The One Off show was a lot of fun. Somehow I missed The Pets and the other bands (I’m not sure if they played before or after I got there) but DJ Crush Delight spun a smooth soundtrack for viewing the 30-plus original t-shirt designs on display. This was one of those events where there was almost too much good stuff, making it hard to take it all in. Once the show is over it would be great to see all the designs posted together in one place; if anyone else thinks this is a good idea, send a JPG of your stuff to jesse@hardpressedink.com and I’ll post it here.

Of course, I loved the work by my friends: Sandor Berg had two especially clever designs, as did Aaron Winters. My young protégé, Clave, went through several drafts before arriving at a very exciting final design, which hopefully taught him the value of revision (although judging from the snarky comments about me in his blog, I doubt it). I also really liked Rusty Jordan‘s design, which Sol Collective wisely put right in front of the door so it was the first thing one saw upon entering. My favorite design, however, was a lovingly hand-drawn and crosshatched portrait of a young girl above the caption, “Remember me when I’m gone.”

Also adding to the ambience were the amazing murals from the Life, Death and Rebirth show yet to be painted over. This included the incredible walk-through-tree, which has to be seen to be believed, extending from the floor up to the ceiling and halfway across the room.

So, thanks as always to the hard-working Adam Saake for including me in the show, to Aaron Winters for his great advice, to the other artists for creating such delightful designs and to everyone who attended the opening. However, my biggest thanks go to my Mormon friends and family who come out and support me at such events even if they don’t support the ideas and feelings expressed in my art. I love you all.