Soy's World

Hearts and stuff.

2012-01-30T15:11:00.002-05:00

Here are some new pin/buttons. $2 each or 3 for $5. Come on, you know you want some?

Email me

Bird.

Some new buttons, hot off the presses

2012-01-30T15:07:00.001-05:00

Skull buttons, $2 each or 3 for $5. Click here to contact me

Red Skull.

Doodles and Doodles

2012-01-30T14:00:00.003-05:00

Sometimes it is the rough sketch and doodle that I like, the letting yourself go, not thinking and just creating. Lately I've been enjoying that process more than coming up with a finished idea. Keep my ideas close to my work space, never know when they'll prove useful.

Balls

Ideas.

Art thoughts.

2012-01-22T22:45:00.002-05:00

Funny, when you go to art school you encounter and learn a great deal about art history, artists and cultural theory/studies. Sometimes art discourse bothers me, but in this case (and videos) of Hennesy Youngman I encounter interesting/humourous/honest discourse that I can identify with on so many levels.

It's a new year

2012-01-01T11:31:00.003-05:00

So here we are. Another day, another year, further into this millennium. Just was reflecting on things, on life, and where I have been and where I am going. All in all, things are good, nothing too much to complain about. So here I am on New Year's day, chilling with my son, and spending time with my family....

On a professional note, hoping that this year will be good for my teaching career (yeah I am a certified teacher), and artistically. I have some personal projects on the go and hope to see them through to completion. I am working on some paper printing ideas (maybe some artist collaborations), making a little zine, drawing more and getting my stuff done and out into the world.

Personally? Hmmmmn, not going to go there. Been a weird and wild ride the last few years and things keep looking up and up. Stay positive, be creative, laugh lots, eat well, and continue with love in my life....sounds made corny I know.

Anyway....Happy New Year. Let's make this better than the last year. Stay up. Keep on keeping on.

Get your Meatzza

2011-12-12T20:20:00.002-05:00

So you should go check out this link. Been helping a friend do some printing, silkscreening, and making paper editions. His site is MeatzzaEditions or can follow him on his Tumblr. Latest print is called "Shy Ghosts" from Adrian Forrow, a cool one colour (blue) print.

It's Coney

2011-12-05T17:15:00.001-05:00

Marker and cardbord fun. It's Coney

Fall finds.

2011-11-28T21:38:00.001-05:00

urban |ˈərbən|

adjective1 in, relating to, or characteristic of a city or town : the urban population.
exploration |ˌekspləˈrā sh ən|nounthe action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it : voyages of exploration | an exploration of the African interior.• thorough analysis of a subject or theme :

Nobody. Notes To Self (with) Evidence. Video

2011-11-24T20:27:00.001-05:00

Ok, so these are my "boys". They are a Toronto hip-hop group who have been working hard on a new album. The song is "Nobody" which features Evidence from Dilated Peoples. I like both teasers and the official video is certified bonkers. If you know the songs, the artists, or the "classic" 90's rap videos then you'll appreciate the homage or ode to that bygone era.

Teaser #1

Teaser #2

NOTES TO SELF - NOBODY [ with EVIDENCE ] ** OFFICIAL Video

Remember back back in the day when when you had that 1 Homie who would video tape & record every rap video on TV, or every rap show on the radio? Used to go over to the crib and bug out over new sh*t, even if he only caught the last half of the joint, y'all would still go crazy over it right?Fast forward 15 years, the Homie has a box of 30 or so VHS cassette tapes sittin dusty in a drawer with names like "Rap City", "Summer Jam", "The Box", "In Da Round" scrolled on the side of'em in some youthful hand-styles fit for a wall or two - and you're like, I need to watch these, take you back, rappin along with every word like it was yesterday. But you ain't mad raps evolved, cus you fu*k with the new sh*t, cus back then "this was the new shit".Maybe that same Homie back back in the day, meticulously catches the last 50 seconds of that new Jeru joint, making Moms change the channel quick fast in order to record it, cus Rap City is on. Leaving you wondering how Prem does it, making them sound so good right, and saying to yourself "I wanna rap like them".

Artist: Notes to SelfSong: Nobody with EvidenceProduced by Bronze One (of Notes to Self) for Course of Study & Bookworm (of Beatface)*AKA BOOK & BRONZE for Heart on Sleeve

Directed by JR of Motioneer & Matthew Bronson of Notes to Self*[ MOTIONEER & NOTES TO SELF ]*

Edit by MOTIONEERVFX by The Farm Team [Kyle Sim, Mike MacInnis, JR]

From the forthcoming Notes to Self project "Used to be Dark [RECOIL]".

@NNNNNotestoSelf

www.notestoself.net

More Heart.

2011-11-20T18:26:00.001-05:00

Red and Yellow.

Sailin' On.

2011-11-15T00:42:00.001-05:00

"You don't want me anymore,

so I'll just walk right out the door.

Played a game right from the start,

I trust you,

you used me now my hearts all torn apart.

So I'm sailin',

well I'm sailin' on."

- Bad Brains -

She's gotta have it.

2011-11-13T14:42:00.001-05:00

Toronto parks and recreation

Rail Trail.

heart |härt|noun1 a hollow muscular organ that pumps the blood through the circulatory system by rhythmic contraction and dilation. In vertebrates there may be up to four chambers (as in humans), with two atria and two ventricles.• the region of the chest above the heart : holding hand on heart for the Pledge of Allegiance.• the heart regarded as the center of a person's thoughts and emotions, esp. love or compassion : hardening his heart, he ignored her entreaties | he poured out his heart to me | he has no heart.• one's mood or feeling : they had a change of heart.• courage or enthusiasm : they may lose heart as the work mounts up |Mary took heart from the encouragement handed out | I put my heart and soul into it and then got fired.2 the central or innermost part of something : right in the heart of the city.• the vital part or essence : the heart of the matter.• the close compact head of a cabbage or lettuce.3 a conventional representation of a heart with two equal curves meeting at a point at the bottom and a cusp at the top.• ( hearts) one of the four suits in a conventional pack of playing cards, denoted by a red figure of such a shape.• a card of this suit.• ( hearts) a card game similar to whist, in which players attempt to avoid taking tricks containing a card of this suit.4 a sticker made by Soy. Toronto: soy's heart sticker is pure dopeness

Sunny Fall stickers

2011-11-06T19:17:00.004-05:00

Stickers are meant to be stuck. Sunny days are meant to be taken advantage of. Wandering the tracks near my place.

Train sign stuck.

Close up sign.

Holding hands,

Envelope fun

2011-11-06T19:06:00.001-05:00

Sticker Robot has a project going on where you send them a decorated envelope in exchange for some free stickers (include a Self Addressed Stamped Envelopes). I like stickers and decorating envelopes and getting cool stuff in the mail. Sounded fun, here's mine.

Robot envelope. Acrylic ink on paper.

Hold me down.

2011-11-04T22:16:00.004-04:00

Made use of my friend's scanner and scanned some of my drawings in my current sketchbook. Sometimes I like what I draw.

Anchor

Notes To Self. Today [I Wanna] Video.

2011-11-04T21:44:00.003-04:00

Notes To Self. Today [I Wanna] Video.

"When the stars align and creativity is at its height, magic happens - believe it or not, it can also be predetermined."

I like to see when local peoples produce cool work.

Check out their new video and keep your eyes and ears open.

Notes To Self.

Big Foot.

2011-10-31T18:34:00.002-04:00

Big Foot, sighting 2011, Toronto Canada.

Skull again

2011-10-23T15:15:00.000-04:00

Grey day inside list.

2011-10-16T16:49:00.000-04:00

Clean pens. I do enjoy a clean pen. Clogged ink pens makes me grumpy.
Draw for a bit.
Find images to scan. A few old ones and a few new ones.
Turkish coffee and good music.
Nachos for one.
Draw some more.
Walk dog, warm cap on, hood up and take in the changing seasons.
Read.
Blog.
Plot, scheme, fiend, and draw some more still.

Because I Iike drawing skulls

2011-10-11T18:14:00.000-04:00

Skull and cross bones. Pen and ink.

Three legs and all.

2011-10-11T18:09:00.002-04:00

Three legged invader, inspired by War of the Worlds.

Big Head board.

2011-10-11T18:01:00.001-04:00

I did this one for a charity auction in Denmark. I had submitted two images to be made. The work was auctioned off to help raise money to build local skateparks in Denmark.

Robot Unknown. Skateboard.

2011-10-11T17:56:00.002-04:00

I don't know if I've posted this already? Maybe, but this one is an oldie and a goodie, so if I have, then it's so nice, just had to post twice.

Skateboard. Disposable art's (version 1)

2011-10-11T17:54:00.000-04:00

I was going through some images and cleaning up files on my computer. I almost had forgotten that

I had painted this. It was done in 2009 for Freedom Fighter Skateboards Disposable Art show.

X-Large t-shirts, would you like one?

2011-10-03T12:13:00.007-04:00

Robot. Orange XL t-shirt.

Another Robot. Orange XL t-shirt. Misprint but turned out cool.

Huarche. Grey XL t-shirt. Two colour print.

Birds. XL grey T-shirt. Three colour print.

So I was going through my art supplies when I came across my bag of t-shirts. I have some left, which is nice, because people always want t-shirts. But all I have left is size extra large. If you or anyone you know want one, let me know. I'm charging $20 each, but can make a deal if you want more than one at a time. If you happen to be reading this and you're not in or close to Toronto Canada, then send a message and we'll figure out how to put you into a Soy shirt. Shipping won't cost much and I'll even through in some stickers for you to sweeten the deal. Here's a few of what I have left, each t-shirt is last print, few others have these colourways.

Nuit Blanche

2011-10-03T11:32:00.011-04:00

I see the people, but where's the art? Crowds, cold, people pushing, people milling about, too many to get in there, cold fingers, fire balls, light shows, not much art discussion/discourse/dialogue....but was quite a spectacle. Felt more like the celebration after the Blue Jay's won the world series than an all night art festival. However, I think in the future I'll just skip the event and support art the other 364 days of the year....

Me, some paintings, and my number one art critic.

2011-10-03T11:19:00.006-04:00

I love taking my son to art shows, especially when I have work in the exhibition. I think art is important, and sharing these experiences has been part of my life as artist, as son, and as father. Anyway....love hearing what he likes, doesn't like, and why. These paintings were what I had submitted to the AWOL Gallery, Square Foot show.

AstroNaut.

2011-09-17T00:28:00.003-04:00

Man Machine

2011-09-14T21:46:00.003-04:00

Man Machine

Aerosol paint and Acrylic

2011.

16”x 38”

Inazuman 1973

2011-09-14T21:36:00.006-04:00

Inazuman 1973

Aerosol and acrylic paints

2011.

12”x 24”

Stick around

2011-08-24T17:59:00.004-04:00

I like when I find stickers of mine in places where I don't remember placing, but I like when I remember to look up when I walk.

This last week or so.

2011-07-30T11:31:00.003-04:00

Worked on a painting for a friend. I thought it would a great gift idea, but turned into a bad high school art project. So I bailed and followed up with a nice little drawing.
Dropped of work at AWOL gallery for their Square Foot show .
Need some new paint, hard to work with limited colours.
Think you should check out Mahban. Think I first saw her stuff at a 52 McCaul show, anyway really dig her work.
Also ran into Ian Kamau at the screening of Beats, Rhymes, and Life (which is open here in Toronto now and you should go) and want you all to keep your eyes and ears open for Ian. All around amazing guy, super creative, and has some new music in the works.
Also go to the Mascot on Queen Street and check out the show by Rcade entitled Hand Lettering by Racde. His work is amazing, and the hand lettering signage he's doing is popping up all over the place. Nice to see someone keeping traditions alive.
August is almost upon us, crazy huh?
My show at Starving artist is over and wanted to thank any of my people that came to check it out. It was fun to do something low key and have some new people check it out.
Also nice to have some of my favourite pieces back home and up around my apartment. My place felt a little naked with my art.
I feel like I should be doing more art, but right now enjoying the summer is all the inspiration I need.

Inappropriately Beautiful: Works by Elicser

2011-07-25T21:43:00.005-04:00

"There is beauty in everything, no matter how bleak. “Inappropriately Beautiful” exists in the space between hesitant thought and the deciding moment. “You know better!” but you just can’t pass it up."

So I went to Le Gallery (Dundas Street West, just west of Ossignton) to check out the show by Elicser. It was a cool opening (even though sometimes hate openings), nice night, and I got to catch up with some "graffiti heads" who I haven't seen in years... Anyway, I have been a fan of Elicser's work for years, from graffiti/street art to his exhibits in Toronto. Basically, I can't say enough good stuff about this guy, and this current show is amazing. I think it's his best work yet. My lame camera phone pics do not do the work justice. So take my advice, my word, and go see it (for reals). I'd like his stuff even if we weren't friends (I'm just saying).

Also in the gallery is work by Mitsuo Kimura whose work also blew my away. His show/exhibit is called Go into the deep forest, deep, detailed, colourful, vibrant and so intricate.

Square Foot show

2011-07-24T19:00:00.003-04:00

Soooo, I've got a few new pieces almost done for the this year's Square Foot show at AWOL Gallery. If you haven't been to the show it's always interesting. All the work is 12" x 12" with pieces by hundreds of artists, with over a thousand works of art. Always impressed and inspired by the range of work (some good, some bad) and the ways in which people work with the parameters of one square foot.

Artsy peoples, cards from that unruly pile

2011-07-06T09:29:00.004-04:00

I like when you clean up (desk/counters/clutter) those spaces that tend to collect things, you know the place where you put stuff to deal with. Well I have a few of those that needed cleaning, when I did I found a small pile of cards, some for restaurants and businesses I have frequented and want to remember and some of artists that I have stumbled across. So, keeping with my lists on here, wanted to make a new list. The list is creative people's cards that were in my pile of junk (and that I like)...

First up is Trio Magnus. I like their description...We are frenzied doodle gurus. We are stupidly brilliant. Separately we are nothing. Together we are equally superior!
Next up is Aminda Wood. I think I grabbed her card from Starving Artist (yummy waffles in my hood). She does so much cool stuff. Arty, crafty, and very cool. I'm partial to the embroidery. Check it out.
Next we have Andrew Remington Bailey. First saw an amazing serigraph/print at the Toronto Hearts Japan fundraiser a little while ago, and then came across him again at TCAF. Amazing detail and composition.
Next up is Aaron Leighton. Quirky cool little characters. I first saw his work in his book Spirit City which is his characters in and around the city. Can be purchased at Magic Pony, although I have seen it at other Toronto bookstores (think my copy was from Swipe)

Late night internets geek out on Twitter

2011-07-05T09:28:00.005-04:00

So last night I couldn't sleep, no biggie, as I'm not working today, well I have art stuff but nothing serious. Another summer vacation day to hang out with my son and my dog. Anyway, I am a relative new comer to Twitter (follow me @soydesign), took me a bit to get into and "follow" what exactly is going on and how it all works. Last night I couldn't sleep and was checking out who and what cool stuff I could find. Always inspiring to see how many cool, creative people are around me locally and internationally. Here are a few things/people I'm digging from this online geek out.

The illustrations of Koren Shadmi are really cool, love the line and colour.
Liked a mural I saw on the blog conorsaysboom, pretty cool, very painterly use of aerosol.
Also saw this site/blog called http://www.andatron.com/, which is local (Toronto), artsy, "cute" and cool, which I hope doesn't sound too corny.
Halo Halo. As they put it "artists harvesting limited editions and experimental workshops". Toronto people doing cool stuff, thinks I gots to go by and see what is what, very cool indeed.
Another cool site of interest is the Urban Art Gallery which is out of England. They buy and sell "street art" canvasses. Something for me to look into further for sure.
Another street art site/gallery of interest out of England is Hi Roller Society.

Anyway, that is about it for now....

Lazy ass blogging, the soy way

2011-07-03T09:32:00.002-04:00

So it seems that I tend to let the blog down when life gets busy, in my case, just been having lots of fun. The summer is upon here in the T-Dot (That's Toronto people) and sunshine rules everything around me. So here's another list.

Starving Artist show. Cool little spot with waffle based dishes on Lansdowne Ave here in the city. I have some paintings up, so go check em' out.
The Toronto Island. I bought prepaid Ferry Tickets and have been going almost every week, nice and chilled, especially with the dorky bike rack that can carry my mini cooler (amazing).
NXNE. North by Northeast music festival is past, but got to see the Descendents and Pharcyde for free (Off and Digable Planets as well) and was amazing.
Park beers and good food. Steady diet of both.
Little bits of art. Started two paintings and registered for the Square Foot Show at AWOL gallery. All pieces are 12" x 12" and they show around 500 artists in one show.
July long weekend. Have some time off and get to chill with my son for a few days. Win win.
Working on artistic direction. Trying to figure out what I want to do and where I want my art to go. I've had a bit of an artistic writers block lately. Drawing more seems to help.
Note to self. Blog and tweet and all that more often.
Freezies and watermelon made a lazy summer afternoon so much better.
Keep your head up, stay positive and laugh till you cry!
Word to your Mothra!

Art and Waffles

2011-07-03T09:17:00.002-04:00

So, I've got some paintings up at Starving Artist (84 Lansdowne Avenue, Toronto) and would love it for you to come by. I have a few new pieces up, as well as some of my older favourites. The work has been up for a few weeks and runs into July, don't have an exact date when they're coming down. Come by, eat some yummy waffles and see some yummy paintings. The staff are all super cool, the coffee is good, and the beer is pretty inexpensive, so it's a win win situation.

Some of the things that I've been feeling lately. Another list

2011-06-13T00:29:00.005-04:00

Alright, so first I'll start with some Hip-Hop. Someone posted a video from Elzhi and I really dig it. He did an album called Elmatic and pays respects or an homage to the classic NaS album Illmatic. His video/song for "It Hard To Tell" has been stuck in my head and iPod for the past few days.
So I love riding my bike and have been yearning for a new bicycle with this nicer weather. When I saw these Sangomagic Wooden Bicycles I flipped. Such amazing craftsmanship, stylish and beautiful. They are made by Sueshiro Sano, who is a ninth generation boat builder. Amazing!
My newest "art crush" is Selena Wong, love the way she renders her images, her use of gouache is inspiring. I have seen some of her work around the city and recommend you checking out her blog and website. Bunnies.
Another Toronto artist I've been admiring is Winnie Truong, I really love the way she paints, get lost in the details of the beards and hair of the figures/subjects of her work.
I forget where I found out or saw Squidface & The Meddler, regardless, this is a Toronto based online arts magazine and features some really cool stuff.
I have been checking out The Cool Hunter, this link is to "why street art matters", but the site covers cool art, design, music, art....so that you're in the know.
I have been really digging the work of Peter Diamond. Amazing composition, line and colour. Think I linked to his stuff through Squidface and The Meddler website.
My friend Stuart told me about this guy a few years ago, but I have been revisiting the site and work from the Belgian artist Wim Delvoye. It is hard to describe everything he does, so just go check it out. Pretty crazy (in a good way) indeed.
Next is my friend Rcade. He has been working on hand painted lettering and signs for awhile and he work is so clean. Really cool to see hand done work, as computer cut vinyl signage and banners are the norm. Kicking it old school and keeping a dying art form alive.
Last we get a little grimy. Another Facebook link I have been digging was a video from Don Trip, a Memphis rapper who has a bunch of dope tracks posted on YouTube. He was featured last month in The Fader, so go read about him and hear his stuff which is reminiscent of Lil' Wayne (which I think is a fair comparison) but different.

Paintings and Waffles

2011-06-11T12:34:00.004-04:00

Hey, so I have some paintings (new and old) up at Starving Artist 584 Lansdowne Avenue, Toronto (647-342-5058). Waffle based menu, sweet and savoury, godd coffee, nice people and cool lil' neighbourhood spot. They have been up for about a week and will be hanging till July (ish), so come by and check em' out.

Another rainy day list. Another painting soundtrack.

2011-06-04T14:47:00.003-04:00

Ok, so cleaned off table, got my paints and brushes and canvasses ready to paint. Need to take today to finish up these pieces that are lingering. Lots of productivity today, painting, stickers, errands and more painting. Turned on ipod and pressed play. Decided instead of being picky about what comes on I'd just leave it on shuffle. Like they say... Sometimes life is random. This is the last ten songs played, which has been a good soundtrack to a rainy day inside. Last 10 songs in a row were:

Gypsy Eyes - Jimi Hendrix
Rock for Rock - The Skatalites
Tonight - Mc5
Love Will Bring us Back Together - Roy Ayers
Calling Rasta Far I - Culture
Cashmere Thoughts - Jay-Z
Raving Tonight - Gregory Isaacs
Little Red Corvette - Prince
Everything Remains Raw (Instrumental) - Jay Dee
13th Floor/Growing Old - OutKast

Hazy Monday

2011-05-30T10:39:00.003-04:00

Wake up, nice and slow.
Leftover pizza for breakfast. Roasted red and yellow pepper with Chevre.
Feed the dog
Walk the dog.
Grab a coffee.
Win $2 on a lotto ticket. Hello easy street (it's like I got my coffee for free).
Apply another base coat to a new canvas.
Dishes.
Computer stuff accompanied by the music of Gregory Isaacs.
Productive day planned. Can't wait to finish these new paintings and post some pictures.

Saturday, post Friday night observations

2011-05-28T11:58:00.003-04:00

Footwear dilemma averted. Cherry Rangers over Red Wings.
White T-shirt over black.
Raw denim over Levi's.
Fred Perry cardigan over Adidas track jacket.
Black Notes to Self fitted over black Kangol cap.
Rum over Beer, even though I drank both. I should have stuck with the dark rum and ginger.
Walk in the misty evening over ride bike.
Hip-Hop over House. Was nice to get a 90's hip-hop fix courtesy of Tony Touch.
Going with what was in my wallet over hitting bank machine again. And still came home with money which went a lovely breakfast.
Laughs over anger. Nothing much to be angry with anyway.
Let stuff go over holding it in. Seems like the emotional hiccup and related stresses of last week were not worth worrying about.
All in all a good night. Was cool to chill with my boy, hear some music, laugh and do a little drunken two step shuffle.

Sort of Sunny Sunday, another list.

2011-05-22T16:07:00.004-04:00

So looks like the world didn't come to end yesterday. Would have sucked if it did because it feels like I have so much still to do. I stretched a canvas the other day and needed to prime it. It was an interesting prepping this canvas, seems like I mostly rely on the cheap pre-made store bought ones, hard to compete with the price or time it saves. But like making a dish from scratch, so this canvas will be, from scratch, from the get go....Now back to another list.

Find Gesso, open it to find a rather dubious growth of fuzz and rot.
Added water and cleaned off scum on top. Dirty brush and water but successful.
Something satisfying about applying gesso/primer to a surface, so you can start with a clean white canvas.
Clean off desk/table/sink to get the next batch of stickers done. On that note, love making stickers, love cutting them out while in front of the television, and love sticking them up even more.
Wait for gesso to dry a few times. I use a small fan and prop up the canvas in my bathroom and it dries faster. I would have put it outside but was grey and rainy (again).
While the paint dries.... Good time to clean some shoes and re-wax my Clark's.
Get my paints and palette ready. What colour to use. I went through my sketch book and found a few cool little doodles that might translate well.
Walk in the hood, trip to bulk store, Americano to go and back at home.
Lazy and productive days are the best. Combines to make a wonderful day. Maybe it is just days where you can do what you want to do are what it's all about.
Being creative, taking that time to make something is what I have been missing. I tend to let the day to day rigors of life get in the way of artistic outlets.
Back to work.

Quiet Wednesday night on a semi rainy day

2011-05-18T23:18:00.004-04:00

Buy Staples
Find canvas and figure out which stretcher frame to use.
Cut canvas.
Stretch it while watching a movie.
Go through source material and plan the painting.
Draw for a little
Get distracted organizing files in iTunes.
Realize I ran out of time to start putting some gesso on it.
Sort out paints and loosely plan colour scheme.
Clean up and go to bed.

Rainy Sunday list

2011-05-15T12:51:00.004-04:00

Wet snails on the rail trail while walking the dog on a rainy morning.
Clear sink so have space to clean my screens.
Socks wet from walk, hide inside and plan the day.
Canvas (check), Stretcher frames (check), Gesso (check), Staples (nope)...damn hate when that happens.
Pack gym bag, plan to go to the gym, spend an hour procrastinating.
Eat bread.
Make a new gym mix and in the process remember how much a enjoy Paul Wall (a not so guilt pleasure).
Enjoying a lazy day.
Change in pocket and set for a post gym coffee.
1 pm seems like a good time to get the next phase of the day started.
More to come.

More velvets

2011-04-12T16:27:00.004-04:00

Loving using my acrylic inks on these things. This is like candy until I post some new work. An attempt to keep up with blog.

More fun with black velveteen...

2011-03-30T19:14:00.003-04:00

So after the last unicorn I had to go out and buy two packs (not Tupac's) of these little goodies and some new acrylic ink. Think I'll have to keep going and see this one through. Wait till I get to the dinosaurs.

Unicorn Follies

2011-02-19T11:42:00.002-05:00

So I was at a friends and they had bought a pack of faux velvet colouring book images. I sometimes hate dollar stores, because they scare me. Not because I'm frightened, but because they are so junky, filled with cheap plastic crap and feed into rampant consumer culture. That said, two for a dollar Jolly Ranchers and faux velvet paintings (what's not to love). Anyway, I was taken by the awesomeness of the unicorn and started to paint it with some mediocre watercolour paints. I took it home and spent some time tweaking it and making it my own. Was a pleasant evening spent watching The Hustler (Paul Newman is amazing) on Netflix a couple of coldish beers and Unicorns. The painting is not quite done yet, not sure how much more time I'll invest in this (although might just have go buy a pack of these beauties). Also hard to get the tactile nature of the piece from a jpeg image. So much nerd and not enough time.

Winter blues

2011-02-13T22:45:00.002-05:00

So, just realized that it's been almost a month since my last blog entry. Slacky slack slackness at my best. February is upon us and winter's clutches have pulled me into hibernation mode. Alright I might be using winter as a cheap excuse to keep me from more creative pursuits. To fight this tendency I've been drawing/doodling and working on some rough sketches for some new pieces. I know that is not the monumental feat but it's a start.So..I have started a canvas and when it's done with post some pictures. Soon.

Toronto Graffiti Book launch!

2011-01-18T13:28:00.002-05:00

So the Toronto Graffiti book is finally here, and all printed. Looks great, as I've been reading my copy the last few days. The book launch is coming up in Toronto, definitely come by and support. Can get more info at the Toronto Graffiti Book website.

2011, a resolution of sorts

2011-01-03T20:47:00.004-05:00

So it's a new year, been sleeping a little on my blogging, art making, and staying up on all this social media business. I want to make this a great year, lots of new opportunities, more art, and some new artwork that I'm proud of. It is hard sometimes because I despise winter, cold weather and hate how these grey days make me want to hibernate. Easy to become lazy, procrastinate and not create much. I am fighting this urge and striving to make this a great new year. Time to continue the output, keep on keeping on and all that. Anyway, I was going through the images files on my computer and found a picture/slide of a board I painted awhile ago. Here it is, an oldie, but a goodie. "Pretty in Pink", painted on an old Schmidtt Stix deck. Have some stuff in the works and will post it up when I have something to share.

Some stickers in action

2010-12-08T14:38:00.004-05:00

The making of them is fun, the sharing of them fun as well, but the sticking them up and seeing how long the last is the best.

Skull stickers

2010-12-03T16:05:00.003-05:00

Here's some of the stickers I've been making. I probably should have been making these earlier, as the weather is getting colder and harder for these little beauties to stick on stuff outside. They are and screened, using sign vinyl and a water based banner ink. Fun to make, not as fun to cut out, but a great little side project to keep me busy. More to come!

Big Head print!

2010-11-29T10:21:00.004-05:00

So, I've been working with a friend on some printmaking. It's been a fun process, getting ink on my hands and working on paper. I miss printmaking, silkscreening. I miss making t-shirts and so this has been a great little project. Not too bad for a couple of guys in a basement. The image is a character I call "Big Head". We decided to a do a five colour print. The images are not the greatest, but the best I can do with camera from phone. I am happy with the way they turned out and can't wait to go and make some more. Here are the photos. We're going to do another run soon. I'll keep you posted with where and when and how you get one of these!

Oliver De La Rama animation

2010-11-25T19:23:00.003-05:00

So my boy Oliver De La Rama posted his computer animation reel on YouTube. Some pretty amazing work. I am always impressed with the collective talent of my friends, Oliver's work being especially great. So go to YouTube, and look at this

Logorama

2010-11-22T22:45:00.004-05:00

So a friend turned me on to this animated short. I really enjoyed it and have been trying to spread the word. It's called Logorama, and it's done using only logo's and mascots, and is pretty crazy to watch. It won an academy award for best animated short and something at Cannes (I'm not google or wikipedia, so go check there for more real info). Basically everything in the movie (buildings, characters) is comprised of brands. The plot is pretty funny. Check it out, all sixteen minutes, on vimeo. Here's the link...Logorama

Five colour silkscreen (a sneak peek).

2010-11-22T19:35:00.003-05:00

Here's a sneak peek at the outline screen from a new "Soy" five colour print in the works. I have been collaborating with a friend, helping him with some printmaking projects. So far we've finished one project featuring a local Toronto artist. This is his/our second project, featuring work by yours truly. I think the dimensions are 11" x 15", and we should have them done soon (by the end of the week). The outline screen looked so hot, that I was nerding out and had to take a photo. Nice to be working on something and will post info and new photo's as soon as it is done. Stay tuned.

Rcade

2010-11-21T20:04:00.002-05:00

It is important to promote and "big-up" the people around you who are doing their thing. I think Rcade is "rad", his art is great and his sign painting skills are amazing. I'm calling you all to check out his blog and stay in tune to his artistic endeavors. Check it out at http://rcade25.blogspot.com/.

My Portrait

2010-11-21T08:30:00.006-05:00

One of the best things about being a dad is when your kid (this case a boy named Oscar) decides that he is going to start doing portraits. This is one of those moments when a parent thinks their kid is the most amazing, which in my case is totally true. The mind of an eight year old is a funny place, the mind of my eight year is even funnier. I was told to stay still. I was also told that my arms are darker than my face, which he thinks is weird. I was also told that I need to get two chairs so he can take his portraits to the streets, drawing people while they wait and make some cash. This isn't the finished drawing, but loved it regardless.

Printmaking

2010-11-21T08:12:00.003-05:00

So I've been helping my friend with some printmaking, specifically silkscreening on paper. It has been fun to work on a little project, get some art done, and help a friend. We've worked on one print so far, doing a small run for a local Toronto artist. The next print will be one of mine and I'm excited to see it done. It will be a five colour print, and it should (it will) look great when it's done. We tried to get the screens prepped and coated with emulsion and exposed. But if you've ever done any printmaking, sometimes the process takes a little longer than expected. The photo emulsion didn't dry fast enough, so we had to wait for a later date to shoot (expose) the screens., which means waiting to print the image. Still a few things crossed off the list and some baby steps along the way. Keep you posted and some photo's to follow.

Toronto Graffiti book

2010-11-16T23:29:00.003-05:00

Ok, a little while ago I was approached about an upcoming book about Toronto graffiti. The project seemed cool and I was honored to be part of it. Well it looks like it should be published and available in mid-December. The book features some of Toronto's graffiti artists that have made their mark in and around the city. I am looking forward to seeing the finished product. Can check it out information about it on the website, click here for details. I really like the quote from Ren...

"Graff is like weeds. It is wild and you can't tame it. I think that's good for the spirit."

Bicycle Side car

2010-10-21T22:26:00.006-04:00

Ok, so came across this interesting bicycle side car contraption again, this time in the daylight.

So I was walking down Bloor Street \in my neighborhood and saw one of the coolest, weirdest, and funniest things I've seen in awhile. Someone made a sidecar for a BMX bicycle, which is a bizarre addition. Pretty good construction. It is almost like they took an amusement park ride buggy/car and welded and bolted in on to a bike. I love finding things like this. The photo doesn't do it justice.

Oasis Skateboard Factory Night Of Dread Skeleton

2010-10-21T21:49:00.006-04:00

Recently I've been fortunate to help out at Oasis Skateboard Factory (OSF, which is a really cool program that is run out of Oasis Alternative High School in Toronto. The idea is that students learn how to make, design, market, paint, exhibit and sell skateboards. They work on some cool stuff while learning about graffiti, street art, and skateboarding. I did a talk to introduce myself and helped out on their recent art project. The students collaborated on a huge skeleton skateboard "puppet" for the Night Of Dread parade. Can see the process on the OSF blog. The project is called Hell on Wheels and the finished piece turned out pretty cool. Here are some of the photo's I took while helping the students build it up. Really fun project and process.

Blue Bird

2010-10-13T23:30:00.002-04:00

Claw Bot

2010-10-13T22:44:00.001-04:00

Montreal show

2010-09-28T13:47:00.003-04:00

So if you are in Montreal, should go check this out. I have one piece in this exhibit, should be some amazing work!

In association with Art Pop, Yves Laroche Galerie d’art is proud to present a remarkable 2010 line up during Montreal’s renown POP Montreal. Inaugurating two newly established multi-media spaces, Yves Laroche Galerie d’art will be hosting two major events during this year’s edition of the music festival. Espace 1 will ...feature Par Chemin, a group exhibition of works on paper. Curating the exhibition is multi-disciplinary artist Other, who will be launching his newest book “Other – The artwork of Troy Lovegates” published by Anteism. In Espace 2, Pica Magazine and Palimpsest Magazine will be presenting Published/Self-Published, a collection of contemporary fanzines and other publications. Pica Magazine selected local and international artists, bloggers and designers who will each be presenting their own series of original zines, in innovative mediums and subjects.

Simultaneously, Palimpsest Magazine will showcase a multi-disciplinary book fair featuring imported publications, all available for purchase. Furniture exclusively designed by Mikaël Baillairgé will set the mood for a contemporary platform of objectified information. Additionally, TRUSSTclub and 1976.tv will open a multimedia installation inspired by the Dark Night of the Soul project (Danger Mouse, David Lynch) curated by Jean-Luc Della Montagna. Continuing to mark new ground for the local creative community, Yves Laroche Galerie d’art and Espace 1 & 2 welcome all to the opening of Par Chemin as well as Published/Self-Published on Thursday, September 30th 2010 from 6pm to 9 pm.

Ten things I've been enjoying lately.

2010-09-03T16:02:00.004-04:00

Some things I'm enjoying lately.

My son. Chilling, laughing, drawing, watching movies. He is the best!
Summer in Toronto. It is so fleeting, important to enjoy while I can. The warm evenings, leaves on the trees, and everyone looking great in summer clothes.
Art. It's been really great having the space and time to create work. I have some drawings I'm working on.
Reggae Mixes by Paul E. Lopes. One of my favourite Toronto DJ's. Just downloaded one of his mixes and can't get enough (Earth, Wind, and More Fiyah!).
Freezies. Blue, White, and Red are the yummiest.
Making Pizza. This is a constant, but lately they're even better, especially with cheese from Kensington Market and fresh local produce (ripe tomatoes!).
Friends. Nice to have solid people to share all those moments in life.
Riding my bike. Even though it is old and needs some work. I love my bicycle.
Books. With or without pictures. Reading sometimes takes a backseat when I'm busy, so it's been nice to read again.
Laughing. So many funny things in this crazy world, all we can do is laugh (and sometimes curse).

Freedom Fighter Skateboards new website

2010-09-03T15:49:00.002-04:00

Ok, so Joey at Freedom Fighter launched a new website and it looks great. The site showcases the Art projects, merchandise and the skaters the company sponsors. I think it turned out really well and think you should check it out. So easy, all you have to do is click here.

Wind Up

2010-09-03T15:37:00.003-04:00

I love old tin wind up toys, especially robot toys. This drawing is inspired by an old toy from one of the Taschen "Icons" books. I used this image for t-shirts and for stickers. I was organizing my files and found the image and wanted to post it here.

Square Foot Show

2010-08-20T19:29:00.003-04:00

So once again I have a couple of pieces in this year's square foot show at Awol Gallery in Toronto. You can check out the info here. The show runs from August 20th-September 5th. The show is always interesting, hundreds of pieces, something there for everyone. All work is priced at $225, which is reasonable. I helped hang the show and some really good work in there. So if you're around, come and check it out. The show is almost over.....Only a few more days to catch it, some really strong work in there, go go go go go check it out!

Update

2010-08-03T22:19:00.002-04:00

I know it has been awhile since my last post. I thought I'd take a quick moment and write a quick update. I have moved recently and set up some space to work on art and I have just started to draw and paint again. It has been really nice to sit down and create new work, nothing huge so far, just some smaller pieces. There are a couple of group shows approaching that I will have some pieces in. I will post more info and pictures when I have more information.

Disposable Art's show part 2

2010-05-12T19:37:00.004-04:00

So here is the board I painted for this year's show by Freedom Fighter Skateboards. It was a great event, great party, and had so much fun, especially since it had been some time since I painted anything. The piece is called "Your Momma", and it is acrylic and aerosol paint.

Disposable art

2010-04-24T10:06:00.003-04:00

So another Disposable art's exhibi t is fast approaching. Last year Freedom Fighter Skateboards in Toronto threw a great party/art show/fundraiser. The event had some great work from a variety of talented artists and this year looks even better. Check the link for the details....

1" Buttons

2010-03-27T17:30:00.002-04:00

Love potion

2010-03-14T22:06:00.001-04:00

Robot, old school skate deck.

2010-03-14T12:01:00.002-04:00

I like robots. I like painting robots. I like skateboards. I like painting on skateboards. So therefore I like this image, because I painted a robot on a skateboard.

416 Graffiti

2010-03-13T21:49:00.004-05:00

These pictures were from "416", which was/is a local hip-hop party. I don't remember what year this was, maybe around 1997, but don't hold me to it. Looking back I remember how much fun this (and other Toronto "Graf" festivals/parties) were. A cool mix of hip-hop culture in all its forms.

"Back in the Day"

2010-03-10T22:01:00.002-05:00

I really hate that phrase "back in the day", but sometimes you just have to pull it out, own it, and use it. This is a photo from those days, when I was younger, carefree and was all about "getting up". Had to scan some photo's for an upcoming book project on Toronto graffiti, which I was lucky and honoured to be part of. This piece is from the Queen alley from the mid 90's.

Soy Milk

2010-03-10T21:57:00.002-05:00

Love this drawing, made into some stickers and a t-shirt. Cute happy cow, prancing through life extolling the virtues of soy.

New drawing.

2010-03-07T20:37:00.002-05:00

New doodle

2010-03-07T20:23:00.004-05:00

So, it's been over a month since I updated this blog. I've been busy with work and haven't been up to much. I have a skateboard I'm working on for an upcoming show (May) for Freedom Fighter Skateboards. I was doing some training for work this weekend and started doodling while "listening", been my way of coping with school for most of my life. I tend to zone out and draw whatever comes out. Sometimes good, sometimes just doodles, but usually the way that new and/or interesting ideas surface. Today my doodle became a little more involved and turned into this stream of consciousness piece, flowing out of bits of conversation and what I was thinking......[be warned some of the language not suitable for people who don't like unsuitable (cursing) language]. I like pen, regular old ball point pens, can get nice cross hatching effects.

Never Forget

2010-01-23T19:59:00.002-05:00

Spaceman.

2010-01-23T19:58:00.001-05:00

Notes To Self

2010-01-12T10:12:00.001-05:00

So if you don't know these guys, then you should. They are Notes To Self. Their debut album is called A Shot in the Dark and was released a few months ago on BBE records. You need to go and buy this album and support Toronto hip-hop. Dope dj (Dj Dopey), dope Mc's (Rage Rosh, Swamp Donkey, Bronze One), and dope production (Bronze One). Can go to their website and download four different mix tapes (for free). They are my boy's/homies/friends and I can't say enough positive things about their debut album. Go check them out on their MySpace page and listen to their song Midnight Oil, sooooo hype.

So I am going to add that you should also go and read the review these guys got on Okay Player.

Uplifting

2010-01-12T10:04:00.000-05:00

5 inspirational and uplifting Reggae tunes to walk to work at six in the morning with.

"Never give up my pride" - Luciano
"Sticky" - Jah Cure
"Really Truly" - Sizzla
"Bless Me" - Garnett Silk
"Cassandra" - Dennis Brown

My Neighborhood

2010-01-12T09:32:00.000-05:00

So a friend alerted my to this, seems there is a local ad campaign that features images from around the neighborhood. She noticed that one of the pictures on the poster was of one of my small robot. Very cool and unexpected. Thanks Diana!

It's a new year and a new decade

2010-01-04T12:33:00.000-05:00

So things have been busy for me for quite some time. I am working towards becoming a teacher, something which I've wanted to do for sometime. I went back to school and have just finished and looking forward to next steps, like actually finding employment. It's been a long road, especially for my family.

I haven't been doing much art over the past year or so an I am planning to get back to it. School had been taking so much of my time that I did not have much left over to be creative. So this is my blog and the first post. The idea is to share bits and pieces, maybe rant and vent a little, and let people know what I'm up to. So far so good, and I'll keep you posted.

2010-01-04T10:04:00.000-05:00

Here's an old one, but a good one. Just checking to see how to add images. Turns out to be an easy process.

The first post

2010-01-04T09:51:00.000-05:00

So I've enjoyed many blog's over the years and have decided to take the plunge and create my own blog. I'm an artist, a father, and a teacher (well working towards the last one). It's a new year and a new decade, so it's a good time to do this. I want to use this space to post some the random things that happen, things I'm enjoying, thins I hate and whatever else is going on. I've been in school for the past year or so and haven't been creating much, which will change. Life without a creative outlet can be hard. So that's it for now.