Poop Balloon, B, Columbus OH, crayon on paper

Trauma is an artist’s best friend. A life lived happily on the surface usually produces art about as deep and textural as most romantic comedies. And it goes without saying that potty training is a traumatic affair for most. Columbus, Ohio’s B turns that frown upside down in her latest effort, Poop Balloon. Shaping the unmistakable waste matter into a lighter than air, animal-shaped balloon, B reframes the beast from below into the most harmless form imaginable. Don’t fear the potty, she’s telling us, throw caution to the wind and embrace the waste. Up next for the littlest motivator? A multi-panel installation in trendy German Village entitled “Pee is awesome.” Straight flush!

READER SUBMISSION: "Stampy Time" by S, Palm Desert, markers and adorable animal stamps

The vast sprawling southwest has created a culture all its own. As the grids and gridlock disappear, the mind reshapes. Sunshine replaces cloud, endless replaces finite and as is the case with this searching debut by S, optimism replaces pessimism. Draped literally in the dreamy oranges, pinks and purples of a desert sunset, “Stampy Time” is the very image of an artist at play, and at peace with herself. The flippant lines follow no preordained plans here, flowing as wild as a tumbleweed in the open plain. Decorative beaver and alligator heads form a cheeky yin-yang: it takes teeth and hard work to come to terms with who you really are. It seems S has both. This is lighter fare, no doubt, but tasty nonetheless.