Spray Paints & Ink Pens

The other night, after a wedding reception, I felt the urge to do some painting…and at those times, I have to start because as with anything art, it revolves around moods. So Vatana (Kung-Fu Panda) and I went back to my house and we painted the night away. He worked with his oils and I stuck with acrylic. These are the results of our all-nighter. Of course, these pictures only show unfinished pieces. I’m currently still in the process of finishing mine up and I’ll expand on the story behind the painting as soon as everything is finished.

I’ll be posting the finished version of my painting later tonight…or in some mind-bogglingly insane hour of the morning. I need to go spray-paint some of my new canvases but it’s way too muggy and hot outside.

–dinoxsketchpad

The Wake-Up Show

Before Sophal had to take the flight back to Boston, we headed out to Beat Rock where they were hosting an event for Pancho Abalos’ new series of ‘The 23 Nin-J’s’ paintings. I loved the paintings when I first saw them and even purchased one of his shirts a while back, but upon his explanation of how the pieces came about made me appreciate the art much more. This was one heck of a wake-up show.

This piece was kind of the genesis of the series, in that, all the ninjas are wearing Jordan’s first signature shoes. Pancho’s explanation behind it was that before Jordan had Jordans, Converse’s Weapons were the shoes helmed by professional basketball players and fans alike. That all changed when Michael Jordan swooped in (like a ninja) and took the whole sneaker game by storm.

–dinoxsketchpad

Just Eat It

First and foremost, just thought I’d take a bit of time and share my Michael Jackson moment. I’m sure billions of bloggers have already blogged about this huge loss. “Man In The Mirror” was one of the most powerful videos executed even though it was one of the few without Michael actually being in it. Something about the visual aspect of it really caught my attention as a child. Very thought-provoking, carefully collaged, and it echoes in relevance until this present time…we just found a way to magnify the catastrophy. One more thing I’d like to add, it’s unfortunate that kids of this generation know more of Michael’s court-cases and/or allegations than they do of all the positive music he’s crafted so heartfully. There will never be any other entertainer who can impact the entire globe as Mike did. R.I.P. MJ! You deserve it.

Now, onto the rest of the blog. My friend, Sophal, from Boston came out to pay a visit for the week. First thing we did was head out to one of my favorite sushi spots here in Long Beach — Tokyo Wako.

The next big eating ‘event’ was at The Corner Place for Korean BBQ. Even MORE food this time. We were actually looking for a specific Tofu House, but got too hungry to scour through the city for it so we settled upon this spot. Food was great, though a tad pricey.

Now the tough part…working all this food off.

–dinoxsketchpad

Obey Everything

I headed out to the Shepard Fairey x Arkitip show @ ALIFE Hollywood. Didn’t know we had to RSVP but we got hooked up at the entrance anyways. After a few drinks at the open bar, I socialized with everyone and networked with a lot of interesting people. I talked my way into having a quick chat with Shepard Fairey and getting my magazine autographed. Overall, great night. Great people. Great fun.

Oh, and haven’t done this in a very long while…Toi on Sunset. I’m going to go out on a limb and say this is my favorite Thai food joint. Not only is the food great, but the atmosphere and the service is awesome.

–dinoxsketchpad

Live To Learn

So, I know I’m a bit late, but here’s a quick update on the whole panel discussion I participated in at my old high school. Mrs. Chamberlain — who I had for speech class years ago — contacted me through my Myspace and asked me to come speak to the seniors in her class. I’ve never been a motivational speaker and haven’t spoken publicly in a long time so I was glad she laid out some questions on index cards for us. The kids were more than awesome and some of them had great questions which shows they’re really concerned about their futures. I think I spoke the least out of everyone of the speakers, but I think they got the gist of things. Oh, and I read an old spoken-word piece to a couple of classes. Pretty rusty. I hadn’t done it in years. Anyways, congratulations to all the graduates this year. Welcome to LIFE.

Camera died out on me after a few pictures, hence, the lack of pictures.

–dinoxsketchpad

“Back Like I Left Somethin’…”

That was a Freeway quotable for all you Hip-Hop heads…Anyways, just letting you guys know that I was asked to give a speech to the graduating class of 2009 at the school of which I was an alumnus — Paramount High School — tomorrow morning and I can honestly say that I’m scared brainless. I have thought about what I would say for days now but I think I’m just going to go in there and freestyle it. If anything, most of them might be too busy whispering and passing notes about what parties they’re going to after the ceremony, that they won’t pay much attention to me. We’ll see how catastrophic it’s going to be. I’ll keep you posted.

–dinoxsketchpad

Do Something

If you haven’t been following the story, Laura Ling and Euna Lee are American reporters who were taken by the North Korean government as prisoners after claiming the two women had set foot on their land. This is an ongoing battle that should not end this way but many people believe they are being used as pawns in this political battle that seems to have escalated against the two countries. Please join along and do something about this situation. We, as human beings, can not give up on each other.

North Korea has sentenced Laura Ling and Euna Lee to 12 years hard labor. According to some reports, talks for their humanitarian release can begin, now that the legal process is over.

For U.S. citizens, here are some places you can go to help. The petition is very easy to sign.

SIGN THE PETITION FOR THEIR RELEASE
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/free-euna-and-laura

WRITE TO PRESIDENT OBAMA
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

WRITE YOUR SENATOR
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

WRITE YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS
https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

For those outside the U.S.:

READ AND SUBSCRIBE TO http://freeroxana.net/

http://liberatelaura.wordpress.com

–dinoxsketchpad

A Thousand Words And Counting

“When good appears to lose, it is an opportunity for one to be patient, and become like God.”–from the book “When Broken Glass Floats” by Chanrithy Him

–dinoxsketchpad

Making It Work

I know it seems like this whole Sketchpad project has been on a long hiatus — or shelved — with everyone busying it up on our personal treks, but have no fret. Things are slowly coming along and all we ask is if you guys could be a taaaadbit more patient. I’ve been putting in a lot more work on designs and starting to bite off all I can chew to return with a lot more uuumph… Also, I’ve started doing a lot of writing again and been watching a lot of my old Def Poetry Jam DVDs once more. Maybe one of these days, I can do a full-on incorporation of my writings onto some of the tee-shirts. Who knows?

Oh, and before I forget, we’re going to set up our booth again for the Artwalk LB on the 13th of this month. It’s a Saturday so come by and hang out with us. We’re going to have what’s left of our shirts out there (not much left so hurry up and buy!), as well as Greenville and Phresh Produce.

–dinoxsketchpad

Canned Goods From The Bodega

I recieved a very pleasant surprise the other day with a package sent to me from Boston. Thanks to Sopal for the hook-up! I opened the box up to see a big can of ‘rotten tomatoes’. The packaging was amazing and the fact that you have to use an actual can-opener to pry it open makes for great detailing on the marketing of the product. If you’ve ever been to, or seen pictures of the shop, you’ll know why the execution of this tee-shirt release in its entirety is so clever. Limited to only 100 pieces and only available through one of the most creative boutiques I’ve ever seen — Bodega. One of the biggest reasons why Boston is one of my must-go-to places.

–dinoxsketchpad