Who am I?
My name is Michali Hallewell. For the last 4 years I have been working as a full time representative for Ame72.

I have been asked many times "why and what do you actually do?"

Well, my job is to make sure that my artist stays focused on creating artworks and doesn't need to worry about the business side which includes phone calls, emails, meetings and finding suppliers and materials. [I admit, it also includes serving coffee]. I started this job when I realized that it is very difficult for an artist to do everything alone, from the creative side, sourcing suppliers to marketing and selling the artworks.

Each day I'm learning more and more on how to promote art and give the collector a better understanding of what they are purchasing. The learning curve continues to grow and there is no better way to learn than learning from mistakes, and believe me I've made a few but I also know to give myself credit for all my efforts. Beside that, I love the work, I wake up in the morning with new energy and wonder how the day will end or what project will be next, but don't get me wrong I have days when I feel frustrated, where I want to disappear to an island and cut myself off from the world.

I live by the motto "BELIEF & PASSION". I do believe and have passion for my artists' work and each year I can see him growing in the art world which gives me satisfaction, knowing I'm pushing him along the way. I truly believe all artists need to have an abundant life as a credit for their talent and hard work. The art industry is a difficult business to be in, why should the artist have to suffer for their talent. The stereotype should be 'Successful artist' not 'Struggling artist'. On a last note, I would like to say a huge thank you to all our loyal customers, family and friends who have invested money, time and effort and shown belief in us over the years and continue to support us to this day, without you, none of this would be possible.
Michali Hallewell
Ame72 Representative

Upfest - Bristol

When ame72 got the invite to paint at Upfest I was really keen, especially as it is the biggest urban art festival in Europe.
After taking a part in the 'Cans Festival' back in 2008 I wondered how Upfest might compare.
As soon as we got in the city it was easy to understand why bristol has a reputation for street art. Numerous walls have been painted and covered with colours and humor and it felt like we were driving though a constant exhibition of art.

As in previous years, Upfest was centred on live painting at the Tobacco Factory on June with over 200 urban artists and illustrators painting live over the weekend including 50 artists having come from around the world to be a part of the event.
After a sleepless night at a local hostel, [due to the hostel not mentioning our room was right next the bar guests and part of a ping pong game!] we awoke to a lovely English sunny day. The Festival kicked off mid morning and the artists started to work throughout the day, exhibiting their skills to the constant crowd of onlookers who wandered through through the various painting areas.
Ame painted a colourful pop art style piece using real frames to enhance the finished work .[Pictured above].

Since 1985!2010 will see Ame72 celebrating 25 years in the graffiti scene. Ame will be planning to do something a bit special to celebrate his 'Silver Anniversary'....more on that soon.

Very Little Helps!

Pictured above - Banksy's Very Little Helps signed screen print....plus mini fig.

Our little friend supporting the plastics industry.
(Before you ask, yes, it's real)




Fresh Paint Art Fair


Fresh Paint Contemporary Art Fair was initiated by genuine art lovers who have a deep understanding of the contemporary art market and business arena.
This year Fresh Paint Art Fair included an urban art section in a big Hanger by Jaffa port and included 5 artists, each with their own individual style, resulting in huge walls splashed with colour. Pictured above, Ame's 22m x 4m Lego pop art wall painting.

Antwerp - Belgium

At the start of 2010 Ronen Elbaun, creator of Artik, offered us to take part in a private art show at his home in Antwerp, Belgium, ironically, opposite a gallery where Andy Warhol used to exhibit works back in the 80's.
After months of preparation, we finally arrived in the city of Antwerp, renowned for being the centre of the diamond industry.

Within 24 hours of arrival the show was underway. Champagne and chocolate strawberries made the evening feel more like the opening night of a new gallery space. The evening was a huge success, I'm sure it will not be our last visit to belgium.
Big thanks to Ronen and his lovely wife Neomi, for a great evening and warm hospitality.

DNFA Auction HouseDreweatts [DNFA] is the UK's leading exclusively regional firm of auctioneers and valuers, with salerooms in Donnington, London, Bristol and Godalming, and offices in Tunbridge Wells.  They offer buyers and sellers the complete range of auction services, combining established local knowledge with all the advantages of an integrated network of salerooms with international reach.

Even though Ame has been featured in DNFA auctions over the last two years, it is always great to see Ame's work hanging on the wall next to some of the world's most established names in the urban and contemporary art movements.
If you have had the chance to be part of a crowd in an auction house then you will have felt the excitement in the air when a piece is being bidded on, especially if it is your piece in the auction!
It was also nice meeting people who wanted to know about the techniques used and meaning behind each of the works.
There is clearly a technique to placing a bid when the auction commences and every now and then it proves to be quite amusing, especially when someone in the crowd scratches their head or waves to a colleague in the room, resulting in a mistaken bid on an item.
DNFA Contemporary Art Auction
October 21st, London 2010.
www.dnfa.com

Blop Art

The new neo pop....
Ame's 'Blop Art', a self proclaimed, post modern art movement, influenced by the free running drips and splats created by clogged up cans of spray paint. Ame best describes Blop Art as 'serendipity in a paint tin'.
Watch out for Ame's Blop Art furniture due for release Autumn 2010.

Eden Gallery NY & TLV

Eden Gallery planned a double header with Eden NY & Eden Tel Aviv simultaneously running shows at the same time, it didn't quite work out due to the different time zones but nevertheless, over 800 people turned up to the NY Madison Square event followed a few days later by a good turn out at the Tel Aviv,Ben Yudah Street show.
Thanks to Amos for all the hard work and effort put in to make it happen in such a short time.

Good causes

Ame presented an original work for the Sea No Evil Art Show which was located at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, California.
Works from renowned artists were sold in a silent auction format for the sole benefit of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
Unfortunately we didn't get the chance to attend due to other commitments but hopefully next year we'll be back in the US.

Next up...
Ame72 Times Issue 2 available Dec 2010.
Michali Hallewell.

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