Michael Azzano

Dirty Fingernails Award

2012-01-23T12:29:00.000-08:00

Well, turns out the judge awarded my woodcut, Horsepower $125 as a runner up in the Dirty Fingernails show! Thanks Tom Huck and Foundry Art Centre!!

New Year = New Post

2012-01-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

Seems I have really dropped the ball here with no new posts. I do have an excuse though, several of them actually. First and foremost, being a dad keeps a man busy! I knew life was changing when Emily came along, but I had no idea the extend. I love every minute of fatherhood and feel I am starting to get my barrings. Second, I have begun to renovate my new studio space and it is AWESOME. It is approximately 500 sqft and will be completely furnished as a print studio. It will have my presses, drying rack, flat files as well as work space and a full dark room for exposing plates, screens or simply sitting in the dark. I will throw up some pictures when I get a little further along.

Now, news for 2012. I had two accepted into the Foundry Art Centres' annual juried exhibition, they are in Saint Charles MO and have wonderful factilities. Check them out here. Tom Huck was the Juror, I had the privilege of meeting Tom at Frogmans Print workshop a couple of years ago. He is a cool guy with sick style. See what he's up to at Evil Prints.

Here is the Post Card for the show.

Also,

This coming week, I will have work hanging in Seattle's Pioneer Square at Tiffany Colors, an art/creative studio catering to hair and makeup, music production, art and anything else beautiful. Read up on the opening here.

Stop in for the opening if you can, its gonna be fun!

Thanks to Ashley and Tiffany for getting me in and on the walls.

QR = Azzanos Art Work

2011-08-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Lost in time

2011-08-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

I return to the blog after months and months of being absent. Guess life has a way of getting away from you when you aren't paying attention. Since my last post... close to a year ago, many things have been happening.

First of all, my website is up and running, giving a comprehensive look at my portfolio of work. You can find it at, www.azzanosartwork.com

Second and most important, my wife and I celebrated the birth of our first daughter on May 20th, 2011. As most parents will tell you, the birth of a child is like nothing else. Magical would be a good synonym. Here she is, Emily Jean Azzano.

Now, I knew going into parenthood that my life was going to drastically change, but I never really realized the total and complete change I was going to experience. Since Emily has come along I have gotten very little art completed. I mean look at her, how can I head off to my studio when that little face is smiling at me? I know as she gets older I will be able to sneak away to the studio more, right now I am just happy to be spending time with my daughter.

Okay, so I went out of order a little bit there. Before Emily was born, Megan, myself and my sister took part in an event in Omak called the Vintage Fair. Artists, business owners and pickers came together to sell antiques, vintage finds, art and junk to the public. I put together a ton of stuff, everything from; paintings, bulletin boards, found objects and home furnishings. It was a lot of work but in addition to the money I made, I also met some great contacts. I was introduced to a women who put me in contact with a small bed and breakfast in Chelan WA. I was able to coordinate a show in their cafe June of this year. The down side to the Vintage Fair is the only pictures I took of my work were on my cell phone that just went through the wash. Found a couple of pics, here are some examples of the work I did for the Fair.

Image on the left is a bulletin board with a barn wood frame, the image on the right is an antique piece of metal on which I painted the chickens. The wire and clothes pins allow objects to be hung and displayed from the piece.

A very special thanks to the ladies who coordinated the Vintage Fair as well as the owners of the River Walk Inn in Chelan. If your in the area, swing by and have a coffee.

So I have to say these two events, the Vintage Fair and Emily's birth have taken a lot of focus and been the main reason I haven't been making more artwork. I do have a couple of pieces to show off however. I had started a few woodcuts quite a while back and just recently finished and printed them. Here they are,

Go West, 2011

Woodcut, edition 25

Plate: 11” x 16”, Paper: 20” x 26”

Horse Power, 2011

Woodcut, edition 50

Plate: 18” x 23”, Paper: 22”x27”

Alright, guess these prints bring me to the end of my post. In addition to these two woodcuts I have a couple more I am in the process of finishing. Perhaps in the future I will get some time to finish them!

For now, keep printing.

New Work 2010

2010-11-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

Here are two new pieces recently debuted in my Some Space show, the Junkyard...

Tiger w/ Bolt
Relief Print
15x22

Car w/ Birds
Relief Print
15x22

These are both Linoleum relief prints printed on my new Takach floor press. A wonderful piece of machinery that works like a dream.

A special thanks to Dan for allowing me to hang my work at Some Space as well as a shout out to all of you who ventured out to the opening.

Oct. 2010 - The Junkyard

2010-10-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

The Junkyard

A Compilation of works by Michael Azzano

Artist Michael Azzano Shows Work Through October at Some Space Gallery

Seattle, WA - September 23, 2010 - October brings a new solo art show to Some Space Gallery in Pioneer Square.

Michael Azzano, 29, received a BFA in Printmaking from Washington State University. He has shown work throughout Seattle, North Central Washington, and Los Angeles.

The Opening Reception will be held on First Thursday, October 7, 5:30-9pm, at Some Space Gallery. Some Space is located at 625 1st Ave @ Cherry St.

Inspired by the fragility of life and the impact the human race has on the world. Michael feels a need to create a visual commentary on his observations.

Michael works primarily in printmaking, carving wood and linoleum block prints at home, in his studio, pick-up truck, and just about everywhere else. Recently Michael has started to produce art on found objects, connecting what he is producing with the history of what his art is displayed on.

Michael lives in Omak, Washington where he has time to work on his art and is a second generation orchardist.

Some Space Gallery
625 Ist Ave at Cherry St
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 425 766.7810

A Very Special Thanks to Studio 229

2010-10-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank DeAnna Picinich at Studio 229 for allowing me the opportunity to show at her Salon. Studio 229 is a wonderful space with great light and fantastic clientele. If you have never been by, please stop in a take a look at the featured artist.

Thanks again De!

Studio 229
229 Broadway Ave E #7
Seattle, WA 98102
(206) 322-6325

Lady GaGa Joins the Cause

2010-09-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

If you watched the MTV VMA's last night, you saw a few different outfits from the Pop icon and it appear that One Piece of Meat's message has a new conduit

Thanks for the support Lady GaGa!

New Work to come...

Studio 229

2010-07-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

August - September, 2010

Animal Studies
by Michael Azzano

Stop by the Salon to view a collection of animal studies by Michael. Work hanging from August through September, 2010. More images to come,

Studio 229
229 Broadway Ave E.
Suite 7
Seattle, WA 98102

Work in April

2010-03-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
March 10, 2010
Information: Grace Meils
206.328.2200 x260
gmeils@pratt.org

Under Pressure

On Display at Pratt Gallery at Tashiro Kaplan Studios April 1-23, 2010

Opening Reception:

First Thursday, April 1, 6 - 8 pm Pratt Fine Arts Center is pleased to present Under Pressure, a juried group exhibition featuring work by artists Michael Azzano, Becky Birinyi, Leslee Currie, Virginia Davison, Kate Dougherty, Margaret Chodos-Irvine, Annie Lewis, Emma Levitt, Armelle Bouchet-O Neill, Neil Palmer, Kristie Severn, Mary Shea and Jen Yaros. The exhibition will be on display at the Pratt Gallery at Tashiro Kaplan Studios from April 1-23, 2010. The jurors for this show are Dionne Hartounian of Sev Shoon Arts Center and Barbara Roberston, one of the founding members of Seattle Print Arts.

The Printmaking Studio at Pratt Fine Arts Center is one of the most unique resources for the Seattle art community offering a wide range of printmaking tools, equipment, classes and space to utilize. From collograph, to lithography, to letterpress and etching – all of these techniques and more are taught and applied at Pratt’s Printmaking studio. This exhibition is a tasting of these creative efforts that are happening everyday.

What: Under Pressure Exhibition
Where: Pratt Gallery at Tashiro Kaplan Studios
306S Washington St, Suite 102, Seattle
When: April 1- April 23, 2010

Opening Reception: Thursday, April 1, 6 - 8 pm
Gallery Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, 12 - 5pm and by appointment

The Pratt Gallery at Tashiro Kaplan Studios showcases the artwork of its instructors, students and renters, demonstrating the quality, strength and range of talent that is cultivated and made possible by programs offered at Pratt Fine Arts Center.

Pratt's Exhibitions and Lecture programs are sponsored by grants from 4Culture, National Endowment for the Arts, Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, Silicon Valley Community Foundation and the Washington State Arts Commission.

~I would like to thank The Pratt for their ongoing contribution to the arts as well as their work in showcasing artists. A very special thanks to Dionne and Barbara for their hard work in choosing the work to go into this show.

National Ag Day

2010-03-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hey all, I know this is a little off subject from the art I usually post - but I wanted to take a quick second to post a reminder about National Agriculture Day, March 20th. I must admit, at times, I have taken for granted the services agriculture plays in all our lives - very sad considering I grew up in an ag producing family! Before you take a bit of your next meal, or as you pick up that item in the supermarket - I would ask that you all take a moment to remember the men and women - both from this country as well as from others, who work to raise and deliver the food we have here in this country. Check out this site for more information about agriculture in the United States, http://www.agday.org/index.php

Thanks a lot for your time

Go Farmers!

New Work

2010-03-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some new works people. Much has been happening on this side of the Mountains, seems with the on come of Spring the work load increases exponentially. On top of all the orchard work, this year I have art going up in not only the Pratt Art Institutes Juried Exhibition in April (press release to come) but I am also preparing for my up coming solo show (October 2010, www.somespace.com).

These pieces have been inspired by recent thoughts of mans struggle to tame nature. Here are some pieces I have been putting together in the last few weeks. These are ink drawings on stretched paper. The 'Alligator Wrestler' is drawn on the cover plate to an old freezer locked away in my basement. The piece 'I'm no horseman' is pen and ink on art board
.

Alligator Westler

Ink on Metal
(in progress)

Lion Tamer
Ink on stretched paper
(in progress)

Tiger No. 1
Ink on Stretched Paper

Tiger No. 2
Ink on Stretched Paper

I'm no horseman
Ink on Art Board

Four Steaks
Color Woodcut

VOTE VOTE VOTE!

2010-02-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, I have submitted work in an art exhibition care of Art For Progress in NYC and I need your help! Please log onto their site here and vote for my work... alright, you can vote for whoever you like the best but remember you can only vote once and I would appreciate it if you would give me your vote. Make sure you check out all of the awesome work, not only in visual arts but in all of the other categories as well. Artists have submitted work in several categories and those who receive the most votes will have their work shown in a collaborative Art/Fashion/Music show in NYC
Voting run from Feb.1st through March 10th, so get to voting and make sure to pass along the word to friends and family - the more who participate the better!

Thanks for the support

Azzano

New Year, New Work

2010-01-08T09:39:00.000-08:00

Hot off the press - here is my most recent completion. It was a monster to carve, but I got it done... let me know what you think.

The Junkyard
Linocut
23-1/2" x 21"
2010

Art Buzz 2010 Collection

2010-01-03T21:25:00.000-08:00

Please make sure you pass along this information to anyone who may be interested! Follow this link for list of all of the artists awarded. www.artbuzz.org/2010winners.html

re: Art Buzz, The 2010 Collection, the premier hardcover book in which your work is featured.

Dear Artist,

Congratulations on your work winning recognition and exposure in Art Buzz, the premier publication. If you choose to, you can now order Art Buzz, The 2010 Collection, direct from Art Buzz. The book is being printed as we speak and should be ready for shipment by late January or early February of this year.

Log on to www.artbuzz.org/book.html and click on the 2010 Collection order button. (be sure it is the 2010 not the 2009 Collection button) The retail price is $59.95, however, for a limited time (till February 15), you can order the book for a $14.95 discount - making the price $45.00 US. (plus shipping & handling)

The book is very impressive and full of wonderful fine art. Please spread the word to any active art dealers, curators and collectors that you may know. Feel free to relay any active art dealer contacts to us and we will be happy to approach them. After all, they are the target audience for the book and the main reason for its high production quality.

Thank you for your participation and we welcome your entry into the Fine Art Search and Juried Competition for the upcoming 2011 Collection.

Have a very super and creative new year!

Alan Rowe, editor

Art Buzz

www.ArtBuzz.org - by artists for artists (not-for-profit)

"Dedicated to the Appreciation and Advancement of Contemporary Visual Art and its Creators"

Artists Unite! Log on and take advantage of Art Buzz.

Home of Art Buzz Collection Volumes, the premier Contemporary Visual Arts, showcase publications. The result of the annual, worldwide, Fine Art Search and Juried Competition for exposure & recognition.

re: Art Buzz, The 2010 Collection, the premier hardcover book in which your work is featured.

LAPS 20th National Exhibition

2009-12-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

Back in February, I found out a piece of mine had been selected for the Los Angeles Printmaking Society's 20th National Exhibition. Myself, along with approximately 195 other artists were chosen out of over 1400 applicants. Because of this honor, my wife and I decided to make the trip to LA for the show - although we missed the official opening - it was awesome getting to see my work hanging in the gallery. In seeing the show in its entirety, I was extremely humbled to have been accepted into the show. The caliber of work was amazing - the piece selected was

El Fin de la Linea

Here are a couple of other images of me at the opening.

Check out the show synopsis and artist list at http://www.laprintmakers.com/site/home

Well it is about GODDAMN time...

2009-12-05T08:37:00.001-08:00

Alright, well One Piece of Meat has joined the real world once again and I have to say it is about time. Looking at my last post - looks as though I am just shy a year since I have updated... a year - I can't believe that. I guess time flies when your having fun...

In addition to everything else life seems to through at me, I have been busy creating and here are some of my recent works...

Why Buy the Cow
15"x15"
Linocut

Get the Milk for Free
24"x14"
Woodcut

T-Bone
8"x6"
Woodcut
(This piece is one of three additional steaks. I have yet to photograph those though.)

Feb. 2009 SomeSpace Show

2009-01-27T14:12:00.000-08:00

Please make sure you swing by the opening... support the arts!!

Western Art Show

2009-01-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

Sagebrush Celebration features, art show, mercantile, concert

A contemporary Western art show will open a three-week run Friday, Jan. 23, in conjunction with the Sagebrush Celebration at the Omak Performing Arts Center.

They are among 22 regional artists participating in the show in the new student commons of Omak High School, according to an announcement from the Omak Performing Arts Center Foundation.
Admission is free to the art show and the neighboring Sagebrush Mercantile, both of which will be open from 5-7 p.m. and again from 9-11 p.m. Jan. 23.

Tickets for the concert are $25, are available at Rawson’s, Okanogan; The Corner Shelf, Omak, or online at www.omakpac.com.

The art show will continue through Friday, Feb. 13, and is intended to benefit students and the general public, according to the announcement. The show can be viewed from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by special arrangement with the school.
The informal opening night demonstrations will give people an opportunity to ask the artists about some of their techniques, according to the announcement.

Other participating artists are Sharron Arbuckle, Michael Azzano, Michael Caldwell, Al Camp, David Campbell, Dennis Conger, Barbara Conner-Reed, Sheila Crowder, Jolene Hale, Yuko Ishii, Steve Love, Jodi Olsen, Mary Powell, Ken Smith, Tina Reeve Tharp, Bruce Townsend, Crystal Wakeham and Cheryl Wrangle.

More information is available from Vander Stoep, 826-8360. Special viewings of the art show can be arranged through Vander Stoep.

It's about time.... NEW WORKS '09

2009-01-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

Alright, I have completed a couple of new wood cuts while my leg has been healing (I broke it in December).
Here they are:

El Fin De La Linea

woodcut
2008
15"x6"

End of the Line
Woodcut
2008
12"x15"

Kumatsu Forklift
Woodcut
2008
12"x15"

Skull Baghead
Woodcut
2008
14"x8"

Splitting Skulls
Woodcut
12"x4.5"

Others are on the way. Also, stay tuned, for upcoming show info...

Some Space show makes the Post...

2008-11-07T00:07:00.000-08:00

A taste of what the Seattle Post's art critic had to say... I say thanks for the kind words!
Please stop by and check this show out -- it is full of amazing artists.

Collectively, 'Small Works' leaves a sizable impression
Last updated November 6, 2008 10:24 a.m. PT

Visit Some Space gallery and you'll find a smattering of great art. All of it, this month, is small. In the second annual "Small Works" exhibit, which opened Thursday, no artwork exceeds 12 inches on a side.

A trippy, intricately patterned, magenta, tie-dyed canvas, "Masquerade" by Robert Hardgrave, is 1 square foot. Similar work (only much larger) was shown at Lawrimore Project early this year. Another 12-by-12-inch painting is covered in tiny squares, a pixilated view in pinks and grays. In oil on linen by Brad Winchester, this piece brings to mind Chuck Close's grid paintings.

There's a photograph of a swimming dog, its nose just above water. Taken with a plastic Holga camera, the background exhibits the blurriness typical of the Holga. Shot by Greg Bell, the recently departed 4Culture curator, this is the first work of his I've seen in a gallery.

Chris Crites' paintings of children are influenced by the spill of acrylic ink across their faces. A young girl is speckled with red dots, which play across her nose like a scatter of freckles. A sour-looking boy is hit by one of the many brown circles seeping into the watercolor paper holding his image: He's wearing a black eye. Finally, a sad-faced boy's blue mood has leaked and covered his skin.

There's more strong work to see in this showcase of 25 artists, including playful pieces by Dawn Cerny and a laser-cut woodblock print by Michael Azzano. Much of the work in this exhibit uses its small size to advantage, exuding a certain condensed power.

"Small Works" is at Some Space, 625 First Ave., through Dec. 27. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-
Friday, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday. Free admission.

-- Adriana Grant
© 1998-2008 Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Up comming show...

2008-10-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

SomeSpace Gallery // 625 1st Ave / Seattle, WA 98104 / 206. 718.3104
November 5 - December 27th, 2008

Small Works Show
(nothing over 12 inches)

A special thanks to Dan and Shaun for including me in this great show. Please swing by the opening reception November 6th, 6-9pm.

Thanks to all whom support the arts, make sure you bring your check book!!

A New Digital Print

2008-08-19T16:33:00.001-07:00

Here is a new, END OF THE LINE print I made on my trusty old computer.

Let me know what you think.

Monster Mash

2008-07-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

New Collage prints sewn together same fashion as the others. These went together alright, although they are just some of the first "drafts", I have other Monster prints that are in the process of going together. Nate and I screen printed the images on this Frabiano and heavy weight and light weight Rives paper. The image itself is taken from a 1970's era "monster movie" fan magazine. These wonderful mags were a gift from the fiance and quite inspirational in several different artistic ventures.

(Details)

Printmaker's Showcase

2008-06-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

Here is the info for the next venue of the Printmakers Showcase, curated by Print Zero. I was fortunate enough to have my work hung amongst all these wonderful artists, so please make the trip out to check out everyones work. All pieces are for sale and in case you didn't realize, art makes a wonderful gift for that special someone in your life!! Bring your check book and make an evening of it. See you at the opening!

PRINTMAKERS SHOWCASE @ CAFE VERITE

The rotating Printmakers Showcase at Cafe Verite will consist of a dozen
Seattle printmakers. The entire spectrum of printmaking will be explored
through the techniques of etching, mezzotint, woodblock & linocuts,
monoprints, lithography, screenprints, and even cyanotypes. Some
work plays on a keen sense of wit and visual pun, others explore the urban
landscape, street art, nostalgia, mythology, society, abstraction, and even
paper bag masks.... curated by Brian Lane of Print Zero Studios.

The show will travel to each of the Café Verite locations, and we plan to
Rotate in a few new prints each month.

July – West Seattle Opening July 10th 6-9pm, up through end of July.
(corner of California & Alaska, across from Easy St. Records.)

August - Ballard

See the show online: www.flickr.com/photos/printzerostudios
Questions or for more info: printzero2@gmail.com

Participating artists:
Brian Lane
Joshua Distler
Theresa Neinas
Abraham Mong
Zachary Bohnenkamp
David Simpson
Dennis Raines
Joey Katzer
Kim Van Someren
Michael Azzano
Jennifer Bauer
Chris Rollins

My Head is Spinning...

2008-06-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

Alright, I feel like I am going in about a million different directions and I wanted to post at least one of the things that I have been working on.

Here is a little flier for the website that I put together. I used imagery taken from a vintage Monster magazine I got for my birthday (thanks Meg) and think that in its simplicity it looks nice. I have been trying to focus on building my Photoshop skills and this started out as a little exercise with Masks. What a cool program Photoshop is... my hat goes off to the jerks who created it. Boy would I be the toothless hillbilly in a room of those engineers and programmers!

Anyway, here it is;

Let me know what you think, please leave comments if the moment grabs you. If anyone would like a copy of this to display on their personal computers' desktop background or to post on your very own website please go ahead and email me!

Thanks all, I have also been doing a lot of paintings and working on prints so I will be posting those at some point, check back!!

Azzano

Relief Mix Monotypes

2008-05-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some new projects I have been working and I have to say, I am quite excited about these! This new series incorporates several different techniques ultimately resulting in rich, textured, collaged feeling pieces.

Here's how I did them...

These works started with the a laser engraver I have access to at work. The imagery of the insects were taken from a scanned book cover and manipulated in Adobe Illustrator. I then burnt the file, using the laser engraver, into a piece of plastic, creating essentially a relief block.

I combined this engraved block with a printed texture, taken from the Styrofoam trays used to package and sell meat. I would cut the bottom of the trays away from the sides, ink the textured suffice and then print it onto paper. The variety of different textures, layers and depth is quite profound from printing such a simple, common material.

To complete these pieces I hopped onto my fiance's new sewing machine and with a little help from her, the owners manual, and a little practice on my own, I was sowed loose pieces of paper together into larger combined pieces.

Following are detailed images, as well as full piece shots.

(full Piece - Red/Yellow)

(detail - Red)

(detail - Red)

(detail - Yellow)

(full Piece - Green)

(Detail - floral pattern)

(detail - Green)

(full Piece - Yellow)

(detail - Yellow)

These are just a few of the pieces I have been working with this process and I will be updating the blog once I have completed the others. Until next time, please let me know if you have any questions about what you are seeing...

Thanks Readers!

Azzano

Back to the ART

2008-04-28T10:01:00.001-07:00

Alright, I feel that I have taken long enough break from posting recent art work on this here blog of mine.

Now, I have been working on several projects all at once... which you could say is my normal means of working. I am quite excited about what is coming about with some experimental pieces I have been putting together. Granted, this is nothing ground breaking or new... (it is to me though!) but I really feel like it has been a good growth indicator for my current body of work.

Woodcuts: I am consistently working on different blocks all at once, some in the drawing stages, some in the cutting stage and others still finished and waiting to be printed. I haven't had the chance to photograph all of the pieces that I have been working on, but here are a couple new ones;

Untitled
Woodcut
11"x15"
2008

Splitting Skulls
Woodcut
5.5"x12.5"
2008

In addition to these, I have several other wood cuts I am in the process of completing. On any given day, I usually have between 3-5 pieces i am working on. The Splitting Skulls I actually started working on over 6 months ago and just recently became enthusiastic about.

That is all I have for now but will be posting more recent work very soon. I am tremendously excited about the series I am currently working on and hope everyone else will be too!

Until next time,

Azzano

Printmakers Group Show

2008-04-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

This just in!
Here are all of the specifics that I may have missed in the past. Plus, a really cool post card for you to take a look at. Hope to see you all at the opening this coming Thursday, May 1st, 2008

Printmakers Showcase

2008-04-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

This coming month, a whole heap of printmakers... along with myself (I was fortunate enough to be included!) have a show at SomeSpace Gallery, here in Seattle. I know I have already mentioned it (just scroll down to the previous post for all the info) but I wanted to pass along SomeSpaces' link to the showcase page. You can see samples of all the artists work (all quite brilliant if I do say so myself!) and get a feel for what you will expect at the opening this coming May 1st.

http://www.somespacegallery.com/html/home.html?=main.html

Enjoy everyone, and don't forget your pocket book! Art makes a wonderful gift for that "special" someone... and at the same time you are supporting your local art scene!

Thanks.

Up Coming Show...

2008-04-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

This coming month I am going to be in a group show of Printmakers from the Pacific Northwest. I hope you can all make your way out to the opening and if not, at least make your way by the gallery to take a look at all of the interesting work.

Here are the specifics...

Some Space // 625 1st Ave / Seattle, WA 98104 / 206 718.3104

Showing May 1st-31st, 2008

Printmakers' Showcase, curated by Daniel Carrillo

Printmakers' Showcase offers a collection of local artists with a common bond: love of the Print Arts. Artists include Michael Azzano, Jen Bauer, Morgen Bell, D.W. Burnam, Dawn Cerny, Dan Carrillo, Josh Distler, Andrea Heimer, Brian Lane, Marcie Myrick, Yoshi Nakagawa, Emily Pothast, Dennis Raines, Kristen Ramirez, James Reed, Michael Rioux, Travis Stanley, and Nate Stottrup.

Reception - Thursday, May 1st from 6-9 PM

http://www.somespacegallery.com

Again, hope you can all make it out. Until next time,

Michael

Well, I thought I would pass along the GREAT news!

2008-03-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Hello there dedicated blog readers! Today I wanted to make this dang blog official by updating my personal life a little. You have read about the beautiful windowless box I call my office... my experience with RATS and their devilish trickery... but I thought it high time I update with a little happier news.

Recently, my girlfriend of 5 years did me honor of saying YES upon me asking for her hand in marriage. I know what your thinking...

(aren't I presumptous?)

Well... I say, "shame on you!" I can hardly contain my excitement for the path we have embarked upon. I am proud to call Megan my finance and I know she feels the same! For those who haven't see it yet, here is the spectacular ring, delivered to us by the engagement ring fairy.

(who for future reference, charges an arm and leg in handling fees).

A beautiful ring for a gorgeous finance. This was roughly Megan's expression when I popped the question.

(We were at a nice dinner, so imagine her dressed a little more formally!).

(she is going to kill me because of this)

That is about all I have for this post dedicated readers. Please check back again soon to see the tremendous advancements our lives will surely take.

(Don't worry about emailing either, I am presuming you are congratulating us as you finish this blog... okay, go ahead and write anyway!)

2008-03-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Rats have attacked!!! Yesterday morning while taking the little dog outside to do her business, I noticed that my drivers side mirror was broken off of my car. Dangling by the single wire controlling the movement of the mirror, the plastic fastener was broken and looks to have been physically assaulted. Now, I know what you are already thinking... "Some kids or transient must have been stumbling past the car, late at night and just for their own amusement hit the mirror with their hand."

Well, I say think again!... You see, I have been noticing lately that RATS have been digging holes near the foundation of our house. I know they are RATS because I set out mouse traps and the only thing that happened was the damn vermin ate the peanut butter and left the trap in tact. This is a message to all you fellow RAT sufferers in the World. There is movement in the RAT ranks, a RATolution if you will. So I am warning you, watch your stored grains, keep your cheese at safe distances and anything else that maybe pickings for our 4 legged friends (I'm being facetious there)...

(the enemy)

Azzano's Suite

2008-02-25T16:43:00.000-08:00

Well, this is the location that turns dreams into realities... The AZZANO Suite. Booked 52 weeks a year, this Mount Vernon hot spot is as exclusive as they come. This suite is the ultimate, featuring a full wall map of the United States, phone, fax, computer and a window that looks out onto another office. You will think you died and went to work.

NEW NEW NEW NEW Print...!!

2008-01-03T15:55:00.000-08:00

All right ladies and germs my latest, and some may even argue my greatest, has just been completed. This is a Lino cut , roughly 12"x12", I started back in July and thank God, I just recently put the final touches on it.

The premise of this print started with a trip a friend and I took to South Dakota by auto carriage. Along the way, we stopped off at the

United State Memorial to General George A. Custer, located at the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn. Both my friend and I were blown away at the memorial and I highly recommend if you find yourself in Southeastern Montana, don't miss this historic landmark.

Let me know what you think of the print... And did I mention that all my work is for sale!? Please contact me via email if you are interested in adding an Azzano to your collection.

Title: Custer's Last Stand

Medium: Lino Cut

Size: 12"x12"

Date: 2007

Connecting the dots...

2007-12-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

All right, here are a couple more pieces to write home about! These were done back in 2004 and are both screen prints. I have listed two pieces here, although they are very similar, some might even say, the same except for their colors. I have connected one of the "dots" to give more information about the object the represent.

My sister once was a piano student and as her fingers danced across the ivory keys at here weekly lessons, I played oblivious to the music she produced. At her piano recital, her performances were awarded with miniature busts of famous composers. At some point years later I stumbled upon these status and was surprised about the memories they flooded me with.

At this same point, I had been thinking about the ideas surround identity and how we distinguish ourselves from others. I had been wanting to do a piece using connect-the-dots to specifically comment on how we see and are seen by others. I used the figure of the bust of Mozart because 1. The overall profile of the statue had a very interesting shape to it, and 2. Mozart's compositions and prodigal musical understanding has always fascinated me.

Title: Connect-the-Mozart
Medium: Screen print, wax marker
Date: 2004

Title: Connect-the-Mozart
Medium: Screen print
Date: 2004

What do you think, connected or unconnected??

Meat.

2007-12-13T10:05:00.001-08:00

Well, what can I say, I like to eat meat. Come on after all we, as humans, are Omnivores both meat and plant eaters it is in our heritage! More than just the simple element of meat for meats sake however, steaks began making their way into my art work as a subtle reminder of flesh, particularly, humanity. I know you maybe thinking, "that is quite a stretch," but when you think about it, beyond our clothing, our material possessions, and our ability to reason, we are at the heart of it flesh, bone and blood. It is a commonality we all share.

Here are a couple of "Steak" pieces...

Title: T-bone
Medium: Screen print - 3 color
Year: 2006

Title: Untitled #1
Medium: Reduction Linocut
Year: 2007
Title: Untitled #2
Medium: Reduction Linocut
Year: 2007

Eat up

Trucks & Cars

2007-12-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

I very often incorporate images of machinery and automobiles into my art work. I am particularly fascinated by the way these hunks of metal, plastic and rubber surround and protect us while in their own way are still vulnerable to being damaged, destroyed and forgotten. Here is one piece I just did this last year,

Title: End of the Line
Medium: Woodcut
Year: 2007

This is by no means the first of the automobiles I have used as imagery in my art work... here are a couple of older prints I incorporated wrecked cars, trucks and farm equipment.

Title: End of the Line (my apologies for such a crappy image!)
Medium: Etching on copper
Year: 2004

Title: Harvest
Medium: Etching on copper
Year: 2004

Title: The Beef Trust
Medium: Linocut
Year: 2004

Title: The Death of Haydn
Medium: Woodcut
Year: 2004

Montana Mike

2007-12-12T16:02:00.000-08:00

This series of woodcuts were created for an alter ego character by the name of... you guess it, Montana Mike. I styled these prints in the likeness of old circus side show attraction banners; every print stands on its own as an individual piece and at the same time, the entire series also fits together to complete the story. These were among the first woodcut prints I ever made...

Part#1

Part#2

Part#3

Part#4

Long Board designs..

2007-12-10T11:48:00.001-08:00

Here are a couple of designs I made a while ago for both my long board as well as one I got for my girlfriend as a gift. Let me know what you think, I have a couple other boards I am working on now and will post once completed. Oh yes, most all of my art work is for sale, so if you are interested, please email me!

Coastline Longboard... oh yes if you were wondering, that is a foot break on the rear wheel! Awesome board, I have ridden that thing all over the place.

Sin-Tax is a trademarked clothing brand created by my girlfriend. She had requested a board and left the design up to me, I thought cannons would look cool, reminisant of Spy vs. Spy maybe??

More Bag Masks...

2007-12-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

These three pieces will soon be accompanied by a fouth... the Wolfman Bag and hopefully more after that will also follow. These are woodcuts printed on quarter sheets of paper. Again, please let me know what you think...

Title: Devil Bag
Medium: Woodcut
2007

Title: Mummy Bag
Medium: Woodcut
2007

Title: Roman Bag
Medium: Woodcut
2007

Pen & Ink Drawings...

2007-12-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

The following pieces were small (roughly 4-1/2" x 6") pen & ink drawings I completed in 2006. The two bird pieces were part of a group exhibit at SomeSpace Gallery in Pioneer Square, Seattle WA. Check it out sometime, it is a cool space showing amazing artists.

Title: My Converse
Medium: Pen & Ink
2006

Title: Untitled
Medium: Pen & Ink
2006

Title: Untitled
Medium: Pen & Ink
2006

BagHeads

2007-12-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

A little introduction; these pieces were created as the beginning of an ongoing series of works surrounding the idea of identity. Please feel free to leave comments and let me know what you think. (More images to come)

Title: Bag Women
Medium: Color Pencil & Watercolor
2006

Title: Bag Woman
Medium: Color Pencil & Watercolor
2006

Title: Bagheads
Medium: Color Pencil & Watercolor
2006

Title: Work Day
Medium: Color Pencil & Watercolor
2006