Etsy's Handmade Blog
Artistic Endeavors: Matt Revelli of Upper Playground & Juxtapoz Magazine
Story by MRevelli
Published on October 22, 2009 in This Handmade Life 		Photo by

 GrandOleBestiary

Upper Playground is a design force for a new generation, where underground artists emerge and art shows up on T-shirts, baseball caps, online videos as well as gallery walls. Bridging art and fashion, Matt Revelli, creative director of Upper Playground (which he founded in 1999), recently took on the additional role of editor in chief for Juxtapoz Magazine. It's hard to describe just how influential its pages have been for artists who insist on breaking down the barriers between fine art and pop culture. 

Matt is a mixture of brain and athlete, "the last of the bohemian jocks."

"Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong, but we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us... In the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain...and an athlete....and a basket case...a princess...and a criminal...Does that answer your question?... Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club."


What got you interested in independent artists?
I'm a contrarian by nature so I think I'm drawn to handmade things and art because at the root of it there is a desire amongst the creators to go against the grain and make things that don't fit into a particular category.

The rainy season is coming and I'm looking forward to spending Saturday afternoons putting together all my paper dollies. Woody Allen Paper Doll by littlegreygoose.



Do you have any collections?
I don't collect anything except original art, and I only collect things from people that I like personally.

Caroline Hwang showed her art in the FIFTY24SF Gallery a while back and I've always liked how she can translate fine art into a craft format. Let's Rethink This Pillow by carolinehwang.

I started to realize that the things that you collect become a part of your life, and no matter how great a painting is, if I don't have a positive personal connection to it I don't want it in my life.

Do you make anything?
I don't really make things myself. I consider myself more of a producer, more comfortable behind the scenes.  

I like how this photo manages to make pigeons look regal. Fantastic Blue and Gray Pigeon 8 x 10 Photograph by allisonostertag.

What do you love about your job?
The best thing about my job is getting to interact with some of the most creative people in the world. They allow me to see the world from a completely different perspective and challenge me to raise the standards of what it means to be innovative. Street art really only intrigues me when I see people trying to push conceptual boundaries — people who interact with the outside world and treat the outside as a larger extension of what was once only encouraged in the galleries and museums.

What emerging artists do you have your eye on?
People who inspire me in that world include Herbert Baglione, David Ellis, Blu, and Mark Jenkins to name a few. For pure graffiti and murals Augor, Saber, Mac, Retna, Revok, QS, and MQ off the top of my head, but there are literally hundreds of people whose work I enjoy...

Are you a producer, working behind the scenes? Which artists and creators inspire you?
Tell us in the comments below.

Tags A Dude's Perspective, art, Artistic Endeavors, California, editors, FIFTY24SF Gallery, gallery, Juxtapoz Magazine, lifestyle, magazines, Matt Revelli, pop culture, San Francisco, street art, This Handmade Life, THIS HANDMADE LIFE, Upper Playground, vintage
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88 comments     Login to add your own!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. beautifulbridget

Woah!! Cool!!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. studiocvh

you should check out work by Legendary Tiger Hero...
http://legendarytigerhero.etsy.com

Oct. 22, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. chainchainchained

I LOVE that money clip!!!!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. foamywader

Fantastic choices!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. meganaker

Nice selections, especially like the pillow.

Oct. 22, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. sonyarasi

Nice work!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 4:49 p.m. LaveMeSoapCo

nice !!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. louloudo

amazing! all these things made me chuckle

Oct. 22, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. thestapeliacompany

Love all this urban and bizarre artwork... I pretty much want about half of it. :)

Oct. 22, 2009 at 4:55 p.m. blueskyclouds

THANK YOU for this feature, I love Juxtapoz magazine and all the art featured here. So real and raw. Jesse Reno's work is fabulous!!!!!!!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 4:56 p.m. iheartmies

iheartthepaperdolls

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. mooshoopork

good pics in here.. i too love the quirky urban art!
thanks MRevelli

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:07 p.m. loopyboopy

cool article. Love OddImagination!!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:12 p.m. VintageEye

great stuff!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. 2dapoint

that face mask rocks!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. Ryanplz

haha! wonderful!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:29 p.m. rebeccasanchez

Great talent!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. lovelygifts

Great! So creative.

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. hollypaints

This is a great article.

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. MilkGlassVintage

Wacky & wonderful! That's the way we like things around here :D

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:32 p.m. samsstuff

Juxtapoz is one of my favorite magazines & through them & I've learned about Upper Playground. Through Upper Playground, I've started to enjoy Walrus TV. Some amazing, visually stunning & mentally interesting, social & political commentary (through art)in all three. Thanks for posting this interview!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. Tomorrowsunknown

LOOOOOOVE this stuff.

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:45 p.m. pinkytoeclothing

Awesome, quirky stuff here!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:47 p.m. jbeaudet

Very cool stuff!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:48 p.m. recycledwares

i'm glad you shared this information. looking forward to seeing what juxtapoz mag is all about.

Oct. 22, 2009 at 5:59 p.m. artfulife

I heart Juxtapoz! Thanks for featuring this article.

Oct. 22, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. PunchDrunkPrincess

I am so going to make a walrus mask now...

Oct. 22, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. soule

Great choices! I LOVE Upper Playground and Juxtapoz!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 6:07 p.m. BabbidgePatch

great items! While I'm not a producer, my fav artists are: Dahlov Ipgar, Regine Faust, and Jane Thornley!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. candacejean

This is awesome! I love Upper Playground and can't wait for my Juxtapoz to arrive in the mail each month. Thank you so much for sharing!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 6:50 p.m. girltuesdayjewelry

Agreed--the things you collect do indeed become a part of your life. Thanks for introducing me to Upper Playground and Juxtapoz!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 6:54 p.m. maclancy

I have several tintypes that I digitally altered in my shot with cat and dog faces. I have been doing that for years but only showed a few in my store. My daughter says I am weird to do that kind of photography but I love the crossover. Now I don't feel that weird! I cannot say how much I appreciated this article..breaking the rules has always been such a great feeling and doing that with art.. well. its the best!
thank you!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 7:07 p.m. moonstr

wonderful article:)
Gerome Kamrowski loove his art, i only wish i could of seen
his styrofoam domes in person.

Oct. 22, 2009 at 7:48 p.m. squidart

This is a great interview. I would love to see more interviews like this featuring different people who play different roles in the art world.

Oct. 22, 2009 at 8:05 p.m. ArtDecoDame

fantastic!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 8:40 p.m. warpedLaurie

very good art. Not your hum drum big yawn .

Oct. 22, 2009 at 9:22 p.m. sighandgroan

Jammin'!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 9:34 p.m. wristielove

thx matt! checking out juxtapoz .love the krylon lamp.

Oct. 22, 2009 at 9:46 p.m. UglyBaby

That pillow is freaking cool. I want. Mine. Mine.

Oct. 22, 2009 at 10:37 p.m. sisterbutterfly

I LOVE that paint can light!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 10:48 p.m. babook

lol , so cool all pick !! what great artist they're .

Oct. 22, 2009 at 11:05 p.m. ebombglass

UPPER PLAYGROUND ROCKS! nice choices for sure. I was just checking out that spraycan lamp the otherday.

Oct. 22, 2009 at 11:07 p.m. TheGoodEmu

I worked at a retail shop that sold a lot of upper playground's clothing a few years ago. That company got me into so many interesting artists - I only wish I could mosaic some clothing for them. :-)

Oct. 22, 2009 at 11:17 p.m. seababejewelry

Awesome! I have been inspired by Juxtapoz for some time,and it is great to see this feature.

Matt, I love your hat!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 12:22 a.m. MyMoms

Great article, very inspiring!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 12:23 a.m. zwzzy

but pigeons ARE regal!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 12:25 a.m. mfmapparel

awesome finds. thanks

Oct. 23, 2009 at 12:40 a.m. Iammie

Nice picked!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 5:46 a.m. MetroGypsy

Nice article, and great Woody Allen piece!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 8:05 a.m. trudiedavies

Cool article, love the mag cover - walrus - Cool!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 8:19 a.m. opendoorstudio

FUN... GREAT ART

Oct. 23, 2009 at 8:29 a.m. threepeats

Thanks for turning me on to Upper Playground!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 8:49 a.m. 2ndcoming

what an amazing article! Plus I Love Juxtapoz <3. I definitely gotta check out upper playground.

Oct. 23, 2009 at 9:02 a.m. monkeyandsquirrel

super big love for juxtapoz... i've been reading it for years and it's never let me down!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 9:08 a.m. Morado

Immense talent!

http://twitter.com/MoradoShop
http://www.facebook.com/MoradoShop

Oct. 23, 2009 at 9:33 a.m. 1AEON

we looove juxtapoz!! it's soo cool to see them over here on etsy!
:)

Oct. 23, 2009 at 9:38 a.m. thebestvintage

Funny stuff!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. dadadreams

I heart Juxtapoz! Awesome article!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. ktolve

whoa, love it! and all these items are sweet <3

Oct. 23, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. YonderPrints

Great article!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. oldworldprimitives

I am loving everything in this post! Upper Playground never disappoints.

Oct. 23, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. cassidycay

Enticing article! The pigeon photo is funny

Oct. 23, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. jodieflowers

OMG! Awesome Stuff in here!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. designlab443

funky and fun stuff... nice collection!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. littleANGELboutique

Love the throw pillow. Pooch looks like mine.

Oct. 23, 2009 at 3:20 p.m. DianeFergurson

It will be interesting to see how Juxtapoz's content will evolve with a new editor...
("longtime" reader) Also a fan of many of the fabulous t-shirt designs from Upper Playground.
Enjoyed this little etsy blurb. Wish they would do more features with a little more edge.

Oct. 23, 2009 at 5:25 p.m. vintagetakeout

What beautiful work!

Oct. 23, 2009 at 7:56 p.m. OopisNein

I LOVE Juxtapoz and Upper Playground!

Oct. 24, 2009 at 2:15 a.m. fastfastfast

nice article. great to be included.

Oct. 24, 2009 at 6:49 a.m. steinschmuckdesign

Really cool!

Oct. 24, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. snollygosters

Very nice! The Woody Allen doll rocks. Cute dog.

Oct. 24, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. gretchenmist

in a world where craft is becoming art, it's nice to see more art coming into the craft world {re the cushion!}.
lovely piece + article, thanks :)

Oct. 24, 2009 at 7:14 p.m. nataliabodre

great article! great selection...i love the pillow the most...

Oct. 24, 2009 at 7:45 p.m. BeadsInTheBelfry

great picks! love that pepper hicks print!

Oct. 24, 2009 at 8:31 p.m. studiotempera

great stuff...!!!!

Oct. 25, 2009 at 6:43 a.m. vantiani

What a rad choices, Matt!

Oct. 25, 2009 at 8:31 a.m. BPyarns

fun pics!

Oct. 25, 2009 at 5:56 p.m. bhangtiez

cool finds

Oct. 25, 2009 at 9:58 p.m. undertheroot

i have an upper playground sticker which was left inside a used idm record and then encountered them in Detroit for the music festival, some serious goodness going strong for years now.. lovely.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 2:20 a.m. thecellophanes

Awesome features! Love the rainbow guerrilla gardening.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:51 p.m. 1AEON

if you need some hoodies, you know we got them:)
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...

Oct. 27, 2009 at 9:43 a.m. paultze

if you like candle, you may like Flameless candles too.

Oct. 27, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. paultze

I like how this photo manages to make pigeons look regal

Oct. 29, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. happyhound

Nice article on underground artists. Love the printed strapless dress.

I do find the walrus photo at the top frightening and slightly disturbing however!

Oct. 29, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. Vanessa

nice!

Nov. 7, 2009 at 12:05 a.m. bedouin

see how they fly like pigs in the sky ~ love the woody allen

Nov. 25, 2009 at 6:49 a.m. debrossehardesty

I like the pigeon photograph too. They get a bad rap -"flying rats" etc. But they are beautiful birds-annoying sometimes-but beautiful. :)

Jan. 8, 2010 at 10:52 a.m. PressOnSister

I've always been drawn to work that's a bit off-kilter,
with a subtext of the political. Art (be it any type) is enriched when it resonates on a deeper level--especially when it's laced with a bit of humor. Upper playground and Juxtapoz
look like my kinda crazy.

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