop is incredibly knowledgeable ­ and nice to boot! If you have a hankering for vintage fabric [in excellent condition] then this is a place you MUST visit. Her prices are very reasonable. Kim and I both walked out with much more than we "needed" - including my new favorite fabric a 1930's piece:



Electra was kind enough to answer a few questions about her lovely shop:

Why did you start Urban Burp? And what's in the name?
How it started was I designed and managed the project for my husband's salon (Sync Salon) next door. During that time there was approximately 800 square feet left over.  Well as much as I hate to admit it Lisa, I'm getting older and lugging those 70 to 100 lb bags around to the vintage shows for all the vintage fabric lovers was starting to show it's wear. So, the Universe handed me the means  to supply all my favorite customers  much more of what I had, in one place, more often.

Throughout my travels of shows I inevitably experienced someone exclaiming how this brought up and out an old memory of the past. Hence the "burp or burp moment".  It's not a physical burp but a mental or memorable one. Mostly positive but once in awhile ghastly.  The best burp I had from a client was at the Modernism Show in Palm Springs where this lady went by my
booth, jerked her neck around after having past and rushed toward me exclaiming "THAT FABRIC, THAT FABRIC" well she
startled me and I had to ask, what about it.  She remarked that when her son was six she had made curtains for his bedroom with the identical fabric.  The content was of knights and damsels in distress on horses etc.  Well, I thought that was the end of the story until she told me he ended up becoming a Medeival Historian.  Isn't that just a great burp story!!!!

What sparked your interest in vintage fabric? And where are some of the crazy places you've gone to source your finds? [if you don¹t mind telling us]
Ya know early on in public school in Boston (I think it was as early as 3rd grade) they started you on a sewing machine (treadle) in Home Economics. and I have in some way been involved in the "rag" way of life ever since. Both my Ma and Auntie made my clothes or were involved in sewing. After High School I went to College for interior design and decor and  later in my life I sold apparel and had my own clothing store where I made and imported clothes from Bali.

I've been all around the United States, England, Germany, Italy, Mexico for fabrics.  For my retro prints Heimtextile is great for
French and Spanish as well as the other countries already mentioned.  I'm just starting to get involved with the Ethnic textiles.  My most favorite periods  are 50's and 60's.



Does urban burp do more than just sell vintage fabrics? And if so what?
I offer upholstery and drapery services as well as full Home Decor and Soft goods.  My niche is 1920's to 70's and beyond.  I
also carry retro, and contemporary but it usually appears to fit in within the Epochs mentioned.  You know designs for hundreds of years have been taken from older periods of time and used for current fashion.  Hopefully, I will be starting
upholstery classes for small projects as well as pattern making, sewing and knitting 101 and more.  I will need more help for these projects.

Any thoughts/tips on owning and running your own business?
Don't come work for me!  Right now it's pretty tough. I have to thank everyone passionately for all the support given me. Thanks so much.   I couldn't have picked the worse time.  I started my husband's project Summer of 2007.  Who knew it would turn out this way.  Please, a shout out to all you fabric lovers and beyond please . . . . VOTE! Otherwise, I don't know how much longer I will be around.

What inspires you?
Compassion, creativity, education, Love of Life and people, determination and purpose, loyalty, good food and wine . . . . . . .
BEAUTIFUL TEXTILES!!!!!!!



Dancing ­ pro or con?
Dancing, absolutely.  I've always hated the gym and always just danced but lately since I've opened this store I haven't had
time.  Maybe I need to get to the gym, HAH!

Hug or handshake?  
Both.  They both involve a connection, eye contact and affirmation of whom is in front of you.

What did you have for dinner last night?
Crock Pot and salad.  My husband's the cook but I can make a mean pasta sauce and lasagna.

Anything else we should know about you and your store???
Come find out first hand.  There's always more than the first impression. Oh, I almost forgot.   I will have a website up hopefully before Xmas - urbanburp.com


Urban Burp
170 Columbus Ave
Ste 110
(between Jackson St & Kearny St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 399-8761

Special Guest Post by Lisa Solomon

Special Guest This Week: Lisa Solomon!

This week I'm so so excited to host a very special guest and sweet blog friend, Lisa Solomon. Many of you are probably already familiar with her beautiful art, from her delicate doily drawings to her felt tank installations, and this week we're going to see a different side of her as she takes us on a tour of her home city, Oakland, California. From visits and interviews with fabric and yarn shops to her favorite unique places in her neighborhood. It's going to be rather special we think, and we hope you'll join us for a post from her everyday this week!