Editor’s Note:

One year in publication… Unbelievable! I’m continually amazed how life progresses, how time seems to “fly,” how people and ideas converge, develop, and flourish together into collective lives of their own. This being the anniversary edition of FORTH—still the only publication in Los Angeles to unite art, literature, and journalism—we thought it appropriate to present the edition as our official “State of the Union” address—an exploration of converging art forms, industries, and of course people.

With his recent paintings, Michael Shankman reveals interiors and exteriors of collapsing homesteads from suburban areas of Colorado, the area where he grew up. Shards of color and structural elements are depicted in large, explosive compositions that stand in comparison to his careful and delicate renderings of small clusters of suburbia.

The following are photos of the Vox Humana Live Art Performance, which took place at the LA Art Show in January 2010.

(CREDITS: The one with the woman’s face is a collaboration between Retna and El Mac. The geometric one is by Kofie, and the city with the boy is by Mear One. The photo credit should be to Tommy Tung.)

Deb Ris
www.washedup.us

DNA (image name DebRis DNA.jpg)
Size: 66″ x10″ x 10″
Materials: Washed up balloons, street found lamp. Mixed media.

Ballgown (image DebRis Ballgown.jpg)
(There were 2 images sent – one had my picture in it)
Size: 55″ x 16″ x 15″
Materials: Washed up balls & brackets, street found mannequin & construction mesh. Mixed Media.

Water Balloons (DebRis Water Balloons.jpg)
also accompanying video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fd_nf65vZ4
Size: 24″ x 24″ x 12″
Materials: All objects inside of tank were found washed up on the beach.

Patriot (DebRis Patriot.jpg)
Size: 6′ x 35″ x 3″
Materials: All firecrackers, cigarettes, streamers and fishing line were found left on the beaches and streets on July 5th. All fireworks were made in China.

Billy has no idea what he’s done wrong. Just another confused statistic behind bars, sentenced to life for a crime he never even committed. Now, without any means to plead his case, the 23 year-old is slowly losing his mind. Celebrities, politicians and activists have been fighting over him for several years, and a major trial – with a $42 million price tag – is set to go to court this spring. Advocates for Billy’s life-sentence declare he is getting exactly what he deserves, while critics denounce his wrongful imprisonment as a cruel means to an end that could result in his premature death.