Private Opening of 1000 Central

Work by Geff Strik

It is hard to find, or even see from Central. I missed it the first time around, yet inside it is huge. The building is more than a century old and used to be a banana warehouse. Basically two giant rooms with 2-story ceilings. In the rear room is a cash bar that was being tended by the media liaison (seems redundant). After asking where the artist was, I found Geff Strik, a handsome and well-dressed European man. The space is to be his roomy 4,000 sq. ft. studio, but Geff wants it to multi-task for other arts purposes, such as theater rehearsals, meetings, art events, parties, a place to discuss ideas and help move the arts scene in St Pete to a new place.

DJ Decibel Nation

In a corner of the first room, DJ Decibel Nation was effortlessly laying down great sound. [Link]. (Photo courtesy of Lydia Gottardi Photography, copyright 2011, all rights reserved).

 

Interior view, 1000 Central

I ask about the work on the walls. "They're all sold" is the reply. Is there a website related to his work? "No, I have international representation", all in a charming, sophisticated manner and beautiful French accent. Geff tells me he paints, and his rep sells the paintings at art auctions twice a year. His career includes credits like Artistic Head for Guerlain and for Estee Lauder. The paintings are mostly large monochromes of celebrities derived from well-known photographs. Strik adds his own touch, accentuating expressions and eliminating backgrounds.

The space looks as if it is geared mostly for parties, but I have a feeling Strik has some creative surprises in store for the community.  This was a great debut, now I look forward to seeing what he does next.





--- Luis