egconcepts.com

Chere [ Days 2 & 3 ]

egconcepts — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:34:33 +0000

“5 shirts”, it was announced at the final toasting for the board and staff, “We just got back the totals on the merchandise, and all that is left is 5 shirts!” (followed by applause) All 5 remaining were white 2XL’s, and quite the record breaker. Blue shirts alone had sold out on day 1.

Local cynics may say what they like about Bele Chere, but obviously there are many people who enjoy it. And, in their eyes, I seemed to be a celebrity, if only for a moment. For that I am incredibly grateful, touched and surprised that I have left such an impression; and so many truly believe in me. (How many times I heard the phrase “You have to do next years design” from the Bele Chere faithful.. if I had a nickel.)

Here’s the rest of the pics I rounded up. And some clippings from the guide for those who are out of town.

It really was a pleasure to get to know the staff/board/committee VOLUNTEERS (keyword). And I truly respect them for the work they put into such a large task. They are all just great.

Here’s the Cake. Wow! This I didn’t expect!

On Day 2 I was asked to judge the Competition for best arts/merchant Tent.

I took my Mom along, because she’s the artsiest person I know. And from that point on she became my personal photographer throughout the day. Here’s a shot of us in front of a display case..

You know how everyone at Disney World wants a picture with Goofy. Well…

Random Downtown Pepsi’s

Going - Going - Gone..

Can I be with 2 more appropriate ads by pure coincidence.

( J. Crew was my first Job, and the place I met my dearest friend - 10 years ago )

Chere [ Day 1 ]

egconcepts — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 06:51:29 +0000

I’m going to level with you. I thought when I got home today, I’d pass right out. Instead, I can’t sleep. (And yes, I’m this nerdy.. I’m blogging) I am also inspired.

Day 1 was better than I could have hoped for. I’m meeting some really cool people, and I seem to have some sort of celebrity status. The Vision Test cards have been fun to hand out, because everyone is reading them in front of me, and it’s a bit of a puzzle I created. I’m excited by the response. I had planned on taking more pictures, but I was so awestruck I just couldn’t whip the camera out all the time. Note to self: “When a bunch of cute Soccer Mom’s want to take a picture with you - remember to take one for yourself as well”.

These are a few of the shots I managed to get. Not much, but I was busy signing shirts, and stuff. I’ll try to focus more tomorrow.

Everyone is wearing something I made!!? (I can’t explain how long I’ve waited for this exact scene)

And This One..

And This..

Or even this? (Selling Out!!!)

Here my Design Stands High above the City Skyline on a Tall, tall pole. (sorta)

FreeRice.com [1 way to save the world]

egconcepts — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:12:11 +0000

This is the coolest Idea I’ve seen in a while. Freerice.com

I don’t know how it works (?) All you do is increase your vocabulary, and simultaneously feed the hungry.

A great way to spend your free time. And a well designed game.

[ GreenGirlBasics Soap will get you clean ]

egconcepts — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 23:21:49 +0000

My latest label designs were created for Green Girl Basics. The logo was derived from sketches by the talented Amanda Boekhout (elliottelephant.etsy.com). Green Girl Basics is an up and coming business in the Asheville Area. Colleen Tricket’s handmade soaps and lotions have been gaining notoriety in various publications due to her environmentally and animal friendly products. I am currently working on some new ads, and an updated web design. Among other places, you can currently find Green Girl Basics on Saturdays at the Asheville City Market.

[ Photography @ A-B Tech ]

egconcepts — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:35:19 +0000

When I first started going to A-B Tech back in 2000, Photography was one of only a handful of Art classes available. I never got the itch to take it until last August, and I’m glad I did. For sometime, there was talk it might have been the last traditional photography class held by the school. Perhaps a reflection on the times in this digital world. I was ecstatic to find out the class would survive, and I would get to take Photo 2 the following semester. I honestly have to say, that learning traditional photography was one of the most difficult and rewarding artistic experiences of my life. When you learn the process of taking a ‘good’ picture, developing the film, and printing it yourself until it’s perfect.. the end results are a magical display of artistry in which respect is so often misplaced. It would be a shame if this art form was ever lost on future generations of students to come.

These are just a few of my favorite samples from my album.

Colleen

Rankin

‘Baby Vans’

Steve Is Thinking..

Cheeseburger In Paradise

Biltmore Ave

Church Street

Fine Arts Photo Project

egconcepts — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:21:38 +0000

A Fine Arts Photography project I call ‘Perplexing Observations’. It is a work in progress. The following are non photo-shopped scans of original prints shot on a 35mm film camera

‘Consumed’

‘Copper’

‘Wes’

‘Ideas’

‘The Last Pack’

‘ I’m Never Drinking Again ‘

‘A Proud Product of The A-B Tech Art Department’

egconcepts — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:13:35 +0000

It’s funny - I made this poster for A-B Tech 3 or 4 years ago, and when I stopped by the offices to give them a couple signed copies they were asking me where I suggest they have it framed. And, before I knew it, I was they’re ‘poster boy’! I don’t know if any other school would have made such a big deal out of my little accomplishments. I can’t thank them enough for their loving support and encouragement. I look forward to giving back to A-B Tech and their Art Department whatever ways I can.
When your a young artist, it seems the only art you produce is for class. Those learning experiences remain with you forever, and are fundamental building blocks to what you will become.

(these are some more samples of my work that came out of A-B Tech)

Jim Carrey - 2000 Design 1 (acrylic)

Art Show (2003)

Where Is My Mind(2003)

If the the North Carolina Museum of Transportation is looking for a new look, let them know where to find me. (2003)

“Photoshop Nerd Attempts to Paint” Angelina Jolie 2004 - Painting 1 (acrylic on canvas)

Double Negative [Album 2] 2003

Where else but A-B Tech can you re-design a PBR 6 pack, and have it placed in the front window at the Asheville Area Arts Council for a month. ( 2004 )

Happy Independence Day America

egconcepts — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:45:12 +0000

Made in China………………^^^

Women Build 2008

egconcepts — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:37:26 +0000

For last springs photographic journalism assignment, I decided to work with Hands On Asheville, and the United Way. I was fortunate enough to photograph Women Build 2008. The house began construction on Valentines Day, and then turned over to a single mom, and her family for Mothers Day. Through that time over 300 women take part in the construction, I was the only man in sight and I was just taking pictures. I didn’t realize how easy it was to get involved with the United Way. I look forward to taking photos for future events, and even getting my hands a little dirty like in the NFL commercials.

Each woman is asked to sign this stud, which is placed in the House at the very end.

Bier Garden Shirt

egconcepts — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:08:42 +0000

My good friends at The Bier Garden proposed I create a shirt for St. Patricks Day. Instead I gave them a shirt they could sell year round, and they have been! They are currently on their third batch of limited edition shirts. Get yours before they’re gone again.

Asheville Aerial Arts

egconcepts — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:48:17 +0000

Asheville Aerial Arts is a unique group of Asheville Artists, whom are gaining more exposure everyday here in Asheville. They are available to perform for a variety of events and functions. It was my pleasure to design their logo, and they even put it on some awesome T-shirts (incredibly comfortable, and inexpensive) available on their website ashevilleaerialarts.com

Here’s some scans from a (poorly processed) roll of film I took. I can’t wait to photograph them again.

Bele Chere so far

egconcepts — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:12:55 +0000

It’s really astounding to be a major part in something as large and important to the city as Bele Chere.

Yesterday was the kickoff party and it was my first look at some of the T-shirts, and posters. I can’t wait to see the rest of the merchandise. These are some snapshots from the party, and the journey so far.

(Eddie Gumm seen with Asheville City Councilman Carl Mumpower at Bele Chere revealing)

In Stores Now..

egconcepts — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:53:30 +0000

I finally saw my can in the store today! Get them at a store near you, and if you can find me - I might even sign it! If you can hold on to it long enough, I promise to do everything I can to increase it’s value.

Asheville Fashion Conspiracy

egconcepts — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:30:13 +0000

Words can’t describe the Asheville Fashion Shows my friends take part of. Be on the lookout for upcoming shows, and if you have the chance to catch one, your guaranteed to see some interesting fashions and artists. These are just a few snapshots I took at the recent show from Asheville Fashion Conspiracy.

Iconoclasts: Mike Myers & Deepak Chopra

egconcepts — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:47:58 +0000

I first saw this episode of Iconoclasts back in November.

ICONOCLASTS: Mike Myers & Deepak Chopra .

The Sundance Channel reran it this week, and I was lucky enough to stumble on it again. Or, if I learned anything from watching this time; I should say, I invited it back into my life through a synchronous event? In reality, it was mainly being shown as a promotion for “The Love Guru” - in theaters June 20th.

I am not a student of Deepak Chopra or Eastern Philosophy. I know he writes books and changes peoples lives, and I respect him for that. I just won’t go out of my way to read anything written by someone whose wealth and career is based on being blissed out. It lacks a sense of realism for the lives of an ordinary person. I’m finding that I like to arrive at my own philosophies as each new situation occurs, which isapparently what Eastern Philosophy is anyway - so go figure.

I am a student of comedy, and I can appreciate the thought process of a Mike Myers, and his ideals of finding “enlightenment through lightening up.” The formula, “Pain plus time equals humor” is something everyone seems to understand. Finding the lighter side of any difficult situation not only helps to get you through it, but also helps you to understand it better. If I didn’t believe that, I know I’d drive myself crazy. It is also those very ideals that will play an important part of my future artwork as well as my daily life.

It’s funny, I have always admired stories of a person who can come into someones life and say something profound. One who inspires by imparting wisdom, and brings relaxation through laughter. One who shows you harmony with any given circumstance, and can put others before themselves while seeking nothing in return. That is exactly what I aspire to be as I hope we all would. Yet, at the same time I know if I met someone like that - I’m pretty sure I’d think they were a real fruitcake.

(How’s that for a reflection on the nature of our humanity?)

Found Art: My Pepsi Can

egconcepts — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:49:48 +0000

The first official word that my can was out came in mid May on a Sunday. My best friend had recently moved to Baltimore, and his wife saw it at a sales meeting in Jersey. Later, he’d call to tell me he just had the best Pepsi in his life. He promised to take a picture and send it to me, but didn’t. A few weeks later I got word my family had seen it in Chicago. Excited to hear it, but still haven’t seen it for myself. Then I did.

A few weeks ago on a Thursday afternoon, I was turning into the Kmart shopping center on Patton Ave. While stopped at the red light, about the 4th car in line; I caught something in the corner of my eye. I looked out my drivers side window, and there it was just laying in the gutter area where the median meets the road. It was my Pepsi Can, also, it was crushed. Of course I got out of the car and picked it up.
My reaction was an instant burst of joy followed by immediate “Charlie Brown” grief. I mean, this is seriously the way I get to see my life altering, crowning achievement for the first time? As crushed litter. Seriously? The good news is that it meant it’s finally here. Right? Not so much.
The night I saw it, I proceeded to poke at every Pepsi box in every store in West Asheville, and continue to do so after 3 weeks to no avail. Finally, my family decided to investigate and started making some calls to the local Pepsi plant. To make a long story short. It’s pretty much only up North right now, which also means that the can I saw just happened to travel from some unknown northern town before conveniently being tossed out of someones car near Patton Ave, which I just happened to stumble upon.

Two Words: “Found Art!”

The Vision Test

egconcepts — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:12:54 +0000

Take ‘The Vision Test’! Print it via PDF or JPG.

“Change” is a word too frequently used these days. I suspect it’s chosen out of political correctness, but I’m not a politician. I’m a regular guy who gets a hero complex in a crowded theater. There’s no need to sugar coat things with a word like “change”. The world is in distress, it needs heroes, that’s who we are, and once we realize it, we can all save the world together.

There was a time when all I wanted to do was make funny shirts. Through recent achievements, I have instead come to realize a new purpose. The massive, overwhelming, and even silly task of saving the world through art. Every day I seem to be blessed with new marketing ideas, not yet attempted, and so reasonably reachable, that I can’t accept not trying.

As a testament to my commitment I’m kicking it all off by offering to everyone this little image I call “The Vision Test.”
Put it on your myspace, print out the pdf, and stick it on the fridge. Put it where you’d like and transform your daily vision. It is nothing more than a constant reminder that when it comes to a task as overwhelming as “saving the world” - all we have to do is TRY.

If you can find a way to TRY each day, you are a hero.
It’s that simple.