KJCeee

my "Harmony" wall sculpture in The Office

2012-01-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

Check it out...one of my wall sculptures was featured in The Office last night.

oh, just more graphic design stuffs

2011-12-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

another one for Adjunct

New 50's Record Cover & 60's Poster style invites for Thru 79!

2011-11-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

New Thru 79 Save The Date postcard designs

2011-11-05T01:19:00.000-07:00

For Thru 79 Design, two new Save The Date postcards (easily modified as invitations, RSVP cards, menus and the like) with a vintage feel.

Antique label style Save The Date on Recycled card stock

Rustic "Bulls Eye" Save The Date Postcard on Recyled Chip Board

New NOVA Art Studio Wall Sculptures

2011-10-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

4 new designs from the K. Johnston collection for NAS, currently being shown at the IHFC show in North Carolina...

1950's Style Save The Date

2011-10-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

50's style Save The Date card for Thru 79 Design

Retro-Mod Invite/RSVP/Save The Date

2011-10-03T19:10:00.000-07:00

Another new one for Thru 79 Design

Frisky Honey Flyer

2011-09-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

The lovely and talented dancer/choreographer Becca Sweitzer asked me to design the retro logo and poster for her new 70's rock-based dance show "Frisky Honey". If you are in the L.A. area November 10, head to Skinny's Lounge in North Hollywood for a good time :)

Carven SP12

2011-09-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

Love so many patterns from the Carven Spring 2012 collection!

http://www.patternpeople.com/sp-12-carven/

Storm Thorgerson

2011-09-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

Storm Thorgerson is one of my favorite graphic designers who developed some of the most memorable surrealist style album covers from the 70's to today. Here are a few of my faves.

Album Art for Pancho Piedra

2011-09-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Next Adjunct release, coming October 24th

Retro/Vintage Invitations and Greeting Cards

2011-09-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

Most of you know I'm drawn to retro design and often incorporate that sensibility into my graphic design and product design projects. In that I've had some recent demand from private clients to design paper goods of that style for their special events, I've decided to branch out even more and start a niche invitation, stationery and greeting card line called "Thru 79 Design". This line will specialize in graphic design styles ranging from the 20's through the 70's, and will utilize an eco-friendly printing process and recycled papers. I'm getting all my ducks in a row for launch but here are a few examples of what's to come.

If you happen to be in need of some truly stylish paper goods in the retro/vintage vein, don't hesitate to contact me! Launch date is planned for mid-November, but I'm available now for custom projects.

In The Shop

2011-08-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Some new pieces coming in October....here's how they're looking in the shop

Adjunct Compilation Art

2011-08-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

We are about to release an amazing compilation of 8 tracks from various seasoned as well as brand new Adjunct artists. Here's a preview of the art I designed (this will be a series incorporating the "wing" logo) -- be on the lookout for the release in early Autumn!

Ides of Gemini

2011-08-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

Ides of Gemini is a band I play in (drums, backup vocals) with the lovely and talented Sera Timms (lead vocals, bass), and her awesome guy J Bennett (guitar). It's a dream-doom triangle!

Anywho, we have started playing out and new recordings are coming. Right now, you can listen to/purchase the first EP "The Disruption Writ" here.

Here's a quick review of our last show at the Echo with Chelsea Wolfe and Liturgy.
And, an interview with J Bennett on the Decibel Magazine blog.

Photos from Art Opening @ Matters of Space

2011-07-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

The exhibit will be up from Jul 9 - August 12. If you live in the L.A. area, stop by Matters of Space 5005 York Blvd, Highland Park & say hello to the lovely owners PJ and Katerina.

UPDATE: there will most likely be a closing show Thursday, August 4th!

Select wall sculptures on sale TOMORROW!

2011-07-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

NOVA is having a sale on Rue La La, and it features select metal wall sculptures from my NOVA Art Studio collection!

Jump on it! SATURDAY 7/9 8am PST (11am EST)

wood burning show July 9 @ Matters Of Space

2011-07-01T14:34:00.001-07:00

Space T's!

2011-06-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

This t-shirt graphic was retro/space camp inspired and will be seen on the backs of debate students at the UTNIF debate camp, which is themed around space exploration this year.

Public Art Bike Rack

2011-06-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

The L.A. based Knowhow Shop made this 400lb wood bike rack made of mangaris. It's fun and clever. Yes.

Summer Intros

2011-06-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

They're in! And on their way to market this summer. Also, some private sales online. More details to come...

more wood progress

2011-06-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

Summer wall sculpture intros

2011-05-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

I'll be introducing a bunch of new metal wall sculptures in Las Vegas, and a limited number of designs will also be exclusively sold online in a limited 3 day sale (great prices!) most likely end of June. Keep your eyes on this here blog or Facebook page to keep informed!

A little preview below:

Phaedra Inspired

2011-05-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

It's always interesting the effect music has on the process of making visual art. I started a new wood burning with a certain intent, within a certain mindset as a result of my structured, left brain dominated day. After putting on a Tangerine Dream LP and releasing the mind to allow the innate to take over (basically my inner acid tripper), the piece began to transform into something entirely unintended.

Art is Rad. And that's all I have to say about that.

Wood Burnings Show in July!

2011-04-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

I just booked a show featuring my brand new pyrography art for July 9, 2011. Details to come closer to the event. Local L.A. folks, hope you can make it. It will be my first show featuring only wood art and is an exciting departure from my previous metal work and painting exhibits. :)

Flyer for BG night at Footsies

2011-04-06T15:48:00.001-07:00

Portrait of Mikael Stavostrand

2011-03-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

I took a series of promo shots for Mikael, who is a prolific Swedish electronic/techno producer now living in Los Angeles. Not only is Mikael extremely talented, he is also a great guy and a trusted friend :) See the article and photo HERE

Additional shots:

For Cat/Design Nerds

2011-03-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

I have 3 cats...teetering on crazy cat lady status. I'm not SO crazy that I seek out custom designed furniture for my cats, however I stumbled upon this on Etsy and had one of those "why didn't I think of that?" moments.

How does one display their love for retro-modern design and cats? By buying one of these (which is what I'm about to do).

NERD ALERT.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/likekittysville

Treehotel

2011-03-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

This amazing hotel in Sweden consists of individual "tree houses", each designed by different architects. Why are the Swedes so good at stuff? Better question: who's coming with me??

treehotel website!

Winning

2011-03-01T23:58:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, it's captivating: this Charlie Sheen business. There are some real gems coming out of his brain. Inspired and in between projects tonight, I just HAD to visualize a joke I made earlier in the day....after the reality show that is inevitable, I predict this...

I'm seriously thinking about copyrighting it.

34

2011-02-25T20:22:00.001-08:00

This weekend I turn 34. Another year gone by, another blurry photo to document it.

New painting in progress

2011-02-19T10:45:00.000-08:00

Palm Springs

2011-02-13T22:24:00.000-08:00

Ken took me to Palm Springs this weekend for some MUCH needed fun 'n' sun as an early birthday present. I was so inspired by the decor of our hotel, the Orbit In (with original pieces from Noguchi, Eames, Bertoia, Nelson, etc.), and the great retro-mod home interiors shopping -- especially at a store called "Retrospective". If you are headed to Palm Springs, both are highly recommended! Definitely rekindled the painter fire in me and made me want to come home and design some weird lamps. We also stopped in Joshua tree and Pioneer Town for some last minute adventure. So thankful for KG's sweet and thoughtful gestures all throughout the trip.

New Showroom Merchandising

2011-02-02T22:40:00.000-08:00

My client NOVA recently leased a new showroom in Las Vegas for their unique modern and soft contemporary line of lighting, furniture and wall décor, and again hired me to come in and design the space and merchandise the showroom for them. It's always a demanding and rewarding experience, and this time it was even moreso because I flew straight from setting up a show in Dallas to Las Vegas to set up 2 showrooms there! Phew!!

I love working with a blank canvas showroom-wise. Love choosing wall colors. Love finding a home for each assortment. Love positioning clouds and electrical where it makes sense, rather than walking into a space that's already built out according to some past plan and trying to fit collections where they don't make sense at all. Love doing all the finishing touches that make the showroom come alive, rather than seem like just a room full of "product". My feet and back don't love it, but my problem-solving brain does and my hyperactive spatial recognition is put to good use.

Here are some pics from the new showroom in Vegas...

Paulice/Onkel Brutalo release

2011-02-01T16:59:00.001-08:00

Artwork for the next Adjunct release...

Adjunct / Sunset Diskos night Feb 19

2011-01-26T03:10:00.001-08:00

Flyer for our label night at the Avalon 2/19.

Inspiration

2011-01-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

Signal Deluxe - Cielo Profundo Art

2011-01-07T15:43:00.000-08:00

The next Adjunct release from this Mexico City duo. Art preview...

Star 1973 magazine

2011-01-06T12:54:00.000-08:00

Sent to me by the lovely Coovs. Great find. This guy spent a lot of time and energy to acquire the only 5 issues of this 1973 teen magazine and has now made them available to us online. So fun to explore the early 70's design, layout and photography that I so dearly adore. The content is hilarious as well.

STAR1973.COM

swept up

2011-01-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

Getting curvy with some of my new pieces. Coming April 2011...

Obsession

2010-12-15T16:32:00.000-08:00

Not only is this compilation great, but I certainly have an obsession for this album cover! Har har. Well, there's not a damn thing wrong with it. Headphones, sexy 70's lady, robot, excellent title treatment, and killer coloring. :)

Adjunct Audio page on Beatport

2010-12-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

In the last couple months we have released some really great electronic music on our Adjunct label (in the techno/house vein). The last releases have gotten great feedback and I've been so inspired by the artists who create sounds as fodder for my visual art work. Please support these forward-thinking musicians by downloading some great tracks and get your boogie/head trip on at the same time! Win-Win!
ADJUNCT AUDIO ON BEATPORT

Also, here's a great review on our Walker Barnard "Follow The Smoke" release that comes out Monday 12/20!
Igloo Magazine

"In The Shop"

2010-12-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

Incorporating some woodgrain and some glass into some of the Winter 2011 intros. I am going to be making some slight changes in coloring but overall both will have the same look and feel.

Artwork for "The Ghost of J. Beauregard B. and The Childrens of God"

2010-11-30T11:37:00.000-08:00

Coming out in January, a new artist for Adjunct with some wicked and weird tunes. Here's a peek at my artwork for the first release.

Digital art for upcoming [a]pendics.shuffle and Dilo EP

2010-11-29T23:47:00.000-08:00

Keepin' it graphic with some snakeskin :) I created this artwork for the duo's upcoming "rattlesnake insanity" EP.

Another "In The Shop"

2010-11-23T12:49:00.000-08:00

I'm utlizing chrome a lot more in my 2011 introductions. Flame treated chrome can range anywhere from golden browns to purples to blues, and because of it's highly reflective surface, can be very striking in person.

Coupon for Etsy Purchases

2010-11-21T18:11:00.000-08:00

There will be many new one-of-a-kind items for sale on my Etsy site soon. Blog and website followers can now receive 10% off on any item on my Etsy store if you enter the code KJFRIENDS at checkout.

GO TO MY ETSY STORE!

Updated Website!

2010-11-20T12:07:00.000-08:00

Well, it's long overdue, but the KJC website is updated! More content! Links to buy my wall sculptures! Unicorns and rainbows! CHECK IT.

I also have included a links page and a music page not only to promote some of my other interests, but to promote friends and fellow creatives whom I cherish. I'm just building up these pages, so those of you out there that I missed (you know who you are), shoot me a message with your desired URL and I'll get you up there as well.

Onward and Upward! xo

In The Shop

2010-11-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

working on prototypes for January 2011 introduction! Here are a few....coming along in the shoppy shop.

Molly Bryant "Be Brave" Art

2010-11-12T18:16:00.000-08:00

Molly's sophomore album was just released on Sunday. I worked closely with her to design her CD, LP and website art, as well as some fun merchandise and digital download drop cards. Check her out at mollybryantmusic.com

Walker Barnard - Follow The Smoke EP (Adjunct)

2010-11-03T15:11:00.000-07:00

Our next release on Adjunct will be out November 29. Art preview of the cover that I just finished:

Early October Moments

2010-10-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

I'm in NC setting up a show and feeling slightly homesick. I've had such a lovely last couple weeks, although they've been busy and entailed a lot of traveling, they've just been full of rich experiences and it was not fun to leave (again) to setup another show. Something about Autumn just jives with me, whether I'm in L.A., Maine, or wherever...it's just my time of year....and makes me just want to ease up a little bit, slow down the brain and body and take in the "simple things" a little more.

A few of these nice early October moments: first fire of the season in the new house, morning bedroom light, Venice Beach at sunset from the Erwin hotel roof -- part of my bday present to Ken, and the eerie but cool 1963 B52 crash site in Moosehead Lake ME.

Yes, Please

2010-09-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Arthur Erickson's "Catton house", Vancouver.

Obsessing Over Charley Harper

2010-09-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

I love mid-century modern design. This is no secret. What might be a bit of a secret is when I first went to college I really wanted to be a scientific or medical illustrator. I'm a bit of a science nerd. SO, it's no surprise that Charley Harper is a HUGE inspiration for me in my new endeavor of creating hand illustrated/printed/embroidered textiles. Biological illustrations in the most awesome mid-century modern style? SCORE!

New Adjunct Logo

2010-09-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

It's coming together.....the Adjunct Audio facelift is almost completed :)

Next Adjunct Release - Artwork for K.J. Gibbs

2010-09-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

Digital artwork I created for the upcoming K.J. Gibbs EP on our Adjunct Digital label.

My wall sculpture in a John Mayer video.

2010-09-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

In attempts to make Mr. Mayer look like a sparkly holy man, the designer employed my "Magnetic" chrome wall piece :)

Among other places, the piece in this video can be purchased here: CHIASSO

VITA cover concept

2010-09-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

Just finished album art for Adjunt release VITA (a Mikael Stavostrand project), which we're releasing November 8.

Pillow Happy

2010-09-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Soon to be added to my Etsy store: hand-embroidered and hand-sewn pillows...just picked up some great, unique fabrics and am inspired to no end. Here are couple I made for the new pad. Funky town!

Adjunct

2010-08-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

Recently I've taken on co-running a record label called Adjunct Audio. It's a small, boutique, underground electronic music label and because of that, I get to do a bunch of cool stuff and not have to answer to anyone other than my partner (i.e. KG, who usually likes my sensibility anyway) so I'm currently having tons of fun revamping the "brand" of Adjunct. All of the art is going to look far different from previous Adjunct releases and I'm currently redesigning the entire website. We're going to get more serious about releasing more unique stuff and promoting it right. I'm also doing a remix next month of a Mikael Stavostrand track for the label (that I'm super jazzed about, although it should be an undertaking because I'm learning new software!) New! Fun! Yeah!

As always, still plugging away at my other design projects. Molly Bryant album art is in full swing.... Still involved in the home furnishings world.. It's good to be busy.

Our first release as the "new" Adjunct should be out on beatport first week of October. Wig Water Magic - Transitman.

Great approach to important subject matter

2010-08-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

This is clever and I like it. That is all.

Gifting

2010-08-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

I have many friends with summer birthdays, and of course, my inclination is to make every single gift, whether it be big or small. I love doing it but it consumes me this time of year. I'm almost thinking it's time to just make gifts for a living! Can I get an AMEN?! Anyway, here's a little something I made for my friend Michelle for her special day, whilst watching weird shows about mystery diseases on Discovery Channel (wondering if that made a difference in the way it turned out?) On a side note, I hope I never get Lyme Disease.

AH Catalog

2010-07-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

My big graphic design project from June/July is almost done printing. The 98 page catalog will soon be in the hands of wall sculpture lovers. Here's a peek:

Groovin

2010-07-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

Progress on a new woodburning/collage made especially for my buddy Brian. Some things to fix, some things to expand upon, but done in one more sitting. Next stop, a custom piece for Marla Rutherford.

Dallas Summer Show

2010-06-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

Another show setup done. Whew. It's always a whirlwind...so much work, but such a great feeling once it's done. I have a new collection of wall sculptures that incorporates mirror elements, and they look great on the walls. I'm looking forward to the response! Who knows in this market -- everything has been such a gamble...

THE BEFORE:
Planning.....Incorrect shipments....Broken pieces....Chaos (with a soft "ch")....me and one other guy setting up the show = other guy hanging fixtures for 2 days and me moving every single lamp/pedestal and hanging every art piece. We CONQUERED. As an aside, I have huge muscles now.

THE AFTER:
Some fun vignettes with my new wall pieces. 4 days setup and everything fell into place, as it usually does. Such a good feeling...

One down...

2010-06-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

One to go!

Finished the NOVA catalog. Whew! Weeks and weeks of work finally resolved. Now finishing up another catalog this week. Setting up the Dallas show for NOVA this weekend, then back to creating album art next week! Busy, busy.

Friday Inspiration

2010-06-11T16:14:00.001-07:00

TURNING POINT

The road turns here,
up ahead you see it
dissolving in the dust.

I would have you now
dissolving into me
suspended, held aloft
by my arms only.
Hanging on but letting go.

The sky is cloudless here
look above and you can see it
blue on blue, bareheaded and not breathing
I would wish from you
the same clear cloudless eye
seeking mine straightforwardly and true
not breathing and bareheaded
as I breathe my way through you.

The sun is friendly here
look just left and you can see it
warm but kindly so and clearly caring.
I would ask of you
that you be ever warm
willing to be kind
not letting me forget that kindness
is the passport and the proven way
for two to journey through a lifetime,
each other, or a single summer day.

-Rod McKuen

The Bee's Knees

2010-06-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

This week I completed the following album artwork for my incredibly talented friend Brian. He composed a lovely soundtrack for the documentary "The Vanishing of the Bees" and the LP and CD are to come out early Autumn, I believe.

Here's the CD art comp.

What is interesting to note is that the only art supplied was a series of low res screen grabs of thousands of bees against a fairly monochromatic, low-contrast background from the actual film. Although the final imagery here seems simple, there was quite a bit of work involved to make it look the way it does. The full scale LP image has quite a nice effect and I'm looking forward to seeing the final print.

Delirious Self Portraits

2010-06-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

You have to expect when working til the wee hours of the morning for multiple days that the most common things can get a little kooky. I've been playing with taking self-portraits with my built in camera on the laptop right before going to bed every night and spending no more than 15 minutes manipulating it in Photoshop. The results have been kinda fun. Seems like an exercise in vanity, but I've been working, so it's either me or the cats getting dramatic, surrealist treatments. I need a pointless creative moment every day when I'm working steadily on something like catalogs. Ha. Anyway, here's a few fun ones.

Soon I will be doing a shoot with my incredibly lovely friend Janette, so I can focus on her mug for a while and leave my own face alone. I'm excited to do so....but glad these exercises helped me flush out some of the ideas I have for her.

Berlin sent me the beach, then I went Afro-Harping

2010-05-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

I'm a cork on the ocean......

"Til I Die" was thus renewed by voices in Berlin in their dreamy, modern way and sent to me this evening ;)

:) ------- thank you for sending overseas dreams lovelies...Dilo, KG, Nathalie. Wish I was there! And now, a Big Sur sunset for you.

Beach Boys are definitely a fixture in my work soundtrack, but I'm also obsessed with this album right now. It has kinda become my "welcome-to-summer-and-even-though-you-have-to-be inside-working-all-day-here's-something-to-make-you-feel-better" soundtrack. :)

Catalog Fever

2010-05-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

I am designing two catalogs at once, and let me tell you, it hurts. Not only that, I've been working on them at night after coming home from the shop and working on other smaller projects during the day. Ouch, ouch, ouch. Haha. The finish line is just around the corner, as I have to have them both in the hands of clients end of next week.

Unfortunately, it means my social life has fallen by the wayside. I miss certain friends quite a bit. They're getting used to me being too busy to be around and that is not a good thing! I promise myself after these are off my plate I am taking some time to traverse, peruse, giggle, cruise, create just for the sake of having fun, and hug a bunch of people I love. Summer is here! I want to play! I know that will make for better work too...well, the work that matters anyway.

70's album play

2010-05-28T14:59:00.001-07:00

In preparation for a photo shoot/design project I want to do, I'm playing around a lot with self-portraits. Here's a 70's record cover look :) What should I name my album?! Hehe

Progress for AH June Review

2010-05-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

Due to being crazy crazy busy, I didn't have a ton of time to make my sculptures for next week's design review, so there are only 4 this time around. Each of them is quite different in form and finish. Here's progress on 3 of them...

The concept for this one is different than anything I've seen on the market. Simple design, but highly versatile. This will definitely be a copyrighted concept (I am in the process now of protecting the creative rights). These dimensional rectangles can be placed on the steel square frame in any desired configuration, so the customer can be interactive and utilize their own creativity. Not only that, they are reversible, so both the retailer and customer can use it in multiple room settings. The painted color scheme on this side shown has a more rustic, neutral palette. The reverse side is a vibrant, red and gold toned palette. Fun, fun. If selected for manufacture, this specific design will be owned by Artisan House.

This one is inspired by a mid-century Scandinavian print I found. Still has to be flame treated for a more intricate finish, but the structure is mainly completed.

This wild guy was pretty fun to arrange. I like the dynamism. Everyone in the shop has a different nickname for it..."the crystals", "indian headdress", etc. I like that it means something different to each onlooker -- hooray for abstract art. Now to figure out my finish :)

Next stop, crazy mesh sculpture.

You Get What You Pay For

2010-05-24T00:27:00.000-07:00

Knowing that I'm an artist/designer of many sorts, friends and friends-of-friends, clients and even strangers often ask me to do projects that they can't pay for, with the promise that it will be "fun" or it will "get me exposure". For close friends, it's usually a trade situation or something interesting or challenging to collaborate on anyway, so I sometimes accept. However, I often feel that clients who aren't used to working with artists/designers don't quite know how much work goes into the things they see around them on a daily basis. I don't fault the clients (or friends), because most of them have never been involved in these particular creative projects before, or have probably been exposed to highly-exposed "design" companies online or freelancers just-out-of-school that do projects for next-to-nothing or to bulk up their portfolio, furthering the notion that designers can whip up something great-looking, appropriate, effective and creative in a couple hours, AND they don't need to be paid much for it, because there are a TON of designers out there just trying to make it.

Designers are not created equal, and the creative process is something that is honed and constantly evolving the more experienced a designer is. Not only that, but every artist has tendencies, techniques, references and an innate ability that is unique to them. It takes a bit of time and research to find, and then money to work with a good designer.

When your image, brand, product or message is so vital to the success of your venture in which you have likely invested a boat-load of money, WHY would you undermine it by being cheap with your marketing/branding? Just asking. It's baffled me every time someone has asked me to design something for nothing or thought of their project as not worth paying for, (again, collaborative projects with close friends excluded).

You get what you pay for, people....in every service or product you invest in.

I love this post I discovered on QBN. It's quite demonstrative of this.
http://www.160over90.com/blog/2009/02/17/the-50-dollar-logo-experiment/

Done preaching now! Go have a cookie!

Neil Young

2010-05-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

On The Way Home/Tell Me Why

Both songs are so meaningful right now. Neil Young speaks to me (and many of us) in powerful ways.

friday party lights...

2010-05-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

followed by the only lazy saturday i'm allowed for a little while. today....all work. i'm hoping june or july will allow for some camping and extreme wood burning. i need me some outdoor time!

Rimbaud Mailing Event (aka FUN MAIL for once!)

2010-05-21T16:58:00.000-07:00

My Rimbaud project for the "New" New York Correspondence School came in! I get to decorate Rimbaud according to whatever fashion suits me and it will appear here: "New" New York Correspondence School Blog I am so excited to make Rimbaud my own! What shall I do? There's so much potential! ;)

Etsy - a Yellena James obsession

2010-05-20T23:04:00.000-07:00

So, many of those close to me know I've recently been selling stuff on Etsy. The problem is, I'm also buying a bunch of stuff from Etsy. A couple months ago I bought these prints from Yellena James. She is probably my favorite illustrator/printmaker on that site. These two prints have been sitting at my house for a couple months now waiting to be lovingly framed in a way that will suit both them and the new place I will be getting in August. It's torture seeing them sitting here, still wrapped in cellophane. Yellena, I love your work, and it has inspired a lot of ideas in me. I thank the universe for your gift.

Yellena's store on Etsy

Meshin' Around

2010-05-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

Some beginnings of mesh wall sculptures I'm experimenting with this month. I plan on layering multiple forms with various colors and really having a crazy time with it. Love to be able to mold it into any freeform shape I please with ease. By end of next week I'll have a completed piece to share :)

San Fran

2010-05-18T17:12:00.000-07:00

Bell Gardens had a gig in San Francisco this weekend. Quick and dirty. Brian McBride played a solo set afterward, which was magical. Me and the dudes packed in a hotel room: not so magical. All in all it was a great quick trip up north :) (p.s. Mr. Pizza Man, also magical...)

Sunny self-portrait

2010-05-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

While working today, I was completely inspired (and thus distracted) by the great light coming in through my living room window, so I decided to play with the camera.

I didn't make this.

2010-05-12T17:59:00.001-07:00

but it's super fun.

Sketch Craze

2010-05-11T21:01:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. Design review June 1 and I'm back to the drawing board with new sculpture designs for January 2011.

As always, a few yonic designs crept their way in....I am female after all....]

My key words/goals for this round: modern feminine, organic, free-flowing, optical illusion, versatile/interactive/modular, utilize metal mesh as freeflowing "fabric" accent element for dimensionality and additional airy qualities.

WISH ME LUCK!

A day of calm before the storm!

2010-05-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

This month is busy, busy, busy.... album art, catalogs, building sculptures, music, etc. have been consuming my brain. So I decided to take my Saturday to eat strawberry sorbetto, go record shopping, check out some vintage boutiques/furniture, walk around the hood in the warm sunshine, cook a seared tuna and sauteed veggie dinner, watch a scary movie and go to bed early. Love it.

modern disconnect

2010-05-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

It's strange having to experience the lives of the ones you love through links and images and entries digital in nature. How does intimacy become so violated? How does love take such an unfamiliar face? How did we forget and why the facade? Who ate all the ice cream? Questions loom.

Something in the Way Remix (in 3 passages)

2010-05-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

An interesting one! Full length album coming out soon released by Culprit. I'm contributing vocals to a few of the songs.

Something In The Way (Extended Mix In 3 Passages)byKenneth James Gibson

don't forget

2010-05-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

let's not neglect true and open face-to-face communication. it is an act of love and a gift to be cherished, especially in the age of texts and emails, of convenience and isolation. the bonus is helping each other spot food in the teeth before you embarrass yourself. i'm trying more to be a truly present friend.

my (non)helper

2010-04-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

A glimpse into my working conditions while not in the workshop. I'm fastidiously working on an album cover with a tight deadline, and little miss Binkers decides it's time for what's famously called "shoulder cuddles", at least 10 times a day. Back in the day, someone didn't have this habit. Then another "someone" taught her shoulder cuddles were the thing to do while humans are working on their computers. Thanks J. Reed! Thanks a lot.... ;)

2010-04-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

If there's one type of shoot I would love to create and somehow be in at the same time, it would probably look a whole hell of a lot like this. Ups to Mr. Krug. This is some great stuff...I'm in love.

SEE THE WORK HERE

Red

2010-04-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

The last two days have been filled with "red" discoveries, and is currently impacting the color palette of today's work (and foods!), especially the "tomato red" variety... It's not really a red time of year, but it's lookin pretty good to me. I feel feisty today. Also, this red scrap of leather is making it's way into my new pyrography collage. I'm excited to see where it takes me.

the week's feet (another pointless entry)

2010-04-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

just doing their thing. tired feet hanging out at the airport. musical feet creating awesome sounds. snuggling feet with a furry best bud.

back from IHFC

2010-04-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

I gotta say, this was the best showroom design I have pulled off in my 7 years of setting up shows at IHFC market. It helped that NOVA had a more diverse product assortment this time around, allowing for more interesting vignettes. Not only did it look great, but we pulled it off with time to spare even though the shipment was 4 days late, a lot of the preparation before hand was not done when I got there and I had to deal with a bunch of stuff personally while I was in High Point. Anyway, I feel a nice sense of accomplishment with everything that went down. My only regret is that I left my camera battery charger at home, so I had to resort to taking iphone pics :( Here are a couple that turned out ok. Unfortunately the ones with furniture (the best setups) did not turn out.

shhhhhh

2010-04-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

In High Point, NC. So much work to do! Can't sleep.....important people on my mind.

Today Jon (fellow artist) was telling me about a book he was reading that explores the idea that what separates humans from animals is the ability to project into the future...to wish, to hope, to dream. I mentioned how in earlier times the mentally insane were given frontal lobe lobotomies; the frontal lobe being the more evolved part of our brain -- cavemen had smaller frontal lobes than modern man -- that which houses the imagination, emotion, intuition, spontaneity, etc....among other things... and how frontal lobe function must have to do with the ability to project into the future.

I thought how much easier life would be if I was just given a frontal lobe lobotomy. Haha. Today was one of those days when I wish that were the case. Actually the past 2 years would have been a lot easier if that were the case.

Then I thought about what I would have missed if I were reduced to being just another animal or prehistoric man.... My whole life centers around creative aspirations, emotional connections, desires, hopes, wishes and dreams. They are often unrealized and fleeting, but they are what drive me. Despite the emotional states that arise, I feel lucky to be an evolved human being with a very active frontal lobe.

On a side note but slightly related, here are some results from a chakra test I took recently. Not at all surprised about the overactive third-eye and the very underactive root.

the hood

2010-04-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

Some eastside vintage charm on Sunset. I've had to walk a lot in the past week due to car issues, which has really enabled me to take in the surroundings in a different way. The strange blend of old and new on just a couple blocks stretch of Sunset in Echo Park is really interesting.

Drummer Charlie Woodburn

2010-03-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Some night time shots I took of Charlie, intended to supplement an LA Weekly article.

Eyes & Head - Ghost Town

2010-03-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

New Eyes & Head song up on Soundcloud:
Ghost Town

I wrote most of the lyrics in this song long ago and had wanted to make something of them for some time, so Kenneth Gibson and I wrote this together over a couple months. I enjoy the major guitar explosion!

Griffith Park fun

2010-03-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

Some funny/pleasant shots of Michelle's birthday party in Griffith Park on a perfect Sunday. More to come...

Let your fingers do the walking

2010-03-18T00:54:00.000-07:00

when it's hard to stand ground

Bell Gardens Record Release Party

2010-03-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

Recently designed this flyer for the Bell Gardens record release party at Bootleg Theater 4/3. They have kindly allowed me to be part of the L.A. band as a percussionist/vocalist so please come out and see us! A good show is promised :)

Party Time

2010-03-16T12:22:00.001-07:00