timrodgers

Downers coming down.

2012-01-26T12:21:00.002-05:00

The Downers at Busboys and Poets Shirlington will be deinstalled on Feb 23rd. Check them out if you haven't made the trip yet.

Art @ Work

2012-01-26T00:12:00.002-05:00

Mind To It.

This Saturday be sure to come out to the stencil workshop at the Joan Hisoaka Healing Arts Gallery. It's going to be a great time. I'll be running Urban DIP that morning for Little Lights and then heading over to do a mural at FKPCV. It'll be a busy weekend but I'm looking forward to it.

Transmission

2012-01-21T21:07:00.007-05:00

Radio Transmission Ark

Radio Transmission & Vernacular Preservation Society/

Really nice show at the Honfluer Gallery. Love the screen-prints and letterpress works.

Mind To It - Art @ Work

2012-01-14T12:46:00.005-05:00

Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Center

Really thankful for the people that came out.

Art @ Work runs till 2/18/2012.
Regular Gallery Hours: W-F 11am-5pm, Sat 11am-3pm, and by appointment.

Art @ Work

2012-01-10T10:59:00.001-05:00

Here's a sample of my piece for Art @ Work.

Art @ Work - Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery - 1632 U St. NW - Show is Friday, Jan 13th.

Dun Dun Dunny

2012-01-01T15:50:00.004-05:00

Downers!

2011-12-14T21:05:00.002-05:00

Have a few more to work on.

Yea, Yea, Yea...

2011-12-10T02:16:00.001-05:00

Sheesh...

2011-12-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

All in Layers...

2011-11-08T21:42:00.000-05:00

Diploma

2011-11-06T00:25:00.000-04:00

Ketchup!

2011-11-06T00:17:00.004-04:00

Photos from Albus Cavus' Monster Mash 2 and painting on a small wall.

Vitaminwater uncapped - Art Whino's G40

2011-09-01T21:55:00.001-04:00

Love is a Business

2011-08-14T00:24:00.001-04:00

Been on this all day.

Love Is A Business

Hiyah!

2011-08-12T21:36:00.009-04:00

Kidzapalooza

Just a quick hit of whats been up.

me and a kid.

J-DEF Peace Project

Got to watch as youth worked on a mural. For more info check the videos below.

Really enjoyed my time in Chicago and will make another trip as soon as I can.

Yesterday I had my closing reception for No One Likes A Downer and tonight I hung up one of the pieces that sold. Feels good.

Up and Down.

2011-08-04T01:19:00.003-04:00

Door Painting.

2011-07-08T23:37:00.000-04:00

Face

2011-06-29T23:09:00.001-04:00

Busboys & Poets

2011-06-24T21:03:00.005-04:00

Learned quite a bit installing for this show.

Check out Busboys and Poets Shirlington. Work will be up till August 4th.

Art Whino's Artapalooza!

2011-06-05T00:04:00.007-04:00

G40 is still running check it out before it all comes to a close June 17th. Today I did some live painting and I had a great time.

I've been working on a site. It's not all together yet but you can check it out...

Leviticus + Water = F.L.O.W. by Scribbling Idiots

Apex - Hands

2011-06-01T02:51:00.000-04:00

Confidence

2011-05-22T22:54:00.001-04:00

::HEADPHONES::

Wall at G40 (process)

2011-05-22T22:31:00.007-04:00

"Begin Anywhere, Stay Up Late, and Don't Be Cool." - Bruce Mau

G40 is open

2011-05-21T00:36:00.005-04:00

G40 runs till June 17

Painterly

2011-05-20T11:31:00.000-04:00

HEROKID´S CONCRETE WALLS PROJECT 02 X GRITO from Montana Colors on Vimeo.

Provision

2011-05-13T15:36:00.008-04:00

This week Sal (pictured above) came from Chicago for the Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and decided to spend a few extra days in DC looking around. He does the graphic design for CCDA. I took him over to G40 - he watched me paint a bit and then he ended up doing a piece too. It was a pretty chill evening and we didn't stay long. I’ll go back early Saturday morning to finish up. I wont have any pieces available for purchase but hopefully it’ll bring some attention my way.

The Soundry

Tonight is the opening of I'mpossible at The Soundry. I have a piece up for auction so be sure to check it out. Proceeds for that show benefit Albus Cavus.

This weekend I'm just trying to catch up on projects and making sure I get some rest in. Lots to plan for and it's exciting.

::HEADPHONES::
Hugh Masekela - The Rainmaker

G40 Preview

2011-05-11T05:22:00.009-04:00

So I spent my Tuesday evening painting at G40. Let me say it's going to be dope. If you asked me last year if I thought I'd have anything in a show like this...I'd go,"Nah man you crazzzzy!" (need the multiple z's).

Check out photos from last year's G40 Art Summit.

::HEADPHONES::
Kev Brown - Work In Progress
Epsilon Project - Inspiration
Strange Fruit Project - Sepia Tone

Live Painting for SNL Coffeehouse Fundraiser

2011-05-10T05:26:00.003-04:00

::HEADPHONES::
Jazz Liberatorz - Ease My Mind

Keep Pace

2011-05-10T04:49:00.011-04:00

In desperate need to get caught up on things. The last few weeks have been pretty hectic. My first show, No One Likes A Downer opened at Affinity Lab May 6th and I had a great time. If you came out I hope you did too. The work will be up until July so if you missed the opening go check it out.

OPENING NIGHT

Thanks to my friends who took photos of the evening:
Sue Kim
Tom Nguyen
Ann Pak

What's Crazy...

2011-05-04T10:24:00.004-04:00

::HEADPHONES::

Such A Nice Day.

2011-05-03T13:09:00.004-04:00

..and I feel nasty. Going to shower and head out to get some more paint.

::HEADPHONES::
Gramatik - Don't Get Weary

Up From Here

2011-04-27T21:32:00.007-04:00

This was another test canvas. I might do a few more of these on a bigger scale. I have this one hanging up above my desk.

This past weekend I went to the Picasso Exhibit at VMFA. I drove down to Richmond with some friends and had a really relaxing time.

I spent my Sunday painting and a few kids came over for an Easter egg hunt in the backyard. Vince and Diana set that up and it was cool seeing the neighborhood kids run around.

This week I have a lot to get done - so i'll spend a lot of time measuring,sketching,painting, and marking. Really excited and I hope everything goes over well.

Downer

2011-04-18T23:25:00.006-04:00

Getting em done...

Come check out No One Likes A Downer - 6pm-9pm Friday May 6th at Affinity Lab.

::HEADPHONES::
Blu & Exile - The Narrow Path

Testing!

2011-04-15T17:45:00.013-04:00

So I've been testing canvases out. Using different materials and trying to see what happens when you do this and that. Here's one of the canvases and I'm calling it "who shot ya?!"

Tonight I went to check out Night at the Museum to see what the kids at Perry School have been up to. It was a really nice event and I enjoyed seeing how proud the kids were of their work.

I also spent my day preparing my own work...

::HEADPHONES::
Macklemore - I Said Hey

Off Beat

2011-04-06T19:04:00.009-04:00

open me..open me..open me!..Good stuff ahead.

This Aint No Place For No Hero this weekend at the Fridge.
Screen-printing Workshop at Utrecht Sunday afternoon from 1-330pm
No One Likes A Downer May 6th at Affinity Lab

::HEADPHONES::
Go On (Video Mix) [feat. Reach] by dela
dela.bandcamp.com

Room Walls

2011-04-04T16:37:00.001-04:00

Testing: Doodle Swap Round 9

2011-03-30T20:59:00.018-04:00

So I've been involved with the Doodle Swap Project for some time now, pretty much since Round 2. Hopefully this wont be too much of a spoiler for the people on my mailing list, but this is what I'm up to....

I've been fascinated with the xerox transfer technique I learned at Utrecht a few weeks ago. I've been using it whenever I have the opportunity.

One way of doing this transfer requires the use of a blender Chartpak marker and another is messier and involves acrylic matte medium and a bit of water. The difference between the two techniques is simple. The blender marker can really only work on paper and the surface should be nice and smooth. The matte medium can go on any surface but requires a bit of work. The matte medium process is fun and I'd recommend that over the marker technique-unless you'd like your print to look a little worn and weathered.

Doodle Swap Round 9's theme is "Under The Sea".

These were done with a blender marker and as you can see the prints aren't that clear. It could be that I need to go over these with more pressure or the texture on the watercolor paper could be preventing a nice clear image.

The second image is the matte medium technique. I must admit..I rushed my process a bit and should've allowed things to dry longer. As you compare images the second is most definitely clearer.

UPDATE

I let this one dry.

Probably wont use this for Round 9 doodle swaps but we'll see. I must surprise my mail group somehow...hrmm.

To see my previous doodle swaps check the Flickr.

::HEADPHONES::
Muneshine - These Days
Shad K - It's About Time

Take care...

2011-03-28T03:40:00.004-04:00

"Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Rhythm not Balance

Daedelus, Tokimonsta, and Shlohmo at U Street Music Hall Tuesday.

::HEADPHONES::
Shlohmo - Places by SASHIRADIOBLOG

Marker

2011-03-25T09:34:00.003-04:00

::HEADPHONES::
Long Life - Dela ft. Talib Kweli

Are You Experienced?

2011-03-20T14:33:00.009-04:00

Utrecht holds a workshop each Sunday afternoon and I decided to check one out today on xerox transferring images. I really enjoyed the time there and also ran into Elyse who runs Studio Neptune in Bethesda, Maryland. Before the workshop started she showed me how to make a small six-page book.

The booklet is made from a single sheet of 8.5 x 11in. paper. Pretty neat! Will practice making a few of these with my artwork on them too.

Also check out Meet Inspiration. Tom runs the site and is currently getting his video/cinematography skills down. He made a short at the Abraham Lincoln memorial recently.

Meet Inspiration - Abraham Lincoln from Thomas Nguyen on Vimeo.

The goal and hope for the site is to have people.."Meet Inspiration, Connect, and Make a Difference."

"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things" - Joe Paterno.

The Language You Cry...

2011-03-19T17:42:00.005-04:00

Word, Shout, Song at the Anacostia Community Museum.

"You can identify a person's tribe by the language they cry in."

NOVA The Film (trailer) from ROJO on Vimeo.

Cross-stitch

2011-03-18T20:53:00.003-04:00

Learning how to cross-stitch for a friend's album cover.

::HEADPHONES::
Onra and Quetzal - This Is How I Feel Right Now.

Walking In

2011-03-18T09:25:00.003-04:00

::HEADPHONES::
PMC065+66 - John Robinson and Lewis Parker - International Summers (International Summers, 2010) by Project Mooncircle

Faith City Project

2011-03-18T00:21:00.000-04:00

Faith City Project from 052 on Vimeo.

Are you going to be here tomorrow?

2011-03-17T09:44:00.012-04:00

Yesterday I was helping Latonya with her Math homework. I hate math..or at least I thought I did, but yesterday was fun. I was telling her to "Be sure to carry the one and drop this number down here." really trying to make sure she understood the numbers and how they worked. I had this huge marker on me and I started to write out the problems for her on this poster size paper. Eventually I ended up drawing something too. When it was time for her to go to chill station she said, "Are you going to be here tomorrow?" I replied with a "No" and she slumped down in her chair (I'm only at middle school programs once a week). It was nice to see her smile and laugh when she began to understand something. Especially as I was helping her with a subject that I've been kind of scared of...ha.

I mention this because I don't think we realize how important our after-school programs are. More than providing a place for kids to do homework - it also supports them. It gives them a place to go to when things may not be right at home.

This morning Steve Park is off to a DCAYA advocacy meeting to work with others to save after school program funding in the DC budget. On top of that our own funding as been a little slow at Little Lights. Please continue to keep us in prayer as we serve here in the city...

...and for me..I just want to move with wisdom.

You can donate to Little Lights here.

Finished another piece for "No One Likes A Downer"!

::HEADPHONES::

Yo...I'm a fish. Part 2

2011-03-16T00:41:00.006-04:00

See previous post.

Photos were taken with my macbook. I'll come back with an actual camera later.

An Interview with Fred Rogers

2011-03-15T00:23:00.001-04:00

IPad 2

2011-03-14T23:59:00.003-04:00

I got to doodle a bit on an Ipad 2. Very nice for travel.

I'm gonna...

2011-03-14T23:42:00.006-04:00

A few photos of Little Lights annual. We'll mail them off this weekend.

above: pics of my use of tracing paper.

2009 & 2010 covers

1xRUN

2011-03-14T17:39:00.001-04:00

Glenn Barr's Vinyl Girl Silkscreen on 1xRUN from 1xRUN on Vimeo.

1xrun.com

No One Likes A Downer

2011-03-14T08:24:00.001-04:00

working on it.

In A Minute.

2011-03-13T08:27:00.004-04:00

check the rest on FLICKR.

::HEADPHONES::
The Roots - Unwritten

Shoe and Warhol

2011-03-12T01:56:00.002-05:00

My sister spent her spring break in Pittsburgh and got to check out the Andy Warhol Museum.

Nalden meets Niels 'Shoe' Meulman from Nalden on Vimeo.

It's not always sadness...

2011-03-11T22:01:00.008-05:00

Today we had a work retreat which was relaxing and enjoyable. The day consisted of team building exercises, time to reflect on the many happenings this past year, and really just a time to get to know each other beyond the daily grind.

I enjoyed the time. It was good to share stories with each other and laugh over things that occurred over the course of the semester. It's easy to feel burnt out during spring program time. The semester is long and there's a lot happening and many things to plan for. It's also a time of transition where staff may be leaving and going on to other things. There are shifts happening and it's important to be aware of how you're responding to all of the changes. I know I'd like to handle things better, especially when it comes to conflict..so easy for me to sit inside my own little head. I'm willing...but sometimes I wonder maybe "i just be doin' too much" - so much drama I can cause.

This is an exciting time for me but I'm really hoping I follow through on things in front of me. Tonight I spent my time drawing on my wall and watched the documentary Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child.

A pretty nice evening and a good way to close out a relaxing day. I'm wondering if I should fill the whole wall in, but I think I should've planned it out first.

*sharpie magnums are dooooope! =)

Tomorrow I'll head to New York for a photo walk with a talented group of people — some of whom I haven't met yet. I'm really looking forward to it and should be a good time of observation and figuring things out for myself. RAWR!

::HEADPHONES::
Q-Tip - Renaissance Rap

Good as Gold!

2011-03-10T10:23:00.003-05:00

Benny Gold New SF Location from The WereHaus™ on Vimeo.

bennygold.com

Yo, I'm a Fish.

2011-03-09T03:10:00.005-05:00

My friend Mijin asked me to do something on her wall a few months back. I finally got over and did a fish. I liked how it turned out. I'm still not done and need to add more details.

Playing with colors...

Chillin in my bones...see

2011-03-06T22:38:00.012-05:00

This weekend I spent my Saturday with some volunteer groups as they painted the units in Potomac Gardens.

credit: Anny Photography

I also got 2 pieces done this weekend.

Molotow is fun.

Tuesday evening I'll paint a friends bedroom wall. This is what I'll get up.

*I'll work on a video of the process too. (*didn't happen)

Before I peace...donate to Little Lights Urban Ministries.

::HEADPHONES::
Heralds of Change - Ridin Chrome
Mike Slott - Home

Try A Little Tenderness As Painful As It Seems - Ben Skinner

2011-03-04T22:47:00.005-05:00

http://www.benskinner.com/
http://www.honfleurgallery.com/

And they stay there...

2011-03-01T22:15:00.007-05:00

It's been awhile since I've sat down to write about everything going on so here we go.

This past weekend was spent with Albus Cavus at the National Youth Summit. I got to paint on stage in front of middle school and high school students. The energy was great and I had so much fun!

more photos can be seen on my flickr.

Also did a collab with Peter Krsko for Art Whino's "Live Fast:Harley Davidson Inspired Art Group Show"

I finished up Little Lights annual..and here's a small preview

Been writing down projects to complete so will carry on through...

::HEADPHONES::

Andreya Triana - A Town Called Obsolete (Acoustic Session)

I wear a hat.

2011-02-15T18:06:00.005-05:00

This video was fun to work on.

Hope you had a great Valentine's Day!

I went to check out People Wearing Hats at Studio Neptune. Loved it and I enjoyed the metro ride out to Maryland.

Art 180's Open Studio Series

2011-01-07T01:29:00.007-05:00

Help ART 180 celebrate and support young artists from our fall 2010 programs as they work to create change in our community. Join us in four intimate gatherings, to see their work, hear their voices, and be inspired. Each program is free and open to the public (children welcome), so please join us and bring a friend or neighbor. Refreshments provided.

Tuesday, January 25 at 6pm
The Robinson Theater
2903 Q. St., 562-9133
(in Church Hill at N. 29th St.).
Drumming by Capital One Boys & Girls Club.
Theater by Charity Family Life.
Dance by Henderson Middle School/Communities In Schools of Richmond (CIS).

Wednesday, January 26 at 6pm
Samis Grotto
4028 MacArthur Ave.
(between W. Laburnum and Bellevue).
Theater/Puppets by I Have a Dream - Richmond at Boushall Middle School.
Theater by ROSMY.
Music by William Byrd Community House.

Thursday, January 27 at 6pm
Southwood Boys & Girls Club
1200 Southwood Parkway, 230-1630
(in Southside off Hull Street between Belt and Warwick).
Kinetic Sculpture by Blackwell Elementary School/CIS.
Zines by Boushall Middle School/CIS. Mixed Media/Poetry by Elkhardt Middle School/CIS.
Animation by George Wythe High School/CIS.
Mural by Southwood Boys & Girls Club.

Saturday, January 29 at 12 noon
The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club
3701 R St., 222-3122
(in Church Hill at the intersection of P St. and 38th).
Mural by The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club.

www.art180.org

Get Busy!

2010-12-03T17:47:00.010-05:00

Be Sure to Read the Label.

Hello my friend,

Well...I'll have some art up for auction at GALA 2010. Be sure to check it out Dec 11th. GALA is a one-night art show and auction to promote and raise support for Albus Cavus Classrooms at The Fridge.

If you're new to my blog or don't remember we did cool stuff like this...

CON, ULTRA and CRI taught us how to paint murals with spray paint.

Make this experience possible again by supporting the Classrooms and don’t miss Gala 2010!

::HEADPHONES::
Project Move - Woo

Nov.em.ber

2010-11-12T07:56:00.006-05:00

::HEADPHONES::
Andreya Triana - Draw The Stars

Apex & Black Scale

2010-11-09T23:12:00.001-05:00

APEX X BLACK-SCALE X MTNCOLORS from MTN COLORS USA on Vimeo.

You know how I feel.

2010-11-09T03:30:00.005-05:00

::HEADPHONES::
Nina Simone - Feeling Good

...before you're losing your mind.

2010-11-04T22:40:00.003-04:00

DNA6 - Signs from Human Condition

Albus Cavus: Monster Mash

2010-10-30T18:07:00.007-04:00

So I spent my Saturday with Albus Cavus out on Rhode Island Avenue, NE D.C. for Monster Mash. I brought the few cans I had and got started on a face. I really enjoyed my time and the weather wasn't bad.

Monster Mash was a time for kids to paint, eat candy, and enjoy a magic show. I hope to get more painting in and I definitely need to get in my sketchbook more...it's been awhile.

For more pics check my Flickr

I'll have more updates soon..doodle swap, Howiezine, sketchbook project...seesh not even sure how I'm going to keep up.

I wish you well.

::HEADPHONES::
Bonobo - We Could Forever

Baltimore's Sonar

2010-10-28T03:34:00.003-04:00

Astronautalis - Shad - K-OS

For more photos check the Flickr

Why hello there!

2010-10-22T23:25:00.003-04:00

Albus Cavus: Monster Mash

2010-10-18T20:50:00.005-04:00

Saturday October 30th 9am-6pm
680 Rhode Island Avenue NE

What We All Want

2010-10-17T22:36:00.002-04:00

Mail Art: Tribe

2010-10-15T16:42:00.006-04:00

This is something I thought I posted before but seems I only posted it on Sugar Frosted Goodness. It's an envelope I worked on and then sent out in the mail. The envelope stayed black & white but I did play with colors a bit.

Pockets, Frames, and a few other things.

2010-10-10T23:37:00.013-04:00

So I went down to Richmond VA. It was originally supposed to be a weekend trip but decided it'd be wise to just do a day trip since i have a lot to catch up on back here in DC.

I met up with Mim. She taught my Design Fundamentals class my freshmen year at VCU. She's a very inspirational lady and the passion and excitement she has for life is contagious. She makes these things called pockets which are very well made bags for ipods, cellphones, and whatever else you imagine. I went to pick one up for Little Lights Ignite the Light Banquet & Auction. I sat down with her for a bit to catch up and it was a good time. She is also heavily involved with the mail art community and sent me a postcard not too long ago. Here's a few pics.

If you are interested in purchasing one of her lovely pockets go here.

Afterwards I hung around Shockoe Bottom...

I told Mary from Frame Nation I'd visit her and her shop the next time I'm in Richmond. So I paid her a visit and also wanted to look at a few ideas for my own artwork.

Mary also has a nice Beatles themed bathroom in her shop. It's pretty fresh...

Frame Nation is looking for an intern that can work 20 hours a week or less on weekdays. If interested hit them up. Mary is awesome and it's a pretty cool shop. (hope I got all of that right.)

So on my way out of Frame Nation Virginia from Virginia Hair Salon & Spa stopped me and was like, Hey! Take some pics over here. Her salon is pretty nice and so I snapped away.

Pretty eventful weekend but I did miss the Richmond Folk Festival. Decided to drive back to DC because I was getting tired. Drive actually went by pretty fast and made it back in no time. Must thank Shad and his album TSOL for that.

Anyway that's about it. I also sent in my artist statement and work to do a solo show at a venue here in DC. I'll keep you posted on the results of that. It's pretty exciting and I'm looking forward to the work I have planned for that show.

It's going to be a busy week...

Picture Book

2010-10-07T18:46:00.004-04:00

So lately the admin team at Little Lights has been doing a little fill in tutoring for kids since some days we are short of tutors. Today I was helping a student with some reading. (don't ever ask me to help a kid with math.) It's crazy seeing how behind some of these kids are. Makes you wonder what's going on...also doesn't help to see their own frustration when they aren't understanding things. You wish there was reading dust you could sprinkle over their heads and Voila!!!

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Also makes me think about my own learning and growth...hrmm.

Check this time-lapse of Tim Conlon..DOPE, I SAY DOPE!!!. I really enjoy seeing process. Is everyone like that? Process is more important than outcome. (Incomplete Manifesto for Growth.)

Queens Don't Gamble

::HEADPHONES::
Sesame Street: What I am

YES!

2010-10-06T23:22:00.006-04:00

Montana Gold - Window is my favorite color....so far at least.

HowieZine - Signed up for the next Howie Zine Project the theme is zombies...::proceeds to walk around bedroom in a zombie like manner while slurring the word BRAINS::

Doodle Swap Project- the Doodle Swap Project is going down also. I received my mailing list for that and it's rolling up fast. I also have the Sketchbook Project I need to get down on. As you can tell I need to be moving but lately I've just been feeling so tired and drained...no explanation for it really but may be my sleeping habits catching up to me?

I'm hoping my trip to Richmond for the Folk Festival will be refreshing and rejuvenating. It's been awhile but I'll meet up with some good folks.

Albus Cavus at Virgin Mobile Fest.

2010-09-26T22:53:00.006-04:00

Got to get it up with Albus Cavus at the Virgin Mobile Fest this weekend. Really enjoyed my time. Check the piece i started on..I went not knowing I'd be painting...yeah..good times!

We Myself and I

2010-09-26T21:02:00.002-04:00

Shad's album TSOL comes out in the U.S. October 5th. He has a show in Baltimore at Sonar October 26 with KO-S and Astronautalis...

Very excited...OH YEAH!

CCDA & Chicago

2010-09-19T12:44:00.008-04:00

So I spent some time in Chicago for Christian Community Development Association Conference (CCDA). Steve, Vince, and I headed out from BWI and landed at Midway. Here's a video of us...

I had a good time at the Conference and I'm glad I was able to check out what others are doing across the country. YEAHUR!

::HEADPHONES::
AMP -See You In Heaven
AMP - Touch
AMP - Hope

Check out AMP and support them. Good peoples!!!

Beautiful Minds

2010-09-13T01:41:00.008-04:00

Just a few pics of my work from Beautiful Minds.

I was in Chicago during the show (I'll write about my trip in my next post.)but it was the grand opening of The Yards Park. Very thankful to Art Whino for having me in the show and looking forward to what the future has in store. Mmm hrmm.

Thanks to Martha, Michelle, and Mijin for the support and photos.

::HEADPHONES::
Hint - Words To That Effect

3:33

2010-09-04T03:33:00.003-04:00

Hrmm I wish it was 3:10

Wack blog title...ah well.

I woke up not too long ago. if you know me you know I have no sleep schedule.

This week is the last week before programs start at Little Lights so there's been a lot of running around. We closed out the week with some staff bowling which was pretty fresh. I spent my evening at the Freezer to work on some pieces for a show coming up Sept 10.-11th. Got my wood cut and sanded and also started to mess around with different materials. Today I'll hop over to Utrecht and handle a bit of painting today.

So def will be a busy weekend I have 6-8 pieces that I need to finish by Monday so on a bit of a time crunch. Oh shoot.

Below are a few pics from my evening.

::HEADPHONES::
Braille - Shades of Grey

LLUM Cribs

2010-09-02T18:29:00.002-04:00

Little Lights video welcoming and introducing our kids to fall programs.

BEAUTIFUL MINDS at the Yards Park

2010-09-02T07:58:00.007-04:00

I'll have some work in this show. For more info on the event hit up Art Whino.

Playing in the Yard.

2010-09-02T07:42:00.005-04:00

To view the rest of my photos check out my flickr.

::HEADPHONES::
Dela - We will be Free
Globetroddas - Love
Mr. J Mederios - Her Wings

Summer D.I.P

2010-08-06T10:25:00.005-04:00

Summer Drop In Program ended here at Little Lights and it was greeaaaat!!

Just wanted to post a few pics of the shirts made for the staff and kids. (previous posts: 07/09/09 & 07/01/09)

FRONT

BACK

For photos of Little Lights Summer DIP check the Flickr.

Also on August 20th there's a concert at NCFC. Trip Lee and AMP will be performing. You should check it out and grab your tickets here.

Laggin Behind

2010-07-10T11:41:00.016-04:00

So I'm currently sitting in the office at Little Lights needing to catch up on a few projects. I recently sent out a few pieces of mail art to a few friends. There's been a bit of activity and I'm not sure where to begin. So I'll just list things as I think of them.

I made a trip early last month to Art Whino to see Kelly Castillo's show Renaissance Reduxxx you can find my pics here.

Art Whino has a nice show coming up featuring Tatiana Suarez's work July 17th should be pretty nice.

ENUE x TATIANA SUAREZ x ASKEW x JAES from Askew One on Vimeo.

Hopkins and Potomac Gardens Community Day is also on July 17th. A few organizations in the area have come together to hold this event which will include games, food, prizes, a talent show, and a nice music concert. So if you're free come out and enjoy that Saturday morning with us! It's 9am - 6pm. I think I'll be one of the people in the dunk tank so if you hate me or something - haha - now is the time to let out any frustrations.

I recently changed the layout for the Little Lights Times, our Little Lights newsletter that gets mailed out to our various donors, volunteers, families, and friends. There's still improvements I'd like to make to it but here is a pic which includes our donor card.

Lastly I hit up my friend Jen at Photoria and took a few pics for eb.

model: Sky Jiae Kim (work it!)

There's def much I'm missing in this entry..but that's all I have for now. Oh and If you're wondering what happened to the 12 week challenge I'm paused on week number 4. Hope to get back at it soon though.

Check this interview from Zero2Illo founder Jon Woodward on Escape from Illustration Island.

::HEADPHONES::
DNA6 - Behemoth

Bagged, Tagged, Folded

2010-06-11T00:56:00.004-04:00

Spent the night bagging, tagging and folding. Many thanks goes out to my housemates that helped out. Will be working on site and more designs during my vacation coming up. WORD!

::HEADPHONES::

Mux Mool - Night Court
Flying Lotus - MmmHmm
Afta 1 - Escape
FlyAmSam - Princess Toadstool

Rose Garden

2010-06-01T00:59:00.003-04:00

They really need to get Shad's album TSOL on US Itunes cause I woudl've bought that up by now. Anyway wanted to post this because it's that dope. There's also a nice reference thrown in the vid but I won't give that away. Enjoy!

http://www.shadk.com/

HOWie Zine

2010-05-29T16:11:00.014-04:00

Can't wait to receive the HOWie Zine in the mail soon...HUZZAH!!!

The theme is Coffee. These are my pages.

For more information hit up: http://howiezine.com/

I will post photos once it gets in my hands.

Sketchbook Project 2011

I'll also be participating in The Sketchbook Project

Pretty excited and my theme is "In Flight".(perfect) I just got confirmation that Art House Co-op mailed off my sketchbook and I should be receiving it soon. So stay tuned for the process and experience.

::HEADPHONES::
Shad - TSOL (album)

Adventure is what I seek!

2010-05-24T23:04:00.009-04:00

So finally got some shirts printed. I did a run of 50 and had Craig from Adventures in T-shirt Land print them. He did a great job so you should check out his spot.

Here are a few pics of the Adventures In T-shirt Land shop.

I was able to pick up my shirts and watch Craig go through the printing process.

I'm currently trying to finish up details and get my packaging done. It's a very exciting time for me and will have much more to post soon. I'll also be working on a separate blog just for Early Bird. Stay tuned.

"Straighten up and fly right!"

New Stuff.

2010-05-15T11:27:00.006-04:00

It's something about getting a new sketchbook or new art supplies that puts some excitement in ya! WOOWEE!.

This is a book I started last June, I believe.

I really don't sketch enough but I hope this year to change all that. I recently signed up to participate in the Sketchbook Project which I'm very excited about. There's also The Doodle Swap Project which is going on strong, make sure to say hello to Mary who organizes and started The Doodle Swap Project.

So in the sketchbook pictured above, I had a list of projects that I realized I haven't really touched. By the end of the summer I hope to have at least gone through half of the list and have some pretty nice work to show.

The new book and pens galore!

Here's to the new stuff and here's to drawing more. Cheers!

::HEADPHONES::
Braille - Skepticold
Sandpeople - Face In The Clouds
Hocus Pocus - Hip Hop

Art 1212 : Little Lights

2010-05-15T11:09:00.007-04:00

So three of the students in Art 1212 finished up their books. You should've seen their eyes spark at the finished product. It was dope!!! This is what they look like.

The covers are made from the paper the kids produced in class. The covers/binding used for the book was made with illustration board, inside pages were made from 5x7 index cards, and Ms. Katie an awesome volunteer brought in fabric to cover the bindings. The kids produced these from start to finish and were amazed at the finished product. One of our students even said they were going to make their own paper and sell it to people.

Once everyone is finished with their books I'll take pics of the kids holding them so you can match the books to the faces.

They have done an awesome job this semester and I'm proud of all of them.

Circle or Square?

2010-05-09T20:56:00.003-04:00

Paper-Making

2010-05-09T15:09:00.008-04:00

This semester has been quite interesting here at Little Lights. Each Tuesday out of the week I teach a small art class of middle school kids from 3:30pm-6pm. In the beginning of the semester I wanted them to have something they could hold on to and keep for years by the end of the semester. I figured a book would be best for this and decided on the theme, "This Is Me". Each class I'd ask them a question or suggest a theme, examples being: What angers you the most? or What are a few of your favorite things?. I wrote about all this here so check it out.

Mid-semester we back tracked a bit and started to make our own paper in class. Some of the paper the kids have made will cover another handmade book that they are currently working on. As we were making the "This is Me" book many kids expressed that they didn't want to just be held to a theme/question on their pages but wanted a book that would act more as a journal where they could express their own thoughts and feelings.

To see pics check out Little Lights' FLICKR.

Also many thanks to Katie Keister for her volunteer help and expertise.

Art 180's The Big Show

2010-05-08T22:52:00.011-04:00

Art 180 is a non-profit organization in Richmond VA that is doing big things with youth and art in the community. I've done a few things for them in the past and was recently asked to do a poster and postcard for their annual event called The Big Show.

The Big Show is a culmination of the work done in Art 180's programs over the course of 2 semesters and its main goal is to spotlight the young talent of Richmond.

Their amazing show will showcase the following: painting and puppetry, sculptures and textiles, ceramics and film-making, percussion and poetry, rock n' roll and handmade instruments, graffiti art and community gardening.

Here is a pic of the many variations I went through. It may be hard to see but I went from an outside environment sketch to bringing everything inside. I also drew out quite a few letters.

If you're in the Richmond area on Weds, May 26th definitely check the show out. It'll be held at Plant Zero at 6pm.

Also if you are looking for a place to volunteer they are a great organization with an awesome staff.

Small Wall, Big Imagination

2010-04-30T09:51:00.010-04:00

Wanted to post this video up from a mural done at The Fridge with Albus Cavus. You can check the previous entry here.

Had a lot of fun on this mural.

Also check out my Flickr from Black in Black a collaboration between Tim Conlon and Mark Jenkins that's currently showing at The Fridge. The show ends May 9th.

3:12 Week Challenge | ZERO2ILLO

2010-04-30T02:43:00.007-04:00

Okay so knocking out week 3 during week 4. Playing catch up a bit - bear with me. Some of this I'll have to return to probably to get into the details.

Week 3's challenge is to decide upon your business structure. I'm currently reading over some things now as far as small business goes. Most of my time right now is spent here.

This talk of business is where I can get confused over some things and begin to wonder about my exact focus. I have an idea, a big picture view of things(I think), but it's the working towards where I run into problems. Really easy for me to get caught up in the viewing of the dream and miss out on the working out of the dream. (Sugar-coated Daydreams coming soon.) I'm currently wondering over what I have to offer (which I believe is a lot) but also feel as though this needs to be trimmed down a bit. What am I really strong at and what really gets at the core of my heart and how can I leverage all that so I can eat and be merry?

For work we had to take a strength assessment test and these are my results:

Developer

You see the potential in others. Very often, in fact, potential is all you see. In your view no individual is fully formed. On the contrary, each individual is a work in progress, alive with possibilities. And you are drawn toward people for this very reason. When you interact with others, your goal is to help them experience success. You look for ways to challenge them. You devise interesting experiences that can stretch them and help them grow. And all the while you are on the lookout for the signs of growth—a new behavior learned or modified, a slight improvement in a skill, a glimpse of excellence or of “flow” where previously there were only halting steps. For you these small increments—invisible to some—are clear signs of potential being realized. These signs of growth in others are your fuel. They bring you strength and satisfaction. Over time many will seek you out for help and encouragement because on some level they know that your helpfulness is both genuine and fulfilling to you.

Connectedness

Things happen for a reason. You are sure of it. You are sure of it because in your soul you know that we are all connected. Yes, we are individuals, responsible for our own judgments and in possession of our own free will, but nonetheless we are part of something larger. Some may call it the collective unconscious. Others may label it spirit or life force. But whatever your word of choice, you gain confidence from knowing that we are not isolated from one another or from the earth and the life on it. This feeling of Connectedness implies certain responsibilities. If we are all part of a larger picture, then we must not harm others because we will be harming ourselves. We must not exploit because we will be exploiting ourselves. Your awareness of these responsibilities creates your value system. You are considerate, caring, and accepting. Certain of the unity of humankind, you are a bridge builder for people of different cultures. Sensitive to the invisible hand, you can give others comfort that there is a purpose beyond our humdrum lives. The exact articles of your faith will depend on your upbringing and your culture, but your faith is strong. It sustains you and your close friends in the face of life’s mysteries.

Intellection

You like to think. You like mental activity. You like exercising the “muscles” of your brain, stretching them in multiple directions. This need for mental activity may be focused; for example, you may be trying to solve a problem or develop an idea or understand another person’s feelings. The exact focus will depend on your other strengths. On the other hand, this mental activity may very well lack focus. The theme of Intellection does not dictate what you are thinking about; it simply describes that you like to think. You are the kind of person who enjoys your time alone because it is your time for musing and reflection. You are introspective. In a sense you are your own best companion, as you pose yourself questions and try out answers on yourself to see how they sound. This introspection may lead you to a slight sense of discontent as you compare what you are actually doing with all the thoughts and ideas that your mind conceives. Or this introspection may tend toward more pragmatic matters such as the events of the day or a conversation that you plan to have later. Wherever it leads you, this mental hum is one of the constants of your life.

Input

You are inquisitive. You collect things. You might collect information—words, facts, books, and quotations—or you might collect tangible objects such as butterflies, baseball cards, porcelain dolls, or sepia photographs. Whatever you collect, you collect it because it interests you. And yours is the kind of mind that finds so many things interesting. The world is exciting precisely because of its infinite variety and complexity. If you read a great deal, it is not necessarily to refine your theories but, rather, to add more information to your archives. If you like to travel, it is because each new location offers novel artifacts and facts. These can be acquired and then stored away. Why are they worth storing? At the time of storing it is often hard to say exactly when or why you might need them, but who knows when they might become useful? With all those possible uses in mind, you really don’t feel comfortable throwing anything away. So you keep acquiring and compiling and filing stuff away. It’s interesting. It keeps your mind fresh. And perhaps one day some of it will prove valuable.

Adaptability

You live in the moment. You don’t see the future as a fixed destination. Instead, you see it as a place that you create out of the choices that you make right now. And so you discover your future one choice at a time. This doesn’t mean that you don’t have plans. You probably do. But this theme of Adaptability does enable you to respond willingly to the demands of the moment even if they pull you away from your plans. Unlike some, you don’t resent sudden requests or unforeseen detours. You expect them. They are inevitable. Indeed, on some level you actually look forward to them. You are, at heart, a very flexible person who can stay productive when the demands of work are pulling you in many different directions at once.

Now you may go,"What the HECK man!!? What was all that for?" but I agree with results and think it'll play a huge part in how I intend to do business and figure out the exact direction I want to go in. I like to see process and growth, whether that be in a person or in how someone comes to solve a problem. I enjoy process and it hypes me up a bit. I also tend to ponder on topics that deal with growth (mental, spiritual, emotional).

I'd also focus my portfolio towards agents and art directors. One particular agent that I like to follow is Scott Hull and I enjoy the work that comes from the many creatives that fall under him.

As far as publications:

URB Magazine
The FADER
XLR8R
Paste Magazine
RVAmag (would put a smile on the face.)

(I'll have to list the last 5 sometime later this weekend.)

A lot of this comes to me developing my illustration skills too. Which in a sense I don't feel quite comfortable with. I'm drawing more but also want to make sure that I'm down for whatever may come my way.

I'm currently working on an album design for an awesome group in the Maryland area called AMP and hope that leads to further illustration work in the area of music.(I have quite the weekend ahead of me!!)

I also need to get in communication with people that have a wealth of knowledge and learn not be so cowardly when it comes to asking them questions or seeking advice hah. OYE!

So I think this weekend I'll get a list of people I observe from afar and see what they think and pick their brains a bit.

This weekend I'll also attempt to make it out to Art Whino to check out a show by Brazilian artist Lelo. If you've gotten a glimpse into my sketchbook you know I like messing with lines (continuing lines)and line weights so I think Lelo's show will be good inspiration for me.

I still have quite a bit of research to do and much of that will get done this weekend. Some of this I've been thinking about for awhile just really haven't reached out to the art directors and agents.

Most likely I'll be attempting to work on my week 4 and 5 simultaneously but hope this addresses the week 3 challenge a bit.

Also nothing to do with the challenge but figure I'd post an image of something I'm working on.

Sketches for logo:

Clothing company called Red-D (Ready)

Much to do and the image is a very tiny glimpse but I've been writing the word red a lot.

Anyway this is banging out on the headphones...

::HEADPHONES::
RJD2 - Stranger
Progress + Nude + Crew (ft. Othello) - Move On
Mr. J Medeiros - Last Stars
Madvillian - Eye

2:12 Week Challenge | ZERO2ILLO

2010-04-27T08:03:00.013-04:00

Oh man, so this is no good. Making my Week 2 post when it's currently week 4. I need to get up on it. Anyway so the week 2 challenge was all about planning. As the saying goes, "You fail to plan you plan to fail." and this week (well a couple weeks ago) the challenge was to come up with a business plan for my project/career. It'd be a one-page strategy to help me take the action steps needed to build and manifest these dreams.

It was tough for me to do this..to sit down and put thoughts to paper - especially when it came to thinking about the financial side of things but here goes...

Objective:
The ultimate goal for my career is to help develop and inspire underprivileged kids to consider and think about their own future. To help them see what is available to them when it comes to the arts and media. This is a vast undertaking and it's just not limited to illustration but in order to develop others I need to develop and grow myself. So that's where I am at the moment. Just wanting to develop and grow my own skills that way I can offer something to those I come across.

Income Goals:
Oh boy so here we go. I don't make much. I currently work for a non-profit and make around $10,000 a year. It's a full time gig and I enjoy it. Currently I take on freelance projects ever so often. I would like to attempt to make $20,000 in illustration this year. In some ways I feel that number is big considering a lot of stuff will be done on weekends or after work. It's definitely something I need to research more.

Markets I'd be looking into would be record companies, publications, and non-profits focusing on the development of youth.

As far as selling works and illustrations I'm working on printing 50 Early Bird shirts which should be done soon.(more info)

I have a lot of sketches and artwork I could also turn into prints. I just need to look into the various sites that offer those services and can handle the back end of things.

Strategies:
As far as income goals I'd like to focus on Early Bird see how well that is received. Starting with friends & family and hope to see that grow. I also find that I'm not the best business person so definitely seeking growth in that area and being more aggressive in going after projects.

As far as services delivered I'd like to work with an agent. My mind is just not there (invoices, etc) when it comes to creating work. It's also an area I'd like to grow in though.

I also think I have a good twitter/facebook following and would like to utilize that more.

Currently hoping to get some art/gallery shows soon. By December 2010 I would like to have participated in 3 shows, at least one of those being my very own.

Milestones:
I think I'm moving in a good direction. I'm currently picking up more work and getting more projects/ideas. I also think I'm in a good environment to practice and work towards my ultimate goal. I think what mainly will hurt me is finances and mistakes made in the past. That's what I mainly worry about and definitely something I need to sit down and work out so it wont hurt me too much.

So by December 2010 I'd like to step up my web presence. This would include a website mainly showcasing illustration work. This also can be confusing because I don't have a certain style of work so I struggle with what should be shown. (children, graffiti art, more design focused, etc)

In the winter have a more complete line of shirts for Early Bird and really start having that on paper and planned out in a strategic way. Have 50 shirts printed by the end of May and hopefully have another set of orders going by August.

Also would like to seek out mentors and be in communication with others. I can be pretty reserved and would like to be a bit more courageous when it comes to reaching out to those I admire or look up to.

Not sure if this answers everything and feedback is definitely appreciated. I'll have more posts this week since I need to catch up. Let me know what you think.

Yaa I get it.

2010-04-21T00:32:00.001-04:00

Shad is dope. Period. www.shadk.com - New album May 25th

Duna, Duna, Duna, Duna, Duna...BATMAN!!!

2010-04-13T04:36:00.003-04:00

Saw the Batmobile out on 8th Street Saturday night.

1:12 Week Challenge | ZERO2ILLO

2010-04-09T00:52:00.008-04:00

Well it's week 1 of the 12 week challenge for Zero2illo. This weeks challenge is basically getting straight to the point.

What do you want to illustrate?

If you've been following me for awhile you know that I never ever really considered myself an illustrator. Never was all that great at drawing but that is where I got my start. My earliest memories of drawing came from gathering with friends and drawing The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Ninja Turtles were a pretty huge phenomenon at the time. I had the comics, the ooze, the little sewer, the van, the movies, a tent and a sleeping bag. Ninja Turtle Mania I tell you!!!

So that's where it started. I used to trace from the comics until my Father said I should start drawing while looking over the illustrations instead of actually copying. Once I moved to the states ( I lived in Germany at the time) I was introduced to X-Men and Marvel comics. So ever so often you'd find me at a comic book shop especially on days out of school. I dreamt of doing comic books and during the summer would make my own while staying with my grandparents. I must also mention Disney movies were pretty big then: Lion King, Aladdin, Pocahontas, etc and I would draw the characters from these films during class.

Somewhere along the way I lost the pursuit and decided I'd never be a comic book illustrator and kind of just drew to pass the time. I doodled in notebooks, arms, and napkins, but never felt these doodles were good enough.

I went to school for design but wasn't really sure why I was there. Did I want to focus on web design? Did I want to do t-shirts? Could I even cut it? I told myself I lacked the talent and the gusto. Woe is me! ::insert sad face here::

I endured a period of self-doubt and confusion and then came into contact with a group of Howies and the Doodle Swap Project. The Doodle Swap Project got me going in my sketchbook and also brought with it a confidence. So I found I'd like to actually get better at my illustration/doodling and I'd like to focus on illustration for publications – mainly magazines that focus on music or deal with an urban lifestyle. I also have an interest in children's illustration and I also write my own silly rhymes and stories from time to time. Want a sample of an example? I can dample in a rample! - lol

If I could illustrate anything and get paid for it, it'd deal with music and entertainment. I also enjoy doing logos and messing with typography. I'd like to gain a better sense of knowledge in those areas.

Some of my inspiration includes - Maira Kalman, Meg Hunt, Von Glitschka, and Doze Green but definitely not limited to just those mentioned.