I have been following Jennifer Korsen’s work for a few months after finding one of her Los Angeles heart map stickers in downtown. The sticker had a map of all Los Angeles cities displayed perfectly on an anatomical looking heart with valves shooting off of the top. This creative sticker along with many of Jennifer’s other pieces show art at its most imaginative. Her personalized paper and wooden hearts have in essence created conversation pieces for the public that can spark a memory or emotion. Jennifer is currently working on pieces for upcoming shows where her art will be displayed and I was able to interview her on what we can expect from those shows, how the hearts first started and how she feels on collaborating with other artists. This is her story…

I love your paper hearts. Where did the concept to make these hearts come from?

Thank you! The hearts started as a series of three and kept growing and expanding from there. At this point I’ve made over 100 shadowboxes and I very rarely make a piece that doesn’t have a heart incorporated into it somewhere. The heart is a universal symbol, one that everyone can relate to and connect on at some level. I really love seeing people’s reaction when they find their house on one of the map hearts or another heart that they connect to for some reason. I’ve had people come up to me who have had heart surgery or other heart related issues and seeing their connection to the work and hearing their stories is really incredible.

Which version of the hearts is your favorite?

I have a few that are my favorite. There’s one I made using a photo of a tree stump that had “you are here” carved into it that I put on a background of real dried moss. That would probably be my favorite paper heart. Another favorite of mine that I’ve created are ones made from the vintage Disney maps which evoke a lot of memories for me. I also really love the wooden hearts that are three layer hearts made of wood with rusty nails and wooden ones that I put in old bird cages.

There was an amazing showing of your hearts back in February at Cobá in Downtown Los Angeles. As an artist, what kind of emotions do you go through when your show comes together for the public to see?

The solo show came about in a pretty crazy way. I initially had one booked at a gallery that ended up closing so I was kind of scrambling. I realized that if I was going to do this it should probably coincide with Valentines Day, so I looked and looked to find a place on short notice. The people at Cobá were extremely receptive and supportive, but I didn’t actually have the show booked until a month before! I was cutting wood and cardboard like a madwoman all of January and gathering my hearts from various places and hoping for the best.

The feedback I received was really incredible, humbling, and validating. Especially at Artwalk, I was kind of overwhelmed. The gallery was packed and it was mostly people I didn’t know who had no clue that I was the artist which is when you get the most honest feedback. It was really amazing to kind of sit back and watch people I didn’t know respond to and interact with my work and to see their facial expressions and which hearts each individual was drawn to. It was really humbling to have strangers want to meet me to ask questions, discuss my work, take pictures and all that, but it is the best feeling to see such a positive response to something that I really put my everything into.

Are there any artists that you would like to collaborate with?

I love collaborating, and I am extremely lucky to know some truly incredible and talented artists. The LA art scene is pretty small for such a big city and I’m extremely fortunate that I’ve never had an artist I asked to collaborate with turn me down regardless of how well known or new to the scene they were. The hearts lend themselves to collaboration really well and I love seeing how other people incorporate them into what they do.

Are there any projects you are working on?

I just finished an art challenge for the city of Santa Clarita where we had to work in pairs and use materials found at garage sales to make a spontaneous and live art piece. I had never done anything like that before and it was a really great experience.

I have upcoming group shows in the next few months all over LA. I also have shows in Seattle, Portland, and Las Vegas. A few days ago I was asked to make a piece for a show in Frankfurt Germany! It’s pretty crazy how things are starting to pick up.

I have a resident space at the Hive Gallery in downtown LA and I am always working on things there. It has become my “art home,” a community and space that I am incredibly lucky and grateful to be a part of.

I also have a couple of street art installation projects and sketches for a wall that I am working on as well.

I have a tendency to overbook myself…

I love that you frequently leave your art pieces in different places for people to find. Where are a few spots you have left art so far?

I do scavenger hunts almost every weekend. I usually leave prints or painted bottles or spray cans in different places and post them on Instagram for people to find. I like to leave out the map hearts of whatever neighborhood I am in at the time as well as random other ones. I recently left about 10 of them around the Seattle airport and had a great time watching people walk by and look around, unsure if they should take them or not. I snapped a great photo of 3 TSA guys sitting right next to one completely oblivious.

Sometimes I install wooden hearts in high places, but those take a little more effort to get. I have done two on Melrose, one in the arts district and one in Silverlake. All have been taken except for the one in Silverlake, which I hope stays there forever. I love walking to get coffee or driving by and seeing people interact with it. It’s pretty cool knowing that I’m the only one who knows I put it there.

For More Information:

Facebook: Facebook.com/jenniferkorsen.art

Instagram: @humansmakeart

Twitter: @humansmakeart

Website: Humansmakeart.com

Photo Credit: Erin Stone

-Adrianne

Tweet Me! @ADRI86

It seems like everyone and their mom is out at Coachella or on their way! Whether you're headed out one of the weekends or going to live vicariously through Instagram, you can still have a little fun and rock the look. Here are some favorite Coachella inspired nails from Pinterest...

- Bianca Magdaleno

Many different forms of art flood the streets everyday ranging from political to cultural, generational and so on. This particular artist has caught attention for his more comedic subject matter. Hanksy and his street art puns have been controversial since they started popping up as comical spins of Banksy’s art. His witty take on celebrity and pop culture are reasons why I look forward to his pieces and whether you are a fan of Hanksy or not, there is no denying the charming factor that his work has taken on. Hanksy’s light hearted pieces will be making a grand appearance in Los Angeles in his first show in the city. With what promises to be a night of entertainment and lots of puns, I, for one, cannot wait to see what he has in store.  This is the story of Hanksy…

Some may say you could be called the “king of puns” in the art world. What are your thoughts on that label?

My little wordplay creations are trivial and lighthearted and the art world, at least in New York City, is anything but. And you know what? I’m not sure I’d want to be labeled any sort of king in that pretentious NYC circle jerk. I’d be more comfortable with jester. Yeah, I can definitely handle being called a jester in the art world.

How did the puns first start?

Some say it's the lowest form of humor, but I’ve always been a fan of the easy joke and lame pun. From early teens until now, I've always made the comment or punch line that receives a number of eye-rolls from those around me. And that’s fine by me. Just as the sun will always rise, haters will always hate. Truth is, if I didn’t find them funny, I would stop making them.

Do the negative comments about your art ever get to you and do you ever respond to those people?

They never get to me. If anything, they only make my grin grow. See people tend to take things way too serious. The idea that my trivial little street puns can illicit such a response is mind blowing. Somebody once wrote, “I wouldn’t piss on Hanksy if he was on fire.” And I’m like, “Whoa, chill out bro. Who said I’d want your stinky, probably-dehydrated, urine all over my ‘king of puns’ body anyways?”

Besides re-posting the hateful comments on my website or re-Tweeting negative nancies, I generally do not respond to the haterz (yes I spelled it with a z). But every once in a while I’ll respond with an image I have on my computer that features a monkey dressed as a cowboy riding a dog. This probably angers people a bit more. But that’s about it.

Your show in Los Angeles was just recently announced.  How many pieces will you be showing and are you excited to have your first showing in the City of Angels?

This is my first time showing anything, beyond what’s on the street, in the City of Angels and I’m beyond stoked. So far LA has been incredibly receptive of my work and generally happy for me to be there. I think it must be the sunshine.

The show is going to be fairly large. Roughly 30 or so gallery pieces, both on canvas and not, will be displayed in Gallery 1988’s new space on Melrose. The work will be more colorful and detailed than anything I’ve previously shown in New York. I’m super pumped to see how people react. Again, my work isn't going to blow any damn minds, but it doesn’t have to. It’s all about good vibes and bad dad humor.

Why did you choose Tom Hanks to be the main face of your art?

My childhood was one giant VHS grab bag of his movies. From The ‘Burbs to Joe Versus The Volcano, I’ve always had a giant man crush on Tom Hanks.

I first learned about your work after you put your own comical spin on a signature Banksy art piece in which you added a space shuttle and Tom Hank’s face. How did this idea first come about and why did you choose to put your own spin on Banksy’s work?

I started out solely doing comical spins on Banksy work. Nothing mean-spirited about it, I just thought it was a stupid joke that deserved to be on the street. That’s really how it all began. And for a month or two, every time Banksy would put out a new piece, I’d respond with my own Tom Hanks spin on said work. I’ve since moved on from strictly doing Mr. Hanks. Now I’m just riding that glorious street art pun wave.

What is a common misperception people make about your art?

That my art is meant to be taken seriously or that Hanksy is a giant painted middle-finger waving in the air to traditional street artists. I mean, I put it on the street to provide a momentary break from the somber monotony that is the day-to-day, not to make people scowl. Lighten up kids. Being angry all the time is in poor form.

For More Information:

Instagram: @hanksynyc

Twitter: @hanksynyc

Website: www.hanksy.com

-Adrianne

Tweet Me! @ADRI86

Do you have your Coachella survival kit ready?! Who's ready for Coachella fashion?!

Vanessa Hudgens is!

Vanessa Hudgens was spotted shopping at Planet Blue in Beverly Hills on March 27th wearing a floral cut-out maxi dress along with her custom Cellairis Shout! case (www.cellairis.com). She wrote on Instagram “Who’s excited for Coachella fashion?  Meeeeee!!!”

Kim Kardashian, Tracy Anderson and Molly Sims

Tracy Anderson, trainer to the stars including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian and Molly Sims opened up a new training location, Tracy Anderson Flagship Studio and some of her best clients hit the carpet to celebrate.

Gwyneth Paltrow showed off her toned body in a Victoria Beckham dress and Michael Kors shoes.

Molly Sims and Tracy Anderson

Stacy Keibler wore a Rebecca Minkoff dress and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes.

Click To See a Close Up Of The Fashionable Shoes That Walked The Carpet!

Happy Easter eveyone! After you've searched for easter eggs and have tried every dish your grandma and aunt have prepared get a little creative with these Easter spring-time inspired nails...

On my last trip to the Art Walk in Downtown Los Angeles, I ran into an artist named IRV who was putting up small square paintings to sell on the sidewalk. My eyes immediately locked on a Hamsa Hand painting and I knew that this painting had to be mine. The collection of art that IRV had on display was a beautiful and unique blend of Los Angeles inspired pieces. I later found out that the 24 year old artist had started his journey in art only a few years earlier at 21 years of age. IRV’s talent is undeniable and his style is fresh. I’m sure this young artist will be the next big thing in the art world very soon. This is the story of IRV…

Describe your art style.

Urban. My style is more street art rather than a "fine art" type of style. I like to paint things the way I see them, which will almost never be in the norm. Every now and then I attempt a realistic approach to my pieces, but honestly, I would much rather keep my style street-bred and funky with vibrant colors.

How has Los Angeles influenced what you draw and paint?

L.A. is responsible for pretty much all of my inspiration. From sprayed up trains to empty yards and lots turned into street artist museums. Everytime I drive, walk, or ride around the city, my eyes are wandering off looking for paintings on walls, billboards, or just about anywhere really. There are some pretty dope graffiti artists out there and I enjoy feeding off of that. Downtown is a place where I can enjoy both the street art and the aesthetics of its buildings. I love that.

What does an event like Art Walk in downtown Los Angeles mean to a young artist like you?

The downtown Los Angeles Art Walk is great. I look forward to it every month. It gives me the opportunity to come out and show my art to hundreds of people in one night. Often times I get to meet other artists both young and old and that is always fun. I meet clients, friends, and fellow artists all in one night. I get to enjoy the art of others and at the same time I get to expose my art to my city.

Where are you hoping your art will be in the next few years?

I have a long way to go. In my eyes, I'm still a rookie but of course like every other artist, I want to be in a big gallery someday. I want to create pieces that people will always enjoy from now to 50 years from now. My style will evolve I'm sure but the street roots will always be there.

Is it difficult to part ways with your pieces once it’s time to sell them?

When I first started doing big canvas paintings, yes it was difficult. I felt like I put too much time and effort into them and I would grow attached to the pieces and I wouldn't want to sell them. I soon developed a series of pieces that I felt would be popular with people and it would be easy for me to paint at a quick pace. Those few pieces are my bread and butter. I know I can sell them and make a new one no problem but when I create an entirely new piece it is still hard to let go. I wish I could just sell them a print but I know that selling the original will just drive me to make my next new piece that much better.

What are you currently working on?

A couple of different pieces actually. I never work on one piece from start to finish. I do multiple pieces at a time. I am working however on some new pieces where I fuse classic toons with hip-hop. It’s pretty fun.

What’s your favorite piece you’ve made so far?

I have a couple. I was really happy with the way the LA gun and blade piece came out. Also, my Buddha piece and a Zebraffe piece which will always be in my top 10 maybe top 5 of favorites.

For More Information:

Twitter: @irvingjc

Instagram: @irvingjc

-Adrianne

Tweet Me! @ADRI86

Spring is all about pastels, chocolate bunnies and looking good. ghd, one of my favorite hair tools I use on the regular has launched a a new Candy Collection. The Candy Collection features ghd Classic 1' Styler technology, plus  comes in three sweet pastel colors; mint, lemon and violet.

The classic 1' styler has a signature rounded barrel that not only allows you to create a straight look, but with an easy twist of the wrist you can get tightly wound curls, luscious waves or stylish flicks. Don't forget ghd stands for good hair day and comes with additional features every girl or guy needs.

• Sleep Mode that allows the heaters automatically switch off if it's not used for 30 minutes
• Rounded Barrel easily creates curls, wavs, flicks and the perfect straight
• Ceramic Heaters and Contoured Plates for snag-free styling
• Universal Voltage for optimum performance

Get your favorite piece of candy at ghdhair.com/us, Sephora and Sephora.com next month and remember ghd equals a good hair day, every day. 

A new pair of Converse shoes just don't look and feel right. It's that worn in look that anyone with a new pair of Converse wants. From running them over with your car to dragging them through the mud, I've heard of all kinds of situations to make a brand new pair of Converse perfect. 

To save you the work, Converse has released The Well Worn collection. The collection features added 'character' like faded and washed canvases, scuff marks and thinner laces all for the new and not so used price of $65-$100.

Hmnmnmn would you buy a pair of used looking Chucks?