Oct. 3 Joel Nakamura & Nathan Ota at La Luz de Jesus Gallery October 3, 2008

LA LUZ DE JESUS GALLERY
4633 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-666-7667 Fax: 323-663-0243

JOEL NAKAMURA – “Teratoid Muse”
NATHAN OTA – "Way WAY South"

Oct. 3 – Oct. 26, 2008
Artist Reception: Friday, Oct. 3, 8 pm – 11 pm.
www.laluzdejesus.com
Online press release with images:
http://leejosephpublicity.com/show/nakamuraotta

Joel Nakamura – “Teratoid Muse”

Joel Nakamura blends of folk art and sophisticated iconography are rendered in a neo-primitive technique using polymers and enamel on metal. With a deep knowledge of tribal art and mythology, Nakamura conveys stories and information in an intricate and engaging manner. His ability to render humanity in primal, edgy hues has captured the attention of clients like Time magazine, US News and World Report, and the Los Angeles Times. Nakamura’s paintings have enlivened the pages of many other books and publications, as well as the 2002 Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies’ programs. Nakamura has been profiled in Communication Arts, Step Inside Design, Confetti and Southwest Art magazines. He is proud to be the recipient of over two hundred awards of excellence. Nakamura splits his time between commercial and fine art projects. His work is in numerous private and corporate collections, including Wynonna Judd, Chick Corea, and US embassies around the world. Nakamura resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife Kathleen and children Paloma and Kai.

Nathan T. Ota – “Way WAY South"

Obsessed with drawing since his early childhood, Nathan Ota passionately references TV cartoons, comic books and punk-rock flyers as his early influences. Ota would sneak into his brother’s room and raid the collection of “Vampirella” comics so he could trace the colorful art on the covers. Uninterested in classical or traditional art, he responded most to visuals by Robert Williams, Olivia, Puss Head and Raymond Pettibon. Upon entering his teens, Ota became mesmerized by graffiti and participated in creating street art. “I was completely hooked. I loved everything about it; the clicking of the ball in the can, the sound of the spray, the colors, the huge scale, the friendships with other graffiti artists and the complete feeling of freedom,” states Ota. Upon entering Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Ota was exposed to a whole new world of possibilities. With an open mind and guidance from his instructors, his direction changed and he decided to enter the world of illustration. Shortly after graduating in 1993, Ota began working freelance for newspapers, magazines, record labels and producing background art for the gaming industry. Ota’s current show “Way WAY South” focuses on a journey back home using acrylics and wood panel.

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La Luz de Jesus is located at the Soap Plant/Wacko building, in Los Feliz at 4633 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Gallery hours are Monday – Wednesday: 11am – 7pm, Thursday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm and Sunday 12-6pm. For high resolution jpegs, interview requests and more information contact: Lee Joseph Publicity, 359 E. Magnolia, Suite F., Burbank, CA 91502, [email protected], p (818) 848-2698 f (818) 848-2699.

Official Website: http://www.laluzdejesus.com