lets talk, why not?

reyortega — Tue, 06 May 2008 03:25:22 +0000

First:

I feel guilty about blogging without throwing up some kind of image, so here we have a rough for the next Ono comic. Looking at it now, I can see how to make it better ( aside from actually trying to draw next time).

Second:

I did a little interview thing with Hunt and Gather, a blog that Tina Ziegler authors out of Barcelona. Here’s a brief snippet:

7. Favorite food?
That is a tough question! I like lots of food! Pho (Vietnamese noodles) will always have a special place in my heart, slow cooked ox-tail stew (Filipino), and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. But I could probably eat just noodles and fried rice all day.

INTERESTING STUFF, n’est pas? To read the whole dilly, click here.

Third: Thanks Tina!

Jack Kirby is Better no. 26

reyortega — Sat, 03 May 2008 00:06:30 +0000

Welcome to ” Jack Kirby is Better”, now in it’s twenty-sixth installment, even though really, it is the first ( I like to have something to work towards). Kirby will forever remain the King of comics, but I feel that his work extends beyond the funny pages, showing readers not only better comics, but better everything. Todays example is proof of that - enter Devil Dinosaur and Moon Boy.

In the word according to Kirby, the earliest iteration of human mingled with mighty thunder lizards - so much more interesting than stuffy old evolution and creationism. Even though the series was short lived, and not as well known as other Kirby creations, you really can’t find fault in the story of a little monkey kid with his big ol’ red dinosaur pal. Therefore, we can conclude that Jack Kirby is Better. Case Closed.

getting giclee with it

reyortega — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:44:08 +0000

Hey there boys and goils,

Today I can announce the prints I’m producing through Blueflipart. Above are the five available, each one is a high quality giclee print on heavy, acid-free, 100% cotton paper. ‘fantômes’ is a satisfyingly large print at 15″ x 10.8″, $39.95 (US) and ‘little princess’ measures in at a cute 8.2″ x 10″ $19.95. Everything else falls in between so there’s something for everyone.

In addition to getting a pretty picture, you’ll also help to save the universe (or at least earth). A portion of the proceeds goes to charity, I choose Edge of Existence a global wildlife concern that focuses on evolutionarily distinct animals, you know, like this guy.

Thanks goes out to Matt at Blueflip for making it happen. Thats just about it, here’s a link to the prints, and happy shopping.

refresh, start again

reyortega — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:30:39 +0000

Here’s a short five page comic about spring time. This is part of a larger series called “ono” , exploring onomatopoeia. Eventually, I would like to make more stories and collect them. You can read the whole thing at my website (second thumbnail from the bottom).

I’m enjoying springtime, it feels fresh, and I can breathe, if that makes any sense.

can you feel the love tonight?

reyortega — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:45:03 +0000

Here is your rey ortega around the net report:

Juxtapoz
Not Cot
Scene 360
Illustrivo
The Little Chimp Society : editors choice (1,2)

If you aren’t experiencing click fatigue just yet, more stuff:
magik show gallery pics (1,2)
bax bear world tour pics (1)

Omni-props goes out to all the above listed internet people, thanks for making it happen.

About the image: a sketchbook piece, watercolour on ricepaper. The poem is from Pablo Picasso, entitled ‘Bigfoot’, I’m sure it has nothing to do with Harry and the Hendersons, but it c’mon, Bigfoot.

the sleeper has awakened!

reyortega — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:23:31 +0000

wuddup peoples. This here is the last of the three pieces for the Pony Club’s Magik Show, which starts today. Sleeper is about imagination breaking through the confines and restrictions that come with age. Maybe lost magic can return after all?

I’m taking G$’s advice and decided to discuss a bit more the thoughts behind this series, after the break. (So blame Greg if your bored with my art-wankery)

Sleeper is kind of like the little brother to ‘ Last Boss’, which I did last summer. Its kind of interesting seeing how they are similar and different. I can see myself drawing him more, I like this serene, whale like blob:

This past year was a good opportunity to create personal pieces, and examine the imagery that reoccurs in the work. At the same time, I find it a challenge creating work that is consistent as well something that pushes me personally. This new series is in some ways, a remix of the Shapes series.

Here is a picture of the two triptychs together, ‘ The Sleepers Three’, and Shapes:

our house

reyortega — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:28:57 +0000

For the Magik Show in Portland, opening in a few days, April 3rd.

Here is an image that has been stuck in my mind for sometime now, my old treehouse. It actually exists, looking a little ragged and sad, and none of us big boys can go up it anymore (lest we fall through the floor). There might be some kind of meaning to it - but it’s also just a drawing, so you can relax too, ok?

The weird lumpy guy reading the paper is my own invention though.

more bears than you can bare*

reyortega — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:26:55 +0000

Some photos from the Bax Bear World Tour opening night,

Species: dorkus malorkus

clockwise: Kimbot, Take it to the Nimit, Dollar Hill

Powerhouses (clockwise): Joe Morse, Harvey Chan

(photos courtesy of the eternally chipper Rosemary Travale, thanks Rosemary!)

I had a swell time and it was so good to meet some of the contributing artists as well as school chums. It was like a mini reunion, of sorts! With more than a hundred bears present, it’s kind of hard to pick a favorite, but I think I’d have to go with Hello Brute’s contribution - to check it out, as well as more bears and opening night pics, why not go to the official flickr?

Thanks again Keep Six and Rafi, and that’s about it, laters!

*rey ortega recognizes the usage of a poor pun

bear breasts

reyortega — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:47:10 +0000

Good afternooner,

If you happen to be in the Toronto area this friday (March 28th) why not engage in an evening of customized vinyl bears? Here’s my contribution, it has man-bear-boobs. The Keep Six Contemporary gallery is hosting the Bax Bear World Tour, which started in Vancouver and has now made it’s way over here.

Some other fine Toronto talent are going to be there, including my illustration sensei Harvey Chan, Charlene Chua, and Chris Hutsul , amongst many many others. I’m pretty sure, theres going to be like, a ga-jillion bears.

Here, have a show postcard.

Hope to see you there!

Hocus-Pocus

reyortega — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:22:59 +0000

If you happen to be in the Portland area, check out a Magik Show, April 3rd - Sunday April 27th, why not? No magicians, only talented artists!

Some artists involved include: Apak, Sammy Harkham, Hope Larson, Nick Gazin and more! Many of the artists are highly regarded comics artists/artists, so I’m a little flustered that my shabby-self is included amongst them.

Thanks goes out to Zack for putting my piece on the card.