ReForm School presents Silverlake artist, Jules Manoogian...


(welcome to Jules' studio... let's take a look inside)

We're always excited to discover local talent and Jules just happens to be both local and talented (Heck, she lives right up the street) Hailing from Seattle...she's made her way to Silverlake just over a year ago. Her work is unlike anything we have ever shown and we can't wait to see it up in the shop. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by Friday March 21st from 7-9 have a drink and a snack and of course, meet Jules.


(just one of the many whimsical corners of her place)

We thought it would be fun to do a little Q & A with Jules so that everyone could learn a bit more about her. She's such an interesting gal.

RS-How did you get your start as an artist?
JM-I started showing my work in cafes and galleries in Seattle, WA in 2001. Finally after time and time again of show after show I realized that I sold almost everything I put out there. I found myself at a stand still for what I could do as an artist living in Seattle. Los Angeles was calling me. Literally, I think.

RS-What other artists work inspires you?
JM-Francis Bacon, Jean Michel Basquiat, Ed and Nancy Kienholz, Robert Rauschenberg, Lee Bontecou, Jim Rittiman, Elizabeth McGrath.

RS-What is your creative process/how do you prepare for a show?
JM-I think the creative process is always happening for me. It never leaves me. I feel my job as an artist is to never stop thinking as an artist. To always have vision forward. To always move on to the next idea. I would be letting myself and the community around me down if I gave it a rest.

As far as the actual objects are concerned, my creative process is inspired by two major points: to give new permanent life to an object and to create a visual that will greet the viewer with overwhelming intrigue and nostalgia. I want people who view my work to have their own connection, their own personal reasons for remembering the piece. I want people to remember all aspects of their past, positive and negative. To feel comforted, or sometimes scared, that this visual exists in this world.

The world is full of endless materials as long as you know how to implement them. So much of what I work with are objects I find on the street. Sometimes I'll have an object (scraps of paper, old radio) for years before I figure out what to do with it. Still, I try to be picky because not everything is worth picking up off the ground. If it catches my eye and I see it as material, I will most likely take it home. The ultimate life of the piece is the most important aspect to my work.

So much goes in to preparing a show. Perhaps the hardest part is tying up the loose ends. Last minute and crucial details.

RS-How do you enjoy spending your spare time?
JM-Riding my bike, drinking and talking about coffee, laughing loudly with friends.

RS-What's the best book you've read lately?
JM-Not much book reading lately. I always read cover to cover Cabinet Magazine, a quarterly arts and culture magazine (more like a mini book). I did recently listen to a book on tape by David Lynch about mediation and creativity.

RS-How does your work reflect your personality?
JM-Complicated, colorful, intriguing, comforting, alive, sad, intimidating.

RS-What are 5 things you can't live without?
JM-Coffee, pure luck restaurant, bikes, water, work table.


(everyone should have bells in their kitchen.. these belonged to Jules' dad)

** among her many talents we love the fact that Jules makes her way around L.A solely by bicycle and she can also make you a magnificent cup of coffee! Thanks Jules.

For those of you who have been drooling over our new milk bottles by our latest student of the month Julia Rothman, you may want to move quickly as they are just about sold out... We only have a few of each color left! Wow, that was quick!! We've really enjoyed having her work in the shop, even if it wasn't for very long. Thanks again Julia!