What - A Hot Butter Collective Event 
When - September 17 
Where - Barefoot Gallery 

Today on WTF, I give some insight into a man who is very talented and who has been spending five long weeks in Sri Lanka, to create his work for us to see at the Barefoot Gallery. 

Ian Bertram is an illustrator based in New York. His professional career has seen him work for “DC Comics”, “Marvel & Dark Horse”, working on famed titles such as Batman, X-men and Wolverine. 

In his personal work, he is interested in uncovering the hedonistic and fatalistic nature of Man vs Self. By combining precise, meditative mark making with visceral and sudden actions, he creates mystical, grotesque and primal portraits of ‘ennui’ and the strange byways of drawing and painting techniques. 

With his time in Sri Lanka, he has found new ways in making art come alive and when he learnt of batik he had to try his luck at it too, and when he was spending time at Chrys Fernandopulle’s studio I got a chance to sit with him for a chat. Ian has fallen in love with Colombo and says "I love the spirit here, and also the driving is exciting!" 

And he says "Thanks to the Hot Butter Collective I’ve been able to put up a few murals in Colombo and will be having a show at Barefoot Gallery on September 17." 

And art has been a part of his life for a long time, "I have been drawing for as long as I can remember, but around the age of 13 I found there was a need to create. I was hungry for new ideas, confused, angry, fearful, and hopeful. Drawing felt like the only tool I had at the time for unpacking myself and the world around me. The image of pulling fully-formed butterflies out of a void comes to mind." 

You must take a look at the video to see all his good times in Colombo and Arugam Bay 
and hope to see you at the show! 

Today on WTF 

Video and photographs by You’re My Favorite 
Hair and make up by Capello Salons 
Transport Partner: PickMe 
Outfit: JUMP Clothing