"It's been building all month -- this show is a release."
Portland artist Carolyn Main (Sex Wizards) sits on a bench at Sequential Art Gallery, discussing her gallery debut. "Main Entrance," which combines pop culture with humorous grotesquerie, is executed in media ranging from resin-coated cabinetry to tile to textiles.
"I love the crossover," says Main, describing the show's theme as "coupling and romance."
It's a fitting label for pieces that portray sexual connections as well as get-togethers between cultural icons. Taking Dictation, an imagined tryst between Joan Holloway and Don Draper hangs next to Tea Party, featuring E.T., Mr. T, and a T. Rex.
"It's mostly to entertain myself," Main explains. "I did the Mad Men piece because I love the show."
For the last thirty days she has been working on the pieces lining the walls of the cozy NW Broadway gallery.
"A lot was already prepared," she says, "but the vinyl painting took a lot of time. And then more ideas came to me while I was working on the show."
Main's current style has an airbrushed feel, combining the solid lines of her Kricfalusi influence with garish, confrontational colors. She admits to being a fan of Photoshop's smudge tool.
In addition to expressions of glitter and cuteness, her art also spans the vulgar gamut from excretion to ejaculation. How much of Main's own personality is reflected in her work?
"All of it -- different facets," she replies. "I don't pull away from big moments."
Thinking for a moment, she adds: "The art is darker than I am -- it has no need to be polite."
A pixelated Portland skyline with the legend "DON'T MOVE HERE" reinforces her observation.
Main is currently working on a "kind of Russian" tarot card series with partners Bridget Pilloud, Matthew Stillman, and Mike Vogel.
"Main Entrance" will remain at Sequential Art Gallery through February 25th. The gallery is open Thursdays 3-7pm and Saturdays 11am-5pm.
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