erik and i have been working on a new tagline. we’re leaning towards “fashion for good”…

NEW LEAF CLOTHING :: fashion for good

What do you think?

: D E N Y

The boat is back! Inspired by the artwork from my last show, The Sea of Change, this beautiful new addition is now available. A mighty 6-color screen print on heavy weight paper printed by Nat Swope of Bloompress. Presenting…The Voyage. Order yours online here.

Signed and number by the artist himsef in an addition of 100.

-erikotto

Shepard Fairey takes over SF! This weekend was a big one for art in San Francisco. So many things going on lately, and I am feeling a new sense of energy stirring. For me, I attended Shepard’s opening at White Walls and I was blown away by everything he had to offer. His ambition and drive is a big influence and most importantly, the messages in his artwork is something I stand for.

Leaving his mark around town prior to the big night. (photo courtesy: jeff luger)

Most of the artwork was created by collage, spray painting through stencils, and screen printing. More details when you get up close.

“Evolve Devolve” – one of my favorites for its simplicity.

“Lotus Ornament”

*opening night – day one*

“The Ripper”

detail of “Monkey Pod”

“Peace Tree” – screen print on brushed steel

We then all made our way to the Clift Hotel suite where SF hosted a late night private party with an open bar with drinks named after his artwork.

And the man himself provided all the beats. Thanks, Shep.

and yes, it was fancy.

*opening night – day two*
As anticipated, the crowd was huge and there was a line to get in. Fairey’s artwork takes up the entire gallery and as well as the walls outside. It was crazy to see how he made such a large gallery space seem so small.

The infamous Barack Obama piece

Off to the second after party – Party For Change @ MILK SF.
The place was packed and everyone was hype off Z-Trip’s set. The entire night was dedicated to Obama – all proceeds were donated and this time Shepard did a live wheat paste piece where the image he created of Barack Obama was the final layer.

Good times were had. No matter what your opinion is on the dude’s art, it’s a great feeling to have a young contemporary artists speaking boldy on what’s going on today’s world and creating artwork that is relevant to today’s generation. Cheers to Shepard Fairey for captivating the crowds, keeping a level head from all his success, and creating a wonderful experience for a good cause.

-erikotto

Wikia Green just launched recently! It is “the best resource for citizens of the Earth to learn about the environment and how to live a more sustainable life.” Check it out http://green.wikia.com/wiki/Wikia_Green and see how you can start giving back.

AWESOME!

: D E N Y

Art, art, and more art – that seems to be all I talk about, but that’s what you come here for, right?  I am pleased to inform you that New Leaf has another show going up in the front space of our studio (aka Gallery Three). Originally from Charleston, SC, Kevin Taylor brings new talent to the San Francisco scene. The artwork will be a continuation of his theme of connecting animals and humans together. I am also excited to also mention this show will mark a one year anniversary of Gallery Three.

opens : Saturday, SEP 6 // 6 – 10pm
on view : SEP 6 – OCT 1

Gallery Three
66 Sixth Street San Francisco, CA
94103

*update*

“Fog Bank” by Kevin E Taylor

detail shot of one of my favorites, “Addawaityas Return”

Kevin even laid out real grass for the front area.  Nice touch.

Another successful night.  Join us for the next one.
-erikotto

While everyone else was at a reggae festival in the park, my friend Santos and I decided to geek it up and meet one of our favorite artists, Thomas Campbell.  We both rode our bikes through the blistering heat and arrived overheated, but we made it and we ended up being the last 2 people they let in.

We both thought we were just going to sit down and watch a slide show and hear Thomas talk about how he does what he does, but to our surprise, we were sat down and mentored by the man himself on how to make art “his” way.  no way!?!

it was kind of like 4th grade all over again for me.

His inspiration wall for us to look and often drool over.

He was a super chill dude and I learned how to let go and have fun – something you can never learn enough apparently.

Tada! My finished piece from the workshop – or what I like to secretly call it, an Erik Otto and Thomas Campbell collaboration.

Hi all. I am back from a jam packed weekend.  Wanted to drop a few personal notes on here.  3 cheers for the DUCK! show.  It was a blast from the past seeing all my old friends I studied illustration with back at San Jose State University.  It all went down last Friday, and the opening was one of the largest seen at D-Structure. Some pretty clever artwork created all under the rubber ducky theme. Be sure to stop by this month to check it all out in person.  Trust me…it’s better that way.

A photo of me and the gang as our human selves…

and as our duck selves. (created by Martin Kau)

Duck pieces by Erik Otto.

Tons of great photos from the show here. (photos courtesy : Gerard Lozano)

Hey friends.  I am currently getting my hands dirty for my upcoming show that opens this Friday.  Basically the idea was to round up 15 friends who all studied illustration/animation in college together and create a show based around a fun and simple concept.  It was definitely fun for me to create something without all the pressure.  Most of the artists in the shows work in either the video game or animation industry and doing a show was a completely different experience for them.  It’s always great to see people get together to do something for the love.  Come join the celebration and see what we have been up to.

DUCK!!!
reception: Friday SEP 5, 2008 // 8-11pm
on view: SEP 5 – OCT 5

D-Structure
520 Haight Street (@ Fillmore)
San Francisco, CA 94117

*sneak peek of my work*

(all artwork will be posted on my site after the show)

-erikotto

I had the pleasure of hearing Erik Natzke share his work and his process at the Flash Forward conference in San Francisco. Seeing what he does, creating these awesome pieces of art using Adobe Flash, is incredible. I kept asking myself, “Thats flash?”. It’s great to see the use of technology in art. Below are some of the works he presented.

You can see more at http://jot.eriknatzke.com/

: D E N Y

Hello everyone. I was recently catching up on magazines, and I came across the recent issue of ReadyMade magazine with my friend / New Leaf model, Anh Stoval on the cover! whoa! Congrats, Anh! We are so happy for you. Here’s the cover and a photo from a photoshoot we did with Anh back in 2004.