Don’t Panic! Tread Lightly

“Don’t Panic! Tread Lightly”

Collaborative works by R!ch Cihlar and Bob Peck

May 17 – June 21, 2019

Don’t Panic! Tread lightly is the next exhibition at E11even 2 gallery to open on Friday, May 17^th from 5p-9p.  The name, ‘Don’t Panic!’,  that’s used by R!ch Cihlar and Bob Peck for their art collaborations started out as a title to bring on a sense of excitement for their initial showing together.  As R!ch and Bob ensured more live-painting events together, they realized the name could also be tied to the audience’s reaction to their process as they layer their work.  Onlookers have had shocked reactions as they watch various sections of each painting being sprayed over repeatedly by the artists, often appearing as the image is being defaced by the other before the final product is unmasked.  This dynamic duo continues to leave their imprint on the city with murals, scavenger hunts, fine art and more.  And this time, they’re back with a word of advice. “Tread Lightly”.

Works featured in the upcoming exhibition pay reverence to the little things in life.  Those that may be neglected as posing a threat or to think twice about.  R!ch says, “ When Bob and I were planning this exhibition, I was thinking about things that could really ruin your day, something like getting stung by a bee or being bit by a snake.  It may or may not kill you, but you should never underestimate the little guy. So the collaborative works in this exhibition, are just that.  Bob came up with the secondary title “Tread Lightly”, as a means of explaining these things could be found right under our feet, literally and figuratively. That’s the concept of the exhibition, a mere warning to be aware of your surroundings.”

Bob Peck says “The idea of treading lightly ranges from sidestepping a poisonous creature, to removing toxic people from your life.  Keep your head on a swivel and always be aware of your surroundings.  At the same time, we wanted to juxtaposition them with artistic flair and dynamic imagery.  Just because something is dangerous, doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful as well. ”

Bees, snakes, and more are all fair game for R!ch and Bob as they pair up on the new series of paintings.  R!ch creates highly detailed stenciled images and Bob works over, under, around and through them with his abstract style, using color and line work to help set the tone.  In the end, each collaborative piece ends with a harmonious mix of spray paint and acrylic paint that ensures excitement with its kinetic energy and unassuming dialog.

Also being released during the exhibition is the official “Don’t Panic!” affiliation pin.  An enamel pin featuring the Duo’s namesake for those who want to join the cause.

Opening Reception Friday May 17^th 5p-9p

Closing Reception Friday June 21^th 5p-9p

 

Rocket Signs… Literally Blasted Off!

 

Well by now, some of you may have seen the photos of the rocket signs hung around Cleveland last night, via Facebook. The goal was to hang them around Cleveland, have them seen throughout the week and collected by worthy fans leading up to Fridays show. Well… it was SO successful that all 9 signs were “stolen” in about 4-5 hours! That’s CRAZY and awesome! All we posted were photos of them installed. We planned on listing clues later this week, but i guess there’s no need for that anymore. I guess some people really know the Cleveland terrain. We’d like to thank those who played along, and we hope your happy with your reward. Hang it with pride in home and tell your friends the lengths you had to get them. They were bolted in to the posts with three 4 inch screws with a power drill. And i can tell you the power drill had trouble putting them in. We stripped screws and hung them high enough where a step stool or latter was needed. So they were not easy to get. As you can see in this post a photo (below) of 2 gentlemen holding their winnings in front of a Bob Peck mural. I love their photo, it says “we found them first bi@tch’s!” ha ha. And what’s great about that photo is, that all of the signs were scattered around Cleveland. They were not close to each other, so it’s not like an easter egg hunt where they’re all visible from one location. These dudes went looking, and it paid off for them. For the rest of you who wanted a piece, make sure you come to the opening. There are under 30 total pieces of Bob’s and R!ch’s and only 13 of them are collaboratives. Also, Christina Sadowski (a professional photographer) documented the full install. We’ll have some of those photos up soon. Thank you to everyone. This was fun. I think we might have to do this again sometime.

Don’t Panic! Calm Down, and Enjoy the Ride

Don’t Panic! – Collaborative works by Bob Peck and R!ch Cihlar at E11even 2
April 17th, 2015 5-9p (Opening Reception) & May 15th, 2015 5-9p (Closing Reception)

Bob and R!ch are here to save the world…or at least make some art about what they would save from total annihilation, if they had to. 

The open-theme and title came about during a brainstorming session between the duo after the first few canvasses had been completed by the artists. As they stood and looked at the first phase of work, R!ch looked at the images of women, vintage toys and other assorted affections and simply said, “Yup, this is everything I would save if it was the end of the world!” Bob nodded in agreement.

Both artists share a love for art that has bold color and flowing design, as well as having a place in their hearts for things like wind-up robots and retro rocket ships. It seemed only right that they joined forces on a series of paintings that merge all of this under one roof. R!ch starts out with a Pop Art style image, created through intricate layers of stenciling. Bob steps in next and works his bursting abstract-style over, under, around and through. The results are pieces of art that are best described as a candy coated explosion.

“Don’t Panic!” will be on Display at Eleven 2 Gallery, located inside 78th Street Studios on April 17th, 2015 & May 15th during the 3rd Friday Events.