JOYENGINE: cause sharing is cool

Apologies to all for the tardiness of this post, but here are some photos from Jon Lew’s, Two Feet Under show here at JoyEngine. DJ Symmetry was of course creating the beats for an evening of art on this cold evening in January.

Jon Lew - tonight at JoyEngine! Come enjoy a collection of art (over 50 pieces), listen to the beats of DJ Symmetry, and grab a drink at tonight’s opening for Jon Lew. Be there or be square.

We were lucky enough to inherit all of Ogi’s pieces that didn’t sell at his recent show at Stripes Gallery. They’re all hung on the opposite side of Jon Lew’s “NEW” show, so be sure to check ‘em out if you come out on Friday night. If you’re unfamiliar with Ogi’s work, he’s an artist living in Tokyo and has shown at the likes of the Giant Robot gallery, White Walls and Kidrobot, Los Angeles. We are unbelievably happy to have Ogi’s work on display (and for sale).

P.S. If you haven’t been by lately, we also have some larger than life pieces from Jason Thielke’s “Young Dude” series, plus a Thielke x Rafa Jenn collab! And, oh don’t forget… there’s always at least one Lefavor on display. Yeah Scot!!!
We love you Ogi, Jon, Jason, Scot and Rafa!

We’re pleased to announce that we’ll be hosting Jon Lew’s solo exhibition, “2 Feet Under, a year in review,” this Friday (the 25th). We hung the majority of the show today and we’ll finish up tomorrow. We don’t have a final count on all of Jon’s pieces, but there’s a freakin’ lot! If you don’t know much about Jon Lew, he’s a local tattoo artist working at Indelible Ink, you can check out some of his work here. He brings a traditional tattoo aesthetic combined with some super illustration to a wide range of mediums. The show starts at 7pm and we’ll be kicking you out around 11. DJ Symmetry will be melting faces (for real this time) and of course we’ll have booze for all!

Here’s a quick sneak peak:

Jon Lew will be showing “Two Feet Under” - A year in review, at JoyEngine on Friday, January, 25th. Jon’s been nose to the grindstone putting his show together for a number of months now and the work looks great. If you’re not familiar with Jon, he’s a tattoo artist and illustrator with excellent craft and concept. His work typically resides in a very socio-political context and often makes us laugh. We can’t wait to have John in our house. Symmetry will be on the decks (for real this time) and we’ll be rockin’ cocktails. Hope to see you!!!

In the past we have conducted informal interviews with people who happen to pop in the shop and post the interviews on Thursdays. We feel like its time for something new. The plan is similar, but our attempt is to make it a more involved interview with local artists or up-and-coming artists. Our first shot at this was with Jon Lew, a rad guy with lots to say.

JE: Jon, what do you think you are best known for as of right now?

JL: I would probably say people might recognize me for my tattoo work and some of the pop art stuff I’m workin’ on.

JE: In a broader sense, what is something you would like to see change?

JL: Ooh, hard question… Personally I think the country could be run better.

JE: How do you think we all could better influence that?

JL: I think cutting back on corporate control would be a good place to start. I just think they have a lot of control, in general, on what people are doing in this country.

JE: What do think your favorite thing about CO is?

JL: Usually the weather, unfortunately this winter hasn’t been as forgiving.

JE: What do you think your biggest inspiration is, as a whole?

JL: The environment, the tattoo world and definitely music.

JE: What are you listening to right now?

JL: Uh, a lot of stuff. I’m really into Silver Sun right now.

JE: What are you watching right now?

JL: A lot of documentaries. I just saw one on Henry Darger. He was famous for writing this 15,000 page fantasy manuscript… I think it was called The Story of the Vivian Girls. Totally amazing stuff, you should check it out. I highly recommend it.

JE: What are you reading right now?

JL: A book by Martin LaCasse called “Take What You Can and Give Nothing Back.” Its mostly tat work, but it talks a little about his take on art.

JE: One last question. If everyone was listening, what would you say?

JL: “Be aware of what you do, karma is a bitch!”

Jon Lew, an elite artistic machine with a fresh sense, flash art inspired style. He cruzed by the shop last night to show some work and to catch up. Here are a couple pieces to give you an idea of the man’s skillz. Keep a close eye on Jon, he’s got some super dope ideas and will be showing ‘em off at an expected Joyengine show this fall.

j-lew2021.deviantart.com