INTERLACE, A Group Show Featuring The Sketchbooks of 20 Artists

INTERLACE will be concluding this weekend, on March 31, 2018. As I reflect on the past few weeks, during which I conducted several guided tours, I want to share some thoughts behind the creation of this sketchbook exhibition.

A heartfelt thank you to all the participating artists who have played a crucial role in bringing INTERLACE to life. This exhibition, featuring the works of 20 distinguished artists, is a testament to their support for The Perfect Sketchbook.

How did this start?
The concept originated from the recognition that a sketchbook encapsulates an artist's most intimate ideas and processes. With the belief that a high-quality sketchbook enhances artistic expression, I envisioned showcasing the works of our finest and most influential backers from The Perfect Sketchbook campaign. Recognizing the challenge of transforming this project into a sustainable business, I set aside books after each release and explored collaboration opportunities with galleries and museums. Despite facing rejections from galleries in America, I persisted. The breakthrough came when Winnie, the owner of Bynd Artisan, suggested hosting the show in their retail store. Although space was limited, the prime location promised substantial foot traffic. To offset shipping costs for the artists, we decided to sell the last 50 reserved copies of The Perfect Sketchbook B5 during the launch of our group show, INTERLACE.

To accommodate the unique format of the exhibition, which features 20 sketchbooks, we crafted custom frames. These frames not only securely held the sketchbooks but also allowed for easy page changes. For instance, if a sketchbook displayed 5 painted spreads, it had to be easily removable from the frame for flipping to the next page and seamless reinstallation.

For more in-depth insights into the exhibition, you can find a detailed interview on James Gurney’s blog at
http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.sg/2018/03/sketchbook-exhibition-in-singapore.html

Who are these 20 artists?
They are all backers of The Perfect Sketchbook and their complete profiles can be found in this PDF file

James Gurney (http://jamesgurney.com)

One of the most prolific plein-air painter in this world. New York Times best-selling author of The Dinotopia Series and author of the book Colors and Lights. I was really fortunate to receive
his support when I first launched The Perfect Sketchbook on Kickstarter. James was generous enough to share my project with his audiences and play a crucial role with success of The Perfect Sketchbook

Nathan Fowkes (http://www.nathanfowkesart.com/)

A veteran in the entertainment industry with credits in more than 11 feature films. His work is amazing and I am a fan. Super fortunate to receive his support and was completely over the moon when he agreed to participate in our group show.

Catherine Hamilton (http://mydogoscar.com/birdspot/)

Catherine's exquisite paintings and studies of birds caught my attention. She’s an ambassador for Zeiss and travels around the world studying birds.

Marvin Chew (https://www.marvinchew.com/)

Shop houses along Kreta Ayer Road by Marvin Chew

Former vice-president of The Singapore Watercolor Society. Marvin’s work is well known in Singapore and he has been supportive of The Perfect Sketchbook since the first edition. During our Indiegogo campaign, Marvin shared professional tips on using watercolor.

Don Low (http://www.donlow-illustration.com/)

One of the most underrated artist in Singapore who is well versed in just about any medium.

Isabella King (http://isabellakung.com/)

An award-winning children book illustrator based in San Francisco. Talented and helped share The Perfect Sketchbook campaign to people in North Cal.

Jerome Moo (http://jeromemoo.com/)

I got to know Jerome because he backed the most B5 Sketchbooks and caught my attention. I later learn that he worked at Lucasfilm and is a great Plein-air painter. He now works as a senior matte painter at Weta Digital in New Zealand

Justin Pastores (http://www.justinpastores.com/)

One of my earliest instagram follower whom I noticed to have great work and paints diligently. He’s been a great supporters for all our sketchbook.

Audrey (https://www.instagram.com/audrey_ish/)

Audrey and I partnered on a few business ventures in the past and most of the inspirations for The Perfect Sketchbook were extracts from her. A pivotal supporter and an amazing artist with a passion in animation and dance.

Tracy Lewis (http://www.tracylewisart.com/

An amazing watercolorist who is known for her transparent watercolor with a candy coat of Easter-like color. Beautiful work that also caught my attention when I noticed how she painted.

Fawn Veerasunthorn (https://www.instagram.com/fawnv/)

Known for her amazing storyboard work in numerous Disney Featured Films. I was lucky to have gone to school with her and managed to garner her support during The Perfect Sketchbook Campaign.

Ryan Green (https://www.instagram.com/ryangreenart/)

Husband of Fawn. Ryan also worked at Disney featured film and saved Hei Hei from getting killed in the movie, Moana. Super fortunate to have gotten his support early on during our Kickstarter Campaign. He paid attention to my campaign and advised me to disengage with adversary early on during our campaign.

Hiroshi Hayakawa (http://www.hiroshi-hayakawa.com/

My talented Photography Professor from Columbus College of Art. He supported heavily when our kickstarter was literally stuck and not making it. Hiroshi is also well versed in traditional medium and is the author of a series of Kirigami books.

Nathaniel Underwood (https://www.instagram.com/nathaniel_underwoodart/

Painting buddy from Columbus College of Art who supported my Kickstarter and is an amazing painter currently represented by Sharon Weiss Gallery in Columbus

Iuri Lioi (http://www.iurilioi.com/

Visual Development Artist at Dreamworks. I know Iuri from Graduate School at The Ohio State University but knew he was such a good painter until I saw his work in The Perfect Sketchbook.

Anthony Francisco (https://www.instagram.com/anthony_francisco_art/

Known for his involvement with Marvel Comic Universe. Anthony is a Visual Development Concept Artists at Marvel. Was fortunate to receive his support during our first kickstarter.

Namchai Saensupha (https://www.instagram.com/namchai_sketches/)

An Architect from Thailand who caught my attention with his amazing watercolor landscapes.
One of my favorite artists when it comes to style and attitude.

Steve Mitchell (http://stevemitchelldesign.com/)

Transparent watercolor by Steve Mitchell

A prominent Youtube Artist with the channel, Mind of Watercolor. I approached Steve during my Indiegogo campaign was very fortunate to receive his support. He was generous enough to share my campaign with his audiences.

Jackson Dryden (https://www.instagram.com/drydenart/)

Transformation of a Diety by Jackson Dryden

An amazing artist with a passion for sketchbooks. Jackon caught my attention when it comes to stylization and skills.

The question of "WHY?" looms large. I embarked on this journey to prove to myself that greatness is not confined to wealth or fame. Traveling the world, creating our own products, and hosting a group show with limited capital—these accomplishments are a testament to what can be achieved with determination and support. The show, the sketchbooks, and the travels have provided profound insights into my delusional thoughts about art, business, and life. I am sincerely grateful for the unwavering support I have received from everyone along the way.

INTERLACE, A Group Show Featuring The Sketchbooks of 20 Artists /March 30, 2018 by erwin lian