JOYENGINE: cause sharing is cool

Amidst a recent flurry of new work ranging from the creation of a couple of new identity systems, some gorgeous wedding invites, a stash of custom built and hand-painted signs, and a brilliant pop-iconified painting of Marilyn Monroe(wish we had a photo) for the Life as Legend traveling exhibition at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center - Scot Lefavor managed to fully handle the below commission. Courtland Urbano(left) and Sean Herman(right) are two all around super rad and way crafty dudes. Both are signigicant players in the perpetually emerging Colorado art & design scene. Courtland commissioned Scot to create a painting of him and his best bro Sean. While the attached photo does some justice to the piece, it’s lacking the required detail necessary for full appreciation. Lefavor is up’n the ante with some new techniques and odds are good they’ll be fully utilized for his upcoming show at Andenken with Amanda Marie. We can’t wait to see…

Life as a Legend: Marilyn Monroe, an exhibit at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center from May 3 – July 6, captures the beauty, sensuality and vulnerability of an American icon, who many have described as the sexiest woman of the 20th Century.

Experience the spark, sex appeal and sensation of Marilyn Monroe through the art of Andy Warhol, Christo, Douglas Kirkland, Robert Indiana, Mel Ramos, Richard Avedon, Bert Stern, Henri Cartier-Bresson and many others. This vivid and diverse exhibition of 286 objects captures Marilyn’s rise to stardom, her private life and public image, through works by more than 80 artists ranging from fashion photographers to Pop painters to international contemporary artists.

“This exhibition provides an intimate look at the enchanting actress who charmed the world with her looks, vulnerability and innocence,” said FAC Curator Tariana Navas-Nieves. “We are happy to bring this special traveling exhibition to Colorado Springs. As an added treat, we’ve invited several local and regional artists (including Scot Lefavor) to create their own original works of art inspired by Marilyn. We think that their contributions will make this blockbuster event even more memorable.”

Yeah, Lefavor… showing work alongside some of your heros!!! We can’t wait.

While takin’ care of business this morn we were reminded just how AWESOME the paste-up mural Lefavor handled in the JE/cypher13 John is. And, since we’re starting a major remodel of our studio and shop this Friday we figured we should start documenting some shit. Anyway, an oldie, but a goody. Look for new work from Scot to be dropping at Andenken Gallery in June alongside fellow wicked talent artist & JE contributor, Amanda Marie.

Sorry folks, but the show “Lets Ride Bikes!” by Scot Lefavor set for this Friday, April 11th at Market Central has been cancelled. We received word last week that Market Central will be temporarily closed for an undisclosed amount of time. They are great folks over there and we wish them the best of luck. This particular body of work will eventually be shown, we just don’t know when or where exactly that will be yet. Probably some time over the summer if not sooner.

So, this post is kind of like when a sweaty, “band before the band” band just finishes their last song and the drummer pulls the mike down to his face and shamelessly announces that the band has ep’s for sale at the merch table up front by the door. Except, instead of records, I have some small pieces for sale and the merch table is actually a new online store on my website. My plan is to have new pieces, prints and apparel added monthly. Hey, check it out… If you don’t dig it, maybe you’ll dig something on the next tour. Thanks, have a good night!

A number of months ago our pal, Scot Lefavor crushed some shit for his pals over at Forecast Snowboards. Scot designed their 2009 board line working closely with local ripper and all around rad guy, Pat Milbery. For SIA in Vegas Scot cranked out 4′x8′ paintings of all the graphics he created. The Paintings ended up taking the shape of Forecast’s booth. Anyway, in typical Lefavor fashion he returned from Vegas without any pics. Personally, I was pretty frikin’ pissed. I’m a huge fan of Scot going big and really wanted to see some shots. Turns out that Pat had Scot’s back… he rolled into the studio last week with a grip of Vegas pics. Here’s a few. Yeah Lefavor! And, yo, if you wanna get your hands on any of these pieces - they’re available. Hit up Lefavor and he’ll work it all out.

We’re pleased to announce Scot Lefavor’s upcoming show, Lets Ride Bikes! It’s been a bit since Lefavor’s last solo show, we can’t wait to see what he’s been up to. April 11th, 8pm - 12am, Market Central, DJ Japadapta, PBR, bring your bike! Wooooo, art and bikes!

The EHF collective including Markham Maes, Scot Lefavor and Mike Graves will be showing new works this evening at the D-Note in Old Town Arvada. The show curated by Shitty Kitten himself, and entitled Magic Beans for Sale is sure to impress. Other participating artists include, Anthony Salazar, Josh Holland, Mike Gallegos, and Sean Gilbert. Beats will come heavy via JapaDapta w/ our boy Robin Samples on the mike. Look-out, yo!!! Here’s a sneak peek from EHF crew!!!

“Last Minute” Lefavor did what he does best and rallied for his homey Pat Milbery and Forecast Snowboards in preparation for SIA. Scot designed Forecast’s board graphics for 2009. One week prior to SIA Pat asked him to create 10 super-sized paintings to adorn the Forecast booth based on the board art Scot had previously designed. Here’s a bit on the project from Scot, “Yo, here is that mockup. Should’nt be too difficult, I tried to keep it simple and loud. Although it’s alot of work in a short amount of time. I got 50in masking tape from Harrison for $150, that’ll help. 3 colors each panel. Mask, cut, spray, repeat. I’ll keep you posted on that shit.” - Rad, right? So, Scot handled the paintings, and we heard that SIA went really well for Forecast. We’ve yet to see photos of the finished pieces, but with Lefavor’s steady hand, attention to detail, and wicked-good masking skills… we’re sure they’re tight.

For The Shoppe’s Grand Opening this past weekend a number of the artists in our extended posse threw down some new work.  Here’s what Mr. Lefavor came up with… one of my personal “faives”, hah!!!

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!

When it comes to Scot Lefavor, there’s inspiration lying around every corner.  Once Scot’s in design mode, he’s straight up dangerously fresh.  We’ve been a bit out of touch with Scot over here at the Engine due to the semi- hectic schedules of all parties involved, hopefully we’ll fix that up over the weekend.  Regardless, Scot never ceases to amaze, inspire, and raise the creative bar for those around him.  The below illustration showed up on my phone around 3am last night.  Awesome man.  We’ll  certainly find a material or two to drop this puppy on.