Friday, February 8, 2008
Monkey Town delayed but still cool
Milton Carter & I are working in the hallway at Monkey Town, at the top of March hopefully xx here's a sketch:
Leftovers
Everything past this point is post dated, from my old "Leftovers" section, which looked like this:
Same trash, now powered by Blogger.
Labels: Leftovers
MOMO Maker (post date: November 2007)
The MOMO maker has been hard at work generating my artwork - [you can see it working >>here<<] Its really three layers of random slideshows with 20 "slides" on each layer - but the result is 8000 possibilities (!) which we will get to see if we watch it long enough. I've been saving some screen shots here
The MOMO maker has been hard at work generating my artwork - [you can see it working >>here<<] Its really three layers of random slideshows with 20 "slides" on each layer - but the result is 8000 possibilities (!) which we will get to see if we watch it long enough. I've been saving some screen shots here
Labels: Leftovers
Travel (post date: November 2007)
MADRID
read: MADRID FECAL FACE BLOG
Thank you - Subaquatica (Sergio)& Nano & Eltono & everyone else
BOSTON
for public street art jam put on by the very generous and intelligent Geoff Hargadon, co-conspired by Gary Strack.
We were in Cambridge, it was Autumn, the leaves were turning, there was sculling on the Charles, and Judy Supine and I colabo'd a bit.
SEOUL SOUTH KOREA
for TNT - This was really amazing - I hope I can organize documentation soon
thanks Soo - check him out >>here<< . The above photo is in >>MMMG<< Design Cafe
MANCHESTER UK
with Rottenrow Workshop
Really amazing. There's a video, God willing, in the werks.
Rottenrow (& Lucy) you rock .
Key West
helped a little with costumes for Fantasy Fest, w/ Lucky Seven. And this is David Wegman at the Groovy Regatta, with one of his homemade sail boats...
read: MADRID FECAL FACE BLOG
Thank you - Subaquatica (Sergio)& Nano & Eltono & everyone else
BOSTON
for public street art jam put on by the very generous and intelligent Geoff Hargadon, co-conspired by Gary Strack.
We were in Cambridge, it was Autumn, the leaves were turning, there was sculling on the Charles, and Judy Supine and I colabo'd a bit.
SEOUL SOUTH KOREA
for TNT - This was really amazing - I hope I can organize documentation soon
thanks Soo - check him out >>here<< . The above photo is in >>MMMG<< Design Cafe
MANCHESTER UK
with Rottenrow Workshop
Really amazing. There's a video, God willing, in the werks.
Rottenrow (& Lucy) you rock .
Key West
helped a little with costumes for Fantasy Fest, w/ Lucky Seven. And this is David Wegman at the Groovy Regatta, with one of his homemade sail boats...
Graffiti Observer (post date: November 2007)
Random Madrid Survey
Late Collaboration with Fred Radtke
The Ballywho? Sent me this.
Late Collaboration with Fred Radtke
The Ballywho? Sent me this.
Labels: Graffiti Observer, Leftovers
Queries (post date: November 2007)
Akiko interviewed me for
and what's funny is Milton rewrote the questions before we sent them back. HERE
and what's funny is Milton rewrote the questions before we sent them back. HERE
Labels: Leftovers
FONT
I designed a font for some reason. My inspiration was the old 32 bit looking Folder Icons.
Feel free to download it >>here<< and do whatever with it. Its just an image, you'll have to cut and set type where you like.
I dunno. I spent a long time dicking with this font thing... ( ! )
Feel free to download it >>here<< and do whatever with it. Its just an image, you'll have to cut and set type where you like.
I dunno. I spent a long time dicking with this font thing... ( ! )
Labels: Leftovers
HOLY WAR (post date: November 2007)
Art is for everyone!
Thomas Kinkade is the worlds most successful living artist. His inspiration is a religious one.
This print is still available through Gallery of Light
I'd like to show you the enormous print that Thomas Kinkade was selling through his Gallery of Light just before we invaded Iraq. (But all I can find is this print, above)
It shows President Bush seated at the head of a table with all his military advisors and Jesus Christ, everyone in prayer, and awash in eagles and weaponry and maybe the twin towers and giant american flags. I've tried hard to find it, but I think Thomas Kinkade might have buried it since Iraq turned out not to be the Holy War he hoped it would be.
Thomas Kinkade is the worlds most successful living artist. His inspiration is a religious one.
This print is still available through Gallery of Light
I'd like to show you the enormous print that Thomas Kinkade was selling through his Gallery of Light just before we invaded Iraq. (But all I can find is this print, above)
It shows President Bush seated at the head of a table with all his military advisors and Jesus Christ, everyone in prayer, and awash in eagles and weaponry and maybe the twin towers and giant american flags. I've tried hard to find it, but I think Thomas Kinkade might have buried it since Iraq turned out not to be the Holy War he hoped it would be.
Labels: Leftovers
MOMODORES (post date: November 2007)
I've been in Phoenix AZ. with my day job - and with some old friends! We got the band back together so to speak. Everyone I started out with.
Then they put a band together for real:
The Momodores !
Its a dream come true. Have a listen.
We were delayed some time out there - collecting Per Diem - hence the album title
Then they put a band together for real:
The Momodores !
Its a dream come true. Have a listen.
We were delayed some time out there - collecting Per Diem - hence the album title
Labels: Leftovers
Behind The Seen (post date: November 2007)
FUN SHOW
December 13th
Behind the Seen
Ad Hoc in Brooklyn
Street Artists will show work they're NOT known for, which is a great Idea. Michael Defeo put it together - artists incl:
Skewville, Blek le Rat, Martha Cooper, Dan Witz, Lister, Elbow Toe, Mark Jenkins, Judith Supine, Nuria, Eltono, Swoon, Flying Fortress, Obey, Caleb Neelon (Sonik) ! I've waited 10 years to do something with him!!! Jace, Leon Reid, L'Atlas, Tofer, G, Thundercut, Jean Faucheur, John Fekner & Don Leight, Richard Hambleton, Ron English, Michael De Feo, Maya Hayuk & Me! adhoc.org
December 13th
Behind the Seen
Ad Hoc in Brooklyn
Street Artists will show work they're NOT known for, which is a great Idea. Michael Defeo put it together - artists incl:
Skewville, Blek le Rat, Martha Cooper, Dan Witz, Lister, Elbow Toe, Mark Jenkins, Judith Supine, Nuria, Eltono, Swoon, Flying Fortress, Obey, Caleb Neelon (Sonik) ! I've waited 10 years to do something with him!!! Jace, Leon Reid, L'Atlas, Tofer, G, Thundercut, Jean Faucheur, John Fekner & Don Leight, Richard Hambleton, Ron English, Michael De Feo, Maya Hayuk & Me! adhoc.org
Labels: Leftovers
This piece was up just 5 days (post date: November 2007)
- but that's when Google photographed NYC!
Try the street view thing here
Try the street view thing here
Labels: Leftovers
Attitude Tees (post date: November 2007)
So this guy Chad contacted me :
to do a T Shirt
"Its a serious offer for a serious designer...
I am sure you are approached all of the time about designing t-shirts, so I do want you to understand that this offer is very legitimate. I am currently in charge of a very large and successful wholesale ladies line. With that said I would like to extend an invitation to you to submit a design to Keydon. Keydon is a new t-shirt design competition website. On top of the website the shirts will also be displayed at the wholesale markets we already attend. The staff will be picking the first 20 shirts, and after that they will go into the voting system. In your case I would like to guarantee you a spot in the first 20. What this means for you is 15% of the selling price on the design for the life of the design, the first print that rolls off the line, and great positioning for the "Race For 500" and "Race For 5000" contests. "
So I respond immediately with this women's tee:
and expect a serious answer
Chaditude writes to say:
"Wow!!! That is an amazing design. We really appreciate you taking the chance to participate! However, I regret to inform you that in order to take part in the design competition you must be over 10 years old. Stay after those art classes though little buddy, because you have talent!! "
to do a T Shirt
"Its a serious offer for a serious designer...
I am sure you are approached all of the time about designing t-shirts, so I do want you to understand that this offer is very legitimate. I am currently in charge of a very large and successful wholesale ladies line. With that said I would like to extend an invitation to you to submit a design to Keydon. Keydon is a new t-shirt design competition website. On top of the website the shirts will also be displayed at the wholesale markets we already attend. The staff will be picking the first 20 shirts, and after that they will go into the voting system. In your case I would like to guarantee you a spot in the first 20. What this means for you is 15% of the selling price on the design for the life of the design, the first print that rolls off the line, and great positioning for the "Race For 500" and "Race For 5000" contests. "
So I respond immediately with this women's tee:
and expect a serious answer
Chaditude writes to say:
"Wow!!! That is an amazing design. We really appreciate you taking the chance to participate! However, I regret to inform you that in order to take part in the design competition you must be over 10 years old. Stay after those art classes though little buddy, because you have talent!! "
Labels: Leftovers
Art World + UPDATE (post date: Nov 2007)
+ ART WORLD UPDATE +(Last time I was asking "What is it?") Well:I've since met with Heike Derwanz a german woman writing her PHD thesis on the meeting point of Street Art and the Art World. If she approaches you for info please help her out.
She's catalogued loads of interviews and will need a year or more to process these - but in the mean time it seems to her that the Art World is a relatively new subject of study, from the anthropologic side. The proportion of university energy devoted to it is small and under funded. Besides the book that started it all, that I mentioned last time; Becker's1982 Art Worlds. Heike suggested we read High Art Down Home from Stuart Plattner.
I disclosed my crack-pot theories and we slipped into a scene from Slackers. My paranoia - visions - baseless revisionist home brew, hoping along on one leg of vocabulary. What a hoot.Below is the post from last time so you don't have to look for it.
...There's been some discussion in New York City where I live, concerning Street Artists and The Art World. People have a lot to say about this Art World, but what is it? I'd wanted to look into this & get rebels and myself out of the dark, but it is such a tired subject really. I only would have mouthed off conspiracy hookey and conjecture, so back to the good stuff. There might be a lecture series on my findings however at various bars if I drink too much.The term was only coined in 1982!! with Howard S. Becker's book Art Worlds
She's catalogued loads of interviews and will need a year or more to process these - but in the mean time it seems to her that the Art World is a relatively new subject of study, from the anthropologic side. The proportion of university energy devoted to it is small and under funded. Besides the book that started it all, that I mentioned last time; Becker's1982 Art Worlds. Heike suggested we read High Art Down Home from Stuart Plattner.
I disclosed my crack-pot theories and we slipped into a scene from Slackers. My paranoia - visions - baseless revisionist home brew, hoping along on one leg of vocabulary. What a hoot.Below is the post from last time so you don't have to look for it.
...There's been some discussion in New York City where I live, concerning Street Artists and The Art World. People have a lot to say about this Art World, but what is it? I'd wanted to look into this & get rebels and myself out of the dark, but it is such a tired subject really. I only would have mouthed off conspiracy hookey and conjecture, so back to the good stuff. There might be a lecture series on my findings however at various bars if I drink too much.The term was only coined in 1982!! with Howard S. Becker's book Art Worlds
Labels: Leftovers
... (post date: November 2007)
*I'm trying to get out of New York this winter to edit 3 videos and design a few prints and zines somewhere sunny with electricity.any ideas? Wanna see a real artist at work? I'll throw in tons of MOMO merch; prints, originals, whatever. - x
This could be me with sun burn & computer in your house!
*DONE - thanks Cayman
This could be me with sun burn & computer in your house!
*DONE - thanks Cayman
Dewitt Peters (post date: November 2007)
Haitian Art as we know it, began with a white dude from the states who set up a center to teach & promote the stuff in 1944. W o w. Dewitt Peters was an American WW2 conscientious objector, who fled to Haiti in 1943. In 1944 he opened the Centre D'Art in Port-au-Prince.Of course Haiti's greatness was preexisting - She was the first in the Caribbean to throw off slavery, with the only successful slave revolt in history. And being independent so early, in 1804, preserved more of the nation's West African culture. Voudou is an obvious example - and much of the visual art that was "discovered" stems from this religion.
I'm hearing all this from Arlo Haskel a former manager of The Haitian Art Company, Key West .
Hector Hyppolite was a part of the first generation at the Centre
I'm crazy for Haitian Art without any research- but a story like this has it all. Rubber-meets-the-road cultural clash, defiance, mixed purpose and value. See also http://www.medalia.net/Ahistory.html or http://www.discoverhaiti.com/artsynop.htm
Frantz Zephrin!!!!! See more of his works >>here<<
Hector Hyppolite was a part of the first generation at the Centre.
Haitian Art as we know it, began with a white dude from the states who set up a center to teach & promote the stuff in 1944. W o w. Dewitt Peters was an American WW2 conscientious objector, who fled to Haiti in 1943. In 1944 he opened the Centre D'Art in Port-au-Prince.Of course Haiti's greatness was preexisting - She was the first in the Caribbean to throw off slavery, with the only successful slave revolt in history. And being independent so early, in 1804, preserved more of the nation's West African culture. Voudou is an obvious example - and much of the visual art that was "discovered" stems from this religion.
I'm hearing all this from Arlo Haskel a former manager of The Haitian Art Company, Key West .
Hector Hyppolite was a part of the first generation at the Centre
I'm crazy for Haitian Art without any research- but a story like this has it all. Rubber-meets-the-road cultural clash, defiance, mixed purpose and value. See also http://www.medalia.net/Ahistory.html or http://www.discoverhaiti.com/artsynop.htm
Frantz Zephrin!!!!! See more of his works >>here<<
Hector Hyppolite was a part of the first generation at the Centre.
Labels: Leftovers
Graffiti Observer (post date: May 2007)
Was there a trend in the late 90's to have "ae" in you name? When I see tags now with that spelling I think it points to that time. Maybe I'm wrong. email me if you think you know. xPAECE
ArtCrimes lists these artists, but if they only list the majors, these could have started the trend instead of followed...
Aeon
Aera
DeePae
esae
Gkae
Haero
Jaes
Jordae
Waek
Something to do with aerosol?
ArtCrimes lists these artists, but if they only list the majors, these could have started the trend instead of followed...
Aeon
Aera
DeePae
esae
Gkae
Haero
Jaes
Jordae
Waek
Something to do with aerosol?
Labels: Graffiti Observer, Leftovers
This is pretty cool (post date: May 2007)
But I'd love to see a fender-bender with the Neckface "Satan's Bride" van, or imagine: one needs to jump-start the other?
But I'd love to see a fender-bender with the Neckface "Satan's Bride" van, or imagine: one needs to jump-start the other?
Labels: Graffiti Observer, Leftovers
Graffiti Observer New Orleans (post date: May 2007)
- pretty sure this street artist has nothing to do with vinyl toys or skateboards,
but he'd bombed the hell out of New Orleans while I was there. Why haven't these two traditions paired-up before; the evangelical preaching and wheatpasting?!
"Hell is over 2600 degrees"
"DON'T SHACK UP"
"UGLY MORTALS" ran off the page, its really "UGLY MORTAL SIN
but he'd bombed the hell out of New Orleans while I was there. Why haven't these two traditions paired-up before; the evangelical preaching and wheatpasting?!
"Hell is over 2600 degrees"
"DON'T SHACK UP"
"UGLY MORTALS" ran off the page, its really "UGLY MORTAL SIN
Labels: Graffiti Observer, Leftovers, New Orleans
Newspaper 2.0 (post date: May 2007)
Newspaper 2.0there was this show - a good party - I had a nice time.
We were asked to mark-up a news paper- my New York Times had no women present on the first page. It was amazing.
I dropped my plans for the fake paper and highlit the references to people- if the pronoun or name was a woman I colored it pink, otherwise I left it white, and blacked out all the other crap. Probably a standard media analysis gag, but then I'm not making anything, which is cool, The Times made the work, I'm just pointing.
It makes one think from how many directions we receive signals growing up, that would codify and socialize us. This was just one sampling; not a good survey, but I've kept an eye out since and its remarkably similar. Women are not news makers. On the cover of this days paper: A man shot 3 other men, Chinese (male) heads of state changed policy, Men played some good basketball, A man died of old age, One bad politician "Rove" gets linked to other bad politician men, 12 men make jihad in Lebanon, And male politician McCain trails other men in the race.Jane Austin is mentioned for a story, but she's been dead a hundred years and the story examines the illustrations for her novels, which aren't her doing. All of the photographs show men - except for McCain's wife - who's kept out of view with some humor directly behind McCain (there's a better shot of his bodyguard still inside the bus). And there is mention of the female cop who trained the cops that died, & how she feels loss like a mother. Harriet E. Miller might be the only news maker on the page, she's being connected to Rove second to last word in the column before it cuts to page 10. All of the journalists writing these stories are men except Robin Toner, who could be benefiting from the ambiguous name (I looked everyone up).
We were asked to mark-up a news paper- my New York Times had no women present on the first page. It was amazing.
I dropped my plans for the fake paper and highlit the references to people- if the pronoun or name was a woman I colored it pink, otherwise I left it white, and blacked out all the other crap. Probably a standard media analysis gag, but then I'm not making anything, which is cool, The Times made the work, I'm just pointing.
It makes one think from how many directions we receive signals growing up, that would codify and socialize us. This was just one sampling; not a good survey, but I've kept an eye out since and its remarkably similar. Women are not news makers. On the cover of this days paper: A man shot 3 other men, Chinese (male) heads of state changed policy, Men played some good basketball, A man died of old age, One bad politician "Rove" gets linked to other bad politician men, 12 men make jihad in Lebanon, And male politician McCain trails other men in the race.Jane Austin is mentioned for a story, but she's been dead a hundred years and the story examines the illustrations for her novels, which aren't her doing. All of the photographs show men - except for McCain's wife - who's kept out of view with some humor directly behind McCain (there's a better shot of his bodyguard still inside the bus). And there is mention of the female cop who trained the cops that died, & how she feels loss like a mother. Harriet E. Miller might be the only news maker on the page, she's being connected to Rove second to last word in the column before it cuts to page 10. All of the journalists writing these stories are men except Robin Toner, who could be benefiting from the ambiguous name (I looked everyone up).
Labels: Leftovers
MOMO at Christies (post date: May 2007)
Sweet Arts - great food as in boudin, and great music; Kermit Ruffins, at the Sweet Arts event to benefit New Orleans- That's a MOMO New Yorker street poster selling at Christies Auction House , haha, thanks Grace.
Labels: Leftovers
LA LUCINATE UNIDAD ERRANTE / ROTTENROW WORKSHOP (post date: May 2007)
I'm just back from MADRID and MANCHESTER for +++LA LUCINATE UNIDAD ERRANTE+++ and ROTTENROW WORKSHOP respectively.
I had an amazing time both places- thanks everyone! documentation soon xx
I had an amazing time both places- thanks everyone! documentation soon xx
ROJO (post date: May 2007)
Zosen landed us up in the ROJO anniversary issue with colabo jammies from 06
Labels: Leftovers
Milkshake Chocolate (post date: May 2007)
I drew this animation for Milkshake Chocolate - its a Sping theme with a dash of tracicomedy- make a wish and click
Labels: Leftovers
Guillotine
Guillotine profiled my studio with some other great artists, check the profiling here-> glltn.com
Guillotine profiled my studio with some other great artists, check the profiling here-> glltn.com
Labels: Leftovers
Tag Manhattan . . . (post date: May 2007)
In respose to my Tag Manhattan project - Johannes at beetlebum.de : illustrated the idea and drew up a map of his name / town for a laugh back in November!
This sort of blew my mind.
Then today, Sam3 points this out , whoa,
Project by David Bohm here
This sort of blew my mind.
Then today, Sam3 points this out , whoa,
Project by David Bohm here
Labels: Leftovers
Its always a trip to New Orleans isn't it? (post date: May 2007)
Jacques put the Bar-B-Q where the rear tandem bicycle seat belongs & that makes bar-b-queing in the middle of the road easier.
This guy put a cruiser frame on some BMX wheels and you can't really see it here - but he has a giant tractor saddle for a seat. And foot pegs.
Jacques put the Bar-B-Q where the rear tandem bicycle seat belongs & that makes bar-b-queing in the middle of the road easier.
This guy put a cruiser frame on some BMX wheels and you can't really see it here - but he has a giant tractor saddle for a seat. And foot pegs.
Labels: Leftovers, New Orleans
Art World? (post date: May 2007)
There's been some discussion in New York City where I live, concerning Street Artists and The Art World. People have a lot to say about this Art World, but what is it? I'd wanted to look into this & get rebels and myself out of the dark, but it is such a tired subject really. I only would have mouthed off conspiracy hookey and conjecture, so back to the good stuff. There might be a lecture series on my findings however at various bars if I drink too much.The term was only coined in 1982!!
with Howard S. Becker's book Art Worlds. **
**
Anything informative sounding here was actually plagiarized directly from Wikipedia.
with Howard S. Becker's book Art Worlds. **
**
Anything informative sounding here was actually plagiarized directly from Wikipedia.
Labels: Leftovers
Buzzword Compliance (post date: May 2007)
Buzzword Compliance is a new version of the old practice of being checkbox compliant: making sure that a product gets a check in all of the feature lists in review magazines. For people semi-literate in technical terms, buzzwords help a products sound more interesting. Among the technically literate, the phrase is sometimes used sardonically "I have no idea what it does, but it sure is buzzword compliant", implying the effort's gone into marketing rather than technology.A golden hammer is any tool, tech, snake oil, buzzword or similar whose proponents enthusiastically sing its praises. They predict that it will solve multiple problems, including some for which it is obviously not suitable. Likewise, a literal golden hammer looks highly impressive but is practically useless, as gold is a relatively soft and heavy metal.*A silver bullet is a beer and the only thing effective against a person living a charmed life.
*
Anything informative sounding here was actually plagiarized directly from Wikipedia.
Buzzword Compliance is a new version of the old practice of being checkbox compliant: making sure that a product gets a check in all of the feature lists in review magazines. For people semi-literate in technical terms, buzzwords help a products sound more interesting. Among the technically literate, the phrase is sometimes used sardonically "I have no idea what it does, but it sure is buzzword compliant", implying the effort's gone into marketing rather than technology.A golden hammer is any tool, tech, snake oil, buzzword or similar whose proponents enthusiastically sing its praises. They predict that it will solve multiple problems, including some for which it is obviously not suitable. Likewise, a literal golden hammer looks highly impressive but is practically useless, as gold is a relatively soft and heavy metal.*A silver bullet is a beer and the only thing effective against a person living a charmed life.
*
Anything informative sounding here was actually plagiarized directly from Wikipedia.
Labels: Leftovers
THE LANCE (post date: August 2006)
Graffiti Observer Key WestI'd like to highlight the work of The Lance here, but I have NO photos. Only memories. That's going to be tough. (Here I've drawn a few pictures from memory.)
The Lance seemed to be a runaway with some emotional problems, living in Key West Florida, most of the 2-3 years I was there.
The Lance may be one of the best and most real street artists you'll ever meet. I knew this at the time, but lacked the courage to do anything about it. (or what could I do?). I tried to talk to him once and he couldn't hear me. He was walking in zig-zag patterns reading a book upside down and I was following him, raising my voice. I thought I'd waited a long time to make this decision; to make this connection, and now I looked really foolish because it wasn't solely my decision to make, was it?
Finally Lance pulled giant orange industrial earplugs out of his ears and said "Oh, Hello."Then I explained I loved his work and named all I knew of, or had seen.
There was the time he dressed in a business suit and wore an cell-phone ear-piece and yelled, really yelled all sorts of business jargon in the middle of the Key West crowds. It was so funny. But to see him going at it, you knew it wasn't a joke for him, and there was no chance he was earning money as a busker for this. One time he walked around with a box labeled Top Secret, looking down into it, totally shocked and silent.
Much of the time he would read out-loud from books with a fury that would make you dismiss him as mad. Then you'd hear from the towns only copy shop that he's there all the time creating stacks of pamphlets with big bold words like "Lance is great". Or other pseudo-campaigns that would take the rest of the day to hand-out on the street. And that made me think he was really quite clever and self aware.
I don't think he ever documented his work, and while I was standing there praising him, I saw no sign of pride, not even concealed pride. He just looked through me and asked if I'd read "1984". It was in his hands and he had to be specific with what alarmed him right then. I didn't need to meet anyone so "real" and selfless, but I really think I did. I'm a cynic, but Lance was authentic. Lance was a mystery. Where did he get money for these projects, where did he come from each day?The last things I'd seen him do - was his name in straight forward letters: The Lance, spray-painted in fluorescent colors on trash.
He'd touched on graffiti from street performance, but it was so funny that while 5 or 6 of us in the tiny town wanted to do our part for graffiti, meaning do something like a Bronx Burner, and we would all get arrested eventually, The Lance never looked up or played that game, just flipped it. I still think seeing big horrible letters freely written all over piles of trash is some of the most amazing street art I've seen. The surprise and legality of it had fooled everyone and you couldn't slow him down without the town becoming less wasteful.
The very last thing I saw was a 4ft cow probably from Ben & Jerry's - installed in an abandoned shop window. a connected thought bubble told you who'd done it. It looked ridiculous. There was a crime of breaking and entering & some kind of street art installed. But you couldn't say there was anything cool about it. It just looked so funny standing in the window. It was real Dada. He stuck society with society, which is smarter than say; a cool stencil of anything "revolutionary".
He also played music on an acoustic guitar that he pounded till it sounded amplified.
Where is Lance now? I'd like to know. My friends say he's not in Key West.
The Lance seemed to be a runaway with some emotional problems, living in Key West Florida, most of the 2-3 years I was there.
The Lance may be one of the best and most real street artists you'll ever meet. I knew this at the time, but lacked the courage to do anything about it. (or what could I do?). I tried to talk to him once and he couldn't hear me. He was walking in zig-zag patterns reading a book upside down and I was following him, raising my voice. I thought I'd waited a long time to make this decision; to make this connection, and now I looked really foolish because it wasn't solely my decision to make, was it?
Finally Lance pulled giant orange industrial earplugs out of his ears and said "Oh, Hello."Then I explained I loved his work and named all I knew of, or had seen.
There was the time he dressed in a business suit and wore an cell-phone ear-piece and yelled, really yelled all sorts of business jargon in the middle of the Key West crowds. It was so funny. But to see him going at it, you knew it wasn't a joke for him, and there was no chance he was earning money as a busker for this. One time he walked around with a box labeled Top Secret, looking down into it, totally shocked and silent.
Much of the time he would read out-loud from books with a fury that would make you dismiss him as mad. Then you'd hear from the towns only copy shop that he's there all the time creating stacks of pamphlets with big bold words like "Lance is great". Or other pseudo-campaigns that would take the rest of the day to hand-out on the street. And that made me think he was really quite clever and self aware.
I don't think he ever documented his work, and while I was standing there praising him, I saw no sign of pride, not even concealed pride. He just looked through me and asked if I'd read "1984". It was in his hands and he had to be specific with what alarmed him right then. I didn't need to meet anyone so "real" and selfless, but I really think I did. I'm a cynic, but Lance was authentic. Lance was a mystery. Where did he get money for these projects, where did he come from each day?The last things I'd seen him do - was his name in straight forward letters: The Lance, spray-painted in fluorescent colors on trash.
He'd touched on graffiti from street performance, but it was so funny that while 5 or 6 of us in the tiny town wanted to do our part for graffiti, meaning do something like a Bronx Burner, and we would all get arrested eventually, The Lance never looked up or played that game, just flipped it. I still think seeing big horrible letters freely written all over piles of trash is some of the most amazing street art I've seen. The surprise and legality of it had fooled everyone and you couldn't slow him down without the town becoming less wasteful.
The very last thing I saw was a 4ft cow probably from Ben & Jerry's - installed in an abandoned shop window. a connected thought bubble told you who'd done it. It looked ridiculous. There was a crime of breaking and entering & some kind of street art installed. But you couldn't say there was anything cool about it. It just looked so funny standing in the window. It was real Dada. He stuck society with society, which is smarter than say; a cool stencil of anything "revolutionary".
He also played music on an acoustic guitar that he pounded till it sounded amplified.
Where is Lance now? I'd like to know. My friends say he's not in Key West.
Labels: Graffiti Observer, Leftovers
What Moves You Miami (post date: August 2006)
AND THIS ! : Vinnie Ray was super nice to point out my work to Howard Goldkrand who organized artists for "What Moves You Miami" We had some FUN. Here's a shit ton of photos.
Five street/graff artists living in a mansion in Southbeach; it was amazing and also like a reality show, sans drama.
Five street/graff artists living in a mansion in Southbeach; it was amazing and also like a reality show, sans drama.
Labels: Leftovers
Thursday, February 7, 2008
American Short Fiction (post date: August 2006)
I'm on the cover of American Short Fiction ! - Artwork from a series that I've made for New York City Subway ad space.
I'm on the cover of American Short Fiction ! - Artwork from a series that I've made for New York City Subway ad space.
Labels: Leftovers
Maya Hayuk: Monster Island (post date: August 2006)
Maya Hayuk is painting the walls of the Monster Building in Williamsburg all summer with artists as they visit and get the time to come by. She's taking a great sort of nasty approach to it, encouraging layers and changes, and owner of the building is cool with the entire thing getting bombed.
The day I did a little something, Crust and Lava were there with Elisita Punto. Kid Acne had already done something and Armsrock was there just the other day - check it out: corner of Metropolitan and Wythe.
The day I did a little something, Crust and Lava were there with Elisita Punto. Kid Acne had already done something and Armsrock was there just the other day - check it out: corner of Metropolitan and Wythe.
Labels: Leftovers
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (post date: August 2006)
I married the coolest chick on earth just a couple days after we met. I could tell you a great story that sounds like science fiction, how we met twice in the subway and she was stealing photos and looked/looks, absolutely gorgeous, but I'm gunna keep that to ourselves- more generally friends - I had a water tight philosophy for how life is a pile of shit to laugh at, and now, I'm all washed up! So if you're out there, lonely by your computer, and its all making awful sense to you, please wait a while, hang on a while, with no pattern or warning the impossible can happen, and you could realize you're been a big dummy, like me.
I married the coolest chick on earth just a couple days after we met. I could tell you a great story that sounds like science fiction, how we met twice in the subway and she was stealing photos and looked/looks, absolutely gorgeous, but I'm gunna keep that to ourselves- more generally friends - I had a water tight philosophy for how life is a pile of shit to laugh at, and now, I'm all washed up! So if you're out there, lonely by your computer, and its all making awful sense to you, please wait a while, hang on a while, with no pattern or warning the impossible can happen, and you could realize you're been a big dummy, like me.
Labels: Leftovers
Faesthetic Poster (post date: August 2006)
Faesthetic Poster & Threadless T
The good folks at Faesthetic are including this poster - & and one from Maya Hayuk - with Fasthetic #6, in conjunction with (the good folks at) Threadless printing this T -
The good folks at Faesthetic are including this poster - & and one from Maya Hayuk - with Fasthetic #6, in conjunction with (the good folks at) Threadless printing this T -
Labels: Leftovers
Have You Ever Read a Book? (post date: August 2006)
I have. I just finished Al Qadeda and What It Means to Be Modern, and I can't stop talking about it / thinking about it. I love an argument like John Gray's here.
He skips the narrow debates; makes left and right look dumb with the largest ideas & damning patterns. A weird companion piece to Guns Germs and Steel which I'd read just prior, with a short History of Mexico squeezed in between. All deal with atrocities and their components like we're seeing in the news today. And - t o d a y - And today
He skips the narrow debates; makes left and right look dumb with the largest ideas & damning patterns. A weird companion piece to Guns Germs and Steel which I'd read just prior, with a short History of Mexico squeezed in between. All deal with atrocities and their components like we're seeing in the news today. And - t o d a y - And today
Labels: Leftovers
WGSN (post date: August 2006)
WGSN is an company that decides what colors will be popular, years in advance. They sell this information to designers who need to start producing the fads long before you know you want them.
Colors popular in the past include:
Popular colors need to be precisely documented before they are popular, so that no one risks an entire collection of merchandise. Trendy colors are agreed upon this way by the biggest companies. Forbes magazine claims that WGSN has 1,500 corporate clients paying a $25,000 membership for this inside scoop. "The scoop" is the culmination of reports from around the world - fashion runways are the obvious, but there's also trend spotters embedded in every summer festival, and major concert / cultural event / street, in the world (!). This info boils down to a single forecast, and that's where color comes from.
Here's Pieces of a forecast I found
for Spring Summer 06 -
Of course sometimes they get it wrong. After 9-11, global mood changed instantly and no one wanted any of the colorful crap that was planned for fall. Industries even tried to flip the publics thinking to save the season - something like "you want cheerful colors to defy terrorism - to bounce back". But no one was having it, and many business were lost completely. Companies with a somber color scheme like Prada did very well, on the other hand.
WGSN is an company that decides what colors will be popular, years in advance. They sell this information to designers who need to start producing the fads long before you know you want them.
Colors popular in the past include:
Popular colors need to be precisely documented before they are popular, so that no one risks an entire collection of merchandise. Trendy colors are agreed upon this way by the biggest companies. Forbes magazine claims that WGSN has 1,500 corporate clients paying a $25,000 membership for this inside scoop. "The scoop" is the culmination of reports from around the world - fashion runways are the obvious, but there's also trend spotters embedded in every summer festival, and major concert / cultural event / street, in the world (!). This info boils down to a single forecast, and that's where color comes from.
Here's Pieces of a forecast I found
for Spring Summer 06 -
Of course sometimes they get it wrong. After 9-11, global mood changed instantly and no one wanted any of the colorful crap that was planned for fall. Industries even tried to flip the publics thinking to save the season - something like "you want cheerful colors to defy terrorism - to bounce back". But no one was having it, and many business were lost completely. Companies with a somber color scheme like Prada did very well, on the other hand.
Labels: Leftovers
Mardi Gras 06 (post date: March 2006)
Rumor is that Fred Radtke, anti graffiti vigilante, hasn't surfaced since the storm. Hard to believe.
Rumor is that Fred Radtke, anti graffiti vigilante, hasn't surfaced since the storm. Hard to believe.
Labels: Graffiti Observer, Leftovers, New Orleans
Graffiti Observer New Orleans (post date: March 2006)
I hope someone documented all the graffiti resulting from Katrina - I heard there was a alot of it. Besides the ominous health inspection "X" on every building, there's signs of pet rescues, messages, jokes, and human stuff like we saw everywhere after 911.
One of these on every building, here its telling us the place was inspected 9/9/2005, The "LSP" on the left refers to the Louisiana State Police. Had any one injured been found the empty space on the right would have had the number of people found. The zero indicates the dead.
(Most these pictures aren't mine.)
Very famous- this one
Here it is in the New York Times
One of these on every building, here its telling us the place was inspected 9/9/2005, The "LSP" on the left refers to the Louisiana State Police. Had any one injured been found the empty space on the right would have had the number of people found. The zero indicates the dead.
(Most these pictures aren't mine.)
Very famous- this one
Here it is in the New York Times
Labels: Graffiti Observer, Leftovers, New Orleans
Indians (post date: March 2006)
Mardi Gras Indians have been parading in New Orleans at least since the mid 19th century & possibly before. The tradition was said to have originated from an affinity between Africans and Indians as fellow outcasts of society, and blacks circumventing some of the worst racial segregation laws by representing themselves as Indians. An appearance in town of Buffalo Bill 's Wild West Show in the 1880s was said to have drawn considerable attention and increased the interest in masking as Indians for Mardi Gras. (summarized from Wikipedia)
Bordeaux and Alligator June work on a suit in 1978. (Gambit Weekly)
In the late 19th century and early years of the 20th century the tribes had a reputation for violent fights with each other. This part of Mardi Gras Indian history is immortalized in James Sugar Boy Crawford's Jock O Mo (better known and often covered as Iko Iko), based on their taunting chants.Tootie Montana on Indian Hierarchy: The fundamental framework of a Mardi Gras Indian gang is a functional hierarchy. Montana spells out the positions: "You've got first chief, which is Big Chief; First Queen; you've got Second Chief and Second Queen; Third Chief and Third Queen. First, Second, and Third chiefs are supposed to have a queen with them. That's just tradition. I found them doing that. Your fourth chief is not called fourth chief, he's the Trail Chief. You also have your Spy Boy, your Flag Boy and your Wild Man. Your Spy Boy is way out front, three blocks in front the chief. The Flag Boy is one block in front so he can see the Spy Boy up ahead and he can wave his flag to let the chief know what is going on. Today, they don't do like they used to. Today you're not going to see any Spy Boy with a pair of binoculars around his neck and a small crown so he can run. Today a Spy Boy looks like a chief and somebody carrying a big old stick. It's been years since I seen a proper flag. Today everybody has a chief stick. The Wild Man wearing the horns in there to keep the crowd open and to keep it clear. He's between the Flag Boy and the Chief." (summarized from Wikipedia)
A few pics from this year -
Mardi Gras Indians have been parading in New Orleans at least since the mid 19th century & possibly before. The tradition was said to have originated from an affinity between Africans and Indians as fellow outcasts of society, and blacks circumventing some of the worst racial segregation laws by representing themselves as Indians. An appearance in town of Buffalo Bill 's Wild West Show in the 1880s was said to have drawn considerable attention and increased the interest in masking as Indians for Mardi Gras. (summarized from Wikipedia)
Bordeaux and Alligator June work on a suit in 1978. (Gambit Weekly)
In the late 19th century and early years of the 20th century the tribes had a reputation for violent fights with each other. This part of Mardi Gras Indian history is immortalized in James Sugar Boy Crawford's Jock O Mo (better known and often covered as Iko Iko), based on their taunting chants.Tootie Montana on Indian Hierarchy: The fundamental framework of a Mardi Gras Indian gang is a functional hierarchy. Montana spells out the positions: "You've got first chief, which is Big Chief; First Queen; you've got Second Chief and Second Queen; Third Chief and Third Queen. First, Second, and Third chiefs are supposed to have a queen with them. That's just tradition. I found them doing that. Your fourth chief is not called fourth chief, he's the Trail Chief. You also have your Spy Boy, your Flag Boy and your Wild Man. Your Spy Boy is way out front, three blocks in front the chief. The Flag Boy is one block in front so he can see the Spy Boy up ahead and he can wave his flag to let the chief know what is going on. Today, they don't do like they used to. Today you're not going to see any Spy Boy with a pair of binoculars around his neck and a small crown so he can run. Today a Spy Boy looks like a chief and somebody carrying a big old stick. It's been years since I seen a proper flag. Today everybody has a chief stick. The Wild Man wearing the horns in there to keep the crowd open and to keep it clear. He's between the Flag Boy and the Chief." (summarized from Wikipedia)
A few pics from this year -
Labels: Leftovers, New Orleans
Turks & Caicos (post date: March 2006)
Before I could visit for Mardi Gras, I was working in Turks Caicos. (Here's how I pack a bag full of poster supplies.)
Smallest plane I'd ever been on.
Turds and Caca Joel says.
Working with Acta. So called because he was a stunt double in "Cool Runnings" I kid you not.
Le'Roy's amazing. While we're qued to fly back to Miami, an airplane crashed on our runway. We could be trapped on our plane for hours while they clean up the mess and we're hungry. So he charms the staff & gets authorization to walk out on the tar-mac, backwards through security, and brings us back three meals, one for me, a stewardess, and himself.
Before I could visit for Mardi Gras, I was working in Turks Caicos. (Here's how I pack a bag full of poster supplies.)
Smallest plane I'd ever been on.
Turds and Caca Joel says.
Working with Acta. So called because he was a stunt double in "Cool Runnings" I kid you not.
Le'Roy's amazing. While we're qued to fly back to Miami, an airplane crashed on our runway. We could be trapped on our plane for hours while they clean up the mess and we're hungry. So he charms the staff & gets authorization to walk out on the tar-mac, backwards through security, and brings us back three meals, one for me, a stewardess, and himself.
Mardi Gras 06 (post date: March 2006)
There is so much to report, and I just have these snapshots... I will say for me, everything seemed precious and precarious like it might be lost forever. This is just some tiny clip from a Bourbon Street laundromat - pure gold - should play all 5 seconds if you click the image.
Alot of people we saw in Mid City are living in FEMA trailers in their own front yard. Alot of workers here to rebuild, live in tents.
Frank Relle was photographing New Orleans architecture at night with some elaborate lighting rigs before Katrina. Now that electricity is out in much of the city, his lighting comes in handy, while he ignores curfews and the National Guard to keep up his good work. See his site here [XXXX ]
Pete Fountain, jazz legend, back in New Orleans with a Bud Lite.
Jessica made this disappearing King Cake.
Haunting costume: a projectionist and sound man preceded this person, showing images of government failing in the gulf coast disaster. She had scores of white skulls around her neck and she was singing but the effect was beautiful.
Jacques swapped shirts with this guy.
Joel "sitting on a park bench" by Jethro Tull (those legs aint real!)
By the way, the Red Baron became a sea plane with styrofoam pontoons and left us there on the Mississippi
Alot of people we saw in Mid City are living in FEMA trailers in their own front yard. Alot of workers here to rebuild, live in tents.
Frank Relle was photographing New Orleans architecture at night with some elaborate lighting rigs before Katrina. Now that electricity is out in much of the city, his lighting comes in handy, while he ignores curfews and the National Guard to keep up his good work. See his site here [XXXX ]
Pete Fountain, jazz legend, back in New Orleans with a Bud Lite.
Jessica made this disappearing King Cake.
Haunting costume: a projectionist and sound man preceded this person, showing images of government failing in the gulf coast disaster. She had scores of white skulls around her neck and she was singing but the effect was beautiful.
Jacques swapped shirts with this guy.
Joel "sitting on a park bench" by Jethro Tull (those legs aint real!)
By the way, the Red Baron became a sea plane with styrofoam pontoons and left us there on the Mississippi
Labels: Leftovers, New Orleans
Mardi Gras 06 (post date: March 2006)
Just back from Mardi Gras - before I say anything - give this video a try - and give it some volume!
That's Joel playing the Red Baron (he built this on his balcony), Jennifer as Copilot, Jacques on horns, Dr. John sings "Life", Frank on Canal Street.
That's Joel playing the Red Baron (he built this on his balcony), Jennifer as Copilot, Jacques on horns, Dr. John sings "Life", Frank on Canal Street.
Labels: Leftovers, New Orleans
New Orleans in NYC (post date: December 2005)
How to describe a party in the elevator that lasted for hours- Jacques found feedback/distortion with his battery powered pig-nose amp to marti-gras music on the jambox while we second-line'd with passengers and jumped up and down. The lights were covered with gels or blacked out? This was part of a Bar-B-Que following a "Rebuild New Orleans" themed roving street-theatre peice, in Times Square.
Labels: Leftovers, New Orleans, New York City, Travel
Global Cartoon Crisis! (post date: December 2005)
Just when you thought art was quaint and irrelevant in our juiced-up media age - half the planet goes nuts over 12 cartoons- really nuts! In the Middle-East, Asia, Europe, New Zealand, violence, deaths, declarations of war, foreign policy is upended, heads of state get involved - over a cartoon!!! Cartoonists everywhere must be heady with power. Who knew a drawing could mean so much to so many? The twist is that the anger stems from the cartoons being published; & to cover the story, you might reprint them in your gazette - and blam! the editor gets assassinated and bodegas that sell the paper get fire bombed! What happened? Well, don't tell the story & reprint the controversial things ... jeez!
Just when you thought art was quaint and irrelevant in our juiced-up media age - half the planet goes nuts over 12 cartoons- really nuts! In the Middle-East, Asia, Europe, New Zealand, violence, deaths, declarations of war, foreign policy is upended, heads of state get involved - over a cartoon!!! Cartoonists everywhere must be heady with power. Who knew a drawing could mean so much to so many? The twist is that the anger stems from the cartoons being published; & to cover the story, you might reprint them in your gazette - and blam! the editor gets assassinated and bodegas that sell the paper get fire bombed! What happened? Well, don't tell the story & reprint the controversial things ... jeez!
To be fair - Salmon Rushkie proved that Prose could cause violence, and the Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh did so with Film by getting himself killed. We assume something about a book that takes 576 pages to read or a film that takes 2 hours 37 minutes to watch, and more trouble & money to create and reprint and distribute - but a cartoon that needs just a glance to read and about as much effort to create and distribute - has caused the most violence of all. That's amazing.
I'm going to redouble my efforts to create a quick drawing that will spread unparalleled peace and calm throughout the world, and then one that erupts spontaneous love and camaraderie - we artists are back in BIZNAAAASS!
Labels: Leftovers
Wheatpasting Jamaica (post date: December 2005)
Sticking a poster outside a small shop in a tiny village - I turn around and 30 people are watching - I'd never experienced anything like it. All ages, women in curlers, men just finished work, kids back from school. And though I was doing something super abstract they were into it! When I finished there was a hush and I was thinking to myself now its done no one will stay on board, so I jumped around yelling, and it was a party. I bought the whole town a beer for $15 - missed the last cab, and partied all night under a deep blanket of stars, slept at a strangers house and caught a cab to Montego Bay at 6am to stick the last poster at the Sum Fest Sound Stage entrance.
The town was Bacon on your way to Treasure Beach. This gentleman to the right is Rum Snake or Satan, and he was hilarious. Local speculation is that the gentleman to the left is Osama Bin Laden.
I caught at least 50 cabs in two weeks - this out the window of one.
Maxine at the Hot Spot roadside bar.
Here's Ryan's neighborhood in Sav La Mar. Those are homemade kites stuck on the wires, Great designs usually with shopping bags and twigs.
And back home -
Sticking a poster outside a small shop in a tiny village - I turn around and 30 people are watching - I'd never experienced anything like it. All ages, women in curlers, men just finished work, kids back from school. And though I was doing something super abstract they were into it! When I finished there was a hush and I was thinking to myself now its done no one will stay on board, so I jumped around yelling, and it was a party. I bought the whole town a beer for $15 - missed the last cab, and partied all night under a deep blanket of stars, slept at a strangers house and caught a cab to Montego Bay at 6am to stick the last poster at the Sum Fest Sound Stage entrance.
The town was Bacon on your way to Treasure Beach. This gentleman to the right is Rum Snake or Satan, and he was hilarious. Local speculation is that the gentleman to the left is Osama Bin Laden.
I caught at least 50 cabs in two weeks - this out the window of one.
Maxine at the Hot Spot roadside bar.
Here's Ryan's neighborhood in Sav La Mar. Those are homemade kites stuck on the wires, Great designs usually with shopping bags and twigs.
And back home -
Graffiti Observer Chelsea (post date: December 2005)
Labels: Graffiti Observer, Leftovers, New York City
Graffiti Observer New York City (post date: December 2005)
At a NY Bicycle Messenger Association after party, someone set this car-casualty dummy in the road, complete with smashed melons, to promote safety of course.
Labels: Graffiti Observer, Leftovers, New York City
Graffiti Observer New York City (post date: December 2005)
Starting with an argument; as to whether these emergency fire alarms are made crooked, I amassed photos supporting or contradicting this, then I realized we were documenting Darius and Downey's work.
Labels: Graffiti Observer, New York City
Graffiti Observer New Orleans (post date: December 2005)
A report from Spitz in New Orleans : "holy shit! there are people living in my parents' house!!"
Hunter clarifies: "Holy shit is right - i think those are the same two guys that looted Club 1036. Definitely invite them to the next bbq"
Labels: Graffiti Observer, Leftovers, New Orleans
Graffiti Observer Jamaica (post date: December 2005)
My hopes to work with Jamaican sign painters weren't quite realized this on this last trip, but I did meet lots of people, 10 sign painters, saw 4 studios - tried to commission works but we ran out of time - I'd like to find an audience in NY for these unique styles. Maybe next time.
I have a photo collection of signs from previous trips & THIS TIME came with them printed and in hand.
While I missed Kingston this go, everyone I spoke with said graffiti doesn't exist, no one would work for free. Pictures of graffiti I showed them produced no leads - everyone agreed these were young kids, "idlers", or madmen (which is so much better in some ways.)
It was sign painters that wanted to see me do my thing, and helped me scout walls, explain whatever to whomever. A guy named Ryan was also very helpful zooming me around to meet several artists, one from The Edna Manley College in Kingston, Sign Painters in Negril and his neighborhood, which he claims taxis wont enter.
If you have any interest in the Ja sign painters please contact me. I'd like one day to bring them to the states and/or a larger audience. Thanks.
I have a photo collection of signs from previous trips & THIS TIME came with them printed and in hand.
While I missed Kingston this go, everyone I spoke with said graffiti doesn't exist, no one would work for free. Pictures of graffiti I showed them produced no leads - everyone agreed these were young kids, "idlers", or madmen (which is so much better in some ways.)
It was sign painters that wanted to see me do my thing, and helped me scout walls, explain whatever to whomever. A guy named Ryan was also very helpful zooming me around to meet several artists, one from The Edna Manley College in Kingston, Sign Painters in Negril and his neighborhood, which he claims taxis wont enter.
If you have any interest in the Ja sign painters please contact me. I'd like one day to bring them to the states and/or a larger audience. Thanks.
Labels: Graffiti Observer, Jamaica, Leftovers, Travel