Opening this Saturday, July 9, 2022, at DARK ART EMPORIUM in Long Beach, CA..."Entities", featuring a selection of my new work and "The Dregs" featuring work by Alex Eckman-Lawn
For more info go to: https://shop.darkartemporium.com/
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...I have a piece available at BRASSWORKS GALLERY, in Portland Oregon for their fantastic group show,
REALITY MISTAKEN, which opens tomorrow, Saturday June 11. The title of my piece is "Desert Landscape with Cloud Formation" (14x11", mixed media on panel in frame) I'm very proud to be included with this terrific lineup of artists. For more info be sure to go to: www.brassworksgallery.com …some influences. These amazing things are near and dear to me and have helped to shape my sensibilities as an artist. Most were discovered at an impressionable period in my life, from small child through late teenager. This selection isn’t unique to me of course, and there are dozens of other things that aren’t included here, but each of these really got stuck in my subconscious. Sometimes things are latent and lie dormant in the back of your mind only to emerge later. I’m not sure how “original” any art is really...but It seems that it’s the unique way in which each of us process the information and the influences that we’ve gathered up all our lives. My work grows from a large assortment of things...many impressions that are filtered through my imagination. Some examples of things and/or artists that have had a profound effect on me, in order: Richard Lindner/GRAPHIS Magazine, Famous Monsters of Filmland 1968/Ron Cobb art, Albrecht Durer, Pinocchio/1940, ALIEN/1979, FANTASTIC PLANET/1973, classic Beistle Halloween decor, Fellini’s JULIET OF THE SPIRITS/1965, Little Nemo in Slumberland by Winsor McCay, the art of Joseph Cornell.
…I'm proud to have a piece in “AESTHETA”, a new group show opening this weekend at DARK ART EMPORIUM, down in Long Beach, CA. My piece, “November Dawn” (14x11”, mixed media on panel) is available to purchase right now. Go to: www.darkartemporium.com or call 562-612-1118. This show features an exceptional lineup of artists, so stop by if you’re in the area. The show opens THIS Sat., Nov. 13th, 2021 at 5-9pm
My new piece “Desiccated Bird” (mixed media on panel, 10x8”) is available to purchase right now as part of the current group show “HEAVY ALIENS”, curated by artist Buddy Nestor at Dark Art Emporium in Long Beach, CA.
To explain my process here: I basically began with a very rough assemblage study put together in Adobe Photoshop, which was a combination of pencil drawing and some photos that I'd taken, some of which are filed away for years before being utilized...these were just small bits and pieces of old sculptures I’d done....skulls and bone forms. I began working out this loose skeletal effigy figure but felt that the head needed something...a kind of mask. The shoulder suggested a wing form and this gave me the idea to rough out a bird-like skull shape. I layered this over the sketch and felt that I now had something tangible to work with. I love using Photoshop in this way because all kinds of exciting accidents happen and these lead to more ideas. It’s a wonderful sketching tool. This rough study was printed out faintly on paper and formed the basis of my final painting. I mounted the study to an Ampersand panel and coated it with a couple layers of matte medium to give the surface a bit of tooth so I could draw and paint over it. Pretty simple stuff...it was now my under-drawing. I added some collage of glued cut paper shapes giving the piece more of a dimensional, tactile quality, before refining and finalizing the drawing in pencil. The mixed media piece was finished in acrylics and more pencil, finally getting a couple coats of acrylic satin varnish. If you’re interested in purchasing this piece, please go to: https://shop.darkartemporium.com/collections/heavy-aliens Also showing at DAE is the show "CULTURE JUNKY" featuring new work by Jeremy Cross ...I just picked up this newly released, gorgeous Blu-ray set from Criterion Collection, “THREE FANTASTIC JOURNEYS BY KAREL ZEMAN”. Zeman was a Czech filmmaker that I had actually been aware of as a kid by way of seeing his films on TV (even if I didn’t know his name at the time). They were mysterious and unforgettable...bizarre fantasies combining animated Victorian engravings and stop motion puppet photography with live action. It’s one of those things from your childhood that just stays with you and later ends up influencing your own sensibilities in some way.
The set features “Journey to the Beginning of Time”(1955), “Invention for Destruction”(1958) (aka,“The Fabulous World of Jules Verne”) and “The Fabulous Baron Munchausen”(1962). I primarily remember seeing the latter two as a kid...they would just show up on TV occasionally. There was this indescribable magic about them because they seemed so strange and otherworldly to me. I wanted to climb in there and enter those environments. The collection has some shorts by Zeman and several cool documentaries that I can’t wait to get into. Everything has been remastered and restored so the images look amazing. I also want to say that the packaging design on this thing is really a knockout, with popup style panels that fold open, holding the discs in sleeves. The whole set folds back up into a lovely die cut slipcase. Wonderful stuff! ...SPECIAL ONE WEEK HOLIDAY OFFER...FREE PRINT. Hi everybody...! Right now I’m including a free, open edition signed print of my piece “Subway Mask” with all print orders through next Sunday only, Dec. 8, 2019 (print available with flat prints only, no rolled...ONE free print per ORDER, not per print purchased) I have a large selection of prints to choose from so please visit my online shop. The “Subway Mask” print looks really sharp and even better framed. It just happens to fit a standard 8x10 frame perfectly. As always, my signed limited edition prints come with a certificate of authenticity and are packed very well in sturdy corrugated packaging. Thanks so much! Print fits standard 8x10 frame. (frame not included)
...I’ll be participating in SALUT! 4, a group cocktail coaster art show that opens tomorrow night (Friday Nov. 8, 2019) at NUCLEUS PORTLAND, so if you happen to be in the Portland, Oregon area, be sure to stop by and check out this really cool, fun exhibition of very affordable art. Just a few of the artists are shown here, but there are many, many more...it's a really terrific lineup and there will be roughly 1000 individual coasters for sale. It’s a great way to start collecting. I'll have three pieces in the show. (see below) From the gallery: ("Salut" is an expression of friendly feelings used toward one's companions before drinking. In conjunction with our bar, hundreds of coaster artwork will be on display in the gallery. We have an outstanding roster of talented artists from near and far. At $60 each, this is a great opportunity to own original art! Artwork will be for sale at the opening reception, and will be available online the following day. There will be no previews/pre-sales for this show.) Show runs from Nov. 8-Dec. 4, 2019 ARTISTS SHOWN LEFT TO RIGHT: @williambasso_art @jameslipnickasart @illusoryart @yesurrey @kristinkwanart @ryaninthedust @juliancallos @gunopark @drooliette nucleusportland.com "Farm", 4"x4", mixed media on paper cocktail coaster "Oak", 4"x4", mixed media on paper cocktail coaster "Scythe", 4"x4", mixed media on paper cocktail coaster
I highly recommend this amazing new book,“ The Making of ALIEN” (1979), by J.W. Rinzler. It’s another in a series of fantastic “making of” books that Rinzler has been doing over the last decade. ALIEN is one of my all-time favorite films and I’m sure that many of you feel the same way. This is the definitive ALIEN book and it’s a beautiful, heavy coffee table style edition with tons of in depth info and photos. One of the true highlights here is the inclusion of many of the highly detailed storyboards or “Ridleygrams” that Ridley Scott illustrated during preproduction and production of the movie. The book is worth getting just for those alone. This film has such a handcrafted quality, every frame of it feels alive and real. For me, it’s such an inspiring work of art. Seeing these images and reading through the text just makes me want to revisit this movie again even after having seen it many times over the years.
REVIEWS: “Rinzler does a fine job of showing why, exactly, Alien became one of cinema’s greatest creations” - The Film Stage “completely enthralling...For fans of the film and the franchise, you couldn’t ask for more for this year’s 40th anniversary of Alien.” - Borg.com “a jaw-dropper of a book, a must-own for Alien fans that's positively overflowing with excellent artwork, new interviews, script excerpts, and a whole bunch of behind-the-scenes photos I'd never seen before” - Birth.Movies.Death “a gorgeous hardcover book that follows the making of the film from its inception in the mind of writer Dan O’Bannon to the mark it has left on the world...I think it’s safe to say that this book is a must-have for fans of the Alien franchise” - Dread Central “tells the fascinating story of how Alien germinated from screenwriter Dan O'Bannon's simple extraterrestrial stowaway idea into one of the most indelible works of scare cinema ever produced” - SYFY I'm going to have two pieces featured at The Convent Philly @theconventphilly (www.theconventphilly.com) for their annual Summer Show which opens this Friday June, 14 from 7-10pm. My piece "Subway Mask" has already sold, but “King Chicken” is available for purchase right now. (To purchase go to link) This fun show features a terrific lineup of artists, so if you’re in the Philadelphia area stop in and hang out.! Show runs through July 10, 2019 Artist line up: Adipocere @adipocere Adrienne Rozzi@poisonappleprintshop Adam Michaels @adams.art.box Ally Burke @funnyskullgrin Brian Mercer @bmercerrock Daria Hlazatova @dariahlazatova Domonique Alesi @domoniquealesi Ellie Gill @elliejogill Eric Sonntag @ericsonntag Grady Gordon @joaquindead Jason Barnett @jasonbarnettart Jessi Hardesty @jessihardesty Jodi Cachia @jodicachia Kristen Margiotta@kristen_margiotta Matt Gordon@mattgordon_paintings Michelle Konczyk @velvetmush Rachael Bridge @rachaelbridge Steph Sciullo @stephsciullo Steph Stevenson @stephasketch Steve Cleff @stevecleff Vanessa Seixas @supern3s William Basso @williambasso_art "King Chicken", 2019, mixed media on panel, 8"x6" (10"x8" in frame) "King Chicken" (detail) "Subway Mask", 2019, mixed media on panel, 8"x6" (10"x8" in frame) SOLD "Subway Mask" (detail)
...FREE PRINT OFFER. As a special thank you to new and old followers alike, I’m including this free signed print of my piece “Noggin” with all print orders through May 31, 2019 (Free print available with flat prints only, no rolled) (frame not included) The “Noggin” print looks really sharp and as you can see, it fits a standard 8x10 frame perfectly. I have a large selection of prints to choose from so please visit my online shop. As always, my limited edition prints come with a certificate of authenticity and are packed well in sturdy corrugated packaging. Thanks! The "Noggin" print fits a standard 8x10 frame beautifully. Free print offer through 5/31/19
(Frame not included with print) I’m very happy to be part of SALUT! 3, a group coaster show that opens tomorrow night @nucleusportland, (Nov.16 7-10pm), so if you happen to be in the Portland, Oregon area, be sure to stop in and check out this fun exhibition of very affordable art. Just a few of the artists shown below, but there are many, many more...it's a really terrific lineup. From the gallery: ("Salut" is an expression of friendly feelings used toward one's companions before drinking. In conjunction with our bar, hundreds of coaster artwork will be on display in the gallery. We have an outstanding roster of talented artists from near and far. At $50 each, this is a great opportunity to own original art! Artwork will be for sale at the opening reception, and will be available online the following day. There will be no previews/pre-sales for this show.) Show runs from Nov. 16-Dec. 6, 2018 www.nucleusportland.com These are my three featured pieces (above, left to right), "Scissor","Clang" and "Zone", all mixed media on cardboard coasters, 4"x4" ARTISTS SHOWN ABOVE: (LEFT TO RIGHT) (many, many more...see full list at www.nucleusportland.com)
WILLIAM BASSO GUNO PARK ANDI SOTO ALEX DOS DIAZ JASON LIMON YU MAEDA JEANNIE LYNN PASKE HUNTZ ANGELA FOX @williambasso_art @gunopark @andimacka @alexdosdiaz @jasonlimon @_yu_maeda_ @obsoleteworld @huntzhuntz @angelafoxart Coming this weekend to Burbank, CA...”SON OF CONJOINED” (curated by @chetzar and @coprogallery) features an outstanding exhibit of dark artworks that will also include my piece “Vex” (seen here on the promo and available to purchase) It’s all part of “Son of Monsterpalooza”@monsterpaloozaofficial , a fantastic convention for all fans of the macabre in art, films and special effects makeup. Sept. 14-16, 2018 Marriott Burbank Convention Center & Hotel
For more info contact: www.copronason.com http://www.monsterpalooza.com/fall/ Opening this Saturday Sept. 8 at COPRO NASON GALLERY in Santa Monica, CA, the 13th Annual BLAB! Show, curated by Monte Beauchamp. I'm very honored to have a piece in this fantastic group show which boasts an absolutely stellar lineup of artists, so if you happen to be in the Los Angeles area do not miss it. My piece, “Bene Gesserit”, (mixed media on panel, 16”x16”) is loosely inspired by Frank Herbert’s DUNE, and is available to purchase. Show runs from Sept. 8-29, 2018 For purchase inquiries or for more info email at coprogallery@live.com To see the online preview go to: www.copronason.com/blab_18/ Poster art by Femke Hiemstra
These are just some of the illustrators that really made an impact on me many years ago in art school and still inspire me today. I love the work of many, many illustrators of all genres, but I have a tendency to gravitate toward a somewhat darker and more mysterious or expressionistic sensibility. These are some of my all time favorites. (see examples shown in order below) Franciszek Starowieyski (1930-2009) was an absolute master of the Polish Poster. His bizarre figures and creatures disturbed and fascinated me when I first encountered them as a child in my father’s collection of GRAPHIS magazines back in the 1970s. Roger Dean, most famous for his phantasmagorical collaborations with the band YES. I first became aware of his work through listening to the music of YES and then through his classic monograph “VIEWS”, originally published in 1975. Ralph Steadman, probably best known for his collaborations with writer Hunter S. Thompson. I had taken his book “AMERICA”, pub.1974, out of the local public library as a teenager. I wasn’t particularly interested in the political content of the drawings, but more taken with the extraordinary draftsmanship and outrageous energy of the art, which seemed to border on insanity. Marshall Arisman, editorial illustrator who often depicted violent or challenging subject matter. His dynamic use of color and form knocked my socks off when I first came upon his paintings at the Society of Illustrators in NYC. And finally, innovative illustrator Brad Holland, who is well known for his New York Times Op-Ed spots and editorial work for Playboy magazine. His astonishing, surreal and allegorical pen and ink drawings and paintings have a distinctive and unique stamp that I was immediately drawn to. If you’re not familiar with the work of these artists, do a Google image search and enjoy! Roger Dean Ralph Steadman Marshall Arisman Brad Holland ...Stunning book I recently picked up, “The Black Drawings-Philadelphia Pennsylvania 1974-1977” by the Quay Brothers (edited by Edwin Carels and published by Tommy Simoens and Ludion). Essentially blueprints for the remarkable and incredibly unique imagery that would emerge throughout their filmmaking career, the drawings were created during the 1970s when the brothers were still working as illustrators. The drawings are very enigmatic...moody and beautiful, really showing the development of many of their obsessions and visual idiosyncrasies. In addition to the Black Drawings, there are also examples of their illustration work and a number of great photos and film stills. The design of this book is a knockout, really gorgeous. If you’re a die hard Quays fan like me, definitely grab this immediately before it becomes difficult to find.
“Vex”, mixed media construction, 16.5” tall. Available now at COPRO NASON GALLERY, part of the ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS 3 group show which closes this Sat., June 2. This piece would look really fantastic in your own cabinet of curiosities. For purchase inquiries email at (coprogallery@live.com)
”Odysseus”2017 (mixed media on panel 30”x26”), currently available at LAST RITES GALLERY in New York and seen here back in the studio just about finished before framing. (Framed version shown hanging at the gallery) As this piece was developing, I began to see the figure, alone and abandoned, in a barren expanse of dry grasses. The helmet-like head and the shapes that made up the figure started to suggest to me something almost Ancient Greek...a warrior left behind in a wasteland or perhaps at sea, lost forever in time.
To inquire about my available work contact at info@lastritesgallery.com A selection of maquette objects that I’ve created. Just a part of my mixed media process which utilizes drawing, sculpting, photography, painting, collage and assemblage. These sculptural fragments are a means to an end. They are some of the “raw materials” that I use in creating a pictorial artwork.
Thanks Hi-Fructose magazine for the feature about my work! Link to page.
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The Art of William Basso Archives
July 2022
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