For years, one of the most visible artists in the San Pedro scene has been Carol Es. More and more lately, we've been seeing her work all over Los Angeles. We thought we'd catch up with her via email:

Garrison Frost: I get the impression that your connection to San Pedro runs pretty deep. Not only do you have a studio at Angels Gate, but you've also started a pretty successful weblog about area politics and whatnot. I'm interested to hear your take on this connection and how it might play into your art.

Carol Es: I sincerely love this town and my affinity for all things San Pedro is strong. Growing up in Los Angeles and living in just about every neighborhood has given me a lot of insight as to how my surroundings affect the quality of my life. I couldn't love any city more than I do LA, and I have found my best days in Pedro. Sure, I sometimes miss some aspects of being in Los Angeles proper, but I would not trade those conveniences for the character that can only be found here. The idea of "home" has been very hard for me to find, so I am grateful to San Pedro for this. It plays into my art in a personal way. All my work is deeply personal, and I have grown a lot while living here.

You have a relationship with the George Billis Gallery in Culver City, which is an anchor in the artistic renaissance that is happening in that part of Los Angeles. What do you like about that gallery, and what do you think about all that stuff happening around La Cienega?

I have representation with George Billis and really like the variety of work that is shown there. The owners and staff are wonderful to work with and that is very important in the artist-gallery relationship. I am fortunate to have their support and enthusiasm for my dearest efforts, and that area of Culver City could not be more on fire. It is thriving and evolving at an extraordinary rate and has put the Los Angeles art scene at the forefront (watch your ass New York!), so I couldn't be more pleased. George also has a Chelsea location in NY for many years now, and that is a hot spot for contemporary art as well. I think it's great that, like NYC, LA can have a ton of our best galleries within walking distance from each other. As you know, that is not an easy task in a city so spread out.

How would you describe your art to people who haven't seen it before?

Good question. This is something I need to formulate since I never know what to say when asked. Maybe this is a tough one for all artists. My work is not quite abstract, but it ain't exactly figurative either. I incorporate shapes from garment patterns as far as the design aspect goes, but I also try to convey a lot of emotion with the way I meld everything. I use the same Manila paper that's used in the apparel manufacturing industry with paint and drawing. I'll also add stitching and sewing pins. I mean, like in any visual art, you'd really have to see it with your eyeballs. (That's when I would hand out a card with my website on it: esart.com).

Do you see your art moving in a particular direction these days?

I sure hope not. I try not to determine direction and just go with my gut each time I sit down to make something.

Tell me a little about the book, 1-SELF.

I combined the Artists' Book with a catalog and made this handmade "bookalogue" that includes both original art and reproductions of recent paintings. Since I worked in the Los Angeles garment industry cutting patterns from an early age, I sort of revisited pattern making as a therapeutic means to turn a not-so-wonderful past into something positive in my art. Some of the printing was done on an old 1800's hand letter press with Michael Phillips. The Getty Museum just purchased a copy for their library, which is pretty fantastic! It's also in the UCLA Library's Special Collections and the Arthur and Mafa Jaffe Collection at Florida Atlantic University, plus some private collections.

Any exhibitions coming up?

I have a solo show opening on April 1st at Gallery 825 in Los Angeles, and I'll have another at the Torrance Art Museum very early next year. My Identity Lab is going to be a fun installation where I get to play Mad Scientist. (Here is the Press release: http://esart.com/shows/idlab/idlab.php)

From your perspective, is there anything new going on in the San Pedro/South Bay art scene that we should be paying attention to?

Yes! Angels Gate Cultural Center is having their annual Open Studios event in May, and there are many new artists with studios this year. AGCC has a lot of great things on the horizon that the community should not miss. The newly renovated Torrance Art Museum is hosting some important shows this year. Both venues feature local talent and this should be supported by our community as much as possible. Walled City Gallery is another space with a lot to offer San Pedro, as well as Gallery C in Hermosa Beach (They have a beautiful drawing show up right now).

Some really hot news that I'll be the first to break here is that Gallery 825/Los Angeles Art Association is opening a new LAAA South annex space with Michael Napoliello at 936 Hermosa Avenue with a beautiful ocean view and excellent programming. The grand premiere will be in June and it's going to be BIG!

(March 3, 2006)

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