Memo Pisa el Lodo

Lurker

2007-08-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

The LA Weekly recently started a graffiti and street art blog.

Estrada Courts

2007-07-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

Check out this excellent post by El Chavo on the Estrada Court murals that he posted on metroblogging Los Angeles.

Funding for the (NoHo) Arts

2007-07-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

I recently got an email fromLA City Nerd:

Know any arts organizations in NoHo that might need funding? They have about a week to complete this:

http://www.crala.net/internet-site/Projects/North_Hollywood/upload/RFQNP3511.pdf

testing

2007-05-28T15:02:00.001-07:00

testing

2007-05-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

I have been on hiatus for the past few months.

I have been doing some thinking about what I want to do in terms of blogging. I'll post more on that later.

Interview with Celso

2007-01-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

I noticed that Celso was in town recently and I wanted to ask him a few questions about his work and Los Angeles...

How was your trip to LA?
Awesome. I was so busy making and putting out works I didn't get to hang out with friends and fam. The weather was perfect on a few days too - no smog, clear skies and you could see the San Gabriel Mountains...LOVE when that happens.

What are some of your favorite things to do in LA?
Margaritas at El Coyote (trashy goodness), late night carne asada at King Taco and burritos at Adolfo's on PCH...

What are some of your favorite places in LA to see art (of any kind)?
I always drop by LACMA, Self-Help Graphics, SixSpace and like seeing all the fresh stuff on the streets and alleys too. I love older nabes, downtown and Mulholland Drive - the entire city is a glowing work of art at night.

Photo of Rodeo Dr.

What were some of your favorite places to hit up?
I like to hit places where I use to live but sometimes you stumble across a great spot or view and you just steal it. I love the fact that you can get up in broad daylight and no one seems to care. Non-traditional spots are the best, really and areas that haven't been crushed to death by mass produced stuff. I enjoy making original works and lately I'm working with Plexiglas because it really works with light and the urban landscape. The posted series (real estate and political signs) I developed in upstate New York over the summer and just knew it would work best in LA because of all the traffic....It's a cheap and double sided canvas/sculpture/installation and I found a ton of them in Orange Co.

Tell me about your character(s).
I work with models when I can afford them but usually I get friends to pose for me and when all else fails I can usually find my inspiration in the back of the LA Weekly or X-Press :)

Ever had any run-ins with the law while putting your stuff up around LA?
Not in L.A. but I've made a few acquaintances at the NYPD...

Who are some of your favorite artists?
Robbie Conal for his political posters, David Hockney's LA, Michael Amescua (of East LA) for his metal work, Ellsworth Kelly for his use of pure color, Warhol and his screen tests, and also Die Brucke expressionists like Otto Mueller. Of course, I can't forget Tiki-Jay for his passion and sculptures and my crew in NYC - Gore-B, Infinity, Dark Clouds and the Skewville bros to name just a few....

What inspires you?
My wife because she'll kill me if I left her out :) but she really is amazing. I'm also inspired by the people I meet, the uniqueness of individuals, natural landscapes, and a good motorcycle ride.

What was it like collaborating with Tiki Jay?
TJ rocks! We worked the entire time we were together - he's a machine! He killed Brooklyn and SoHo when he was here a few months ago and he showed me some great spots I'd never been to in So. Cal.

What are your observations about LA street art? –And to what extent
does it differ from NY street art?
LA is so spread out and a completely different environment to hit than New York. I usually work small here because space is such a premium. A door can get filled up in a matter of days but in LA the sky's the limit and you could literally paint the town if you can afford it. I'm inspired by the artists who work along the Freeways - I mean those works have to pop at 65mph! I want to come back soon and work a bit larger in certain places. In New York finding a spot and maintaining it is part of the challenge. I'd also like to see more colorful works in LA and I'm happy to be part of the mix.

That Abandoned Building on 3rd St

2007-01-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

On Sunset Blvd

2007-01-09T17:03:00.000-08:00

Dred and Smear

A few pieces

2007-01-09T00:10:00.000-08:00

Found at that abandoned building on 3rd St the other day:

MBW

Found on the 101 Fwy

2007-01-05T23:19:00.000-08:00

Photo by uccloud9

Murals Murals Murals

2007-01-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

I was walking down some random street in East L.A. and I came across this gorgeous wall in the middle of a residential neighborhood:

This was an exciting find

2007-01-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

The prolific as heck Los Angeles street art photographer...Chele in LA!!!

Location: I don't think she'd want me to tell. ;)

That Abandoned Building on 3rd St

2007-01-03T11:08:00.000-08:00

Event at The Getty

2007-01-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

Modern Art in Los Angeles: Jerry McMillan, Ed Ruscha, and Mason Williams (panel discussion and performance)

Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium
Admission: Free; reservations required. Call (310) 440-7300 or use the "Make Reservation" button below.

In the 1940s, Oklahoma City produced a group of three young men who would go on to have a profound influence on American art, music, and photography. Jerry McMillan, Ed Ruscha, and Mason Williams were childhood friends, neighbors, and classmates who drove west on Route 66 after leaving high school to pursue their artistic dreams. Their destination was the seductive palm tree-lined shores of California.

Fifty years later, each is a distinguished artist in his respective field. This panel discussion reunites these friends, who will discuss their transition from Oklahoma to the City of Angels, their early careers, and the formation of an indigenous art scene in Los Angeles.

Click here for more info.

Beverly Blvd

2007-01-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

I went to The Art Store the other day and this is what I found right by the front steps:

Found on Traction Ave

2007-01-01T21:13:00.000-08:00

Right next to Zip Fusion:

Update

2007-01-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

'Sup people.

I just came back from San Francisco. Took a bunch of pictures. Stay tuned. Also, coming up is an interview with NY based Celso about his recent visit to Los Angeles.

Ms. T's Ties

2006-12-25T23:08:00.000-08:00

I was walking down Traction Ave the other day and I came across this lonesome tie right next to a phone pole of ties:

Two Cents

2006-12-24T22:15:00.000-08:00

I couldn't get a straight angle shot of this without getting in the way of traffic, so this angle will just have to do. On the corner of Sunset and Cahuenga...

2 cents

Is this by Shepard Fairey or not?

2006-12-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a very interesting piece I came across at The American Hotel:

I think it might be by Shepard Fairy, but I am not sure, since there is this piece missing:

Love and Sushi is the Answer

2006-12-21T20:53:00.000-08:00

I found this the other day by Zip Fusion (I wonder if the establishment will choose to keep it?):

On the Corner of Sunset Blvd and Cahuenga

2006-12-21T10:35:00.000-08:00

I found this on my walk back home from Amoeba Music the other day (check out a previous post on this spot):

(And only one of the two pennies put up by 2 cents is left).

Wheatepastes at The American Hotel

2006-12-20T15:54:00.000-08:00

I came across these at The American Hotel the other day:

Enik

This is the first time I have seen these two:

Space Invader

2006-12-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

Found on Beverly Blvd and Virgil:
Photo by uccloud9

Sunset Pacific Motel

2006-12-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

Surely you noticed this while passing by it if you have traveled down Sunset Blvd in Silverlake...

Well, maybe not the actual sign above but at least Mear's eye catching mural.

A few weeks ago I stopped by there to take some photos:

There were other shots that I couldn't really get because I am 5'2 and its moments like this that I wish I was taller.

Found at The American Hotel

2006-12-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

Skullphone

2006-12-14T13:33:00.000-08:00

Photo by Pantavila

Smear

2006-12-12T18:18:00.000-08:00

Photo by LA Scumbag

On Sunset Blvd in Silverlake

2006-12-11T14:24:00.000-08:00

Banksy's Los Angeles Post Card

2006-12-09T01:57:00.000-08:00

I found this on his site a few weeks back:

Jeff Soto Interview on Super Touch Blog

2006-12-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

Check out Super Touch's recent interview with Jeff Soto here. And while you are at it, check out the post of Banksy's most recent show in London, Santa's Ghetto.

Finders' Keepers

2006-12-06T23:15:00.000-08:00

I left this somewhere in Hollywood the other day. More carbon dioxide.

The Hanging Birds of Los Angeles

2006-12-05T23:52:00.000-08:00

Photo taken from 4eightyone's myspace

Check out this recent post by Franklin Ave.

EDITED NOTE: I just noticed this interview with 4eightyone by Will Campbell here.

Mexican Cultural Institute Mural

2006-11-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

Here are some close up photos of a mural that depicts The Blessing of the Animals on the exterior of the Mexican Cultural Institute by Olvera St:

Artist: Leo Politi

The American Hotel

2006-11-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

The other day, on the corner of Hewitt and Traction:

I have seen various analogues of this one around town lately:

Mear on Sunset

2006-11-17T00:24:00.000-08:00

Piece by Mear
Photo by Chele in LA

Jeff Soto: Cold Ice Age

2006-11-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

JEFF SOTO "COLD ICE AGE"

November18th -December 16th
OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, November 18th, 6-10pm

@ Blk/Mrkt Gallery

Fairy's Angela Davis Portrait

2006-11-15T22:51:00.000-08:00

I know Fairey loves it when people interact with his stuff, even if its critical.

Found: Grand St, Williamsburg
Wheatepaste by: Shepard Fairey
Wheatepaste vandalized by: several people
Photo by: Yanatonage

Banksy Interactive

2006-11-14T02:03:00.000-08:00

There is a community on flickr titled "Banksy Interactive". Its a community where people post photos of people interacting with Banksy's pieces.

Photo by true2death

For me, thats what art in the public sphere is all about... for interactive environment.

Nov. 18th

2006-11-13T18:19:00.000-08:00

I would totally join Mike's walk down Wilshire Blvd if I already didn't have plans that day.

An excerpt:

I'm going to walk the entire length of Wilshire Boulevard, from downtown to Santa Monica. All 16 miles. With plenty of stops along the way to gawk at buildings, eat some food and take it all in. I'm hoping to get as many people as possible to join in on the fun, to make it an urban safari -- and perhaps gain a new perspective on our city in the process.

Click here for more info.

Celso in Los Angeles

2006-11-13T15:34:00.000-08:00

New York based Celso visited Los Angeles recently. Here is the evidence..

Celso on Mullholland Drive:

Celso in East L.A.:

Celso and Tiki Jay at the Santa Monica Pier:

Photos by C-Monster

Additional photos of Celso's Los Angeles visit can be seen here.

Margaret Kilgallen

2006-11-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

uccloud9 found this Margaret Kilgallen sticker on La Cienega during the last AIDS Walk L.A.

Submerged Art Gallery

2006-11-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

I was walking down Cahuenga the other day, and passed by the Submerged Art Gallery. I noticed something that I never noticed before:

A beautiful mural. I don't know who the artist is.

Craola's First Solo Show

2006-11-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Interview with Buff Monster on Archinect

2006-11-07T00:30:00.000-08:00

Read it here.

Paper Project

2006-11-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

Artemio Rodriguez

2006-11-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

I remember seeing this poster below by Artemio Rodriguez in the subway back in 2004. I haven't seen this one for a while until last week at MacArthur Park's redline station:

I love how he snuck his name in on one of the tomb stones

Shepard Fairey's Latest Mural in L.A.

2006-11-03T01:11:00.000-08:00

Photo from Obey Giant
Location: Brooklyn Projects on Sunset Blvd in Echo Park

Next: A Primer on Urban Painting

2006-11-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

Banksy's Rat and MySpace Lady

2006-11-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

I haven't noticed this one in the local blogsphere, but I recently noticed this one on Banksy's site (look at the outdoor section)on a page with photos of his stuff from his recent September visit:

**

Also, a few months ago this one popped up somehwere on Beverly Blvd:

Photo by True2Death

Alot of people weren't sure if it was a legit piece by Banksy. (I wasn't even sure myself.) -But a picture of it has been posted on his outdoor section of his site, therefore claiming credit.

Sefi on Hollywood Blvd

2006-10-30T12:18:00.000-08:00

As I was walking home the other day from the Hollywood and Highland subway stop, I passed by some dude named Sefi selling some of his paintings:

I fell in love with these paintings of a Brazilian neighborhood (his wife is Brazilian and he visited Brazil a few years ago) that I bought one of 'em:

Its been a while since I posted a culture jam..

2006-10-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

Photo by True2death
Found on a 10 fwy onramp in Santa Monica

An East L.A. Mural

2006-10-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

I found this mural at some random side street in East L.A. That is one of the things I love about this part of town, you can be walking down some random side street and you'll unexpectedly find something beautiful that was made with soul to look at. Unfortunately, I don't even remember where it is.

Artist: I can't make out the signature on the second photo.

Puro Muerto

2006-10-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

I went to check out the Puro Muerto exhibit at the Central Library yesterday. I loved it. Go check it out!

Painting by Emilia Garcia

***

Also, there are going to be several Dia de Los Muertos celebrations all over the city. This is probably the most comprehensive list of events that I am aware of. If anybody knows of a more extensive list, please let me know.

This is my favorite festivity of the year.

Miss Van in L.A.

2006-10-23T23:27:00.000-07:00

Word of mouth had it that there were some wall pieces by Miss Van at Fornarina (a women's clothing store on Melrose) that were going to be painted over soon. I wasn't aware of any pieces by Miss Van in LA, so I had to go check it out for myself. These are some photos I took last week:

Event at Union Station

2006-10-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

As someone who has been taking public transportation in LA since I was an egg, I love the idea behind this event:

Red Heart

2006-10-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

Found @ USC by the Communications Dept.

This was an Exciting Find

2006-10-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Portrait of Diego Rivera on Jefferson St

Legal Graffiti Walls

2006-10-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

Check out this map of legal graffiti walls around the country.

Thanks to this post by Wooster Collective for the heads up.

Midzt's Green Men

2006-10-18T00:13:00.000-07:00

Photos by Chele in LA
Location: I asked her and she hasn't told me yet.

Jeff Soto

2006-10-17T00:24:00.000-07:00

Check out Jeff Soto's interesting post about his recent visit to Los Angeles here.

SOS Space Invader

2006-10-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

Found on the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and Fairfax:

Photo by Ileone

Anahuac Mural

2006-10-16T02:29:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago I came across the Anahuac mural in Boyle Heights. Its this 400 sq ft mural on the perimeter wall of Roosevelt High. It is a mural celebrating the history and accomplishments of Mexico and Central America. It took the muralist Nelyollotl Toltecatl six years to complete this mural.

Here are some shots I took:

The close ups that I put up are somewhat a disjointed story of what the mural actually depicts. More pictures of the mural can be found here.

Also, the mural is on Mott St between 4th and 6th.

Ribbon Controller

2006-10-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

Looks like it is underneath an LA river bridge.

Photo by no.fi

I always wonder if these people who accidently end up in photos I post up here ever actually visit this site and go "oh shit wtf?"

Main St

2006-10-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

More of that mysterious bird that is all over the city.

Photo by Ileone

[Edited note: Tags have been updated 12-18-06]

Smear

2006-10-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

Photo by Lord Jim

Red Pepper on a Skateboard

2006-10-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

This little guy is close to the corner of 1st St and St Louis(?) in Boyle Heights. Its a "legal" piece that is part of a store front.Its right next to Ernesto de la Loza's Bridges to East L.A. mural. Anyway, I've always thought it as cute.

Gary Street Part 2

2006-10-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

Shampoozled

2006-10-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

I found this on the corner of 4th and Mott in East L.A. a while back. What the devil does it mean?

Tofer ~ Chinatown

2006-10-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Photo by ~db~

Collete Fu's Photo Binge

2006-10-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

If you go to the Hollywood and Highland redline station and go down these flights of stairs...

and then another flight of stairs...

And look to your left, you will find a series of very busy and surreal images.

More info can be found here. (The link says that the photos are at the 7th St/Metro station and makes no mention of them being at the Hollywood/Highland station. Well, they are certainly at the Hollywood/Highland station.- I haven't personally seen them at the 7th St/Metro station though.)

no.fi ~ Hollywood

2006-10-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

I found this on Wilcox somewhere between Hollywood Blvd and Franklin:

Its not there anymore.

Gary Street Part 1

2006-10-03T00:47:00.000-07:00

I went to Gary Street the other day to take some photos.

Stay tuned for part 2.

Silverlake

2006-10-02T17:15:00.000-07:00

Recently found on that wall that changes all the time next to the Silverlake Cheese Store :

Seizer

2006-10-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Photo by Pantavila

Midzt and Branded

2006-10-01T00:41:00.000-07:00

I found these the other day on the corner of Franklin and Tamarind. Midzt:

A few feet to the left, Branded:

Banksy in Hollywood

2006-09-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

This piece by Banksy was spotted last week on the corner of Sunset and Cahuenga. It was painted over shortly after.

Photo by Pantavila

A Space Invader and a Microphone

2006-09-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

I found this Space Invader on Sunset Blvd in Silverlake the other day:

I also noticed this a few feet below it:

Graffiti Murals

2006-09-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a very interesting article about censorship and aersol murals by Posh One. On the bottom of the page are three stories about aersol murals that were legally made but then censored by local officials and then removed.

Thomas Suriya Mural Re-Invaded

2006-09-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

This is a mural by Thomas Suriya on the corner of Wilcox and Hollywood Blvd (I have posted about this mural before but this picture below by True2Death is way better than the ones I took:

(Its best viewed large)

Notice the top left? -Its exactly the same invader that was placed in the same spot as the previous missing one. I got the details for this here.

Banksy's Booth

2006-09-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

Hey check out what Banksy left on the corner of Main and Alameda.

Watts Towers

2006-09-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

If you have never been, and you have the opportunity to go, ya just gotta go! Its a few blocks away from the 103 St blue line station.

Watts Towers was built by Simon Rodia (all by himself!)- You can read more about Watts Towers here.

Now, about my visit...

I went on a Saturday afternoon with some friends from out of town. I have never been before, but have always wanted to go (in theory) but in practice I just wasn't that motivated to travel that far south. It just looked so far away on the metro map. But really, it took about 40 minutes to get there via red line (Hollywood & Highland), blue line (103rd St) and foot. -And the travel time went by really fast.

Watts Towers is right in the middle of a residential neighborhood, being out of place with its surroundings (Rodia built the towers on his property). There were quite a few people in the houses nearby lounging around on their porches and children playing in the front yard which kind of gave the neighborhood a personable and interactive feel. I asked some guy who was chill'n on his porch with his friends "Whats it like to live across the street from Watts Towers?" "I see the towers everyday so its kind of boring." he said while sipping is beer.

I would so love to live on this street.

We went to buy our admissions ticket (which was about $7-$8, I forgot exactly) in the building west to the towers and then waited around outside the locked gate for the next tour (the general public is only allowed in for the guided tour, after the tour roaming around to look at the place yourself is allowed).

The guided tour lasted about 15-20 minutes. The tour guide has a monotoned voice and would tell us precise details about Rodia's life and the Towers, as if he did this everyday several times a day.

After the tour we watched a 15 minute video that was made in the 1960's about Simon Rodia and Watts Towers. - I would recommend watching it.

On our way back to Hollywood some dude was singing (on the bottom left) in the blue line and a security guard was groov'n along. That is the very first time I have ever seen an MTA security guard just chill and enjoy the music.

[For those not in the know, performing in MTA trains and buses can get you kicked off or fined up to $250.]

Skull and Cross Bones

2006-09-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

I Found this at the MacArthur Park redline station a few weeks ago on my way home:

Banksy's September Visit

2006-09-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

Banksy has left his mark on a few places since he has been back to town. This is what I am aware of:

On Melrose Ave across the street from Urban Outfitters
Photo by Lord Jim

Disneyland
Source: Wooster Collective. Additional photos and details can be found here.

Have I missed anything else from this recent visit of his? I know there is a piece on Beverly Blvd of a stencil of a person with the caption "you look better on myspace" that kind of looks like Banksy's style, but most people aren't sure he did it.

Banksy's L.A. Weekly interview (which just came out today) can be read here.

Also, check out these secret press preview photos of Banksy's show here! (Thanks to Sean Bonner's metroblogging post for the heads up).

That is indeed a live elephant.

Orange Bird

2006-09-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing these all over the place for about a month now. Does anybody know the story behind this?

Photo by Lord Jim

The Re-Invasion of Los Angeles?

2006-09-12T02:03:00.000-07:00

Most of my blog readers have heard about the somewhat recent loss of most of the space invaders around town. Well....recently spotted around Los Angeles (this is very exciting!):

on Melrose near Larchmont

and Rocket Video!

Photos by True2Death

More of Sing Sing

2006-09-12T00:41:00.000-07:00

By the Sunset Junction:

Piece and photo by Sing Sing

LA Souls

2006-09-11T03:11:00.000-07:00

The following is a copy and paste from Ed Fuentes' blog:

"LA Souls: Portraits of Los Angeles in it’s 224th year" is an photo exhibit of Los Angeles photographers shots of Downtown and it's people during the year. Shown together to celebrate a city’s 225th birthday. The most photogenic city in the world has photographers living, working or simply shooting Downtown with an intimate POV to form a dialog of people and place. Without exploiting myth, they gathered evidence of a city and by chance present a community as art.

LA Souls is a group show that includes Gary Leonard, Daryl Furr, Victor Obeck, Edward Fuentes and Ernie Varela. Opening and closing night will include Eric Richardson of blogdowntown. LA Souls opens at Lost Souls Cafe during the week of Downtown Arts Walk with a drop-in reception Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 6 pm. The show runs until October 15 with a closing reception at Downtown Arts Walk Thursday, October 12, 2006, 6pm.

LA Souls: Portraits of Los Angeles in it’s 224th Year
Lost Souls Cafe
124 W. 4th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Between Main and Spring
213.617.7006

Swoon in NYC

2006-09-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

I think this is so stunning that I had to post it:

Photo by Jake Dobkin

Shepard Fairey's Solo Show at Merry Karnowsky's in Los Angeles

2006-09-09T15:46:00.000-07:00

The title “Rise Above” is inspired by the lyrics of one of Shepard Fairey's favorite punk bands, Black Flag. “Jealous cowards try to control... rise above, we're gonna rise above”. Beyond just a Black Flag reference, "Rise Above" is both an attempt to reveal and skewer abuses of power, governmental hypocrisy, and loss of civil liberties, as well as a call for people to rise above these problems. Fairey's work encourages people who don't like the system to change it or work outside of it. Peace advocacy and the questioning of power and authority are dominant themes. Shepard Fairey's new body of work contains politically-charged screenprint, stencil, and collage mixed media pieces which use metaphor, humor, and seductive decorative elements to deliver provocative but beautiful results. These works blur the perceived barriers between propaganda and escapist decoration, political responsibility and humor with the intent of stimulating brain and heart/viscerally and intellectually.

Merry Karnowsky Gallery
Solo Exhibition
September 16th through October 14th, 2006
Opening Reception: September 16th, 8-11pm
170 South La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
www.mkgallery.com

Found on and Around Traction Ave

2006-09-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

Photos by Ed Fuentes (c). You can read about it on his blog.

Sing Sing

2006-09-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

On the corner of Sunset and Gardner:

Piece by Sing Sing
Photo by Pantavila

Project Rabbit and 2 Cents

2006-09-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

You've seen their stuff all over Los Angeles. Here is a clip of Project Rabbit and 2 Cents in action from YouTube:

Paris Hilton and Banksy

2006-09-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Photos from Supertouch

From the BBC:

Hundreds of Paris Hilton albums have been tampered with in the latest stunt by "guerrilla artist" Banksy.
Banksy has replaced Hilton's CD with his own remixes and given them titles such as Why am I Famous?, What Have I Done? and What Am I For?

He has also changed pictures of her on the CD sleeve to show the US socialite topless and with a dog's head.

A spokeswoman for Banksy said he had doctored 500 copies of her debut album Paris in 48 record shops across the UK.

She told the BBC News website: "He switched the CDs in store, so he took the old ones out and put his version in."

You can read more of the article here.

Also, here is a video clip of Banksy doing the prank:

Recently at Self Help Graphics..

2006-09-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

I went to Self Help Graphics a few weeks ago to check out whats up on the walls inside. My timing was awkward because they were in the middle of taking down this exhibition. I only had about 15 minutes to look around (not nearly enough!) and fell in love with this guy's work.

I'm just a sucker for pieces that incorporate the local landscape into their work.

This was one of my favorite pieces. This picture doesn't do it any justice, but here it is:

I forgot the name of the artst. Anybody know?

On a 181 Martel Dumpster

2006-09-01T02:06:00.000-07:00

No.Fi on one side:

Ribbon Controller on the other:

Photos by No.Fi

Interview with Tiki Jay

2006-08-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

I've made several posts about his beautiful work before and I recently had the opportunity to ask him a few questions. Here we go:

How did you get into creating art? How long have you been doing it?

I have always done art since I can remember. My father wanted me to be a musician but he pushed me to hard to the point that I didn’t even want to touch another instrument, so art was where I could enforce my own control of my creative skill. I started off by copying cartoon characters; comic book characters anything that I could see as a drawing I was imitating. Urban Landscaping came about through break dancing which led me into the world of graffiti…I wrote graffiti for more than 10 years and I wanted to do something new, I wanted to try an approach to the world of street art…something I could call my own.

How did you get into putting your art in public places?

I was a Graff artist that wanted to bring something else to the table. When
I started doing urban landscaping which I consider using as many mediums as possible to promote your work in the city, I was noticing that LA had a graffiti mentality to everything, everyone wanted to paint Graff murals and do Graff bombs. I was thinking that there has to be something else, there were a few poster artist then and even fewer stencil artists, and I don’t think anyone in LA was doing any kind of 3-dimensional structure at the time either. Guerilla style anyway…it was my mission at that point to start making the city look pretty, treat the city as an urban gallery not a place to exploit the art form for money.

What motivates you to create?

Females, seeing an awesome trick on a skateboard, the sound of tumbling locks, the sound of stiletto heels clicking their way down on a hardwood floor. I just need to be doing creative things whether it’s in my studio or bombing the streets. I don’t feel right if I am not out there bombing the street or doing something that involves and illegal activity with the work that we do. I am an urban landscape specialist interested in making the city look pretty with Graff pieces, bombs, posters stencils and concrete sculpture…you best believe there is more to come.

Tell us about some of your characters.

My Moai heads are inspired by the tiki heads . I feel the moai heads reflect my personality. On Easter Island the Moai heads that managed to make it to the beach front are all facing away from the ocean. To the people of Easter Island this symbolized that they didn’t care what happened on the other side of the water. Of course the people of Easter Island welcomed outsiders to their Island , at the same time they were content to stay where they are. I identified with this, that’s why I like working by myself I don’t want to recycle other peoples work I don’t want to unconsciously put other peoples work in mine. The tiki heads on Easter Island are original pieces…and that is what I want to convey when people see my work a signature …my signature.

Where is your favorite location or type of location to put your pieces? Do you have a picture?

I like getting poles, high spots, spots that interlink the work that is done. Something of a sight specific nature, But really I love bombing the city that is my favorite location. I sure do love the coastal community I feel it fits appropriately with the tiki styled icon I use as my signature.

What is the most interesting experience you have had while putting your stuff up in public places?

One of the most interesting experiences I have had lately comes from the time I was in New York down on Elizabeth and Church. I was painting a stencil and this little couple comes walking by and they noticed what I was doing and the guy asked me if I would paint a stencil on his shirt so I did. You can see the whole thing on a film made by Knox you can see it here:

Another time was when my friend(dot com) was supposed to go with me one night I was going to watch his back while he got a billboard and he was supposed to watch as I paint a 8ftx8ft piece with two 2-tone stencils for the wall in Venice the green one. So I called up dotcom and he was like man I’m too tired. So tried to go back to sleep but I couldn’t because I wanted someone to watch my back so I could get this spot. So I said fuck it and I loaded my vehicle and I said I’m going to get the spot anyway. As I was driving there I saw about 6 cops but by this point I didn’t care what the cost I was going to rock it. I got to the place and started to unload as I was setting up to start painting I ran into 2 cops driving by one of them was stuck at the light then he just pulled away the other one drove straight behind me and just kept going. So figured I knew where cop one and two were I should just finish. I got about halfway into my piece and then this guy came up to me while I was painting and he was like that’s cool man. He asked me if I needed any help so I asked if he would watch out for cops for me, he was like yeah dude. So I finished up and he asked me if he could have a can of paint so he could catch tags on his way home.

What is your favorite time to bomb?

When is your favorite time of day or night to go put your stuff up around the city? I love all times to bomb day night I feel of course there are something that will play you for certain mediums but like the day cuz I can actually see cops coming then. I love bombing in the day as much as possible. I feel like I can look out for cops a lot easier.

Have you ever been caught?

I’ve only been caught once knock on wood that was back in the L.A. riots first time in County jail supposed to do 2 months and 800 hours community service, funny thing that happened to judge Willet, I read in the newspaper that he got busted for using the city of Redondo beach money to make a garage space for himself on the side of the court house. He claimed it was for his files but it was for his car any way it went to jury trial the cops lied on the stand yes folks cops commit purgery. So I did 23 days locked up for graff and I finished the community service on time.

Who are your favorite artists?

Hajime Sorayama, Tex Avery, Richard Pryor, Mike Judge , Bruno Bernard, Hogarth, coop, Robert Williams, the Pizz, skewville, celso, endless love crew, van arno, sailor jerry , project rabbit, branded Varga, Fremantle, Hao, Titiki, REPENT ONE, guerilla girls, Beverly Bledsoe, Ikea, Maus, sub, Michael de feo, mass distraction, Billy Knows, and of course I can forget the man Tiki Jay One.

Any final comments?
Artist's Statement - “By not limiting oneself to any single medium one is left with an open mind and room for growth. Being an artist means taking risks, this manifests itself in the process by which urban landscaping is conducted. The urban landscapist risks physical injury, and personal freedom in the line of duty. Most believe there is an art war on the urban streets, but I disagree. The city is an urban gallery for creating and displaying art without the need of traditional Western-European standards of art. The end result should be work untouched by the “buff” due to the public acceptance gained by the artist’s efforts.” And th-th-th-that’s all folks big ups to LA and Brooklyn.

Banksy in Los Angeles, Downtown Art Walk and LA Street Art Premiere

2006-08-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

Man I have a lot of future posts I am going to spend my evening organizing. I'll be updating regularly again. Meanwhile, here as some announcements:

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The next Downtown Art Walk is on September 14. Speaking of art walks, the next Brewery Art Walk is on October 7 & 8.

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LA Street Art film
Featuring Project Rabbit, Tiki Jay One, Branded, Vader One and Graffism
FREE SCREENING
September 4th, 2006 at the Mountain Bar in Chinatown
475 Gin Ling Way, Los Angeles
with a performance by Neptune + DJs
TOTALLY FREE
Doors open at 8pm
This event is 21+

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Everybody and their mother already knows about this but I'll post it anyway:

Finders Keepers-Carbon Dioxide #1

2006-08-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a little carbon dioxide for the Los Angeles landscape:

I left this one yesterday late afternoon across the street from Groundsworks on Traction Ave.

East Los Streetscapers

2006-08-12T18:11:00.000-07:00