art
Tickle the Moon is a unique cultural fusion event that it will include traditional Asian pieces and modern art created by some of the most under recognized talent in San Diego. See this collection of sculptures, paintings, and other amazing works of art at this one-night only event.
Fernando "Fernie" Apodaca is a world class artist from San Diego, California. His innovative work as a film director, composer, and sculptor have been exhibited and premiered internationally. Apodaca gained mainstream recognition by directing legendary band Pearl Jam's music video, "Life Wasted", filmed in Romania, San Diego, and Seattle, which earned him a nomination for "Best Special Effects" at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards, and Best Music Video Director Award at the San Diego Film Festival. The band also included the resulting still frames and artwork from the video, by utilizing non-traditional and organic processes, throughout the album packaging.
Fernando Apodaca directed his first film "Majini" in 2003, leading to an eight month stay in Africa where he created art at renowned photographer Peter Beard's Hog Ranch in Kenya. After filming and making sculptures at the prehistoric graveyard of Lake Turkana, he then premiered the artworks and film at Phillips de Pury Company in New York, 2005, and won awards for "Best Experimental" at the New York International Film and Video Festival. "Majini" and the extraordinary efforts of the film crew caught the eye of Pearl Jam, who approached them for a visual interpretation of their music. Recently he has directed music videos for Chris Cornell, lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave, Unwritten Law, and Madjuana.
"He's all-around, refuses to be pigeonholed, works with every medium there is. Line drawings with hair to stitching up leather bodices...everything is very organic. I think the fact he has a high respect for us is a high compliment." Eddie Vedder, interview from Rolling Stone Magazine 2007.
Fernando's cousin, Marcus Gutierrez, will be assisting him with the artistic creations for the event.
Many original Chinese paintings and art pieces in display are generously provided by Gary of Oriental Outpost.
A San Diego native, Gary first travelled to Asia as a humanitarian, and later began selling Chinese artwork online as a temporary hobby business while he lived and taught English in Beijing. Before he realized it, he had many artists in China dependant on his efforts for their main source of income. His ability to speak Chinese allows him to continue persuing his passion by finding, and building trust with, artists in out-of-the-way places.
"I decided to sell Chinese art online because it seems that most people in the world know little about the artistic treasures that are available in China, and even less about the long history of Chinese art whose techniques date back thousands of years."
Gary and his wife, Ling Hua (aka Cat) have travelled from North Korea to Tibet, and from the Chinese capitol Beijing to the Chinese-Afghan border in search artists waiting to be discovered. Click here, and here to read and see more of Gary's adventures.
Today, Gary and Cat are based in San Diego. Between being busy running their online business, taking care of their two baby daughters, and planning their next ambitious trips, Gary and Cat can be found spending in community building efforts such as hosting North Park's original, Ray at Night.