Homage

Getting ready for Dennis's memorial at the OMA. It was one of the last places I saw him actually-at the Momento Mori show last October.
How oddly apropos, he'd probably laugh at that.

He'd also be stoked that there was an entire show being held in his honor-who wouldn't.

Since they're asking for artists to submit drawings, I dutifully made a sketch for it.
"One of the few artists in San Diego that can ACTUALLY draw"-was the way he always loftily introduced me.
Anyway, it's a little bit of fun that he'd have gotten a kick out of...'Jaded Dennis (unfinished)'

His life really was.

Art After Death-Momento Mori-Oceanside Museum

Last night could have awakened the dead. Or at least rattled a few bones.
We were at the posthumously titled "Art after Death" event at the OMA-attendees and patrons in full costumed regalia.

I must say its a singularly surreal experience to see a succession of zombies file past ones work-art imitating life imitating art.


The misses and I plumbed for something a little more subdued-sartorial period homages to Poe and Mary Shelly-or faux Poe as one of my circle quipped.




Another bedazzling blur of faces (masked or otherwise), consigned to the faded memorabilia of crumpled programs-thank you to everyone who made it happen and made it out to see us.






The show closes on October the 30th.

The Beat Goes On-article in City Beat with David Gough

"Gough’s oil paintings are beautifully done narratives often dealing with the cruel inevitability of mortality...


There's a pretty solid interview and review of my book in San Diego City Beat today, courtesy of Kinsee Morlan.
We actually talked for almost an hour early the other morning, and despite only being on my third brew-she somehow managed to make my ramblings lucid..

Thank you Kinsee.

You can read the full transcript from the following:

Art Depicting Death, by Kinsee Morlan


OMA closing reception just two days away, clobber out of moth balls.

In between I've set myself the task of completing the painting I am now calling "An Artists Hommage-a general truth" before All hallows.

I may need to conjure spirits to help me.

Momento Mori-Oceanside Museum of Art-Featuring David Van Gough

I think any artist will tell you that opening shows feel like a brief bittersweet culmination. Lost in the whirlwind hubbub of meet and greeting, and word trifling, and back slappery, one rarely gets the chance to meditate in tranquility, the earnest ambiance of the voices on the wall, the months of travail that brought everything to this point.


Which is why it seems so fitting then, that what thus far has been my most prestigious showing, opened without the usual trappings of champagne embellishments. Of course, the champagne shall still flow on the 28th, in what will be not so much of a reception as a closing, but that this particular show is a testament to the celebration of 'The' ultimate end, seems somehow oddly apropos.


Some thoughts on the collection-putting aside my own modest contributions for the moment, I was struck by not just the quality of work by my fellow journeyman, but the thematic restraint of the exhibit.

With All Hallows looming, thankfully this is no descent into what could have been the easy quagmire of schlock horror.
Other than my own pieces of course, my standout favorite painting was a work entitled "Horns". by Dan Allen, but my compliments to all the artists involved, along with the sterling work performed by the curators and staff at the OMA.

Full details of the Art after Death event on the 28th to follow.

On this day

Depiction of Depict

Dropped by the OMA today to pick up some flyers and a copy of Depict magazine.
Great full page of The Valley.


Since the exhibit hasn't been fully hung yet, I didn't get to chance a sneak peak at the work that will be on display, but I know something of my conferees, and the company shall be sterling.

Three long hot sleepless nights aead-fall santa ana relentless.

Pacific specific

With the OMA-Momento Mori show opening in less than a week, here's another nice little article that someone drew my attention to in Pacific Magazine.

October is ramping up to be a month of activity, punctuated with the obligatory late night mining of Netflix for 60's and 70's Horror classics.

I did however make it into the studio yesterday, and spent the hours embellishing details on the (working title) "Red reaper" piece.

Depict Magazine article

Further to my City Beat unpublished interview post, I've discovered a rather wonderful new magazine has posted this article for the forthcoming OMA show-remember your mortality, featuring a large splendid picture of 'The Valley' and a mention of someone you've never heard of.

You can read it online here:

DEPICT MAGAZINE

Ocean aside. Momento Mori show at Oceanside Museum of Art

I was forwarded this the other day. It's the flier for the Momento Mori show at the Oceanside Museum of Art.

What a lovely honor.

Speaking of which I dropped the two pieces I'm showing there yesterday.
They looked beautifully dressed in their new frames,as you can see below.

Momentum Mori

Now that the book is out, and we are two weeks into the release, I can report with a resonant sigh of relief that sales of the first edition have been steady, and nobody has demanded their money back-yet.

Of course, I have to tip my hat to my regulars-you know who you are-from antipodean to anglophile-thanks for keeping the Dead alive.
So far reviews amongst my coterie have been positive, and having done a couple of interviews with local press this week, it seems to be gathering some momentum.

We'll see.

Momento Mori show at OMA is October 15th-both the "Valley" and "Legend" shall be exhibited, and I'll be on hand to sign books which shall also be available.

Meanwhile, work in the studio continues, even if it does feel sporadic for the moment, so between tickling "the wall" piece-today I began a new painting, which you can see taking shape in the studio shot below.

Dead/Ends-The Beginning of the End-art book by David Gough

DEAD/ENDS ART BOOK



Here it finally is-A project literally three years in the making-Dead/Ends...as it were.



The order page is up and running, and I'm making a special limited edition signed (soft) release available for just 30 days.



There after, the book will be available through Amazon, Indie Store finder etc, with full ISBN.



Those who would still like a signed copy after that date, can come and purchase one in person, as I shall be doing a short tour here in San Diego.

Whilst venues are still to be announced- suffice to say that I can confirm that one of the dates coincides with my Momento Mori showing at the Oceanside Museum of Art on October 15th.



Exciting times ahead.



Below is the full official press release:



Enjoy.



==============================================================================

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1/8/2011

San Diego

DEAD/ENDS words and pictures by David Gough

In 2005 artist David Gough left his English roots to live and work in America.

Affected by what he saw as extreme fundamentalism in the media, he began a series entitled The Theothanatos Series, which would deal with broad questions of religious dogma and human origin.

However, as the series developed, he began to confront more existential questions of his own mortality, bringing to the forefront memories of personal loss, and an obsession with both the human skull and the number three.

Dead/Ends presents twenty-five works as well as the annotations and recollections that shaped the series.

A special limited signed edition is available for a thirty days online from the following link:

http://davidgoughart.com/Dead_Ends.html

In October, the Book shall be available on Amazon, followed by a short book tour in San Diego. Venues to be announced.

FOREWORD BY DAVID BUCKLEY

Author of Strange Fascination: David Bowie — the Definitive Story, No Mercy: the Authorised and Uncensored Biography of the Stranglers, R.E.M. Fiction: an Alternative Biography, David Buckley,reflects on parallels between the lyrics of David Bowie and Gough's Art, as well as growing up in their mutual home town of Liverpool.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Raised in Liverpool, England, David Gough has been working as a professional artist for over twenty years.A former commercial illustrator, now living in the U.S, his work has been collected and licensed worldwide, as well as being exhibited and collected both in prominent exhibitions in the U.K, as well as being a regular addition to shows on both the West and East coasts of the U.S. Recently he was honored with the distinction of featured artist of 2010 at the San Diego Art Institute, as well as being featured at gallery’s in LA and Monterrey.

In the coming months, his work shall be included at the Oceanside Museum of Art as part of the 'Momeneto Mori' show

###

The Coast News, article about David Gough at OMA

My recent outing at Oceanside museum made the local press there.

Unfortunately I must apologize in advance,since the article features a photo of what must be my most unflattering mugging to date, so I'm posting a better angle where you can barely see my face to compensate.

Below are some of the highlights,but you can read the full write up Here:

"David Gough painted live in the second floor gallery. Gough said his images of medieval scenes, skulls and human figures are inspired by televised extremist idealism and fear bating. “I moved from Ireland to the U.S. and was confronted with Fox News’ terrifying revolutionism,” Gough said. “It’s unlike the BBC that televises rational news in a nonpersonal way.”

Gough said his work also reflects his thoughts about his own mortality after three of his close friends died within 15 years of each other. His work on the theme includes 24 paintings, including three that were on display. “I’ve been working towards this for 25 years trying to find the rationale of why I’m doing it,” Gough said. “You’re always revisiting what you did previously.”

Showboat-Oceanside Museum

704 Pier View Way

Oceanside, CA, 92054

Here are the full details for Friday-I'll be live painting on a new Steampunk themed piece, as well as showcasing some of my art .

A carnival of wonders awaits you at the next Art After Dark where industrial meets Victorian in a circus of oddities and artistic inventions. Oceanside Museum of Art will create an alternative world at Dr. Steampunk’s Art Extravaganzaon Friday, November 5, 2010 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction where steam power and Victorian era Britain collide in fantastical inventions, ironic sculpture, and technological developments.

Enigma Fashions will present a Steampunk Fashion Show with the latest designs by Diana Drake. Kim Moody and Lisa Hutton will display site specific Steampunk inspired videos, and artist David Joseph Gough will be painting live.

Be the first to see the Steampunk Art Exhibition featuring new work by Greg Brotherton and other local artists. DJ's, Robin Roth & Danny Massure, will be spinning steampunk inspired tunes to fire up our engines. Get creative in the activity room where you can design your own Steampunk sculpture. Enjoy handcrafted beer from the Lost Abbey Brewing Company, specialty wines, and tasty hors d’oeuvres from The Fish Joint with specialty chef's Loren Waite and James Montejano!

Admission to Art After Dark is $25, or $20 for OMA members and includes admission to the exhibitions, Steampunk Fashion show, live music, art activities, video art and complimentary refreshments. Make your ticketless reservation by calling the museum at 760.435.3720, or pay admission at the door the night of the event. Oceanside Museum of Art welcomes guests 21+ to Art After Dark