Sorry for the lag in posts but real life has been taking priority over web posting lately – lots of new projects and art pieces coming down the line so please stay tuned. Other than that, I’ve just been laying low, watching way too many episodes of Paranormal Stateand snacking on leftover Halloween candy and other fall goodies. I did pick up the Krook3d video, which is lot of fun, with plenty of cool 3-D skate footage. And I also snuck out and saw Jackass 3-D, which was very funny (if you’re into that sort of thing.) Nothing like watching a bunch of guys try to run through a hallway full of hanging stun guns and cattle prods. And those guys are not spring chickens anymore, so the recovery time’s gotta be double at that age.
So, following the insane sleepless marathon that is Create-A-Thon, I’ve been keeping it a bit mellow lately and catching up on a little sleep. I did find time though to update both the paintings and collage pages on this site with images of recent work, so please take a look when you have a moment.
I watched this indie flick called Untitled recently, a nice little send-up of the modern art scene and the gallery world in general. Pretty on point for the most part and, although not laugh out loud funny, it’s amusing. Not the greatest movie ever made, but decent if you’re into that kind of thing.
And speaking of pro-skating, the recently retired Heath Kirchart and photographer Jeff Vallee have taken off on an insane cross country bicycle ride – you can follow their exploits at werereallydoingit.com.Much respect to those dudes – that’s something I would love to do but have never gotten the guts, time or funds to make it happen. Safe travels.
For the past 6 years, I’ve been extremely honored to donate my time each fall to a unique benefit event for Philly area non-profits called Create-A-Thon. Basically, what goes down, is a group of designers and copywriters donate one solid 24-hour block of time where they create logos, brochures, ads and websites for selected non-profit organizations, free of charge. I’m sure if you’ve been following this site for a while, then you’re more than familiar.
This year, CAT took place October 7-8 and my client was Tree House Books, a real grass-roots non-profit based in North Philadelphia. Originally founded as a used book store, Tree House quickly evolved into a place where local children can take part in writing workshops, create artwork, perform at open mic events, get homework help or generally express themselves in a warm, encouraging and safe environment. I designed a donor brochure for them as well as a flyer (pictured) and some business cards shaped like bookmarks. I got to work around 10AM Thursday morning and finally wrapped things up around 12:30PM Friday afternoon, so it was long day for sure but, as always, well worth it. I plan on posting photos of all the completed pieces once I get samples back from the printer.
Special thanks to Burlington Press, who donated the printing this year and to Richard and Allison at Hypno for hosting the event and letting me be a part of it.
1. Picked up the new Arcade Fireand it’s really strong, although maybe a bit long? In case you haven’t heard, it’s about the suburbs, which has pretty much been my stomping grounds since birth, and they nail it in the head.
2. SawInception and it was pretty good – reminded me a little bit of Leonardo’s last film though, Shutter Island, which I liked a little bit better. Luckily, they didn’t go too over the top with the CGI effects or anything, and the acting/storyline was solid. Worth checking out on the big screen.
4. TheBest Coast album is really fun as well, very summery and poppy. Some of it reminds me of a lazy Ramones record slowed down and bathed in tons of echo. If that sounds tasty, get some.
5. The new Transworld video, Hallelujah, is super insane, with T Puds part being as mind blowingly tech as everyone claims. All five skaters charge it hard for this one though, and the line-up makes the vid very well rounded. Taylor Bingaman is one to watch for sure – his part reminded me a bit of Cardiel on sedatives, without Cards’ make-or-break intensity and energy, if that makes sense. And don’t sleep on Pete Eldridge’s part either. Super good.
6. The Runaways movie is decent – pretty standard rock film filled with the usual cliches and everything but well done so, if you have a soft spot like me for films about rock-n-roll, then check it out. It’s really more of a movie about Cherie Currie and Joan Jett - they pretty much leave the rest of the band out of it, including Lita Ford, who’s had a pretty substantial career in her own right. The dude who plays Kim Fowley nails it though.
Enough ramblin’ – this is what you get when I go a week without really posting. More nonsense soon.
Hey loyal readers – do a brother a quick favor and take 5 quick seconds to vote for the Slingluff Gallery for Best Art Gallery in Philadelphia. Why? Because it is, homeboy. They’ve been bringing some really great artists to Philly over the last few years, including Jon Carling, Julian Duron, Bigfoot,Jason Adams,Mike Egan, Ed Trask and will be doing shows with Dave Delany, Russell Shoemaker, and Andy Jenkins in the next few months. Plus, they’re tight with Smokin’ Joe Frazier, and you wouldn’t want to piss that guy off, right? And did I mention that I have a show coming up there this October? So, yeah, I’m biased for sure but the spot is rad. So please vote here!
There’s been this odd urban myth that Bill Murray likes to walk up behind random strangers in NYC, put his hands over their eyes and say “guess who?” When they turn around and see him, he says “No one will ever believe you,” then disappears as quickly as he showed up. Not sure if that one’s true or not, and Bill’s not confirming nor denying it, but much like the existence of ghosts, vampires, Bigfoot or little men from outer space, life’s a little more exciting if you believe it’s true.
Anyway, here’s a rare and rad interview with the legend himself. The guy’s a total inspiration and a comic genius. Shame on the academy for never giving Bill Murray an Oscar. And if you’ve never seen Quick Change, you’re totally blowing it.
Been digging through a very dusty box of rare 45s from the 50s & 60s, looking for a few diamonds in the rough for an upcoming podcast – and in researching the most effective way to clean vinyl, I came across the VPI vacuum record cleaning machine. Not to sound too much like a total music geek but that thing is soooo sweet and I would love to get my hands on one. So, if anyone out there in the vast corners of cyberspace either works for VPIor, out of the extreme generosity of your over-sized heart, would like to donate one to the cause, please let me know. I have no problem with putting a little “This podcast is brought to you by VPI Industries, manufacturers of such fine products as the HW-17 Professional Record Cleaning Machine” etc, etc at the beginning of each podcast. I’ll even get Nick P. to read the sponsor line like it’s a radio commercial from the 40s. Hey, it never hurts to just put it out there, right?
And for everyone who was interested in the She & Him posters, I just sold out of my stock. But stay tuned – I may be able to dig a few up from the screen printers archives. Thanks.
Damn – word on the street is the self appointed “Queen of How-to” herself got all up in Nick P’s grill one afternoon in downtown NYC. And did Nick really back down, fearing an old fashioned prison shanking from the former M.Diddy? More news at 11:00.
For the past six years or so, I’ve been extremely honored to donate my time and services to a unique benefit event for local non-profits called Create-A-Thon. Each year, the nice folks over at Hypno Design host a small group of very talented designers and copywriters to create logos, brochures, ads and websites for deserving non-profits, free of charge and all completed in one intense 24-hour block of time. Generally, the printing of all the pieces are donated as well. Hypno has just posted this years application, so if you or someone you know works or volunteers at a Philadelphia/South Jersey non-profit, please spread the word and pass along this link so that they can apply. Thanks!
Here’s another new collage, entitled Servant Suburbia, which will be included in my upcoming show at the Slingluff Gallery in Philadelphia this October. Mixed media on paper and framed at 16? x 20?. May 2010.
