Punchgut and Scotch: New Exhibit at DK Framing

By Kristine Kostuck
Staff Writer

Denise Knudson, owner of the DK Custom Framing@ Gallery 14, gives HPR readers the skivvy about the upcoming show, “Trashed, aka Two Artists One Cup.” This will be artists Punchgut and Scotch’s first show, two very talented artists whose work is recognized on concert posters and in magazines.

High Plains Reader: First off tell me a little about your gallery. Did you start the frame shop and how long has it been around? 
Denise Knudson: I’ve been in business since 2004. I moved DK Framing from 13th Avenue to downtown Fargo to be with my people – the arts community. When I first started it was just a custom framing shop. I knew I wanted to hold exhibits for artists, but at the 13th street location I couldn’t do that so I made a bold move and moved to 14 Roberts street in downtown Fargo.

HPR: Is this the first show you’ve hosted?
DK: At the 13th Avenue location I had a few shows here and there, but now that I’m in my new location in on Roberts Street, I am booked for exhibits through May 2011. This will be the third show I’ve hosted.

HPR: When does “Trashed,” open and how much will it cost?
DK: The opening reception is Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 7:00 pm. The exhibit is up through July 31, 2010. It is free.

HPR: Please tell us about the artists showing their work.
DK: The artists are Punchgut and Noel Anderson. Punchgut’s real name is Matt Mastrud. His close friends call him “Punchy.” Noel Anderson is well known in the Fargo-Moorhead community as “Scotch” on Rock102. These guys are true artists. They know themselves and they know their work. They are solid.

HPR: Why did you pick the two artists for this show?
DK: I’ve always wanted to host a show for Punchgut, and with the new space on Roberts Street, he was more excited to do it. Punchgut asked me if Noel could join in on the exhibit, and of course, yes, I’m all for dual shows. Both artists’ work are different but they will mix well.

HPR: What is the story with you three, how did you meet them?
DK: I met Punchgut at his art studio during the Studio Crawl in 2007. I talked about how I have
custom-framed some of his pieces, and then I bought a couple pieces for myself (One of the
pieces is hanging in my living room at home) and then I started selling his work out of my
gallery. Every piece of Punchgut’s I’ve custom framed has sold.
I met Noel a decade ago when I worked for the Forum Communications Company. I
worked in TV, he worked for radio. We both worked the morning shift and we would see each
other in the break room getting coffee. Noel would always be doodling on a sketch pad before
he went on air, and I sometimes would stop by to take a look over his shoulder to see what
he was drawing.
 
HPR: What do you see will be different about this show in comparison to your others?
DK: This show and all shows are always different. The first show at Gallery 14 was large-format pieces used with mixed media by Joe J. Bailey. The second show was by Michael Miller, a phenomenal photographer who photographs the body with artistic lighting and great use of
composition. “Trashed” will be the most colorful show, especially with Noel’s cartoon work that will humor you. Punchgut’s screen-printed concert posters are sure to rock you! Like the work of Scotch, every Punchgut piece is unlike anything you’d expect to find in Fargo.

HPR: How would you describe their work?
DK: I like his creativity, the way he uses composition and how that moves me.
Noel Anderson’s artwork humors me and I have spent more time standing in front of his work
than others because there is so much to absorb.

HPR: What are some of your favorite pieces from these artists?
DK: “I Spy” by Punchgut and “Portrait of R. Crumb” by Noel Anderson

HPR: Is there any of the artists’ work the public could recognize from magazines, internet,
advertisements, etcetera?
DK: Absolutely! Anyone who picks up Hustler Magazine on a regular basis will find Noel’s work. His cartoons can also be found in Cracked, Thwak, and Jokester magazines.  Punchgut created the Fargo Theatre’s Fargo Film Festival promotional poster for 2009, which is hung in the Fargo Theatre. His work can also be found on bookstore shelves in “The Art of Modern Rock.” 

According to Denise, “Artwork is educational; it will open your mind. It creates energy. It provokes thought, feeling, and it is stimulating. And who wouldn’t want a piece of Scotch or Punchgut hanging on their walls?” Artwork is viewed and enjoyed by all people differently and that is what Denise loves about this craft. “You’re free to love it. You’re free to hate it. Whatever the emotion, maybe for you it’s true and your own,” she said.

Punchgut’s art went global after being displayed in “Art of Modern Rock; “Sky High,” the Disney movie and The Wall Street Journal.” His work can also be seen on concert posters such as Kings of Leon.
Scotch is a master of satire. He contributes to Hustler and National Kids Construction Club, does local business logos.
Look for more of Denise’s shows. She never strays far from her love of photography and will be showing the work of Wayne Gudmundson in the early fall.

Questions and comments: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

If You Go

What: Opening reception, “Trashed”
Where: DK Custom Framing
When: Thurs, July 15, 7pm
Info: 701.239.0063