ART ROUNDUP October

Jim Weaver spent three weeks last November as an artist-in-residence at Joshua Tree National Park, where his work explored the intersection of landscape imagery and scientific inquiry. From this experience, he created a series of relief prints that offer an interpretation of the evolving ecological dynamics of the Mojave Desert. By integrating data on fossil fuel consumption, increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, and historical fire extent, he creates a visual representation of the invisible forces shaping the environment. As these elements converge in the present moment, the work deepens into a reflection on both his personal response and humanity’s broader reaction to climate manipulation. It provokes essential questions: How do we engage with what remains? What are our true concerns? And, crucially, are we doing enough?

Photo: “Transformed” Jim Weaver

‘The Onion Fields’ is a story that began long before twin sisters Amber Maalouf and Ashlie Chavez started to document themselves in the farm town of Orland, California. Amber and Ashlie are identical twins and collaborative photographers. They began shooting film at the early age of 14, processing and developing in their parents’ garage with inherited equipment from their mother, a professional portrait photographer. While they strived for independence, they realized their strongest work was done together. They each have a BFA in Creative Photography with a concentration in Alternative Processing. Today, Amber and Ashlie work together commercially and in fine art. With their book and Compound YV exhibition ‘The Onion Fields’ finally coming to a close, they have many series in their sights — the ones in progress focus on anxiety in everyday life and their Chihuahuan heritage. This series depicts only a small narrative of their grandparents’ lives, indigenous to Nuevo Leon, Mexico, otherwise known as Regiomontanos.

Photo: “The Onion Fields” by Amber Maalouf and Ashlie Chavez

Now on View: ONE STOP FOLK-POP ART SHOP! A POP-UP featuring works by Rik Verlin Livingston and Julianne Elliott
Dates: The artists will also be at the gallery on weekends, 12 to 4 pm, on October 5th & 6th, and 12th.
Information: Julianne Elliott is an assemblage and fiber artist. Her whimsical, one-of-a-kind dolls are not to be believed and her found-object creations take sharp aim at organized religion, politics, and other hypocrisies. (She also revives and decorates old chairs left by the side of the road!) Rik Verlin Livingston, better known as ZONO, uses found objects and popular culture imagery to create the some really wild works he calls Folk Pop Art. He’ll be exhibiting paintings, archival prints, as well as necklaces, magnutz, and even Zono comikz and Tees!

Upcoming Show Title:
Space Truckin Gallery X Sun Spot & Friends
Dates: Opening October 19, 6-9pm
Information: Celebrate all things spooky at the Haunted House & Art Show on a collaboration between Space Truckin Gallery and Sun Spot. If you dare, creep your way through a monster (mish)mash of ghosts, ghouls, goblins & more. Peep the spinechilling artwork of local artist-zombies and wear a Halloween costume for a screaming good time! Sun Spot is an arts co-op that lives at the shack in the Sky Village Swap Meet, Yucca Valley – a shop for artistmade goods and public events. Come and see us on Saturdays!

Photo: Julianne Elliott, Textile Figure

La Matadora
Show Titles: Beneditos, altered art, & Goddess drawings by Colleena Hake
Precieux Metal Clay Jewelry by Shahasp Valentine
Toga Art Party honoring NYX, the Greek Goddess of Night
Dates: Opening Saturday October 12, 6-9 PM
Information: (Studio 52) 61857 Highway 62 Joshua Tree

Photo: Red Heart Coffee-grinder by Coleena Hake