Oakland Artist Does Big Things For Bay Area Art World
Karen Cusolito creates larger-than-life figures out of salvaged steel; some 40 ft. tall and higher. It is what she has done for the Oakland art scene, though, that may be her most important work to date
By Garvin Thomas | Wednesday, May 22, 2013 | Updated 10:28 AM PDT
Karen Cusolito grew up in New England. She says moving to California almost twenty years ago was like finally taking off a tight, constricting sweater. Karen, an artist, loved the wide-open expanses of the west.
That feeling of “bigness” eventually crept into Karen’s art.
She is now famous for her 40-plus foot tall figures made out of salvaged steel. But it was her hunt for a space to create her larger-than-life figures that may be Karen’s most important contribution to the Bay Area art scene.
In 2005, Karen walked into the vacant American Steel warehouse in West Oakland. The six-acre building was completely empty.
It is anything but empty now. More than160 artists are working out of American Steel Studios, creating fascinating (and sometimes flaming) works of art.
To see just what an amazing scene it is inside American Steel Studios, watch Garvin Thomas’ story above.
By Goli Mohammadi Posted 2013/05/17 @ 1:02 am Category Art & Design
We’re just a day away from the launch of our 8th annual Maker Faire Bay Areaand it’s always so exciting to see the exhibits take shape and the installations roll in. The best thing is that you never know what’s waiting for you around the next turn. It could be Chester the Fire-Breathing Horse Art Car, built by Jason Anderholm and Rebecca Anders solely for the purpose of being awesome.
The frame is from an Econoline truck, and it’s topped with a viewing platform and driver’s seat, 7 feet up. Chester’s stunning mane is made by Rebecca from recycled tires that have been welded and carved. Jason is an electrician by trade, and this is his first time creating an art car. Did we mention that Chester’s eyes light up read and he shoots fire out of the nostrils and sides?
Here’s a story about how Chester was born, as told by Jason:
The concept of Chester was first a dream sketched out on a napkin. Next thing I knew, he was in full on production at the Department of Spontaneous Combustion (DSC) in West Oakland, the heart of the industrial art scene in Northern California. His original intention was an art car for Burning Man. He continues to be a Burning Man mutant vehicle as well as reaching out and doing other events in Northern California.
I realized my art car dreams could come to life when I began working on theTemple of Flux at Burning Man 2010. The Temple crew consisted of highly skilled artists, engineers, and builders of many different fields of expertise. My volunteering for The Flux Foundation on the Temple was a life changing event that helped me to realize that my big dreams could come true. I sought the expertise of a few of the people I met through building the temple including Don Cain, Rebecca Anders, Aaron Dana, Aaron Scott, and a few others.
Starting our build in the April of 2011. The original vehicle was a perfectly running and registered Ford Econaline 250, at this point there is not much left but the frame. I had no Idea how much the art car would take over my life and how much money he would cost. I also had no idea at the time that Chester would bring so much happiness and joy to myself or others.
Chester is a living art project, that is constantly being improved upon. Every time something is done we become aware of future upgrades to be made. Nearly everything on the vehicle has been done and redone, except for his appearance which was made perfect from the beginning.
Today, Chester lives at the “UnStable” in American Steel Studios. He continues to travel to Burning Man, Fire & Steel Festival, Oakland First Friday, Mad Haters Parade, Sea of Flames, Maker Faire, and many other local events. Chester often travels with our featured acrobatic pole dancing performerFeather Pistol.
I had a chance to get on board Chester, and it was awesome! Jason even let me light the fires.
Come check out Chester in person (he’ll be in the West Lot), along with over 900 other maker-made exhibits at Maker Faire this weekend, May 18 and 19, at the San Mateo Fairgrounds. Don’t forget your camera.
Here are some great shots of Chester that Aaron Scott took at a different event. Chester is so photogenic!
May is Maker’s Month and bubbling over with activity and excitement, Maker Faire, Oakland Indies, a 230′ long educational garden, and unique opportunities to meet with these amazing artists, innovators and makers.
Lots to see! Lots to do!
Introducing our new Events Calendar, updated at every coffee break!
Art + Industry Exhibit by appointment this week only
Coming together to showcase, delight, and demonstrate the breadth and depth of what happens inside this six acre building, this weekends show was a smashing success. You don’t have to miss it! May 13-18 the entire display will still be on exhibit. Meet the artists, commission a piece, bring something home with you… eMail us to set up an Art + Industry gallery appointment.
Maker Faire May 18 + 19
Maker Faire promises to thrill, educate, and inspire the Bay Area and we are coming out in full force. Come play with us! Interactive hands on demonstrations range from welding, pottery, an old school printing press… and then there’s a giant flaming art car… Read the full post here
Happenings at American Steel Studios
Merritt College Donates to Amsteel’s Educational Garden
Special thanks to Molly and her crew from Merritt College’s Landscape Horticulture Department for donating a beautiful array of plants that will help us build an educational garden along the building facade on Poplar Street! Contact us to Volunteer!
An Eye for Style Fashion Academy
Reunion Fashion Show
The Eye for Style program cultivates the natural skills inside young people who love fashion. Celebrate the alumni of this great program and 12 young Bay Area designers with an amazing runway which is sure to dazzle and inspire. Read the full post here
Sean Cusack featured in Ignite.me
The lead artist for Sheet Metal Alchemist, Sean’s art makes the words “raw, dangerous beauty” come to mind. He mixes the warmth of fire and light with the coldness of twisted metal, smiling all the while.
Since being founded in November, Line 51 has doubled their projected growth and is now serving 35 bars in Alameda, Oakland, and Berkeley.
Introducing Leadoff Blonde IPA, a baseball seasonal.
Check out the Tap Map to find out where he is pouring!
Goings On In West Oakland
We’re Going to the Indies!
Our space, our tenants, and our fearless leader have been nominated for awards. The Kaiser Center Rooftop Garden is a beautiful venue and the entire event is a load of fun!
Sponsored by the Oakland Police Department Click here to schedule an appointment, or call 800.733.2767. Donors are needed every day. Don’t wait to save a life. date : Wednesday, May 15 time : 9am – 3pm locale : in the lobby of 455 Seventh Street (at Broadway)
Featured Innovator
Kali Snowden
From paintings that change with 3D glasses and black light to welding giant interactive sculptures, Kali embodies talent, effectiveness, and grace in her person and her work.
Meaning “good bean”, Hodo Soy is creating products that are beyond good. And beyond tasty! They use only whole, certified organic, non-GMO beans, all U.S. grown from a farmer cooperative.
A person as effective and powerful as Kali Snowden who is also graceful, brilliant, and kind is a rare combination. We find ourselves greatly appreciative to this woman who helped tremendously in arranging the artists for the Art + Industry show. She is here every single day with a smile on her face. You can catch her either in her fine arts space in the Poplar Gallery painting canvases that change with the combination of 3D glasses and black light, or at the Department of Spontaneous Combustion welding giant interactive sculptures.
Kali: I started out as a Henna tattoo artist, doing custom and traditional freehand designs from India. I have since translated many of those styles and techniques into my paintings. I like to paint using wild and extravagant color palettes and light my work under UV Black Light. Viewers are invited to wear 3D glasses, adding special effects and extra depth perspective to the canvas. I paint and draw abstract designs because I want to bring viewers away from the graphic images and symbolism we see in daily advertisements. With my paintings I hope to create an environment that the viewer can feel like they are getting drawn into a more imaginative state of mind. When I’m not in my studio painting, I work on large scale group projects in sculpture doing metal fabrication.
AmSteel: Why do you do what you do? Kali: I paint for my own well being, because when I am doing art I can let go of my stress and analytical thoughts. It’s meditative and its also exploration. In my life I want to be constantly learning and through art there are many avenues for expanding my experience and skill sets. I try to always take it one step further, beyond my own comfort zone. My hope is that other people will find my work inspiring and that it might break out of their “box” of what they think art means.
AmSteel: What brought you to AmSteel? Kali: I read a call out for volunteers from the Flux Foundation, so I showed up that evening for a meeting and have been back practically every day since. Last year I became a crew member for the metal work team on Zoa, a Sculpture built for Burning Man 2012. I started volunteering during all of my free time so as to build up my skill set in sculpture and metal work. I have since built a few smaller projects based off what I learned while building Zoa. For 2013 I am on the metal crew for another large scale interactive sculpture called Mens Amplio at the Department of Spontaneous Combustion.
AmSteel: What’s important to you about the AmSteel Community and how do you feel you are contributing? Kali: The artists here are very good at what they do. I get to work around very experienced people with specialized skill sets. It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to learn from and even collaborate with them. Over the last few months I have been able to contribute my time in planning a group show among the AmSteel residents, Art + Industry Open Studios and Exhibition. I helped to facilitate placement of each of the artists within the Poplar Gallery for the exhibition.
AmSteel: How has being at AmSteel helped you? Kali: Its helped me as I am always constantly feeling challenged in what I do. Seeing the art that is produced here has been very inspiring and I feel like it helps me to hold myself to higher standards.
AmSteel: What attracted you to Oakland? Kali: I am originally from small town Port Townsend, WA. I grew up with in a cabin in the woods and I later acquired an itch for city life. I came to visit San Francisco and relocated immediately after seeing the Bay Area’s rich and vibrant arts community. I’ve been living in West Oakland for 5 years now and am in love with my adopted city.
Right here in the heart of West Oakland, on Adeline Street in fact, a recent food production facility is going like gangbusters and flying off the shelves at places like Berkeley Bowl, Rainbow Grocery, and Whole Foods as far away as Santa Cruz. They are also at farmers’ markets in San Francisco and Palo Alto, as well as being served up in some of the Bay Area’s finest eateries such as Bakesale Betty’s and Gather.
Hodo Soy produces an array of soymilk, yuba, and tofu in ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook varieties. Hodo means “good bean,” and we can attest to the fact that these products are beyond good. And beyond tasty! They use only whole, certified organic, non-GMO beans, all-US grown from a farmer cooperative called the Midwest Organic Farmers Cooperative.
Ignite.me is a blog and discussion community dedicated to art and forward-thinking ideas. Their core principles are openness, inclusion, and human connection. They believe that everyone has a creative spark inside, and that the world is a better place when we follow our passions and share them with others. The site was founded by a group of individuals who support the arts as a catalyst for creative collaboration.
Thanks for honoring Sean Cusack Ignite.Me!
Photo from sheetmetalalchemist.com Sean Cusack of Sheet Metal Alchemist
ARTIST INTERVIEW WITH SEAN CUSACK OF SHEET METAL ALCHEMIST
A few days ago, a friend of mine recommended I check out Sean Cusack’s work. Sean’s the lead artist for Oakland-based metal sculpture company, Sheet Metal Alchemist. On looking through pictures of his art, the words “raw, dangerous beauty” came to mind. He mixes the warmth of fire and light with the coldness of twisted metal, an aesthetic that piques my curiosity and draws me in for more.
His sculptures take us away from the everyday, to places outside our comfort zones. If I stood beside one of his fire-breathing sculptures on a chilly Burning Man night, I’d probably feel like I’d migrated to a different time and space, perhaps an alien planet in the year 2075 or a Viking myth in the year 975.
Photo by Sean Cusack “Fenrir” by Sean Cusack
The elements of surprise he and his crew are embedding in the four works they’re making for Burning Man 2013 will bridge the gap between other worlds and this one, grounding us in the now through creepy carnival humor.
I’m looking forward to experiencing Sean’s work on the playa this year. I’m intrigued by his sculptures and also by the generosity of his mission. He’s not just out to make good art (which he does); he’s doing his best to inspire and teach anyone who’s interested in learning.
The Ignite.me team had the opportunity to interview Sean Cusack to learn more about his work and the philosophy that drives his innovation, creativity, and exploration.
What can you tell us about the four projects you’re working on for Burning Man 2013?
We’re making a set of “midway” style carnival games for Burning Man this year. One piece called “Zolterno” is a fortune teller who catches on fire. The “Flaming Frog Launcher” gives players a fiery reward when they launch a steel frog onto a lilypad. The other two projects are from my girlfriend, Lara Edge’s arsenal. We are trimming them up together. One is a strongman-style high striker. The harder players hit a piston, the more fire cannons ignite. The other is a bunny burner, a dunk tank for cute cotton bunnies…except they fall into a pit of fire instead of water. All four projects will be placed alongIllumination Village’s Esplanade presence this year.
Photo by Sean Cusack “Zolterno,” part of a Burning Man 2013 art installation
I’ve been a hobbyist metal worker for quite awhile. However, upon moving to the Bay area about six years ago, I got involved with the fire art community and turned my college degree of chemical engineering from a means to prevent fires in large, industrial, chemical plants into a way to create carefully controlled and beautiful fire effects. This interest has expanded over time. About a year ago, I quit my full time job to dedicate myself to art.What was the moment when you decided to become an artist?
What inspires or motivates your work?
The simplest explanation is that I like to make people happy. I like to do that by helping people realize that they can be the ones who build those “impossible” structures you see all over the place.
Education and practical experience are important elements when it the crew I like to lead. When we are building large, public installations, I like to bring in novices and let them try (and sometimes fail!) to make awesome creations. Usually, they are not only affected by the outcome of the art piece but also by the excitement of actually building something instead of just running an angle grinder or cleaning a shop. I purposely focus on designs that can be completed within a reasonable time using a few skilled laborers so that we can make use of a lot of outside novice help.
Finally, I love making interactive sculptures because nothing makes people happier than doing something that generates a fireball.
Tell us about your team.
There are 2 pieces to this answer. I run a company called Sheet Metal Alchemist which focuses on targeted installation artwork for restaurants, corporations, events, etc. The people that help me during these projects are experienced, some of the most talented I’ve ever met. We keep our team small to get projects done fast.
We have access to tons of the latest tools (waterjet, laser cutting, etc.) and have a great deal of experience in CAD modeling using both parametric and organic, generative modeling techniques. When we are doing a project for a profit, we’re a fast, effective team of the best and brightest makers around.
When we build projects that aren’t profitable (competitions, Burning Man, public art), we love to train volunteers. Some are repeat volunteers who have helped us on a lot of past projects. Eventually, many of these volunteers reach the same skill level as those who help me in day to day work with my company, and then we can start sending jobs sent their way.
What opportunities are available with your team?
We work out of two shared shops: Boxshop in Hunter’s Point (San Francisco) and the Department of Spontaneous Combustion in American Steel (Oakland). Additionally, I teach metal shop and welding classes at Techshop in San Francisco. When we are working on public art projects, we LOVE help. Right now, we need help with electronics work, some finishing work and a bit of metal fabrication.
We spend a lot of time trying to get details looking pretty instead of making bigger and bigger art pieces. Therefore, volunteers can expect to learn a good deal about finishing, wire harnessing, and designing for robustness. If you’re interested in helping out, shoot me an e-mail – sean@sheetmetalalchemist.com.
Additionally, there are a few for-pay projects on the horizon. I have an e-mail list where I send out monthly updates that includes relevant art grants and projects I need help with (for pay or for free). Let me know if you’d like to get on this list!
How can supporters help you?
Land us a commission! We are an installation art company, and we pay rent through commissions. Commissions also allow me to bring more workers into the fold. Small, custom projects are our forte (Precision welding, stainless steel work, interactive installations, etc.)
What’s your ultimate goal with Sheet Metal Alchemist?
My goal is to have an organic, sustainable company. I want customers to expect a fair price for a piece of custom artwork that is made by highly talented and motivated local artists. I want people who work for Sheet Metal Alchemist to be paid appropriately for their skill sets. I want to introduce novices into the world of machining, electronics, metalworking, and fire effects, immersing them in things that they love. I think all of this is possible, and I’m thrilled to be trying it out.
date : May 19, 2013 time : 11am-2pm locale : 1296 18th Street, West Oakland, CA more info :www.brundo.com
Featuring great gift sets: Ethiopian Coffee Sets, Incense sets, Tea kits, Cookware, Serving Bowls, Candle Sets, Chanukah Candles Holders, Table-ware, Vases, Spices, Exotic Blends, Organic Herbs and much more….
Classes are followed by a sit-down meal with honey wine.
You will have an opportunity to purchase all the necessary spices to recreate the meal; we are also excited to offer the new book, Ethiopian Pepper & Spice!!
Brundo is now offering bimonthly classes. The first class of the month is vegan, the second includes a meat dish.
They also host a weekly coffee ceremony Saturday’s from 2-3 at their Telegraph location
American Steel Studios’
Art + Industry Open Studios
Saturday May 11, noon-11pm
Sunday May 12th, noon-5pm
The American Steel Studios Community comes together to showcase, delight, and demonstrate the breadth and depth of what happens inside this six acre building. Behind the scenes tours, performances, and interactive displays abound, inside and out. Meet the artists, ask how, learn, and become involved with this beautiful and tireless community of artists and innovators.
May 13-18 the entire display will still be on exhibit, and available by appointment.
Students from the Biology class have beenvolunteering planting our living wall. Art students from Mr. G’s class will be creating a living mural on the Poplar wall facing the school. Thank you Principle Steele for helping to make this happen! Read the full story here
Pantry Labs at American Steel Studios
Dedicated to bringing fresh healthy food and drinks to people through refrigerated kiosks, 24hrs a day / 7 days a week, Pantry labs is changing the game for food options in the Bay Area. We have their very first one in Bay 6!
Help build a living wall with Groundation Foundation! On April 27th-28th 11-5pm, come for a free lesson on building living walls while actually putting one together! Welding, planting, building, gathering… Join us at American Steel Studios 1960 Mandela Parkway, enter on 20th street.
Rachael Hospodar and Anachitectural
OakTown Hall, a showcase of sustainability and self-reliant innovation, is proud to announces their artist residency program in AX Gallery with Rachael Hospodar.
Dedicated to art and forward-thinking ideas, Ignite.me featured Zachary Coffin and his piece “The Universe Revolves Around YOU” that he created at American Steel Studios.
Stephanie Wright Hession featured Stephen Bruce’s piece “Dominica” in her story entitled Red Umbrellas is a chance to meet artists in the SF Chronical.
Check out a model of our living wall, engage with large scale sculpture, enjoy pottery, welding, and letter press workshops, and lots more from our amazing artists!
Created by Flux Foundation, Sidewalk’s End, an 80′ long, soaring installation piece involved the efforts of almost 50 builders and a 40 person crew to install and show at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Read the full post here
Featured Innovator
David Johnston Sharp Teeth Press
Mix a classic design sense with modern materials, some of the most significant advances inprinting technology, print on machines that are rarely seen and you get books and stationary with an aesthetic both rare and beautiful.
4 staff are changing the lives of 826 students in Oakland Unified School District, and they will pay these youth to intern with you while they build their lives and futures.
Department of Spontaneous Combustion offers a shared work space where individuals create their own art, skills are shared and collaboration is encouraged.
The DSC includes a full metalworking shop , electronics lab, and a pool lounge. They are currently reaching out for new members and people interested in utilizing the shop on a drop-in basis!
Offering a variety of storage space rentals and a place for workshop hosting, this is the perfect opportunity time to get your hands dirty, acquire new skills, and network within the community.
date : May 4, 2013 time : 11am-2pm locale : 1296 18th Street, West Oakland, CA more info :www.brundo.com
Featuring great gift sets: Ethiopian Coffee Sets, Incense sets, Tea kits, Cookware, Serving Bowls, Candle Sets, Chanukah Candles Holders, Table-ware, Vases, Spices, Exotic Blends, Organic Herbs and much more….
Classes are followed by a sit-down meal with honey wine.
You will have an opportunity to purchase all the necessary spices to recreate the meal; we are also excited to offer the new book, Ethiopian Pepper & Spice!!
Brundo is now offering bimonthly classes. The first class of the month is vegan, the second includes a meat dish.
They also host a weekly coffee ceremony Saturday’s from 2-3 at their Telegraph location
Coming together to showcase, delight, and demonstrate the breadth and depth of what happens inside this six acre building, this weekends show was a smashing success.
An Eye for Style Fashion Academy
Sean Cusack featured in Ignite.me
Line 51: Introducing a New Blonde IPA
We’re Going to the Indies!
Got Blood?
Kali Snowden
Hodo Soy
American Steel Studios’
Ralph J Bunche High School Partnership
Living Wall Planting Day April 27-28, 11-5pm
Rachael Hospodar and Anachitectural
Zachary Coffin featured by Ignite.Me
Stephen Bruce featured by SF Chronicle
The Crucible’s 8th Annual Fire & Light: Soiree and Art Auction
FREE Health Insurance Clinic for artists, performers, and the self-employed
Flux at Coachella!
David Johnston Sharp Teeth Press
Terrie Odabi and WorkAbility 1
