Time Stamp

Tuesday night I got to spend some QT with a special friend named JP. JP is a whirlwind of fun, creativity, and hopeful energy with a generous splash of vim and vigor. She's one of the toughest cookies I know, and this week I got a better look at her (for me) unexplored ocean of talent.

Until Saturday, September 20th, you can check out her latest solo show, Time Stamp: A Diary in Postcards at the LA Gay & Lesbian Center. Time Stamp is a visual smorgasbord in the vein of The Post Its Show at GR2, but as intimate and personal as a quiet dinner with the artist (which was my lovely follow up after viewing the show). I haven't spent an hour and a half perusing art in a very long time, and it's been almost as long since that kind of persual has inspired me to go home and start sketching.

The show documents a ten year commitment to make art everyday, a task much easier said than done. Each piece is a postcard. Postcards are a little memento to let loved ones know where you are, what you've been doing, and an assurance that they're in your heart. JP's are just that, but serve double duty as unique artworks. Some days shine brighter than others, but no day matters less than the one the day before. Knowing her makes it that much easier to cherish this show, but you're going to know JP after walking this gallery, and you're going to be inspired to create and share, the same way she does.

Every Wednesday (and then some) JP wears the apron of LA's premiere Craft Captain, hosting CraftNight at Akbar in Silverlake. Each week she comes up with a project that anyone with $2, an open mind and a tolerance for glue stuck to fingers can make their own. It's one of the best times you can have for $2 in this town, and the best place to make friends, meet glitterati that matter, down a cocktail (or 3) and walk away with something to show for it.

JP is also the Head Candycorn of Gothtober.com. In true JP fashion, she rallies together artists from across the country to create an interactive advent calendar for the month of October, ending with everyone's truly favorite holiday, Halloween. The annual Gothtober party is [Count Chocula voice] to die for [/Count Chocula voice]. Check out 2007's Gothtober to get a feel for what's coming.

This chick just doesn't quit. All year long she inspires friends and strangers to get off their asses and make art happen, and with Time Stamp she truly shows us how it's done. Go the LAGLC, make some "you" time, and enjoy this show. When you've seen the work, pick up a capsule from her customized capsule machine and get a button, a stamp, plus a fabulous fortune and then have a seat in Time Stamp's Art Making Rumpus Room. Being in there feels like you're in a cozy nook in JP's brain. Decked out with comfy couches, throw pillows, markers in every hue, and paint-by-number ponies on the wall, you are given the opportunity to write a postcard of your own. You can also hop online to see if your favorite piece from the show is available for purchase as a print on the Time Stamp website. When JP and I showed up, a bunch of girls were having a pow-wow in there, but were eventually shoo-ed out by security staff who just aren't that used to such a warm embrace and enthusiasm for art shows in the LAGLC gallery. JP's show has been a ground-breaker in more ways than one. Go check it out before it's gone!