Inside

Division

Video and Image Property of Joy Division
Copyright 1980

Sometimes a mesmerizing image and a heartfelt song are all you need.

El Barrio

After a whole week of settling in, today is my first blog post in my new place.

Where am I? Brooklyn Heights in East Los Angeles.

Yes, I am officially back in my hometown of East LA. It's been approximately 16 years since I've lived here, and now I'm back. In the short week I've been here I've experienced just about everything I remember from my childhood, earthquake included. This should make for some very interesting stories.

Giant

Image Property of Mike Giant
Copyright 2009

For a long time now, I've been very captivated by the work of Mike Giant. Especially his illustrations of homegirls and their tattoos. It's not so much the content, as it is the technique, that seems so alluring.

Looking Back

From time to time I sit around and just look at old photos. The photos serve as a means to just kind of remind myself of the innocent and optimistic boy I once was, and know, that at my core, that's still who I really am today.

Consistently knocked down, I kept my spirits high because I thought tomorrow would be a better day and aside from my current state, life was good, but also uncomplicated.

There may have been some naiveté, but at least I was happy.

Now I have to work for what I want and know that nothing is guaranteed, and that not only scares me, but makes me unhappy.

Sunday Afternoon

Image Property of The Museum of Jurassic Technology
Copyright 1996-2006

Yesterday Michelle and I drove down to Culver City to visit the Museum of Jurassic Technology, this trip had been a long time coming, we actually meant to visit last spring, but busy with everything we never made it.

If you live in southern California or are ever in the area, I recommend you stop by.

It's not for me to try and describe what you'll see, but for you to experience it for yourself.

No Return

Image Property of Neil McAllister
Copyright 1997

During the mid-'90s the Misfits made their return from the dead, with new lead singer Michael Graves and drummer Dr. Chud. As a tribute to the resurrection of the band, fan Neil McAllister produced the artwork seen above. They loved the illustration so much they actually used it on their first European tour.

It's funny actually, this image seems to represent the transformation the band underwent not only musically, but visually. Imagery for album covers and the like never really felt as gritty as they did during the band's inception. Everything seemed a little soft around the edges or over produced.



Video Property of the Misfits
Copyright 1997

Death Comes Ripping

Images Property of Kristian Hammerstad
Copyright 2009

Months ago when I first got my blog up and running I discovered this amazing illustrator on BEAUTIFUL/DECAY and was really inspired by his work. Great technique surged by blazing color, while decidedly staying in a very comic book sort of area.

The aesthetic is obviously retro, but the sense of humor is clearly contemporary, and while most people would say it's nostalgic, it's very clearly a voice of today. Even if the work follows in the footsteps of artists like Raymond Pettibon or Pushead; using youthful energy to drive the image.

Never Sleep

Video Property of Nike
Copyright 2010

Recently Nike put out an ad with Dwyane Wade for their Air Jordan 2010 series sneakers. This ad is great, and Nike consistently puts out great campaigns for their products. They are definitely one of those corporations that knows, good design sells.

This makes me want to buy a pair of Air Jordans. If it would make me bigger, badder and scarier, then yes, I would like these shoes.

You Are

I have no idea who did this or where it's from, but a friend sent it to me and I think it's hilarious.

Destination...

Images Property of Justinvg
Copyright 2010

While scanning the pages of Geek Central Station I happened upon this set of amazing Star Wars posters. Each for a planet or moon in the Star Wars universe. Design conscious travel agency a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away...

Not much is said about the designer who made these, except that you can view his work on his Flickr page.

These posters could easily fit in at Disneyland's Star Tours attraction, although there is something I love about the old 80s posters already on display.

This or That

Images Property of Toby Ng
Copyright 2010

During my search for the Creep poster set I came cross another set of posters for the London Horror Film Festival.

Now, while I like the idea, I will say that I don't think they're the most amazing pieces of design.

Basically the posters were meant to show the dichotomy of a horror movie viewing experience; a dichotomy of extreme opposites.

White Nooka

Only one other time in my life have I owned a watch. It was a little black plastic "waterproof" watch that my mom got me from the grocery store. By the way, it wasn't waterproof at all. Really tragic for an 8 year old.

The second watch I've ever owned is this just arrived beautiful white Nooka watch I bought online from my very first sample sale. Actually, the latter isn't true, this is my second sample sale purchase. I bought Michelle a stunning silk Thomas Wilde dress for her birthday two summers ago. I digress.

I really love my new watch.

Adidas Originals

Images and Video Property of adidas America Inc.
Copyright 2010

As of January 2010 Adidas Originals has released its line of Star Wars inspired sneakers and apparel. How or why I'm just hearing about this is beyond me and makes me very sad indeed. All the best pairs of sneakers are already gone and on eBay for the small asking price of $200 a pair, a $120 mark-up.

But, there is some hope. I could win the Lotto?

I'm just merely trying to remain optimistic for my own sake, I want, no need, a pair of the AT-AT sneakers right away. Another pair of shoes to add to my wish list; I'm still hoping for the Nike SB Boba Fett Dunks.