Saw this on omgposters. Does look a very interesting print indeed. Good price too. I would also be interested to know more about the artist.

He's Los Angeles based...but was born in Santa Cruz (just south of San Francisco...and home of Camper Van Beethoven). He seems to do more "gallery" and commisioned works now.

www.mearone.com/

You can purchase the new print there

If there's one thing I buy this year it's gonna be this

Thank you!!!

Here is a detailed description of the process used in the upcoming "M1" edition...

"M1" by MEAR ONE

The paper used was Strathmore 500 Series Bristol 4-Ply Vellum Surface (Cold Press). Each edition is unique and employs elements of his style he has perfected over the years. He started by sketching [with charcoal or pencil] characters, ideas, and philosophies on some of the editions. He would either sketch on the paper before paint application [of the first layer of brown] or use charcoal to draw in the still wet layer. The one’s he did not initially draw on, he spent more time painting, distorting, and experimenting. He then applied a varying layer of gesso, which helps give the amazingly rich texture.

The gesso would also be distorted and manipulated heavily, especially using many of the techniques perfected in his “Live Art”. Depending on the effect and end result he way striving for, the gesso was applied to either the entire surface, parts [to show the under drawings], or splattered and scrapped heavily. A layer of yellow was then applied over the gesso and worked much further. He then switched up to Orange on some of them, which then led to a beautiful Orange/Yellow mix on the later editions when Yellow was used again. Throughout each step of creation, he would do such things as throw water on the paper [from his paints], sand it down, scrape it w/ his tools, shellac or splatter the paint and continually try to experiment and take things further.

The 2-color phoenix logo stencil was then hand cut by MEAR and sprayed differently for each edition. When dry, he then sketched more on top of most of the editions [some truly look so much like paintings, he left them be]. To sign it, he gave each one a huge street style tag. He also used an oil based paint marker that, even when dry, still gives it an extremely wet look.

Seeing it done in the pictures and video though will truly show why these editions are the best ones we have produced yet in my opinion and why we could not be happier with the results. By the weekend, lots of pictures should be posted.

The name of this series and style of edition is “Mono Distortions”, this one being titled “M1”. MEAR created the name to reflect his process, which heavily involves distorting, and manipulating his materials and the paper constantly.

Release Information:

To be announced soon…

We are just finalizing the release details, but when sold, we want them ready to be shipped out immediately so everyone can have them in hand and start enjoying them ASAP. Since we are also shooting each individual finished edition, all 30 will be on display to check out.

Thank you all for the kind words!

Here are the process photos, along with a few select images:

I will post up the release info this weekend...

www.flickr.com/photos/44709500@N00/sets/72157603917691307/

I would reccomend checking out the process pics in the slide show:

www.flickr.com/photos/44709500@N00/sets/72157603917691307/show/

Quality piece, eagerly awaited by a lot of people..

..lets hope we get to bag one!!

;D ;D ;D

“M1” by MEAR ONE

To be released on 2/22/08 at 1 PM PST for $500 + shipping. Editions to be shipped on or before 2/29/08 via the service selected.

To purchase, please email info@baurmanngallery.com starting at 1PM PST on Friday, February 22, 2008. All editions will be sold on a 1st come basis, with a 1 per person limit. Confirmation/Purchase instructions will be immediately mailed back if your order request was received before they are sold out. Immediate payment is then expected, as the Confirmation/Purchase email will explain. Please email info@baurmanngallery.com if there are any questions.

DETAILS: “M1” by MEAR ONE
Mono Distortion Series
Unique Edition of 30
Size: 18” x 29” [Aprox, as each was hand deckled by MEAR]
Signed/numbered, hand painted/finished by MEAR, with hand stenciled packaging
Produced on Strathmore 500 Series Bristol 4-Ply Vellum Surface (Cold Press) paper w/ hand torn deckled edges by MEAR
Presented by MEAR ONE and Baurmann Gallery



Hand Stenciled Packaging:

Here are a few of the completed editions:

1/30:






15/30:





21/30:



26/30

Amazing stuff! They are so hot my Mac's just caught fire ;D

I'm reading a lot of praise for this, but no reasons as to why it is so good. I'd be interested in why this is so exciting...?

Bullshit, there has been no discussion. I can read words such as 'Cool' 'Class' and 'Awesome', but nothing objective. I was asking those that issued the praise to explain why they find this picture so good.

I enjoyed looking at the process in making the picture because it was interesting. However, I find that the finished picture leaves me indifferent. It looks 'ok' but not enough interest to buy, frame and hang. This is why I was asking the question, because perhaps I'm missing something.

I was happy to see that the feedback has been all positive so far until these last 2 posts. To me, that is a reflection of the quality of this edition. I will not speak for anybody who posted here, but I have received a tremendous amount of emails in general discussing the detail, texture, process, and unique aspect of each edition. This has been the best response I have ever received yet on any edition so far, and I truly appreciate how much of that has come from the UK.

You obviously have a different opinion though [which I respect]…but I do like to see you asking to see if anybody could provide you with an insight or perspective you were perhaps missing.

In terms of my opinion on it [please note it is EXTREMELY biased]:

These editions encompass a lot of the techniques that MEAR has perfected over time, both in his street and gallery work. He has constantly produced beautiful series of masterpieces over the years [FYI, on his website, all of the categories are the names of the series to which they belong and are related]. He has never, until now, produced a large body of limited editions pertaining to a single theme or series though [like his paintings]. “M1” is the first of a series of 7 Mono-Distortions. This series is intended to showcase all aspects of his artistic talents. The “David and Goliath” and “Cultivate Love” are #1 and #2 of a series of 9 to be created prints with hand created separations. “Dare to Defy” is the first of a series of street editions with a strong political theme/motivations [especially pertaining to the upcoming 2008 US elections]. These will be released slowly over time and will comprise the initial body of work we produce in 2008/2009. Taking prints and editions to new levels is his ultimate goal, which we feel this series truly did in terms of his high end editions.

Versus each edition being unique, the process itself is very unique and special too. He is continually experimenting and evolving with his artwork, which these Mono Distortions are a prime example of. Like I said though, I am not the objective opinion you are looking for, but I do truly feel this is the finest work yet we have put out yet.

For me I really like this piece, I think that it always important to remember that one persons opinion is just that, one persons opinion. For me for example I struggle to like a lot of Basts work, it's just horses for courses. Thankfully not everyone likes the same thing other wise that reallly would be mad when there was a release. The best I can hope for is that people not interested in a piece don't attempt to purchase, which will leave an opportunity for those of those of us that do.

It is the first time I have seen this artists work and I have a feeling I will try to follow them in future.

For most people who post, it is the extreme poles of opinion not the greater part which encompase all strength of feeling between.

I sometimes think that negative opinion while valid should just be seen in context.