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Week 6 Articles: |
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| Mark Adam(usik) |
| 12/24 by laura |
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Mark Adam (in real life Adamusik) first caught my attention as I was searching for content for Friday's article, a trip to Lockport. He is currently exhibiting his senior thesis project, Ridicula Animilia, at The Market Street Art Gallery.
His sketch-like drawings depict fauna with human qualities and characteristics; dinosaurs squirm and squeal as a meteor approaches Earth, about to wipe them from existence. But unexpectedly, the creatures do not appear in a traumatized state, they seem to add a bit of comic relief to the impending doom. This anthropomorphism is not unlike Gary Larson's Farside characters and their tongue-in-cheek wit.
The illustrations are rendered with utensils such as magic markers and pens. Within each, are slight bursts of color, cross-hatchings and the occasional creature head wart; showcasing not only his talent and draftsmanship, but also, his ability to remain lighthearted about his art. He intends to portray individual life experiences and also keep with the whimsical approach that seems to be working well for him.
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| Dillinger Escape Plan Brings Christmas Joy |
| 12/25 by laura |
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Saturday night, we drove out to Williamsville's Club Infinity to see our favorite mathcore band rip the stage. The Dillinger Escape Plan convened the night with heavy fog and techno--esque lighting at the former country sap and line-dancing venue.
Greg wasted no time bellowing unabashed lyrics in the microphone while the bands loyal followers might have been preparing for an old fisticuffs bout. But the hardcore band's fans have an understanding that the music is an art, a mixture of correct keys and well thought out momentum with exact timing and slight brutality, especially with the difficult line-up changes they've had to contend with.
The Dillinger Escape Plan has gained a reputation as technically proficient pros of hasty guitar riffs and deep, curdled vocals. Unlike most metal band's fan base, the mid-twenties to thirty something crowd chose not to partake in a pit, but instead appreciated the mechanics of each song. There was for sure a palpable sense of angst mixed with excitement, but there was a complete lack of screeching teenage girls and angry boy-drunks.
And Greg, as true to his medium as ever, finished the show with fire breathing, crowd pleasing, affectionate display of pure adrenaline rush. This quote from the DEP Myspace page sums up the experience: "Awesome show in Buffalo! That place looked like it was set up for roller skating parties and hoedowns. I caught some of your flammable liquid stuff in my eye. Thank you." -Chris
The band returns to the western New York are when they play Rochester's Harro East Ballroom on January 31.
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| New Year's Resolution: Motivation |
| 12/26 by Matt |
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As the New Year approaches I begin to do some introspection on what I have accomplished this year. Of course, there are quite a few resolutions that I have forgotten about; one of which was to do more work for my personal portfolio. One big reason why we don't get some of those smaller tasks completed may be based on self-motivation. In the moment of self-reflection I've complied a few ideas that might help us stay motivated.
Art Makes Great Gifts - It is the holidays so what better way to get some new work done than to give a gift to your loved ones. In most cases your family or friends desire one of your masterful creations, but just cannot afford it. Here is an opportunity to do something nice and hopefully it will have been a portfolio-worthy piece as well. Whether it is for the New Year, for your valentine or just a birthday, it is a good way to have a solid deadline and stick to it.
Trade Work - Since I am in the holiday spirit I would like to trade a piece of my work with one of my artist friends. However, I would rather give them something new. Ask your friend to trade a new piece of work and give each other a respectable deadline.
Dueling Artists - An idea that my friend Warren often proposed to stay motivated, is to create fictitious assignments for each other. Since we are both illustrators, staying fresh and sharp is our goal, plus it helps build our portfolio. Choose a subject matter or story, and then create an image for a deadline that you both agreed upon. It's a great exercise to see how the other person interpreted the same story/subject, and also a good way to keep each other accountable for their work. It is helpful to keep a regular schedule - once a month, or even once a week. This is also a great way to get feedback from other artists and keep each other motivated.
Drawing A Day - Pretty self-explanatory. Whether it is a doodle, a location drawing while at lunch, or a sketch for the next great masterpiece, it is good to keep in practice. has done an amazing amount of work based on a word, phrase, or story that fans have provided him, on a daily basis.
Build A Business - Ever wanted to start a business or a cool new band? Here is a great chance to create an entire new design for a client that will never tell you "no". Start with the basics - an identity. Then, create some supporting materials such as a website or flyers or print ads. This is a good time to do exactly what you want without any client interference. What you put into it is what you get out of it, but it's a great way to show some skills.
100 ideas - We read an article recently regarding writing down 100 ideas. It sounds easy but maybe not at first. Grab yourself a large coffee, some good music, then plop down with a pen and paper and go to town. Write down whatever comes to you. Could be things you want to do in the next year or it could be things you want to accomplish in the next ten years. In any case, it gets you thinking about what you are doing and what you want to do. In the end you might have 97 bad ideas, but one of those might just be a springboard for another set of ideas. Plus, that list is always something good to reference in times of brain farts.
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| New Year's Eve Festivities! |
| 12/27 by laura |
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Apparently, it is not policy to send out press releases regarding New Year's Eve festivities - the venues would like to see the public do their own grunt work. Well, we went ahead did the work for you and the restaurateurs are kind enough to fill in any blanks if you just go ahead and give a call. These are some suggestions on how to spend your New Year's Eve, drink 'er down!
Nietzche's is having a musical montage! In house will be, London vs. New York, The Make Believes, Chylde and Mother Red. Doors open at 9 PM.
Club W is not only for the Chippewa crowd, occasionally they acquire some great Djs and host some inventive parties. This New Year's party is themed as a Masquerade Ball with free champagne and Buffalo's only indoor ball drop.
The Tralf Music Hall's second portion of the Sound in Motion Series takes place next Monday night. Lazlo Hollyfield, 12/8 Path Band and King Sunshine all take the stage for the party with Visuals and Projections by Fractual Project. Doors open at 9 PM and tickets are $25.
Mohawk's Transmission Dance Party tops off the bar portion of the New Year's get togethers. An evening of synth-pop, alternative and indie dance music is in store for those willing to hit the floor dancing. Tickets are only $5 and the music includes the Cure, Bloc Party, the Rapture, pulp, Bauhaus, Depeche Mode and others.
Duo restaurant is offering a special a la carte menu with three seating times; 5:15, 8:15 and 10:30, At 10 PM a DJ will spin on their covered and heated patio. They have an all night license for those with endurance enough to last until 7 AM.
Papaya also has an all night license and live jazz starting at 7 PM. The regular menu as well as an additional menu will be available. Seatings are at 5, 7:30 and 10 PM.
Not all of the venues have specific details figured out yet, so keep that in mind when perusing for a hot spot.
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| Lockport Is All Grown Up! |
| 12/28 by laura |
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Having grown up in Lockport, I spent a lot of time searching for the best hangouts; the hippest retailers and the strongest brew. Up until recently, Lockport was much more f a residential town with the Locks used as a small time tourist attraction. These past two years, Lockport has really turned up the urban planning and tuned into green space.
Aside from the median green spaces, Lockport has reconstructed the South Block into Ulrich's City Centre. The City Centre's inner courtyard is set to be the new home for the Molson Canal Concert Series that was formally held in North Tonawanda. There has been some big changes happening in this community and we will be out exploring this Saturday while the weather is still tolerable.
The first place on our hit list is of course The Daily Grind. Located in the Lockview plaza, the bistro was once known as Lenhart's Lock City Cafe and served mostly small sandwiches and Styrofoam coffee, until entrepreneurs, Okmi and Dennis Malloy saw an opportunity to expand its horizons. Wit their first endeavor, Picasso Moon Clothing fairing quite well, just across the street, the newly redesigned Daily Grind was left in the hands of Tom Bancroft. A splash of color and historic photos, open mic and books galore; the Daily Grind is great for its aesthetics, but the menu is scrumptious as well. Clever ingredients on foccacia bread, savory baked goods and gourmet, fresh ground coffee. Top it off with a bubble tea and you'll forget about Spot's peppermint latte. Have a seat in the lounge area, a squishy couch and doublewide chairs, and relax into the Lockport groove.
You can visit till 9 PM!
Where? 21 Main Street
How much? Under $5
With all the cash left in our pocket - a small coffee is only $1.16, we plan to head to the Market Street Art Center to visit Mark Adam(usik's) thesis project . If you scroll to the bottom of this column, you will find a brief review of Adam(usik's) work. The Market Street Art Center is always free to visit. There is a gift store in the immediate entrance that feels like one of Elmwood's own. Get past some of the postcards and pins, you'll find locally made jewelry, some blown glass sculptures and pottery. Most studios located in the Center are open for viewing, but be sure to knock first.
You can visit from 10-5 PM!
Where? 247 Market Street
How much? The gallery is always free!
It may be a bit early for dinner yet, so stop at Snow Flake Ski Shop, affectionately known as 245, "the only effin core shop in town". It could be compared to Elmwood's Urban, but with a greater volume of stock and better pricing. 245 is the reincarnation of a Transit Road house, so the remember that there are three floors of goods. They are a full service shop so, get your board waxed, try out some new gear, pick up some lift passes for Kissing Bridge but do not leave without talking shop with the boys behind the counter. Make a friend and you could possibly acquire a boarding buddy for life.
You can visit from 10-5 PM!
Where? 245 Transit Road
How much? Cheaper than Urban Threads
Let's impress on you once more that Lockport has taken their urban-acity up a step, return to the Downtown area and eat dinner at the newly opened Metropolitan Bar & Grill. Bordering one side of the City Centre's arch, Metropolitan offers a Tapas menu, homemade cinnamon ice cream and other trendy-haute fare. A popular menu choice is the Duo Empanadas, which are large enough to replace a dinner course and mingle quite well with the on-site developed potato chips that are spiced with Mexican herbs. A typical dinner bill will set you back about $20-30 per person.
You can visit till 2 AM!
Where? Main Street between Pine and Locust
How much? Under $30
If the food seems too risqué for the occasion, Metropolitan's sister restaurant, Taboo is across the archway. A large bar sits in the center of the open space and is capped by dining areas to the north and south. Floor to ceiling windows line the east and west walls, garnished with sexy, sheer curtains, and large screen TVs are mounted in each corner. Chandeliers overhang the table areas while an authentic disco ball tops the bar. But not to worry, the dinners are affordable ($3.95 to $10.95) and drinks are on their way.
You can visit till 2 AM!
Where? Main Street between Pine and Locust
How much? Under $10
Never, ever leave Lockport without making a pit stop at Gonzo's Bar. Lying between locks 34 & 35, Gonzo's resides behind Tom's Diner and overlooks the canal. The bar is in the basement of the retail building, has cheap beer and the best jam bands. Our friend, Jon Rose happens to be in town for the Holidays and will be reuniting Clustafunk for one last show at Gonzo's. Jon has composed quite a bit of the music that this band employs, but they also pay homage to their influences; Phish, The Grateful Dead and Frank Zappa. Opening for Clustafunk is Kosmic Barnyard, another Lockport based jam band that has graced the stage of many fine music festivals.
You can visit till 2 AM!
Where? 7 Main Street
How much? Stop asking, just order another round!
Get your Christmas cookie filled ass off the couch and come have a beer with us!
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| Sabres: The Good, The Bad and The Stupid? |
| 12/30 by wax cupp |
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Hello Sabres fans of the Artery! We have got another week down, and plenty of important points gained on the back of our workhorse, Ryan Miller.
The blue and gold continue to stick to their core values instilled by coach Ruff, and as a result, they have gained some traction in the East. The Sabres currently sit in 5th place and comfortably in the playoff picture. But don't be fooled - 13 of 15 teams in the East are all within a couple points of the playoff race, parity at its finest. Many hockey traditionalists think that there will be some separation in the standings, but I think they are dead wrong. This will probably be a night in and night out battle up until the playoffs this spring.
The Sabres were on the road less traveled this week as they spent Friday night in Newark, home of the Devils and their brand new arena. Last night the Sabres traveled to the Igloo in Pittsburgh (the NHL's oldest arena) and of course on New Year's Day they will play the Penguins at Ralph Wilson Stadium for the league's first outdoor game in the USA.
And now the good, the bad and the stupid:
The Good Forwards: The Hecht, Connolly, Pominville line continues to carry this team in tight situations. Do not look for a change to that anytime soon
The Good Defense: No contest - the Spacek/Campbell pairing has been lights out for the swords and they have overtaken Tallinder/Lydman as the teams top pairing.
The Bad Forwards: The Vanek, Roy, Stafford line looks lost at times. Stafford will be out for some time with a concussion, so Roy and Vanek had best pick up the pace. However, Vanek, at this time, looks unable to live up his big contract.
The Bad Defense: The Talinder/Lydman pairing has looked like a shell of its normal self. They can no longer shut down the opponent's top line, and as a result, Lindy Ruff has cut back on ice time.
The Stupid: How could Sabres Management waste time extending Brian Campbell's contract? Could Larry Quinn and Darcy Regier be that foolish, again?
Next week, I plan to review the Ice Bowl that fellow Artery Staff member Matt and I will be attending, seated high above the field, in the 300's.
Regards,
Wax Cupp.
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