The Fire Drill: A Creative Collective

Daily Life: Precise Calculations

2011-05-18T14:38:00.000-04:00

Blackbook Entry: Comics

2011-05-09T17:38:00.001-04:00

Here.

2010-11-09T08:00:00.009-05:00

Jess Holt is an Illustrator, Painter, Chef and Resident Therapist for The Fire Drill. Known for her giant works and deep textures, she has made a name for herself in the local art scene by ignoring anything dumb you have to say. We sat down with Jess for a brief Q&A about her plans for 2010, her process and what it's like to baby sit the other members of The Fire Drill.

Q: So aside from the Bulgarian balderdash of Humperdinck...what else are you excited about for 2010?
A: Well I must say that's a long list but I can summarize it with these choice selections of movies as well as other joys of the mind:

Pieces 2: The Return of the Eyebrows of Doom; The Water Bed Debacle-To Wear a Tampon; Chainsaw-The Musical; That Damn Bastard- played by the Phil Harmonica; It came From this Corner- A night of Sloppy Duck Noises; and the awe inspiring play- Fist Pumping and Face Planting a love story for the ages...or just simply stated New Jersey- The desecration of the garden.

Q: Interesting, yet not surprising. Now I see you are affiliated with the super-group collective know as The Fire Drill. How did your contribution to this begin?
A: On a dark and scary night when we danced a jig of ABBA induced madness..I fell victim to dance fever and awoke two years later apparently apart of aforementioned group as well as the Coalition for Better Mustache Awareness. Much sobbing was had.

Q: You must either be truly honored or absolutely horrified. Now from stalking you on the Internet, I see you are mostly known for your enormous works and bold color schemes. Do you think this is threatening to your counterparts in the fact that they usually work in inches while you are more commonly known for working in feet. In short... does size matter?
A: Only if you live in Canada.

Q: I will be sure MBS doesn't read that part, but what about those of us who feel it's not the size of the wave, but the motion in the ocean?
A: If there's a big enough motor why not.

Q: Quite interesting. So if you were to work on smaller media is it safe to say you would rather engage in a wrestling match to the death with an angry, yet cuddly polar bear?
A: Only if there was crotch padding for said bear, I like to use spears....to start.

Q: Apparently I have no idea what I'm talking about. Would you agree?
A: Do birds crap on freshly washed windshields? I think so.

Q: Now that we have reduced me down to a scared little girl in a hall of mirrors, how does that make you feel?
A: Like a new person.

Q: Quite empowering indeed. Now as far as your illustration work goes, I hear you are currently scripting and story boarding your first graphic novel. What part of the process are you on and can you tell us a little bit about it?
A: No, it's a secret and you can't have it. Just kidding, it's just like a zombie hamster soap opera..full of furry fury and tiny bites of love.

Q: That sounds immensely intimidating... as a matter of fact I contemplate ending this interview now, but I digress. Will this venture be done completely on your own or do you plan on compiling a team or talentless hacks to obey your every whim in order to gain completion?
A: Yes and no all I have to say is beware of ninja ceiling penis's and life will be fruitful plus injury free. I can't say anymore without angering them.

Q: I'm sure the beatings will help more then one could imagine. Now as for slaves, do you prefer them to wear the standard loin cloths or do you save those for any Amazonian woman you keep caged within the depths of your home studio?
A: Beatings? I do not condone violence, Damn it man I'm an artist not a dominatrix....a dominatrix of the art world maybe ha no that's not cool. Where's my spear?

Q: That reminds me of a quote I read once by you which you state "hey.. you... shut the fuck up" Do you think that applies here now and if so.... how?
A: Most definitely, So shut the fuck up.

Q: Absolutely inspiring. Now any other new projects in the works you care to fill us in on?
A:Yes, there are many coming in this the year of productivity but I do not wish to divulge such information yet seeing as they are all still in the process of severe birthing by a wildebeest. It's going to be spectacular.

Q: As our time here wraps up I thought it would be fun to try a bit of word association. Feel free to say the first thing that comes to mind:

Slow-Motion Karate: Your face, my foot; the first time they met.
Penis Handshake: How you feel about David Choe.
Vagina Paintings: Twenty feet tall and coming to a town near you.

Well, you've hear it it here first ladies and gentlemen. Tune in next time as we humiliate ourselves a bit more and hopefully throw someone else in front of this kamikaze Mack truck know only as The Fire Drill.

Daily Life: Happy Hour

2010-04-30T14:10:00.005-04:00

Photo: AR

Photo: MBS

Photo: JH

The Fire Drill © 2010

Daily Life: Commute

2010-04-20T14:29:00.008-04:00

Photo: Jess Holt

Photo: Adam Ramirez

Photo: MB Smith

Daily Life: Trespassing

2010-04-18T14:10:00.001-04:00

Train Graveyard
Boonton, NJ

The Fire Drill © 2010

Daily Life: Distance

2010-04-10T13:52:00.010-04:00

Lamp Love.

Daily Life: The Yards of North Jersey

2010-04-08T13:22:00.000-04:00

Daily Life: Sunshine

2010-04-07T17:22:00.000-04:00

Daily Life: Laundry Day

2010-04-06T08:59:00.000-04:00

Movie Night: Pieces (1982)

2010-03-16T11:37:00.000-04:00

Oh it's movie review time! The Fire Drill proudly present... Pieces! This cult classic is notorious for a number of reasons. Given it's cliché taglines (i.e: "Pieces... It's exactly what you think it is!"), low budget special effects, over the top gore, and plenty of gratuitous nudity this flick shall live on in our hearts as one of the best slasher flicks of the 80s... if not all time. Even actor/director Eli Roth calls the film, "a masterpiece of early '80s sleaze." Would you disagree with The Bear Jew? I think not.

Let the Pieces begin!

"Who is it?"

Thats just gnarly.

"Bastard! Bastard! BASTARD!"

Secret compartments always rule.

The Completed Puzzle.

Don't be so upset... She's made up of all the hottest girls in school.

"Whats the matter, Willard?

"oh"

For More Info: http://www.grindhousereleasing.com/

Althought MBS wasn't able to enjoy movie night with us... he was there in spirit. Take a day off every once in a while man!

Work in Progress: Adam Ramirez

2010-01-24T15:53:00.005-05:00

I'm currently working on a larger series of Phantasmagoria for an upcoming art show this month. Here are a few (lo res, quite crappy) snapshots of this work in progress:

Step 1: After prepping the canvas (aka covering an old canvas with White Latex Wall Paint) I begin by covering the canvas in a 2 color gradient.

Step 2: Once the model has been chosen from one of my existing photo sets, I loosely paint 3 color textues across the chosen area. I very rarely worry about the 2 matching up. I feel the contrast between the broad brush strokes and sharp thin lines compliment each other well enough without trying too hard.

Step 3: Once the brush stokes are dry, I apply the line work on top using tracing paper, pencil and marker.

Step 4: Using Marker & Ink I refine my lines and fill in any black. Sign it. Seal it. Sell it.

"Phantasmagoria 1"
24"x36"
Acrylic, Marker & Ink on Canvas
Model: Key

These works will be on display in New Jersey (in late Jan) & Philadelphia as part of Febuary First Friday.

The Fire Drill © 2010

Q&A: Adam Ramirez

2010-01-14T08:14:00.001-05:00

Adam Ramirez is a Photographer, Painter, Musician and all around sensitive artiste at The Fire Drill. Best known for his seductive model work and kinetic landscapes, he has also made a name for himself creating paintings from photographs taken in his home studio. We sat down with Mr. Ramirez for a brief Q&A about his narcissism, inspiration and future with The Fire Drill.

So how is it being awesome?
There's no business like show business...cept for Suitball!

Wow that is awesome, I didn't know you considered that a sport. How do you plan on incorporated suitball into your art?
Well I plan on opening a Fantasy League for Suitball teams. Once organized I will be sure everyone chips into the pot... and then spend it on art supplies from Pearl before they close.

Brilliant, now with your photography where do you pull inspiration from?
Most people think I'm inspired by sex. Really I'm inspired by life in general... and sex.

And how does that effect the outcome of your work?
Results tend to vary.

Do you plan on doing a piece or series of sorts revolving around music? Seeing as you are the notorious DJ Lookathimgo.
My DJ life and my art lifestyle are very different. I prefer to spin private parties since my only DJ set consists of Girl Talk... on repeat. "Look at him go!"

Fantastic, now is it true that you plan on breaking the world record of largest collaborative painting ever done with your new collection of artists?I have heard no such rumors and will take no responsibility for the consequences of said painting. Although Ms. Holt insist of constantly bringing huge canvas in my apt and leaving them unfinished to taunt me.

I heard she does large paintings but did you say she started this in her living room and it somehow managed to span route 23 and land in your living room?
This started off as a joke. Guess the jokes on me...and every highway driver in between.

Get the fuck out of here...no seriously
oh I cannot. I'm quite serious.

Do you think you can beat MB Smith in a tagging duel? Would you like to elaborate on what kind of ass whooping you are speaking of?
One NYE he fell asleep first. I tagged the word "BALLS" on his forehead. I think this certainly makes me the winner, but if he wants to go toe-to-toe; his Slo-mo Tiger Style will be no match for my Slo-mo Mantis Style.
I know you recently received the award for "Most Productive Artist of the Year" how does that make you feel Adam...oh don't cry... it's ok your in a safe place.
*sniff* hold me *sniff*

Now with your past shows being massive successes, what tantalizing photo seduction play are you going to dazzle the public with this year?
It would be too soon to release the details of any new ventures, however, I will say "Pin Up Players" Playing Cards will FINALLY be released this year. Woo Hoo!

Would you like to start a new art movement at the top of this new decade as to become an iconic person in the years to come?
Well as People Magazines "Sexiest Man Alive" for 2 consecutive years, I figure taking over the underground art scene should be childs play. We shall start with a small group of delinquents known only as The Fire Drill.

What is your view on penis handshakes?
Get your words and your thoughts mixed up ONE TIME...and you'll never live it down.

Mind Blowing indeed.

Well we've just finished talking with International Art Sensation Adam Ramirez. Hope you all caught that amazing interview brought to you by the tear inducing, fear producing Jess Holt.

Make sure to check our next interview with the maniacal sculpting giant that is MB Smith. Come for the free Pabts... Stay for the emotional sodomy.

Good Night and Good Luck.

Now on international anthems radio live we have 12 bow legged bunnies playing Theremins whilst log rolling singing the anthem of Scotland, China, Australia, and of course the hypnotic Russian clog banging performed by the hairy toad of Svlengorbchachkas. Splendid indeed.

Work in Progress: MB Smith

2010-01-10T19:05:00.001-05:00

work in progress mb smith

Q&A: MB Smith

2010-01-10T13:13:00.001-05:00

MB Smith is an Artist, Sculpture, Race Car Driver and resident nutcase at The Fire Drill. Known for his minimalist style and retro themes, he has also made a name for himself creating sculptures from found objects such as car parts and vintage toys. We sat down with Mr. Smith for a brief Q&A about his style, influence and future with The Fire Drill.

So... how's it going?
great

That sounds pretty painful. What do you plan on doing about that?
oh it is painfull... i will throw rocks at you.

Speaking of Art, how long have you been working on paintings and what are some of your influences?
dali.....dali.....dali...

Over the years you've worked with everything from Ink, Paint, Aerosol, Paper Mache & Found Objects. How has working with mixed media affected your style?
why would you ask that...

You recently submitted a few paintings to the Pocketsize! Group Show @ 32Jones Gallery. I take these 2 pieces as a play on Classic Americana, but also a satirical take on consumerism. How do these 2 paintings speak to you and what type of message do you wish to leave with it's viewers?
%@!# you

Sounds like you don't really care. Now as for The Fire Drill, what do you think is the best part of working with a collective? Is it creating, showing and/or networking your artwork or just getting CRUNK with friends?
no comment... %@!#$ nut

MBS is currently taking his sweet-ass time creating new works for 2010.

Photo: MBS *
Interview: AR **
Spirits: JH ***

The Fire Drill © 2010

* Used with Kind Permission.
** Results May Vary
*** Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.

Group Show: Piti Piti Plein Kay @ Lotus Studios Gallery

2010-01-03T14:11:00.000-05:00

Art Lives Studio & White Lotus Home presents "Piti Piti Plein Kay" at Lotus Studios Gallery. These works are on display now and the closing reception will be on January 17th 2010. If you're free or in the area stop by. It's for a good cause!

Adam Ramirez has a new series of works titled "Fantasma" on display.

More info HERE.

The Fire Drill © 2010

Group Show: PocketSize! @ 32Jones Gallery

2010-01-03T13:53:00.001-05:00

PocketSize! Group Show @ 32Jones Gallery has been extended! All works will remain in the gallery until January 29th 2010.

MB Smith has a few Paintings on display:

"Sorry. We're Open" (2004)
5"x7"
Acrylic on Canvas

"Come in. We're Closed." (2004)
5"x7"
Acrylic on Canvas

Adam Ramirez has new works from his Phantasmagoria series on display:

"Purple: Key" (2009)
11"x14”
Acrylic & Marker on Canvas

"Pink: Yuffie" (2009)
11"x14”
Acrylic & Marker on Canvas

The Fire Drill © 2010

Coming Soon

2009-12-29T08:26:00.000-05:00

Oh yes. Very soon.