Dave Lefner: Retro-tastic Reduction Linocuts

The Los Angeles Brewery Art Walk happens twice a year, giving interior design voyeurs like me a peek into the live/work spaces of a diverse group of artists. It’s always interesting, but often I wonder how some of the “less obviously talented artists” afford their large, killer lofts when their art seemed so – unremarkable. Some of these industrial spaces are AMAZING, but… a big space doesn’t always equal big talent, right? Even if it has the world’s priciest sound system… “Big bucks parent benefactors” I thought during my first visit, but then I followed the crowds to Dave Lefner’s loft and WOW. This was no dilettente. Holding court like a rock star surrounded by his fans, this guy delivers with a space as interesting and richly detailed as his retro inspired prints. It’s refreshing to see this cohesion (maybe that makes me a decorating snob?) with cool collectibles and cozy couches set amidst displays that detail the labor intensive process of hand-carved reduction linocut printing. It’s really pretty remarkable. Check out his video and eyeball the loft – the kitchen window wall is ingenious, right? But the art – that’s the main attraction.

A peek into Dave Lefner’s loft/work space in the LA Brewery artists lofts. {photo: davelefner.com}

I’ve created linoleum block prints before, but never reductive ones. I didn’t even know the process had a name until discovering Dave’s work! I’m tempted to give it a go, start small since I have neither a huge press or the gigantic loft to house it in. The next Brewery Art Walk is held October 21-22, 2017. You are guaranteed to be inspired, tuck in some quality people watching (LA style), work your legs hiking up and down flights of stairs, AND get a delish meal from the food trucks.