The Goldmine Shithouse (GMSH) is an artist collaborative that was started by artists David Hochbaum, Travis Lindquist and Colin Burns in early 2003. The three met on a weekly basis every Saturday night keeping the doors open to other friends and...
[more]The Goldmine Shithouse (GMSH) is an artist collaborative that was started by artists David Hochbaum, Travis Lindquist and Colin Burns in early 2003. The three met on a weekly basis every Saturday night keeping the doors open to other friends and artists to hang out and join in the collaborative process. The work is started by one artist, then passed on, or put aside until picked up by another, and so on, as the piece begins to take shape. At one point, the majority rules in the decision to continue, or deem it finished. This creates a communal atmosphere and a dialogue between the participants, in which all the artists involved have say.
Everyone would leave from these meetings feeling purified and euphoric as if they emptied their artistic bowels. The styles of work would change each week depending on the participants, but the styles and techniques of the three founding members meshed so well that they decided to push their collaborative effort to another level. After working together for six months, Colin Burns moved to Los Angeles, which meant the GMSH would have to figure out a way to keep their collaboration going. Private commissions and Gallery shows was their next experiment.
The GMSH would converge in different cities creating the work for exhibition or private or in the gallery itself.The artist create an energy and environment that is inspired and exciting and those who come in contact with their cathardic process leave enegized and motivated. Each exhibition yieldis new styles and concept as the GMSH continue to push the idea of collaboration while pursuing their individual artistic visions.
The primary focus is on painting, drawing, and collage, but has extended into the realm of video and music/punk rock art noise (Murder Baby). The Goldmine Shithouse work deals with sometimes violent and difficult themes, filtered through their inexhaustible sense of humor. The contrast of horror and comedy creates a paradox that is relevant, entertaining, and infectious. There are reoccurring themes and symbols throughout the work, including death, bunnies, ladders to nowhere, black hearts and clouds, among many others. The visual elements are derived from a variety of sources, including classical references, the artists' own sketchbooks, as well as the smorgasbord of popular culture.
Since the insurrection of GMSH, hundreds of drawings and paintings have resulted from this immensely enjoyable and highly productive process. The artwork has been alternately described illustrative, painterly, humorous, expressionistic, politically incorrect, poetic and edgy.
[show less]
