"Beauty" is a word that often refers to something that gives pleasure to the senses, mind and spirit. But not according to local artist Erik Jones.
On Saturday, Store 101, located at 101 N. Main St., will host "The New Collected Work of Erik Jones," a collection of art inspired by the female figure and sexuality.
Store 101 owner Kyle Cross said Jones' work portrays evil, beautiful women.
"It shows the sheer sickness of the power of women's beauty," he said.
Cross and Jones have been working on the show for the past six months. The two met when Jones was a student in Cross' portfolio class at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota.
"It was an idea built out of necessity," Cross said.
The two are trying to reach a larger market with Jones' new art and clothing line called "She Kills," Cross said.
Jones said he initially was inspired by comic books. He later drew inspiration from painting in college and recently he has used '60s fashion illustrations as a muse.
The Gainesville show is one of four exhibits in Florida. Jones will also show his work at galleries in Sarasota, Orlando and St. Petersburg.
The exhibit will display 17 new pieces as well as prints and T-shirts. The upstairs gallery, called The Loft, will house the paintings while the store downstairs will retain its usual merchandise.
"We'll have the Cracker Barrel thing going on," Cross said. "Erik will be the special meal of the evening, but we'll still offer a bunch of other stuff."
Jones' favorite painting is titled "Voyage" and portrays a woman underwater whose hair forms a ship.
"I love doing things with hair," Jones said.
Paintings range from $250 to $5,000, prints are $30, and T-shirts are $25-$30. There are only 42 of each shirt, and they are numbered and signed.
Jones hopes the revenue from his show will raise money for his move to New York next month while bringing attention to his art. Cross wants the show to bring more awareness to his services outside of the store, such as screen-printing and business consultations.
"The city is awesome," he said. "It's a great college town, and I think that's my market."
Store 101 holds art shows every month and attracts 300 to 400 people, Cross said. There will be drinks, cocktails and music, and possibly live art. He hopes people will come out for a good time while enjoying art.
"I want to get young kids stimulated about wearing art, buying art, talking about art," Cross said. "You can buy underground art, and it doesn't suck."
