A Sunday at the Downtown LA Graff Lab

Today I decided to check out the Graff Lab in Downtown LA.  I grabbed a handful of colors, packed a lunch and headed out for a full day of painting.  I didn't really know what to expect but once I stepped into the yard, I fell in love.  The level of artwork ranged from beginner to advanced. Pieces, bombs and handstyles were everywhere from the ground to the port-a-potty.  Nearly everything was hit up.  After talking to one of the volunteers and I was given a section to paint, I threw on my iPod and got to work.  I did take a couple 5 minute breaks to talk with the other artists but other than that, it was a 6 hour non-stop session.  Painted straight through lunch.  All I can say is a painting session like today was much needed.

 "You want order no. 47?? It verrrrwy gooood"

I was in the mood for sushi...

The Move

First off, Happy New Year!  2011! Damn, ha.  Secondly, sorry minimal pics in this one, just more straight up boring information.  And lastly, enjoy!

The move.  Well, those that have moved from one location to another know how those days went.  Best two words to describe the day: simply draining.  But to my surprise, things went fairly smooth.  Just glad everything is all settled in now and I'm now looking forward to the educational road ahead. One additional and forgotten task is learning the neighborhood and city streets.  Although it seems impossible, it will be learned.

.....As my last free leisure hours are counting down and I can honestly say that I've already enjoyed my new location's surroundings and housing.  From the overall appreciation for where I am in life, to the unique, unplanned, and life-time memorable NYE experience, its been simply amazing.  Oh, and I'm already off to a great start with the food out here and can't wait for all the great food experiences to come.  Luckily I already have a list of spots to check out because I've got the 'LA Approved, Must-Have, Gotta Eat' food spokesman providing the names and locations for any foods of my interest.  Boom.

But back to the task at hand....
Let's run down this sweet sixteen picture perfect day checklist:

1. Slept in
2. Figured out my school routes, times and overall agenda
3. Had breakfast AND lunch
4. A friend stopped by
5. Went to the MOCA Museums in the rain
6. Phillipes dinner.......again.  It's very savory
7. Watched a classic DVD from the little brother's Vault Collection and one from my Mini-Me Collection
8.  Miss J paid a visit
9. A couple Stella's kicked it too
10. Gathered a few ideas that are all ready to roll as wall pieces
11. Wrote my quote
12. Listened to some smooth songs at just the right volume
13. Sketched a little something
14. Stayed up late appreciating the city skyline view
15. Counting down the hours 'til I see my Goose

and last but not least.....
   16.  Finally came up with something that I feel is worth blogging.

I truly enjoyed this last day before my expensive, uncertain, and extensive, but enjoyable adventure begins.  I'm just surprised it's happening, but ready.

So, to sum it all up, its been amazing.





Only down part is I had to leave my Goose behind....


For now.

SEZE

The Motorcycle Diaries Revisited

I recently went to the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach and it brought back memories of my riding/racing days.  Being back in the motorcycle rider atmosphere was torture and enjoyable at the same time. But what it really brought back was the experiences, memories and emotions from riding that are forever engraved in my brain.  Those solid three years of riding 3 to 4 times a week provided hidden treasures only those who ride know what I'm talking about.  Now in riding terms, 3 to 4 years ain't sheeeeet, but I was able to experience all that my bike offered.  At that point in my life I can honestly say I connected with my bike.  Sounds crazy and dumb at the same time to most, but I didn't care if I lived or died when riding/racing.  And I was completely comfortable with those risks.  Once the throttle was being twisted, bike leaned over and establishing that complete connection with the road, bike, mind and heart took place, its game over. 

One day maybe I'll share some stories from my Motorcycle Diaries memories, video footage and pics.

But back to the reason for this post.  I wanted to show some of the advancements with motorcycles. From 100% electric sportbikes to v-twin turbo motors to vintage classics to artist designed concept bikes, the show encased all the styles.  Overall it was cool with all the models, bikes and exhibitions but the vendor area was garbage.  The vendor area was as it always was, selling gear that was old as fuck and had the tinge of swap-meet quality.  But for me its all about the bikes anyway and would never buy gear from there.  Here's a couple of pictures I took of bikes that caught my eye.

The electric superbike

V-Twin Turbo

 got boost?

Honda cruiser concept bike

Complete with touchscreen controls, navi, 5 speakers with a subwoofer and amp.  Ya, I'll cruise one for sure!

Harley

The Blackbook Chronicles

This is a video documentary I created of a few pages from my collection of blackbooks. This documentary shows a glimpse into my past and present art.  The following drawings range from over 10 years old and others as recent as a couple days old. Some drawings I've painted on walls/canvas/boards/shoes/etc., some are just sketches, some are unfinished and some are meant to solely stay in their respective book.

Stay tuned for the next chapter in The Blackbook Chronicles where I'll be presenting some drawings from my childhood days along with more blackbook drawings. 

*video looks better in the expanded view if possible*

The Blackbook Chronicles

*some video footage from WalrusTV

Lakers x Marilyn Monroe x Juxtapoz holiday themed pen & paper drawing

I felt like putting my used spray cans to use and turn them into pieces of art.  I know they're not the "collector's choice" of medium but who cares.

 *All spray cans are sanded, primered, painted and then coated with a matte clear coat 

 The Monroe & L dot A dot

• The Monroe - A double-sided B&W (with a touch of red) portrait of Miss Marilyn Monroe on a pure white 94 can. 
• Sharpie, paint marker & pencil, detailed
• Cost - $40

• L dot A dot - A Los Angeles Laker inspired piece with a spray painted background plus a touch of Chick Hearn in the mix, on a 94 can
• Acrylic paint & paint marker
• Cost - $40

Juxtapoz holiday themed pen & paper drawing

Juxtapoz Mag had a little drawing contest for books and the instructions were to draw a holiday themed pen and paper drawing.  So I drew up a quick 2-hour start to finish piece.  I didn't spend much time on it because I had other projects I'm working on.  I just stumbled upon this and even though I'm probably not gonna win, just submitting a piece is all that mattered to me. Plus it is the holidays, so why not.  (I could have made it look 10x better if they allowed color).  

Title: "Mr. R,  Mr. F, Mr. G & Mr. S"

All about the spray cans.

Still cool for school..?

I wonder at what age do you just feel old for going back to school?  I'm upper 20's and I kind of feel like I'm one of the 'old ones' on campus.  I know in life experience terms I'm not old.  But, just old for being back in school.  One of the most crazy parts is I actually want to be at school.  I want to achieve that higher learning.  Does that mean I'm not gonna be one of the cool kids at school?