conscious cins

Lucent Dossier x Herakut...

2012-02-01T00:03:00.000-08:00

Someone come with me!

Please?

Hush mural...

2012-01-29T23:59:00.000-08:00

Can anyone in San Francisco give me directions to see this mural by Hush?

Money...

2012-01-29T23:18:00.000-08:00

Shepard Fairey did the animation for this music video. I want to animate a music video now.

Winnie Tattoh...

2012-01-26T22:30:00.000-08:00

I am amused.
More art by this artist, Grapheart.

Once Upon a Time...

2012-01-24T21:07:00.000-08:00

I haven't been keeping up with my blogs and apparently I missed kevin tong's post on illustrating a book.

I have enough books filled with fairy tales, but just because Kevin's name is on the cover this book was ordered immediately.

what happened...

2012-01-06T20:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I missed a few holidays here. Life changes occur. I required lots of bandages recently and these explain what happened best.

Happy new year!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

I hope you have a lovely Halloween weekend, just like this painting depicts by Scott C.

The Picnic.

Charcoal Music...

2011-10-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

Loving the warmth of Yanni Floros' charcoal drawings.

from Scene360

The Future Is Not What It Used To Be, etc...

2011-10-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday night, I stopped by Corey Helford, LeBasse Projects and Thinkspace. I missed Kukula's opening night at Corey Helford, but they had extended hours for the night, which were much appreciated.

Mike Stilkey curated the show at LeBasse Projects. I loved this altered book by Brian Dettmer "Complete Book of Marvels." Below is Stilkey's "Nothing Endures but Change" painting.

Female group show "In the Wake of Dreams" at Thinkspace was almost closed, but the owner said "I'll let you in real quick, but then I'm kicking you out." Thank you for letting us in!

Audrey Kawasaki's new pieces are intricate and beautiful as always.

Amy Sol's sleepy animals are adorable.

Mari Inukai's paintings amazing and intense.

Edible Rainbow...

2011-10-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

Fashion photographer turned food photographer Henry Hargreaves.
from Trendland

Next Door...

2011-10-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

Tonight LeBasse Projects will show a Mike Stilkey curated group show, The Future Is Not What It Used To Be.

And next door at ThinkSpace, it will be girls galore: Stella Im Hultberg, Mari Inukai, Audrey Kawasaki, and Amy Sol.

Inspiration in the Culver City night.

Quick and Painful...

2011-10-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

I missed the show in LA and I wish could be at the show in Chicago. Art + Tattoos, I love.

tatted barbie...

2011-09-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

I kind of want to buy a Barbie again thanks to Tokidoki.

image from nylon

Lady Butterfly...

2011-09-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

I want her. I am star struck. I cannot look away from Lady Aiko's sculpture.

Source: Arrested Motion

At Picking Up Where We Left Off...

2011-09-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

I had a packed schedule last weekend, but I HAD to stop by opening night of Yoskay Yamamoto's solo show at LeBasse Projects "Picking Up Where We Left Off". So between helping out a friend and going out in Santa Monica, I stopped in Culver City. Midnight Blossom was my favorite piece at this show.

"Seiryu: Blue Dragon"

"Antler Girl 1" installation

detail of "Midnight Blossom"

"Here"

Art in the Streets...

2011-08-16T21:29:00.001-07:00

On the absolute last day possible in LA, I made it to the Art in the Streets exhibit at the MOCA Geffen. After getting mochi ice cream at Mikawaya with my sister, we made it through a rather fast moving line to be greeted by Roa animals at the entrance.
There was an entire installation area of possible graff scenes.
The Banksy work covered a good sized corner of the gallery with plenty of eye candy.
Os Gemeos had a colorful, gravity defying installation.
I loved the alphabet in every style by Risk.

My favorite section was the walls covered in Retna's signature calligraphy.

This exhibit is moving to New York at the end of March next year.

Zero to Sixty...

2011-07-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

The Corey Helford 5 year anniversary show tonight looks amazing! I'm already in love with the Craola piece.

Preview on Arrested Motion.

Dunny 2011...

2011-06-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

June 23rd is new dunny day! And my birthday comes up sometime after that...

Interactionism: Initiation...

2011-05-02T08:31:00.001-07:00

Come support my friend Tima in the first art show in a series involving interactive art!

PS. I designed the flyers.

Welcome to the idea of Interactionism - a series of events in which the gallery, or given space, is transformed into a creative, interactive experience.

"Initiation" the first installment, will take place on Cinco de Mayo 2011 during downtown San Pedro's collective event "First Thursday". http://www.1stthursday.com/index.htm

This is a FREE EVENT! No entry fee and complimentary wine served with entertainment.

Venue:

Pastee Co.

361 W. 7th St.

San Pedro CA 90731

Agenda:

Participatory Art 6pm - 9pm

Score raffle tickets through interaction which gives participators the chance to win their portrait done by any chosen artist in this event.

Raffle will be drawn at 9pm
Musical performance by The Meru in collaboration with live art by Tima Peck at 9:30pm.

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=157391177656916

Interactionism manifesto: http://timapeck.tumblr.com/post/4978653045/interactionism-manifesto

Featured Artists:

Midori Shinkai: paintings http://midorisushicat.daportfolio.com/
Daniel P. Lopez: photography http://imagesandtext.net/
Apryl Deadly: model https://www.facebook.com/pages/Apryl-Deadly/130469890302237
Chris Creath: pantings http://catastropher.com/
Raul Arellano: paintings http://www.raularellano.com/
John Q.: photography http://www.flickr.com/johnq45/
Kerrilyn DeHart: objet d'art
David Juarez: illustration https://www.djuarezartz.blogspot.com/
Chad Grant: poetry
The Meru: band https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Meru/185144808180400
Tima Peck: artist&curator http://timalovesyou.daportfolio.com/
Janice Jacinto: digital artwork on fb flier http://jilebi-mohini.daportfolio.com/

Cindy Wong: event flier http://ccins.blogspot.com/

Pastee Co.: venue http://www.pasteeco.com/

-- tima
Interactionism 2011

Momentum...

2011-04-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

LeBasse Projects opened a new gallery in Chinatown. When I first read about it, I was really excited that their second gallery was still in LA and not farther. So selfish, I know.

The inaugural show was called Momentum, curated by Christine LeBasse of all female artists.

We Paid A High Rent painting by Hera of Herakut was my favorite piece.

This installation by Meryl Pataky seems to have been Connie's favorite.

Much to my delight other galleries on Chung King Road were open that night with a variety of works.

I think I was standing in front of the history of the last century...

Noblesse Oblige...

2011-04-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

I was kind of annoyed that I missed opening night at a new gallery, OHWOW, with Scott Campbell's first LA solo show. All the blog coverage the following week didn't help, so I called a friend and made a day out of it April 2nd. OHWOW has a nice big space on La Cienega a few blocks past the Beverly Center.
A few of the burnt pieces from the Vice Gallery incident were on display at the front of the gallery.
This skull of layered laser cut money sheets was a pretty impressive 2x2x2 foot-ish cube (I didn't measure, but it was big.)
Campbell used his tattoo gun on metal plates to create these.

Intricate illustrations of roses, snakes, and nude women were done inside ostrich egg shells.

Peggy and I were starving after visiting the Noblesse Oblige show, so we made out way to Toast for brunch. I must say this was one of my top ten brunches ever. Perfect french toast and LOVED the potatoes, which Peggy is still making fun of me about.

After visiting our friend in West Hollywood once we were full, we also stopped by Gallery 1988: Melrose to see if I could pick up my Craola canvas print. I couldn't but it was nice to see the Inle show with no crowd to navigate.

art of sucker punch...

2011-03-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

You know me and art books. I debated for about an hour whether I should get the special edition or the regular edition of Sucker Punch: The Art of the Film. Signed copies that include prints and nice packaging are so tempting. So I decided to save the extra $50 for something else and ordered the regular edition, which I'm still ecstatic about. It's filled with concept drawings and illustrations by Alex Pardee and others of the characters, the set design, the costumes. I can't wait for the movie; it just looks like a great escape.

Madam Gorski by Alex Pardee.

for japan...

2011-03-18T11:14:00.001-07:00

There are group art shows everywhere supporting Japan with the proceeds. Love and admiration for all of them, set up so quickly and so open heartedly. Click on the location links for more information.

japanla - santa ana - gr2

at Rebus...

2011-03-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

I almost missed James Jean's Rebus show, twice. One, for some reason I had it in my mind that Martha Otero gallery was not in LA; silly me. Two, my best friend and I arrived at about 20 minutes after the opening night event was closed, because we had family obligations first. It had actually been a really long day already, but we weren't that tired: we worked, we ran errands, we fixed a toilet, we got pedicures (yes, fixing a toilet is something I am willing to help you with if you're my friend). There was no lingering crowd, and the small parking lot outside the gallery was empty, but since we were there we walked up to the door to peek, and it was slightly ajar! We walked into the empty gallery and asked the gallery staff if we could look around. The girls were so nice, and the show was amazing...

Something's wrong with my camera or the SD card, so the gallery images are from the Martha Otero Gallery site. I did manage to pull the last picture of our night walking around the Grove.

at Inle...

2011-03-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

March 11th was marked in my calendar the second I read in Craola's blog that he was curating a show at Gallery 1988: Melrose months ago. The show was called 'Inle,' the rabbit name for 'moon' based on "Watership Down" by Richard Adams, and about 100 artists were invited to exhibit. I'm so infatuated with Craola's piece, I ordered the canvas print even though I have NO wall space to hang it. There were so many favorites in addition to Craola's, Audrey Kawasaki's, Brian Despain's...

Jaw Cooper's Reaper...
Christian Rex Van Minnen's Lion Ache with Rabbit and everything else here on Gallery 1988's site.

Ahh'd Art at Nikki's...

2011-03-15T13:21:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday night, I stopped by Nikki's Bar and Grill in Venice to see Ahh'd & Clever's new exhibit.

It was a fun week night out. My friend met me there and we proceeded to consume a ridiculous amount of oddly vegetarian appetizers as our dinner. Ahh'd & Clever, aka my friend John Hicks was there of course, enjoying DJ Steve Starlight during the night.

The Elil and Fu Inle...

2011-03-13T00:42:00.000-08:00

I ordered this giclee on canvas print by Greg Simkins/Craola minutes ago.

Updates on this weekend's gallery hopping coming soon...

Mai S Kemble...

2011-03-01T16:01:00.000-08:00

CSULB friend, Mai Kemble has completely revamped her website, started a facebook fan page and added an Etsy store. Definitely check out, and buy, her whimsical and adorable illustrations.

My Boots...

2011-02-18T11:43:00.000-08:00

For the love of Helvetica, I had to post this music video by Lights.

Mostly Wanted...

2011-02-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

After seeing Tom Bagshaw's piece at Corey Helford's In the Nursery show, and then again featured on Who Killed Bambi, I think he is my favorite artist of the day.

3 days, 3 openings...

2011-02-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

I didn't make it to every art show I thought about going to, but I think I did pretty good.

Friday night, after an amazing meal at Upper West for dineLA with some girl friends, we (Rachel) convinced the door man at Gallery 1988: Melrose to let us in even though it was after 10pm. We promised to not be the last ones at Scott C.'s exhibit, and we weren't, heh. Such a fun show, and Scott C. drew E.T. in my sketchbook. I also got Jensen, the gallery owner, to sign my book; sorry for being late to the opening.
Saturday night, I drove out to Fullerton to have dinner with my sister and Cousinish at Tranquil Tea Lounge. Then Cousinish and I set out for the CSUF Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana. Suggestivism was so crowded, but so good. I feel in love with the tiger painting by Michael Page. My favorite was still an Audrey Kawasaki painting, 'Charlotte'.
Sunday night was the first time I went back to CSULB since I graduated. The tribute show for Lisa was so colorful and so filled with love; it was so Lisa...
Bonus: Saturday morning, I had brunch with my girls at Royal/T where the pop up shop for Mr. Toast was opened since Wednesday, and the Warholian show was on display. It was a full weekend.

at In the Nursery...

2011-02-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

January 29th was the opening for 'In the Nursery' at Corey Helford Gallery. The group show was packed with whimsical art and artists. These were a few of my favorite pieces: Mike Stilkey's 'The Owl is Wary' painted on discard books...
Tom Bagshaw's digital painting, 'Long Walk Home'...
...and David Stoupakis' incredibly detailed oil painting 'The Girl Who Sat Too Long.'

one february weekend...

2011-02-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

To make up for my lack of gallery hopping at the end of 2010, I am attempting to fill my weekends with art show openings now. So on my To Do list this weekend is:
Friday night, The Great Showdowns by Scott C at Gallery 1988: Melrose. Always loved his wit and watercolors.Saturday afternoon, The Year of the Rabbit show at GR2 in Culver City. Its a group show including Yoskay Yamamoto and Mari Inukai in honor of the Lunar New Year.
Saturday night, Suggestivism curated by Nathan Spoor at the CSUF Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana. A massive group show, including Audrey Kawasaki, Craola, and Tara McPherson.
"Conceptually speaking, the term “suggestivism” refers to the ability of an individual to pursue their purpose with an amplified understanding and sensitivity. The artists involved represent precisely this - a wave of purpose, working within the more fluid aspects of narrative or figurative arenas. Through the mere power of suggestion, the magic is transferred from one to another, engaging the world at large from the most vivid and evocative of visual realms."
Also Saturday night, Poster Peepshow: The Art of the Pinup at Nucleus in Alhambra. When are pinups not fun?
And Sunday will be the tribute show for Lisa Nguyen at CSULB.
We shall see how many I will actually make it to...

daffodil new year...

2011-02-03T08:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year! Last night my mother's friend brought over daffodils and said for her, getting daffodils from the flower street celebration officially signifies the new year.This was our over abundant dinner.

I didn't design anything new this year, but you can still use the lotus box from last year for treats or decoration: lotus box.

The Fabulous Life of Lisa Nguyen...

2011-01-26T08:52:00.000-08:00

Re-blogged from Jennie Cotterill are the details for a tribute art show for an amazing, unforgettable CSULB friend and classmate...
The Fabulous Life of Lisa Nguyen
A tribute show
February 6 – 10, 2011

In response to the tragic and untimely death of Lisa Nguyen, her friends have organized an art show dedicated to her exuberant spirit. We are very proud to present The Fabulous Life of Lisa Nguyen, artwork for a larger-than-life artist and friend. This is an artistic celebration of the unstoppable, sparkling, vivacious, and very dear friend we were all so lucky to have. A force-of-nature both socially and creatively, Lisa couldn’t help but develop an enormous network of artistic friends and cohorts.

Creative friends from near and far contribute works inspired by and dedicated to Lisa Nguyen. A wide variety of media and artists will be represented, as well as some of Lisa’s own impressive design work.

Proceeds from the sale of work go toward the Lisa Nguyen Memorial Scholarship

Opening Reception:
Sunday, February 6th in the Werby Gallery, 5:00-7:00PM
Student Gallery courtyard at Cal State University, Long Beach

Gallery Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 12:00- 5:00PM
Wednesday 12:00-7:00PM

“Totes Appropes:” A Little Night Music for Lisa
A Benefit and Memorial Concert for Lisa Nguyen
February 6, 2011

Following the opening reception of The Fabulous Life of Lisa Nguyen, there will be a concert featuring music from some of Lisa’s friends and favorite bands. In keeping with Lisa’s incredible artistic talents and practice of helping others, the cover charge/door donation will go toward setting up a Lisa Nguyen Memorial scholarship.

Inazuma – Japanese Garage/Punk, Los Angeles
Brother Cecil – zombie blues two-piece, Long Beach
The Devil Bats – punk rock, Los Angeles
Cunt Sparrer – lo-fi all-girl Cock Sparrer tribute, Long Beach
Aubry and Thor – 2-piece folk rock, Long Beach

Lisa's favorite Rock and Roll from DJ Peachie Keen and DJ Oldboy

Doors at 9:00 PM
21+
$5 cover/base donation to Lisa Nguyen Memorial Scholarship

They don't sell luggage...

2011-01-24T19:23:00.000-08:00

I spent the weekend in San Francisco, mostly making my friend take me to art galleries and eateries. My main goal was to find the Shooting Gallery and see Morgan Slade's Company of Killers show. It was so amazing to see his work in person. Along the way we found a few more gems...
I never even realized that White Walls gallery was next door to the Shooting Gallery, so we got to see creepy yet amazing What the %$#@! show by Dan Witz.
Then by the direction of the lady at Shooting Gallery, we went to find 941 Gallery, on Geary with the red door. The most intricate detail was in Jesse Hazelip's sketches. I was blown away by the size of his show, The Belle of the Brawl.
Before all that we happened to find The Tenderloin National Forest and the Luggage Store Gallery. Walking on Ellis Street we saw a colorful alley and discovered walls covered in volunteer art and an artist who let us explore her artist residency studio. Love surprises like that...
And! One more bonus of the night, we found a Shark Toof mural while we were out. That pretty much made my night, well, the sober part.
Great trip. Thanks for being my guide Kristin.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder...

2011-01-21T15:30:00.000-08:00

There is something really enticing about these urethane resin sculptures by Mauro Perucchetti. They look tasty, that and I love triceratops.
This picture is detail of his Guns and Roses piece.
via Who Killed Bambi.

Visiting Chris and Kevin...

2011-01-20T15:58:00.000-08:00

Saturday, I made it out to Venice to Gallery 1988's newest location for the Multiplayer show. There was an impressive crowd and great prints.
I believe the most popular pieces were Daniel Danger's Silent Hill and Kevin Tong's My Tetris Heart Longs for Your Push. So happy that I got a hold of Kevin's print before they sold out.
Last night, I dragged a friend to see Chris Kawagiwa at the Huntington Beach One Stop Art Walk at the Shorebreak Hotel. Chris loved Tron, can you tell?
Nice little middle of the week event.
Thanks for coming with me Saturday, Kathria. And thanks for coming with me Wednesday, Brandon.

Tin Machines and Mercuric Dreams...

2011-01-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

Opening Friday, February 11th, is Tin Machines and Mercuric Dreams at Roq La Rue in Seattle. Brian Despain paints robots I'd want to befriend any day. Of course, I'm loving this piece with the heart...

preview on Arrested Motion.

Dunny Azteca II...

2011-01-20T06:51:00.000-08:00

New dunnys, Azteca II series is unleashed today. Kidrobot's dedicated Dunny Azteca II site is fun and well designed too...
Dunny Azteca II checklist HERE.

Graffiti in Parisian Style...

2011-01-19T16:41:00.000-08:00

I could not resist all the colors and style in this photo of Alix, the cherry blossom girl.

Scratch My Back...

2011-01-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

If I used cheese graters, I'd want this one. This was originally submitted for a contest on Design Boom by belgian designers: arnaud de vicq, bram de baere, luc heylen, ruud belmans and thomas anden abeele. images from 72dpi.

Anger Release Machine...

2011-01-14T11:01:00.002-08:00

Yarisal & Kublitz created a vending machine where the satisfaction comes from shattering porcelain after inserting money and selecting the victim. I think there should be one of these in every office.

via Who Killed Bambi.

Gallery 1988: Venice...

2011-01-12T08:29:00.001-08:00

The inaugural show at Gallery 1988: Venice is opening this Saturday! Their San Francisco spot has closed and moved closer to me, haha. 'Multiplayer' combines art posters and video games.
I think I have to go just to buy Kevin Tong's 'My Tetris Heart Longs for Your Push' poster.
Click on Kevin's poster to see his process video.

Steampunk Thing...

2011-01-11T16:54:00.001-08:00

Doktor A has created his version of the Thing for the Wootini Gallery Addam's Family Group Show. Loving the details.

Company of Killers...

2011-01-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

Morgan Slade has a new art show opening this weekend at the Shooting Gallery in San Francisco. Love his style and statements.
I'm going to have to make my friend take me when I'm there next weekend...
image from Daily DuJour

Divination and Delusion...

2011-01-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

There's a new art book on my wishlist; Kris Kuksi has released his first book. If you have ever seen a Kris Kuksi piece in the flesh, you would have been in awe of the hyper detailed sculpture. He produces sculptures that require staring and so would his book 'Divination and Delusion.'

Is this thing on?

2011-01-07T14:48:00.001-08:00

It's artists versus comedians tonight at Gallery 1988. 100 artists were asked to display their take on a comedian, but we should go to see Kevin Tong's 'Conan, WITH Strings Attached'

Scissor Spider...

2011-01-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

I wanna make a scissor spider too! I will need a torch and hammer please.
Christopher Locke makes these out of scissors confiscated by the TSA.

Sitting on Money...

2011-01-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

I posted this coin couch a while ago, but I never thought I would actually see the Half Dollar Butterfly Chair. Greeting everyone at the entrance of the Sotitel Hotel in LA is this crazy chair.
It's 1,500 half dollar coins, 7,000 welds, and rather cold to sit in...
Please excuse my hair; it was raining.

I'm Amazing!

2011-01-05T22:55:00.001-08:00

Diesel Sweeties make me happy...
This also sounds like a conversation that would happen between my best friend and me.

Vernissage & Vertigo...

2011-01-05T15:47:00.000-08:00

So, I have been quite distracted and I know I've been a neglectful blogger. Happy 2011 none the less and here's what is in store in the Culver City Arts District the first weekend of the year:
Vernissage 2011 at LeBasse Projects, and Alex Pardee's Vertigo at Corey Helford Gallery. Both open January 8th.

Vernissage 2011 is a preview group show for LeBasse Projects. The gallery blog says "Vernissage will present work from artists including Yoskay Yamamoto, Andrew Hem, Mike Stilkey, Shark Toof, Herakut, Edwin Ushiro, Melissa Haslam, Thomas Doyle, Nate Frizzell, Ken Garduno, Matt Haber, Eric Fortune and more."

Vertigo has actually been in my calendar for a few months already, but with Alex's popularity I don't even know if I could make it into the gallery opening night.

exhaustion...

2010-11-29T16:40:00.000-08:00

I'm officially back from China, Orlando and Thanksgiving, and I'm exhausted. Sorry, I haven't been updating recently. I am quite uninspired at the moment. It would be nice to go to bed and never wake up.

Sanrio: Small Gift...

2010-11-12T06:58:00.000-08:00

(Peekaboo Monster "Sanrio Club")
(Audrey Kawasaki "Tabo Friends")
It's Sanrio celebration time; 50 years of cute character culture! Previews for the Sanrio 50th Anniversary Celebration: Small Gift are popping up in everyone's blogs. the art show is curated by JapanLA and the artist list is awesomeness!
(Joe Ledbetter "Carpool")
It starts today Nov 12 and ends Nov 21. That's a shorter exhibit than the Hello Kitty Three Apples show last year. Go and go quickly! I can't wait to see the ginormous balloons of Sanrio characters.
(Camilla D'Errico "Apple Sauce")
(Eric Joyner "Hello Topiary")
The most epic piece has to be Martin Hsu's "Sanrio 50th Family Vacation" painting. Definitely can't wait to see this in person.
Click on the flier for more information. Click here for more art information from JapanLA.

bony toast rack...

2010-11-11T11:53:00.001-08:00

rib cage toast rack! enamored with the concept.

The Ink Raven...

2010-11-11T10:23:00.001-08:00

I just fell in love with The Ink Raven story by Chris Kawagiwa...
Read it her e and check out his site and store here.

Scott Campbell has standards.

2010-11-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

Fine art tattoo artist, Scott Campbell lit his entire exhibition on fire outside Vice Gallery in Mexico because of an unresponsive gallery owner. Exhilarating.

image from the excellent people.
Details at Interview Magazine.

Black Ops Jeep...

2010-11-09T10:58:00.000-08:00

In honor of my boyfriend and all Call of Duty players, I must post one of the most epic marketing co-branding products ever. The Call of Duty: Black Ops Jeep Wrangler: a car featured in the video game and then actually manufactured for limited release. It kind of blows my mind.
Press Release below:

Jeep® Brand Partners With Activision Publishing, Inc. on Call of Duty®: Black Ops

Introduces Limited-edition 2011 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition

- Jeep® Brand named exclusive automotive partner by Activision Publishing, Inc. for new Call of Duty: Black Ops
- New 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition to arrive in Jeep dealerships in November
- 2011 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition comes standard with aggressive 32-inch tires, unique military style and Call of Duty graphics
- All 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models feature all-new interior; Sahara models boast premium appearance with new body-color hard top

October 19, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -

The Jeep® brand today announced it has been named exclusive automotive partner by Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) for Call of Duty®: Black Ops, the year's most anticipated entertainment launch, which will be released on November 9.

In conjunction with the partnership, the Jeep brand also announced that it will produce a limited-edition 2011 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition. Available in Jeep showrooms next month, the new limited-edition Jeep Wrangler will be available at a U.S. manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $30,625 for the two-door model and $33,500 for the four-door (Jeep Wrangler Unlimited) model. Both prices include $750 destination.

"The Jeep brand's partnership with Activision marries the world's most capable and iconic vehicle – the Jeep Wrangler – with one of the world's most popular entertainment experiences," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "As a result, we are able to expose the Jeep brand and its legendary capability to an entirely new group of consumers."

"This is a dynamic and fully integrated partnership that brings together two iconic brands across a full array of consumer touch-points," stated Brad Jakeman, Chief Marketing Officer, Activision Publishing, Inc. "From the beginning our teams worked together to make this a truly creative partnership that added to the consumer experience of both the Jeep and Call of Duty: Black Ops brands."

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition is based on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model and features dark Rubicon wheels in a high-gloss Mineral Gray. The vehicle's exterior color is black and features Call of Duty: Black Ops graphics on the roof and front quarter panels. The vehicle also features taillamp guards and a fuel-filler door from Mopar®. Inspired by Call of Duty: Black Ops, the new limited-edition Wrangler delivers legendary Jeep capability, aggressive 32-inch off-road tires, live axles with locking differentials in the front and rear, and a two-speed transfer case.

The partnership delivers a natural fit including an in-game integration into both the epic single player storyline of Call of Duty: Black Ops and the title's much anticipated multiplayer experience.

"It was important for us to make sure that the Jeep partnership would be authentic and enhance the setting we immerse our fans in with Black Ops," said Mark Lamia, Studio Head of game developer Treyarch. "Our work with the Jeep team focused around using the Jeep Wrangler in our levels, and gameplay experiences, and translating the style and look of the vehicle in Black Ops to the Jeep on the showroom floor that our fans can own."

All-new 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Jeep continues to refine the successful Wrangler formula by combining legendary, benchmark capability with an all-new interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility, and a premium appearance courtesy of an all-new body color hard top for the popular Sahara model.

New 2011 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a redesigned instrument panel and new storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A new lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power mirrors are now available, and drivers and passengers will enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of larger rear windows.

All-new steering-wheel controls allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping hands on the wheel. A new USB interface connects to storage devices for use with the vehicle's Media Center, which now includes streaming Bluetooth audio. Twelve-volt accessory outlets have been added and a new 110-volt outlet is available to provide power similar to AC outlets in the home.

In line with traditional Jeep design, hex-head bolts are utilized throughout the interior, and are used to mount a "Jeep, Since 1941" inlay onto the new passenger grab handle.

Jeep engineers increased acoustical treatment in the 2011 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, resulting in significantly reduced interior noise.

To provide a more premium appearance, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models boast an all-new, premium, body-color hard top.

Call of Duty: Black Ops

Call of Duty: Black Ops will be released worldwide on November 9th for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Wii™ and Windows PC. Pre-orders for the title are currently available. For additional Call of Duty updates, visit www.callofduty.com/blackops and also via Twitter @JD_2020.

Zai Jian...

2010-10-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

It's time for a vacation. I've been saving up vacation days for two years to go on this trip to China. I'll be touring a bit of Northern China, stopping by the World Expo in Shanghai, and visiting my grandparents in Southern China...
I shall miss you. I don't know how much access to the internet I will have; I will post if I can. Otherwise, see you in November!

Beyond Eden 2010

2010-10-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

The Beyond Eden Art Fair starts tomorrow! Last year was an awesome adventure. Hopefully I have time to check it out this weekend too.

LA Municipal Art Gallery at Barnsdall Park
4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027

Saturday, October 9th 6PM-11PM and Sunday, October 10th 1PM-6PM

Illustrious...

2010-10-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

If you're in Portland tonight, Illustrious at the Compound Gallery opens.
Martin Hsu's contribution looks epic...
Go to the show for me, please.

ILLUSTRIOUS
October 7-31, 2010
Compound Gallery
107 NW 5th
Portland, Oregon, 97202

Opening Reception October 7, 2010 at 7 p.m.

my heart tree...

2010-10-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I never really followed up on painting a series of my heart pieces. I had a mini art day with my boyfriend, and I painted my heart under a bonsai tree for him.
It's 3.5"x2". Just the size makes me smile.

Manchester Wrinkle the Thought Collector...

2010-10-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

I bought the issue of Juxtapoz featuring Craola's cover this weekend. I'm mesmerized by his skill...

The J-Pop Influence: A Western Obsession...

2010-10-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

Japan Society is hosting a fascinating lecture featuring Simone Legno of Tokidoki Tuesday, October 12, 6:30PM!

The Bunny in the Moon...

2010-09-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

Near the end of next month, Tara McPherson will have her next solo show at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery in New York. Alas, I will be in China and New York is a bit far for me. Do go if you're in the area. I love bunnies.

2Tone Dunnys...

2010-09-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

2Tone Dunny Series is released today!
Artists in this series include Aaron Meshon, Angry Woebots, Aya Kakeda, Chuckboy, Doktor A, Gary Baseman, Huck Gee, Maxx242, mcbess, Pon, Ryan Bubnis, Steven Harrington, and Tad Carpenter.
I want.

Happy Moon Harvest Festival!

2010-09-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Mooncake Day!
Don't forget to admire the moon tonight.

Artworks for the Cure 2010...

2010-09-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

Bergamot Station in Santa Monica is holding Artworks for the Cure 2010 this Sunday, September 26th from 1PM-6PM to support the T.J Martell Foundation, a leader in providing grants for innovative, early stage research into the cause, treatment and cure for cancer, leukemia and AIDS. Check out the list of over 50 other artists. More info here.

hope's reply...

2010-09-18T08:12:00.000-07:00

German artist duo Herakut is opening 'Hope's Reply' at LeBasse Projects tonight!
Preview pictures on LeBasse Project's Flickr page are looking pretty friggin awesome.
Meet me there, ok?

At Printed Matters...

2010-09-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

For an art show opening on a Thursday night, I thought the line to get into Subliminal Projects was impressively long. Then again, the fanfare was for Shepard Fairey, pop art icon. Much appreciation to the friends who drove and waited with me. It was a fun show. We were greeted by Shepard Fairey as DJ Diabetic, and sent off with stickers at the end.
I think I spent a good chunk of time staring at the layers and details of the prints on this wall.
There were metal pieces that were pretty epic and intricate.
I gave in and bought the Loom print and the Supply and Demand book. I can't wait to frame the print.

Printed Matters...

2010-09-16T16:01:00.001-07:00

Meet me in LA tonight for Shepard Fairey's Printed Matters show at Subliminal Projects!
Some people say print is on its way out, that it will be wiped out by digital media, but I say you can never replace the provocative, tactile experience of an art print on the street or in a gallery. Printing still matters.
-Shepard

LIE...

2010-09-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

I helped design the magazine cover for "LIE" a short film submission at Interpretations. Director, Kathria Tizon stated a fascinating concept for deciding what beauty really is."I wanted to do something universal, and yet authentic. Something all humans can relate to - an ageless topic like beauty. Beauty begins as an innate concept, and as we get older beauty becomes a learned concept; a concept influenced by society. We shouldn't blame society for distorting our perception of beauty because there is no right or wrong kind of beauty. Overall, the standards of beauty are universal and the influences created by society and its different cultures forms a mosaic of beauty. It's up to you how far you let society affect your decision of what beauty really is. "
Please follow this link (http://interpretationsfilm.com/members/ktizon/) and watch the film. Register to comment on the website. We will know in late October who the winners are.

Good luck to us!

here's fun for everyone...

2010-09-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

There's an art show in China that will be open while I'm there by Aiko Nakagawa. She's a New York based artist and she’ll be showing at Andrew James Art. Wonder if I can squeeze this into our travel schedule...

birds and boys...

2010-09-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

James Jean "Birds and Boys" art show opens tomorrow at 3.1 Phillip Lim!

perfectly flawed...

2010-09-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

Opening today, Hanahou Gallery in New York is holding Stina Persson's solo show Perfectly Flawed. How I wish I could go. Although, Stina's news blog does say new cards will be available soon!

At Siren and Tokyo Deluxe...

2010-09-08T13:37:00.001-07:00

Friday night was possibly my last gallery night with Rachel Peterson. We hit up Thinkspace for Dabs Myla's Tokyo Deluxe and Sarah Jonca's Siren shows. The installation by Dabs Myla, Australian artists based in LA, in the Project Room was fabulous. There were hanging clouds, floating sushi, and ridiculously intricate detail on the buildings in the paintings. My favorite cardboard cut out piece was the octopus guy.

(Rachel and me immersed in Tokyo Deluxe)
Canadian artist, Sarah Joncas, had a nicely themed show in the Main Gallery. I fell in love with the mural she and her friend painted on the gallery walls.
Rachel introduced me to artist extraordinaire John Hicks, and all ended the night with dessert at Ugo. By next month, Rachel will be infiltrating Portland, Oregon, John will be on an adventure in New York, and I will be traveling in China. Plans to reconvene are in the works. Life is crazy.

GR2 book signings...

2010-08-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend, GR2 granted both my art book wishes!
Friday night, I rushed after work to Culver City to get David Choe's book.
Got to see graffiti artist, Phil Lumbang's show on the walls while I was waiting in line.David was awesome. He drew me a whale with legs, wearing heels, saying, "these shoes hurt my feet."Sunday afternoon, I told my friend, photographer and web designer Bria n, I was picking him up for the Martin Hsu signing of 'Multigrain' 2 hours before hand. Martin was infectiously nice and he gave us stickers! I must also note that he was wearing the most fabulous panda tshirt with a tail ever.I also got Giant Robot owner Eric Nakamura to sign my sketchbook too because I'm a massive art geek.

Art for Hearts...

2010-08-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

If only I could go to New York next week, I would hit up the Art Asylum Boston's one night benefit for the American Heart Association. This is Brent Nolasco's piece for the event Septemper 2nd. Also next week, Katie of Paperfashion will be working with Coach at Fashion’s Night Out in New York City September 10th. She'll be painting illustrations on limited edition totes!
People in New York, go appreciate the art please.

Captain Obvious...

2010-08-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

Check out Josh Kemble's Captain Obvious! prints and protective skins on Society6. Fun stuff.

Dunny 2010!

2010-08-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

It's a new dunnys day! Here's the collector's checklist...
kidrobot rules!

Long Beach to Culver City...

2010-08-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, must be recorded as an epic gallery hopping adventure. We began the night at Kevin Tong's first solo show at the Phone Booth Gallery in Long Beach.
These are test prints where things aren't aligned and different images are overlapping. The effect is pretty cool and intricate.
Hologram Hummingbirds was my favorite piece.Kevin was selling prints as well as t-shirts. My boyfriend bought the Binary Heartbeat shirt and wore it the next day. A couple of my friends from CSULB showed up and it was nice little reunion. The show will be up until Septemper 10th and you can order prints online.
After Kevin's show, we drove clear across the South Bay to Culver City to see David Choong Lee's Acquiring Signals show at LeBasse Projects. We ran into a friend from high school outside the gallery, and we all walked in to see over 500 pieces stacked, balanced and displayed by color coordination inside.
It was a well attended show. I even said hello to Yoskay Yamamoto and Martin Hsu!
We ended the night by stopping by Corey Helford Gallery for Eric Joyner's Donut Logic.
All the colors exhausted me by the end of the night, and that made me happy.

"Drawn from the Well" preview...

2010-08-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

I cannot wait until Craola's book is released...
"Over 300 pages of my drawings and thoughts.

Initial release and signing September @ DragonCon in Atlanta." - Craola's blog

Mechanical Dreams...

2010-08-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

Kevin Tong is having his first solo show this weekend at the Phone Booth Gallery in Long Beach! Check out the preview video...

2533 East Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803

El Mac Summer...

2010-08-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

"Of Our Youth" Culver City
Over the last few months El Mac painted in Mexico, Basel, Berlin, Dublin, Hawaii, Singapore and Saigon. Yesterday he posted a bunch of the murals he and Retna did...By Thai Town, Los AngelesSkid Row, Los AngelesDublin, Ireland
Berlin, Germany
Click on the images to see El Mac's blog posts about them.

paperfahsion x penelope+coco...

2010-08-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday was girls' night out in Little Tokyo. I RSVPed to a launch party early, then roped my cousinish and my sister into coming with me. I also made my cousinish wear fake eyelashes. Simmichiko would be proud.

Penelope+Coco had their Spring 2011 preview party at Hold Up gallery. In conjunction, Katie of Paperfashion did watercolors of the boot collection.

She also created signage for the party and even details like the little RSVP reply.

Such a great night out with family, food and fashion.

PS. The food from The Gorbals was delicious. Especially the lobster and squash soup!

Love Conquers All...

2010-08-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

Thinkspace is putting on an art show with proceeds going toward Equality California. It's a group show that opens tonight. The preview pieces look amazing...

Derek Gores "Momento Mori"

Kelly Vivanco "All For You"

From Comic Con: Part 2

2010-08-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

I am proud to present a guest post by Nickelodeon animator Ivan Mendoza and his girlfriend Sabrina. Check out Ivan's blog too.

Comic Con’s increase in size and popularity is really noticeable to somewhat of a Comic Con veteran like me, who’s gone for the last several years. There used to be a time where Con-goers could easily walk in to get their passes. In more recent years, I recall having to wait 3-4 hours in line. This past year, early registration was the only way in, and even professional artists who had priority spots, were disappointed as spots sold out fast.

Comic Con is not just for the Comic-lover. This convention now serves as a huge platform for mainstream media, marketing, and publicity. But no matter how large and widespread the Con has grown, they have kept alive the tribute to originating artists such as Stan Lee and Jim Lee.

The atmosphere of Comic Con is exciting, overwhelming, and crowded. Claustrophobics beware: people line the halls shoulder to shoulder.

This year, I was able to take part in Comic Con which is an experience I will not forget. Having my supporting cast, coworkers, and girlfriend there to support me was amazing!

The best way to share our experience is through pictures…

Front view of the convention center on Thursday

Iron man display!

Thor display

Stephen Silver, creator of Kimpossible

Free giveaways!

Working the Nickelodeon booth, Con Day 1

Packed, packed, packed! People in line for Neopet drawings

Random shot of girls in costume with the huge Comic Con bags they handed out

The much anticipated arrival of Disney's Tron..Motorcyle display..so cool.

And now, a quick run-through of ...Dunnies!

Artists hard at work to make Neopet crazed teens happy, Day 4

The uniquely designed Munnies to be raffled off one a day...last two standing

For those that have never attended the Con, it’s definitely a fun and visually stimulating experience. You may find you enjoy it more than the average person. Whether you’re the avid comic lover, celebrity crazed fanatic, pop art admirer, artist in need of inspiration, or a combination of them all:

...there is something for everyone. I hope this gives you an intimate look inside Comic Con. See you next year! Cheers!

(All photos in this post copyright Ivan Mendoza)

Art Books...

2010-08-04T16:50:00.000-07:00

My copy of James Jean's Rift arrived in the mail this week! Such a fun piece.
I have too many playing cards, too many sketchbooks, and too many books. That doesn't stop me from wanting more! On my current wish list includes Martin Hsu's MultiGrain (his updated website is so clean and pretty), and David Choe's most recent book.
I must pay attention to when signings are, and probably budget better. I should also post about the other books I have...

Spine Bracelet...

2010-08-04T13:46:00.001-07:00

This $1700 sterling silver bracelet by Ayaka Nishi mesmerizes me. Actually, all her jewelry is mesmerizing!
found on Penelope+Coco blog.

Countdown to Dunny 2010...

2010-08-03T08:36:00.001-07:00

New dunnys are coming! I'm already in love with the one designed by Doktor A.
Click here or on the flyer to go to the count down site.

Savor LA...

2010-08-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

Inspiration this weekend came in the form of pastries. my friend and foodie, tammy, invited me and some friends to Savor Los Angeles friday night. The sample bites were delicious and we all left with a sugar high.
One of my favorite booths was for the Crosby. I don't even really know what I ate, but it had sunflower butter and it was amazing.
Of course we XT Patisserie was also a favorite because it was french macarons galore! Passion fruit macaron=cookie love.
Here is coverage from LA Weekly.

The Messenger...

2010-08-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

Nanami Cowdroy released a new laser engraved skate deck and it's beautiful.

The Art Angels: Buff Monster...

2010-07-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

I said, "I want" and I got. Well, almost, they're in the mail. After Comic Con, Buff Monster announced that his clear playing cards would be released online at 10AM yesterday. At 10:01, I ordered them. Yes, I am clearly obsessed with playing cards.
Since he created my latest art purchase, Buff Monster is subject number four in my Art Angels series. The computers were completely down at work today. Its not perfect, but this is the result of my last two hours at work.

From Comic Con: Part 1

2010-07-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

Last week was Comic Con. I didn't go, but I know people who did. I'm going to feature a couple guest posts about their experiences at Comic Con (mostly so I can live vicariously through them).Excerpts from "The Geek's Weekend at Comic Con 2010" by Nick Odani

Prologue
Going into it, I had that interesting sensation of both enthusiasm and dread over celebrating my geekness and dealing with those express themselves a little too much, respectively. There were some notable differences between this year and last, largely thanks to the alleged commercialization of the convention, that I found to be pretty neat, if not completely beneficial for the event as a whole.

Preview Night

I showed up prepared for a long haul to get my pass which ended up taking me a whopping....10 minutes? Something ridiculous like that. If you have the option next year, DO IT, if not for the expediency of badge pickup alone.

Another tip for Preview Night: if you're even half of an awesome, rational human being, pre-register for the following year's con. If you end up unable to make it, you can always cancel later on and get a full refund.

The three hours boasted an impressive, if not hectic three hours of floor time with vendors rocking their respective products (sometimes literally), making it swag galore for those who enjoy that sort of thing (read: me). There was also an unusual atmosphere of good spirits, but I'm going to go ahead and assume that everyone is excited and hasn't had the opportunity for the masses to grind out the patience of vendors and attendees yet. Yet another reason to check it out.

Hall H, With Eyes Intact

For the uninitiated, Hall H is the largest area at SDCC to host panels, reaching a capacity of 6,500 or so. I may have made that number up, but it's around there. Getting in is just as much of an ordeal as getting a hotel room for the event. Panels generally start around 10am, and if you hop into line by, say, 8am, you're already looking at getting some pretty questionable seats (it also doesn't help that the first 15 rows or so are reserved for press to begin with). Also, if there's a high-profile panel going on at some point during the day, expect an even more ridiculous line (ex. I've hopped in at 4am before and STILL wasn't anywhere near the front).

Throughout the weekend, I attended all sorts of panels ranging from comics to websites to TV shows, but Hall H is a different beast in that the BIGGEST stuff is reserved for that monster of a hall.

I spent the entirety of Thursday in the Hall seeing previews for Megamind with Will Ferrell, Tina Fey & Jonah Hill in attendance, followed by Tron: Legacy, which featured the main cast and was followed by a couple of exclusive Disney announcements. I need to take an aside and say that the previews they had for the new Tron were downright amazing. I'm not big into the 3D craze, but they did this one in true 3D and it was simply astounding. This is the third Con they've hyped the movie, and the ever-critical geek crowd was still in awe. That says something.

A series of other movies were pimped as well, including the Black Hawk Down-esque alien invasion flick Battle: Los Angeles, the Jolie vehicle Salt (I admit, I was a hater until I saw her in person...and now I'm in love, 15 years after everyone else), Red (Hellen Mirren looks great by the way, AND she was sporting a Harvey Pekar shirt! bwah!), and mega-awesome, mega-manly Expendables panel with Stallone, Lungren, Couture and Crews.

I could go plenty in depth on the panels themselves, but between Tron: Legacy and the last panel, they pale in comparison. And what was the last panel of the day, you ask?

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
It was predicted on many a-geek blog, and it indeed came true: Scott Pilgrim took over the Con. The Hilton Bayfront sported a giant supergraphic of the movie, Hilton Gaslamp converted their courtyard into the Scott Pilgrim Experience (an outdoor concert venue with performances from the likes of Kid Koala and Dan the Automator along with customized SP shirts), a garlic bread truck that passed out...well, garlic bread to passerbys, a tent near the Hilton handing out swag to attendees, and the Oni Press booth on the convention floor that usually had a lengthy line going on, with fans old and new getting as much gear as they can for the flick.

(Exclusive Scott Pilgrim poster by Kevin Tong for Oni Press)

Despite all of the above (and good lord, was there alot going on), perhaps the biggest celebration of the series and upcoming movie was the Scott Pilgrim panel in Hall H on Thursday. Director Edgar Wright and the ENTIRE main cast (except for two evil exes), along with a brief appearance by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost graced the stage for clips, comments, and all-around witty humor. Pins were handed out, and a select few (hundred) were given the opportunity to go see a sneak peek screening of the movie at a nearby theater, with Wright himself leading the pack. On top of that, the band Metric, featured on the soundtrack, performed there as well, and basically I was one of the most jealous nerds that day. The sneak peeks continued throughout the Con, and my friend, a long-time SP fan, came back thoroughly impressed, so perhaps it's not all hype.(Michael Cera dresses as Captain America)

The Floor

The layout this year was a little different, and a lot more difficult than before. The major studios took the center, and this time the gaming companies took center floor as well, making the trek between one side to the other awfully difficult for anyone wanting to move faster than a brick wall. Of course, plenty of attractions (Tron's light cycle and Odin's throne!) were spots for photo ops, and the dozens of celebrities doing signings slowed things down. And the stoic, statuesque nature of gamers in awe of playing unreleased material slowed traffic even more (in all fairness, there WERE a lot of awesome games out there, including LittleBigPlanet 2 and Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions).

The biggest victim of this set up were the artists. Artists Alley was literally thrown into a corner and away from any cross-traffic and the resulting casual attendee who might have gained interest as he was passing by. While some booths like Tokidoki, Munky King, and everyone on this list were located near the all the hub-bub and got some of that sweet attention.(Daniel Zana, Tara McPherson, Gary Baseman)

The webcomic area, any place selling trade paperbacks, the somewhat fetishist booths, costume/prop booths (hey, steampunks need a place to go too) on the opposite end seemed to be doing fine, but then again, there's about two feet of walking space around there, so maybe it was just an optical illusion.

By Sunday, these vendors started to get desperate to sell product (after all, it does cost A LOT of money to move inventory to and from a store), and the big deals started hitting...buy one, get one free, sales up to 60% (highest I saw), and haggling galore. The Con to waiting until Sunday is that a lot of the good stuff gets snatched in the days prior; what's an impulse buying nerd to do??

But I digress. If the floor ain't what you're looking for, and you're tapped out on panels in the convention center, there's always...

The Other Places

Since the Con has grown to the point where the convention center can't hold everything in, it's spilled to the surrounding area, big time. The Hilton Bayfront freed up their Indigo Ballroom to host panels. The Marriott offered even more space, if not in a more impressive fashion. All things anime were featured here, as well as a full day's worth of films throughout the event in addition to panels that couldn't fit into the convention center.

Seeing the two hotels hosting extensions for the Con was pretty sweet because they were within walking distance to the center (and in some cases, closer than walking to the other end of the floor), and it was A LOT less hectic.

Even more so, it was pleasant to see...

The Geekification of San Diego

Comic Con's contract with San Diego expires in 2012, and rumors it moving to Los Angeles or Anaheim are all the buzz at the moment, but I can't imagine either city fully embracing the geek community the way San Diego has. Local stores, cafes and restaurants really outdid themselves, whether they hosted themed after parties, sported comic-related decor, costumes and swag, or going as far as completely revamping their space for the event. Caffe Carpe Diem, thanks to SyFy, made a Eureka-themed cafe with a completely redone menu, the Tron-themed "Flynn's Arcade" opened up the next street over, and a few streets passed that was "Britt's Garage" to promote the upcoming Green Hornet movie.

Probably the biggest sign of nerdom was converting all the signs for the tram stops into Klingon, both in native writing and in English letters. I just gotta say I gotta hand it to San Diego for dealing with us, because holy crap, is that hardcore.

Epilogue

All in all, as hyped as it was, Comic Con still delivered. I got a lot of prints and comics I've been looking for, got to meet and actually talk to some creative forces behind the stuff I love, attended way more panels than outlined above and had a blast the entire time, saw (and SMELLED) plenty of interesting individuals, and basically got to freak out with my geek out for the better part of a week. I did miss some of the more interesting incidents, such as the anti-Con demonstration thanks to the Westboro Baptist Church, or the infamous stabbing in Hall H, but I'd like to think that one can enjoy themselves without having to deal with that.

And with regard to the growing commercialization of SDCC, I have a long spiel for that, but I'll try to sum it up as best as possible: I don't think it's all that bad. Con snobs who speak of the "good ole days" always talk about how it was exclusive and there were no lines or full panels, but now a lot of small press publishers and independent artists have even more people exposed to their work, converting many (including me and my friends) into fans in the process. The sponsorship of these major houses also allows for such awesomeness as the Scott Pilgrim Experience, the conversion of local businesses into themed venues, and the expansion of convention into neighboring hotels. Of course, the expansion also means a lot more stupid people who try one's patience (and how), but it does open the opportunity to bond with another attendee over mutual hate for someone else. Sure, it's a terrible thing, but hey, those make for the best friends, right?

underwater sculptures...

2010-07-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Jason deCaires Taylor is an English artist and diving instructor from Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London. He gained international recognition for creating the world’s first underwater sculpture park in Grenada, West Indies.
He places cement sculptures underwater and the environment alters it over time...
read more on If It's Hip, It's Here.

horse rocket...

2010-07-21T11:18:00.001-07:00

I had a strange illustration request...
...and I decided this is definitely something to share.

Happy Wednesday!

Sangre...

2010-07-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

Bloody jewelry by Lusasul. This makes me wish I still had access to a metals studio.
found on Notcot.

buff monster playing cards...

2010-07-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

Buff Monster is releasing clear playing cards at Comic Con! I want.

savage justice...

2010-07-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

the upcoming Morgan Slade show at LeBasse Projects looks intriguing...

Morgan Slade :: ‘Savage Justice’
LeBasse Projects
Opening Reception: Saturday, July 17th, 7-10pm

Audrey Kawasaki engraved brooch...

2010-07-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

Audrey Kawasaki's blog announces the release of her handmade laser cut brooches July 17th!
brooches made/engraved by Bryan Cowe.
designed by Audrey.