Introducing Patrick-Earl Barnes.
A few weekends ago I came upon the work of Patrick-Earl. What caught my eye were his wry LLC-Storefronts, inspired by sign painting and small businesses. The LLCs (Limited Liability Corporations) comprise a series of 100 different “businesses”, each of to have 50 different franchises created by the artist (i.e. a limited edition of 50 variations for each of the 100 LLCs).
That one kind of says it all, right? All LLC-Storefronts are mixed media (acrylic, oil pastels, color pencils, cut-out ink drawings decoupage) on wooden vegetable crates.
There's a storefront for everyone, even an art auction house & a jazz club.
There's lots more LLCs to see on his website, as well as a whole series of benchwarmers that really warms the heart.
Don't wait. You'll want to get in on the ground floor of some of these LLCs. The price of each LLC depends on how many have already been created (or licensed!). For example, Nos. 1-5 of an LLC are priced at $150, Nos. 6-10 are $200. The price rises $50 for every 5 sold. “ It's like I'm franchising my creativity,“ says the artist. Hats off to you Mr. Barnes.
Inquiries? Please contact the artist directly via email, or drop by and see the work in person on Saturdays and Sundays on the NE corner of West Broadway on Broome Street in Soho. Sometimes you can catch him during the week (M-F) on West Broadway at Spring Street.
Know any artists whose work would make a home a lovelier place? Send ideas to The Gallery. Thanks!
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
His art is kind of interesting. His pricing gimmick is - well, gimmicky.
view Downeast Suzy's profile
A great sense of humour, these are gorgeous!
view olivewood's profile
Maira Kalman on a budget?
view ccrat's profile
His pricing is similar to limited run lithographs, as the stock depletes, the price increases. Love it.
view I Love Upstate's profile
Love these, and love how he's taking care of himself (and thumbing his nose at the artsy at the same time).
view Deborah's profile
Deborah,
Why do you say that he is "thumbing his nose at the artsy?"
view Downeast Suzy's profile
He's poking fun at both the "art as commodity" and "art for art's sake" crowds, don't you think?
view Deborah's profile