“The Queen of Collage” is what they call her, the La Jolla grown artist Susan Wickstrand, who has been filling up our newsfeeds with her interesting and elaborate pieces. Instead of using digital tools such as photoshop or those easily recognizable filters, Susan doesn’t make it easy on herself by cutting, gluing and sewing her pieces together by hand. The result – the beautiful abstract pieces inspired by her love for nature, travel and family.
If you aren’t spending too much time scrolling social media, you could have also come across her artwork on popular and award winning television shows like “Modern Family” and “Parenthood” or on stylish apparel brands like Rip Curl.
The appeal of Susan’s work is easy to see, from her bright colors, to her mixed media, attracting all sorts of tastes. We encourage you to go check out her work! One of the galleries – Greenroom Gallery – where Susan’s work is be shown will be having a grand opening on October 27th, from 6pm to 9pm, at their new location at the International Marketplace in Waikiki. One of our own represented artists, world-renowned photographer Zak Noyle will be holding an exhibit for the show, followed by a meet and greet.
We hope to see you there!
Feature Friday – Bruce Kakauer
“It is the Alpha and Omega.” This is what Bruce Krakauer, our account manager here at BSP had to say when we asked him what art meant for him, “It is the nexus that ties together all disciplines, academia and soul.” Bruce is a go-to man, sitting at the front of our offices working away at his desk on anything from sales processing to maintenance. One would never know of the amazing artwork he has made by his quiet and humble demeanor. This piece, “Ji Ri Mu Ge” was done with acrylic on wood in a “painstaking process – without the pain”. Ji Ri Mu Ge – meaning unity, oneness, no separation – ties to the ideas that Bruce had while creating this detailed piece which was completed in 1993. “Imagine the fabric of everything being pulled apart, pushed forward to backward, constructing and deconstructing at the same time.” Deep stuff!
Bruce grew up in Des Moines, moving away to graduate with his Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from the University of Tennessee. After this, he spent 12 years in the sunshine state in San Francisco, and then finally found his place here in Hawai’i. We asked Bruce what inspired him the most and his answer was simple – Nature. Looking at the history of where he has lived, you can see how their environments would influence his artistic styles. In regards to collaborating with other artists, he has his top choices lined up, those including Jim Ellis, Clay Grahm and Ariel Electron, who are all members of the Art Mafia.
Besides being an account manager, and a talented artist, he enjoys yard sculpting and using his favorite media – mashed potatoes. (We hope you’ve seen Close Encounters)
“When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!” Raul Duke
We Are Proud To Announce Our Newest Signed Artist
Surf Photographer Zak Noyle
Zak Noyle is very well known in the surf and water community for his ability to capture magnificent photos with his lense. Few people have the “guts” to get in the breaks that this photographer gets caught in, and it shows in his photos; which bring people into a world that few are privy.
Considered one of the best surf photographer’s in the world, Zak Noyle is known for his unique perspective on surf and sea. Based on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, Zak spends countless hours in the water, creating dramatic imagery and artful interpretations of some of the worlds’ most beautiful surf breaks.
Among his list of accolades: Zak Noyle became the senior staff photographer for Surfer Magazine at the age of 25; he won prestigious Red Bull Illume award in 2014, and was voted “Best Photo of the Year” by Surfer Magazine in 2011. Zak’s surf images can be seen in many high profile magazines such as National Geographic, London Times & ESPN and have been featured in advertising campaigns with clients such as Chanel, Stussy, RVCA, Billabong.
For Zak, surf photography is all about capturing that perfect moment;
“It’s a lifestyle, It’s an art, It’s a passion.”
Black Sand Publishing is proud to introduce you to Zak Noyle, and his re-designed website: www.ZakNoyle.com.
In partnership with fine art printer Chromaco, Inc. Zak Noyle’s photographs are now offered in a wide range of fine art prints on limited edition aluminum, archival grade giclee’s on canvas, and high quality matted prints available on three different types of paper (Chrome, Bamboo, and Pearl).
Welcome Zak!
What Is An Artist Proof?
What is an Artist Proof and how is it different than an regular print? The answer lies in the canvas! Traditional fine art reproductions are generated from high resolution scans from the artists original artwork, and are then printed with archival ink onto canvas. These prints are signed and numbered for distribution. This process is considered giclee print making, and provides better color accuracy than any other means of reproduction on canvas.
In the classic sense, artist proofs were “working proofs” which would be excluded in the limited edition releases because of slight discrepancies that occurred in the print making process. With new technology advancements in print making, these discrepancies have been eliminated, but the demand for more exclusive A/P prints was born.
In the age of modern art, these artist proofs now refer to an exclusive run of giclee’s that are identical to the limited edition prints but whose artwork is accented by the artists themselves. All artist proof canvases bear the A/P designation and are hand numbered & signed by the artist. These prints are highly sought after and highly collectible because of their limited edition size. Some artists’ A/P programs include hand highlighting the canvas to add texture to a normally “flat” print on canvas; and may also include a certificate of authenticity, hand pulled and signed by the artist themselves (as pictured below).
So would you rather have a Giclee or Artist Proof? You decide!
Sugar Cane Paper
At Black Sand Publishing we pride ourselves on offering high quality products for all of our artists. A lot of research has gone into choosing best paper for a long lasting, bright, and resilient paper print. One of our artists, Heather Brown has chosen to produce all of her matted prints using sugarcane paper, and we couldn’t be happier!
Sugarcane paper is produced from the fibers of the sugarcane plant. Just as regular (wood based) paper is created through refining pulp from a tree, the cellulose of the sugarcane plant is refined and treated to create the bright, smooth sugarcane paper that we know and love.
Sugarcane paper is regarded as the ultimate bio-sustainable solution because the fibers that are used to make the paper would have traditionally been burned, creating greenhouse emissions; left in landfills or otherwise wastefully disposed of. Choosing to use sugarcane paper means standing up against deforestation and supports a sustainable future.