Sadly, Shawn Barber’s friend Tennessee Dave has recently undergone major surgery to have his cornea replaced. Shawn and other friends and well wishers have gotten together to raise money for him while he is unable to work. A few weeks ago Shawn painted Tennessee Dave’s portrait at San Diego Comic Con, this painting will be auctioned off with all proceeds go to help during his recovery. Additionally, Acumen Entertainment/Movie Goods has generously donated their time, energy and select products for this benefit auction, as well… ebay auction All the proceeds from these auctions will go to “Tennessee Dave”.

Tennessee Dave works at Vintage Tattoo and Art Parlor in Los Angeles, California where he has been a fixture in the tattoo community for many years. He is a gifted artist whose work has garnered accolades throughout the tattoo world. Recently, Dave fell victim to a “freak” accident that has put him in a position where he is unable to work. While walking his dog he got dirt on his hands and inadvertently rubbed his eyes, this led to a particle of dirt getting between his eye and his contact lens. This innocent action led to a very serious condition which forced Dave to have surgery to replace his cornea. Thankfully, Dave is now home from the hospital recovering and the prognosis is good. What is unclear is when Dave can return to work. Due to the severity of the problem there is no current indication when he will be able to return.

Please check out the eBay AUCTION and if possible help support this talented artist and friend to many. Your purchase will be memorable for what it gave to another as much as the joy you receive from it.

Bella Pilar appears in Gingko Press’ “The Age of Feminine Drawing.” The book highlights the prevalence and importance of the female hand in our modern culture and showcases the works of some of the most talented male and female artists in the world.

The Age of Feminine Drawing

Bella Pilar has now completed a third illustration for Bloomingdale’s department stores. The fashionable  illustrations for the shoe and bag departments were used for print ads in New York newspapers as well as direct mail campaigns and in-store signage.

Tell me who else you’d assign an illustration to with a cover story titled Bigfoot Inc.? None other than Graham Roumieu fits the bill. Never predicable, a business-like Bigfoot with no pants glares at the slightly grungy hed and dek of a story about a local Meno Park, CA man who is a one-man sasquatch industry. Nice choice Metro, I’ll bet your paper boxes emptied quick that week.

An exhibit of new paintings titled The New York Experience by Shawn Barber, and the next installment in his Tattoo Portraits series, is being hosted by Invisible NYC. The Tattooed Portraits series is an analysis, documentation and celebration of artists with tattoos, tattoo artists, tattooed art, and tattooist’s materials. The artists portrayed in the series are pioneers in contemporary art history. For his exhibit at Invisible NYC, The New York Experience, Mr. Barber focuses on painting twenty-three of New York City’s most accomplished tattoo artists, specifically focusing on their primary tools of the trade – their hands.

The opening reception will be  Friday August 10th, 2007, from 7:00-9:00 PM and the exhibit will run from August 10th – September 8th, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 8:00 PM.
Invisible NYC 148 Orchard Street NYC 10002 212.228.1358