La Luz De Jesus recently hosted the 14th installment of Everything but the Kitschen Sync – a mammoth group art exhibit with no theme, that showcased over 225 pieces from over 100 artists.

Everything but the Kitschen Sync began back in ’96, when gallery director, Billy Shire, wanted to create a show dedicated to Dia De Los Muertos. All the featured art depicted traditional Day of the Dead imagery, such as sugar skulls and dancing skeletons, in a variety of mediums. The show’s theme underwent a few changes since then, sporting titles like The 21st Century Tiki Show and Uncommercial Art by Commercial Artists, until finally, in 2004, Shire settled on the current name, and never looked back.

This year’s show was yet another cornucopia of wonders. Picture this: work from emerging artists alongside established names, packed into one of the coolest galleries in town, with paintings, assemblage, and sculptures next to ink sketches, graphite drawings, and papier mache creations that evade description. Yes, every year this show is the mind-broadening, blazing portal to yet-undiscovered talent. The delicate, spidery ink birds of Caitlin Hackett and Roberto Morales, as well as the dreamy oils of Miso and Jasmine Worth stole my heart, and nearly my wallet, which has since been taken out of class and scolded for entertaining such extravagant thoughts.

Words and photos by Zoetica Ebb.

Lalo set down his paintbrushes to share his artistic thoughts with ChinaShop:

What is the story behind your art?

A lot of people think that it started out with my interpretation of The Day of the Dead, but I never even used to draw skulls because I had no interest in them. I started drawing skulls one day when my friends and I were just sitting around doodling one day and I really liked their eyes. So I kept drawing the skulls and then I didn’t really care for them, but then I received some positive feedback (which included imitations) and that made me want to create more. So I kept drawing them repeatedly and that’s how they became my signature style. Then later as they developed, I incorporated the Day of the Dead theme to personalize my work since that was the most I memorable holiday I experienced as a kid.

What motivates you as an artist?

I got where I am today through hard work, dedication, determination and the firm belief that if there is no market for your work, create one.

What are your favorite pieces?

One of my favorite paintings of all time is the Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch.

I saw a gallery on your My Space page featuring skull faces and breast art.  Tell me more about that series.

It was a breast cancer fundraiser. Different models plaster cast their breasts and they were handed off to a group of artists for us to paint and then auctioned.

Where do you get the ideas for your art?

Other’s art, other’s music, other’s dreams, city noise, low riders, graffiti, indigenous Mexico, homeless people, politics, religion, good & evil, my girlfriend’s words of wisdom/psycho babble, time travel, and an occasional life experience.

What is the most unusual piece you’ve ever created?

A painting I did of myself as a turtle floating through space.

How long have you been creating art?

I’ve been doing art all of my life, at least since I could remember.

What led you to your interest in the art world?

I’m just following my instinct, which at the same time is my curse because I can’t do anything else.

Tell me about your body paint projects. Any good stories behind those endeavors?

It’s easy to find help when it comes to body painting. Someone always volunteers to be my assistant. They don’t ever realize it’s just a job, usually for a liquor company. Out of all the times that I’ve body painted, I think there was one night where there was maybe two or three good looking girls and the rest were average. Usually though, they were all busted.

What’s the strangest experience you’ve had in your life as an artist?

Every time someone wants to meet me and take a picture with me or tells me how my work relates to them. It’s strange because I don’t really think of myself as influencing other people’s lives and at the same time, the recognition is inspiring and motivating.

What is the plan for your next phase of art?

I’m working in the direction of larger scale projects.  Whatever it is, whether it’s paintings, murals, or installations, it’s going to be large. I’m doing more public artwork to reach a larger audience.  Art relieves from the horrors of life by creating beautiful lies.

What is one thing you’ve produced in your life as an artist that you never thought you’d be able to pull off?

There’s nothing that I’ve ever thought I can’t pull off because I’m extremely persistent as there is absolutely no room for failure. However, the most challenging and important thing an artist can accomplish is developing a signature style, which they are known for. I have done that in creating a design, which is unique, completely recognizable, and most importantly, marketable!

Words by Nicole Pajer

Words and photos by Zoetica Ebb