I stopped into Bela Dubby’s on Friday night after a long day of work. As I went to open the front door, I could see large canvases and energizing colors. I had the owner John call his wife and co-owner Jill for her description of the work. Jill described Natalie’s art as figurative collage influenced by Natalie’s tattoo work. Natalie owns Voodoo Monkey Tattoo. Figurative collage echoed in my head as I walked around each piece and yes, that description was right on the money. The figures were feminine and expressive in their poses. The organic elements and patterns placed around these figures only helped to define their staring role on each canvas. Why female? Why patterns? Hopefully soon I can catch up to Natalie to find out. There was a story being told on every painted surface. The color varied nicely from bright to dark with lines moving from thick to thin. As usual more artists in Bela Dubby bring in a good sense of scale that invites every viewer closer to the overall story. Some of the colors and floral shapes did mimic tattoo work, but I got the impression that she enjoyed working on a much larger scale, compared to the arms, backs, and legs of her customers that frequent her tattoo shop. I also wondered if she was influenced by Egyptian art. There were some visual labels placed in the corners of some paintings - mimicking a newer form of hieroglyphics. It provided an extension to an already finished piece.

I spent a long time looking at the many hidden details of each work. Natalie did a nice job a building up paint on the foreground surfaces. It provided a definitive feel between the figure and background elements. Making that clear to each viewer is hard to do with a paintbrush and Natalie conveyed this very well. It was also nice to see some of the original foundation lines show through the paint. It was like getting a glimpse at the thought process before the paint was applied. It added texture and form in areas moving toward the background.

Even though I missed the opening and another opportunity to meet the artist at Bela Dubby, I was glad to have a chance to look at Natalie’s work in a quiet setting the night before her opening. Not only do I want her to do my next Tattoo, I want to see her do some mural work around Lakewood, because she seems to be headed in that direction. From edge to edge of her work, she has control over her brushstrokes, color, and natural shapes. I can only imagine what those colors and forms would be like in an even larger scale. I hope we will get the chance to see more in the future.

Bela Dubby

Bela what? Bellllla...Dubby. Dubby? Yes, Bela Dubby. I said the name on my cell phone at least 10 times as I told my friends where I was hanging out one Friday night. I would explain the name but then you would have no reason to visit this new joint in Lakewood. Well, actually there are several reasons to visit. A gallery for one. Every month there will new artists showcasing work there.

Ok, not sold yet? How about coffee? Everyone needs coffee for chatting and admiration of the artwork that hangs on the walls right? You can sit down in the various stylish areas of the room, surrounded by art and people. Each table begs for chess, Magic the Gathering, Euchre, or Poker. But...it's smoke free. Yes, I know, coffee - no cigarettes? Are you nuts? It's a better combo than coffee and doughnuts! Well, think of it this way, it is to protect the artwork.

Personally what I like about Bela Dubby, other than it's a gallery - is the way it's lighted. It is brighter than most coffee houses which brings better energy. It is a nice atmosphere for communication. Are you tired of yelling in smokey filled bars as you nod your head to questions you can't hear? Oops..."Did you just nod yes to loving the Steelers?" Yuk! Avoid dating pitfalls and take your sweetie to Bela Dubby. Have a drink. Look into each other's eyes. Laugh a little and most importantly...you can listen to what is being said to you. Bela Dubby provides a great start or end to any date.


More reasons...?

Ok -
How about Imported Beer? MMMM...Beer. How can you call going to a noisy bar after work unwinding - especially after a long day? People bump into you, they're drunk, rude, -not fun. Bela Dubby greets you with warm smiles, remembers your name better than Cheers and houses sexy looking people of all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Did I cover everything? Oh yeah, music. You request the music. Talk to John or Jill and they will hook you up with a mound of music selections. I haven't heard anything yet that felt out of place flowing from their speakers.

They do have snacks like cookies and muffins so you won't starve. And you just gotta get a t-shirt so people can stare at your chest. Well, only if you're into that sort of thing. But it will definitely get people asking you what the name means as they try to sound out the l's and b's in Bela Dubby.

Know your ABC's. Art, Beer, and Coffee. Stop in and claim a seat at Bela Dubby's. You won't be able to resist this hot little spot that adds a little more visual design and good taste to the famous bar town of Lakewood, OH.

Written by: Quovada Bass