TribeLA Magazine: Arts, Cultures, Lifestyles
2017-01-15
This week’s Artist Spotlight is on Charles Bibbs…
Charles Bibbs at Work – Read his Acrostic Interview
What is your all-time favorite piece of art? Back in 1968 after two years of college, I learned the history of my people and culture. Things that I didn’t learn in high school. In tribute to that, I did a silk screen called “My Name Is Black.”
Collage by Elaine Bibbs capturing her husband Charles in the spirit of his art + the Jewel Diamond Taylor Inner-view (video) from the Bibbs home
Graphic designer Elaine Bibbs has worked closely with her husband, Charles, since they were married. A native Los Angeleno, she and Charles met at California State University in Long Beach. With three Charles’ in her life, Charles Sr., Chuckie, and Charles, III, she has masterfully orchestrated her art into the weaving of their successful lives.
ART TODAY 042018 The Keeper by Charles Bibbs – For us to move forward, we must know our history
Charles Bibbs has featured his works in numerous galleries and art venues across the nation and abroad, such as the International Exhibition in Tokyo, Japan in 2004. Today, he is serving as permanent Artist-In-Residence for ASALH (The Association for the Study of African American Life & History, Washington, DC., an organization founded by Carter G. Woodson (Founder of Black History Month).
ART TODAY 041918 Purple Umbrella by Charles Bibbs – creator of the Black Madonna in the movie, “The Secret Life of Bees”
In his 47 years as an artist, Charles Bibbs has received over 100 recognitions and awards for his art and philanthropic spirit, including the “Key to the City” awards in 7 major cities across the United States. His Work has been widely featured in films, such as the “The Secret Life of Bees” (he created the ‘Black Madonna’ subject for this movie), television, books and CD covers including six cover designs for the Urban Knight Collection that features legendary musicians Ramsey Lewis and Grover Washington.
ART TODAY 041818 Yellow Umbrella by Charles Bibbs + A 2-minute podcast on the business of Art…
Charles Bibbs is the founder of several organizations and businesses such as, Art On Tour, Images Magazine, The Inland Empire Music, and Arts Foundation. Bibbs is also the founder of two publishing and distribution companies, the former B Graphics and Fine Arts, and his present business, Studio B Art Publishing and Distribution. He has also owned and operated seven art galleries in Southern California.
ART TODAY 041718 Red Umbrella + “Art is a symbol of your Awareness” The Charles Bibbs podcast-part 2 with Jewel Diamond Taylor
Charles Bibbs continues to lend his support to artists through his mentorship and the Art2000 Visual Arts Association, a 501c3 non-profit organization which he founded in the year of 2000. Before becoming a full-time artist, Charles spent 25 years working in corporate America where he gained invaluable experience in the business world, including learning the principles of marketing which he applies to many aspects of his art business.
ART TODAY 041618 Charles Bibbs tells stories with his art that mirrors the African American experience + a 2-minute podcast on success vs. fame
Charles Bibbs technique and style can be distinguished from most artists, by the way in which he combines layers of acrylic paints and inks to obtain rich undertones of line textures. He has given lectures and conducted workshops all over the United States and a few abroad, including an online Skype artist talk…
ART TODAY 041518 Charles Bibbs is in the House! As Artist of the Week + a short video with Synthia SAINT JAMES
I have always said, “that my most important goal as an artist is to make profound aesthetic art statements that are ethnically rooted and at the same time arouse the spiritual emotions in the viewers. I want to tell stories in my art that mirrors the Black Experience, but in a way that is uniquely mine. I want to create an art language that is uniquely ”Bibbs” that will take the viewer on a unique journey into a different experience.” Charles Bibbs
ART TODAY’s Artist of the Week: The hyper creative Rohitash Rao
Rohitash Rao’s Acrostic Interview
I’ve created over 150 fake album covers for bands that don’t exist, as well as fake concert posters and T-shirts. I’ve also enlisted a music company called Jingle Punks to create original music and we’re releasing our first record on vinyl called “Rohit Records Greatest Hits Volume 1.” I’ve also directed a music video for one of the songs called “Coastal Elites.” So to answer your question, that’s my new favorite piece of writing/art/music.
041418 “Look at Me” – Also, a must read and see are Peter Nelson and Rohitash Rao’s book series’ that JK Rowling called “absolutely wonderful—fast-paced, inventive, engaging, and hilarious.”
In 2009 Rohitash and his longtime writing partner, Peter Nelson, published their first children’s book, “Herbert’s Wormhole” through Harper Collins. J.K. Rowling gave it a thumbs up and it soon led to a trilogy. The books are now sold all over the U.S., Brazil and Korea. Their second book series, “Creature Keepers” is a 4-book series and book 4 was released last October, 2017.
041318 “Facebook” – Rohitash Rao’s favorite drug is Peanut Butter and Chocolate smoothies that aren’t cheap, especially in Venice! Enjoy this Snapple “Chaplin” short film with your favorite indulgence
Besides Rohit’s prolific animating and bookmaking career, he also finds time to paint. No matter what city he is in, he has always found random items of trash on the streets to paint on. His paintings reflect our cultural consumption created on the very things that we throw away. They are conceptual and clever and are a thought-provoking (and often funny) take on the way we live.
ART TODAY 041218 The “Album Covers” exhibit for bands that don’t exist is coming to Downtown LA in May… Details soon + Sci Fi channel’s “Bucket” promo
In 2015 Peter and Rohitash created a number of animated short films for Comedy Central called “Anau Jiram” which airs on an animated block of comedy called “Trip Tank.” Peter and Ro call this their “Beavis and Butthead” — about two idiot 20-something roommates who have surreal adventures. (“Anau Jiram” is “marijuana” spelled backwards.)
ART TODAY 041118 “You gonna eat that Sandwich?” – another food pun Album Cover by Rohitash Rao + Nike’s “Jumprope” video
Rohitash Rao was born in Hyderabad, India and grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He is an alumni of the Art Center College of Design and graduated with honors in 1991 and soon began a fruitful career in advertising as an art director. He created award-winning ads for Taco Bell, Little Caesars Pizza, Staples, Toyota…
ART TODAY 041018 Those Nachos looked soooo Good – the album cover that tells a story by Rohitash Rao + Google’s “One Simple Thing” video
Rohitash Rao and Peter Nelson have created a number of animated short films for Comedy Central called “Anau Jiram” which airs on an animated block of comedy called “Trip Tank.” They call this their “Beavis and Butthead” about two idiot 20-something roommates who have surreal adventures.
ART TODAY 040918 “Battle of the Album Covers” went viral with over a million hits (Here are a few by Rohitash Rao) + short film
In 2007 Rohitash Rao’s “Battle of the Album Covers” was a viral hit, getting over a million hits on YouTube and was written up in Entertainment Weekly and Rolling Stone. The “Album Covers” got the attention of many bands and soon Rohitash started directing music videos. He has created several videos that are a mix of live and animation for…
Rohitash Rao Makes Cool Stuff (most of the time, he says) – The “Album Cover” exhibit at Google in Venice is just one of the 12 things we love about him
We met Rohitash Rao the week his exhibition was featured at Google in Venice Beach. Alexandra Dillon, an incredible artist, who has been featured here at TribeLA Magazine, recommended him to our audience. Rohitash is a painter, illustrator, art director, director of commercials, short films and music videos. He is also co-creator, with longtime friend Kathy Hepinstall Parks of UNDERBELLY comics.
The genius of Brett Gilbert
Recent Features
It’s National Poetry Month at TribeLA Magazine
Poetry – Virtue by Linda J. Albertano
Virtue rides into town on a
convertible Clydesdale. She’s wrapped
in blue-and-white
stars
and is eating an apple concoction.
Ah, Virtue! They want
you.
Your symbols
are so succulent! They want to use
you
for purposes of personal
adornment. They want to pin
you,
wholesome and lovely, to their lapels. …
Three thought-provoking poems by Jim Stone on Montana, Love, Cowboys, Tequila, and the Tango
Jim Stone is a poet and professor. He has been a cowboy, marine, carpenter and rodeo bronc-rider. Graduating summa cum laude in Social Justice from the University of Washington, he accepted a professorship in sociology at Jamestown University in Jamestown, North Dakota.
A Sounds and the City Exclusive Interview
Linda J. Albertano expounds about trips to West Africa, and playing the kora with Prince Diabate
I first saw Prince Diabate perform at an event for the Dalai Lama’s citywide World Festival of Sacred Music held in LA in 1999. I was mesmerized. I was flattened by the cascades and crescendos of celestial sound that flowed from his exuberant kora (West African harp). It sounded like angel tears bursting into fireworks of joy!
The Vote is in: William Wray is TribeLA Magazine’s Artist to Watch in 2018
And the winner is…WILLIAM WRAY: TribeLA Magazine has named William Wray the “Artist to Watch” for 2018!
An eclectic artist, William Wray appeals to a wide range of tastes, styles, and superheroes. From his iconic Superman that graced the Pink Art Show to forlorn moments shared by "Partners in Crime," Wray continues to wow us. He pulls on the heart strings of his subjects not just with Sesame street characters or with Tinker Bell, but also in his landscapes...
New Year ART REVIEW of “The Breakup” by Super Hero William Wray – watch the artist paint
What is the best advice you can give? Expect repeated short-term failure in your career. Think about your long-term goals. Don’t have children if art is the most important thing in your life, unless you are wealthy.
ARTISTS who inspire!
Wordsmiths who evoke powerful images in our minds
Musicians who put music into our hearts
Our First Artful Year – Happy Birthday TribeLA Magazine!
It was January 2017 when TribeLA Magazine launched. With hard work, determination, and immense gratitude, TribeLA Mag continues to blossom every month. We thank YOU, the artists, authors, musicians, and especially our fellow Los Angeles tribe who made our debut year their favorite go to on-line magazine.
TribeLA Magazine focuses on all the artistic and cultural aspects of Los Angeles with a specific emphasis on the visual arts. This past year, we have featured in-depth interviews with some of Los Angeles’ best artists as well as their brief answers to our infamous TRIBELA Acrostic. The overwhelming success prompted us to begin our weekly Art Today. For seven days, the work of the featured artist is highlighted, allowing our readers to experience the splendor of their talent. Look for our newest installment on January 28, 2018.
Got Questions? Feel free to contact us
Deborah Granger
Publisher
Publisher Deborah Granger launches TribeLA Magazine
Janice Bremec-Blum
Editor in Chief
TribeLA Magazine announces Editor in Chief
Chris Bonno
Wedding Moxie!
Harley and Me
Natalie Durkin
Andre Hardy
Sports Contributor, Writer
Offensive Running Back – NFL (Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, and San
Francisco 49ers, 1983 – 1989)
Carlyn Barker
Managing Editor
Maker City for Creatives
Hattie Xu
Staff Writer
Hagop Belian
Erin Hanson
Hagop Belian
Mixed Remixed
Derek Sivers
Guest Contributor
Bestselling Author
Psychology of Self Improvement
Why are you doing?
Miranda de Moraes
Staff Photographer
Erin Hanson
Nature Art
Jewel Diamond Taylor
Contributor/Author
The Main Thing
Diamond Lane
Linda J. Albertano
Poetry
Virture
