*Preview* NREAZON's Against The Grain at Dragatomi

NREAZON kicks off her Against the Grain solo show in Sacramento tomorrow night, but SpankyStokes has an exclusive preview for all you folks right now on commercial break from The Olympics. We first told you about it last week, but here's a few sneak peeks and some words from NREAZON herself. Check out paintings on wood, Kokeshi dolls and customized Munnys Saturday, February 13th through March 6th at Dragatomi!

Tell us about your show this weekend at Dragatomi – “Against the Grain.”
I’ve been very excited for this show for a really long time. Just by the title “Against the Grain” there are a lot of wood pieces and I have some of my older iconic characters like the grenade and the ice cream skullys. Those will be in the show also. But, there’s a new story and characters that I felt I needed to introduce: Ninja Boy and Ninja Girl.

Ninja Girl is in love with Ninja Boy. They’ve trained together and they’ve kinda built this life together and he rips her heart out by stabbing her which is the ultimate love betrayal. And Ninja Girl feels lost and falls to her death and then is saved by this Samurai that shows her how to love again and to not close herself off. There are a lot of paintings that have to do with Ninja Boy and Ninja Girl and you’ll see that in the show.

What's the 'scene' like in Dallas?
Dallas has always been more corporate than in the art world. I’ve never really heard of people doing vinyl art, and I felt really lonely. However not until recently, when Kidrobot opened did all the vinyl collectors come out. Now Dallas has an art scene.

How is it being a female artist in the vinyl scene?
It’s definitely more male driven, and I think that maybe my approach to it is a little bit different. Being a girl on the scene doing my own thing, not just on vinyl toys, but also merchandise, and doing paintings as well. I think that’s what makes me stand out and be a little bit different from everyone. I try to inspire other women to show off their artistic side. And… I just want to be able to keep up with the boys.


What are your thoughts on love for Valentine’s day?
I think that Valentine’s day should be more sentimental. Being with who you like or love or who you have strong feelings for. Just spending time together and letting them know how special they are to you. But I’m not one to go out to fancy dinners or possession things. I’m not a possessions person at all. For me it’s the quality time and not the material things.

So go spend some quality time with NREAZON, Joanne, Ray and the Dragatomi crew in Sacto this weekend! If you can't make the scene, peep some more photos on Flickr.