GAAM Anime Show

I wanted to take time to share with you all the new work I made for the GAAM Anime Show on July 28, 2018. I took on a wholly different direction, creating mixed media pieces that are more cohesive with my personal work while having fun with the theme. Anime is a pretty broad topic and choosing an anime that is both an animated series, as well as a video game was challenging. I decided to choose One Piece as my Anime of choice as it has been around for 25 years and I had a feeling that Sailor Moon and DragonBall would be in the spotlight. 

All the work sold at auction and I couldn't be more grateful for all the wonderful feedback and words of encouragement I received. Anytime my work evolves or pivots, it makes me anxious and excited but how the work resonated with viewers helped reinforce confidence in the change. To be among so many talented and skillful artists is always such a pleasure.

Here's a look at the work for the GAAM ANIME SHOW's featured exhibit.

Emporio Ivankov - One Piece - Mixed Media - 11" x 14" ©ElenaOhlander - 2018

Monkey D. Luffy - One Piece - Mixed Media - 11"x14" ©ElenaOhlander - 2018

Mr. 2 Bon Clay - One Piece - Mixed Media - 11" x 14" ©ElenaOhlander - 2018

Sugar - One Piece - Mixed Media - 11" x 14" ©ElenaOhlander - 2018

Tony Tony Chopper - One Piece - Mixed Media - 11" x 14" ©ElenaOhlander - 2018

Perona - One Piece - Mixed Media - 11" x 14" ©ElenaOhlander - 2018

The GAAM Community has grown since its inception and it truly warms my heart that together, we can live up to the slogan "Be Original. Do Good." I am looking forward to the next GAAM and how things will continue to evolve and grow! 

GAAM Anime Show - Featured Exhibition - 2018

The Understory Film

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with The Understory Film to share the story behind Ramen Girl. Check out their website for more great story telling. 

The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville - Arts Awards 2018

What are the Arts Awards?

"On behalf of the Host Committee of the 42nd Annual Arts Awards, I'm honored to invite you to Brighter Together, a celebration of our city's vast cultural accomplishments. This year, we've enhanced what some say is Jacksonville's biggest and brightest night out.

Join me on Saturday, May 5 at TIAA Bank Field's East Club for our awards program and a seated dinner, featuring a delicious meal and table service, followed by a don’t-miss after party.

Our Master of Ceremonies is American poet, playwright, and journalist, Al Letson. Our art installations, created by Castano Group, will be the largest and boldest of any Arts Awards in our 42 year history. After the celebration, swing to the Chris Thomas Big Band and party with our DJ/VJ duo of Geexella and Willie Evans Jr.  

The most important part of the night will be reflecting on and celebrating our cultural community, which works tirelessly to make Jacksonville such a great place to live. I look forward to seeing you at this epic event.

Sincerely,

bel Harding
hair, Host Committee 2018 Arts Awards"

 

This is the second consecutive year in which I have participated in sponsorship/donation of art in support of The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and I look forward to many more!

It is an honor to be among such movers and shakers, as well as kind philanthropists and advocates in our community. We are indeed, "Brighter Together."

For more info on how you can get involved or participate click here.

With brilliant artists and dear friends Tiffany Manning (L) and Ana Kamiar (R). 

GAAM (Games Art And Music)

It's announcement time again for Games, Art, and Music (GAAM) and I am so pleased and excited to say that this years theme is ANIME! 

I have watched anime for as far back as I can remember and my aesthetic is certainly inspired by all of that exposure. For the past 4 years I have participated in the featured artist exhibit at GAAM. What is GAAM you ask?

The work in previous years, has always been a collaboration with my daughter that are Ukiyo-e (or Japanese woodblock print) mash-ups. I may go a different direction this year that is more cohesive with my illustrative/painting work. 

To move forward, I always like to take time to reflect on the previous years work. Last years GAAM theme was Adventure and I chose the video game Tomb Raider as my main inspiration. When I found out what the theme was, at that time, I rushed to my local Game Stop to purchase the newly dropped Rise of the Tomb Raider and played it to 89% in 3 days, since I hadn't played that game since 1997. My preparation game was strong. 

Here's a look at the work from last year!

The interesting thing for me in last years work was how Phoenix moved away from completely abstract renderings to more representational for the backgrounds. Watching her grow together with me is the greatest joy in the work. I am looking forward to the transformative shift in my work for this years GAAM Anime Show and hope to see you all there.

Get your advanced tickets here. A portion of the proceeds go to different charities such as JASMYN, First Coast No More Homeless Pets ,   The Morris Animal Foundation, and Extra Life.     

The Legend of GAAM was GAAM's second "GAAM Show" where over 650 guests attended for Video Games, Game inspired art, a Zelda Art Installation, live music, DJs, charity, and more for one night of awesomeness at The Museum and Gardens and Dive Bar.

Folio Weekly Magazine

Bite By Bite issue cover for Folio Weekly Magazine 3.21.2018. Thank you to Madeleine Peck Wagner, A + E Editor, for the opportunity. 

Sum + Substance at The Space Gallery

Photo: Jeffrey Enriquez

Sum + Substance debuted to the public on Friday, February 16, 2018. What a pleasure it was to work with Christie Chandler of Art Evolution in planning and preparing for the exhibit, Hiromi Moneyhun and Dustin Harewood with encouragement and enthusiasm, Matthew Bennett and Wyatt Parlette in getting these works hung, and Laura Bennett for all the support! 

With Shawana Brooks of Jax Makers Space in the Jacksonville Downtown Public Library. Photo: Jeffrey Enriquez 

I began making the work just 5 weeks shy of the last day possible to hang. A lot of setbacks happened in those five weeks: my daughter and I both got sick with the flu back-to-back, family feuds that brought stress through the roof, many days being hopped up on caffeine and lack of sleep and even bottoming out with a creative block. Despite it all, I worked up until the very last minute of delivering the work to the gallery and met my personal goal of seven pieces. 

I learned so much along the way about my own personal limitations, time management, and taking a moment to step back and enjoy. All too often, I find myself lost in the minute details of each piece, letting the work speak to me to decide when it's done, looking toward the next work as there is a seemingly never-ending flow of work to be done; where I don't take a moment to breathe and look back at how far I've come. 

Speaking about my work with local Photographers and owners of Bubble Wrap Studios Erle and Kelly. Photo: Jeffrey Enriquez

This is by far the largest and greatest breadth of work I've shown at one time. Wednesday, March 7th is Downtown Jacksonville's First Wednesday Artwalk and the last chance to see this great exhibition in person. Hiromi Moneyhun's Kiri-e (Papercuts) are intricate, symmetrical, empowering, and meticulous. I love them and the female figures she depicts in her narrative. Dustin Harewood's 36 Views of a Dying Coral Reef are mesmerizing together with his newer works where there is a fantastic juxtaposition of structure and expressiveness that form a symbiotic relationship with color in an impactful way. The collaborative works he created with Crystal Floyd moved me when you consider all that is really going on in those small worlds, plucked out from the world and combined to reveal the reality of the situation in Barbados. Christie Chandlers play with color, pattern, and repetition to create something wholly new and ethereal was pleasant. Her willingness to take risks and move beyond the boundaries of what happens within a frame from traditional painting to a mixed media assemblage that takes me to a surreal world. Her careful use of chaos and and control reveal more about her mind and the balance we all might find ourselves seeking daily.

Local Artist Wyatt Eddy exploring a Kintsugi Ramen Girl up close. Photo: Jeffrey Enriquez

If you attended our Artist Talks you had a chance to hear more about each of our processes and works. I Think I'm Going Japanese is definitely inspired by my daughter. She is but seven years of age, curiosity fuels her desire to know more and her heritage is no exception. Being half Japanese and growing up American it can be easy to lose sight of where some of her family comes from that can inform her personal identity, both in her formative years and as she matures. As a visual artist, what better medium to use so I may share her culture and history with her in a fun and meaningful manner?

Photo: Jeffrey Enriquez

I move between the Creation Story of Izanami no Mikoto and Izanagi no Mikoto which parallels both the Christian story of Adam & Eve and the Greek myth if Persephone and Demeter. The other Gods: Amaterasu, Susano'o and Tsukuyomi stem from their story. Interjected between these gods were displayed my Kintsugi Ramen girls. The philosophy of Kintsugi beyond the physical repair of ceramics with lacquered gold, is that we are made more beautiful for the things we have been through. Let those cracks show and if you fill them, let them be with gold. I speak about the feminine perspective in the eyes of the male gaze, how she might be fetishized or viewed as something to be consumed which stretches beyond the borders of Japan to feminine identity at large. 

I feel a sigh of relief to share these works with you all and look forward to many a thing that is to come soon!! Thank you all for your support, words of encouragement, constructive criticism, honest feedback, and I can only hope to inspire each of you in some way. A huge shout out to Jeffrey Enriquez for taking all these fantastic photos from the Opening Reception! 

10 Question Interview with The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville

Recently, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Patrick Fisher, Head of Community and Collaboration with The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. If there is any one place I go to find out information about what is happening in the Art Scene in Jacksonville, their website is the hub. What is the cultural council and their mission?

Right before the Summer of 2017, I began going to the Cultural Council's sponsored event called Every Single Artist Lounge. In the past, I didn't attend because honestly, not too many people were in attendance. Patrick has drastically changed local artists attendance at these events by really understanding what it is our community seeks and needs. He has lengthy conversations on an individual and group basis that can be candid and brutally honest at times about the culture here. It is not enough to complain about what Jacksonville needs, one must be a part of the change. Take action!

Needless to say, these events are what led Patrick and I to cross paths. I was impressed with the work he is doing outside of office hours. We are lucky to have him here in our community and I was honored to be asked for the interview. If you want to get to know more about my process and work, read the full article here.

5 & UNDER AT THE SPACE GALLERY | ARBUS MAGAZINE

Even as a teenager, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next edition of the Arbus Magazine here in Jacksonville, Florida. I would find a local coffee shop, grab a copy from the news stand and dive in. As a free publication, I found the articles compelling and interesting. Many years later, I still feel the same way. The contributors are all well-rounded, mindful and insightful when it comes to all things Art and Business in the community. 

Back in December, The Space Gallery's exhibition 5 & Under showcased local art en masse. The entire gallery, from floor to ceiling was covered in art priced $500 and below! Five of my original art works hung on the wall among many of my respected peers and it was a great way to end the year while get people interested in beginning or expanding their personal collection. Matthew Bennet and Wyatt Parlette took on the enormous task of hanging and arranging all of the work and they did a tremendous job! Little did they know, they paired my work with one of my mentors/professors Ana Kamiar! Arbus Magazine's Meredith T. Matthews wrote a fantastic article about the show!

Stay-tuned for a group exhibition in February called Sum + Substance at The Space Gallery featuring local artists Christie Chandler, Dustin Harewood, Hiromi Moneyhun and myself! 

Read the full digital article here. 

FEMART GALLERY

FemArt Gallery, Inc. is a non profit organization that promotes women in the arts through gallery exhibitions, art education and community outreach. The founders are three women with art majors and hearts and souls committed to the recognition and promotion of women artists. 

Announcements coming soon for ways you can support this organization and provide for our after school art enrichment program for inner city young women.

Some of the fantastic members of Fem Art Gallery.
Photo Credit: Toni Smailagic

I had the supreme pleasure of exhibiting one of my photographic images from Belladonna of the Night at FemArt Gallery's first curated exhibitions at a local advertising agency's space called 5iveCannons. The turn out was fantastic and the work definitely shared the diversity of our unique community's female artists. 

As a member myself, I look forward to helping this organization grow and fulfill their mission. 

 

Belladonna of the Night - 3rd Honorable Mention

GAAM - Games Art and Music - 2017

It's that time of year again! The annual GAAM (Games Art and Music) Event is happening on August 12, 2017 at The Museum in Jacksonville, Florida. 

What Is GAAM?

GAAM is Games Art And Music. GAAM’s current goal is the GAAM Show. A Games Art And Music Show that will raise money for Child’s Play, and help spread awareness and acceptance of gaming’s impact on our culture, the warmth they give our childhoods, and the creative spark it gives our adulthood. Gaming is the meeting of art and technology, and this show recognizes and appreciates that.

Last year I was a little ambitious being the theme was VS. and having more than one figure per art piece I ended up making two. I am hoping this year that I can continue to grow in my art collaboration with my daughter. (I involve her every year so as to proctor her art interests early.) 

Here is a look at the work from last year. I chose two of my favorite fighting games as reference: Rival Schools VS. Street Fighter.

Zaki VS. Chun Li Ukiyo-E - 2016      ©ElenaØhlander

Ibuki VS. Akira Ukiyo-E - 2016     ©ElenaØhlander

I look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces there! 

You can purchase advance tickets HERE.

THE BOUTIQUE NEXT DOOR - MOMNI BLOG INTERVIEW

Last year, I had the pleasure of modeling for a local boutique/alteration shop called MOMNI during their 2016 fashion show. What I didn't realize was they are making headway, becoming THE boutique in the local community of Jacksonville owned and operated by some amazing women. I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Mara Strobel-Lanka for their boutique blog about my creative lifestyle and all that it entails. 

This years MOMNI Fashion Show is coming up and although I will not be modeling for them again this year, I am rooting for their success!

It's not too late to grab some tickets for attendance here.

Here is an excerpt from the interview. Read the full interview here. 

WHAT IS MOMNI?

"We’re the little Murray Hill boutique with big style. Owner Joy Lee and her mother Mary first opened MOMNI in 2009 as an alterations shop with the dream of becoming a boutique. In October 2015, their dream became a reality and MOMNI opened their doors to quickly become the most talked about boutique in Jacksonville. With a small team of incredible, hard working women, our Boutique Next Door has grown as enormously as our ambitions.

Our store is all about unique pieces with professional flexibility, but our blog is about how we navigate those pieces, our style, and our everyday lives. Tune into The Boutique Next Door to find our what boss ladies all over Jacksonville are wearing, watching and loving. Digging the content? Find more on our Instagram, @momnijax, Facebook, Momni Boutique, and webiste, momniboutique.com."

The Cultural Council of Great Jacksonville - 41st Annual Arts Awards

Date: May 6, 2017       Location: The Glass Factory - Jacksonville, Florida

I have the supreme pleasure of taking part in this years 41st Annual Arts Awards Gala. Bidding is currently open prior to and during the event.

OUR MISSION

The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville champions the appreciation, relevance, and expression of art and culture.

OUR VALUES

• We believe everyone benefits from access to arts and culture
• We value collaboration as a means to expand our collective vision
• We believe it will take vision and innovation to ignite the creative spark that will lead Jacksonville to realize its potential
• We believe that as community leaders we must represent and serve the interests of the cultural sector and the public at large with energy and integrity
• We commit to championing policies and practices of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, equitable city. 

Here is a great note from Tony Allegretti, Director of The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.

RESISTANCE POP-UP ART SHOW

WHAT IS RESISTANCE?

Resistance:

1) the refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument.
2) a secret organization resisting authority, especially in an occupied country
3) the impeding, slowing, or stopping effect exerted by one material thing on another.
4) the ability not to be affected by something, especially adversely
5) the degree to which a substance or device opposes the passage of an electric current, causing energy dissipation.

As America attempts to grapple with an unprecedented change in leadership, policy, and procedures that challenge our common values, a fierce group of artists will be expressing their resistance to the rancor and division of the current political climate through a pop up Protest Art Exhibition at the Union Art Studios and Gallery Bay 3B on May 6th, 2017.
#ResistanceJax

Check out my art piece in person at the Resistance Pop-Up Art Show in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

DATE AND TIME

Sat, May 6, 2017

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT

LOCATION

The Union Art Studios and Gallery

700 East Union Street

Jacksonville, FL 32206

FSTOPPERS ARTICLE BY DARYNA BARYKINA

'Lost in Translation' Photography Project by Elena Ohlander

Daryna Barykina wrote a fantastic article for FStoppers about my work, and more specifically  an article about my body of work entitled Lost in Translation. Click the link above for the full article.

I have had the supreme pleasure of getting to know Daryna over the past few years and have really enjoyed watching her work grow with her intentionality become refined. Without a doubt, her work is exceptional and she has found her niche in an aspect of commercial photography that suits her well. 

Click the link below to view Daryna Barykina's online portfolio. 

Daryna Barykina is a Florida based beauty photographer with the emphasis on hair. Clients seek her out for creative direction, elegant lighting concepts, use of color and high-end retouching. Her photography is published in Estetica Italia, Modern Salon, American Salon, Behind the Chair on paper, Hair's How Russia, Salon News Asia, and many others.

GAAM - Games Art and Music - 2016

The annual GAAM event is coming up again (Saturday, August 13th to be exact) and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my past GAAM involvement. 

WHAT IS GAAM?

GAAM is Games Art and Music. "GAAM's current goal is the GAAM Show. A Games Art and Music Show that will raise money for Child's Play, and help spread awareness and acceptance of gaming's impact on our culture, the warmth they give our childhoods, and the creative spark it gives our adulthood. Gaming is the meeting of art and technology, and this show recognizes and appreciates that.

MY ILLUSTRATIVE INVOLVEMENT

I have the extreme pleasure to have been an advocate of GAAM from the very beginning. I did not start making art work for the GAAM featured exhibition until the last few events but glad to take part. 

My daughter has always been a part of the art making process in some way and I find it important to show children that you can pursue your dreams and be successful. In both the GAAM Fantasy and GAAMvengers art work, my daughter created the abstract water color backgrounds. 

This year the theme requires a little more depth in narrative (by require I mean it is a personal goal) and we are curious as to how we will adapt. 




GAAM FANTASY - 2014

GAAM Fantasy - 2014 -  Ukiyo-e Sephiroth - ©ElenaØhlander 

GAAM Fantasy - 2014 - Ukiyo-e Barret Wallace - ©ElenaØhlander

GAAM Fantasy - 2014 - Ukiyo-e Vincent Valentine - ©ElenaØhlander

GAAM Fantasy - 2014 - Ukiyo-e Red XIII - ©ElenaØhlander

GAAM Fantasy - 2014 - Ukiyo-e Cloud Strife - ©ElenaØhlander

GAAMvengers - 2015
 

GAAMvengers - 2015 - Ukiyo-e Thor - ©ElenaØhlander

GAAMvengers - 2015 - Ukiyo-e Task Master - ©ElenaØhlander

GAAMvengers - 2015 - Ukiyo-e Hulk - ©ElenaØhlander

GAAMvengers - 2015 - Ukiyo-e Captain America - ©ElenaØhlander

GAAMvengers - 2015 - Ukiyo-e Ironman - ©ElenaØhlander

I am looking ahead to the GAAM VS. show and anticipate that I outdo myself year-after-year. I only hope I can live up to my ambitions. 
 

GALLERY 725 - LOCAL EXPOSURE

Gallery 725 - 725-5 Atlantic Blvd Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 - Matthew Winghart & Shayna Raymond.

I had the extreme pleasure of placing 2nd in the Gallery 725 Local Exposure Exhibit on January 29th, 2016.

WHO IS GALLERY 725

Gallery 725 brings works from our finest Local Artists; a selection of National and International Work; and collectors pieces featuring Celebrity and Historic Artists.

www.gallery725.com

One of the gallery owners Matthew Winghart and myself. Photocredit: Alan Phillips

SECRET CIGARETTES

WHO ARE THE SECRET CIGARETTES?

They are a band based in Jacksonville, Florida comprised of members whose names are: Mike Linsky, Jason Irvin, Joel Stephens, and Nathan Smith.

WHAT IS THEIR VISION?

"At its core, the musical vision of the band primarily comes from an expression of the often precarious balance between the light and dark of living people and the universe we inhabit. It is through the contrast of the haunting dissonant sounds of the darkness, and the energizing *secret omitted* sounds of the light, that we can best reflect the fullness of life."

"Beyond the vision of the music itself, Secret Cigarettes embraces the technologies of both the past and the present, with the intent of gaining the best of both worlds, through the creative blending of various mediums and tools. You are just as likely to see us fiddling with an old 4-track tape recorder as you are finding us neck deep in a computer tweaking the latest plug-ins in our DAWs. We intend Secret Cigarettes to be a creative production that spans beyond the songs themselves and into the realm of visual and interactive art. Each member is a multi-instrumentalist and though we typically specialize in specific areas in respects to the band, nothing is off the table when it comes to  contributions, ideas, or instrument switching."

Most of the audible influences in the band's sound can be traced to genres such as New Wave, Punk ,Rock and Roll, and 90's Grunge. However, this is only the tip of a nearly limitless spectrum of influences in terms of inspiration, production techniques, attitude visual presentations, and so on, that guide our decisions during the creation process. A major goal for Secret Cigarettes is incorporating this myriad of influences in a way that still retains a feeling of focus and consistency. The aim is pointed brevity, carefully curated homage, and thoughtful injection of experimentation  to generate a sound that is at once familiar and alien. It is this yin and yang simultaneity that inspired the band to begin referring to their sound as Intellectual Future-Punk. 

FEATURE

For the full feature, click HERE

I am humbled at how thoroughly Nathan Smith inspected my work and so positively and accurately reflected the conversation I have and create, both interpersonally and intrapersonally. It is refreshing that in Jacksonville, Florida there is a booming art culture where local artists are supporting other local artists.  

UPCOMING SHOWS

A performance you won't want to miss, starting at 8:00 PM. On Thursday, February 25th, Secret Cigarettes with bill performing with Nikki Hill at Jack Rabbits in San Marco (1528 Hendricks Ave Jacksonville, FL 32207). For event info, click HERE. For ticket info, click HERE.
 

Photo Credit: Christina LeMarr

THE RARITAN GALLERY

WHAT IS THE RARITAN GALLERY?

The Raritan Gallery is a contemporary visual arts & culture journal and platform founded by Damani Adadevoh and co-founder Shawn Harris in February of 2013. Thoughtfully curated, TRG aims to showcase content focused on bringing young, independent, and “up-and-coming” talent to the forefront.

WHAT IS THEIR VISION?

The advent of the digital age has birthed a new class of artists and cultural creatives. As an open platform, “the collective” is our commonwealth of creatives united in a mutual affinity for sartorial expression.

Ephemeral imagery and “clickbait”, the lowest forms of photography and digital journalism, have saturated the media. Our content is a revival to the traditions of editorial photography and fashion media. Our cinematography commissions and photo-editorials stand peerless as our team is committed to finding, shaping and showcasing extraordinary work, in collaboration with extraordinary artists and designers.

As a media portal and promotional platform, our team provides an array of professional services including but not limited to: product photography, visual promotion, product placement, look-book curation, and marketing consultation.

FEATURE

I am honored to have been chosen as a featured artist on The Raritan Gallery's social media. Give them a follow on Instagram: thergallery

LUCID MOOSE LIT - Where Social Justice Meets the Arts

Like a Girl: Perspectives on Feminine Identity

http://www.lucidmooselit.com/publications/like-a-girl/

I wanted to take a moment to talk about Lucid Moose Lit and their newest anthology Like a Girl: Perspectives on Feminine Identity, that was recently published. I was honored to have been chosen to have my work published alongside many wonderful artists and writers in this anthology. 

What is Lucid Moose Lit? 

They’re a publication whose mission is “to stimulate conversation and foster community by publishing literature on social topics, while promoting literacy, creativity and diversity.”

What is their vision?

Lucid Moose aims to collaborate with and support partner organizations; to hold space for community workshops, readings and events; to increase access to literacy and the literary arts; to partner with teachers and classrooms; to hold open discussions; and to generally contribute to a greater social good.

I support this.

If you want to learn more about Lucid Moose Lit, please visit the link provided. If you’re an artist or writer, keep an eye out for open submission.