After Midnight »
I get to bust out for the next After Midnight Soul singer. The evolution of this project has been something else. Take a look at the first one, Jill Scott… and then take a look at the most recent, Alicia Keys. See a difference? I do. At first it was all about showing the painting process. That’s cool, right? But I got bored with that and started to realize that I can say a little more with each new video. A few people have expressed they liked the old formula and I can understand why. From my point of view I need to keep evolving. If I don’t, then I get bored. There’s nothing more lethargic then a bored artist. In the mean time, there’s plenty to do in terms of sketches and research for my body of work until the moon starts to shine. BTW… if you can guess which person I’m gonna paint; I’ll give you a cookie.
Gah! »
So if you didn’t notice… I wasn’t around to write for two weeks. I did the show in Oregon which had a great response. Afterwards, I did some more painting in Eugene for a couple of schools. They were great projects that allowed me to connect with the kids…and I like that. As usual, I didn’t take pictures but certain school officials did. When I get them I’ll post them up. Currently, I’m working on the next After Midnight Girl. I had another one in the mix ready to paint but it got put on hold. I’m also finalizing color comps for a mural here in LA. It’s a busy street and I’m really looking forward to rendering it ASAP. And as I keep moving…. I’ve been developing the next story line for my canvas work. Stay tuned…we got lots on the stove…. it’s the cooking period right now… I’ll be serving you guys shortly. Namaste and all that ish!
and furthermore »
I’ve been working 9 to 9 as I prepare for my Portland show on March 3rd. A couple of freelance gigs came into play which helped but they also took me away from creating new work. It’s funny that I bring it up because it’s really important that my creative force be given free reign in light of making a living. It’s that balance that I’ll always be striving for. I have sketches and ideas for the new stuff but I’ll have to flush them out when next week passes by. It’s a wonderful moment when I realize the life I live. Everyday is a creative day. The fact that I can make a living with my art is an awesome feeling. In past years I would take it for granted but as I get older I become increasingly respectful to other artists that do the damn thing. Whoever said artists are lazy haven’t seen the people that I admire. I’ve spent months in the bat cave in preparation for opening nights like these. And when they finally arrive it makes my life worth it because my reward is reflected in you.
Gallery show in Portland Oregon »
The time has come to see a collection up close and personal. I will be showing with a long time friend, Tazroc. It should be an awesome opening with close friends, scene-kids, b-boys, hipsters, flower children, Tom fools, indie-so-and-so’s, etc…. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Portland during the Artwalk. The final weeks are here. I have a a few more paintings to finish before I fly north. I’ll be ready. Hopefully you’ll be too.
This Ride »
This past week gave me a lot of insight. My workload went above and beyond what I’ve normally done. In return for my time I had a lot of solitude to reflect with each brush stroke. To cap the week off i got into an argument with a loved one over the case of Kelley Willaims-Bolar. ‘What an awesome way to be in public’, I thought to myself. The lack of sleep is part of the story but I don’t look at that as the cause. I simply fell off course. I”m recognizing many relationships in my life that have great insight on new possibilities. Some people talk, some love and others are suspended in time. It doesn’t necessarily mean good outcomes or bad outcomes. But, But.. what does have this have to do with art? What’s the point of telling you this?….
walking into flight »
”You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.”
Years ago I underwent a breakdown that relinquished me into a breakthrough. Recently, I’ve reminded myself of success and what that definition is. In my current state I believe it is to be effective. I’m responsible to you and take myself beyond yesterdays capacity. I can talk about what needs to be done. Or I can be an example of it. I know what is effective. Very simple to think of yet difficult to take into action. Nothing ordinary is worth the anxiety that accompanies it. When I recall my most difficult situations; they happened during the most ordinary times when I was not calling myself into power. Living powerfully is a test of my will, patience and compassion. I’m not surprised of the extraordinary measures I have put myself through and the extraordinary problems that accompany it. I’m aware of the caterpillar and butterfly inside me.
Man One and Retna at Fowler Museum for panel on the power of street art »
via LA Times/ Culture Monster, Jori Finkel
The more popular street art has become, the more people seem to be facing off on key issues at the very core of the practice. I’m not thinking of just the recent MOCA saga, but of the flare-up that erupted in New York when graffiti artists “carried out a rude sneak attack on the godfather of their own scene” by tagging a Kenny Scharf mural, as reported by Art+Auction editor-at-large Judd Tully.
When does one person’s right to free speech begin to trample on another’s? Where does the line between artistic expression and vandalism get drawn, and who do we entrust to draw it?
Thursday night I will be moderating a Zocalo panel at The Fowler Museum at UCLA that takes a slightly different tack, exploring how street art “humanizes” cities.
The panel was organized to coincide with the final week of Larry Yust’s photography show at the Fowler, featuring panoramic shots of street art in Paris, Berlin and L.A. that fairly explode–or bloom–with color. The panelists are Fowler curator Patrick Polk, who organized the Yust show; independent curator Aaron Rose, who is helping organize the upcoming MOCA street art survey; and two of L.A.’s best-known muralists: Man One and Retna.
Earth world inspiration »
The world I paint is all around me and these plants are out of this world. Lately, I have been intrigued by succulent plants and their symmetrical design. the mathematical display within these plants will be utilized in the near future. I’ll be studying this group of plants and reincorporate them in my landscape paintings.
whew… »
I’m running around getting everything together for tomorrow’s opening night of my work. I’ll have over 25 pieces there. Peace
