The Next Generation of Animation Is Here
A/journal issue two + 2009 fall // the journal of the academy of art university alumni association
The Next Generation of Animation 34° 3' 7"/ -118° 14' 36" 14' 3' 7"/ -118° 34°
is Here lat/ long
Joe Ksander leads the way with visionary director Shane Acker – and the guidance of Tim Burton
Founded in 1929, the Academy of Art University Chris Cortez mfa05 adds "reality television star" to his list of talented alter-egos Euna Lee bfa01 returns from North Korea along a celebrates 80 years of educating a global GR after competing in Tommy Hilfiger's The Cut. Defying industry boundaries, his MPt with Current TV colleague, Laura Ling, and shares community of artists and designers. out-of-the-box thinking landed him a dream job and a spectrum of opportunities. a note of thanks with supporters. Ac ademy of Art University Alumni Association inside + creative goodness on tap for this issue // get more_ alumni.academyart.edu
Welcome Home MPt 37° 46´ 45˝ / -122° 25´ 12˝ 3 The Remarkable Courage of Two American Journalists: Alumna Euna Lee and her Current TV colleague Laura Ling return home
lat/long_ from North Korea.
A Message from A Room with a View IaD the President 4 Heather Hilliard designs a Showcase Penthouse. The result? The launch of her own design firm.
photo_ rocio russo mfa08 ph
As artists and educators, we serve as advocates Before Retro was Retro aDV of artistic expression. In the classroom, this responsibil- 5 Ming Gee and the Making of a Design Era. This determined art- ity means instilling in our students the courage to take ist proves that if “you are a good artist, you can do everything.” creative risks and by the same token to take constructive direction. One extraordinary event has found us transpos- ing this teaching philosophy to an international stage. When School of Motion Pictures & Television alumna The Next Generation of Animation is Here aNM Euna Lee and her colleague Laura Ling were arrested by 6 the North Korean government, I knew this was an issue we cover » Joe Ksander leads the way with visionary director had to act upon. This summer, the Academy community Shane Acker – and the guidance of Tim Burton. voiced concern with an online petition and a Community Peaceful Gathering to raise awareness of their detention. A Show-Stopper in Sonoma We were heard and we were not alone. As I write this letter, Fa I'm relieved both journalists have been released. 10 Hossain Amjadi's sculpture garden is nestled in the middle of Their story has shown me the positive change we can wine country, and the harvest is looking good. The art world’s make as a community. You too are one of our citizens and version of a farmer living off the land. you have life-long advocates not only among our faculty but also among your peers. We hope you will reconnect with us through A JOURNAL and the Alumni Association. Television Star, Fashion Phenom, Designer Extraordinaire GR This spirit of mentorship is a cornerstone on which my 12 grandfather founded the school in 1929. Now in its 80th Chris Cortez has many talented alter egos. year, the university's commitment to supporting the next generation of artists remains unchanged. One of my direc- tives has been to forge new partnerships; and to this end, I would like to welcome our new Director of Game Design + stuff you’ll always want to keep up with alumnus Christopher Schenck to our family. in every issue We have a lot to celebrate for our big 8-0. Please join us in sharing our triumphs – past and present – and envision- « out there_ A synopsis of notable alumni event calendar_ Global save-the- pursuing dreams, enriching culture, and dates especially designed for innovators, ing ones we will be talking about in the future. stimulating art, all over the world. creators, and trendsetters – that’s you.
Sincerely, retroview_ A historical journey message from the president_ Kicking through influential happenings from it off with acknowledgements and the art and design archives. accolades from your alma mater.
news & updates_ News feeds that message from the alumni dept_ A connect you to the alumni community. rousing shout out to the Academy of Dr. Elisa Stephens, President Art University’s extended family from class notes_ The who, what, where, Janet Preloger, Director of Alumni. and when of your fellow graduates.
A/journal about keys to the kingdom + insight
publisher_ Academy of Art University Alumni Association This is A Journal about you — the artists, Your guide to the codes, characters, and colors denoting departmental specializations. editor_ Janet Preloger innovators, and designers who make up the Academy of Art University Alumni design_ Christopher Morlan bfa05 aDV Advertising IDS Industrial Design Association. writer_ Mindy Smart aNM Animation & Visual Effects IaD Interior Architecture & Design production_ Anthony Toy bfa06 and Jeannie Wallace A Journal emphasizes the impeccable art aRH MPt cover art_ Joe Ksander, Focus Features and design successes of the Academy’s Architecture Motion Pictures & Television alumni family. It captures and embraces colophon_ Soho and Benton Sans the diversity of creative accomplishments. FSH Fashion cOM Multimedia Communications paper_ Mohawk Options 100% PC Cool White It highlights a journey through the world Smooth 80# text Fa MuS creating, designing, inventing, and shaping. Fine Art Music for Visual Media All our other generous contributors. A Journal engages in the storytelling of special thanks_ GaM Game Design PH Photography vibrant individuals and connects a global 800.544.2787 // alumni.academyart.edu community of art and design professionals. GR Graphic Design WNM Web Design & New Media
a Ill Illustration
2 Ana Jour l + Ac ademy of Art University Alumni Association news
Welcome Home
The Remarkable Courage of
37° 46' 45”/ -122° 25' 12” Two American Journalists lat/long_
+ story_ Janet Preloger // MORE_ www.lauraandeuna.com
T he odds were against them, but Letter to Supporters MPt millions of thoughts, prayers, and petition signatures supported their release. from Euna Lee Posted August 10, 2009 at: • 140 days of detainment www.lauraandeuna.com • Over 6,000 miles away from home • 12 years hard labor sentence I et’s be n 5 days since I arrived home from my traumatic experience. On August 4, 2009, Academy of Art University School What have I done… hmm… let’s see. I made of Motion Pictures & Television alumna Euna Lee BFA01 scrambled eggs with Hana, I walked around the and Current TV colleague Laura Ling, were pardoned neighborhood with Michael and Hana after dinner, by the North Korean government after being charged of I combed Hana’s hair and dressed her for school, I “committing hostilities against the Korean nation and danced and jumped with Hana, I went to a cafe and Facebook pages about Laura and I or the web site, illegal entry.” The journalists spent 140 days in detainment had a very happy time with Michael listening to his lauraandeuna.com. Because I know that once I started to after their arrest in March while on assignment for life and shared mine, I went to church and was able read them I would get caught up in all the love and sup- Current TV, the media company co-founded by former to sing unto the Lord. port everybody gave me and I will neglect my family. Vice President Al Gore. Through a humanitarian effort by I am slowly fulfilling the wish list that I made in Hana is still a bit nervous about mommy going to former President Bill Clinton, the two women returned North Korea one item at a time. work again. She told me today “Mommy, when I ask you home on August 5 to a tearful reunion with their families in Every moment when I realize it’s real, when I to leave (she meant ‘come home’), please come home Burbank, California. am home and I am with my family, I think of all the to me.” She told Doorie (one of my cats) “Doorie, if you The Academy of Art University joined hands with individuals who were there at the vigils, who wrote don’t listen, mommy will go to the airport.” the San Francisco community in an effort to support letters to us and to the government, who read and I will wait for the time when Hana truly believes that their release through a vigil and online petition with over followed our news and were concerned about us mommy’s always there for her, then I will be free to share CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT_ 4,000 signatures. A Community Peaceful Gathering took and helped Laura and I to come home. my stories and experiences in North Korea and be able Laura Ling and Euna Lee arrive home at hangar 25, place on June 24, 2009 attended by Lee’s four-year-old Knowing that you would not stop until we came to express how thankful I am. Burbank, California with daughter Hana and the husbands of the two women, home kept me going day by day in North Korea. My husband mentioned the names of so many President Bill Clinton (Photo Michael Saldate and Iain Clayton, who spoke about As soon as I got home, after I gave a long hug to individuals who helped us and supported us through this by Kevork Djansezian/Getty the recent contact they had with their wives. Over 300 my family, I wanted to thank the people who helped tough time. I won’t list the individual names here to thank Images for Shangri-La); Euna Lee BFA01; Laura Ling; students, alumni, faculty, and community organizations me. I wanted to let people know how grateful I was because I believe you already know that I am talking to Academy of Art University congregated at Morgan Auditorium, joining the nation in and am. I found myself surfing the Internet and you when I say “Thank You.” President Elisa Stephens with solidarity for the release of Lee and Ling. reading different blogs and news articles about us. Again, I am blessed to have such support from every- Ling’s husband Iain Clayton To view news coverage, photos, and video of the June Then I realized that I felt separated again from my body who participated and I won’t forget your love and I and Lee’s husband Michael Saldate, and daughter Hana 24 gathering, visit www.academyart.edu/petition. For husband and daughter, just as I was for 141 days in just want to say, “I love you too.” at the Community Peaceful additional information, visit www.lauraandeuna.com and North Korea. Love, Gathering on June 24, 2009 our newly launched Academy of Art University news feed I decided then not to go through all the emails Euna at Morgan Auditorium. at http://newsfeed.academyart.edu. a and articles just yet. I have not checked the
fall 2009 3 + profile interior architecture & Design
A Room with a View (and a color scheme to match)
+ work_ Heather Hilliard mfa07 // PHOTOS_ Caren Alpert // AT_ Heather Hilliard Design // MORE_ www.heatherhilliard.com
Wevll ’ e a seen those homes that look cloth wall covering, paint trim in Farrow and Ball’s London IaD like museums – the ones with living rooms Stone and textured Tibetan Jute carpeting along with art, that you just stand in the middle of, not flowers, and accessories in the Golden Gate Bridge orange knowing quite what to do with yourself. Well, and blue-green color of the bay. The neutral backdrop alum Heather Hilliard is an interior designer who actually allowed the room to fade away so the visitor’s eye was has a background working in prestigious museums, yet drawn immediately to the view.” The result? Perhaps the her designs are anything but cold and stuffy. Her work is world’s most tasteful and inviting family space. best described as home design inspired by art – not by Before entering the competition, Hilliard decided that the museum you’d find it in. the Decorator Showcase would give her the perfect Recently, Hilliard’s designs have received quite a bit of opportunity to open her own design firm. She had worked attention. Just this past spring, she was chosen to work for large firms for years, and wanted to open her own 37° 46' 45”/ -122° 25' 12” on the 2009 Decorator Showcase home in San Francisco. business so she could do more personal and efficient It’s no wonder that this honor attracts a beehive of media lat/long_ buzz; San Francisco is the home of some of the nation’s Her work is best described as home + most talented designers, and every year all of them com- pete for the showcase house. design inspired by art – not by the Hilliard did more than just make the cut; she was Heather Hilliard chosen to design the penthouse. The showcase this year museum you’d find it in. san francisco, ca _ featured a Georgian home from 1910, but the room Hilliard mfa 2007 _ designed looked nothing like merry old England. Built in the 1950’s with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge work for her clients. And that’s exactly what she did. Using Hilliard lives in an Edwardian home and San Francisco Bay (the only room in the house with a the publicity she’s received, she has been able to create located in Presidio Heights where view in fact), the penthouse stood apart from the rest of and market Heather Hilliard Design (www.heatherhilliard. she loves to run with her dog Kiki. the home, sharing none of the same moldings or details. com). Currently she is working on a redecoration project Both she and her husband have done a few triathlons with Team in Faced with the room’s enormous picture windows, Hilliard in Hillsborough, California, as well as a larger design and Training to raise money for Leuke- recognized immediately that the interior space should not construction plan for a contemporary home in Los Altos mia and Lymphoma. A passionate compete with the view – one does not pick a fight with the Hills, California. A talented designer growing her own film buff, Heather has been to Sun- Golden Gate Bridge after all. business – it’s an inspiring story that is certainly nice to dance for four consecutive years. She decided to take out a couple of walls and unusable hear in these economic times. a closets, and then added some half-height walls to create a study area with a desk. Hilliard then chose a color scheme to complement the San Francisco backdrop. As Hilliard herself explains, “I like to bring the outside in by taking color cues from the view. In an effort to create a room in harmony with the view, I combined a warm gray grass
4 Ana Jour l + a dvertising profile
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT_ Design for Peanuts while at Determined Produc- tions; Artwork for Cirque du Soleil; Designs for 1968 World's Fair in San Antonio. Before Retro was Retro
Ming Gee and the making of a design era
+ work_ ming gee 1959
If you are a trivia buff, you may know that Behind her business sense was the genius of Gee, who aDV Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” characters worked as her company’s main artistic talent from 1969 were some of the first cartoon characters to 1985, designing everything from ceramics, to fold-away to be licensed for major product placement. dollhouses, stuffed toys for Cirque du Soleil, products Starting with the now-classic children’s book Happiness for the World Wildlife Fund, and a huge variety of classic is a Warm Puppy, published in 1962, Charlie Brown and apparel. As Gee explains, “if you are a good artist, you can the gang soon adorned a variety of products, includ- do everything.” ing blankets, T-shirts, and toys. Now here’s a little bit of But even before Gee joined Determined, he had fol- Academy trivia for you: alum Ming Gee, who graduated lowed a fascinating path. After serving in the Air Force in 1959, was the creative lead behind some of the earli- upon finishing high school and then graduating from the est iconic licensed merchandise, featuring characters Academy, he worked in the design department at Neiman from “Peanuts,” “Felix the Cat,” and “Babar the Elephant,” Marcus, then moved on to retail advertising at Frost Broth- among many others. ers in San Antonio, Texas. In 1968, he played a main role When you go to Gee’s studio in the Castro District in the design of the World’s Fair in San Antonio – from the 37° 46' 45”/ -122° 25' 12” of San Francisco (which he still visits daily), the first event publications right down to the costumes and hair- thing you see is a shelf filled with a random assortment styles of the staff. Soon after returning to San Francisco, lat/long_ of things, all of which have inspired him in some way. he took a job at Joseph Magnin where he was discovered + Knick-knacks? Souvenirs? Maybe a cabinet of curiosity by Boucher, who convinced him to work for her. is the best word for it: there’s candy packaging Gee loved Now that we live in a world where vintage tees are hip, so much he ate the contents, and then lovingly restored meeting Gee feels like meeting the real thing – a designer M ing Gee the box and wrappers to their original state, toys he has who helped define an era that we all now think of as san francisco, ca _ found from all over the world, and everyday objects he’s "retro." Sadly, the words "craftsmanship" and "design" no 1959 _ collected simply for their unique design or a single detail longer come to mind when we think of product placement he admires. The collection reflects Gee’s personality – these days. That’s why it is important to know and Gee was born in San Francisco. At a young age he went whimsical, brilliant, and incredibly modest at the same remember the work of Gee: he reminds us all that the back to his family's home in China and spent his child- time. Even though the story for each object is different, world is a better place, and certainly a more joyful place, hood in a small farming village in Canton. At the age of every story ends with Gee saying the same thing: “I just with talented designers in it. a 16, with no knowledge of the English language, he came back to the United States to finish high school in San had to have it!” Francisco. He persevered through school while working at With that kind of “got to have it” attitude, it is no a laundromat in the evenings. After he finished high school wonder that Gee spent most of his career at a firm called he joined the Air Force and was sent to Germany. This Determined Productions. It was at Determined that Gee was a formative time for Ming; he was deeply inspired by Germany and European culture in general. It was there he designed iconic cartoon apparel. Connie Boucher, cred- realized that art was his calling. Once he completed his ited by the New York Times as the businesswoman who service he returned to San Francisco and enrolled at the pioneered cartoon licensing, ran the company alongside Academy where his remarkable life as an artist began. her partner Jim Young, an accomplished design director.
f all 2009 5 + profile a nimation & visual effects
+ work_ Joe Ksander // At_Rhythm & Hues, Los Angeles, CA The Next Generation
34° 3' 7"/ -118° 14' 36" of Animation + lat/long_
Joe Ksander is Here L os Angeles, CA _ attended from 1997–1999 _
Ksander is an animator, Joe Ksander leads the way with visionary director writer, and filmmaker. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Narineh Hacopian who Shane Acker – and the guidance of Tim Burton. is just about as awesome as it is possible to be. Jo e Ksander has recently finished an animated feature. aNM almost three years of work as the Anima- Burton’s involvement is reason enough that 9 has tion Director of 9 – the much-anticipated received every kind of buzz there is, in every major media film by Focus Features that is already one outlet you can think of – viral and headline alike. When of the wonders of Hollywood for 2009. Just released this you add a star-studded cast that includes Elijah Wood as September (strategically on 9/9/09), 9 is a Shane Acker the voice of the film’s main character, you’ve got yourself film produced by Tim Burton, Timur Bekmambetov, and a twittering, blogging fan-fest. A headliner at WonderCon Jim Lemley. If you haven’t seen it yet, you are in for one big this past spring, 9 featured a panel headed by Wood surprise: 9 delivers everything you wouldn’t expect from and our very own Ksander, who both answered a slew of
6 Ana Jour l Ac ademy of Art University Alumni Association
left_#6 (voiced by Crispin Glover) displays one of Ksander's visionary draw- ings in Shane Acker’s epic adventure fantasy 9, which Focus Features released nationwide on 09/09/09. Photo Credit: Focus Features
top_Ksander and Elijah Wood on the panel for 9 at Wonder- Con 2009. ©BrokenSphere/ Wikimedia Commons.
bottom_#9 (voiced by Elijah Wood) being made by the Scientist in Shane Acker’s epic adventure fantasy. Photo Credit: Focus Features
+ work_ Joe Ksander // At_Rhythm & Hues, Los Angeles, CA
questions by curious fanboys and fangirls. to accommodate radically different time zones and dealt much of his time is spent on a major production for War- 9 stars a set of rag dolls brought to life by a mad with countless technical issues involved in remote collab- ner Brothers – a project that is classified as “top secret” scientist; they are on a quest to save the world, and there oration. Much of the film’s creative vision was formed by until Warner Brothers announces the film. are plenty of darkly animated villains standing in their way. necessity "in medias res," the casting of the actors being Ksander started his animation career at the Academy These classic animation tropes are set in a post-apoca- of course one of the film’s formative moments. While in 1997, where he took what everyone calls "the Pixar lyptic world taken over by machines, a surprisingly chilling landscape worthy of California’s governor in his acting days. If you wanted to describe 9 in terms of other movies “…it was a lot like laying the tracks as the train is traveling.” you’ve seen, you would have to rattle off an eclectic mix: Star Wars, The Dark Crystal, Toy Story, Indiana Jones, Wood’s voice matched the character of 9 remarkably well, classes." It was in these classes that he found his first and of course Burton’s own work would be on that list. Ksander re-designed Christopher Plummer’s character in mentors, Pixar artists Jimmy Hayward and Oren Jacob, Ksander himself describes 9 as equal parts animation and accordance with the actor’s distinctive voice. As Ksander who helped him complete his first short. On top of action film. himself explains it, “it was a lot like laying the tracks as the working on large Hollywood productions, Ksander is still Behind the vision of Acker, the guidance of Burton train is traveling." creating his own films. He is finishing his own live-action – and the vocal talent of celebrity actors Wood, Jennifer One of the reasons that 9 always felt like a vision-in- short film that will be shown at festivals later this year. He Connelly, John C. Reilly, Martin Landau, Crispin Glover, process is that it began as a short film with sound, but calls his short “a bittersweet college romance, with a sci-fi and Fred Tatasciore – was the mighty animation talent of no dialogue whatsoever. Acker created the short while twist” – now if anyone can pull that off, it would be the very Ksander and his three main teams of artists based in Los studying at UCLA, where he first met Ksander. As a short talented, and very cool, Joe Ksander. a Angeles, Luxembourg, and Toronto. Ksander spent much film, 9 was so visually compelling that it stole the show at of his time in Canada during the production of the film, festivals, including Sundance, amassing critical acclaim where he directed a team of 30 animators at the Toronto- and gaining the attention of the Hollywood elite. based Starz Animation Studio. Ksander also worked with When Ksander was asked by his long-time friend industry legend Ken Duncan, whose studio is based in Acker to oversee the animation for the feature-length Pasadena; Duncan, one of Ksander’s long-time heroes, version of 9, he already had many big Hollywood titles has been credited with classics such as The Lion King, under his belt. As an animation supervisor at Rhythm & Beauty and the Beast, and Tarzan – need we say more? Hues, Ksander had worked on films such as Night at the If there is a modern-day equivalent to the building Museum and The Chronicles of Narnia. Ksander accepted of the pyramids, surely it is the animated feature film. 9 Acker’s offer, eager to work on such an exciting project involved a massive amount of massively talented people, where he could be a part of the main production team. who collaborated together for years; much of the heavy After Ksander wrapped up his work on 9, Rhythm & Hues lifting was accomplished by a core team of leads consist- immediately asked him if he would return to the company ing of Ksander, director Acker, editor Nick Kenway, and as an animation director. Ksander returned to Rhythm & head of story Ryan O’Loughlin. Working with so many Hues to lend a hand on Hollywood productions such as people in so many places, Ksander stayed up all hours Land of the Lost and Alvin and the Chipmunks. Currently,
fall 2009 7 Ac ademy of Art University Alumni Association
+ out_there 40° 0' 37"/ -105° 16' 36"
Froma S n Francisco to Milan to Florianópolis and beyond - the alumni of the lat/long_ Academy of Art University represent a global community of diverse, artistic profes- _boulder, co sionals. They’re sculptors, animators, architects, actors, instructors, and innovative _bfa 2006 entrepreneurs to name just a few. They’ve received Emmy nominations, SURTEX current_Ewart has risen to an Associate Creative Director at CP+B awards, among many others and have been recognized in international publications. in just 4 years. She has won numerous awards for her work on Coke A quick look at their handiwork reiterates their diverse achievements, representative Zero, VW, and Pearl Izumi. Her most recent project is the launch of a Dayoung of the common thread they share as graduates of the Academy of Art University. re-branding campaign for Buell Motorcycles. Ewart 25° 5' 27"/ -121° 33' 35" 38° 59' 23"/ - 77° 7' 16" lat/long_ lat/long_
taipei city, taiwan_ _bethesda, md mfa 2002_ _mfa 2007
current_Kuo is the founder and creative director of Ultrahard Co., current_Shool is a technical director at Pixeldust studios working Ltd. The company’s “nazca series” took part in the Eslite bookstore’s on several Emmy nominated and Silver Telly Award winning projects, Yu-Cheng national design festival in May, one of the most prominent design including Discovery Channel’s Apocalypse How? and National Geo- Samar Kuo houses in Taiwan. graphic’s Six Degrees Could Change the World. Shool 37° 46' 45”/ -122° 25' 12” 37° 46' 45”/ -122° 25' 12” lat/long_ lat/long_
san francisco, ca_ _ san francisco, ca bfa 2001_ _ mfa 1987
current_Koswara is the senior designer at Michael Osborne Design. current_Liu is returning to the Academy to teach 3D art at the new She has worked on projects for Kettle Foods, Brown-Forman (Gentle- School of Game Design. She looks forward to exploring, with her Alice man Jack), Williams-Sonoma, Square One Organic Vodka, Thomas students, the wondrous world where art and technology combine Shaowei Koswara Kemper Soda, and many other clients. their efforts to create magic and fantasy. Liu 45° 27' 49"/ 9° 11' 2" 40° 45' 21”/ -73° 59' 13" lat/long_ lat/long_
milan, italy + _New York, NY los angeles, ca_ _bfa 2008 bfa 2002_ current_Owens is an international artist living between northern current_Summers is a New York based photographer. His travels Italy and southern California. Her current exhibition, Adaptation, is feed his voracious hunger to produce innovative imagery. The Chelsea a series of paintings influenced by her background in production surrealistic work is created, not captured, telling stories of culture, Braden Owens design. View her work at www.chelseaowens.com. characters, fashion, and the drama relating them. Summers
8 Ana Jour l Ac ademy of Art University Alumni Association -27° 35' 49 "/ -48° 32' 58" 37° 46' 45”/ -122° 25' 12” lat/long_ lat/long_
florianópolis, brazil_ _san francisco, ca mfa 2005_ _m.arch 2007
current_Furtado is a 3D supervisor for Worms, the first full feature current_Originally from Texas, Serrata taught English in Tokyo stop-motion animation film of Latin America launching in 2010 before studying at the Academy. He now works at Garavaglia Archi- M arcius A. by Animaking Studio. He also teaches video, film, and animation tecture where he lends his design and drafting expertise to a wide Mk ar Furtado courses at ASSESC, UNISUL, and CESUSC. variety of architectural and preservation services projects. Serrata 37° 46' 45”/ -122° 25' 12” 37° 45' 49/-121° 57' 18” lat/long_ lat/long_
san francisco, ca_ _san ramon, ca bfa 2007_ _mfa 2009
current_After winning the grand prize of the SURTEX 2007 Inter- current_Award-winning sculptor, Reeder adds a 21st Century twist national Student Design Competition, Hou launched her home and to classical figures with a body of work entitled, "Socio-Technic Yaling accessories line Flowie (www.flowiestyle.com) that retails nationally Evolution," including "Pan's iPod." His work will be auctioned at the Adam Hou and is featured regularly in Sunset, 7x7, Redbook, and Daily Candy. Academy's 14th Annual Faculty + Alumni Fine Art Auction in November. Reeder 45° 31' 25”/ - 122° 40' 13" 37° 46' 45”/ -122° 25' 12” lat/long_ lat/long_
portland, or_ _ san francisco, ca bfa 2002_ _ bfa 2001
current_Born and raised in East Germany and Russia, Luedecke current_Huffman is the design manager for the Global Gap Store worked at M3dium Design while at the Academy. Since 2003, he Environments team for Gap and Gap Body. View her work at the Gap Tom has been designing high performance products in Nike’s Innovation Store on 54th & 5th in New York and Gap Body on Chestnut St. in San Alicia Luedecke Kitchen. Francisco. Huffman 34° 3' 7"/ -118° 14' 36" lat/long_
los angeles, ca_ mfa 2008_
current_Punch is working and living in Los Angeles, California. She recently finished a long running show in Los Angeles based on Pink C arla Floyd’s 1973 album, Dark Side of the Moon, where she played the What are you waiting for? You can play too. Punch lead role of Mother. Visit alumni.academyart.edu and participate in our pilot program, Content 1.0, a compelling opportunity to share your artistic brilliance.
fall 2009 9 + profile finet ar
A Show- Stopper in Sonoma
Hossain Amjadi's sculpture garden is nestled in the middle of
wine country, and the harvest is CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT_ Amjadi's sculptures: Bond, Four Hearts, Pisces looking good. Fountain, and Union
+ work_ Hossain Amjadi bfa84 // at_ Art Forms, Sonoma, CA // work_ www.ha-artforms.com
Oo ne f the most unique finds you can and winery called FJ (Fleming Jenkins). Xerox purchased Fa discover while driving through Sonoma has seven of Amjadi’s sculptures, now on display at its offices nothing to do with California reds. For over in Leesburg, Virginia. In fact, Amjadi is hired to do major two decades, people visiting wine country installation pieces on a regular basis; just this year, he has have been stopping to admire and explore the sculpture done two major public commissions – one for Lowe’s in garden of alum Hossain Amjadi. The sculpture garden is Sacramento, and another for Club One in Petaluma. Amjadi’s front lawn, which he uses as an outdoor gallery Amjadi’s sculptures are welded from metal, yet are full for his self-run studio called Art Forms. of humanity and sentiment. His creations are scaled to a Amjadi’s career as an independent artist began about wide range of sizes, and appeal to a wide audience; one of twenty-two years ago, when he simply got tired of the city. his pieces, entitled Bond, is so popular that he has sold it After graduating from the Academy in 1984 with a degree in various sizes to multiple clients. Although many people in Fine Art, he lived in Oakland for a few short months buy his sculptures to complement garden and outdoor before deciding to pack everything up and move to settings, his pieces also look striking when put on display Sonoma. He bought a 2.5 acre plot of land, which Amjadi indoors. Over the years, he has gathered a loyal follow- 38° 17' 30”/ -122° 27' 27” says “was a jungle” – but it was a jungle he preferred to ing – and all he had to do, it seems, was start welding and the urban one. Over the years, he has stayed on this very putting his sculptures in his garden. It is a relief to talk to lat/long_ same lot, building a home there as well as a thriving sculp- someone like Amjadi; like his sculptures, he makes life + ture studio. His sculpture garden encompasses an entire seem easy and carefree. “The sculptures get sold, and I’m acre of the lot, which according to Amjadi “is small in always making new ones”: this kind of directness is typical some ways, but plenty big enough to create a wide range of Amjadi’s worldview. His artistic credo is just as powerful Hossain Amjadi of differently sized pieces.” as it is simple: “for those who seek to learn art and want to sonoma, ca _ Amjadi is the art world’s version of a farmer living off let their creativity come to life, I say do it.” bfa 1984 _ the land. Art Forms, created in 1993, is a completely inde- Amjadi’s sculpture garden and studio is located at pendent studio based out of Amjadi’s home. And Amjadi 23150 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, California 95476, nestled Amjadi lives in Sonoma, California with his wife, a prefers it this way; “I get to deal with people directly, and among the wineries Gloria Ferrer, Anaba, Schug, Jacuzzi chemistry teacher, and his two young boys, Adam I know where almost all of my sculptures are,” he says. and Cline. The location of his studio makes absolute sense and Justin. He was born in Iran, and then went Amjadi finds no need to seek gallery representation else- to Amjadi, who says that “wine is an art and so is to school in England at the age of seven. In 1978, he came to the United States, and shortly after where; just take a trip down Arnold Drive in Sonoma, and everything else.” To view more of Amjadi’s work, visit began his studies at the Academy. He graduated you will immediately see why this is so. With fifty to sixty www.ha-artforms.com. a in 1984 and has been making sculpture ever since. pieces on display at any given time, his sculpture garden is an absolute show-stopper for anyone who happens to drive by. His sculptures are in high demand, attracting celebrity buyers such as Olympic champion Peggy Flem- ing and her husband Greg Jenkins, who own a vineyard
10 Ana Jour l Ac ademy of Art University Alumni Association
You're Invited! Stay up to date with events and happenings of interest to association members. calendar + things to do around the world // event editor_ janet preloger
11-20 SEPT 09 26-27 SEPT 09 4-7 OCT 09
milan, italy tokyo, japan los angeles, ca Milano Film Festival 2009_ Tokyo Game Show 2009_ Adobe MAX 2009_ Los Ange-
37° 46' 45”/ -122° 25' 12” Multiple locations in Milan Nippon Convention Center les Convention Center, 1201 www.milanofilmfestival.it (Makuhari Messe) South Figueroa Street http://tgs.cesa.or.jp/english/ http://max.adobe.com lat/long_ 15-18 SEPT 09 25-27 SEPT 09 8-11 OCT 09 www.klikamsterdam.nl austin, tx 2009 Game Developers new york, ny memphis, tn Conference® Austin _ Austin New York Anime Festival_ Make/Think: AIGA Design Convention Center, 500 East Jacob K. Javits Convention Conference_ The Memphis Cesar Chavez Street Center, 655 West 34th Street Cook Convention Center, 255 www.gdcaustin.com www.newyorkanimefesti- North Main Street val.com www.designconfer- ence2009.aiga.org 17-20 SEPT 09 1-2 OCT 09 amsterdam, 9-11 OCT 09 netherlands chicago, il ABOVE_ Under Attack, Adam Forfang bfa01, Oil on Panel, 12 x 9. Klik! Amsterdam Animation- The Design Research Confer- philadelphia, pa Festival 2009_ Filmtheatre ence_ Spertus Institute, 610 America’s Video Game Expo Kriterion South Michigan Avenue (VGXPO 2009)_ Pennsylvania TAahe c demy of Art University's School of Fine www.klikamsterdam.nl www.id.iit.edu/events/drc/ Convention Center, 1101 Arch Art will host its 14th Annual Faculty and Alumni Fine Art Street www.ellarichardson.com Auction on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the 79 Gallery www.vgxpo.com 21-24 SEPT 09 2-31 OCT 09 (79 New Montgomery, San Francisco.) A reception kicks things off at 2 p.m. followed by a live auction at 3 p.m. chicago, il charleston, sc 11-13 OCT 09 Please join us for an auction preview on Thursday, Novem- International Casual Furniture ALUM » Painting alumni Hye ber 5 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. & Accessories Market™_ Seong Yoon MFA06 and Zin shanghai, china “The annual Fine Art Auction is a wonderful opportu- Merchandise Mart, 222 Mer- Lim MFA06 featured in a dual Game Developers Confer- chandise Plaza artist “New Works” exhibit_ ence® China 2009_ Shanghai nity to showcase the incredible work of our talented faculty www.casualmarket.com Ella Walton Richardson Fine International Convention and alumni,” says Hillary Welde, Director of Galleries at the Art, 58 Broad Street Center Academy of Art University. “This event reaches a broad www.ellarichardson.com www.gdcchina.com 23 SEPT 09 art-buying audience and supports our student scholarship fund." san francisco, ca 4-6 OCT 09 12-13 OCT 09 The Faculty and Alumni Fine Art Auction has continued APA-SF and Academy of to grow in scale and scope each year. As in past years, 50 Art University present Dan frankfurt, germany chicago, il Winters – 7:30 – 9:30 pm_ eDIT 12. Filmmaker's Festival An Event Apart: The Design percent of all proceeds are donated to the Academy of Art Morgan Auditorium, 491 Post Art and Science of the Moving Conference for People Who University's Student Scholarship Fund and is tax deductible. Street Image Make Websites_ Sheraton The remaining 50 percent is dispersed directly to the artist. www.apanational.com www.filmmakersfestival. Towers, 301 East North Water Last year’s event generated over $160,000 in sales. With www.danwintersphoto.com com Street Chicago www.aneventapart. your support, we hope to raise even more in 2009! To view a com/2009/chicago complete list of auction items and participating artists, visit the online auction catalog at www.academyart.edu/auction. If you would like a hard copy of the catalog, please email your mailing address to [email protected]. a
class notes + reconnect_ the who, what, where, and when of your fellow graduates
aDV Advertising film, Transformers 2, as a lead The History Channel, Kohls, san rafael, ca_ lead compositor for Night currently working at Cryptic animator. Marshalls, and Toyota. He is at the Museum 2: Battle of Studio on Star Trek Online. los angeles, ca. vancouver, bc. currently green screen keying Carmen Chow bfa08 is work- the Smithsonian. Behnam san francisco, ca_ Virginia Fout BFA95 owns YuehChing Hong MFA04 is a for JWT, doing motion graph- ing as a concept artist/matte was on the Oscar-winning Claudia Sutton BFA06 is her own event production lighting director at Electronic ics and compositing for the team for Best Visual Effects working in the game/comics company, V Productions LLC Arts Canada. upcoming Jackie Chan movie, painter at ImageMovers for The Golden Compass in industry as a concept artist/ in Los Angeles. culver city, ca. The Spy Next Door. 2008. He is currently working illustrator and was recently Joe Lilli BFA04 is the CG los angeles, ca_ Digital on two upcoming as lead compositor on his promoted to art director. aNM Animation & VFX supervisor at Genex in Culver Behnam ShafiebeikBFA 05 films, A Christmas Carol and tenth feature film, MGM’s The Some of her clients include City, California for Acura, began as an intern at Cabin in the Woods due out in Slipgate Ironworks, White san francisco, ca_ Kraft, and Purina. He worked Rhythm & Hues Studios in Mars Needs Moms, doing February 2010. Wolf Publishing, and Black Jean-Denis Haas BFA03 as a 3D lighter on Ice Age 2: Los Angeles which led to a san jose, ca_ Halo Entertainment. She was has been employed at The Meltdown, Horton Hears a contract position as a digital what she loves every day Melvin Yu BFA05 has worked published in 2008 by Ballistic Industrial Light & Magic Who and Miss March, and has compositor for Garfield: A and learning a lot from the on This is Vegas (Surreal Publishing's Exotique 4: The since January 2004 where developed broadcast com- Tail of Two Kitties. Still with Software), God Father II World’s Most Beautiful CG he recently finished his first mercial motion graphics for Rhythm & Hues, he was industry’s top talents. (Electronic Arts), and is continued on 14 »
fall 2009 11 + profile gr aphic design
Television Star, Fashion Phenom, Designer Extraordinaire
+ work_ Chris Cortez mfa05 // at_ Cortez Groupe, New York, NY // more_ www.cortezgroupe.com
For many, alum Chris Cortez needs GR no introduction: he achieved instant fame as the winner of The Cut, the CBS reality show hosted by none other than Tommy Hilfiger. His appearance as a contestant is worthy of a story in itself. Just imagine tens of thousands of aspiring design- ers across the country, all answering what they think is their personal calling – to be chosen as a fashion phenom by the legendary Hilfiger. Week after week, Cortez sur- vived a gamut of challenges, judged by icons such as Karl 40° 45' 21”/ -73° 59' 13" Lagerfeld, Simon Doonan, Russell Simmons, and Tommy Hilfiger himself. lat/long_ Nothing could be more surreal than becoming a televi- + sion star, making it to the final competition for your dream job – or so one would think. For Cortez, the final challenge was more like something out of a film than a reality show. C hris Cortez Cutting back (and forgive the pun) to Cortez at age 15, we N rew Yo k, NY_ find him working at Macy’s flagship New York City store in mfa 2005 _ Herald Square. Back then, Cortez would exchange his pay- checks for items from the Hilfiger brand, collecting over Cortez is currently living in New 250 pieces from his favorite designer. While working at York City. In his spare time, he likes Macy’s Herald Square, Cortez naively and hopefully asked of press coverage began. As Cortez himself explains, “My top_ Alfonso Felipé 2007 to collect trash off the street and if he could design the store’s windows. What he got at the goal was never to be a star or do reality TV. I saw an oppor- Lookbook, created by Cortez turn it into treasures. He keeps a Groupe for the bespoke time was a pat on the head, and the sage advice that he tunity to use the show as a strategic move in my career.” visual blog of his found inspirations suit maker Alfonso Felipé. at www.sensiblecuriosity.com. If would need a degree if he wanted to do that. In 2007, Barney’s asked Cortez to be their featured artist Creative direction and acces- you have any thoughts, ideas, or Flash forward to the last challenge of The Cut – Cortez for Fashion Meets Art, featuring previous artists such as sories designed by Cortez. potential collaborations, write to was one step away from being chosen by Hilfiger. And Damien Hirst, Ruben and Isabel Toledo, and Dennis Hop- Photography: Dylan Maddux him at [email protected]. what was Hilfiger’s last challenge? You guessed it – to per. Along the way, Cortez built an impressive reputation bottom_ Tommy Hilfiger design the windows of Macy’s Herald Square. And now, and network of supporters, which included the senior vice 25th Anniversary Wallet, by Cortez for the Spring/Sum- Cortez is working at Hilfiger designing accessories, president of Barney’s, creative director of Wolff Olins, and mer 2010 limited edition including, bags, belts, small leather goods, and footwear. A a designer who had worked with Brioni for over 20 years. collection, celebrating the beautiful ending, no? Cortez then made his move, launching his own design company’s rich history over But if that is all you know about Cortez, you are really through distribution firm, Cortez Groupe (www.cortez- the last 25 years. Design and photography by Cortez. missing out. Shortly after his win on The Cut, the show groupe.com.) Like Cortez himself, the firm is a completely went into international syndication and wave upon wave continued on top of next page »
12 Ana Jour l Ac ademy of Art University Alumni Association
out-of-the-box design house. Cortez, who received a projects, Cortez is also putting together a book degree in Graphic Design at the Academy, is the type of about Martin Luther King for Rizzoli. It seems artist and designer who defies industry boundaries and as though he lives on his own planet, with days Looking back at what pushed us forward. definitions. His firm has done it all, including the brand- that are twice as long as ours. Or maybe Cortez ing and marketing for a Brooklyn loft conversion that is a superhero with many brilliant secret resulted in selling all 26 units in three months, branding identities: there is, after all, a mention of Clark an eco-luxury spa out of Miami's design district and a new Kent on his website. A style superhero? One is premium tequila from California, and creating an installa- certainly left to wonder. a tion in the Brioni New York showroom. In addition to working at Hilfiger, managing his firm the retroview Cortez Groupe, and working with clients on a myriad of + feed_ the way way back machine // archivist_ janet preloger
Retroview affords us the opportunity to look back at what was happening in society, the arts, and education. Celebrating 80 years, we highlight the Academy’s long history of inspiring and educating a global expanse of artists and designers. Staying 80 Years of Creative Passion
1929_ Richard S. Stephens, Art Director for Sunset Magazine, Connected founds the Académie of Advertising Art, along with his wife Clara, with a beginning enrollment of 45 students.
1933_ Curriculum expands to include Fashion Illustration
Director of Online 1936_ Fine Art Department is added Animation & Visual 1946_ Enrollment grows to 250 students; courses offered in General Advertising and Commercial Art, Fashion Illustration, 37° 46´ 45˝ / -122° 25´ 12˝ Effects reaches out Cartooning, and Lettering & Layout + 1951_ Richard A. Stephens, son of founder Richard S. Stephens,
lat/long_ becomes President to graduates 1930 Faculty 1955_ Magazine Illustration and Photography curriculum are added
+ Contributor_ Vince De Quattro // at_ academy of art university 1957_ Art History, English, and American History added to the curriculum
1966_ Academy is granted authority to offer a Bachelor’s Aac demy of Art University Director individual student’s skill set. We are doing more Degree in Fine Art; Fine Art, Fashion, Photography, Interior aNM of Online Animation and Visual Effects, Vince regional research to find internships and entry Design, Advertising and Illustration classes offered; Academy acquires its own space at 740 Taylor Street De Quattro, has been an enthusiastic propo- positions for those students who are outside of 1957 1968_ Academy expands to 625 Sutter nent of the new focus on developing alumni large entertainment markets. relations for his department. “After graduation, our alumni have some 1976_ Academy continues to expand to 540 Powell Street; approximately 750 students enrolled; library opens; in-house “As an industry, we are very aware of the importance interesting options for continued connection advertising agency begins (adcom) of networking, both within a collaborative framework for to our department. As we are currently putting 1977_ Master of Fine Arts program inaugurated and approved production and in the narrower terms of job identification in place a production system that mirrors the by the California State Department of Education and placement. In my role as the Online Director, network- industry, we are looking to collaborate with our 1980_ The Academy’s Department of Transportation begins a ing has been my priority focus for the placement success alumni in the areas of cinematography, story shuttle service for students; today the school maintains a fleet of our graduates.” development, modeling, rigging, animation of over 50 vehicles
De Quattro has implemented online offices for his and lighting. We are offering our distinguished 1968 1981_ Academy receives NATTS accreditation; Graphic Design full-time and adjunct faculty, has implemented online graduates adjunct faculty positions as we find courses offered workshops, and is designing real-time online lecture that they make excellent instructors, both 1983_ College expands to provide a student housing facility across the street from 625 Sutter elements for select coursework at the graduate level. His online and in-person.” non-traditional approaches to distance learning are driven All graduates of any department of the 1985_ Academy is accredited by NASAD by the growing entry-level competition in the entertain- University are invited to join the departmental 1988_ Academy receives FIDER accreditation ment market. web site (vfxgateway.com), our Facebook 1992_ Elisa Stephens, granddaughter of founder Richard S. De Quattro feels that continued portfolio development group (AAU VFX), and follow us on Twitter Stephens, appointed president; 79 New Montgomery building 1973 acquired; School of Industrial Design starts as Product Design is essential after graduation. “We are adopting a dynamic (twitter.com/AAUVFXclub). De Quattro can be 1993_ School of Motion Pictures & Video begins; Academy’s approach to graduate outreach marketing tailored to the contacted at [email protected]. a first dormitory at 680 Sutter is purchased
1994_ Academy introduces Programs in Computer Arts and Digital Media; Included classes in 3D Modeling, Animation and New Media; School of Product Design becomes Product & Industrial Design
+ insight_ details & inspirations 1986 1998_ Academy receives ACICS accreditation; Interior Design sustainability becomes Interior Architecture & Design 2002_ School of Architecture begins; School of Motion Pictures Printing this 16-page newsletter on Mohawk Options 100% PC Cool White & Video becomes School of Motion Pictures & Television Smooth 80# text (25,000 copies; 4/C, double-folded, finished size A3 used 2003_ First online classes offered 55,500 sheets or 8,880 lbs) generated environmental savings equivalent to: 2004_ Academy of Art College becomes Academy of Art Uni- versity; School of Animation opens
2007_ Academy receives WASC accreditation; Classic Car
3,963 7,889 60 mil. 4,007 85 36,213 246 1995 Museum housing over 100 historic cars, including a 1929 miles not pounds BTUs pounds trees gallons pounds Auburn Speedster, begins at 2151 Van Ness driven greenhouse energy not solid preserved wastewater waterborne 2008_ School of Multimedia Communications opens; NCAA gasses consumed waste not for the flow saved waste not Division II Athletic Program begins, led by former San Fran- prevented generated future created cisco 49er Jamie Williams
2009_ School of Game Design separates from Animation; School of Music for Visual Media begins; Computer Arts New Media becomes Web Design & New Media; Academy main- tains 17 academic buildings and 17 residence halls in San Fran-
1999 cisco; 17,000 students currently enrolled with over 30 areas of
Source: Mohawk Environmental Calculator available at www.mohawkpaper.com. Coversion are provided by the EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) and/or the U.S. EPA. academic emphasis and over 50,000 alumni worldwide
fall 2009 13 Ac ademy of Art University Alumni Association
In touch from the great beyond. class notes + share or shout_ [email protected] Have you recently started a new career, won an award, gotten married, had children? « animation & VFX from 11 Recognition 2007 for his episodes of the PBS show coordinator on a few major Characters and is featured in headphone package design, Maybe you’ve had a recent exhibition, e2 Design: Transport and an and independent feature the September Issue (# 87) Sony Creative Center, Tokyo, gallery opening, or film debut. independent feature film,Fifth films. She recently wrapped a of Art Scene International April 2008. Most recently, Form. Dessiree is currently TV pilot for ABC called Solving The Academy of Art University Alumni Association welcomes news magazine. Aaron won the 2009 Sony working on an independent Charlie filmed in Atlanta. of your milestones and events. If you would like your accomplishments featured in novato, ca_ Vision Package Design Project horror short film,Hell Patrol. Currently, she is working in Class Notes, please email [email protected] subject: Class Notes. Bryon Caldwell MFA07 award in May 2009, Tokyo. albuquerque, nm_ New Mexico on the 3rd season began as an animator at oakland, ca_ Dionne Lotivio BFA08 has of Breaking Bad, nominated TellTale Games in San Rafael, While working at McLean worked in the account- for five Emmy's including California, working on the Design, Augustus Ang’s ing department on several best Drama and Best Actor Sam & Max games a month bfa07 design for Fentimans' episodic TV shows as a payroll in a Drama Series. Upcoming after graduation. A few Botanically Brewed Natural poster child for Redeemed "Starbucks" of retail health Video and is a freelance sound accountant since 2004 as well personal producing projects months later he was hired by Sodas 4-pack carrier won a Villains. care inside Longs Drugs, designer. She worked on eight as an assistant production include a documentary on Image Movers Digital as an bronze medal in Beverage san francisco, ca_ Walmart, and Farmacia an indigenous ethnic group animator to work on their first World magazine’s "2008 Phillip Hua BFA03 is repre- Remedios. Other interior in western central Mexico film A Christmas Carol. Bryon Best in Beverage Packaging sented by HANG ART Gallery designs include Bistro Luneta in memoriam_ and a series of webisodes is currently working on IMD's Awards." He is currently a and has been featured in featured in the Best of the Bay called Reluctant Heroes. She next film Mars Needs Moms. designer with Clorox Creative. The Artist's Magazine, The with Janelle Marie of CBS 5 The Alumni Association remem- also worked on two Academy san francisco, ca_ San Francisco Bay Guardian, and various residential renova- bers Aurelio (Gig) Gonella Award nominated feature Winner of an American Design Ill Illustration The San Francisco Chronicle, tions in the peninsula. filmsThe Pursuit of Happyness Award in 2008, Ginturn Tran Arteaser, SF Art News, San san francisco, ca_ – WW II veteran, Cannes Film and The Kite Runner. MFA08 is the CEO of design san francisco, ca_ Francisco Arts Monthly, David Polifko’s MFA09 San Festival award winner, art direc- firm Deographics in San Carolina Tello BFA06 worked and Whitehot Magazine of Francisco garden is being fea- WNM New Media Francisco with a client list for a year for Secret Level/ Contemporary Art. His work tured in the July 2009 issue of tor, former Academy instructor, that includes Fox Network, SEGA immediately after is included in the collec- Sunset Magazine as the 2009 and founder of the Vancouver san francisco, ca_ Best Buy, and New Line graduation as a concept artist tion of Cisco, Inc. Phillip Dream Garden Grand Prize Clayton Miller BFA04 is a Cinema to name just a few. for the game Golden Axe: was recently in a group Winner. Yacht Co. – who passed away web and graphic designer for Deographics has offices in Beast Rider. In January 2008, show at HANG ART Gallery, on August 5, 2009. After receiv- popchips, an up and coming San Francisco, New York, she became the first concept Micaela Gallery, the Los MPt Motion Pictures & TV San Francisco-based snack Korea, London, and China. artist at Paragon Studios, Angeles Center for Digital ing his MFA from the Academy, food company. the NCsoft studio behind the Art, the California Museum new york, ny_ Gonella was an art director in GR Graphic Design award winning MMORPG City of Photography and was Alissa Levy mfa04 is starting PH Photography of Heroes/City of Villains. exhibited at the Google Inc. her own tea house in Jersey New York City before working santa monica, ca_ Most recently, she has been headquarters in Mountain City, NJ. She is also a freelance for 25 years as creative direc- jakarta, indonesia_ Kunsung (Aaron) Kim BFA05 working on designing concept View, CA. post-production professional Pongky Purnama BFA98 is won an iF Design Award art for the upcoming expan- working in New York City on tor for Dancer Fitzgerald & the head of the department for his Sony Active Style sion: City of Heroes Going IaD Interior Architecture the Food Network's Chopped of photography at Trisakti Headphone Package design in Rogue. Working with design- and previously worked at Sample Advertising Agency in University, the only private 2007; a Sato Award, Special ers, she became responsible san mateo, ca_ LOGO (MTV Networks). San Francisco (more recently university in Indonesia to Recognition 2007 for his for the creation of the new Abby Barata MFA02 is the san francisco, ca_ issue bachelors degrees in media package design and signature Rogue character, director of store develop- Dessiree Green mfa06 works known as Saatchi & Saatchi). photography. a Morita Award, Special “Desdemona,” who is the ment at QuickHealth, Inc. the full time at Monaco Labs and Gonella was 85 years old.
news & updates + events and happenings_ specifically geared for academy alumni
san francisco, ca_ san francisco, ca. A/PARTY: Bay Area Chapter Kick-Off » On July 9th, the Academy of Art University Alumni Interested in brushing up on your drawing skills? Association launched its first-ever Bay Area Alumni Chapter. Thanks to the over 250 alumni guests » The Academy of Art University School of Fine Art invites all who gathered at the 79 Gallery to network and reconnect with fellow graduates spanning nearly Painting and Illustration alumni to a Drawing Workshop dur- six decades from the class of 1959 to 2009. Guests perused the best work from Spring Show ing the fall 2009 semester. » Beginning on September 9 and 2009, reconnected with former instructors, toasted the Academy’s 80th Anniversary, and reunited continuing on Wednesday evenings through December 9 from with long lost classmates. View photos from the event at www.flickr.com/photos/aau_alumni. 7 – 9:50 p.m. at 60 Federal, the workshop offers 5, 10, and 20 Keep an eye out for future events of the Bay Area Chapter, including Industry on Campus lectures minute nude poses over a 3 hour period. Advanced sign-up is and events. Not in the Bay Area? Stay tuned for new chapter locations and keep reading for not necessary to attend; simply bring a photo ID to enter the information about the New York Chapter launch in October. Keep your contact information cur- building. For more information email [email protected]. rent by visiting alumni.academyart.edu so you don’t miss out on upcoming news and events. Fa left_ Charcoal drawing by workshop instructor and Left_ Pulitzer Prize-winning Photography alum Deanne Fitzmaurice BFA83 networks School of Fine Art alum Eric Ellsworth BFA06. with award-winning Graphic Design alum Michael Osborne MFA07 at A/PARTY.
new york, ny_ san francisco, ca & beyond. A/PARTY: New York SHAR ING OUR STORIES WITH THE WORLD » The Academy Chapter Kick-Off Event of Art University has just launched a news feed! An extraor- » October 28th » Are you dinary web of artistry spans the nation and the world from an Academy alum living in the home base in San Francisco. Capturing the personali- New York? Are you look- ties, events, and issues within this network of creativity and ing for the opportunity to enterprise is the purpose of this new initiative — to bring connect with artists and the stories of Academy of Art University students, faculty, designers from your alma mater? Join the Academy of Art alumni, and supporters to life, and to share all of the com- University Alumni Association for the first-ever New York pelling news centered on this exceptional art school, one of Chapter Kick-Off on Wednesday, October 28 from 6:30 – 8:30 America’s largest. As you’ll discover by visiting the news feed p.m. at The Art Directors Club, 106 West 29th Street, New at http://newsfeed.academyart.edu, exciting events are York, NY. Meet and network with fellow artists and design- taking place every day throughout the larger sphere of the ers in your area and view the award-winning work of the ADC Academy of Art University’s influence. It’s a big world, and we Young Guns, recognizing the talent of creative professionals will appreciate your help in alerting us to events, people, and under 30 in design, media, and visual arts. » Get involved news. » Send your comments and suggestions to Academy and stay connected! RSVP to [email protected]. News Feed Editor Tom Biederbeck, [email protected].
14 Ana Jour l Ac ademy of Art University Alumni Association
Stay up to date with events and happenings of interest to association members. calendar cont 37° 46´ 45˝ / -122° 25´ 12˝ + things to do around the world // event editor_ janet preloger lat/long_ 14-18 OCT 09 31 OCT-3 NOV 09 1-3 DEC 09
Alumni beja, portugal orlando, fl las vegas, nv Animatu International Digital Healthcare Design.09_ Autodesk University (AU) Opportunities Animation Festival 2009 _ Gaylord Palms Resort & Con- User Conference and Exhibi- Pax Julia Municipal Theater vention Center, 6000 West tion_ Mandalay Bay Resort www.festivalanimatu.com Osceola Parkway & Casino, 3950 Las Vegas bob toy bfa69 // san francisco, ca + photo_ dateline_ www.hcd09.com Boulevard South http://au.autodesk.com 15-29 OCT 09 Above. Director of Alumni Janet Preloger with featured alum 4-7 NOV 09 www.festivalanimatu.com Ming Gee 1959 at the Bay Area Chapter Kick Off in July. san diego, ca 3-31 DEC 09 10th San Diego Asian Film turin, italy T urning back the clock over the last year, the Festival 2009 VIEW Conference 2009, Digi- charleston, sc th Alumni Association has many reasons to celebrate: The www.SDAFF.org tal Convergency: 10 Inter- ALUM » Painting alum Lindsay national Computer Graphics Goodwin BFA04 featured in first-ever Bay Area Chapter kick-off, the release of alumna Conference_ Conference solo exhibit “Interior Beauty.”_ Euna Lee BFA01 and Laura Ling, and the launch of A 17-25 OCT 09 Center Torino Incontra Ella Walton Richardson Fine Journal which was well received by a diverse audience of www.viewconference.it Art, 58 Broad Street tokyo, japan nearly 20,000 alumni, faculty, students, and top industry www.ellarichardson.com 22nd Tokyo International Film professionals. Looking forward, the excitement continues Festival_ Various locations, 5-7 NOV 09 to build with the Academy’s 80th Anniversary, the anticipa- Roppongi Hills (Minato City) 4-13 DEC 09 tion of the New York Chapter kick-off and plans for future www.tiff-jp.net/en/ san francisco, ca Academy of Art University 14th los angeles, ca chapter locations, the new Academy of Art news feed, and Annual Faculty + Alumni Fine LA Auto Show_ Los Angeles the continued growth of alumni networking opportunities. 18-20 OCT 09 Art Auction, Preview Party – Convention Center, 1201 Want to get involved? Visit our website at alumni. Nov. 5, Live Auction – Nov. 7_ South Figueroa Street academyart.edu to keep your contact information current cambridge, ma 79 Gallery, 79 New Montgom- www.laautoshow.com Design, Complexity and ery Street and participate in our pilot program, Content 1.0, a new Change: DMI Design/Man- www.academyart.edu www.SDAFF.org initiative centered around the diverse accomplishments agement Annual 34_ Marriott 7-8 DEC 09 of our alumni. The content collected from this project will Cambridge, 2 Cambridge 11-13 NOV 09 appear on the pages of A Journal, on our website, and in Center san francisco, ca www.dmi.org/dmi/html/con- An Event Apart: The Design future alumni initiatives. ference/annual09/annual. phoenix, az Conference for People Who Need some exposure? Post your portfolio link on the htm Greenbuild™ International Make Websites_ The Palace alumni portfolio page or search our wide range of alumni Conference and Expo 2009_ Hotel, 2 New Montgomery talent at alumni.academyart.edu/search_portfolio.jsp. The Phoenix Convention Cen- Street 20-22 OCT 09 ter, 100 North Third Street www.aneventapart. Simply email your website link to alumni@academyart. www.greenbuildexpo.org com/2009/sanfrancisco edu to be listed with fellow alumni and viewed by thou- san francisco, ca sands of top industry professionals. Web 2.0 Summit_ Westin Market Street, 50 Third 13 NOV 09 7-10 JAN 2010 Have some memories to share? We will continue our Street th www.principlegallery.com 80 Anniversary commemoration throughout the course www.web2summit.com/ alexandria, va las vegas, nv of the year, and I encourage you to share your Academy web2009 ALUM » Opening of Fine Art 2010 International Consumer memories and photographs. Follow us on Twitter (twitter. alums Greg Gandy MFA08 and Electronics Show_ Las Vegas Jeremy Mann MFA08 two- Convention Center, 3150 com/aau_alumni), connect with us on Facebook and 24-25 OCT 09 artist exhibit “City Views”_ Paradise Road LinkedIn and stay informed. Principle Gallery, 208 King www.cesweb.org Share your story with us so we can spread the word philadelphia, pa Street GameX Industry Summit to our global community of art and design professionals. www.principlegallery.com 2009_ Greater Philadelphia 11-24 JAN 2010 Remember that your undergraduate and graduate years Expo Center, 100 Station aren’t just about the diploma you received, but the les- Avenue 16-19 NOV 09 detroit, mi sons you learned, the connections you made, the relation- www.gamexindustrysum- North American International www.ellarichardson.com mit.com new york, ny Auto Show_ Cobo Center, One ships you continue to build, and the vibrant contributions Web 2.0 Expo New York Washington Boulevard you now make to society as artists and designers. 2009_ Jacob K. Javits Con- www.naias.com Have an event listing to 28 OCT 09 vention Center, 655 West 34th share? Email dates and Street All the best, details to: NEW York, NY www.web2expo.com/ 21-31 JAN 2010 [email protected] ALUMNI » Academy of Art webexny2009/ University Alumni Association park city, ut New York Chapter Kick-Off Sundance Film Festival_ Vari- Event – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m._ The 26 NOV-2 DEC 09 ous locations in Park City. Art Directors Club, 106 West festival.sundance.org/2010 29th Street san francisco, ca alumni.academyart.edu 52nd Annual San Francisco Janet Preloger, Director of Alumni International Auto Show_ 9-13 FEB 2010 [email protected] Moscone Center, 747 Howard 28-29 OCT 09 Street san francisco, ca www.sfautoshow.com Macworld 2010_ The baltimore, md Moscone Center, 747 Howard NeoCon® East_ The Baltimore Street Convention Center, One West www.macworldexpo.com Pratt Street www.neoconeast.com
fall 2009 15 Alumni Association
79 new montgomery street, san francisco, ca 94105
800.544.2787 // www.academyart.edu // founded in san francisco 1929 by artists for artists.
W alking in the Rain #200 by tae park Mfa04 // Bid on Park's work at the Academy's 14th Annual Faculty + Alumni Fine Art Auction on November 7, 2009
so what’s the story? A/journal
A sneak peek at some of what's inside this issue. When you think Apple, what comes to mind? iPhone? iPod? Innovation? MPt
How about Google? Managing the world's information? page 3 Charles and Ray Eames? Bringing high-end design to the masses? IaD
page 4
aDV
page 5 And what about the Academy The newly emerging Academy Most alumni associations of Art University? What is our of Art University Alumni Asso- want your money. Not this one. Fa story? Thousands of world- ciation is now writing our story. We want to know who you are, class artists, designers, actors, We want the world to know where you are, and what you page and visual communicators have who we are, what we do, and are doing. And we want to share 10 passed through the doors of the professional work we your story with the world. That’s 79NM, enriching the profes- represent. A Journal is the first what’s in it for you: the oppor- GR sional landscape and local com- tangible result. Who are we? tunity to be part of something munities around the world. What are we doing? Where are much larger, a global voice in the page we doing it? Why do we do what larger world of visual commu- 12 we do? What makes us, us? nication. Get started by visiting alumni.academyart.edu today. …and much, much more!
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