ED BELL: Root Branch Profile #2

Up next is one of the core members of the Maverix family, the one and only, award-winning director and creative soul, Mr. Ed Bell. He contributed the gorgeous, dreamlike image on the Root Branch Exhibit promotional materials. Ed is also the creator of the Oasis short film project-in-progress. Check out some Oasis work here and here. If you are very rich and want to fund an unusual, provocative, and beautiful film, please contact Maverix.

Bio
Ed Bell is a filmmaker, director, animation artist, and modern day griot. A native of South Central Los Angeles, he went to California Institute of the Arts for their film and video program. Since that time he has been involved in bringing art to life in various forms. His directing and artistic credits include both film and commercials for clients such as HBO, Warner Brothers, Disney Features, Nike, Sony, and BBC Television. He is an affiliated commercial director with Special Agent Productions, and is currently collaborating on a graphic novel with comedic horror writer, Michael Boatman. You can see more of Ed's work here.

... A.K.A. Ed is a rock star. Here are his free flow answers to our 3 questions.

・When did you first start to draw/create and what inspired you to do it?

I can't remember, but imagine I have always enjoyed the pencil and paper somehow. It's always been important to be making things with my hands. drawing, sculpting, carpentry, set building and photography. If I could have grown up to be D'angelo or Andre 3000, I'd be doing it the way they do, but I learned early on to stick with images and ideas. One day, I'll be good enough to express that "soul" through things I create.

・What is your favorite color and why?

Okay, speaking just for the moment, my favorite color is rust red. It's my son's hue. The perfect color!

・What kind of music (or other aural environments) do you listen to when you work and why?

The art going into this exhibit was created in a musical cocoon of mixes by our usual crew: CASAMENA, DEDAN, Cecil, dj Hanif... as well as Chebi Saba and some Prince.


...This man has very good taste y'all! Check out Ed's blog to peruse more of his beautiful artwork.

PATRICK AWA: Root Branch Profile #1

Inaugurating the Maverix Root Branch Exhibit artist profiles is the L.A. based, consistent Maverix auction top bid-getter, and ever awesome Patrick Awa. And speaking of Maverix auctions, the image above was one of his past contributions, and I'd love to buy, steal, and/or borrow it from the lucky bidder, whoever you are.

Bio

Born in Santa Monica, California, Patrick grew up in Tokyo and began his career working for a Japanese CGI production studio where he rose through the ranks to direct various commercials and short films. He moved to California in 2001 and has worked as a character/concept designer for major movies such as "Valiant" (Walt Disney Pictures) and "9" (Focus Features), as well as the upcoming "Guardians of Ga'Hoole" (Warner Bros). Patrick is currently designing characters for the CGI feature "Gatchaman" for Imagi.

We asked Patrick the same 3 questions posed to all the artists contributing to this exhibit. Here are his answers.

・When did you first start to draw/create and what inspired you to do it?

I don't remember, but I was just one of those average infants with crayolas making mess on mom's favorite kitchen wall. I think usually kids will steadily find other interesting things to do like playing baseball or jumping on skateboards as they get older, and only a few uncelebrated ones are still left behind with stubby crayolas. That's me.

・What is your favorite color and why?

I like all colors, but I think I specially like "black" because there is something very certain and deliberate about it amongst all other seamless spectrum. "Black" is a dictator.

・What kind of music (or other aural environments) do you listen to when you work and why?

I don't know exactly why, but I cannot listen to any music when I am drawing lines. But I turn my iPod (or whatever around me could provide music) on soon as it turns into painting/coloring phase. It's funny how they could (or could not) relate to each other.

Tune in tomorrow for Profile #2. Who shall it be... ??!

Trivia: There are 17 days left before the December 10th Roots Branch show. There are 17 contributing artists. Maverix is located at 1717 17th Street, and the phone number is 415.522.1717... and none of these "coincidences" were orchestrated by humans. Fortuitous or creepy? You decide.

ROOT BRANCH WINTER ART EXHIBIT 09

Its that time of year again!! Time to get the community together for an evening of Art Music Food an d Friends. And hopefully some shopping! :)

Stay tuned, we will be updating the blog with Artists bios, interviews and sneak peeks at some of the Art to be premiered at the "Root Branch" Winter Art Exhibit.

Totoro Event This Sat!!

Totoro Forest Art Auction Benefit Show & Event
Pixar Animation Studios Emeryville ,
September 6 2008
http://totoroforestproject.org/

Derek Monster Blog!

Check out the New "DEREKMONSTER" BLOG
A new monster every day!!

Derek Thompson interview with the Gnomon Workshop

Inside the mind of the monster man himself
http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/includes/interviews/dthompson.php

OASIS blog

Enter Ed Bells "OASIS" blog.

View art and leave comments along the journey of Oasis.

MAVERIX NEW SITE IS UP!

Click logo to check out our new website!

Take a look at Artist's Illustrations, watch spots by Directors, and view short films.
Come shop at our new online store! Get books, prints, and clothing.
Don't be shy, welcome to the new face of MAVERIX STUDIOS.

Ed Bell In Flip Magazine

A glance into the mind of the Master Ed Bell.
If you didnt know, now you know!!

www.flipanimation.net/flipiissue12.htm

WonderCon Party Appearance

The WonderCon Party was a blast!

We had a special appearance from Cornelius from Planet of the Apes. (Dan Morgan)
Thanks for dressing up everyone! Although there were hardly anyone dressed up, I have to say the Jamie Baker trio was great!

The night started with a art show featuring Maverix talent. Special art was able to be purchased as prints or books. We had a keg! By the end of the night it was dry. I'm glad everyone enjoyed the drinks. Sorry no bar tender this time - wanted to make it simple since Antonio was unable to make it. We missed you man!

The DJ's kept the party alive. People were dancing! Everyone let loose on the floor to bust a move under the nice DISCO Ball. Nice touch. The party lasted longer than expected. It wasn't until 11:30 pm that it started to slow down.

Thanks again to all who stopped by.