Being a digital pop artist, this presented an exciting new challenge for me.

My initial efforts produced a quartet of mini-paintings, which I dubbed my “Bad Li’l Betties” series. (I blogged about them here if you want to learn more about the Li’l Betties).

The “Bad Li’l Betties” series, acrylic on canvas, 5in x 5in ea. ©2010 Nikolas Allen

Recently, I heard there was a group art show coming up at a local gallery with the theme, “Portraits.” I decided to up the ante, go large and paint an acrylic piece to submit to the exhibit.

An impending submission deadline is a great motivator and this was no exception. I finished constructing the piece on the morning of submissions and dropped it off with only a couple hours to spare.

Contemporary Pop Artist, Nikolas Allen, stoked to be part of the show.

As you may have guessed by my expression – my piece made it into the show. The placement was a little wonky – way above the eyeline, over a door – but the piece is bold enough that it still stands out.

As for subject matter, I was still exploring the challenge of depicting the beauty and complexity of female faces, expressions and emotions, as I was doing with the “Betties” series.

“Kat In The Hat”, acrylic on canvas, 30in x 30in ©2010 Nikolas Allen

As for the construction of the piece, this was the first time I was attempting to paint on flat canvas, build a custom frame, and wrap the finished canvas myself.

Since I had never done that before, I enlisted the help of fellow artist and partner-in-crime, Brenda Woods, to show me the ropes.

Artists, Nikolas Allen and Brenda Woods, celebrate their collaborative efforts.

Not only has Brenda been building frames and wrapping canvas for years, but she also has a tool collection that would make Ty Pennington blush.

We built the frame with 1×2’s, but I wanted something other than just the wrapped edge of the canvas showing on the sides. After all, as creator of the DigiPopFuzzBox, I’ve set the bar high for myself regarding innovative framing techniques.

Holey plastic molding adds interest to the framed edges.

I was low on both time and budget, so I had to get creative. While browsing the hardware store, I saw a rack of L-shaped plastic strips full of tiny holes.

I thought all the little circles running along the outer edges would look cool. Plus, they reminded me of the benday dots that Roy Lichtenstein used to great effect.

I’ve been focusing soley on group shows for the last eight months. I spent a lot of time and money on my solo exhibit, “Bomb Pop”, in Ashland, Oregon last June and, while I love to execute my own Grand Vision, it’s not always feasible to do so.

“Portraits” on display at the SAC Gallery.

I realized that group shows would still keep my work in the public eye, allow me to meet and interact with other artists and their fans, share in the promotional efforts and decrease the overall cost of producing a show.

Plus, so far, each group show that I’ve partaken in has lead to further creative opportunities down the road. So it has been a great way to continue expanding my sassy brand of Contempo-Pop Goodness.

Plus, it forces me to continue to augment my body of work so when it does come time to stage the next Nikolas Allen Pop Extravaganza, I’ll have plenty of fresh neon eye candy for the peeps to chew on. Yum-yum!

*****
“Portraits” runs through April 11, 2010 at the Siskiyou Arts Council Gallery & Cultural Center in Mt. Shasta, California.

When I moved to California back in 2008, one of my first connections was with Jessa Freeman, who stocked my Renegade Girl Grafik Garments at her pop-up boutique, SFGallery143.

Jessa Freeman, director SFGallery143

Nikolas Allen shmoozes at SFGallery143 Summer ‘08 Store in Lower Haight

Jessa’s vision is to create a retail environment that showcases local artists, designers and crafters, offering residents a chance to discover and support the abundant Bay Area talent.

Local Patron Holiday ‘09 Storefront in North Beach

This holiday season, SFGallery143 has merged with Local Patron to provide an even larger, more diverse range of artistic creations.

Jessa preps the new store as Opening Night approaches

The “pop-up” concept means that a shop will open for a month or two in various locations throughout the year. This keeps the overhead low and creates a sense of “get it while you can” urgency.

Local Patron Open For Business until January 10, 2009

My contribution to the party is a limited-edition collection of Renegade Girl Grafik Garments, which are basic clothing essentials screenprinted with original designs.

“Little Angel” tunic in heather blue

Semi-sheer “Skully” mid-sleeve thermal in charcoal

“Love Grenade” black burnout tee

“Bandita” long-sleeve tee

Also, with holiday gift-giving in mind, I’m test marketing a new series of affordable art items, including these 5″x5″ acrylic-on-canvas paintings.

(CW from top right: Lucy Medusa, Betty B. Goode, Ophelia Flame, Jenna Side. ©2009 Nikolas Allen)

These itty-bitty babies offer all the juicy, pop goodness you expect from Nikolas Allen, at a bite-size price. They are currently only available at Local Patron.

Local Patron’s concept is a win/win for all involved. Artists get an outlet to sell their work. Customers enjoy the exclusivity of the one-of-a-kind offerings. The organizers get to realize their entrepreneurial visions and the local economy gets a swift kick in the pants.

I’m proud to be included in this creative co-op of impressive and diverse local talent.

(Renegade Girl models: Emily Jones & Srey Kong. Photos ©2009 David Welder. M/U Artist: Nicole Fae. Art Direction & Garment Design: Nikolas Allen)

It was going to be a group show with the theme, “Art With a Message”.

Nickki, who is familiar with my work, wanted to use one of my pieces for the front of the postcard.

Of course, I said “Yes”.

Postcard design by Nickki Lee Hill, featuring “XANAX!” by Nikolas Allen

When the art gallery saw the finished postcard, they called and asked me to submit an image they could send out with their Press Release for the show.

I thought chances were slim that “XANAX!”, with its blatant drug reference, would get printed in a small-community newspaper, so I submitted “TEEN SEX!” instead.

Ha, take your pick: Drugs or Sex!

I was pleasantly surprised to see a full-color “TEEN SEX!” printed in the paper next to the Call To Artists announcement.

Up to this point, I still hadn’t considered submitting my work into the actual show – until I read the Call to Artists!

Then I realized it was a complete no-brainer. My artwork was on the postcard, it accompanied the Press Release and it was in the newspaper – I figured chances were good that it could be accepted into the exhibit as well.

Since it was a group show, with limited space, I figured I would submit both “XANAX!” and “TEEN SEX!”, and let the jurors decide which, if any, would be accepted.

Not only were they both accepted, but I also received “Best Of Show” honors from the jurors.

The show opened on Friday, October 16. It was fun to shmooze and network, to see current friends and make some new ones.

I enjoyed great conversation with interesting people, including juror and fellow artist, Brenda Woods (above left).

I also met Skye Kinkade, a local reporter who was covering the event for the Mt. Shasta Herald.

I slid her my business card and chatted her up for a bit.

But, here is a KEY NETWORKING TIP FOR MY FELLOW ARTISTS: We didn’t talk about ME, or my ART.

No, we talked about HER, and what she loves about her job.

Photo by Skye Kinkade, Mt. Shasta Herald

Sure enough, when the paper came out the following week, there was a write-up on the show, featuring a large, full-color shot from the opening (above). Skye even spelled my name correctly in the caption. WIN!

AND THERE’S MORE TO THE STORY:
The day after the opening, I got a call from the Cultural Coordinator of the Shasta Arts Council.

He saw my work at the show, and invited me to exhibit in a Holiday Art Show down in Redding, California, which will run from November through Christmas.

I have to investigate that a little more to make sure the event will align with my brand, and vice versa, but chances are it could be a great opportunity to reach a new market during the time of year that customers are ready to buy.

***
PERSONAL BRANDING TIPS:
What strikes me as I write this post is the Snowball Effect of Opportunity that often takes place when you actively pursue Goals in an organized and disciplined manner.

As an Artist, or Entrepreneur, your Main Goal should be this: Create a Remarkable Product.

When you create unique work, strive to build a positive brand, and actively network and market your brand, people and opportunities start seeking YOU.

Of course, you still have to meet them half way. Make sure you are poised to capitalize on Opportunities that do arise and be prepared to follow through when things start happening – because they will!

That was good enough reason for me to start planning a road trip.

I had three main Objectives:
1) Investigate the Art Scene – See if it would be worth the investment to stage a fall or winter exhibit up there; 2) Shoot Photos for my ongoing color series, “Urban Hues”. 3) Vacation, Baby! I currently live in a little NorCal town, so I gotta soak up the creative culture of a big city any chance I get.

I packed my bag and headed north on the I-5 into Oregon.

There’s a song by Sublime that gives a shout-out to Eugene, Oregon, so I stopped off there for coffee and a walkabout.

As I approached Portland, thousands of twinkling lights appeared on the night horizon and I was giddy with excitement from the effulgent energy of the city.

People were right. Portland IS a great city. The people are friendly and the triple soy lattés are delish.

It’s a clean, environmentally-conscious city where public transportation, cyclists and pedestrians were considered top priority by the city engineers.

Plus, ART matters in Portland. Public sculpture is displayed on sidewalks and street corners about every two blocks.

There are murals on walls and art exhibits in every café, salon, boutique and coffee shop. Heck, there’s even framed work by local artists in the bathroom at Whole Foods!

I visited the amazing Japanese Garden, which is perched high atop a hill overlooking the city.

Midway up the hill are the International Rose Gardens, featuring numerous plots blooming with multiple varieties from several countries.

Anchoring the hill is the 400-acre Washington Park, which was brimming with youthful parents, frolicking kids and one forgotten ice cream cone.

This is my friend, Kendra. Also an artist, she encouraged me to visit Portland after seeing my “Bomb Pop!” exhibit in Ashland. She hosted my visit and educated me as to the Best Of Portland.

A half-hour south of the city are huge cliffs with gorgeous waterfalls and trails that meander through lush forests.

The misty ambiance reminded me of the island where King Kong lived before they hauled him off to New York City. Kendra was more of a Star Wars fan, ‘cuz she thought we might be attacked by an army of Ewoks.

We were both wrong – instead we were attacked by giant fuzzy CaterKillars!!

After a few days in the city, the ocean was calling me. I hit the coast and went jogging on the beach in Lincoln City. I snaked down the twisted ribbon of Highway 101 as angry waves pummeled the cliffs at the outermost edge of Oregon.

By this time, my camera’s card was full and batteries drained. I cursed that I could not capture the breathtaking beauty of the coastal scenery or the quirky little seaside shanty-towns dotting the trail.

I arrived back in Mt. Shasta recharged and inspired. My head was swimming with incredible scenery, creative culture, new ideas and positive memories.

***
Regarding my Objectives:
1) Although there are many great art galleries in Portland, the market is still a little soft and the supply (of art) far outweighs the demand (of buyers). I decided to hold off on efforts to exhibit up there for the time being.

2) I shot plenty new images for my “Urban Hues” series (which I’ll be posting soon) and plan to stage my first photography exhibit next year.

3) As for the Vacation aspect, Aww yeah, Baby! This was surely one to remember!

I’ve been a fan of the Beat era, and the written word in general, for many years. Back in the late 90’s, while fronting rap-happy rock band, Fizzy Lifter, I was doing tons of writing. So I dug through my stack of journals and notebooks and put together a brisk set that left the crowd wanting more.

“BeatNik” photo by Paul Boerger

Paul Boerger of the Mt. Shasta Herald had this to say: “Part rapper, part wild man, part poet, Nikolas Allen strutted and pranced in a high-energy performance that had attendees wowed. Allen was one of five poets who offered a wide variety of poetry from the funny to the sublime.”

The event was put on by the Siskiyou Arts Council and featured myself along with old-timer, Andrew Susac (who was hangin’ with Kerouac back in the day), young poet Andrew McClane, über-witty musician, Chris Prim and all-around artist, Jill Gardner.

In June, I had my second solo art exhibit since moving to the west coast from Minneapolis, MN a year prior. The exhibit, “Bomb Pop! A Sexy Explosion of Art and Love” took place at Village Shoes of Ashland, Oregon, a great retail store with an amazing selection of shoes, sassy accessories and fabulous wall space for their rotating roster of artists.

On June 1st, I assembled my Superstar Crüe (Lilly, Nickki, Stacey and Justin) to help with the hanging and we labored for 6.5 hours infusing the store with the Nikolas Allen brand.

Once the Extreme Pop Makeover was complete, we were ready for Opening Night on June 5th!

My assistant for the event, Miss Lilly, and I live in Mt. Shasta, CA, which is a good hour south of Ashland – or about a half-hour in the badass BM-Dub!

Lilly was rockin’ the merch table, selling my line of Renegade Girl Grafik Garments, pop prints, buttons, postcards and getting those all-important names on the mailing list!

Ashland’s own, DJ LINEA, brought the downtempo-ambient soundtrack.

As the night winds down, the staff finally takes a well-deserved rest. Thanks for the memories ladies, it was an awesome night!

“Bomb Pop! A Sexy Explosion of Art and Love” closed on June 30, 2009.

I entered the darkened corridor and was immediately reduced to a giddy schoolboy when greeted by giant Elvis-as-gunfighter screenprints, complete with gunshot audio piped in overhead! It was surreal to be close enough to see the details of my fave piece: The canvas was spray-painted silver and had visible staples running around the edges.

Photography was not allowed in the exhibit, but I snuck a camera in and took blind shots with no flash. So, these images aren’t great, but I HAD to at least snap some pics of this awesome show!

Best. Room. Ever!! 20 Brillo boxes on a mirrored platform, multi-colored Poppy series, Campbell’s Soup can and Coca-Cola prints, a 24-pack of Coke bottles spray-painted silver, and various photos and items from the Silver Factory days.

The exhibit covered Warhol’s entire career, from the early ‘60’s, when he did much of his ground-breaking work, to the mid-‘80’s, when he was obsessed with celebrity portraiture.

Andy created multi-media presentations for the Velvet Underground’s live shows and billed it as the Plastic Exploding Inevitable. This room tried to simulate the vibe.

Andy died in 1987, but to this day, the Warhol Foundation keeps the Merchandise Machine rolling.

Andy Warhol obliterated the boundaries between art and life and it was amazing to see such a comprehensive collection of work by this inspiring icon.