HGTV - The Utopia Chair

Utopia Chair

Guest Joe Bohrer, a.k.a. "Utopia Joe" designs an unconventional yet functional utopia chair.

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Project by Joe Bohrer, a.k.a. "Utopia Joe" from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Joe Bohrer grew up loving all things about classic cars: the colors, the lines and the way they made him feel. Art has always played a part in his life, just like the cars, but it's only been in the last few years that he has found a way to bring these passions together. He calls it his "urban art" which for him is a magical melding of artistic vision and function. He builds everyday chairs that are cool like classic cars, and they look like 'em, too!

Materials:

MDF- Medium Density Fiberboard for the chair's back and base
foam
faux fur
metal brackets and bolts
jigsaw
sander
body grinder
chair templates
sandpaper
drill
pencil
permanent marker
oil based wood stain
spray paint
staple gun
ratchet wrench

Figure A

1. Design and sketch the chair on MDF.

Figure B

2. Cut out one back and three base pieces using a jigsaw.

3. Sand the edges with the hand and power sander.

4. Draw additional detailed designs on the chair backing with a pencil.

Figure C

5. Cut V-shape groove lines with a utility knife. This will separate the backing of the chair into two sections. Both sections will be painted different colors.

6. Sand the groove smooth with a small piece of sandpaper.

Figure D

7. Detail one section of the backing using a body grinder. Leave the other section smooth to provide contrast.

8. Drill nut and bolt holes where the chair will be attached.

Figure E

9. Mask off backing then spray paint the smooth section red and the grinded area black. Let dry.

10. Stain all base pieces. Dry completely.

Figure F

11. Sand the backing and other chair pieces by hand to rough up the look of the chair.

12. Add details to the back with colored pencils and permanent markers. Highlight specific areas along the edges as desired.

Figure G

13. Assemble the chair using the one-piece metal bracket and bolts. Note: Separate individual brackets can also be used.

Figure H

Prior to assembling, paint, grind and sand the bolts to age the pieces.

Figure I

14. Place the foam on the seat section and wrap the fabric around the seat and staple to the back of the seat piece.

Figure J

Attach the seat to the chair base with screws.

Figure K

15. As a final touch, add signature bolts and nuts to pre-drilled holes in the back of the chair.

E-mail: Joe@UtopiaJoe.com

Website: utopiajoe.com

Utopia Joe Piano Restoration

Utopia Joe transforms a piano for client Freddy Harth.  You won't believe your eyes.  Special music by Matt Bowlin.  www.MattBowlin.com

www.UtopiaJoe.com

Tiffany Teaches at K.I.P.P. An Oprah Winfrey Endorsed Program

K.I.P.P. Knowledge is Power Program

Utopia Joe's wife, Tiffany is the Fine Art Teacher for K.I.P.P.  

www.UtopiaJoe.com

www.kipp.org

The Butterfly Effect - Drawing the future.

This video gives people the chills.  Some people can tell the future. See how Utopia Joe can draw the future.
Music by Ali Harter
www.UtopiaJoe.com

Jay Leno Appearance with Travis Linville - Guest Star on Utopia Joe TV Show

Travis Linville was a frequent guest star on The Utopia Joe TV Show.  The clip above features his appearance on The Jay Leno Show.  To get a better glimpse of Travis Linville, please check out his performance on The Utopia Joe TV Show episode "Logan's Guitar" 

Gazette Magazine Feature Article - Utopia Joe

Joe Cool.  Learn more at www.UtopiaJoe.com

Art Beat Cover Story - Utopia Joe

For more information about the Artist and the TV Show, please visit: www.facebook.com/utopiajoetv

State of Creativity Cover Story for Utopia Joe

Utopia Joe as Producer/Artist was one of six exclusively chosen VIP Creative Ambassadors including Olympic Gold Medal Winner Bart Connor, Governor Brad Henry, Prosthetic Expert/Inventor Jay Martin, Music Composer Jerod Tate and Astronaut Thomas Stafford for the State of Creativity Launch with special televised reel of the upcoming series for The Utopia Joe TV Show for OETA/PBS during a worldwide launch event. 

 Like the Artist at www.facebook.com/UtopiaJoeTV

OKLAHOMA CITY - While memory of the state's centennial celebration is still fresh, it's time to put Oklahoma on the path toward becoming an innovative leader for the next 100 years, Oklahoma Creativity Project Executive Director Phil Moss said.

The first step may very well be the official launch Friday of the Oklahoma Creativity Project, a statewide effort to promote creativity in culture, commerce and education. The Chesapeake Energy- sponsored event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at Science Museum Oklahoma, 2100 NE 52nd St.

"We want to create an environment in the state and our partner organizations to have more open attitudes about looking at opportunities for change," Moss said, and by doing so attract creative people and who help improve the quality of life and drive economic development.

"We might examine policies or strategies that may have worked for us in the past, but because of the changing nature of the economy or the changing nature of our demographics, or the use of technology, might suggest that we try something new as we move forward," he said.

The project will focus on education, commerce and culture because those are the three areas that organizers feel they can initiate the longest-lasting and deeply affecting changes, Moss said. Each area will have committees that will identify examples of change that the project advocates.

"What we really don't want to do is create an organization that says, 'We're here to promote innovation and creativity, but we're going to define it and tell you what to do,'" he said. "Because if we do that we're going to miss opportunities to consider approaches we hadn't thought of, and that's the essence of creativity."

Gov. Brad Henry designated 2008 as the Year of Creativity. First lady Kim Henry has been chosen as one of several creativity ambassadors, which include Olympic gymnast Bart Conner, music composer Jerod Tate, fine artist & film maker Joe Bohrer and astronaut Thomas Stafford.

Creativity Project sponsors are the DaVinci Institute, Academy for State Goals, Oklahoma Centennial Commission, the Kirkpatrick Foundation, and Oklahoma A Schools, cited by Moss as an example of creativity in education for introducing arts into the daily school experience.

The 40-member board of directors includes law firm partners, college deans and presidents, business executives, elected officials and other community leaders.

Board Chairman Burns Hargis said in a prepared statement the project will "bring focus to unite Oklahomans in inspiring, harnessing and cultivating our creativity in commerce, culture and education to produce innovations leading to greater prosperity, growth and advancement in our next 100 years."

Oklahoma Today features Utopia Joe TV Show

www.OklahomaToday.com

www.UtopiaJoe.com

News 9 Feature Story with Utopia Joe TV Show

Videos NewsOK.com - Utopia Joe

ABC with Ali Harter

MUSIC BY OKLAHOMA ARTIST TO BE FEATURED ON POPULAR ABC TELEVISION SHOW


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (March 2, 2010)

Ali Harter has been featured in several Utopia Joe TV shows seen on PBS.  She is now sharing her thoughts about the ABC television show "Grey's Anatomy" feature.

Oklahoma singer/songwriter Ali Harter will have two of her songs featured in an upcoming episode of the popular ABC television show "Grey's Anatomy."

In its sixth season, "Grey's Anatomy" has become one of the most watched prime time television series to date. The hit series and its characters have become household names, but, the show has also become instrumental to the success of bands such as The Postal Service, Snow Patrol, Matt Kearney, The Fray, as well as many other artists. On March 4th, Ali Harter will be added to that list.



Ali Harter, 25, is from Choctaw, Oklahoma and has played in bands, but primarily as a solo musician for over 12 years. Harter has become a veteran in both the national and international music scene, playing venues in places such as France, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland. Harter's music has been labeled by critics as grass roots, country and a mixture of jazz and blues. Ali Harter's distinctive voice, guitar playing and impeccable songwriting capability has set her apart from other musicians. This week, millions of viewers will be familiar with Ali Harter and her music.



This week's episode, "Perfect Little Accident", will air on March 4th at 9 p.m., featuring songs "Untitled No. 3" and "You Can Keep'em" both from Harter's 2007 album Worry the Bone. Songs are available on iTunes and can be found at http://www.alihartermusic.com./



Ali Harter's new album will be released later this month on March 13th, titled No Bees, No Honey. A music video for "The Best Mess", one of the tracks off the new album, is now available on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM-Uz45MiFM.

To see more videos for Ali Harter, visit http://www.utopiajoe.com/  or www.Youtube.com/UtopiaJoeTV

Oklahoman News Cover Story - Utopia Joe TV Show on OETA/PBS

PBS/OETA show provides utopia for local art community


By JOHN A. WILLIAMS, NewsOK.com

Published - TulsaWorld.com
Joe Bohrer has worn many hats — minister, musician, artist and reality TV star. But his real passion is to help Oklahoma City become known for its art and its artists.

One vehicle for that is the "Utopia Joe” show currently airing on PBS/OETA, a show that has caught the attention of the TLC and CMT cable networks. He’s also made guest appearances on HGTV.

His TV career started in the garage of his northwest Oklahoma City home. With his wife, Tiffany, in her own right a gifted artist, Bohrer began turning out furniture that best can be described as urban art. A friend chronicled the effort by following him around the garage and at art shows.

"I had bigger visions of it,” Bohrer said. "I started seeing incorporating local music and creating an amazing artistic show that would showcase artists in Oklahoma.”

OETA Executive Director John McCarroll saw the potential in the show. So OETA produced 13 shows that were shot largely at the garage, which serves as his studio/workshop. Bohrer also got his wish to include local musicians in the show. One of them, Matt Bowlin, has become a good friend who works on various art projects with "Utopia Joe.”

"He had sent me a message saying he had listened to my music and said ‘I’m doing a TV show and I think you’d be perfect for it,’” Bolin said. "We ended up shooting footage of me singing one of my songs there at his studio and that began a friendship.”

Bohrer, also known as Utopia Joe, said he was encouraged by his parents to nurture his creative streak.

"My entire family was creative in different

ways. I grew up in a very traditional Southern Baptist environment, but my folks were always supportive of whatever I wanted to do,” he said.

That religious background led Bohrer to pursue a masters of theology degree and serve in the ministry for about 15 years. He found that creativity was not always welcome in certain church circles.

"Twenty years ago I wanted to have these churches that are around today — wearing jeans or a T-shirt to church, contemporary music and videos. But it was such a constant battle with people in the church,” he said.

So Bohrer fell back on the one thing he’s always loved — art. His work as a commercial artist landed him jobs with Marvel Comics, L.A. Gear, Virgin Interactive and Precious Moments figurines.

"We have people who say they want to see Oklahoma grow, but when it comes down to it there is the same resistance there was in the church,” he said. "I just want to do what I can to help spread the word about our art and artists.” By JOHN A. WILLIAMS, NewsOK.com

Custom Utopia Chair Video as seen on HGTV

One of Joe's trademark sayings is that he is always "Makin' Magic".  To see more of the magic, check out his custom Utopia Chairs as seen on HGTV.  http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/utopia-chair/index.html

To watch the making of a Utopia Chair.  See Joe and Bruce in this video shot by Madison Belanger and edited by Utopia Joe.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suwK0cpeUfw   Featuring the music of Ali Harter as seen on the The Utopia Joe TV Show/PBS & soundtrack from Grey's Anatomy/ABC.   http://www.alihartermusic.com/

Someone's In the Kitchen with Utopia Joe - Renovation Part I

Someone's In the Kitchen with Utopia Joe - Renovation Part I

We are in the heart of the Midtown Renaissance preparing the hub of the literal melting pot that will host all of our culinary treats in Utopia Joe's World.  To learn more about the greater host of all exciting developments in Midtown, please visit:  http://www.midtownrenaissance.com/

The Kitchen is the first room that Utopia Joe has started to renovate.

Let's take a look at the Kitchen Before Shots...

I get tired just looking at the beginning of this renovation.  Joe had to completely gut the kitchen.  The fridge doesn't work and the cabinets and counter are nothing more than remnants of rotting wood that need to be dismantled and removed.

See that guy... Meet Utopia Joe.  An amazing artist and home renovation expert as seen on HGTV & PBS. I have included some great links to fnd Joe's work on HGTV.  http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/utopia-chair/index.html  &  http://origin-beta.hgtv.com/topics/chairs/index.html  &http://www.hgtv.com/thats-clever/cool-car-chairs-crocheted-macrameacute-jewelry-ceramic-bowls-macrameacute-silver-hairpin/index.html

                                                           And a 70's Cabinet Killer!

                                         sometimes you have to shake things up to see things differently

There are many small details of craftsmanship with woodworking and out-of-context findings that Joe added to make this kitchen unique and add a  designer's charm to every aspect of functionality.  Joe  places decorative framework around the window air conditioning units.  This will serve to offer additional security to keep the window in place and offer architectural improvement for aesthetics when dealing with covering unsightly cords and creating compositional balance with the existing window.

Shelving is placed above the door and window for additional storage space for decor & wine glasses

This clever piece of cardboard that I noticed in the trash was actually the template that came with the sink to be used as a guide for cutting the  perfect hole to fit the stainless steel sink.

All of the supplies shown here were purchased at Lowes. http://www.lowes.com/  Here, Joe is getting ready to install the new counter tops and sink.

Joe uses "Liquid Nails" to secure the sink in place.

Now clips underneath are secured with a screw driver.
For more in-depth information on installing a cast iron sink, I recommend the videos at DIY network.  This link shows a more detailed step-by-step guide for your sink installation project.
http://www.diynetwork.com/videos/installing-a-cast-iron-sink/39822.html

A lot of progress is already underway.  Joe has installed some overhead track lighting for an affordable way to light up different sections of the kitchen.  Balance and symmetry of space is created with an additional section of much needed cabinet and counter space on the opposite wall.

There were not many existing outlets, so Joe has to go into the crawl space and make several new outlets.

An important safety note here is that Joe put down wooden planks for additional support for his path while he worked in this attic area.

Peekaboo!  I see you!  Joe is feeding the new wires through now...

The cabinets have been painted and some initial design elements have been added with old architectural elements like antique half doors, old car part emblems and the Utopia Joe trademark look of nuts and bolts where nuts and bolts don't usually belong.

This wooden bar serves as a towel rack and extra measure of security.

Notice the placement of this pantry door handle.  The door can swing completely out flush to the wall without the usual problem of the handle hitting the wall.

Voila! Future Pantry!

This niche area will make way for the gas stove.  Joe installed an overhead light with a built-in shelf to fit over the top of the stove.  The metal trim comes from an auto parts store.
                                        

Zebra Print is a true classic in the Utopia Joe world.  However, we are on the lookout for an orange retro 60's print for this cafe curtain.  If you find one... please let us know!!

 We can see the AT&T Building outside of this window. http://www.att.com/

 This is the old door that leads to the attic in the kitchen.  It was a dark brown before.  Joe has added some fun nuts and bolts with vintage glass knobs and metallic silver molding for a brilliant mix of bling that is something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue!

A beautiful work of art is created to fit over the plumbing pipes in front of the sink.  It will flip down for easy access to cleaning supplies.

 The existing flooring was really uneven and in serious need of recovering.  Joe is adding a layer of sub-flooring here to make for a secure and even floor.
these knee pads are serious supplies for this task

The sub-flooring is now in and Joe has applied caulk to fill in all of the cracks.

 This image shows a clear view of where an awkward 2nd bedroom door used to be.  Joe replaced this entryway with a permanent wall for art and used half of the removed door to act as a half wall partition for the stove and I used the other half of the door as the framework for the donated art that went to Crystal Booth's Cancer Treatment Fundraiser Silent Auction. The auction was a huge success and raised over $15,000.  More relief is needed.  To continue the effort to make a donation for this valuable cause for healing, please contact Jennifer Gray at 405-694-5523 or visit http://www.redlinebjj.com/ for more contact information/location.

One last look at Part I of the Kitchen Renovation.

The final new flooring is now in place over the sub-floor.  Joe used large peel and stick floor tiles that have the look of ceramic tile but are much easier on the cushion for both pocketbook and soles of your feet.

Be looking forward to our next blog showing the final touches of the Kitchen Renovation. Joe makes a fabulous dining room table, bookshelves, buffet and so much more...

In the meantime, learn how to make the Best Mac-n-Cheese ever while listening to Hosty Duo's "Eat this Mac-n-Cheese".  Utopia Joe shoots and edits while we demonstrate the mac-n-cheese magic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8fW57tqRWw