Happy New Year! 2011 was a busy one at Monkey C Media. Here are a few author WordPress sites I designed for MCM clients during the past year [Art Direction: Jeniffer Thompson]. Click on the links to visit the sites. Cheers! J Frizza
http://talesfromthefirehouse.com
Here are a few shots of the pieces hanging at Java Earth, a neighborhood coffee shop in Pacific Beach. Among the pieces, a few “Vases and Cups” limited edition prints, and two new acrylic on canvas paintings: “Pink Sky” and “Waterfall.” The cute coffee joint looks great with the colorful pieces. J Frizza
I’m sharing here, a few details of a piece finished a short while ago: “On the chair,” pencil on paper and digital media. Enjoy! J Frizza
Another awesome job completed at MonkeyCmedia. One of our favorite clients, Malibu author Kurt Kamm, hired us (again!) to design the cover of his new book “Code Blood.” His latest title is a murder mystery thriller with an unusual plot: emergency medicine, the science of stem cell research and the world of body parts dealers!
In addition, he also commissioned us to redesign his website to feature the new book. Not to be missed, the site’s impressive firefighting photo collection … check it out! Visit www.KurtKamm.com. J Frizza
Below: “Code Blood” cover (front and back) and new website.
As the summer ends, I’m back working on a few pieces, inspired by the hot weather and our lovely beaches. Here is one, “Summer Ends” a digital composition with sketches and patterns. J Frizza
My pieces are up at the new Cut Salon on Fifth and Grape, here in town. The colorful pieces stand out against the minimal decor, the open floor is the perfect space to show art. It feels like a museum in there! Check out the pictures. J Frizza
A new show is coming up soon! In the mean time, I’m busy finishing several large painted pieces. The show will include oil and acrylic work on canvas, as well as framed digital images printed on paper. The pieces are colorful and organic, fresh and youthful. Teodoro, one of my helpers, takes a brake in front of two canvases, before resuming the hard work! J Frizza
I love going to the beach at any time. The night is specially magical and mysterious. The water and the sand shimmer with the moon light, the deserted landscape is the perfect setting for an intimate encounter with nature. Here is a digital sketch based on my impressions of Del Mar beach at night. Romantic! J Frizza
These past few weeks I’ve been busy designing a book cover and Word Press customization for MonkeyCMedia.com client Belo Cipriani. The San Francisco based author is launching a memoir recounting the details of how he became blind, and following the challenges of living with the new disability. The compelling book is coming out in April. The site is up and running, take a look: www.blindamemoir.com
J Frizza
May all our wishes come true in the new year… Health, Prosperity, Love, Peace and Joy for all humanity! J Frizza
The holidays are here, and I’m using my free time to work on some personal projects. I’m sharing today a detail of a pattern I created recently, inspired by the colors of fall and Oriental rugs. I am grateful for the opportunity to work on illustrations, design and art with amazing clients, and also have the time for my own art. Each project is a challenge and a source of satisfaction… I love what I do. Happy Thanksgiving! J Frizza
Another successful WordPress customization and book cover design completed for Monkey C Media client, author and artist Peter John Lucking. The new website is an online portal to promote the new book “Santa & The Little Teddy Bear.” The tale, in words and intricate illustrations, narrate the world wide adventure of a cute teddy bear, who becomes Santa’s helper during an unforgettable Christmas night. The book, a perfect Christmas gift, will be out for sale soon. Visit the site at www.BilbosAdventures.com. J Frizza
Here is a detail of a large piece I’m working on. “Dreamer” is a digital collage with drawings and patterns, still in the works. However, I’ve gotten to a point where I really like the piece, yet is not finished at all. I’m torn, because I love the freshness of the casual and hurried composition, and I don’t want to loose that feeling. Technology though, allows me to record and save every stage of the process… I love computers! J Frizza
Southern California is beautiful. Even at this time of economic uncertainty and transition, the neighborhood is an abundant source of inspiration. The dramatic ‘Foreclosure,’ ‘Bank Owned,’ and ‘Sale’ signs stand solemn in perfectly manicured and trimmed yards, in front of ghostly empty houses. This American dream has become a nightmare for some. The vacation weather, the quintessential California palm tree, the perfectly cleaned street seam out of place in such sad scenario. Though change is good, the organic urban web still regenerates and thrives. Here is another digital ‘impression’ of my neighborhood. J Frizza
Blisswear, a local boutique, hired me to illustrate the new home page of the upcoming online store. The site is still under construction, though you can take a look at the illustration and overall design at www.blisswear.com.
From the concept drawing to the finish home page, the images below narrate the creative process… J Frizza
My summer was busy, teaching an Adobe Illustrator Class at Platt College, San Diego. Working with the students on posters, maps, and book covers was a lot of fun. Our weekly project critique was my favorite exercise. At the end of the module, the student’s feedback was positive and encouraging. In one more week, I’ll be teaching the class again. I’m exited!
Here is one of the exercises from the summer class, a poster using several Illustrator tools … all in vectors, all good. J Frizza
The pattern below is a detail of a drawing inspired by spring flowers and nature, from a series I’m currently working on. Warm colors and bright accents swirl around as they reveal organic shapes, arranged in a loose pattern. J Frizza
Walking around the neighborhood always gets my creative juices flowing. I’m sharing here a digital scene from University Hights, a neighborhood in San Diego, California. An old Victorian house in the afternoon light. J Frizza
My friend Peter has a little zoo in his house. He has two dogs, six cats, a parrot, seven turtles, four lizards, and four fish tanks! All the unique creatures are adorable. Here is one of them, a portrait of Smoky, the parrot. A special bird that got lost, and was found after weeks, by a lost-and-found ad on www.craigslist.com … J Frizza
I have been doing yoga for 6 months now, and it feels great! The ‘classroom’ is a peaceful room with wooden floors and big windows. The floor vibrates with good energy. The classes are chance encounters with strangers and new found friends. We reunite a few times a week for a soft synchronized mob dance in this sacred place. And the yoga classes have been a source of inspiration for me… here is one of my ‘yoga classes’ inspired digital sketches. J Frizza
Three samples from a series of digital patchworks titled “The Nursery.” These images were made combining patterns, drawings, scanned newspapers and junk mail. Delightful organic forms multiply in the fertile and prolific cyber green garden. J Frizza
This cool pattern is a detail of an artists book cover I created for an apartment re-decoration proposal. A fun project! J Frizza
Fantastic faces swirl around this fluid composition, the blue hues suggest a night of vivid dreams. The playful piece is based on sketches for patterns, is titled “Faces in the Night.” J Frizza
This set of images belong to a series titled “Digital Patchwork” inspired by quilting techniques and American folklore. J Frizza
“Nature’s Power 02″
“Food for Everybody 05″
“Good Morning America 2″
Continuing with the flower theme, here is another floral pattern I created a few weeks ago. In this one, the dark backdrop is a fertile visual ground for the colorful swirling vegetation. Cheers! J Frizza
Here are three crops from a large piece titled “Sampler 01,” a digital patchwork I constructed using found patterns and text, inspired by American Folklore and Quilting techniques. J Frizza
Fantastic water creatures swim along this strange pattern… mermaids or amoebas? Plants or animals? I think I’ll use this one as a background for another piece. J Frizza
Here is another of the flower patterns I’ve been working on, this one is one of my favorites. J Frizza
This is the detail of a larger piece I just finished, titled “The Socialites.” J Frizza
Our two new family members, Teo and Tsuki, are growing fast! Teo is a male silver American short hair cat, and Tsuki a female white rag doll cat. The two little cats are now turning into monsters. Both sit right next to me when I work, I can’t help it but draw them incessantly. They are the cutest things. J Frizza
I’m working on flower patterns… here is one of them, in two color versions. J Frizza
Spring is here! The yard is full of flowers, the plants are growing, and I’ve been drawing and working on my art a lot. Here is a detail of a large piece a recently finished, inspired by my friend’s garden and Japanese prints. J Frizza
A new art show at MCM! My limited edition prints from the series “Vases & Cups” are now on display at MCM Gallery. These colorful pictures are digital compositions based on sketches for ceramic pieces. The new Monkey C space is the perfect backdrop for the bright and cheerful exhibition. Come to South Park and stop by Monkey C Media to check out the art, or visit Halcyon Tea, the shop next door, for an incredible tea selection and tasty samples. The gallery and tea shop are located at 3011 Beech St, San Diego, CA 92102. There will be an artist reception on February 27, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm… everybody is invited … Happy Valentine’s Day! J Frizza
Today I’m sharing a little detail from one of the large compositions I’m working on. This piece is titled “Garden-002-05,” a cornucopia of pineapples, berries, flowers, birds and patterns… spring is near! J Frizza
A vintage digital drawing from 1992, this one, done with paintbrush, is titled “Nosotros/Us.” J Frizza
A digital dream: Emancipated souls roam free in a spontaneous and playful colorful new dimension. J Frizza
Clear cold winter days are my favorite! The hills are green, the sky shines blue, Southern California deserted land is alive and full. J Frizza
All the plants in the yard are sleepy and quiet. The winter cold air has them all hibernating, yet the garden is full of flowers. Life goes on in this colorful reality! J Frizza
Here in San Diego, we have been enjoying this month of January, the most amazing sunsets: pink skies and nostalgic lights… compelling and emotional pictures… winter silhouettes against clear sky. Here is my take on the subject, a sunset with a burnt hill, based on memories and impressions from weekly bike rides around the city. J Frizza
Exotic flowers and dragonflies float free in the detail from a series of kids posters I created a few years ago, this one titled “Delicious.” I’m getting ready to make more of these images, they are so much fun! J Frizza
The show “Vases & Cups” continues at Monkey C Media for a few more weeks. The gallery is located at 3011 Beech St, San Diego, CA 92102. Stop by and check out the colorful display, and say hi to all the monkeys in the office.
Below, I’m posting today, one of the original sketches for the series in the show, these are the base drawings for the whole series of digital posters. The drawings were initially intended as ideas for ceramic pieces. Some of them actually became real objects made out of clay. J Frizza
May 2010 be the best year ever yet! My wish is peace, health, love, and prosperity for the whole world… there’s plenty for everyone, life is good! J Frizza
Thanksgiving week has been a restful and peaceful one. I’m grateful for my life, my family and friends! I spent my days cooking, and eating (of course,) working on some drawings and going on long bike rides. I cooked a giant turkey and made a lemon pie. The next day I went on a 10 mile long ride. Today I’m making sweet potatoes soup … and I’ll decorate the Christmas tree … J Frizza
The California shore line is magnificent. From North to South, the Pacific coast is diverse and stunning all the way through. It is, indeed, an ever plentiful source of inspiration. I’m posting today, a detail of an image inspired by the cliffs in Del Mar, CA. J Frizza
When ever I’m working on my art pieces, I start with a drawing or a sketch on paper, and later I ad shapes, patterns and colors with the computer. The digital technology allows me to change at will the color scheme of my pieces. Normally, I end up with fifteen or more versions of one single image, yet they all have a very distinct mood depending on the colors. Here is another version of a picture from the series “California Landscapes” with orange hues, inspired by I hiking day up in Palomar Mountain. J Frizza
Another landscape I constructed with drawings, shapes and patterns. The odd color scheme, pinks, purples and greens, and the rounded shapes, give this piece a dream like quality. J Frizza
I have been using drawings, shapes, texture and patterns to create intricate landscapes. The result? A strange sighting, an almost abstract image, a suggested space, a nice feeling. J Frizza
The Halloween weekend was a non-stop candy eating marathon! I haven’t had that much sugar in a long time. Here is a pattern I created, inspired by candy … Sweet! J Frizza
This picture is inspired by a hike trail I’ve done recently. The long trail descends into a giant canyon out in the Anza-Borrego desert, leading to a waterfall flowing down the valley. With massive walls surrounding on both sides, the water trail is stronger in the late winter. A splendid land, Southern California is a place out of a dream. J Frizza
We have two new members in our family! Teo, the cutest silver tabby in the world, rescued from the animal shelter two weeks ago. He is wild and intelligent, always hungry and fearless… And a Halloween child, Tsuki (moon in Japanese.) She is a stunning female white baby Ragdoll cat that we just rescued yesterday. The little girl is adorable! For Halloween night, we’ll be playing with the new cats, having a friend over for dinner, carve pumpkins and give away candy to the kids knocking at the door. Happy Holidays! J Frizza
