In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the incredible Don Oriolo. We talk about Don’s career with the Felix the Cat franchise, his first encounter meeting John Lennon, his fond memories of recently deceased Meat Loaf, and a surprise visit from Felix the Cat himself đ
This interview bounces all around the spectrum of Don’s incredible life… only scratching the surface!
More on Don Oriolo & Zazoo Fine Art Gallery
Don Oriolo is an American artist, musician, and writer best known for his work in the music publishing industry and for overseeing the Felix the Cat cartoon franchise after his father, Felix co-creator Joe Oriolo, died in 1985. Don Oriolo also owns and operates the Oriolo Guitar Company, a guitar, bass, and ukulele manufacture company whose products often feature Felix and other Oriolo-designed artwork. Oriolo has also authored a number of books featuring his paintings of Felix the Cat, whom he describes as his creative muse. Some of his music publishing credentials include writing Jon Bon Jovi‘s first charted track, as well as signing Meat Loaf and Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam.
Oriolo is a prolific painter, cartoonist, and writer. His artwork in every medium can be found in Zazoo Fine Art Gallery and he was named Artist of the Year in 2015 by Fine Art Magazine. His third painting book, Another Book of Felix the Cat Paintings, was released via a book signing on November 22, 2015 at Macyâs in New York City and reached #5 on Amazon’s bestseller list. Don is also an approved artist for Elvis Presley Enterprises, Fleischer Studios and King Features.
When you visit Zazoo Fine Art Gallery you may see Don Oriolo painting at his easel in the gallery!
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with local artists Jasmine Jones and Katlin Spain of the amazing Ocean Blues Studio.
We talk about how each of them got started as individual artists, how they met, and how they formed Ocean Blues Studio; an amazing place where create and showcase their art, all in one place.
More about Ocean Blues Studio
Jasmine Jones
Born and raised here in Key West, Jones grew up immersed in color. From the vibrant flora and fauna that thrive on the island, to the picturesque sunsets and ocean seascapes, there was always plenty to draw inspiration from.
She creates her artwork using a combination of alcohol inks, acrylic paint and resin layers to create a body of work with a greater depth than traditional two dimensional paintings. Her paintings focus on vibrant colors, particularly the blues of the ocean, from which the name of the studio is derived.
Katlin Spain
Originally from Kansas, Spain immediately fell in love with Key West.
In her studio practice, Spain works to deconstruct familiar shapes & associations by changing their colors, textures, & patterns. She carefully curates them into landscape-like environments where these new objects can coexist.
It is in these vivid other-worldly scenes that the viewer can allow themselves to exist in a land of the sweetness & the phenomena of the ‘new.’
Local Artist Collective
Artist Workspace & Gallery, showcasing contemporary and abstract artists of the Florida Keys.
For the month of April, I will be showcasing all of my art (backyardsofkeywest.com) at their studio!!
Be on the lookout for my own gallery space at the Mallory Square Mall too – right across from Ocean Blue Studio!!
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Nance Frank, the director of the Gallery on Greene.
This is perfect for all you Key West history buffs out there. We dive deep into the history of Key West homes, the people and the art.
We recorded this episode in the fall, before COVID-19 lockdown happened. I am pleased to say that The Gallery on Green is fully operational and taking visitors on a daily basis.
More on The Gallery on Greene
The Gallery on Greene has consistently fomented curatorial and artistic practice through ambitious exhibitions programs, created in close collaboration with its artists with museums from New York, MCNY, AFAM, SSSM to Havana’s National Museum of Fine Art.
Our philosophy: The style pendulum swung away from overly furnished and cluttered interiors some time ago. The immediate reaction was one of clinical simplicity. We are now experiencing a hugely exciting period where key pieces of fine art or antiques are used to a stunning effect within contemporary interiors. This juxtaposition makes for an emerging sophisticated style, next to no other.
Now we can appreciate the best of both worlds.
With the growing sophistication of the general public, people are looking more into expressing themselves at home than ever before. Comfort, style, quality, beauty, technology and investment are all keywords mentioned when furnishing and decorating a new home.
The Gallery on Greene is ideally positioned to advise on the acquisition of such integral items to enhance your living space and daily lives.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Master Framer, Jeff Rodriguez.
Jeff is the co-owner of DE LA Gallery, located in Key West, FL and Charleston, SC, AND the co-owner of Art Warehouse, located in Key West.
I visited Jeff at his Key West gallery where we talked about his wildly talented partner, photographer/artist Jorge de la Torriente, how they met, and how they turned a dream into a thriving business.
This episode was recorded on the 3rd of March, right before the shut down for COVID-19 began.
NOTE – Jeff and I recorded an intro on this episode that was recorded on Thursday, April 30th, to talk about the status of both galleries and how he is offering additional sources of income for digital photographers out there.
Weâre photographer/artistJorge de la Torriente and master framer Jeffrey Rodriguez. We started out as friends and now we are family.
We specialize in large format coastal, seaside, & landscape fine art photography.
We print and frame all of the images in-house, where Jorge’s singular artistic vision + Jeffreyâs precision, expert craftsmanship and attention to detail combine to make each piece one of a kind.
We specialize in serving new and seasoned collectors looking for one-of-a-kind, museum-quality, and large format fine art photography through our Key West gallery and our online home.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Weâre not a collective run by artists or a traditional art gallery. As a self-represented artist with my own gallery, youâll enjoy a tailored buying experience because you are buying directly from the artist.
We get to know our collectors individually. Which allows us to provide a highly customized art buying experience, that is designed to meet your specific needs as a collector. We use the latest in printing, framing techniques and technology to produce everything in house. This allows us to produce a museum quality finished piece that very few can reproduce. Our finished pieces are all individually made to order, and we offer lots of flexibility in customizing the art to fit your need.
If youâre in town, we invite you to visit us in person. Weâre located across from the historic La Concha Hotel on Duval St. Come in, relax and enjoy the calming visions of the Florida Keys and surrounding areas. Let us help you find that special piece thatâs meant to be in your collection.
If youâre shopping with us online, we invite you to explore our site. Browse limited edition collections or sign up for our newsletter to keep up with the latest DE LA Gallery news.
Gallery Locations
KEY WEST 419 Duval St Key West, FL 33040 (305) 395-2210
CHARLESTON 36 North Market St. Unit #102 Charleston, SC 29401
At Art Warehouse, we believe art and creativity are all inspired by people, places and things in the world around us. Come visit our showroom and let us share some inspiring custom framing ideas with you.
Family owned and operated for 34 years, we cater to the picture framing needs of everyone from fine art galleries to a proud mom framing her child’s first drawing.
Whether you are preserving a precious heirloom or enhancing the look of a piece of art, Art Warehouse is the name you can trust. Our passion lies in seeing the genuine look of enjoyment and satisfaction on our customer’s faces. Come check us out. We love what we do!
We are having a conversation between Mark Baratto, Kassy Burnette and Stuart Damon. MARK: This is the Backyards of Key West Podcast and my name is Mark Baratto, why donât you two introduce yourselves. Before that,…
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