Written on 02/02/2010
Have
you ever been to a place where they have a dead squid in the middle of the
table where people drawing a large sheets of paper? At Ouch My Eye, you are
bound to see many unusual things like a dead squid. It was an open work session
night when my friends and I went. It is where art is displayed, coffee and
cocktails are served, people are socializing, a musical artist playing live
music, and a whole lot of drawing. That is just one of many events held at Ouch
My Eye, which includes exhibits, fashion shows, social events, and live music.
I had the opportunity to not only hang out with my
friends and let my creative juices flowing, but to also mingle with strangers
for the sole purpose of viewing their art and getting to know this fun place
some more. It was January 23rd 2010 when we drove the long distance
to Seattle to meet our friends there. It wasn’t what I expected to be (in a
good sense). This is a great place to fuel your creative energy, and I regret
not finding this establishment sooner.
Ouch
My Eye is a small cartel of creatives dedicated to supporting the Seattle
community through the creation and exhibition of the visual arts (finely put by
Ouch My Eye themselves). Ouch My Eye has outlasted many traditional non-profit
organizations and art galleries, being an unorthodox model of a self funded
non-profit gallery. Part of their model is to stay focused on the core mission
of the creative community and going out of their way to seek out artists whose
work is guided by a passion to create regardless of education, affiliation, or
accomplishment. They normally choose work based on curatorial themes and open
calls, but for that night they invite patrons and artists alike to bring their
work and/or work on their artwork.
I
had the opportunity to speak to John, the owner of Ouch My Eye to ask a few
questions. His philosophy with this non-profit organization is to promote an ever
changing creative community. In my personal experience I easily see a thriving
creative and social energy flooding in this gallery. The way it was set up that
night was art being presented and displayed on the walls, barista serving
coffee to the side, bartending serving drinks in the back, a drummer performing
live on a stage platform Trent Moorman of “Head Like a Kite” playing that
night), a working artist painting a large-scale piece, and tables and chairs
placed so artists can sit and be creative which includes different stimuli in
different places.
As
excited I was about being there, I had to approach someone and talk about this
more. I came across a woman by the name of “Blue Sky” and asked her what’s so
interesting about this place? She simply replied, “the squid.” I asked her what
does she like most? She saids, “watching other talented artists work.” Simple
enough, I understood the shared excitement. She had some great works of art of
nude models. I was surrounded by talented artists, including Robert Hardgrave,
who was painting live on a large-scale panel.
Three
of his smaller artworks were being displayed at the gallery. I noticed a very
unique style of paint, abstract, and collage. With his GOLDEN paint by his
side, he paints throughout the night. I asked him what he thinks about when he
is painting this? He replied, “Everything!!!” He told me the techniques he
likes to incorporate is calligraphy. The best time period of art history he
claims is the early 20’s. On the side I asked some random, irrelevant
questions. Such as his favorite color: orange. Also his favorite music: Heavy
Metal. What a fantastic place to meet new, and interesting people that share
the same artistic interests.
The
art displayed on the walls of Ouch My Eye were amazing. From line drawings of
what looked like a piece of crinkled up foil to Robert hardgrave’s unusual and
colorful paintings, it helps with the visual experience for anyone. My favorite
would be the eye paintings on what seems to be plastic sheets. Random
sculptures sit in random places. I would like to contribute art there someday.
It
was a unique and vibrant experience. A great atmosphere and culture. This event
peaked my interest, to where I will definitely be visiting Ouch My Eye much
more often. I plan on going back there very soon so I can see what else it has
to offer. Hopefully in the future when I progress in my academic art studies
and transfer to the university of Washington’s School of Art, I can have the
opportunity to pursue an internship there. Whatever your interests are, I
highly recommend Ouch My Eye. It is where you can feel the importance of the
creative community and visual arts. You would be allowed a chance to experience
and satisfy different senses. If I haven’t convinced you enough then check out
OuchMyEye.com. I believe currently they are working on a new site, one of few
that is keeping them busy at the moment. One of the things are a dungeon
workshop, which I’m intrigued to learn more about it. Until then, check out
their site and sign up for e-mail updates to be on top of upcoming events.
Trust me it will be worth your time.
