Artistic Duo Display Their Work At Phoenix Café For The Month Of November
While Halloween may have ended almost three weeks ago, patrons of Lakewood’s Phoenix Café might have a different story to tell. Upon entering this humble establishment, even the regular customers find themselves looking over their shoulders to catch a glimpse of a werewolf…or two. The walls are practically teeming with skeletons, robots and nightmarish creatures that almost defy description.
Local artists Liam Hoban, 23, and Evan Lang, 24, have taken one of Lakewood’s most popular hangouts hostage with their art for the month of November.
The debut for their combined exhibit took place on Sunday, November 1st at 8pm and was attended by a number of the pair’s friends as well as other art enthusiasts. People had the opportunity to not only appreciate a wide range of captivating visuals (all of which being available for purchase), but also had a chance to speak with the artists themselves. “People can just tell you’re a member of the art community. I like to talk to people about the concepts, talk about the biz, exchange tips and even tools of the trade,” said Evan on the opening night. “I enjoy occupying the walls of a coffee shop with my work; it shows I live in Lakewood and also gets my name out there.” Liam gave a similar account of the event stating, “Openings are fun because I can answer questions, and it really means a lot when people come out to see the show.”
This month’s exhibit marks the 2nd time these long time friends and collaborators have presented as a pair, their previous debut took place at Phoenix in August of last year, and it is the 3rd time Liam has held a show at this notorious cultural hot spot. “We wanted to have our show around the same time as last year's; we applied back in March and ended up going in November, it’s a really popular place,” said Liam. “People there appreciate art for what it is, they’re open to new artists and it’s a good place for starting up. They’re accepting to everyone.”
As a team so familiar with working together, Evan and Liam both have nothing but feelings of optimism for this month's show, which comes to a close Monday, November 30th at 8pm. “I’m glad we chose the Phoenix,” said Evan. “People are always there. Working with Liam, we both have a lot going on, but though our concepts differ we have a balancing spectrum of work that is both eye-catching and appeals to everyone.”
Prices range from $5 to $100 and include relief prints, digital prints, drawings, mixed media pieces and collages. “When making my art I want to create something for everyone. I don’t want people to feel intimidated, like they have to break the bank over it,” Liam said.
Both Liam and Evan share almost identical views on how art should be appreciated and affordable and they utilize unique styles to present the most pleasing and engrossing experience for their audience: Liam creates detailed woodcuts for some pieces as well as colorful drawings he calls, “Loose and illustrative.” He draws inspiration from comics, cartoons and even his own life. Evan, on the other hand combines brush, splatter and spray painting (among other things) to create visually assaulting images. At times he admits to using firecrackers to get the best splatter effects, he aptly describes his work as, “An attempt at Noise Rock on paper.”
With the amount of experience and talent presented here, this November showing is sure to be a hit and, as a result, a future exhibit could very well be in the works for these two up and coming artists. To see more of Liam’s work you can check it out at www.flickr.com/photos/liamhoban. To see more of Evan’s go to www.myspace.com/make_me_invisible or you can contact him at wordvomittt@yahoo.com.
