BIOCJ Metzger: Her work transcends basic illustration through their narration coupled by compelling intent. Currently there is an increased appreciation for this genre and CJ is becoming a "notarized participant in the scene, with a careful and well thought-out approach to her work and an unparalleled dedication to her craft." (Leora Lutz, curator - Gallery Revisited) The daughter of an artist/educator and an aerospace engineer, and the granddaughter to artists/designers, CJ began creating art out of an uncontrollable need to communicate years and generations worth of visual energy. Her exhibition history began 8 years ago, with her artist sister (Miss Mindy) when they combined forces to bring their "pop-surrealism" or "urban folk art" genre of art to the art to the public eye. During these early years, she found that people adored her character based and folk art inspired pieces finding them them unique and inspiring. From that moment on she's been on a creative roller coaster with recent career highlights including designing a line of limited edition vinyl toys (Mindstyle), releasing her children’s book (Baby Tattoo Books), designing Decorama wall vinyls and there logo for Bored Inc., , creating stationary designs with Rosebud Design, and collaborating with her writer/husband Pete Metzger and The Chiodo Bros. on a children's entertainment project (Mischievous Maeve & the Monster Brigade). Working as a fine artist, illustrator and graphic designer has given her the opportunity create art for Neiman Marcus, Hot Topic, Fred Eric, Hard Rock Café, Baby Tattoo Books, Mindstyle, and the Los Angeles Times. Currently, CJ’s work is being sought after by galleries, and is being collected by all sorts of arts collecting types around the globe (she even has a painting in Antarctica!). Her career continues to thrive in multiple directions - and that's just the way she likes it. For a current resume, artist statement, or more info, please email CJ Metger @ cjmetzger@cjmetzger.com Past Fine Art ExhibitionsGallery Revisited 4 year Anniversary Show, Silverlake, CA Group Show 2008 The Wonderful World Art Gallery, Culver City, CA “Carnivale of the Strange” Group show with Tim Burton and others Meltdown Comics, CA - LA Myth Show - group Show 2007 Pop Gallery - Santa Fe, NM - Sugar Coated Strange - Pop Femme Show, 2008 The Hive Gallery - Downtown Los Angeles, CA - Featured Artist Black Maria Gallery - Atwater, CA - Menace of Childhood Group show The Wind-up Gallery. Phoenix, AZ - Unfourgettable Show - 2007 The Hive Gallery - Downtown Los Angeles, CA - Group Show 2007 Gallery Revisited - Silverlake, CA Secret Lives of Dolls - Joint Show 2007 Gallery Nucleus - Alhambra, CA Power in Numbers Show - Group Show 2007 Gallery Revisited part of various salon style shows. 2006 - current Center for the Arts - Eagle Rock, Route 66 Art Auction 2004-2006 Center for the Arts - Eagle Rock Women’s Work II Exhibit - August 2003 Gallery Ophelia - Girlhood Revisited Show with Miss Mindy 2003 Gallery Figeroa Plaisirs de l’imagination show with Miss Mindy & Katrina Alexy 2002 Lankershim Arts Center - Group Show October 2001 Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock - Women’s Work Exhibit August 2001 Affair of Art Ryman Foundation Auction at Disney Imagineering Campus 2001 Art from the Heart -Chase Place Foundation Children's Hospital 6th Annual Art Auction 2001 Cannibal Flower Art and Performance Space ongoing exhibitions Group Holiday show at Sirens Coffee House La Canada December 2000 - January 2001 Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock - Futura Carnival - joint-exhibition November 2000 Northeast Invitational II Group exhibition, City of Los Angeles Century Gallery 2000 Paintings and Assemblages - Solo show at Sirens Coffee House La Canada December 1999 No Ho Nights- North Hollywood Night Street Art Show June and August 1999 Collage, Mixed Media and Sculpture Show Long Beach Arts Juror Kim Abeles 1998 COMA Gallery- “Daily Exposures”Student Gallery at Cal. State Los Angeles 1998
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ARTIST STATEMENTMy current painting explorations combine imagery that both delights and saddens the senses. By documenting some of my own experiences and connecting with shared feelings of others, I create portraits of fictional people, characters, and creatures that battle with the mundanities and wonders of everyday life. They are like modern icons paintings depicting moments of time, of events or reflections. A woman "feeling ambivalence" or a girl /deer hybrid feeling a bit lost in a big world, each piece has it's own secret narrative that each viewer becomes a part of. Gently pulling at your heartstrings, tugging at your empathy gland - these pieces are like modern fairy tales of life in a big unruly and wonderous world. |
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EducationUniversity of Southern California Master’s of Public Art Studies (2001) Art Center Pasadena - at Night (1996-1999) California State University Los Angeles (CSULA) - Bachelor’s of Art (1995) Pasadena City College & The Oxford Exchange Program (1993) |
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