On the Cover | Sept. 15, 2011
learn about this issue's cover art by Jon Erik
Volume One finds its cover art in a number of ways, from local art shows to random emails to knowing someone who knows someone who knows a great artist. The art always originates from a current or former Chippewa Valley resident. If you'd like to submit cover art, send us a letter.
“Tall Bike Manifesto” by Jon Erik
(acrylic 32” x 25”)Jon Erik“This piece started out when we were instructed to paint a self portrait for a school assignment. The idea came about when I was riding my friends triple tall bike around town and thought it would be cool to take a photo with it for the self portrait. So when I got home excited on the idea I put on a cowboy hat and a flannel and told my brother to take a photo of me, walking out the door I grabbed a crutch for reasons unknown, but I think it gave it an interesting feel and described me more as a person.” – The Artist
What we were thinking: Our latest cover was created by a local Memorial High School student named Jon Erik. For most of the month of July, the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center displayed it's High School Art Show, which is where we noticed this piece. The content of this piece is relevant by virtue of Eau Claire's growing cycling scene, and out local freak-bikers. On any given day, one can notice a daring commuter propped up on one of these triple deckers. The expressionistic qualities of the character in the foreground (who is actually the artist) tell an almost somber story of pain, but also a body position of being dignified. The piece is intriguing and the proportions were great to work with for adding our cover elements like the masthead and blurbs. –V1 Designer Josh Smeltzer
