Aldo Jeffrey is a Phoenix, AZ fine artist and video game creator (what a combo!).
It might explain why I like his stuff so much. It has an element of storytelling in the visuals, and he creates more provenance by actually teling you the story of how each piece came to be.
He produces his prints sometimes alone, under his own name, and sometimes (often) under the name Brokebot, which is him and his collab partner Carol Roque.
You know, all too often in this world of ours, story, myth and legend get pushed aside -we’ve forgotten their value as teaching tools (unless you come to class with me. I am always telling stories, and they are usually off-colour). It’s often easier to understand the world, and your reactions to it, through story.
For example, this piece (which I actually own – this one isn’t in the giveaway)
It’s called ‘But First You Must Die.’
And this is what Aldo says about it:
When a caterpillar goes into a cocoon, it’s body completely decomposes down into a basic fluid of just cells. It then rebuilds back up into the body of a butterfly. So in order for the caterpillar to become a butterfly, it essentially dies and has to break down into just the basic ingredients of what it’s made of before being able to build back up into something greater. I like to think that the transformative power of love works in much the same way. In order for you to let love transform you into something amazing, you first have to let it break you down…the old you, in order to become the new you. Everyone wants to be transformed into metaphorical butterflies, but not many are willing to take the necessary steps…of letting go of who they used to be in order to become the person they one day hope to be. I made this painting to remind myself of this idea.
Fuck yeah! That’s so awesome, so true. And my anatomy-geek heart is all a-flutter at that actual anatomical heart. I imagine yublocka’s would be too.
Then, and this is STILL not the giveaway piece, I’m just winding you up (and getting myself all frothed over the art I now feel I have to own) there is this piece.
It’s called ‘A Secret Place’
And Aldo gives provenance by saying:
There’s a lyric that I love that goes:
“… I found the safest place,
to keep all our tenderness,
keep all those bad ideas,
keep all our hope.”“My Favorite Chord” by The Weakerthans
I wanted to draw that secret place. I think at the time of drawing this, that secret place was probably a little bit messy.
Dude, we all know about that. That’s why we love your art.
Okaaaaay.
Old Inspiration for a New Soul.
Man, I fucking love this piece. Yeah, I know, sorry about all the swearing. But then you know me, that’s how I roll.
It’s so simple really, isn’t it? Apply these old ideas, and it’ll all be good. I love how they’ve used light here, how they’ve subverted traditional iconography, and how she is so fresh and new, except for that one little blemish on her forehead. Perfect imperfection.
This is what Aldo says:
I made a drawing called “New Inspiration for an Old Soul” that was about a man who was tired and seemed like and Old soul, but he found new inspiration and I wanted to make a female counterpart called “Old Inspiration for a New Soul” that was a girl who was a new soul, finding inspiration in old ideas. I had originally made one years ago, but never really liked how it turned out. Carol came across it and wanted to give it a shot to see if she could make it better after I had explained what I was originally intending, she got to work. She did such an awesome job that I wanted to go back and work on it too, and this is what we eventually ended up with.
To win this print, just leave a comment below, or reply to the YogaMafia email with a ’yes please’. Entries are open till Friday 15 Feb 2013, and I will announce the winners on the following Monday.
Moving from Stability: Understanding the Pelvis in Posture (Online workshop)
Light Up Your Life
Yes please! I love it
Yes Please! Such a beautiful gift that I would give to my wandering teenager daughter .. who has been handing out a fair share of life lessons in recent weeks!
When I just want to share some ‘old inspiration for a new soul’ .. she surprises me by teaching me the lesson..
it is beautiful nadine……..would happily hang in my bedroom when I finish painting it……….a daily reminder to live each day well…..caring for the soul of yourself and those you met in your day xxx
Lovely idea, lovely piece. Thank you.
Yes Please. I hope I win my birthday is the closing date!
Yes please! That print is so beautiful, I feel like I’m being mesmerised by the girl’s eyes… it really is stunning!
Haha, you know I do!!!
This year has started with a lot of movement towards a new path in life, not just for me, but for many people – it is certainly a year of change for a lot of people. What an awesome print – just love it! Can imagine it up on the wall sending out a beautiful reminder everyday!
Yes please! My housemate is moving out as a result of some soul searching that has been done during light up your life and I’m planning on redoing the space to change the energy…