Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Artist of the Month- Julio Alejandro

 Come down to Buffalo Exchange @ the Annex December 13th if you wanna check out some whimsical pieces created by local artist Julio Alejandro. Opening reception is from 5-7P.M. 






*How would you describe your art? 
- My art is colorful ephemeral this and that. 

*Can you tell me about your creative process?
- A lot of color and text books for this show. After that its like being on automatic.

*What inspires you to create? 
- The universe, clouds, books. conversations. 

*Do you have a strong purpose or goal with your art?
-I've always done it for me, in first grade I started to mess around with it because every one else did. Soon enough it just came easier to me. It's also that feeling you get after you have created something which was just a passing thought in your mind. It's nice when people react to your thoughts so ill be thinking for a while.


*** Buffalo Exchange is giving a huge shout out to Julio Alejandro! Thanks for hanging up your awesome pieces in our store!! 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Artist of the Month- Aaron Lininger

 Frolic into Buffalo Exchange at the Annex (13th & Grant) to view new art work by our artist of the month Aaron Lininger! We will be having an artist reception Friday, November 15th from 5P.M.-7P.M.





*How would you describe your art?
- My Art typically varies in many ways since I use a wide variety of styles and mediums. In This Art Show specifically I would say that it is very illustrative, friendly, meticulously detailed, and it shows a combination of very symmetrical compositions while having discrete asymmetrical ones collage together. I tried to make it as aesthetic as possible, with the goal to make these pieces as mystical and majestic as I could do, so that maybe the viewer could derive some deeper understanding from the piece. 

*Can you tell me about your creative process?
 - I usually like to start with an inspiring idea or theme taken from life. Three of the pieces in this show are themed by Animal totems. Basically animal spiritual guides, I wanted to bring the presence of these animals through the art. I'm not saying this is magic or some kind of of real entity. I just believe there is a lot to learn about life from animals, they are great examples from the natural world. They can teach us things about our personal development and growth. Once I have an idea I feel passionate about I'll knock out some thumbnail sketches to plan the piece out. I like to work in layers using tracing paper to transfer ideas or to piece the components together. I often tend to let the work create itself by allowing everything to be very flexible, i never know when i have to alter or change an idea to better the piece as a whole. For my totem series Its been a process of penciling in the art, then Inking it in, and using a cutting technique to cut away key "background" parts and gluing the piece to a large decorated design paper (you can buy from Meiningers in the paper section.) It has an amazing effect of layering and detail!

*What inspires you to create?
- Music is my muse when it comes to inspiration. growing up as an artist I loved cartoons and television, because I loved story telling through visual mediums. Once I became a teenager my passion for movies and animation quickly changed to music as that is where all my ideas now flow. And I guess music is so inspiring to me because I love philosophy and I often try to see deeper meanings within music and art.

*Do you have a strong purpose or goal with your art?
- I do have a strong purpose/goal for my art. Even at the age of 4 I knew that i wanted to draw, and mainly create stories through animation. To share something enlightening for the viewer has always been my objective. Something to direct the viewer closer to some kind of truth, wisdom and understanding to the world we live in. However, I am aware we will never understand the world fully, but as an artist it's my job to explore and communicate these philosophies through art to develop a greater understanding of what is "truth" and "reality."

*Any projects you are currently working on? If so what?
- I am currently working on a big project, an Animated Graphic Novel entitled "Nimbus." Wanting to do animation all my life has brought me here. I am passionately driven to tell the stories of characters' struggles in life. Nimbus is an environmental, post-apocalyptic adventure-drama. Unable to animate an entire story on my own, I'm making an animated comic in which the viewer watches the comic panel to panel by video. Basically the comic panel part is to tell the story and plot, while other sections of the movie will consist of purely animated scenes.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES!!!!!

Still without a clue on what you want to be for Halloween? Mozy on over to Buffalo Exchange @ the annex to get an outfit that people will howl over!!
                                                      Olivia as a forest warrior!

                                                             Katie as a genie!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Artist of the Month- Earl Chuvarsky

 Mosey on over to Buffalo Exchange @ the Annex to see some stellar art by Earl Chuvarsky!! His paintings will decorate our walls till the end of October!




-How would you describe your style of art?
I work mainly in three loosely related styles, so I've always just said "I make pretty things." But I would best describe my work as a mixture of Abstract Expressionism, Post-Graffiti, and Pop Surrealism. I'm basically a trained artist that walks the razors edge between fine art and low-brow goodness.

-Can you tell me about your creative process?
Art should be accessible to everyone so most of my work focuses on the figurative to examine the human condition and reveal what drives us all at our very core: love, gratification, rejection, death, curiosity, selfishness, guilt, and acceptance. I favor painting from memory over using photo references or live models so my art comes from real places, not just concepts or ideas. My whole goal is to break down the walls between myself and the viewer to have my work speak as frankly as I would with friends. I really enjoy just letting go and allowing my technical training and subconscious to work in tandem to explore how what is going on in my life translates through art.

-What motivates you to create?
It's my dream. You know how when you're a little kid everyone asks you what you want to be when you grow up? I always answered "a paleontologist or a cartoonist." Being an artist is pretty darn close.

-Do you have a strong purpose or goal with your art?
I feel it's irresponsible for artists of all types to not be realistic about life, and stop trying to paint over the shittiness and the lustfulness and confusion and maddening darkness of being a human. The Saturday Evening Post, Norman Rockwell American Dream, are days of the past. Without knowing the bad times you can never fully appreciate the good.

-If you had any advice for other aspiring artist what would it be?
First and foremost don't be afraid to show, start a blog and look to non-profit galleries, they're a great to cut your teeth. Second always make time to create. Lastly, have interests outside of art. When you focus on any one thing wholly it consumes you and that's when you start over thinking. Digest old movies and read books, volunteer occasionally, and take lots of walks. Get out there and actually live life to the fullest and pour yourself into everything you do. That's where real inspiration comes from. Take chances and make mistakes, pull love and writing and art out of yourself and give it away.


-Any other words?
I'm a fifth generation Colorado Native, I do a ton of shows so you can see more of my work on my art blog http://highartmeetslow.wordpress.com or like my Facebook page www.facebook.com/highartmeetslow.
I'm also the volunteer Art Curator for The Birdseed Collective a local DIY that specializes in open community art, music and fashion shows and community outreach helping at-risk youth become self sufficient through the arts.
www.birdseedcollective.com
We're currently working on a Benefit Fashion Show for Street-Kidz Youth Center in the Globeville community and we're working closely with some of the cats from Unit E and Rakun so it should be an amazing night. It will be held on the 21st of September at Exdo Hall and we still looking for a few more sponsors and vendors. You can find out more and get info here: www.fashionsmashbirdseed.com






Thursday, August 29, 2013

ART SHOW AT THE ANNEX






Do you enjoy art? Do you enjoy beer?? If you answered yes to both of these questions then you need to get your booty on down to Buffalo Exchange @ the Annex and partake in the shenanigans! Friday August 30th between 5-7P.M. Jonny Broken will be here selling his rad art! Don't miss it!!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

COME N' GET IT STUDENTS!!!!

Looking for a fresh start to the new school year? Buffalo Exchange @ the Annex has all the style you need to set your year off right! We have tons have fabulous finds from 90's inspired clothing,O-Mighty, in our store right now! Check it out!!


What he's wearing: Weed Television tank from O-Mighty for $35.00, tie dyed shorts for $8.00, American flag backpack for $25.00
What she's wearing: Weed tank from O-Mighty for $35.00, Red Sugar green shorts for $5.00, and a Jansport tie dyed back pack for $16.50


What he's wearing: Cat t-shirt from O-Mighty for $35.00, green Hurley shorts for $18.00, and a man bag for $17.50
What she's wearing: 666 long-sleeve t-shirt from O-Mighty for $35.00, Forever21 skirt for $9.50, and an Egyptian inspired backpack for $29.50 



What he's wearing: Burger & fries t-shirt from O-Mighty for $35.00, Indigo Star shorts for $25.50, and a Dickies backpack for $20.50
What she's wearing: RocknRoll Mickey long sleeve t-shirt from O-Mighty for $35.00, black and white skirt by Mustard Seed for $21.50, and a tote bag by Julie's Accessories for $11.50





Sunday, August 11, 2013

D.I.Y Snazzy Sunnies

Embellished shades are a must have accessory for every fashion savvy gal! The awesome thing about this project is you can salvage an old pair of sunglasses and upgrade them with random knickknacks for the cost of practically nothing! This is a super easy and fun project, and within thirty minutes you'll have that crazy, eccentric style that you have been thriving for with your customized bad boys. Lets get started!!

What you'll need:
- An old pair of sunglasses
-An assortment of decorative pieces: skulls, bullet cases, rhinestones, faux pearls, and whatever else your heart desires!
-Hot glue gun
-Tweezers




Keep in mind when doing this project that no surface of your glasses is off limits! Feel free to let your creativity run wild! Now to start off your project collect all the small trinkets you want to put on your glasses, I gathered most of my goods over time from local businesses around Denver including Buffalo Exchange, Flossy McGrew's, Oors Trading Post, and random antique stores. I'm certain though that you can find the perfect accessories at your local craft store.

So the process begins! Grab your hot glue gun and squirt a small dot onto the frame of your glasses, take your tweezers and apply your trinket, hold it there for a few seconds until it feels secure. Repeat this process until you have fully embellished sunnies!



Kablam! Now that you have a super rad pair of sunglasses, hit the streets and flaunt your style!

**Editors Note** If you have the extra cash it is recommended that you buy jewelry adhesive instead of hot glue for a maximum lifespan on your newly bedazzled sunglasses.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Artist of the Month- Jonny Broken

Come one come all to Buffalo Exchange @ the Annex to see one of Denver's finest up and coming artist Jonny Broken! His art will be featured on our walls everyday of August!! It's defiantly a sight to see!!!

                                   

                                   

*How would you describe your style of art?
-I feel my style is highly influenced by Nouveau and Cubist compositions. A technical background and interests in sacred geometry influence my aesthetic. Representational elements with an after thought of illusion.

*Can you tell me a bit about your art-making process?
-The sketchbook starts it all. The active autobiography of an artists career. Thumbnail sketches evolve into refined works. Little notes from the past remind me of new ideas. A skill is honed on an old drawing. A memory relived. The sketchbook becomes self inspiring. Integral to developing style.

*What motivates you to create?
- A great euphoric experience envelopes me when I engage in creativity. Honestly I get depressed if I am not practicing or exploring new ideas. Great emotions can be uncovered when one creates. To hold in my hands what was once in my mind is intoxicating. All at once hit with feelings of wonder, pride, joy, relief, satisfaction, and success. Achieved on a daily basis.

*Do you have a strong purpose or goal with your art?
- I want my art to invoke thought in an individual. Not at first glance, but through a multitude of depths. In a world of media bombardment, quick and simple is just entertainment.

*If you had advice for other aspiring artists what would it be?
- Experience as much as you can. What is inspiration without reflection? There are no rules in art. Make them up and dare to live by them.

*Any other words??
-The arts nourish the soul equal to how food and water supply the body. Music, poetry, illustrations, painting, cooking, gardening, printing... work on anything that arises a curiosity to be satisfied. Its one thing to have great tools, its another to use them in concert.

*Buffalo Exchange would like to give a huge thanks to Jonny for allowing his art to spunk up our walls!

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Customer Profile- Rene & Tessa

Keep your eyes peeled for these Denver babes, Rene(left) and Tessa(right), as they strut their eccentric style around Denver!

What inspires your style??

-Rene: Music has a huge influence on my style! When listening to a great beat that uplifts my mood, I try and express those emotions into my daily style. Also, I imitate styles I notice on the streets of Denver.

-Tessa: 90's culture has a big impact on the style I portray. I also find my inspiration from a lot of movies that Harmony Korine directed.

Why shop at Buffalo Exchange?

-Rene: I enjoy the fact that I get to trade my old clothes for some new stuff! It's an awesome feeling sending your stuff into the universe and getting some dope shit back!!

-Tessa: I love that Buffalo Exchange has such a varied inventory that compliments the styles of so many different people. Plus I am crazy about the deals I see around here!

What has been your favorite buy here?

Rene: Some bleached, high-waist , Levi shorts! I wear them all the time!
Tessa: Camo docs! They are defiantly a staple accessory in my closet.  


Buffalo Exchange at the Annex wants to give a big thanks to Rene & Tessa for keeping Denver trendy!



Sunday, July 7, 2013

Artist of the Month- Bergerbot


Hey all you Denverites!! Are you looking for something fun to do on these long Summer days?? Come cool down at the Buffalo Exchange Annex and check out the sickeningly cute art of Bergerbot!! His art show will be up until the end of July!!!!






*How would you describe your style of art?
-Fun and flavorful. All the cool colors of the late 1980's mixed with all the best flavors from the early 1990's. It's both innocent and suggestive. 

*Can you tell me a bit about your art-making process?
-I live in a magical place that is full of vinyl toys, nostalgia and art. I genuinely paint things that I would want myself. I'll usually buy glitter, start listening to rad music on Spotify, and then just begin spraying paint, bubblegum, and slime everywhere. 

 *What motivates you to create?
-Besides the fact that painting for me is primarily a self therapy, I'd say that I am motivated by the reactions my past works have caused. I enjoy making people smile, laugh and hearing people say, "That's gross".  

*Do you have a strong purpose or goal with your art?
-My primary goal is to remind others of their inner-child. Don't ever forget about him or her. 

 *If you had advice for other aspiring artists what would it be? 
- Never stop creating, and listen to your friends. 

*Any other words??
-Most days you can find me on Instagram taking pictures of my cat's shenanigans, cheeseburgers, or posting ratchet photos of my trap rap group - Trapper Keeper. Let's be friends! @Bergerbot

**Buffalo Exchange would like to thank Jared Berger for allowing us to display his rad art!!**

Sunday, June 23, 2013

DIY Flower Crown

A floral crown is an essential accessory that adds instant cuteness to your summer wardrobe. Flower crowns are a classic that have seen a resurgence in popularity recently. You can find them for sale all over, but they cost $20-$80!! It's so fun to make, and is a relatively cheap project. All the supplies for 3 crowns were under $20, and it only took an hour or so to complete.

                                                                                 Supplies Include:
  • An assortment of flowers
  • Grapevine Wire
  • Floral Stem Wrapping Tape
  • A variety of different critters, such as bees or dragonflies, or anything else you would like to accessorize with. (found at a local craft store)
  • Pliers and wire cutters







Step One: 
  • Measure the grapevine wire to fit your head. (I suggest making it a tad bit bigger for a comfortable fit with all your flowers on it.)
  • Take your wire cutters and cut the excess wire off.

Step Two:
  • Take a single flower and hold it in place with the crown you just made out of grapevine wire. 
  • Grab your floral stem wrapping tape and wrap together the flower and the crown till your flower is securely attached to the crown. (Floral tape isn't sticky until you stretch it a little. Hold the tape and flower in place on the crown. Then stretch the tape as you wind it around, being sure to keep the tape taught as you wind.)
  • Repeat this step till crown is full.

 Step Three:
  • To finalize it grab all your bugs, or other accessories, and attach them to your crown. (My bugs were made out of styrofoam so I stabbed them with a piece of wire and wrapped it around the crown till the bug was in place.)
 Bam!!! Wear this flower crown with anything and instantly look and feel like the goddess you are!

Thursday, June 13, 2013

GAY-ER PRIDE 2013

Come down to Buffalo Exchange at the Annex to accessorize your fabulous self for Pride Fest 2013! Once you are looking glamorous, get yo bad self down to the Buffalo Exchange located at 51 Broadway!On Friday June 14th at 7PM , mingle with all the hottest divas in Denver as they compete for prizes in a crosswalk walk-off! After party and fashion show is at the Compound located at 145 N Broadway. Starts at 10PM! Kick off your Pride weekend in style!!!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Artist of the Month- Miche Marcisz




Here's a little interview I did with local artist Miche Marcisz. If you like what you see then come down to Buffalo Exchange at the Annex and get the full 3D show!


How would you describe your style of art?
-My style of art is 3D photography.  It's been around for decades, but not many people have seen examples of it.  It's very rare these days especially because it's harder than ever to get this particular film developed.

*Can you tell me a bit about your art-making process?
-I've always had an eye for photography & it runs in my family.  Since I've had the 3D camera, I started looking at subjects in a whole new way.  I find myself saying:  "That would look really good in 3D!" 

*What motivates you to create? 
-When you see a great subject to capture, it's like an immediate creative moment.  The feeling is happening now & their won't be another chance; the mood will escape.

*Do you have a strong purpose or goal with your art?
-I like to have people respond to my photos & maybe look at photography in a new way.

*If you had advice for other aspiring artists what would it be?
-My advice would be to surprise yourself & do something out of the norm.  Everyone is an artist.  It doesn't always require a lot of money or education.  It's all about individual pride.

If you have a personal interest in being our artist of the month e-mail us with sample art work and a way to contact you at www.buffaloexchangeannex@yahoo.com  

Thursday, May 30, 2013

5 Summer Outfits You MUST Have

               Feel classy and beautiful in a brightly colored hi-low dress with a flirty sun hat!
                            Become the pastel princess that you've always wanted to be!!
  Say aloha to the Hawaiian trend and purchase this floral beauty @ Buffalo Exchange!!
Let the patterns run amok!Clash and jumble prints creating a wild sense of fashion! 
        Get that perfect peek-a-boo blouse and layer it with a fun crop top or printed tank!!

Come down to Buffalo Exchange @ the Annex to create that summer wardrobe that you've been wanting!!!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

DIY Studded Shorts



How to stud yo' shorts:

Step 1: Grab all your materials! You will need for this project: a pair of old shorts, a bunch of studs, a pair of pliers or screwdriver, and plenty of patience.

 Step Two: Plan out your design. Their are so many to chose from. I personally did a checkered pattern that I am quite pleased with. If your design is complicated try using some graphing paper to draw out your design. By doing this you are able to calculate the amount of studs you'll need and also determine the total cost. When planning out your design keep in mind the variety of different sizes and colors of studs!

Step 3: So the tedious but enjoyable process begins. Start by puncturing the fabric with the stud. Once the stud is in place take your pliers or screwdriver and bend the prongs inward. Continue this step until design is complete.

 Step 4: Viola!! You now have successfully studded your own pair of shorts! Now put on those beauties on & rock em' all Summer long!!