Other People's Projects

FACADE

2011-04-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

dwell.com/articles/facade-printer-inkjets-the-city

Graffiti - advertising - public art - protest.

KID KUDI - PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

2011-01-01T15:02:00.000-08:00

There is a nice moment at the end of this long, well done slow-motion scene, where the video finally gets to the point. Lost and drunk in the pursuit of happiness, indeed.

SNOOP DOGG - SENSUAL SEDUCTION

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

I went to a New Year's Eve house party last night, where by tradition there is a talent show. One duo sang this Snoop Dogg track, accompanied by ukulele - and yes, the woman rapped the breakdown. STOLE THE SHOW.

This video was on heavy rotation for me when it first came out. Snoop's transformation from 90's thug to 70's pimp opens up a space through which he can actually dance. A sped up tribute to the beloved sex-funk to which he owes so much, complete with S-VHS in-camera and Video Toaster stylings. It may prove more interesting then much of what he has produced in the past decade.

James Blake - Limit To Your Love

2010-12-23T16:11:00.000-08:00

The negative space is giving room for.. f?

ANDREW BUSH - DRIVE

2010-12-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

andrewbush.net

To look at a person while they are driving, is to sneak a glimpse of their private space. They are in their bubble, and you, a stranger, see in to their zone. Your gaze is arguably invasive. The charge... erotic? Given the brevity of this interaction, as two objects in motion pass by each other, I think of my mind taking a snap-shot of the moment.

There is another theory, which I call the Shoe Theory: that the shoes we wear (or in this case the car they drive) communicate something about who we/they are as a person. This sort of object symbolism can be a purposeful message, or simply circumstantial. Either way, it is a fun game to play while hurtling down the highway.

Andrew Bush's on-going photo series is fascinating to look at, no matter how you plug in. Enjoy.

CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY

2010-11-18T15:38:00.000-08:00

Bearna Woods at Night from Christopher Tierney on Vimeo.

SANSO XTRO

2010-11-18T15:36:00.000-08:00

Sanso-Xtro - Hello Night Crow from Fergal Brennan on Vimeo.

LYKKE LI

2010-11-18T14:36:00.000-08:00

I LOVE DUST

2010-11-18T14:16:00.001-08:00

MTV Sight from ilovedust on Vimeo.

CLEARY & HARDING

2010-11-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

The simplicity of the shot is a nice frame for the complicated choreography. I am enjoying videos that could be / are shot in an apartment. Also notice the creative digital composition in the beginning that makes the scene larger. Nice art direction.

DREAMERS INK AESTHETICS

2010-11-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

Journey To Zero "Anticipation" / Dreamers Ink Aesthetics.

A magic combination of all that is possible and all that can be hoped for in story, image, design, movement, and sound. Gorgeous editing. Bravo.

Poke around some on the rest of their site. Their print/branding work has a good blend of urban grit with organic good vibes.

CEE LO GREEN

2010-11-09T14:09:00.001-08:00

Tell it like it is.

POP-UP MAGAZINE

2010-07-19T13:19:00.001-07:00

popupmagazine.com

Who says print is dead? It has simply transcended its physical body. One question though: how do I put this magazine on my bedside table to read at night?

MagCloud

2010-07-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

magcloud.com

Self-published magazines?
Zines in the year 2010?
Who has something to say?
Who is listening?
Who cares?

BIG JET PLANE | ANGUS & JULIA STONE

2010-04-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since posting anything. I was working on a solo drawing show here and in general living my non-virtual life. The two sides, virtual and online, they do interact. Maybe the web can be viewed as an extension of, an addendum to, the physical, the tangible.

I saw this video and was inspired to share. Directed by Kiku Ohe, it is pretty and hypnotic. The story is one most people have lived, at one point or another. The high school job maybe. I worked at a rural gas station out by a lake. Not much going on.

POLAROID IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT

2010-03-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

the-impossible-project.com/projects/factory

There are moments where you can see something - see it, and know what should be done, but cannot. Or will not. Or imagine that the task is too difficult. Insurmountable.

I would guess that some of these thoughts ran through many of our collective minds on hearing about the immanent demise of Polaroid film. Well, some folks stepped up to the plate.

Check out their story and the factory being brought back on line. It is fantastic. Cause I for one know, and I'm pretty sure you would agree, that life is a little better with Polaroid film.

MATIAS AGUAYO's "ROLLERSKATE"

2010-03-09T12:53:00.000-08:00

That hook is.. perfect. Gorgeousness thanks to the skillful direction of TREVOR JACKSON.

POSTMILLENIAL TENSION

2010-02-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

adbusters.org/magazine/88/postmillenial-tension

Food for thought.

MOVIE TITLES STILLS COLLECTION

2010-02-22T17:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.annyas.com/screenshots/

A gorgeous collection of film titles.

LETTERCULT

2010-02-22T17:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.lettercult.com/archives/1184

Sick sick sick

PING PONG

2010-01-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

Alright, so I am calling this PING PONG - I am not sure if the process has another name. But basically I am asking inspired creative people to add one video to the chain. So the first influences the second influences the third. Enjoy.

This first video, THE TIMES THEY ARE THE CHANGES, comes from FIRST PERSON MAGAZINE, curated by Betty Nguyen.

Designer, dj, and man-about-town Andy Co responded with the ECHO PARTY.

Next Brion Nuda Rosch, trailblazing artist, curator and host, served up something fresh by CONGOTRONICS. Check out the hacked megaphone sound system.

Heading out NYC way, I heard back from dj Marcos Udagawa, who sent in this mind bender from EBN. As a side note note, I was home sick from school and happened to be watching tv when Reagan was shot - it's a strange feeling to see that moment wrapped in to this collage.

BLAKROC | WHAT YOU DO TO ME

2010-01-14T15:55:00.000-08:00

Looks like some fun was had in the filming of the new BlakRoc video. Or the illusion there of. Regardless, the good vibes are real in what I have heard so far from the Black Keys, Mos Def, some Wu Tang folks, Nikki Wray, etc. I'm excited to hear the whole album. The fact that they have come out with a BlakRoc car is pretty bizarre/sweet/very 2010. Get on with your bad selfs.

MIA | THERES SPACE FOR OL-DAT-I SEE

2010-01-14T15:25:00.000-08:00

MIA keeps it fresh. Made with her iChat camera.

SOMEONE GREAT | LCD SOUNDSYSYTEM

2009-12-18T10:41:00.000-08:00

watch video

If anyone feels cynical about music videos this is one that will change your mind.

MAD DECENT

2009-11-19T14:17:00.001-08:00

maddecent.com

Welcome welcome to the entrance of a deep well. Diplo and Switch, aka Major Lazer, search high and low to dig up local scenes in Jamaica, NYC, LA, London, Mexico...

I would recommend beginning with their MAD DECENT podcast on iTunes. Touted as NPR for the streets, stream (for free) their take on the ever changing edge of innovation. From hyphy to dub-step, hip-hop to a Britney Spears remix.

ALL MY FRIENDS | LCD SOUNDSYSTEM

2009-11-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends

That this video is shot in one take foregrounds the notion of actually having an idea and making it happen. There is a reliance on old school film tricks that develops, in this great informal gesture. Feels half art-installation and half backyard shoot with the neighbor kids and a borrowed video camera.

MGMT | THE YOUTH

2009-11-04T12:17:00.001-08:00

This from director Eric Wareheim (Tim and Eric Awesome Show), who does a lot of funny and bizarre music video work. Definitely an artist with a unique vision and style.

PON DE FLOOR | MAJOR LAZER

2009-11-04T12:05:00.001-08:00

Major Lazer "Pon De Floor" ft. VYBZ Kartel, Afro Jack.

This hurts me. In a good way. I think my friend JB summed it up best when she said, "dude, that director is obsessed with big asses and dry humping, he is now my idol..."

SJORS VERVOORT

2009-10-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

youtube.com/watch?v=18usd0iV3eI&feature=player_embedded#

Ok, so I'm just really riding the coattails of other Blogs right now. But hot damn, this shit is so very ambitious and funny and simply made. Hats off Sjors. Check out his website: sjorsvervoort.nl

FONT CAPTURE

2009-10-15T11:07:00.001-07:00

fontcapture.com

My wife inherited a small cardboard box of cartridge pens belonging to her grandparents. After spending some time chasing down store clerks with the arcane knowledge of their workings, I set about cleaning and refilling. Having this instrument has made me consider my handwriting.

I think this whole process started about a year ago when a friend mailed a wedding present. On opening the envelope, there spilled out a single Polaroid and several sheets of paper with a handwritten note. Seeing his script made me reconsider who this person is.

So in finding FONT CAPTURE, I have some mixed feelings. I'm tempted to say interesting compromise, but it is apples to oranges. No typeface has the sort of spontaneous interaction that unfolds with the hand writing process. Arguably. Regardless, download the form from their website, draw your letters in the boxes, scan, upload the file and voilá ! Oh and then be patient for something cool in your Inbox.

KIRSTEN LAPORE

2009-10-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

vimeo.com/2544580

A strange little project from the artist KIRSTEN LAPORE, titled Story From North America. She really nails the vintage feel of an Americana story, with a moral lesson to boot. Kristen creates a nice variety of projects, from cell style animation to claymation. Mad skills. And inspired. Bunch of stuff on Vimeo (YouTube too, but the quality is way lower). Also see her website, here.

MAX HEADROOM

2009-10-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

youtube.com/watch?v=la4VxWjUAGI&feature=related

OK forgot about this. But it's pretty damn genius. The editing and attitude is so spot on. There is a bunch of stuff on YouTube including a mini-doc on it's creators. Also check out the link where someone hacks into the airwaves wearing a Max Headroom mask, here.

SCOTT THOMAS

2009-09-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aO_OakK1yk&feature=channel

So this is the guy who designed the Obama campaign. Meet Scott Thomas. Killed it.

FLAVOR PAPER

2009-09-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_g376LMeWs&feature=player_embedded#t=137

Another video brought to us by Cool Hunting, this time about a wallpaper shop that screen prints wall paper by hand. Takes you through the steps. Wow these guys have it together in a major way. Check out their set-up, and do some drooling. Kicking ass and taking names. Oh, and don't miss their brief mention of their scratch and sniff papers.

GRAFICA FIDALGA

2009-09-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

www.coolhunting.com/archives/2009/04

This is a great short video about a working group of printers in San Paulo, Brazil. There is an email contact for getting work done by their shop (esaretta@gmail.com). Really beautiful and easy to romanticize. But whatever downsides might exist for these guys, you can tell by the look in their eyes that they f*cking L-O-V-E their jobs. Take note.

MICHAEL GILLETTE

2009-09-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

www.heartagency.com/html/gillette_frameset.html

A great set of book designs drawing on classic James Bond imagery. Love the hand made work, as talked about by Michael Gillette below:

"Most of the type is hand drawn, then scanned and placed in Photoshop. The less scripted ones are based on old font books which were again scanned and manipulated. Sometimes I'd then print them out, create a stencil and make a monotype with an ink roller to get some texture (Moon Raker & Dr No especially). The Ian Fleming type was also hand drawn, I designed it to be flexible and easily adaptable with the varying other faces, it was important to me that the covers felt completely hand made, and was conscious not to make them look over-polished. Really, all the techniques involved are pretty much as they would have been in the 60's & 70's."

JENNY GRIGG

2009-09-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

www.jennygrigg.com

A delicate line is cut in this inspired series of book designs that show a singular vision. Jenny Grigg finds a deep groove in these elegant covers for the author Peter Carey. Looking through her portfolio site, we see concepts that are translucent and whimsical yet razor sharp and specific. Jenny shows restraint, and then flourishes. As a designer with years of experience and an impressive CV, we are seeing a master at work.

SO ME

2009-08-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMc7v2SEQlA

Another SO ME joint. Bravo. See prior post for more details.

KID KUDI

2009-08-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

As much as I love the narrative, beats, and style of KID KUDI's Day N Nite, this posting is about the video's director - SO ME. Love this guy's style as well as his ability to convey thoughts/ideas visually. Yes, 1 + 1 does equal 3.

PHILIP LOW

2009-08-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

www.maryamnassirzadeh.com/Philip_Low/low.html

Lumps of plastic. OK Lucite. Confounding, in that I stumble to classify them as objects, or art, or consumable, or paper weight, or interstellar travel device aka Phillip K. Dick.

SIR SHAMBLING'S DEEP SOUL HEAVEN

2009-08-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

www.sirshambling.com

Here is a guy who pushes the boundaries of digital music rights in to a realm that approaches the encyclopedic. Or maybe Wikipediac. Think of this expansive music archive as your entrance pass to the pearly gates of all that is soul. As way of introduction, from the website:

Due to Sir Shambling’s age, weight and general physical condition the emphasis here is on the slower side of things – not just by way of personal preference for those gritty ballads but also to act as a counter-weight to all the Northern soul and dance sites that exist. And while the great names of Southern soul will all feature here, so will a lot of lesser known artists. Again not just for the thrill of the obscure, but because so many rarer performances deserve to be valued and appreciated properly.

Set aside a large block of your day, turn off the phone, and enjoy.

STREET MUSIC

2009-07-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

www.vimeo.com/5685995

This Gentleman plays some days on the corner of 16th Street and South Van Ness in San Francisco. He had no reply when I asked him his name. His instrument is the mandolin, played lap guitar style with a steel slide. The result is a psychedelic country western, with a preference for Hank Williams. It is good that the song titles are announced beforehand - it would be tough to recognize his covers otherwise.

My friend visiting from LA recorded a little bit on his iPHONE. Check the Vimeo link above, or better yet go and to listen a little while. I'll be damned if you don't feel somehow transported as you walk away.

ROLAND

2009-07-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

www.adbusters.org/magazine/84/terrorwithin

For most people having lived, or now living, of even having visited a city, you will definitely have encountered such a character as ROLAND. The interaction leaves you with such a strange mix of fear, sadness, violation, introspection, and often curiosity. The question comes fairly naturally: how did this person get to where he/she is today? This short story helps fill in the blanks for at least one such human.

VIVA RADIO

2009-07-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

www.viva-radio.com

I have been on the FLAVORPILL blast for a few months now. They do a good job with their daily email updates - alerting me to things that actually are worth checking out. It seems the type of endeavor that is difficult to remain consistently inspired with. Kudos.

One note tho- with creating the content for "eleven email magazines.. in six cities" (according to their press material) I hope they don't become the Clear Channel of the internet. Right now the vibe is independent and tuned in. Keep going!

Tune in to the streaming radio program and let it do it's thing. Enjoy.

MARCO BRAMBILLA

2009-06-25T15:23:00.001-07:00

This video was created for the Standard Hotel in NY. So nice to see work make it's way out of galleries/museums and out in to the world. Though, the Standard is not the most democratic location. No matter. Pretty neat experience. Viewed as you are going up in the elevator (towards heaven) or down (towards hell). Nice job.

HAPPINOMICS

2009-06-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

www.adbusters.org/magazine/84/happinomics.html

I have a friend who creates film projects in Los Angeles. One of his earliest ideas for a PSA (Public Service Announcement) was on the subject of riding the LA subway. He had this narrative about a young guy and girl seeing each other and making a flirty connection while riding the subway. The point of the story having to do with the possibilities inherent of public traveling (verses of course, being that it is LA, car traveling). He began riding the LA subway - or well, took at least one round-trip ride. Apparently he found the experience so dismal, and his target audience so obviously absent, that he scraped the whole project. The PSA was replaced by a funny story about the dangers of smoking marijuana. Hmm.

I think sometimes you need to have the vision to create something that maybe others cannot see. In fact, it is your vision shared with people that expands what is deemed possible. I think historically we see this sort of beyond-the-box leadership, especially in such endeavors as civic infrastructure projects and scientific research. Maybe we should apply those rules to our media making as well.

This article touches on public transportation and talking with strangers. I mention this as I love public transportation but hate what it has become. Cell phone abuse anyone? I really would love to do a public awareness campaign, in collaboration with a transportation provider, about the joys and pitfalls of riding with our fellow citizens. Something funny, but also speaking some real truth. Anyone?

BECK - CELLPHONE'S DEAD

2009-06-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

Beck's narratives, poetic and disjointed, are a great match for the film making of Michel Gondry. Also there is a visually lo-tech/high-tec thing happening here. Partly nostalgic/classic, mixed with trendy. Sweet.

INTERVIEW PROJECT

2009-06-02T10:46:00.001-07:00

www.interviewproject.davidlynch.com

Having shot and edited several interview projects, I have a real fondness for the spaces that open up when you give someone the chance to tell their story. Almost everyone, even the most boring looking stranger, has a fascinating story to tell. David Lynch's INTERVIEW PROJECT uses the framework of an extensive US road trip. During that time they meet and interview people, after which the edited interviews are posted to the website. So more the vibe of Lynch's Straight Story than say Lost Highway. At least on the surface.

BRION NUDA ROSCH

2009-05-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

www.somethinghomesomething.blogspot.com

BRION NUDA ROSCH's Something ^ HOME ^ Something project is a visual sketchbook that jumps the boundaries of curator, artist, other artist projects and his own projects. It exists in a time line of its own making - without the constraints of a physical space's schedules and egos, rent checks, marketing materials, and artist production schedules. Instead we tap into the flow of a culture maker, and witness the visual evolution as it unfolds. This segues nicely in to the experience of going to see one of Brion's shows. Walk in the front door and you will feel as if you were on the inside all along.

For those in San Francisco, you can check out one of his projects at PARK LIFE, along with the artists Chris Corales, Andrea Myers, Matthew Rich, and Liz Walsh.

STRAY CATS

2009-05-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

When I showed this video to my wife she was disturbed. It made me laugh, but well I don't like cats. I have to admit never seeing the original Cats, so maybe I watch this with naive eyes. Or not. Anyhow, great project.

ccMIXTER

2009-05-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

www.ccmixter.org

ccMIXTER is an online site for song based samples. Free to use and abuse, remix and post. Their is a community aspect to this site, where you can check out other Mixers' mixes, including some contributions by commercial artists. I like the a capella section, with a lot of samples by upstarts from Sac-town and beyond. The underground goes digital.

FREESOUND PROJECT

2009-05-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

www.freesound.org

The FREESOUND PROJECT contains Foley samples for audio mixing. Posted by users and housed within the Creative Commons umbrella, feel free to use these sounds in your projects.

SOCIAL DESIGNER

2009-05-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

www.socialdesigner.com

SOCIAL DESIGNER issues open design competitions for products that try to raise awareness about a number of issues. Think product design 2.0. So products whose function is both green and progressive, not just sexy and consumable. Or should I say, as well as sexy and consumable? The designs are voted on, produced and sold on their website. The winning designer is paid a flat fee. Capitalism and idealism, hand in hand. Their latest competition is for a tote that promotes regional/local eating. Hope to make the deadline for my own design.

DREW STRUZAN

2009-05-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.drewstruzan.com/illustrated/

In doing research for movie poster design I discovered a rich history. One thing that is noticeably missing from (most) contemporary movie poster designs are hand created illustrations. I guess it has fallen out of favor to some extent. I would argue that nothing yells out, "this is special!" quite like the illustrative style of someone such as DREW STRUZAN. This guy is one bad-ass MF. Check out the skillz! Go Drew!

INTRALINK GRAPHICS

2009-05-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

www.intralinkfilm.com

There is a real magic to those back-lit transparency ads for films. The color really pop, the blacks rich and deep. The quality of the photos and graphics draw me, as I walk the long row of framed ads at my local theater house. These cats at INTRALINK do a lot of the big name films.

FREE MUSIC ARCHIVE

2009-05-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

www.freemusicarchive.org

FMA is a curated on-line music site that allows you to listen and down-load free music legally. Some of this music is contemporary and some is in the Creative Commons because the copyright has expired. So that means some of the music is available for use in your creative projects. Great resource.

The site itself is well organized and you can sort by genre, search for artists, etc. It works well to stream music while you are working. Also great for allowing some serious music nerds to guide you towards new bands, or discover a band from years past.

MY DRIVE THRU

2009-04-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPZ5fnYFI4Q

This is by far and above one of the best stop motion projects I have seen to date. Thanks for taking that to the next level. Damn. Sent to me by my man Andy Co. Music by N.E.R.D., Santogold and Julian Casablancas.

FILM TITLES

2009-04-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

www.watchthetitles.com

Nice website that opens up into world of film/tv title sequence fetishism. Rightly so. Love it.

Here is a link to one of the Masters in title design. All bow down to Saul Bass.

www.notcoming.com/saulbass/index2.php

GARTH TRINIDAD

2009-04-13T14:35:00.001-07:00

www.kcrw.com/music/programs/cc/cc061230all_things_james_bro

Another page from the KCRW site. Man on a week that is going shite, Garth can save the day. Aired live on Saturday nites, and then archived and free at a moment's need.

As a huge James Brown fan, this particular show is important to me. Aired five days after the big guys ascension to the second floor, there are a host of great rare tracks and audio samples from James' colorful life. I particularly find dark humor in the interview by the local news caster. So wrong. So right.

Featuring the Bay Area's own Beat Junkies (J-Logic, Jedi & DJ Rome).

MICHEL GONDRY

2009-04-13T14:17:00.001-07:00

www.kcrw.com/music/programs/mb/mb090409michel_gondry

KCRW's archive of shows is a treasure trove. Its special and worth exploring. As a fan of Michel Gondry I was happy to run across this show. It is always interesting to get some insight into what makes an artist tick. Michel's picks are soulful and informative - he has a story for most each track.

Also, check out this video about Michel's poop. You need a laugh.

KAYNE WEST

2009-04-01T17:15:00.001-07:00

Good Life

Indeed. This remains one of my favorites. So fargin fun. I could just loop this song and video ad infinitum. Kayne gimmie a call, let's make something fresh.

WILL I AM

2009-04-01T11:53:00.001-07:00

She's a Star

I imagine this whole project came about cause somebody over exposed the film. Could be wrong. Either way, they certainly made the best out of a relatively simple set up. One long shot I do believe. Wonder how many takes it took?

LADYTRON

2009-04-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

Runaway

Creepy and minimal. Very fitting. I Love how the one girl doesn't sing at all, just stares in to the camera. I think Ladytron pulls off ambiguous lyrics with the best of 'em, picking up where pop leaves off and venturing to a much stranger landscape.

THE LONELY ISLAND

2009-04-01T11:35:00.001-07:00

...In My Pants

Retarded. These guys are pulling off some high production values while remaining true to their ideas. My favorite shot is where the guy is DJing in 7-11 surrounded by vegetables. Wait, what convenience store has produce? This hook gets stuck in my head, unfortunately. Adult in nature.

KATE MAKI

2009-04-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

We Are Gone

Pretty zen. Love walking down through her house to the basement. Wasn't I friends with this girl in college? No right, I wanted to be her friend in college.

LLOYD

2009-04-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

Damn. The future is now. So is the fantasy, apparently. This take on video ladies, portrayed as zombie aliens with glowing eyes... hmmmm. I know that the focus of the video is supposed to be the star, but I am questioning the wall flower method of women in videos. Stock character I suppose, if you think about it in a theater way. Even Shakespeare knew about the attraction to the town slut. Carry on.

MONSTERS ARE WAITING

2009-04-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Ones and Zeros

Beautiful color work and use of partially obscured images. Also the old car goes far, with lots of light streaming in to the lens. Dreamy.

TINY MIX TAPES

2009-03-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

www.tinymixtapes.com

More on the mix tapes tip, with a twist. TINY MIX TAPES offers to create a custom mix, based on a phrase you submit. So, your offering of Songs for Your Best Friend who Lives in France, Where he is Hungry and Cold gets spit out as a bunch of track listings that you can go out and find. Poetic. Lazy?

Also, they do archive a series of mixes by Chocolate Grinder, which should introduce you to a bunch of music that you never heard before (that doesn't suck). Archive here.

LOUD FARM

2009-03-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

www.loudfarm.com

For those into the band scene, both in San Francisco and elsewhere, there is Loud Farm. Freshly launched, they cull the web for articles on (mostly) independent music and post - boiling down the fat so to speak. So we're talking interviews, reviews, articles, and a well organized Bay Area music calendar. Clicking on Loud Farm takes you to all sorts of web projects that you never knew existed. But you should. Plus they have a fresh design scheme going on which makes me want to rush right down to their office and pinch someone's cheeks really hard til nice and pink.

LOBO

2009-03-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

www.lobo.cx

Lobo is a design and animation company based out of Brazil but working internationally. Flipping through their projects you get the idea that they try to make the most out of each opportunity. Some of the concepts are stronger than others, but maybe my non-Portuguese-speaking-ass missed something.

Their website's Flash interface is a glimpse into the future of web design. In the PORTFOLIO section, check out the projects for REDE GLOBO (1), FORD (6), and GOL LINHAS AÉREAS (11). GOL, which is about the transformation of ideas, employs a lush, flickering light source recalling early cell animation. Belíssimo!

KITSUNENOIR & MUXTAPE

2009-03-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

www.kitsunenoir.com/blog/mixtapes

Ran across this page which is essentially a collection of mix tapes, including the cover art (very important). That the tape has become the cd has become the .mp3 - no matter. Nothing more exciting, to me, than getting a personal mix. This is a glimpse, a journey, straight in to the center of another human. Ignore the words flapping from their lips, check out the music. Special special.

There also is Muxtape, who as of late is in transformation. Their caterpillar state was a site where you could listen to user mixes, with a really nice colorful interface that didn't make you miss the cover art. Somehow. Alas, the more attention focused on the Muxtape folks, the more intellectual property right issues started popping up. Currently they exist in some hybrid state where they are getting popular indie band members to create short mixes, while also promoting their tracks. I give Muxtape the benefit of the doubt. I hope they find a way to stay true to their original vision. Judging from their current moves, they are going in the direction of legal and possibly even profitable. Good luck!

FAILE

2009-03-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

www.faile.net/winter_09

Faile, the international artist collective based out of Brooklyn, celebrates in font and color the excesses of contemporary urban life. I think of this work as both inspired by and flipping off advertising. Visually sampling one attention grabbing graphic after another into georgeous, apoloyptic visions. Not too much here to not like, except maybe their success, if you are so inclined.

SPIKE JONZE

2009-03-14T01:22:00.000-07:00

www.vbs.tv/video.php?id=1137833099

The multi-talented Spike Jonze (music video directing, fancy pants wearing, hot hot talented ex-wife having, beard sporting, bad assing..) is now doing his part as a producer/creative director for Vice TV. Better known as VBS, the online media wing of the sprawling made-in-the-USA American Apparel hipster monopoly. The company that everyone loves to hate. The company with the print adds that offend everyone with boobs. Which I get and don't get. Conspiracy theories are so 1990's folks.

Regardless, VBS is really dope. Their programming is past gusty and mostly intelligent but always interesting. Vice's voice is unique, period, but especially in the online television sphere. Plus they are producing content that others lack either the ambition or balls to make happen. Check out their travel series. Can you say North Korea? When is the last time you saw a f*cking news crew north of the DMZ? Ganstas.

The first two episodes of Spike's Spends Saturday With, feature the inspired Kayne West and then MIA. For Kayne haters, of which there are too many, check out his episode and see if you feel any differently.

SAM CHIVERS

2009-03-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

www.samchivers.com/portfolio.html

Sam is a bloke drawing down in Bristol. His color and line work is masterful - just knowing he is out there doing this pushes me to work harder and more. The fact that he pulls off these detailed designs as silkscreens makes them even more beautiful.

He is involved somehow, cannot figure out exactly how, with these folks: www.peopleofprint.com, and makes for a nice side trip.

DIESEL'S XXX PARTY CLIP

2009-03-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

www.break.com/index/sfw-porn-clips.html

Perverted, funny & inspired. Not for those under 18 years. Unless you need a good laugh.

JUDD VETRONE

2009-03-02T14:08:00.000-08:00

www.juddvetrone.com/pages/color3.php

What's to say?

SACRED MTN

2009-03-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

www.sacredmtn.com/

It can be a trick to walk in both the worlds of design and art. It shouldn't be, and many people tell you that it's not, but I think it is. Maybe that is changing. Some people pull it off well.

I first ran into the people/person behind Sacred Mtn at the San Francisco Zine fest in 2007. He/they were drinking beer at 11:30 in the morning and selling these D-O-P-E silkscreened posters. When I tried to buy one the interaction became really drawn out and convoluted and strange and then kinda charming. A couple years later I am a serious fan.

Sacred Mtn puts out some incredibly imaginative stuff, comfortably dipping across a handful of mediums. They tend to induce this stupid, blissed-out, child-like expression in people. Ridiculous. And genius. Luckily you can stumble over their handy-work in galleries, web videos, design shops, magazines, on tshirts etc.

Don't miss the effects reel on the OrdinaryKids site (www.ordinarykids.com ). OrdinaryKids is a Bay Area design studio specializing in interactive story telling, motion graphics, fake manuals and print design. As well Sacred Mtn acted as their Creative Director for three years.

TAKAKO YAMAGUCHI

2009-02-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

www.jancarjones.com/current/takako-yamaguchi/

I'm really really (really really) encouraging folks to take some time to see this magic little show of paintings by Takako Yamaguchi. Jumping off from the best of Op Art, without the annoying sandy rub, Yamaguchi mines the depths of California landscape painting through the lens of a surrealist. Opulent brushwork. Baroque, if sun bleached palette. Just get yer ass down there. Up through this Saturday, February 28th. Last week! Last week!

Even if you miss the current show, I strongly recommend visiting this unique little gallery in downtown San Francisco. Celebrating one year this month, Eric Renehan Jones and Ava Jancar have created a place with integrity. Close to the downtown gallery scene (á la 49 Geary and the museum ghetto) but with a spot of its own, taking the walk over to Jancar Jones Gallery is a must.

The building is reminiscent of a Haruki Murakami novel, where the character gets off an elevator on to a floor which doesn't really exist. The gallery occupies the mezzanine level down a long, long hallway. The interior space is intimate and oddly shaped - it has some resonance with Adobe Books Back Room gallery (3166 16th Street, San Francisco). If I was to believe in, or have more knowledge of, sacred geometry I might evoke a theory. But I'm not, nor do I.

Their first year of artists has been quirky and conceptual, without straying into the stinky pedantic and pretentious. Each show comes off with a level of freshness, and modest excitable energy. As my wife (Ingrid Keir, she has a name) is apt to say, "quiet storm." Keep your eye on this space and support them. One way that you can do this is via their artist prints, a series of affordable works on paper.

Jancar Jones Gallery
965 Mission, Suite 120
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-281-3770
Thursday-Saturday, noon-6pm & by appointment
www.jancarjones.com/

THE ART BOOM IS OVER

2009-02-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/arts/design/15cott.html?scp=22&sq=art&st=cse

A flawed, slightly fatalistic look at the history of American art during booms and busts. Something to think about and decide for yourself. Ultimately, having some perspective on all this shite is important. As people who make culture, and consume it.

This subject came up last night at my local bar, the Uptown. I was chatting with Brion Nuda Rosch, artist and bartender on Monday nights. I fessed up to making work specifically for the Miami Art Fair one year. Brion mentioned bending his art production schedule to be timed with Portland's Art Fair. Not that there is anything wrong with it, with art fairs, with selling work. More an acknowledgment of the reasons that we make art, and the factors that go into those decisions. By the way, I didn't sell a single a single piece from my Miami series.

FRANK MAGNOTTA

2009-02-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

www.fmagnotta.com

I kinda freaked out the first time I saw this guy's work. Part of the magic is the scale of these graphite masterpieces (upwards of 80 inches in width). He shows out of Cohan & Leslie galleries in NY. They have some of Frank's older work on their website which is worth seeing:

http://www.cohanandleslie.com/index.php?mode=artists&object_id=17

PARRA

2009-02-19T16:03:00.000-08:00

This might be offensive to some, funny to others. Maybe just skip this one if yer on the uptight side. There we go. French club track by Le Le, with drawings by the super hot illustrator, artist and band member, Parra. You've probably seen his stuff around. His work starts as drawings, as opposed to working on the computer, which you can feel. He's got a great sense of humor. There is an interview of this cat on Fecalface, which includes a link to more of his online stuff here.

ANDERS SCHRODER

2009-02-19T12:48:00.000-08:00

www.frame.dk/#/WORK/38
www.frame.dk/#/WORK/68
www.frame.dk/#/WORK/69
www.frame.dk/#/WORK/55

www.frame.dk/#/WORK/36

I have to admit to a soft spot in my heart for flashy motion graphics. This dude is sick! Super bowl spots, MTV awards, and other such non-essential, gratuitous occasions seem to be his specialty. Anders also goes by the name DFORM1 if you are looking for more of his work.

This monster that builds out of a coffee cup just gives me a warm feeling all over.

BORIS THE BLADE

2009-02-18T16:23:00.001-08:00

www.flickr.com/photos/boristheblade

Flickr is a rabbit hole unto itself. Down, down many an afternoon could be spent on that journey, looking through the lenses of countless great photographers. Yet this popular photo site, as convenient as it is, seems to be more about the consumption of images than it is about experiencing great photographs.

Regardless, this photographer who goes by the name Boris The Blade does stand out from the pack. A Photoshop master and dramatic conceptualist, I intuitively feel that Boris is an artist in conversation with Hollywood. By that I mean the scale of his ideas, his absurd visions, and his technical prowess.

I've pointed you to one set on his Flickr account, but the others are worth looking through as well. His range spans many genres, too numerous to list here. Or I'm too lazy maybe.

TAUBA AUERBACH

2009-02-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

www.taubaauerbach.com

A fantastic website by a fantastic artist. Using an old-school flashing GIF style animation (even if it is created using Flash), Tauba's site is one part psychedelia mixed with one part minimalist design, with a generous splash of imaginative, playful fonts & lots of color. Revisit, as the site is updated fairly often.

Don't miss out on her books, as you are rooting around the site. She has a new book out, titled 50/50, that is a gorgeous collection of black and white patterns. Available on Amazon, at SF MOMA and I would guess Jack Hanley's in San Francisco. B-O-M-B !

For those in the Bay Area now, you can catch her work at SF MOMA as a part of the biannual SECA show for Bay Area talent. She also shows in NY with Deitch Projects, so keep an eye out.

EAST VILLAGE RADIO

2009-02-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

www.eastvillageradio.com

This online radio station is housed at 21 1st Avenue in NYC's East Village. Literally a street level window, from which behind an eclectic group of DJs, local & international, play music. There is an archive of shows that stream for free. Go into the SCHEDULE section to search for shows. Highlights:

AUTHENTIC SHIT, Fridays from 8-10 PM.
Producer, DJ and international man about the scene Mark Ronson let's us peak in to what is going on in his mind. Sometimes it is brilliant, tho other times quite annoying. He doesn't talk the whole time and his musical tastes are worth your perseverance. Plus he does seem to be having a hell of a lot of fun being Mark Ronson! So rock on.

TWO FOR TENNIS, Tuesdays from 6-8 PM.
Tim Love Lee, Gringo Scarrr and a cast of fellow nut cases enlighten and entertain with an eclectic mix, mostly played while in the nude, and possibly while on drugs. Keep your ears perked for shows where the Pikesmen show up. This occasional bike gang gets pretty damn wound up, smashing bottles over each other's heads and terrorizing Manhattan in full biker gang regalia. I know, it sounds gay, and it is! It is too bad we can only witness the spectacle via the radio. Or rather, enjoy from the safety of your laptop.

ALEX TROCHUT

2009-02-17T15:01:00.000-08:00

www.alextrochut.com

OK, poke around this guy's site some. Expansive. Great interface design on his website, and over-the-top illustrations. Some of the work here is art deco in nature - the elegant use of chiaroscuro and frequent tone of whimsy. Good fargin' job, Alex. I'm a huge fan.

PLAN B

2009-02-17T14:45:00.000-08:00

www.adbusters.org/magazine/82/tactical_briefing.html

Something to consider. Kinda scary, kinda hopeful. But either way it resonates with me today. My friends' jobs are dropping off like flies. Not for the most part that they enjoyed their jobs. Mostly working for boring ass corporations. Collecting a paycheck. Our common adult religion, formerly known as the career, is going the way of Catholicism. It might be f%cked after all! Is there a plan B?

2009-02-17T14:25:00.000-08:00

ST. VINCENT from Dig For Fire on Vimeo.

A nice little live show given at NYC's Other Music. Great vibes. For some reason watching this show reminds me of being in Athens, Georgia one humid summer. I was driving out West for the first time from NY and stopped over at some college friends' apartment. We spent the night on a moldy carpet in the living room, which I seem to remember had mushrooms growing on it. Great hospitality though, and an amazing local music scene. Intimate as hell.

After giving St. Vincent's studio recordings a shot, without a whole lotta luck, it is nice to run across this gem of a performance. More stripped down and not so many layers to weed through to access her voice. On hearing this I realize I have to revisit her other music. Again.