Is it a crime that I appreciate simple visual gags?

Artist, Florentijin Hofman, knows exactly what I like.

I like things either very tiny or very big. I also like people in inanimate object suits. I digress.

Here's a photo my cousin, Marisa, took that I enjoy very much.

My Perpetual Struggle With Wanting

OK. While I admire those who can live with a single pair of multipurpose shoes (usually men), everyday I enjoy the privilege of choosing which pair of shoes to wear. More often than not, I choose my Toms or a vintage pair. Those are the practical and I don't feel so materialistic when I wear them. Here's the struggle: Despite the comfort, I still wish I could wear a pair of sky high Christian Louboutin's, or YSL's or whatever!

I love fashion. I like the glamour of it despite full knowledge that true glamour doesn't exist. The illusion of glamour, really. I appreciate the energy put into it, I suppose. How much thought is placed into every accessory and how much grace and swagger comes as a result really intrigues me. Something about the dazzle of it all. I wish I was graceful! Then I wish I had that Alexander McQueen dress, the Balenciaga whatever, and the Goyard luggage. Now, the dangerous temptation...

It really is hard to resist, but so delightful to imagine that so much imaginary glamour and good feelings could come from that one LAMB purse, the Chloe glasses and DVF dress or any other overpriced luxury item. Me wantee!

But this is my understanding. I fully know that these things won't bring me glamour or gracefulness for that matter. I'm no Victoria Beckham. Not to mention that my wallet is nowhere near as capable as Posh or the Olsens. I am aware that fashion is a fleeting artform that changes all the time. It is the art of wanting. And best when you can't have it, otherwise they're just clothes.

Related -- the Lowbrow Art Movement

Image by Jeff Soto

My illustrative pursuits might not be just my soul searching, but my soul becoming current. Apparently, Juxtapoz magazine founder, Robert Williams, has coined the term "Lowbrow Art" for the recent flow of street art and illustration that has come to cover gallery walls in most art meccas. This is our movement here in Los Angeles.

I like to think of this movement as more of an acceptance than a retreat. It's our culmination of pop culture and our subjective awareness that makes it art. Rothko, who's paintings are far more expensive than say Murakami's (a Lowbrow artist)paintings, would argue that this is not fine art. But I am constantly at odds with Mark Rothko because I don't feel that art should be defined, but rather embraced. This art is relative and speaks of the times we live in. It boldly attacks expecation and convention in one swoop.

The artwork that stems from graffiti, cartoons, comic books, and even logos are now being appreciated. Mostly inspired by music and beloved imagery from our youth, we begin to accept cute as an art. So much that people buy it and love it for the accessibility. This is what I'm contributing to now, but who knows what it will be in 5 years.

Dear Kaws (Brian Donnelly)

I stood outside the Honor Fraser Gallery on Saturday to see your work. But you know what? You forgot us. That's so disappointing because nearly a hundred of us stood there in the cold (under raindrops) just to see your work but no one told us we wouldn't get it. What gives, jerk!? I spent 30 minutes to park tucked away on a dark street near shady characters on their lawn just to get in that ridiculous line. It's OK, I'll have to go see your stuff when it's less convenient for your friends.

I really like the stuff you did with Kanye and Kate Moss. I especially love your poop on a stick (which I was anxiously awaiting to purchase). Plus I heard you seemed somewhat annoyed by fans who were asking you to sign their sketchbooks. Look, we're buying your art and are entirely inspired by you, you ingrate. Show an ounce of gratitude. Please.

Colbert Report :: Who has the rights to that Obama picture?

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Obama Poster Debate - David Ross and Ed Colbert

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Funny Political News

Christian Bale Parody
Joke of the Day

An interesting debate over the ownership of an art piece between the Whitney and a Lawyer.

What? More stuff for Friday the 13th? :: Lauren Barcelon Solo Show @ Maniac Gallery

My old buddy, Lauren Barcelon, is opening her solo show "For Catatonic Eternity" at the Maniac Gallery in Oakland tonight. I've always enjoyed her artwork and can only expect great things from her in the future. For more info: Maniac Gallery

Here's a great write up on the show:

FOR CATATONIC ETERNITY: New Work by Lauren Barcelon

OPENING FRIDAY 2.13.09, 7-10 PM

MANIAC proudly presents the first solo exhibition of Los Angeles-based artist Lauren Barcelon, For Catatonic Eternity, a site-specific installation filling the gallery with soft-sculptures of over one-hundred diamond cut replicas. Working with geometrics, the sequencing of mental distortions and compulsions, Barcelon's decadently fantastical interpretation of material, modes and ideas behind the model of the multiple make For Catatonic Eternity a full-scale installation where details are repeated so meticulously, all suddenly become one, or conversely, each become imperfected by nature when viewed as a whole.

Crossing the threshold of performance and immersive sculptural installation, Barcelon's work is locked in with her performance (or act of creation), which has included hot-ironing plastic bags, hiding reality T.V. stars in ink-blot nature drawings, and researching diamond geometries for material replication. Barcelon, who has not exhibited in the Bay Area since leaving for Los Angeles in 2006, has typically worked with inorganic, human-made materials dualising formations found in nature to both a social and utilitarian suggestive.

In For Catatonic Eternity Barcelon creates a survey of still documentation and the aftermath of her own private expression pertaining to ideas of replication, multiplication and obsession, this time professing ever-specific patterns of crystal formations, and the geometrics of diamonds through bulk fabric found in Los Angeles' Fashion District. Along side Barcelon's new sculptures on view are C-Print documentation of her distinct process as captured in diorama model stills.

Barcelon has exhibited through out California including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland since receiving her BFA in Sculpture from University of California at Davis in 2003.

I Love Keith Haring!

Keith Haring Documentary from ovicone on Vimeo.

So that photography thing . . .

Recently, photography has been quite the topic of discussion. From Lorenzo's portrait parties, to Ryan Rogers' photoshop wizardry to even ideas of supplementing our empty pockets by selling stock photos to istock.com, to so and so's "oh my god what the hell is she wearing?" picture on Facebook, photography has been in the air.

After all, it is quite an accessible art form. The actual motions simply involve pointing and shooting. However, there is something within a photographer that is unique though- their scaling gradients of observation. The eye to see the most extraordinary to the minute. Successful photographers have enough vision of an image to capture something that isn't materialized- like relationships, emotions, personalities and time.

In its ability to capture moments, photography has the ability to stop time. Is that photograph, then, a fetish, an object defined by its irrational reverence, obsessive devotion? As a viewer, we take part in this interaction in order to form ideas. In such an emotional exchange, then yes, photography is a fetish. After all it is something loved (emotionally engaging) for a moment or a lifetime.

Since we are a generation that has been characterized by internet social networks photos, I wonder that in this time in my mid-twenties, when we are striving for accomplishment and yet feeling like our opportunities are shrinking, why we're so obsessed with capturing these fleeting moments of glamour, fun and depth, when we ourselves are the bottomless all you can eat source of all of those things.

It just feels good.

And your fantastic narrator, Ryan Ebelt

Ryan's been a dear friend of mine here in Los Angeles. A modern day renaissance man who has become one of my wisest advisors. He is not only a talented writer but also a gifted painter. His gift storytelling is evident in both.

He has been writing a novel via his blog, Friends of Junior . Check it out!

For more of Ryan's wonderful work, check out his website

Post Christmas Dilemma

So I got what I wanted: a Nerf gun. And now that the damage is done, I guess I'll go back to work.

I hope everyone is surviving their first day back at work. Happy Blue Monday!

This Is Where We Live - 4th Estate

This Is Where We Live from 4th Estate on Vimeo.

Marisa

Cher Draws Little Anne

By the very talented Cher Grepo

Because Everyone Loves Poo

The Sprinkle Brigade is here to provide you with the true definition of street art: dog poop sculptures. While we may just dismiss these abandoned terds, the Sprinkles see art.

Thanks, B

Love By Mail

Nate's bad day

Pigeons hate Nate.

An Assistant's Fantasy

This is a picture of Claire and her boss as a bee.

A cool illustration frm Rome, Italy

Assorted Illustrator and Photoshop Fun

Mike at his best

Last resort for art school application


A tribute to San Francisco
A reminder to Cher that I'm waiting for her to draw me...

"Found"

16 x 20 acrylic on canvas

For newlyweds, Auntie Des and Uncle Brice