14 for 14 - Fourteen Gig and Art Print Artists for 2014
By Ryan Smith
First off, I would like to say welcome to the website! I was asked to write a retrospective of 2013 and preview of 2014 all wrapped up in one, so what I did was write a piece on what I was personally looking forward to in 2014, with a small taste of what these artists did in 2013. Although 2013 saw the mega-rise of the movie poster, that didn't prevent there from being a ton of great stuff in the gig and art print world. 2014 looks to be an even more exciting year, with the promise of new styles from old names, new work from legends, and steady quality work from a number of up and comers. When I started this list 14 sounded like a big number, then I found myself disappointed to have to leave names off as I got to writing. It really hurt to cut it to 14. I apologize to the likes of Ken Taylor, Munter, DALeast, Ashley Wood, Bidwell, Malleus, Craola, and tons of others. This is just a list of stuff that gives me a tingle in my undercarriage when talking about it with my art-nerd friends. Feel free to shoot me a message about what you think should have been on my list, and and maybe we can do a second list of 14.These are in no particular order. Here we go!
Jeremy Geddes
His hyper-realistic style is mind blowing to see in person. His work consistently drops the jaws of, and gets compliments from, friends who don't follow the art world. 2013's prints can still be acquired for a fair price on the aftermarket, but they are high quality prints and look amazing on a wall when properly framed. If King Edward gets finished this year and possibly made into a print, expect madness.
Marq Spusta
It seems his work is becoming more and more popular every day. With his whimsical characters and some of the most amazing papers to be found on the planet, you cannot go wrong with this man's stuff. He sends tons of freebies with his orders and is extremely loyal to his fan-base. Everyone should own a little Spusta.Aaron Horkey

EMEK
There really isn't much for me to say here. The man is a legend and continues to churn out mind-blowing work year after year. He manages to stay fresh and relevant by invigorating his work with constant innovation. I can't wait to see what he has in store for 2014.
Shepard Fairey

Landland

Esao Andrews

Chuck Sperry
Here we have another legend that just keeps on churning out fantastic work. Have we had enough? No. Please keep it coming in 2014. I shouldn't have to say this, but if you haven't seen his work in person, do yourself a favor and check it out. The paper, ink, smell and feel are all just different. See Dave Hunter below, as well.
Dave Hunter

Travis Louie

Kathie Olivas
Kathie is another prolific artist. She puts out tons of killer prints, toys, and sculptures. She just finished a solo show and it seems like her star continues to grow brighter and brighter. Expect to find surreal creepy kids printed with super high quality materials in 2014.
Mark Ryden
2013 kind of fizzled for Mark because of his show being cancelled. Having said that, the work is supposedly all done and ready to go. When possibly the greatest surreal painter of our time has a solo show I'm all aboard and he makes the list.
Jay Ryan

Josh Keyes
It's no secret Josh is experimenting with some sort of new style and everyone is excited to see what that may bring. He is one of the most talented painters around and EVERYONE should add him on Facebook for the adorable animal pictures he is constantly posting. I Have a feeling 2014 is going to be a huge year for Josh.
Thanks for reading, let me hear your thoughts at A2PRyan@outlook.com
Leave a comment