Shiny Robot Studio

Other Eyes

2011-10-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

Sheila Regan from City Pages' The Dressing Room came by the show at Fox Tax.
You can see pictures and read her review here.
John Alspach | Recent Work

Fox Tax Opening | Recent Work

2011-10-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Sounds like a boring title I know, but beneath those innocuous words lie a month of hectic activity and some uncertainty as to my ability to complete it all. In the end I finished everything and hung it all the day before the show. I seem to be adding extra layers of challenge on to so many things. Wondering when it will be too much...

Opening

Oversharing

2011-07-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

I have boxes full of photos, and a portfolio of photographic work
That no one ever sees.
Now I have Instagram and I can share everything I see with anyone.
If you'd like to get a window into what an artist sees when not
Working you might enjoy looking here.
Alspaj

Pixie Salon

2011-07-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

Art Opening
Saturday, July 30th 7pm

Come check out the new art adorning our walls by local artist John
Alspach -
www.shinyrobot.com.

I came across John's art in the hallways of the Northrup King
Building. I immediately knew his pieces would work in our space. They
are large yet simple - modern yet rustic. Much is his work is made
from re-used or found objects which I appreciate.

John has been featured at local galleries such as Rosalux, Gallery 13
and Spot Art as well as smaller venues like Cafe Maude and 318 Cafe.

Libations and snacks will be provided.

www.pixiesalonmpls.com

Pieces/Places

2011-06-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hung some new work @ Barbette. Showing with Darrin Mueske through mid July.
Putting pieces into Bang Bang Salon this week. (never expected so many salons!)
After a very long and fruitful run at 318 café, I am taking the show down on Monday. I think they may all end up at Republic.
More pieces headed to Sexton lofts to brighten up all the elevator lobbies and the main lobby.

I really wish I had a big delivery vehicle. The Element is amazingly roomy but I have a handful of pieces that won't fit inside and strapping to the top has been impossible with all the rain.

On another note, I just went through my pile of billboard paper. There really is a lot. I'm thinking of work that takes liberties with it. I keep going minimal-a handful of elements. Those are lovely but I''ll never use it all up that way!

Busier

2011-06-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

Started an actual job.
And now have agreed to a Summer show at Barbette,
which I have to finish up at least 3 more pieces for,

I am finishing up a trio of panels for an auction this weekend,

I'll be curating a series of shows at Fox Tax in the Fall,
thinking one will be my work, that I haven't even started yet,

lined up a show at the brand new FoxEgg gallery in February.

Hmm, it seemed like more in my head, maybe it will be easier than I thought?

New Republic

2011-05-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

My friend Matty O'Reilly just took over the old Sgt. Preston's space and in less than 2 weeks transformed it into Republic. It is already completely awesome and will just get better.

I was asked to bring some art to the space and I happened to have a few pieces that were pretty much perfect for it. I think Hymn to Ninkasi is especially fitting and looks gorgeous there.

Milestones

2011-05-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

In 2006 I expanded my studio into a sunny spot on the second floor of the Felt Factory building and started on the first works using the billboard paper that has become the medium I am most known for.

The first 8 panels were built on plywood a friend was tearing out of a shop in the North Loop, with billboard paper that had dropped off signs in NE Mpls. I put the frames together using Ruben Nusz's pocket jig, and I had the whole giant floor to spread it out on.

5 years later, all 8 panels have found a home. It's a little nuts to think of all that has happened since I started them and all the places they travelled to in that time.

5 are in private homes, one is at Café Maude, one is in the lobby of Park Avenue Lofts, and one is, as far as I can determine, lost.

Looking forward to the next 5 years and wondering where all my paper and wood children will be living then.

Streaming

2011-05-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Its usually a while before I get down to writing but I am taking pictures of what I am working / thinking about and posting to Tumblr.
If you ever wonder if I did anything last night or 5 minutes ago, it would probably be there first.

One thing leads to another

2011-05-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

I made some drawings for the Monster Drawing Rally which were so much fun to do.

In the process, became interested in the look/feel of the drywall compound on the black surface.
So, I am developing the process with some sketches and working up to large-scale pieces.

Intervista

2011-02-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

Interviewed today in South of Canada. As usual, not very good with words. Maybe easy to see why I make pictures instead?

Moving Art

2011-01-11T10:06:00.000-08:00

Moving (cause to move or shift into a new position or place, both in a concrete and in an abstract sense)

Moving (dispose of by selling)

Moving (arousing or capable of arousing deep emotion)

Hit all three in one day.

Warehousing

2010-12-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

Several separate events have conspired to leave me with a studio filled with artwork. Over the last 3 years, my BroadCast exhibitions project has enabled me to make art-as much and as big as I cared to-knowing there was always a place for it to go. Well, I currently have some 40-odd works stored in the space I am supposed to make work in. Combined with a departing studiomate leaving some empty space I have a healthy retrospective of my work and a place to display it.
Anyone interested in a studio visit?

Rock & Roll

2010-11-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

I has been so cool to work with the 757's, my art is on two of their album covers! In both cases, there has been a surprising re-imagining of the work used. Here is a video of the photo shoot of the latest cover, shot by Neza S.G. for the album Last Laugh.

If you haven't seen them live yet, they are playing this Saturday11/20 at the 501 club with the Goondas and the Rank Strangers.

Tractor Works

2010-11-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

After creating and installing comes showing. There is a two man show with Ron Ridgeway and I outside of Art Lab as well as all the work from the commission. Basically the entire first floor of the building is our Art. If you haven't seen the work I did for the building, this would be a great time to come.

GrayDuck exhibition

2010-11-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

Here is all the art from the Pilot show in Austin.

Gray Duck

2010-10-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

Pilot had a warm reception in Austin TX. There are some pictures from the opening if Like Gray Duck on FB.

Pilot Flies Again

2010-10-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Sending work off today for Pilot Arts group show at Grayduck Gallery in Austin, TX.
I thought the group would fade away after losing people to NY and Canada, but interesting things keep happening.

Hard(ly) at Work

2010-09-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

2 more panels to accompany "Exaudiam"

Also doing some more textural, object-oriented pieces like this one.

Asked for it

2010-08-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

I started in on an exciting idea, and now it is demanding.... that I work. I need to do so much more, but I think that I will get a lot of mileage out of it if I deliver the sweat. Unfortunately, I need it to be done now! Gonna be some long nights ahead.

The Graffiti needs to be explored more, and I think layers of more stripes and covering and re-exposing the text are needed, but the stripes are lovely and fun. 6-8 of these under my belt and I'll be singing.

Almost there

2010-07-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

It seems that I spend more time making the art in my head than actually, physically working on it. At this point it will be mostly assembly, with some deviations as imagination and reality struggle for position. I need to have a new body of work ready for a show at Tractor Works in September. If I can get out all that I have plotted out mentally, there will be more than enough. Somehow altarpieces, illuminated manuscripts, Latin and Graffiti are all attempting to make an appearance, as well as rust, paper, paint, and possibly gold leaf (?) ...and massive black markers.

New Directions

2010-07-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

I am running out of billboard paper because it seems most, maybe all have been transitioned over to vinyl. It is possible that I can only work with what I currently have. Either I can find where paper is still being used or focus on a different medium. Even if I do find another source, this medium will be rarer as time goes by. Good thing I can still use paint, steel, rust, sand, and found objects.

More Coolness

2010-06-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have been asked to participate in more awesome things this year than I think ever in my life.

Upcoming is Ryan Paul & The Ardent's EP Release show with Zoo Animal at Bryant Lake Bowl Thursday July 1, 2010. Special guest Janey Winterbauer, photography by Elli Rader, Jenn Barnett , Sara Montour, Stacy Schwartz (MN), John Alspach, Wing Young Huie and nationally recognized Brooklyn, NY photographer Alexandra K, who shoots for Beirut and Grizzly Bear.

and after that KJurek Couture's 5-year anniversary Show is on July 24th. Details to come soon.

Spring Break

2010-06-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

I managed to finish all 13 new works, frame two large pieces, and build 4 panels for Ron to paint in time for the install date. Everything is hung at the Tractor Works building and looks great. Uploaded pics of the entry collages to the Shiny Robot page, will have some installation shots up soon too.

Taking a short break before tackling a bunch of new work. I'll have a show at the building in September to show it off. Planning on more Rustworks, more collages, and some pieces that are inspired by graffiti and les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry.

May Flowers

2010-05-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

Currently installed in a new studio space in the Tractor Works building, working on a commission for their lobby. The entry will have a suite of 12 collage panels, then 2-3 rust pieces around the corner, then a steel billboard piece on the second floor. The building owners are so excited to have artists working there that they are upgrading the space they had given us, putting in a new floor, painting the walls, adding more light. Have to have it all done for installation on the 24th, it's going to be close.

April Showers

2010-04-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

Last October's show at 801 lofts looked beautiful, but due to the space you couldn't get closer than 15 feet from the work. I have all the paintings from 801 at Scott Parkin's considerably cosier office in Northeast, and there will be an opening reception this weekend.

Thanks to Elli Rader, I realized I can link right to this Slideshow of art:

I have a new studio space in the Tractor Works building in the North Loop and the plan is to make art to fill up all the blank walls there.

Art a Whirl is coming soon and I am debating opening Shiny Robot for the weekend. I was going to try to put up a group show but haven't been able to secure a space. I'll give it another week.

Weekend

2010-03-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

Tonight it's the Swan song for the fantastic, tiny Sellout gallery. I think there is a record number of artwork on the walls, including 2 of mine. I'll be there with boys in tow.

Sunday afternoon will entail a lazy, sunny reception at Barbette for Alspach/Lewis. Come by 3-5PM to see what artists look like in the daylight.

2*10

2010-02-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

I have had more opportunities, offers, and inquiries in February than I had all last year. So I am wondering if I will be able to keep up and ride this crazy year, or will I fall off and crash headfirst into a snowdrift.

Snow will be melting, things will be growing: I will be in the studio glue in one hand, knife in the other, making my way toward the Sun.

Signs

2010-02-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

My most recent work was made for the Bird x Bird fundraiser. Many years ago I would worry that
no one would want my work enough to bid on it, and in at least two occasions, they didn't!
I am glad I found Bird x Bird because so many people want to raise money for birds that my art
has sold for more money every year. I look forward to next year's event and to see what I come up with for it.

Retweet, 2010
rust on steel, 48x56 in.

Some love

2010-02-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

Seeing my name in print will never get old, and getting some love from Metro magazine just feels great. (See the section Conflict of Interest) They are more on top of me than I am. I read it and realized I had to get my work down to 501 today! If you haven't planned on going down to there Friday for Vigilante Justice III, please reconsider. I saw some of the art already there and hung this afternoon and it looks great. Extra bonus! City Pages ink.
I swear I am the laziest person I know, so I don't even comprehend how I have work up at 4 events in February when I should be hibernating. If this is how the year is going to go I'd best get busy for real.

If you want me to show art somewhere, or make you some, let me know now. I have a feeling that 2*10 is going to be like '08 when there was a home for everything I made as fast as I could make it.

Winter works for me

2010-01-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

Putting work for 318 up Sunday, opening on Wednesday the 27th.

2 works in Vigilante Justice III Feb 5th.

Show at 801 lofts is coming down Feb 6th so let me or Jan know if you want to check it out before then. If you fall in love I can have it delivered and hung on the 7th.

Barbette show with Josie Lewis Feb 15th. I think our work will look awesome together!

Working on piece for BirdXBird, if it turns out like I picture it will be hard to part with it.

post holiday

2010-01-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

Time to get back to work. I thought this Winter would be slow but instead I have a bunch of things coming up quick. This month is the Fox Tax show and then at the 318 in Excelsior. I will be in a Lovelee Buttons show February 5th at the 501 Club in MPLS. I was also asked to show at Café Barbette in Feb. Luckily I have some work already done but I need to get cracking on the work for 318 because the spots on their walls are small and won't accommodate anything I have made.

Surrounded by Giants

2009-12-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

John Grider and I just finished this piece yesterday. It will be in the Fox Tax exhibit, Art Form 1040: Re-Arted.

Holiday sale, round II

2009-12-17T06:42:00.000-08:00

Participating artists include: John Alspach, Allen Brewer, John Diebel, Drive by Bags, Andy Ducett, Lindsy Halleckson, Anne Hauge, Nick Howard, Terrence Payne, Sarah Petersen, Kimberly Petters, Molly Spilane, Laura Stack, Asia Ward and Pamela Valfer.

Soo Visual Arts Center
2640 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-871-2263
www.soovac.org

Holiday Art Sale

2009-11-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

Holiday art sale
great gifts

Time and Place
Saturday, November 28, 2009
12:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Shiny Robot Studio
501 1st Ave. NE, 2nd floor
Minneapolis, MN

Holiday sale of fine art and handmade craft, priced for gift giving.

including work from:
Cheryl Wilgren Clyne
Dave Whannel
David Malcolm Scott
Shawn Mcnulty
Nick Howard
Ingrid Restemeyer
Kim Petters
John Largaespada
Bob Roscoe
Jen Davis
Darrin Mueske
John Alspach
Terrence Payne
Kate vanCleve
Jim Wrayge
Jeff Warner
Josie Lewis
Tara Costello

Facebook

801 comes around again

2009-10-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

My second October show in a row at 801. I really love having this kind of space for my art.
Really excited to see Scott's new paintings and although I have only caught a glimpse of Vance's work,
it looks pretty cool.

Schlep

2009-09-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

Moving art around all this Summer, St. Paul and back several times. All told, I produced 23 new works and displayed them in 6 different spots. Making up for lost time, I guess.
Tomorrow night I have a piece in Erik Inkala's farewell exhibit at First Amendment.

Next week screen printing.
Need to have my 8 latest ready to ship to 801 lofts on the 3rd of October.
I am trying to decide whether to take it easy after that or keep up steam. (I know which option is in the lead...)

Paper Trails

2009-09-13T11:17:00.001-07:00

Earlier this year I talked with Dan Ibarra about translating some of my work to a print format. We never did get around to making that happen, but when Terry Payne asked me to make prints for the Paper Trails show at Rosalux, I was ready to go. Terry and I will be printing these this week and I am very excited to see how they turn out. I am still hoping Dan and I can investigate further. These will be the most affordable art I've made, so if you have been wanting something of mine, there will be 30 of these for about $45.

Paperless Office

2009-08-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

Taking a short break from collage to return to some of the paint and texture-based work I had been doing before the billboard paper took over my studio. I will have 8 of these bad boys up at 801 Lofts this October through December.
Opening is Saturday October 10th, 2009 from 6:00pm - 9:00 PM.

Up

2009-08-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

Bringing the new work to Café Maude and Gallery 526 today.
Work will be up until September at Maude and there will be a
really fun event at 526 this Friday, Go Live. Live music, models
being styled and photographed, food, drink... and I will be working on
some panels live. If you have ever wanted to see what I look like while
making art, this may be your only chance.
Unless the 757s get me to do it on stage. (!)

order in chaos

2009-07-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

Liking the simplicity of the last group and the techniques I used on the 757 piece, plus warm Summer colors.

New work

2009-06-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

OK, here are the first 6.

Saddle again

2009-06-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

Making new work and it feels goood. 8 panels in the works with about half of them done or nearly so. Pale blue, yellow, white space. I'll post pics soon.

Whew

2009-05-27T07:13:00.000-07:00

Made it! I had to come up with a huge amount of money to pay off Winter's heating bill yesterday and enough friends came through to do it. I've had to raise rents at the studio so that this doesn't happen again.

If you wanted to take advantage of my dire straits and get a deal on artwork.. too late!
You snooze, you lose!

a little help from my friends...

2009-05-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Heating the studio this Winter was about 3 times the cost of previous years.
In an attempt to put together the money quickly, I am asking anyone who
has been interested in my artwork but maybe put off by the price to make me an offer.

I will take reasonable offers on everything I've got just until I make up the heating bill.
So move quick if you'd like a piece.

Here is a fairly comprehensive list of work, where you can see it in person, and what I've been
asking for it. Pictures are on the BCE website or shinyrobot.com.

Locations

*Herschel lofts
748 N 3rd St Minneapolis

*Tower Lofts
700 Washington Ave N

*Park Ave. Lofts
200 Park Ave

*Lindsay Lofts
408 North 1st Street

*Madison Lofts
1701 Madison St NE

*Cobalt condos
45 University Ave SE

*Shiny Robot studio
501 1st Ave NE

Eat Street Flats
8 E Franklin Ave
Minneapolis

Works

Launch panel #1 @home

DE $2000 @ studio
Falling $1200 @ studio
Rust Gate $2800 @studio
Open 24 Hours $3000 @studio
Call for Entry 1 $3800 @studio
Call for Entry 2 $3800 @studio
Arrows $1800 - @studio
Reassessing $1200 -@ studio
I wear my Sun $1000 - @studio
The Orchid $1000 - @studio
Fishhawk $750 - @studio
Long division $1800 -@ studio
Beach Day $750 - @studio
Piano Piece #1 $ 3100 -@ studio
Piano Piece#2 $3100 - @studio
Skratchy @1100 @Studio
Itchy 1100 @ studio
Portal, steel panel $650 @Studio
AF3, Acrylic on canvas @Studio
Park Point, @ Studio
who's responsible @$2000 @Studio
Handup $1100 @studio
See 1 $2000 @studio
Red Blocks $1100 - @studio
Green Blocks $1100 @ studio
Blue Composition $2000 @studio
Hola Panel 3 $2000 @?
Soo Line $6000 @ studio

Duet $5000 @Cobalt
Orange Composition 1@Cobalt
Orange Composition 2 @Cobalt
Orange Composition 3 @Cobalt
Frankment @Cobalt

Blanquette $3600 @Park Ave
New Shirt $1800 - Park Ave
23 $750 - Park Ave
dialog $500 - Park Ave
Hola Panel 4 $2000 @Park ave

Gritty $700 @Downtown Resource Group
Axis $950 - DRG
Clouds $950 - DRG
See2 $2000 @DRG
Red Repair $450 - DRG
Launch panel #3 @DRG

Sever $3600 @Madison lofts
Out of Office $1800 @studio?
Untitled panel #4 @ 801 lofts
Dream Repair $3000 @801 lofts
Hymn to Ninkasi $6000@ 801

Panel #4 $3600 @Herschel?
Triptych $4200 @Herschel
Trouble $1800 @Herschel
Lacunae 1 $2100 @Herschel
lacunae 2 $2100 @Herschel
Untitled $2100 @Herschel
Untitled $2100 @Herschel

Smile $1800 Eat Street
Necktied $1800 Eat Street
No chance $1800 Eat Street

Upcoming

2009-05-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

Fall is going to be busy.

Pilot Arts show in Canada
801 lofts in October
Café Maude in September
Café Barbette in September.

I am planning some live art at Gallery 526 for Go Live!
and maybe for the 757s.
I'm not sure what that will look like but it sounds like fun.

757s

2009-04-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

My first album cover image, for the 757s .

Almost Homeless

2009-03-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

Shiny Robot studio is a hotbed of activity lately, as Eric, John, Keiko and Isaac are getting down to the wire for their upcoming show. A follow-up to last year's Almost Famous show, this year's Almost Homeless pokes fun at the position of a group of artists perennially poised to be the next big thing while constantly busting their asses just to keep the whole thing going. There are a number of videos shot in the studio documenting their process, the latest here shows the boys in assembly line mode.

"Almost Homeless"
March 28
1st Amendment Arts

3 Minute egg

2009-03-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Great interview video From Matt Peiken
3 Minute Egg

Building News

2009-02-03T08:12:00.000-08:00

On the first floor at the Felt Factory building, a lot of junk is moving out and a bunch of awesome is moving in. I Like You, a crafty little hand made goods consignment store featuring local talent, is moving from their Nicollet Ave location and scheduled to open up here this Spring.

photo blog

2009-01-24T11:52:00.000-08:00

T.C. Worley posted a couple more shots from the Tower lofts shoot here.

Loft Living

Open Sky

2009-01-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 12, 2009
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Skyscape condos
929 Portland ave. S
Minneapolis, MN

Phone: 612.978.0086
Email: john@shinyrobot.com

Hosted by David Abele, Realtor / Broker – Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty

Curated by Emma Berg
Sean Smuda
Terrence Payne
John Alspach

Come experience incredible art and fantastic views of the city from the penthouse level at Skyscape condos
With artwork from 24 artists;

Rudy Fig, http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=161813
Deuce Seven, http://www.mnartists.org/event.do?rid=159653
Isaac Arvold, http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=100604
Eric Inkala, http://www.ericink.com/
Drew Peterson, http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=107895
Miles Mendenhall,
Christian Nielsen: http://mnartists.org/search.do?action=list
Dan Kaniess: http://madebyhuman.com/
Sean Smuda: http://www.seansmuda.com/art.html
Janet Lobberecht: http://mnartists.org/work.do?rid=173600
Otto and Olive: http://www.bodycartography.org/
Stevie Rexroth: http://www.payattentiongm08.org/Rexroth.html
Scott Seekins: http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/pages/Scott-Seekins/50883859840?sid=32f0e941490466a96577990f20c0b176&ref=s
Jesse Petersen: http://mnartists.org/work.do?rid=217411
Anastsia Ward, http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=64885
John Diebel, http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7399
Amelia Biewald, http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=64609
Pam Valfer, http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=18568
Terrence Payne, http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=11156
Tara Costello, http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=97935
John Fleischer, http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=167126Ruben Nusz,
Caroline Kent, http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=22171
Josie Lewis, http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=27219
John Alspach, http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=2732

and performance by Olive Bierenga of the BodyCartography Project
http://www.mnartists.org/article.do?rid=189027

keeping track

2008-12-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

It's easy to think about how unproductive I've been while forgetting what I've actually done.
Open Sky at Skyscape is pretty much together, it will take place on February the 12th, 6-8PM with a preview for the building tenants the night before. Emma Berg from MPLS Art, Sean Smuda from Shoebox gallery, Terrence Payne from Rosalux and I will be selecting the art.

I did finish one piece which I am very happy with. I was asked by a friend if he could use some of my work for a t shirt image. I ended up making one just for that and I think it will be on the album cover as well. This was a little alteration of the method I've been using for the collages, so it was a test run. I may have a show at Barbette in 2009 and I'll be working like this for that work.

Winter

2008-12-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

I have been avoiding a lot of things this season. I seem to shut down around this time most years, I'll be cranking back up after the New Year if the past is anything to judge by. I remember doing a year's work in January one year...
I rolled my truck earlier this month and that is putting a crimp on my art working. can't move 5' x 6' paintings in a rental Mazda6.
I'll be getting a new vehicle in the next 2 weeks so we'll see what dimensions I can look forward to using in '09

Art in the Sky

2008-11-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

Have a big exhibition coming up. I'll be pulling from the Broad Cast group, including some of my own work. The amount of space available is huge, so I am currently going through all the artists I know whose work would be good for the show. January is coming up fast, so it's time to get it all together. I'll post all the details as they come together.

party night

2008-10-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

The opening at 801 was fun, lots of people, show looked great.

Toward the tail end of the night I heard there was another opening across the street. I went to check it out and discovered Edward Lentsch's artwork and his 12,00 sq ft studio. His work, mostly large scale, is very reminiscent of one of my favorite artists, Antoni Tapies as well as some of Dubuffet's matter paintings. Ed is obviously successful, and much of his art has been purchased locally, yet I had never heard of him or seen his work before.

I also met artist Frank Gaard there. I'd been familiar with Frank's work since I came back to Minnesota in the late 80's, even have some artpolice publications I stole from the library.

Altogether a lovely evening, even better than expected.

Art at 801

2008-10-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Excited for tomorrow, heard lots of people are coming.
Most of the larger collages I've done have only been shown a couple of panels
together. Hymn to Ninkasi will have all 4 panels together at 801.
at 7 x 12 feet, it might not have another spot like this for awhile.

Studio news

2008-10-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

Ben Olson has left the building. More than that, he has left the state entirely t o try his fortunes in NYC. I wish him the best of luck and look forward to reading about his success in the near future.

Ben's replacement is Drew Peterson, whose dense, intensely colored prints you may have already seen around town.

Influx

2008-09-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

Some condos recently sold so I have brought a dozen works back into the studio, I also finished 4 new pieces and am working on 4 others. Luckily, Ben Olson has left for NYC, and 2 other studiomates are out of town and thoughtfully cleaned up before they left. I just hope I can deal when I have to give their space back....

Anyway, it's a great time to be working down there, and also a great time to show work if anyone wants to come take a look.

Need some better pics. Grrr....

Five more from Café Maude coming back next week too! Oh man, I'm gonna need more space!

Me in Maude in Metro

2008-08-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

This month's issue of Metro magazine's City Bites showcases images of my recent works and the showing at Café Maude. The work looks great there and two have already sold. The show is up through September, so stop by, have a glass of wine and toast the last days of Summer.

NY Times!

2008-07-31T08:18:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to the day when my work is covered by a publication like the New York Times, instead of just being in the pictures. But for now this is pretty cool. Minneapolis based photographer T. C. Worley took the pictures.

starved.

2008-07-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

Where does it come from, this curious distaste for putting a price on art? As far as I know, the only thing we need in life that we can get for free is air, should art be a similarly free resource? Should water, food and shelter ? Or is it that artists think art is, in fact, not necessary? Can we live without art? Should we go to the movies, read books, listen to music without those who have worked to provide those things getting paid? I have never heard of anyone unwilling to earn a wage from their time on the clock. ( no, no, just have it, I made it for you.)

I have a friend who has traded his art for everything from rent to massages, to food - he traded a substantial amount of art to a local restaurant for what surely amounts to a lifetime of food. ( he hasn't been starving for at least 15 years from that deal ) Money is just an intermediary exchange for the things we need, not a need in itself. We are not selling our art for money, but to live.

I would encourage you to put a price on your work, confidently and happily. Then translate that number into X amount of meals, rent, time spent making art not war, minutes of joy spent in producing that thing. Art will forgive you, believe me.

full roster

2008-07-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

I've got my full complement of artists for Broad Cast. Ruben Nusz, Caroline Kent, John Fleischer, Tara Costello, and Josie Lewis. You can see examples of all of their work on the BCe site under the Felt Factory building (HQ of BCe and Shiny Robot ). I will also be hanging work from some of them ( Ruben, Tara, and Josie ) in the Zenith condos for their 2 model units.

Guac out

2008-07-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

Skyscape, Metro and VimLab are having a fun event,the Guac off. They want the building looking it's best, so I'll put up some artwork. If you like guacamole and margaritas and hanging out with lovely people on rooftops, you need to be there. I know I will be.

Opening nite

2008-06-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

I'm showing a few of my newest paper collages at Café Maude. Kevin is a great supporter of the arts. This is the 3rd showcase of artwork he's put on, he's purchased a lot of art (2 of mine!)
and has great live music going on every weekend.

There is an opening reception July 17th 8-10 PM

sending a new signal

2008-06-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

I am rolling out a gallery named Broad Cast Exhibitions this July. I will be representing five artists and showing them throughout the network of lofts and condos I have been using to display my own art.
I will post the website as soon as it is live, and name the artists as they are confirmed. Right now I have John Fleischer, Josie Lewis and Tara Costello. I am talking with two more and anticipate needing 8-10 total before the year is out. I am extremely excited and can't wait to roll everything out.

not Perfect

2008-06-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

.. but done. There are a couple of spots I'd like a better solution for but I'm also thinking maybe it works better with a couple of flaws. Or maybe I'm just lazy.
Hymn to Ninkasi, 4 panels, billboard paper on wood 144x80in

A river crossing

2008-06-11T22:47:00.000-07:00

Gallery FIVETWOSIX will be putting up a few of my new big pieces. I'm thinking Ugly Money, Hip hop IOU and Call for Entry. That's my first showing in St. Paul!

I'm working on a 7 x 12 ft piece, 4 panels. It's all about Beer! Most of that will be hidden but if you know what to look for... what can I say it's a serious topic for me. Sure there's just that it's a wonderful thing but there's also getting older and having less tolerance, and possibly developing allergies to it, so there's loving something that doesn't love you back. Basically the gamut of human experience can be viewed through the somewhat fuzzy lens of beer.

letting go

2008-06-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

Finished "We All" less than a month ago and already it has found a new home. I thought I'd have more time with it, but it's hard to turn down a sale. I might have to make some more like this, so I'll need to get more black and white billboard, which means a lot more paper, which will lead to a lot more work. I already have knee-deep piles, and huge pieces waiting to be dealt with.

Reveal-ation

2008-06-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

Attended the benefit for the Midway Contemporary Art center last night. The serious bidding and outright donations at the event should put paid to concerns that there isn't an audience for art in the Twin Cities.

The attendees were informed, passionate, involved in their art scene. I think a big part of that comes from the MCA getting their audience engaged, making them a part of their mission.

I keep hearing gallery owners talk of hard times and not being able to sell art. Maybe the problem is that while they are selling works of art, places like the Walker and MCA are focused on selling a connection to Art.

Last night's auction shows that once you have them sold on that you can get them to pony up for the work too.

Time flies

2008-05-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

I remember thinking a year was plenty of time to get work done for the 801 lofts show this October. It's down to 4 months so I better get to it. In addition, I just agreed to a show next month at Café Maude. I'll need to make a few pieces for that as well. Skyscape condos wants
some work too... last week.
All good, except I get in 4 hours twice a week if I'm lucky, as I can't seem to get away until Dinner is over and at least one of the boys is asleep.
Burning the midnight oil is standard, but I'm looking at 2-3 AM for this month at least.

Art-a-Whirl

2008-05-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

It's going to be a busy weekend. I'm cleaning up the studio so it can handle some visitors. With the building being a stop on the trolley route, and Fox Tax gallery having a new show up, and Amy Rice showing upstairs, I think I can expect some traffic. In addition, I'll have some new work up at Gallery13's Pop-Up space on Van Buren, and Danish Teak Classics at the Northrop King building has a group of recent works. Tara Costello and Ben Olson will also be at the studio Saturday and Sunday, hanging out and displaying work, so drop by.

New Site up

2008-04-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

shinyrobot.com has been entirely updated. simple and beautiful.

Hip hop IOU and Ugly money

2008-04-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Did these last night, contemplating a few more details, but essentially finished.
each panel 5x6 ft.

Salvaged

2008-03-07T21:17:00.000-08:00

No Chance
Necktied
Smile

Didn't think this group would work out. Finally cut down the panels and framed them and these 3 out of 6 actually work. Caught a break.

Small steps

2008-02-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

project

2008-01-29T10:19:00.000-08:00

I have a collaborative project started with a dozen local artists.
Here's the first panel - untouched. I'll post images each time I get it back from one of the artists.

concrete

2007-12-07T10:25:00.001-08:00

rust & paper

2007-12-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

mass a peel

2007-12-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

Did you notice that billboards in October and November were peeling off everywhere?
Trainee bill poster? New glue? I don't know, but there were some lovely things happening if you took a look.

tees

2007-11-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

Red Bubble
Torsal experiments...

Business

2007-11-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

Running around a lot this week. Dropping off work for Art of Grand and Gallery 13's Ultimate
landscape show. Getting materials for the collaboration project, firming up details for the upcoming show at Tower lofts with Yuri and Tara.
...And it's only Wednesday. Tomorrow I'll try to make it to St. Paul and hang out at California Closets for AoG, Friday, deliver more art to Downtown resource Group, drop by Gallery 13's opening and Fox Tax's art school elves show.

2 & 3

2007-11-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

Diptych, Call for Entry
paper collage, 6 x 10 ft
Triptych, untitled
paper collage, 7x7 ft

See my Pecker...

2007-11-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

It's right here, behind all these people at Bird x Bird

Cobalt

2007-11-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

I have a piece in the entry to Cobalt condos. You can see it about 1 min. into this video.
You can also see a couple of pieces alongside Blu Dot's Nick dining table and Chicago 8 Box shelves.

working together...

2007-11-04T20:18:00.000-08:00

Create, Destroy, Create, Destroy... I love this.

street

2007-10-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Pretty little loading dock...

Madison Lofts

2007-10-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the people who put the open house together, it was great to be a part of it.
To all the people who came, I hope you had as much fun as I did! It looks like we might do it again, so if you didn't make it, come to the next one. I'll make more art and try to fill some more of that space.

Giants

2007-10-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

I took some time to talk to john Fleischer at the OCD opening at Placement Gallery.
Look for John's piece in Metro magazine's article on Placement.

lineup

2007-10-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

New additions to the Shiny Robot.
Ben Olson,
Isaac Arvold,
Eric Inkala

are all painting on the 2nd floor.

This should make open studio night even more interesting.....

for Birds

2007-09-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

New piece, done just for Bird x Bird. Portrait of a Pileated Woodpecker.
Title, Pecker. Acrylic on steel. 36 x 36. Check out the site, they are raising funds to support the Eloise Butler bird Sanctuary in Theo Wirth park. You can get some bird-themed art at the auction for great prices. My piece last year, $25!

Next up.

2007-09-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

Oct. 11th at Madison lofts. If you have been attending Metro magazine's M-Club events, you know it will be fun. And if you have met me at one, here's you chance to see some of my art!

In the house!

2007-09-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

Openings aren't for everyone, so I'll be at Rosalux gallery this Saturday from 12-5
to answer questions and give personal tours for anyone who couldn't make the opening
night or didn't get to talk to me then.

+[.::.]+

Press

2007-08-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

Pretty awesome mention from Minnesota Monthly.
You might want to contact us before the opening if
you want a piece....

Working on Descry

2007-08-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I am always working up to the last minute, but I am pretty close with 9 works just needing some small touches and 1 or 2 more that I think I can get done in time. Here's what's looking like it will make it in.

coming soon

2007-07-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

You are invited to Descry. John Alspach + Terrence Payne

New Work 7/25/7

2007-07-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

Got a long day in at the studio. Only have one piece to show for it. But I think it's pretty hot.
What do ya think?

Tease

2007-07-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

I wanted to do these tee shirts, but never had the time. There's boxes of blank tees and screens at the studio waiting.... So in the meantime I found Red Bubble. I'll have them make prints of my artwork too.

So.... Who is this guy?

2007-07-06T07:43:00.001-07:00

Maybe introductions are in order.
I am John Alspach. Artist, photographer, father,
erstwhile sculptor. I got some education at UMD in my hometown of Duluth, MN.
While there, an assistant Professor named Byron Clerx reconnected me with the
joy of making art that I had lost during my high school years. Also, the Art department had
more hot chicks than Biology. You might not spot the connection, but Dan Amell made a big impact on my beginnings as an artist.

Shiny Robot is 2 floors of space in a building in NE Minneapolis.
Sometimes parties happen there, or bands play. I have art shows there. I, and several others make art there. Over the years (12 so far) the list of people who have worked there has grown
large enough that I can no longer keep track. Back in the beginning, I rented the space from this gal.

Lookin' good!

2007-06-25T15:57:00.000-07:00

Midwest Home's article on the new Gabberts has a photo with one of my collage works.