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The artist, Hely Gonzalez, with one of his self-portraits in his Long Beach studio.                                                 Photo by Elliot V. Kotek

The NoA's founder, Elliot Kotek, dropped down to Long Beach to check on a couple of artists hitting the LBC scene. Able to rent affordable space in the city's affectionately titled "Retro Row" district replete with art supply stores and just 35 minutes from Los Angeles, Long Beach makes a lot of sense for young artists.

In Long Beach to interview tattoo artist and ink-painter Shay Bredimus for an upcoming piece in "Inked" magazine (stay tuned, I'll have some stuff posted for you about Shay shortly), I was introduced to his studio-mate, fellow artist Hely Gonzalez.

Gonzalez is currently engaged in a"self-portrait a day" project that piqued my interest. Called "No Days Off " (http://www.nodaysoff.info ), the guy's got some real drawing chops and is truly passionate about creating his work - the dedication and commitment to his craft is indicated by his output, and I'm looking forward to seeing the entire project shown in one contiguous gallery space. Hely was not only kind enough to grant us a look at the tattoo sleeve his studio-mate is painting on his right arm, but also a sneak peek of his portrait project and the process behind it.

During our time in Gonzalez's studio, we shot an interview in HD. Click here or on any of the images to be taken through to our YouTube chat, "The Nation of Artists: Inside the Studio of Hely Gonzalez. "






All artwork (c) Hely Gonzalez. All photographs (c) Elliot V. Kotek