How to Survive Bike Week

As my mother would say in her most proper voice, "Immerse yourself in the culture, darling."

So, come Eat Hot Dogs and be entertained with us!


click title for link

Zona: Siberian Prison Camps March 1st Opening

Photo complimentary www.smponline.org

Since I am not a big fan of paying for events, because I am poor, like most of the world; I tend to post the free events. All I know is that The Southeast Museum of Photography (infront of DBC- 1200 W. International) is one of the best resources in this town for amazing and free events.

The reception for the new exhibition is March 1st from 5-7pm. Walk around, grab some good food and beverage, and expand your horizon outside of Volusia County. Click on the title to link to the website. They have something almost everyday.

This exhibition runs Mar. 1- May 23rd, 2008.

A Little Nugget

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

One thing every good magazine has is an editorial section; a little nugget the editor wants whispered in your ear, as you flip through the pages. So, here goes mine.

I am always up for leaving my eyes and ears open throughout the day, just in case God has his own editorial note for me. God is always switching things up, reaching out to you, where you can be reached. At anyrate, this month anyway, it has been through sayings on posters. I have jotted down at least 8 good quotes from posters that just kept catching my eye. And today, as I started to write this editorial, I actually began writing something along the lines of the reward being in the journey… that is, until I saw “my” poster. It was hanging on a classroom wall, nothing fancy. It read, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

I thought this quote tied perfectly into one of the things Dirt City Zine is about; which is, finding the beauty in our community, however each of us may represent it. Furthermore, without being in tune with my surroundings today, I would have missed the poster, which gave me inspiration for this note. Thanks God.

Morgan McDole

DIRT CITY HAS A FACE

This is classic, as it is the first graphic for Dirt City. Dug Ketterman drew this up, as we were in the brainstorming process of pulling together all the ideas Dirt City represented. We now depend on his artisan skills and graphic input for Dirt City Missions, Inc.

“Mindless sketches, pointless drawings, and neurotic paintings”

"I paint because I like to. I don’t give a shit whether you appreciate it or not."
-RexNickles. Artist’s statement. 2007


Jedidiah/RedTails show. daytona. 6/07.
"Rex Nickles (d.o.b 8-4-86) has no formal art training or degrees, failed his high school art classes, and refuses to go to college.
works freelance, mainly the gallery circuit between Southern California and Central Florida.
has been drawing since childhood. Highly influenced by the sunday comics in the Detroit Free Press (primarily Calvin and Hobbes and Bloom County), and the illustrations of Stephen Gammell, contained within the Scary Stories to tell in the Dark childrens book series.
Due to a heavy interest in psychology, and multiple stints within psychiatric institutions, most images are drawn autonomically, while others display subliminal overtones." - http://rexnickles.homestead.com/training.html

Self Portrait (2005)
Aly: Hardly any of your work is done on actual canvas; Ever thought of painting body parts?
Rex: Yes, but I’ve got a reputation for being a creepy person, so I don’t bother asking.

Aly: What is your favorite medium to work with?
Rex: I really like India ink right now. I never stick with one certain medium when making a piece though. Everything I do is a mixed media project.

Aly: Have you done any experimenting recently? (Like what you did with the glass)
Rex: Not with materials, but I’ve been using different techniques lately. I’m trying to make things messier, and less structured.

Mt.Clemens Mindset.(2007) 38x12.glass

Aly: How long have you being interested in and doing art?
Rex: All my life. I did ALOT of finger painting for a kid. Then I started making my own comic strips when I was 5, because I was obsessed wit the Far Side, Calvin and Hobbes, and Bloom County. Then when I was 12, I started skateboarding; I would buy blank decks just so I could make my own graphics, and then t-shirts. I fell into the "Professional art world" by accident. I had some paintings that I made to spite my art teacher that I put up online.

Aly: What are a few of your biggest influences?
Rex: Stephen Gammell, crime scene photographs, Warhol, Templeton, Basquiat, the Beautiful Losers crew, Graffiti, and anyone doing something worth looking at in the current contemporary art scene.


Neighborhood (NA) (2005)private collection of K.Brubaker

Aly: Where do you want to be in 10 years?
Rex: California, being super rich and mean to everyone.

Aly: Name some of the various art projects you have been involved with…. for instance, music, clothing, tattoo designs?
Rex: I'm right now (literally) trying to get a hold of this guy in Philly who was supposed to put out a sweater I’m designing for his Clothing company, but I’ve been so busy with all these shows, I’ve spaced on the project. I'm showing 4 pieces this Friday in a week long show in a Downtown Deland Gallery/Cafe'. Then I’m doing another show at the same place this April where I’ll be showing 12+ pieces for a 2 man show.
I got a few shows lined up in California later this year, and a few other projects I’m currently working on with other venues. So I’m busy.

Yellow Warbler (prints $15) (2007)private collection of A.Bowen
Aly: Normally, how long do you tend to spend on one piece?
Rex: However long it takes till I feel it’s done. I try and keep it under 12 hours.

Introsynthesis (prints $20) (2007)private collection of N.Alenikoff
Aly: Do you feel accomplished? Or satisfied?
Rex: I’m starting to. I’m starting to come to terms with what I’m capable of now that I’ve got a decent work history.

Aly: What’s the hardest part about being a freelance artist?
Rex: Having to work a full time job in order to support yourself.

Motown (2007)private collection of J.Donali
Aly: What do you do with most of your work?
Rex: Sell it or give it away. There’s no point in me keeping it. i made it for fucks sake, what am i gonna use it for?

Aly: How does it feel when you walk into a friend's house and see your painting on their wall?
Rex: Awkward

inversion boards (2007)
Aly: Do you feel your talents are progressing?
Rex: Maybe not talents, but my artistic vision is starting to translate better. I’m happy with what I do

Aly: Is there anything I haven't asked about that you want known?
Rex: Fame tastes good.


Utah 2AM (NA-2007)private collection of P.Rizzo

Detroit, Jan.26-1978 (2007)

Spring Virus (NA) (2007)private collection of N.Alenikoff

Contributor (2007)

Isotope (2007)

"available for shows, gallery and private use, commissioned work
murals, drafting, and templating. for information,
contact: Rexnickles@aol.com
or find me on MySpace like a fucking retard by searching RexNickles@aol.com"

Screaming for Change - Turning Point Youth Collective

Surf Session w/ Chad Doyle

Relax and enjoy. Get motivated to surf. Or just say, Chad is a ripper. Ponce Inlet boys keepin' it real. Think I saw some Mike Ranni in der' too.

Click on the title.

Oh yeah, Chad also rocks because he sent over these Dirty Bird clothing pics, b/c I had no good ones with their last interview. So click on the Dirty Bird interview and you'll see their awesome sewing work. The model is Meredith (Chad's cousin) in Malibu.

Persian Visions Feb. 2nd 5-7pm FREE

Reception at the SouthEast Museum of Photography, for the Persian Vision Exhibit
-this will be up Feb. 2nd- April 25th.....click on title for more info.

1200 W. Int'l Spdwy Blvd. (front of DBC)

Featured Artist: Interview Chris Ladwig

“I sell the shoes I paint on for $75, and I include the shoe.” Chris Ladwig

….Now that’s a business man.

I had Driver’s Ed with Chris Ladwig, and don’t think he paid much attention. But I do remember his fabulous drawings during class. A little more fashionable, now I see him passing in the halls occasionally at DBCC, but still the same Chris. He is going far. He’s got talent, goals, and drive.

“If I got to sit down and write out my dream occupation and have it come true, it would be: running a major clothing line of my own, designing in the mass media, having a some kind of reputation in the music industry for either recording or songwriting, and founding a charity or foundation in my brothers name helping kids with cancer and their families.” CL

MM: You have been drawing and painting for a while, what is your favorite medium to work with?

CL: My favorite medium to date would have to be paint. It’s so versatile to me, I can use it obviously on a canvas; I use it on shoes; I use it when I make a stencil for a t-shirt, and really there’s no limit to it; it will go on anything.

MM: Name some of the various art projects you have been involved with…. for instance, music, shoes, tattoo designs?

CL: Art projects would include: sign painting, tattoo design, t-shirt design, web design, my shoe paintings, bass drum heads, band t's, screen-printing, running a home recording studio with my brother. I’m even helping a recording studio in Deland with its interior design and architectural concept.

MM: What else occupies your time?

CL: My day mainly consists of running my lawn business, cutting grass, school, hanging out with my girlfriend, and either painting on a shoe or writing/recording some kind of song.

MM: Art you more passionate about music or art design?

CL: Where I’m at right now in life, art is probably consuming most of my brain. I have a lot of ideas and aspirations toward art and design right now; music is a huge part of who I identify myself with, but currently my focus is school and art.

MM: Ultimately, what would you like to do with your talents?

CL: If I got to sit down and write out my dream occupation and have it come true, it would be: running a major clothing line of my own, designing in the mass media, having a some kind of reputation in the music industry for either recording or songwriting, and founding a charity or foundation in my brothers name helping kids with cancer and their families.

MM: How did you start painting on shoes?

CL: My older brother handed me a pair of slip-ons he bought, when we were playing a concert up in Jacksonville. He told me, "Paint something cool on it.” So, I painted some little tattoo-like picture in 10 minutes, and everyone who saw them, loved them.

MM: How much do you sell them for?

CL: I sell the shoes I paint on for $75, and I include the shoe.

MM: Where can people check out your work and contact you?

CL: My only contact right now is through my Myspace. You can see just about all the shoes I’ve done so far on there, but there’s a few missing. myspace.com/thehotballs

MM: What is your current project or focus right now?

CL: I’m finishing up a project for the band Paramore; I’m painting shoes for each member, and probably by the time this is posted they will be done.

MM: About how long does it take you to finish a shoe? Describe the process.

CL: With the shoes, I would say 98% of the time people will come to me, and tell me what they want on them. If they don’t have any reference pictures, then I will go research the things they want to get an idea of what it looks like, and how to accurately draw it. Next, I draw out a few concept ideas, and when I find one I like, I start painting it on the shoes. Depending on what I paint on the shoe… it can take me anywhere from a day to a month; most of it, is getting the right composition and the right figures. But, the actual paint time usually takes me about 5-6 hours. A lot of the art is original images that I create from listening to what the people want. I think only 2 people have actually handed me a picture and said, “I want that”; the rest of the time, people just describe a concept, and I take it from there.

MM: Do you have a favorite subject, like dragons or trees? …. inspiration?

CL: I don’t think I have a specific image I like to draw best. Mostly what I enjoy is something colorful, and realistic, with a tattoo feel to it.

MM: Have you had any major influences, such as artists, friends, teachers, etc.?

CL: As far as influences go, I would say Van Gogh for sure; I love his color. My friends are a huge influence; I love to hear their ideas and how they would do it. And, I’m really influenced by color schemes.

MM: What’s the hardest part about being a freelance artist?

CL: The hardest thing for me is that I haven’t really had the time to go out and promote myself as a freelance artist. So far, everything I’ve done was because I was approached by someone who heard from a friend; or, just word of mouth, really. So, once I feel I have ample experience and knowledge, and time, I will be able to market and promote myself.

MM: If you had an ideal studio, what would it contain in it?

CL: If I had an ideal art studio, it would contain a huge screen-print press with all the equipment needed to make my own shirts, an awesome space to paint and do my projects, and a huge space in the front to have a gallery.

MM: Oh yeah, how old are you and how long have you been in Daytona Beach?

CL: Also, I’m 23, and have lived in Port Orange (Daytona Beach) my whole life.