Saturday, January 31, 2009

Bring 'em out, Bring 'em out!

This is my friendly reminder, regarding the happenin' happenings happening in downtown tonight. Time management skills are a plus this evening.

8PM - 12AM: Check out my work and get a glimpse at my process at the Underground art show at Janette Kennedy Gallery in the SouthSide on Lamar building. There IS an admission fee, but you can get in for half price if you email david@artlovemagic.com before 5PM today. He'll put you on a pre-sale list and you'll be golden.

9PM - 12AM: Head on over to The Whitney Gallery in Deep Ellum for KINK, an erotic art show, featuring work by many talented local artists including my good friend Corey Godfrey.

10PM - 2AM: Get your live music fix by going to the City Tavern on Main to listen to the always asskicktacular Somebody's Darling and their homies, Charlie Shafter and the Gnomes.

See you out there somewhere tonight!

The best part of waking up...

is folgers in your cup...and a little  AM Radiohead. I don't watch Saturday morning cartoons anymore, but this is a fine substitute.

Friday, January 30, 2009

This is Community.

This past Saturday, I asked fellow Dallas-based artist, Tyson Summers if he would be down to participate in the upcoming "Valentine's Day Is..." art show...After a few myspace messages back and forth, Tyson not only let me know that he would be down to contribute, but he whipped up this amazing illustration for publicity purposes. I have admittedly slacked on designing a flyer, and I am astounded, flattered, and humbled by this man's quickness to create.

As of late, I've been lucky enough to meet some artists in the metroplex that I only knew by name and electronically on myspace. I've quickly learned that the nature of our small but vibrant scene is extremely supportive, connected, and dedicated to the creative endeavor. Tyson and his contributions are living, breathing proof of a creative community willing to give time and consideration to other artists and feed off of collective energy.

Check out what he's up to at www.tysonsummers.com

I wanna see your face...

THIS SATURDAY (01.31.09) at Janette Kennedy Gallery for ArtLoveMagic's Underground show. Click here to get half off the admission price. If you're interested, I'll be making some smaller pieces right there on the spot that you can snag for under 40 bones. If that doesn't get your panties in a wad, then perhaps the opportunity to meet James O'Barr, creator of The Crow will make it worth your while.

and TONIGHT at Dunn Bros. Coffee in Addison from 5:30PM - 7:30PM. I'll be there collecting the crap from your old relationships that you want to forget about for The Breakup Box, an upcoming interactive piece.

And now...we dive into the past..."Funboy's Dead!"

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

An Adult Snow Day!

For the first time since college, Mother Nature threw me a bone and allowed me to escape the ho-hum of daily obligations...I took that bone and chewed on it for the better part of this morning.

Here is my adult snow day:

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Do you have any old relationship nostalgia?

Let us destroy it on Valentine's Day. Email me at tolentinoed.artwork@gmail.com or leave me a comment if you want us to make art out of that old shoebox of crap that you'd like to forget.

Photobucket

I guess this is growing up.



We're all feeling this now, in some way, shape or form. And it blows.

Thanks, Mike Judge, for helping us keep our sense(s) of humor.



Monday, January 26, 2009

Come on down to the SouthSide this weekend!

I've got 8 pieces up in this show and I'll be making some more financially responsible work for you to take home on-site THIS SATURDAY! There's an admission price at this one, so please visit artlovemagic.com to get tickets for HALF PRICE.

Much love and respect to the folks at Art Love Magic for putting this together and inviting me out to play. This is gonna be fun.

we're just getting started...

The Marble Arts collective is a small project that my friend and I have recently begun. We don't even have a proper mission statement up yet, but our goal with this effort is to eventually provide a collaborative network of support for arts funding in public schools. Regardless of how ill-formed our thesis may presently be, today we got the marble rolling...and here is the proof:

(Music by Sally Glizass)

Sunday, January 25, 2009

what's in my pants pockets - 01.25.09

(1) receipt from cuff and collar dry cleaning, (1) coupon printed with my receipt from tom thumb, (1) one dollar bill, (5) pennies, (1) tube of lip balm

Friday, January 23, 2009

What I Did on My Day Off...

Woke up (surprisingly early...9:15ish)
Got out of bed
Dragged comb across my head*
Deposited some cash monies at the bank
Grabbed a sausage biscuit from Mcdougals
Called my mom to see if she needed anything before her neck procedure today
Left a voicemail
Had the car washed and vacuumed
My mom called back
Talked about ongoing family stuff
Said I love you
Went to an undisclosed location and inquired how much an oil change would be
Immediately bolted because I was told it would "run me about $42.00 + taxes."
Said to myself audibly, while driving out of the parking lot, "42...American?!"
Remembered  and drove to another oil change place 
Had my oil changed and my fluids checked out for a much more reasonable price at SpeeDee Oi on Monfort
Bought a broom  at the Dollar Store 
Went to Asel Art Supply to purchase fiber paper
Popped in to Dunn Bros to refill my portable coffee mug
Went back to the apartment
Debated on going upstairs first or just going straight to the garage
Started to go in the garage, but realized I needed garbage bags
Went back upstairs  to grab them and changed in to filth-ready pants
Reorganized my garage for my own sanity and for Betsy 
Swept beer cans and sawdust with the new broom
Mom called...still high...asked me to pick her up and take her somewhere
Got ready to leave
Was informed by my Mom that my Grandmother hadn't left but was just in the bathroom
Worked on a last minute  piece  for the Underground show next  weekend
Betsy called 
Guided  her to my garage
We bantered
Proceeded to answer questions about my studio on camera for the Artist Studio Tour initiative on KERA's Art and Seek
Continued to work as Betsy filmed some more
Said goodbye to Betsy
Went back down to the garage and worked...for about 3 hours
Went back upstairs
Talked to Mom...she was sober again...recovering nicely
Grabbed a bite to eat
Posted Heidi's Interview
Went back down to the garage and worked...for another 3 hours
Finished the piece that hangs tomorrow
Wrote this blog
Going to the Londoner, apparently...


*Name the Beatles reference and I'll give you a drawring.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Meet Heidi Childers.

Heidi can dance your face off.  Furthermore, she can choreograph your legs off.

I have had the pleasure of witnessing and experiencing both respectively.  Although we never did any terribly serious dancing with the Silk Mangos at UT, I along with my fellow cast-alum can testify that Heidi knows what she's doing with her body on stage (or up in the club with a bottle full of bub).  Since moving to Chicago and joining Culture Shock, a multidisciplinary dance troupe, Heidi hasn't lost a beat.  In fact, you can check out some of he backup work and her sweet manicure in Kid Sister's Pro Nails video here.

Throughout the years, Heidi has been a great friend, a creative partner, a neighbor, a motivator, a chicago tour guide, and a hip-hop head.  I owe her big time for introducing me to The Roots, Talib Kweli,  The Cool Kids, Common, and a slew of other acts.  

If you find yourself in Chi-town sometime soon, hop on the L and let her take you for  bike ride around her neighborhood.  Don't forget though, she has experience as a personal trainer, so be prepared to pedal fast.  

Meet Heidi...my sister from another mister.


Name: Heidi Childers

1. Are you a practicing artist?
(If yes, please describe your work in a sentence or two. If no, please describe your connection/interest in the arts community).
In a way, yes. I have the privilege of performing on a consistent basis with Culture Shock Chicago and on occasion with other various projects. I also use movement to make people cry in my personal training (haha).

2. What is your primary artistic medium?
Movement

3. What do you dabble in (artistically)?
Writing for my own sanity

4. Where do you live (generally, not creepily)?
Chicago, Illinois

5. Aside from your studio, what physical, local space inspires you the most?
Cyphers on the dance floor. I think the crowd, darkness, and in some cases mild to severe inebriation encourage people to let go of their bodies and do what feels natural. Dancers adapt so much to space, music, and audience that it never gets old.

6. What is your favorite part of town?
Wicker Park and surrounding neighborhoods. It's where I live and play. Unfortunately it's losing it's magic, slowly but surely, as the artists continue to move northwest into cheaper, less gentrified neighborhoods to escape the yuppies.

7. Norm had Cheers. The gang on Saved by the Bell had The Maxx. Where would you be considered a "regular?"
I don't really have one. Times are hard, and money is not flowing like it used to. I can't just go anywhere and post up on a regular basis without the guilt of having to buy something. If I really had to choose, Funky Buddha Lounge and/or Butterfly Social Club feel the most comfortable. It's always free (for me)! And the gym. :)

8. What is your (alcoholic) beverage of choice?
beer or wine, depending on how fancy I feel

9. What is your (non-alcoholic) beverage of choice?
water or coffee, depending on the time of day

10. What would your last supper consist of?
a beautiful buffet of my mom's signature creations

11. What 3 famous artists (visual artists, actors, directors, writers, musicians etc.), dead or alive, inspire you the most?
In dance, Mia Michaels because she can rip my heart apart with her choreography and Bob Fosse because he could do so much with so little. In training and bodywork, Jillian Michaels cause she's a beast, does not care, and takes no BS!!

12. What 3 almost-famous people, artists or non-artists, dead or alive inspire you the most?
Jilly Meyers, who I've been following only recently, because she isn't afraid of being random for the sake of being random and doesn't seem jaded by the dance scene today. My mom isn't famous, but she's still my biggest motivation and inspiration. Most often, I'm inspired by ordinary people. I'm inspired by those who recognize what their bodies are capable of doing and do the best they can, whether we're talking about health or dance or movement or whatever.

13. Name 3 bands/musicians that you dig immensely:
I am so bad at this. It's hard to name only three. Adele makes me want to move and cry. The latest from The Foreign Exchange and Q-Tip has restored my faith in hip hop. And even if it's lame to say this, I'm a huge fan of my boyfriend, Just J. His storytelling ability is amazing, and seeing his process is rewarding and makes me respect him even more as an artist.

14. Name 3 movies that you dig immensely:
While there are many more than three, the first few that come to mind are Slumdog Millionaire, City of God, and Fight Club.

15. What book(s) are you currently reading?
The China Study, The Audacity of Hope, a cookbook on Clean Eating

16. Do you work a "regular" 9-5 job?
freelance 10-15 hrs a week at an ad agency

17. How long have you lived where you live?
2.5 years

18. At what time of the day do you feel most creative?
It varies, but normally evenings

19. If you went to college, what was your major?
Advertising Media

20. If you went to college, what was your minor?
Started on Asian American Studies and never finished

21. In a haiku, please describe a memory from childhood.
will you be my friend
no bro or sis to play with
let's ride bikes today

22. Are you a Texan?
Hell Yes.

23. What are 3 things that you love (or miss) about Texas?
relatively warm winters (as compared to Chicago), my family/friends, our unyielding pride for the Lone Star State

24. Anything else you would like to add?
Your body is capable of amazing things. Be good to it, and it will return the favor.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Meet Sally Glass.

Despite the fact that she's all the way in Israel, the woman you are about to meet is someone very near and dear to my heart. Thanks to the internets and her persistent effort to keep in touch, the physical distance from Sally Glass is a little easier to cope with. She's so well-loved around these parts, I'm surprised that nobody has formed a help group yet.

Before she set off to explore the world and kick its ass, Sally's flash could be seen at pretty much every DJ night, Dance Party and live show worth going to in big D. On your luckiest of nights, you might have caught her playing music at the Cavern, in Oak Cliff at Decorazon, or on your couch.

She's too humble to ever admit it, but Sally is a regular renaissance woman with a propensity to melt your face and heart with photos, words, music, hair and glasses. Having known Sally for quite a while now, I've had the pleasure of seeing these attributes evolve, ebb, and flow under her earnest command. Constantly testing her own character by travelling, writing, shooting, flailing her hair about wildly and the like, Sally has the gumption to question who she is--and witnessing her figure that out creatively is a sight to behold.

There's no official date quite yet, but you should prepare yourself for the welcome home party of a lifetime when she gets back. Until then, try and keep up with her relentless endeavor to discover, learn, create, and inspire.

Plus, it's her birthday today!

Meet Sally Glass.


Name: Sally Glass
Website: www.flickr.com/photos/sallyglass
Additional Website / Blog: www.blackmarketfunnelcakes.blogspot.com


1. Are you a practicing artist?
(If yes, please describe your work in a sentence or two. If no, please describe your connection/interest in the arts community).
this is hard. i don't really consider myself an artist. but i don't know if that means anything. i take photos a lot. that drives me every day. i record songs sometimes. i write short stories sometimes. i started writing a film with my roommate and third-half in israel (not very much progress yet). i'm just out of my mind.

2. What is your primary artistic medium?
canon 30d, the spaces between my thoughts


3. What do you dabble in (artistically)?
jazz flute, homesickness, short story composition

4. Where do you live (generally, not creepily)?
shivat zion 3, ramla, israel

5. Aside from your studio, what physical, local space inspires you the most?
physically, this one cliff overlooking the mediterranean sea across the street from some friends' flat near natanya. sunset times at that location take me to another time and place. we play music together, make and eat food together. the people there are so generous and welcoming. it's like having a family. we call it 'the shoshana'.

6. What is your favorite part of town?
read above and below

7. Norm had Cheers. The gang on Saved by the Bell had The Maxx. Where would you be considered a "regular?"
an indian restaurant/bar/guesthouse called the sub kuch milega. it's like a second, comfortable home. the people there are so sweet and amazing and there's always someone to have a conversation with and unexpected wonderfulness to be had. we go there any day of the week, every week. it's also open 24 hours a day. perfection. we sleep there, eat there, drink there, fall in love there. that's the place.

8. What is your (alcoholic) beverage of choice?
guinness or scotch on the rocks

9. What is your (non-alcoholic) beverage of choice?
hot tea (chai, green, herbal, gay)

10. What would your last supper consist of?
Glass (i don't know why, but this filled in automatically. i'm leaving it.)

11. What 3 famous artists (visual artists, actors, directors, writers, musicians etc.), dead or alive, inspire you the most?
oh man. off the top of my head: miranda july is great. all of her work is so expository and fucking hilarious with no care for other's thoughts at all. i'm really inspired by sarah maple's art. it's so conceptually controversial, but execution-wise just so amazingly accessible and inclusive. like we're all in on the joke. also, bjork is someone that just blows me away. she doesn't give a fuck what other people think. her music is gorgeous and inventive in ways that i can't even imagine. and that eccentric voice. so strong and vulnerable. she's incredible. wow, all women. that's sweet.
12. What 3 almost-famous people, artists or non-artists, dead or alive inspire you the most?
so many people inspire me on a daily basis, but i have to include diane arbus in this category even though she's not really famous because i omitted her in the last category. the courage and passion she exhibited in her photography and her life is inspiring beyond measure. she went above and beyond, pushing her comfort level past the point of no return. just to get that shot. andrew tolentino and his diverse, wildly imaginative, just-do-it approach to every artistic endeavor he attempts. and they are infinite and injected with his passion and humor for life. aaaaaaaaaaaand also alli nicole mickens. she inspires me everyday to be a braver, kinder, happier, more loving human being.

13. Name 3 bands/musicians that you dig immensely:
goddamnit you know i can't do this:

current 3:
1) phosphorescent
2) neil young
3) joanna newsom

always 3:
1) elliott smith
2) radiohead
3) wilco
it's too hard.

14. Name 3 movies that you dig immensely:
ok top of my head:
1) darjeeling limited
2) me and you and everyone we know
3) eternal sunshine of the spotless mind
(i know, really common hipster selection but they're amazing.)

15. What book(s) are you currently reading?
book of short stories by roald dahl

16. Do you work a "regular" 9-5 job?
i don't remember the last time i worked a regular 9-5 job. that's the goal. i'm irregular.

17. How long have you lived where you live?
ramla, israel: almost 6 months

18. At what time of the day do you feel most creative?
the wee hours in the morning after lots and lots of tea

19. If you went to college, what was your major?
psychology/philosophy

20. If you went to college, what was your minor?
driving to dallas

21. In a haiku, please describe a memory from childhood.
we hid in the shade
the leaves covered our faces
i have never left

22. Are you a Texan?
Hell Yes.

23. What are 3 things that you love (or miss) about Texas?
1) my family and friends
2) driving anywhere anytime to anything and having it be the time of my life
3) andrew tolentino
4) chicken tortilla soup from cantina laredo
5) seeing great bands/art all the time
6) playing music
(i get more than 3. i'm entitled because i've been gone a long time. i'll fight you.)

24. Name 3 authors that you dig immensely:
1) bob dylan
2) sylvia plath
3) dr. hunter s.

25. What are 3 questions that you would like answered by the next person who takes this survey?
1) what is one piece of artwork in existence (any type) over the entire span of time and space that you wish you had created (and why)?
2) when in your life do you feel you create the most meaningful art?
3) do you ever experience "writer's block", and if so, how do you deal with it?

26. Anything else you would like to add?
i like this feeling. and i even cheated.

Photo by: Dylan Hollingsworth

History Happens Today. Let's Talk.

I've been reluctant to publicly allude to, let alone blatantly express my enthusiasm for President Elect, Barack Obama--the man and the metaphor. I am neither fan of soapbox-standing nor bullhorn shouting, but I have this creative forum and consequently, a compulsion to reveal what inspires me, what angers me, what makes me tick.

I don't intend to pepper my little speck of cyberspace with politically biased rants or blind favoritism, but there are a few concepts and misconceptions about today and the next four years that I've chewed on for a while now. I don't mind savoring these thoughts, but I will no longer bite my tongue. Here, at the threshold of a new chapter in American History textbooks henceforth, I feel obligated to share my thoughts, at least up to this moment.

After Obama delivered his touching victory speech back in November, I experienced a bipolar episode of sorts. [Elation. Sadness. Fear. Fist-pumping enthusiasm. Fist-clenching frustration.] These antipodes swam and surfaced in me like emotional whales, each emerging with epic proportions greater than the last.

Elation.
At first, the sensation was immediately gratifying and superficial, like a casual, non-betting sports fan's ephemeral ecstasy amidst a championship. But then it hit me. There he stood. There they stood. There I stood amongst a core group of friends in my apartment, welling with tears and goose-bumps, pondering the importance of what just happened for him, for them, for us. Throughout his campaign, Obama's name became synonomous (sometimes nauseatingly)with the words "Hope" and "Change." At this moment, Obama and his family stood as a living representation of those mantras. I dare anyone to contend that imagery of two Black girls embracing their Black President-elect father does not symbolize change. I dare anyone to rain on the parades of oppressed peoples who find, if nothing else hope in the concept of a person of color being elected as the President of the United States of America. Cheesiness be damned. There I stood, happily watching, if nothing else a more tangible platform for hope and change symbolically manifest itself on television.

Sadness. Fear.
As the camera panned away from the President-elect, a new angle revealed the bulletproof glass that protected his wife and children. I'm certain that this is a common practice, implemented in these circumstances, but I could not control the King-X-Bobby-John F-Kennedyan fear that raced through my brain. At the risk of coming across like a paranoid conspiracy theorist, I expressed concerns about the safety of the new first family and how this beacon of hope and change also serves as a target of hatred. After hearing about the young people in hate groups who were arrested in an alleged assassination plot, I was sickened with the thought that this election had already and would continue to to bring out the worst in people. While the case I'm referring to is an extreme one, there are more covert, every day pedigrees of this caricature. Operating in numbers, on bathroom stalls, at water coolers, and in chain e-mails, the casual cases of hate and ignorance pose the most dangerous threat.

Fist-pumping enthusiasm.
Shortly after the coverage shifted away from the intimate concession in Arizona and the political Lollapalooza in Chicago, we watched the world celebrate Obama's victory. From Africa to the UK, from France to Japan, throngs of spectators across the globe were captured on film celebrating the election results. I shared, witnessed and felt that elation in a cinematic fashion [see the end of Independence Day]. Obviously, the entire U.S., let alone the entire world was nowhere universal communion that day.
I flipped on the local news and watched dwindling gatherings for the opposing candidate fade early in the night while the parties in a Blue Dallas county went on until morning. This coverage, coupled with the HQ happenings and the worldwide press reminded me that this type of celebration simply could not have been achieved with another (M)WASPresident-elect.

The color-blind, "we're all one race, the human race" has never set well with me. Barack Obama is a person of color and we ought to be comfortable with acknowledging that. Today, Barack Obama will become our first Black President. To deny or ignore this fact is to neglect an undeniable element of his identity. If we choose to remove color from the situation, we must also forfeit the historical magnitude of this occasion. This is just not something that I'm willing to do.

I would much rather be accused of being quixotic, and embrace this as human triumph, as a definitive step in approaching equality.

Fist-clenching frustration. Rarely does an event occur with such universality that the entire facebook community has dedicated a status change to say something relevant. On this particular night, I decided to take a trip through the friends list to see what I could see. I expected to see an array of responses fitting neatly in to the categories of celebration or defeat. I was however, ill-prepared for a few comments that blew straight past the category of defeat and landed in some god-forsaken, irrational, ill-founded arena of delusional bitterness.

Amongst commentary about drinking Obama's Kool-Aid, new socialism, fear for our children, and cracks about buyer's remorse, the most poignant attack read, "Hitler gave great speeches too..." I was blind with rage.

At what point did eloquence and a commanding public speaking presence become grounds for suspicion? At what point did the ability move masses with words fall off the list of presidential qualifications? At what point and after how many mispronounced words by President Bush did we quarantine the well spoken by labeling them "possible wizard" or "snake-oil salesman?"

At some point towards the end, I understand that this was, to use the sports fan analogy again, like having one's team lose a championship game. Sometimes the 4th quarter trash-talk can be a bit sloppy at times--but we can learn a lot from the conclusion-jumping bruised ego here. From what I could glean, these incendiary remarks come from those who:
1. apparently make over $250K and have enough time to update their facebook statuses
2. have completely forgotten about that system of checks and balances.
3. have neglected the fact that Obama ran as a Democrat, not a Socialist.
4. have failed to understand the Socialism in its purest form.
5. have bookmarked Revelations 13:5.

I'm beginning to remember why I bit my tongue in the first place. It's tricky to preface a paragraph by writing, in bold, "Fist-clenching frustration" and not rant a little, but then I remember why I decided to share this in the first place.

Again, I'm not aiming to alienate or lose electronic friendships here, but I do want to be clear about the moments that shape me, the moments that we share as a society. In order to preserve and positively affect the platforms of hope and change that have become more evident than ever, I know that I should be vulnerable in this moment. No artist should have to justify his or her work, but explaining the impact of an event as momentous of this one is another thing. Regardless of party affiliation (or lack thereof), we will all have something to talk, celebrate, or bitch about today...so why not embrace a guaranteed shared human experience and learn from a different perspective?

Today is bigger than me.

Today is history happening before our eyes.

Let's talk.


Image by: Shepard Fairey

Monday, January 19, 2009

Meet William Yarbrough.

Will Yarbrough (William Claiborne Yarbrough III to his friends) is a legend. For years, I did not know if Will actually existed or if he was just an extension of my imagination that entertained my demented ideas. As it turns out, Will does exist, and I have the proof.

If you read this blog with some frequency (if you click on a link that I shove down your throat via facebook/myspace), you've probably seen some of Will's handy work in the "Conversations with Will" series. He and I developed a seriously twisted bond back in high school where we would create nonsensical tales by passing a notebook back and forth during various lectures.

He has taken his knack for being spontaneously hilarious and a multi-faceted knowledge base in to the real world as a web developer by day at a marketing firm and by night at his own venture, Vesper Web Design. Despite the fact that he's got a heart of gold and that he's the most loyal friend anyone could ever had, he's a martial arts expert and he'll kick your ass in a heartbeat (he actually kicked my ass from Austin 3 times while I was writing this introduction).

Having known Will for a large chunk of my life, I have had the opportunity to work with him in a variety of ways on a countless number of projects. Before I had immediate access to the internet, I can honestly say that Will acted as a human search engine on many occasions, answering questions ranging from alternative contraceptives to the dangers of sword swallowing.

Prepare yourself for the Yarbitron...

Name:
William Yarbrough
Email: william@wcyarbrough.com
Website: www.wcyarbrough.com
Additional Website / Blog: www.wcyarbrough.com/blog/

1. Are you a practicing artist?
(If YES, please describe your work in a sentence or two. If NO, please describe your connection/interest in the arts community).
I am a graphic designer and Web developer

2. What is your primary artistic medium?
Multimedia

3. What do you dabble in (artistically)?
Music (EBM)

4. Where do you live (generally, not creepily)?
Austin, Texas

5. Aside from your studio, what physical, local space inspires you the most?
The constant logo changes of the clubs which come and go every few weeks right off 6th street here in Austin.

6. What is your favorite part of town?
Downtown amongst dimly lit streets: neon, smoke, the smell of cooling concrete and music blaring out of cheap clubs

7. Norm had Cheers. The gang on Saved by the Bell had The Maxx. Where would you be considered a "regular?"
The Pub a few blocks from my place

8. What is your (alcoholic) beverage of choice?
beer

9. What is your (non-alcoholic) beverage of choice?
I don't understand.

10. What would your last supper consist of?
sushi, tons of raw fish

11. What 3 famous artists (visual artists, actors, directors, writers, musicians etc.), dead or alive, inspire you the most?
The Crystal Method (electronic virtuosos), Max Miedinger (creator of Helvetica), Marcel Duchamp (dadaist performer/artist)

12. What 3 almost-famous people, artists or non-artists, dead or alive inspire you the most?
Winston Churchill (PM of England), V (anarchist), Bansky (graffiti artist)

13. Name 3 bands/musicians that you dig immensely:
Plump DJs, Crystal Method, Daft Punk

14. Name 3 movies that you dig immensely:
Star Wars (the first 3), Aliens (with the "s"), Spaceballs (Moranisesque)

15. What book(s) are you currently reading?
Cryptonomicon (Stevenson), Spook Country (Gibson), Goldfinger (Flemming)

16. Do you work a "regular" 9-5 job?
Yep.

17. How long have you lived where you live?
7 years

18. At what time of the day do you feel most creative?
12am - 4:45am

19. If you went to college, what was your major?
Microbiology/ Immunology

20. If you went to college, what was your minor?
Chemistry, Japanese, Spanish, Philosophy

21. In a haiku, please describe a memory from childhood.
Warm sun and the heat
lessons in mouldy old books
read and swim all day

22. Are you a Texan?
Naw.

23. What are 3 things that you love (or miss) about Texas?
Tacos, Creativity, Live music in shitty venues

25. Anything else you would like to add?
Never stop looking for something that scares/ frightens/ disgusts you so much you can't stop staring at it. Then take that thing and make it a part of your aesthetic.

Next Up: (Surprise!)

not for moi, but who wants an armoire?


If you live in the metroplex, and you need wooden armoire, check out my friend's craigslist ad and then listen to some of her music.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

what's in my pants pockets - 01.18.09

(1) mint wrapper from gecko, (1) dime, (1) business card from Doppleganger screen printing, (1) receipt from getting gas today, (1) tube of Blistex lip balm.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Meet Cara Michelle Smith.

The first time Cara came over to hang out on one of our infamous Shakespeare nights, I asked her what she wanted to drink. "Whiskey," she replied. "And Coke? On the rocks?" I inquired. "Just whiskey," Cara confirmed. After she put my drink (a Beer Stein of wine) to shame and one-upped me a few times in a game of crassness,
I knew that I had met someone special.

In between crude jokes, Cara and I exchanged thoughts on art, dreamed up a few social experiments, and recommended inspirational innovators to one another. I can't count the number of times we've shared creative epiphanies and recent findings over the counter at the coffee shop where she works.

When she's not making satanically hot lattes, Cara is out shooting (shutter, not revolver) or working on her BFA up in Denton. Despite her insane commute, she manages to make time for collaboration and cultivating some of the most twisted ideas on the planet. Cara is the first Dallas area artist in this interview series, and I feel lucky to call her a partner in creative crime. Equipped with unyielding desire to envision an idea and tenacious ability to actualize, Cara keeps me on my toes to say the least.

Prepare your feet and your brain for Cara Smith.

Name:
Cara Michelle Smith
Website: www.cmsphotography.tumblr.com
Blog: www.flickr.com/photos/n217cs

1. Are you a practicing artist?
(If YES, please describe your work in a sentence or two. If NO, please describe your connection/interest in the arts community).
I am definitely PRACTICING. I hope to be able to consider myself a true artist one day. Until then, practice makes something along the lines of perfect, right?
As far as I can tell, my medium is photography. It seems to be the craft that gives me the least amount of ogeda. All in all however, I adore all art, artists, and everything in between.

2. What is your primary artistic medium?
Photography

3. What do you dabble in (artistically)?
Collage, poetry, furniture design

4. Where do you live (generally, not creepily)?
I live in a place I can't afford and am hoping for a massive downgrade soon! (Denton here I come!)

5. Aside from your studio, what physical, local space inspires you the most?
Seeing as how I have no studio I must find inspiration elsewhere. Typically though, as it goes, I find inspiration in a moment. Mainly all those times when I wish I had my camera.
I also am very much a thinker. I walk from here to there completely oblivious of my surroundings most of the time because I am so inside my own head. So my imagination does a lot of my work for me.

6. What is your favorite part of town?
I miss Oaklawn... like... whoa.

7. What is your (alcoholic) beverage of choice?
Gin (Aqua Vitae!)

8. What is your (non-alcoholic) beverage of choice?
Hot tea with honey and milk.

9. What would your last supper consist of?
(For some reason my computer auto-filled my last name in as the answer to this question. Technology is such an ass-hat. Very funny Mr. Mac!)

10. What 3 famous artists (visual artists, actors, directors, writers, musicians etc.), dead or alive, inspire you the most?
It's hard to narrow it to only 3 but...
1. Philip-Lorca diCorcia
2. Wolfgang Tillmans
3. Emily Gutherie Smith (my great-grandmother and original inspiration)

12. What 3 non-famous people, artists or non-artists, dead or alive inspire you the most?
1. Liss LaFleur (http://lisslafleur.deluxe.livebooksedu.com/)
2. Alan Aryanpur (and he will never know it)
3. Andrew Tolentino (the one and only)

13. Name 3 bands/musicians that you dig immensely:
1. Okkervil River
2. Wolf Parade
3. Sparklehorse

14. Name 3 movies that you dig immensely:
1. The Big Lebowski
2. Full Metal Jacket
3. Amelie

15. What book are you currently reading?
god is not Great by Christopher Hitchens

16. Do you work a "regular" 9-5 job?
Nope.

18. How long have you lived where you live?
Almost a year.

20. If you went to college, what was your major?
Currently working on a BFA in Photography at UNT

22. In a haiku, please describe a memory from childhood.
Drunk on sweet Mai-Tais
All of us sloshed, lil bro puked
Disneyworld vacay

23. Are you a Texan?
Hell Yes.

24. What are 3 things you love (or miss) about Texas?
1. the Hill country
2. the big sky
3. family

Next Up: William Yarbrough

Friday, January 16, 2009

Meet Bhurin Sead.

The first time I found myself sitting around in a circle with a hackey-sack being hurled at my own sac, I realized the power of Bhurin's leadership.
Throughout the years, Bhurin has played an influential role in my life in many, many forms. Anyone who knows the guy can testify that he has an undeniable ability to direct, write, perform, collaborate and inspire. After graduating from UT and taking his final bow with the Silk Mangos, Bhurin continued to
pursue the creative endeavor by teaching and empowering young folks with the craft of theatre...all while working full time as an evil scientist. He traded in the labcoat pursue and eventually actualize an opportunity to perform with the Blue Man Group in New York City. That's right, ladies and gentlemen. You're meeting a real, live Blue Man. Unfortunately, as you will read in the interview, no one and no organization is immune the current state of the economy.
Fortunately, Bhurin just isn't the type of guy who would let this get him down (Cue Chumbawamba). He's got a tank full of creative ass-kick, and he's got plenty of coffee cans in his imaginationmobile, so I don't plan on seeing him at a rest stop any time soon.

Meet my friend, Bhurin (like a cat...purr-in) Sead.

Name: Bhurin Sead
Website: http://www.bhurin.com/

1. Are you a practicing artist?
(If YES, please describe your work in a sentence or two. If NO, please describe your connection/interest in the arts community).
If we use "practicing" loosely, then yes. I haven't had too much time this year to give to myself due to my previous job. But thanks to our turbulent economy, "job" won't be in the picture much, so I'll get back to "practicing."

2. What is your primary artistic medium?
Music, napkin doodling, and fried chicken.

3. What do you dabble in (artistically)?
Music, napkin doodling, and fried chicken. That sums it up pretty well.


4. Where do you live (generally, not creepily)?
Currently in Cambridge, MA. Moving to NYC in a few weeks. Once again, thanks economy!

5. Aside from your studio, what physical, local space inspires you the most?
Busy city streets, my old theater, and anywhere where there's people.

6. What is your favorite part of town?
The Charles Playhouse and East Meets Words Bookstore.

7. Norm had Cheers. The gang on Saved by the Bell had The Maxx. Where would you be considered a "regular?"
My bathroom. A lot of thinking happens during cleaning and relieving.

8. What is your (alcoholic) beverage of choice?
Schneider Weisse and Dos Equis

9. What is your (non-alcoholic) beverage of choice?
Tea, without the pinky.

10. What would your last supper consist of?
Chicken and rice, Bangkok street style.

11. What 3 famous artists (visual artists, actors, directors, writers, musicians etc.), dead or alive, inspire you the most?
Long list here, but Andrew Tolentino, Henry Rollins, and Emily Lawsin are currently at the top.

12. What 3 non-famous people, artists or non-artists, dead or alive inspire you the most?
Lately its been the Boston Progress Open Orchestra, people who do open mics, and people doing what they love.

13. Name 3 bands/musicians that you dig immensely:
Wow Andrew, what's your thing with the number 3? From Monument to Masses, Hot Water Music, and The Get Up Kids have been shuffling a lot on the iPod lately.

14. Name 3 movies that you dig immensely:
Back to the Future Trilogy, Star Wars Trilogy, and The Goonies.

15. What book are you currently reading?
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

16. Do you work a "regular" 9-5 job?
Nope, and here's to never again!

17. Where were you born?
Bay City, Texas.

18. How long have you lived where you live?
5 frigid months.

19. At what time of the day do you feel most creative?
Anytime when I'm not trying.

20. If you went to college, what was your major?
Human Biology.

21. If you went to college, what was your minor?
Starcraft.

22. In a haiku, please describe a memory from childhood.
I told him if he
doesn't do it, I'll make him.
So he peed his pants.

23. Do you consider yourself to be a Texan?
Hell Yes.

24. Name 3 things you enjoy (or miss) about Texas.
Open skies, family, and friends.

25. Anything else you would like to add?
Sweep the leg!

Next Up: Cara Michelle Smith

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Meet James "Face" Yu.

I met James (aka Face) in Austin when I joined the Silk Mangos, UT's first Asian American Theatre troupe. Why do they call him "Face?" you ask. Well, spend an afternoon with him or just take a gander at a few of his photos and you'll get the idea. He's an actor, a musician, a poet, a mah jong player, and a dream chaser currently doing all of the above in NYC.

He's first up in getting tolentinoed for the Artist's Interview project, so sit back and take in the wonder that is Face.


Name: James "Face" Yu
Website: www.myspace.com/alkymyst (my music)
Additional Website / Blog: www.myspace.com/childrenhavingchildren (band's music)

1. Are you a practicing artist?
(If YES, please describe your work in a sentence or two. If NO, please describe your connection/interest in the arts community).
Yes.
I envision myself starting or joining a theater group to make wonderful art together and show people the beauty in themselves and the world they live in. I also love to make music and it's another one of my goals to make music that people, as well as myself, can feel good about.
And world peace. I think I can make that happen.

2. What is your primary artistic medium?
Theater/Piano/Drums
They are all primary to me, goddammit.

3. What do you dabble in (artistically)?
Music production

4. Where do you live (generally, not creepily)?
New Yoke City

5. Aside from your studio, what physical, local space inspires you the most?
The SITI company's rehearsal space,
Perhaps not so much the space, but the theater company that I had the wonderful pleasure of being taught.

6. What is your favorite part of town?
Haven't found that special place yet.

7. Norm had Cheers. The gang on Saved by the Bell had The Maxx. Where would you be considered a "regular?"
Clinton Asian Market,
I don't have any people friends there, but sometimes I converse with the Chinese cabbage.

8. What is your (alcoholic) beverage of choice?
Hoegarden or a nice red wine

9. What is your (non-alcoholic) beverage of choice?
Real cranberry juice

10. What would your last supper consist of?
Right now, I'm thinking a nice heapin' helpin' of steak.

11. What 3 famous artists (visual artists, actors, directors, writers, musicians etc.), dead or alive, inspire you the most?

12. What 3 non-famous people, artists or non-artists, dead or alive inspire you the most?
I wish to combine 11 and 12:
SITI Company
Joseph Campbell
Julia Cameron
Tadashi Suzuki
Blue Man Forever: Bhurin Sead
6th slot goes to many musicians who I admire

13. Name 3 bands/musicians that you dig immensely:
People Under the Stairs
Thom Yorke
Nobuo Uematsu

14. Name 3 movies that you dig immensely:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

15. What book(s) are you currently reading?
The Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb

16. Do you work a "regular" 9-5 job?
Yep.

17. Where were you born?
Houston, TX

18. How long have you lived where you live now?
6 months going strong

19. Are you a Texan?
Yes.

20. Name 3 things you enjoy (or miss) about Texas.
family/friends
bbq
space

21. At what time of the day do you feel most creative?
at night

22. If you went to college, what was your major?
chemical engineering

23. If you went to college, what was your minor?
N/A, school of chemical engineering did not allow minors... those douchebags...

24. In a haiku, please describe a memory from childhood.
Micro Machines game
Two brothers and no winners
Brown stinkies on lap

Next up: Bhurin Sead

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

what's in my pants pockets - 01.14.09

Another minimalist day...

(1) Tube of Blistex Lip Balm, (1) Unopened mint from Uncle Julio's (I met my parents up there for my Dad's birthday), (1) Mint wrapper from Uncle Julio's, (1) Almost empty pack of Trident gum

The Artist's Interview (Beta)

I've come up with a list of 22 questions that I have been and will continue to send out to friends in the arts community. Last night, I emailed a test drive version of the survey to some great people and I can't wait to post the responses.

Once I firm up the logistics of the project, I'll be casting a wider net with the survey and adding a few twists. In the meanwhile, here's a sneak peek at the questions. And, of course, if you feel inclined to fill out the questionnaire, you can copy and paste the questions in an email to tolentinoed.artwork@gmail.com or reply by commenting on this post.

Enjoy!

Name:
Email Address: (if you've received this via email, there is, of course no need to populate this area)
Website:
Blog:

1. Are you a practicing artist? (If yes, please describe your work in a sentence or two. If no, please describe your connection/interest in the arts community).
2. What is your primary artistic medium?
3. What do you dabble in (artistically)?
4. Where do you live (generally, not creepily)?
5. Aside from your studio, what physical, local space inspires you the most?
6. What is your favorite part of town?
7. Norm had Cheers. The gang on Saved by the Bell had The Maxx. Where would you be considered a "regular?"
8. What is your (alcoholic) beverage of choice?
9. What is your (non-alcoholic) beverage of choice?
10. What would your last supper consist of?
11. What 3 world-famous artists (visual artists, actors, directors, writers, musicians etc.), dead or alive, inspire you the most?
12. What 3 almost famous people, artists or non-artists, dead or alive inspire you the most?
13. Name 3 bands/musicians that you dig immensely:
14. Name 3 movies that you dig immensely:
15. What book are you currently reading?
16. Do you work a "regular" 9-5 job?
17. Where were you born?
18. How long have you lived where you live?
19. At what time of the day do you feel most creative?
20. If you went to college, what was your major?
21. If you went to college, what was your minor?
22. In a haiku, please describe a memory from childhood.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

what's in my pants pockets - 01.13.09

When I went to Hawaii in May, I made an effort to photograph the contents of my pockets at the end of each day. In fact, since I was purchasing souvenirs, meals, and other vacation-y products on such a regular basis, I had enough receipts to use as wrapping paper for little "What I did today" balls. In lieu of writing, these balls, which I still have to this day, exist as diary entries so I can remember the trip in a different way. I can say things like "I ate dinner at this place and used this toothpick, then I stuck the mint that was in this wrapper directly in my mouth."

Since my computer at home sits right next to a scanner, I thought I'd go ahead and reengage in this documentary process by occasionally grabbing a shot of my daily pocket contents.

Here's what's going on inside my Levis today:

(1) Bic lighter, (1) Stick of Blistex Lip Balm, (3) Quarters, (3) Pennies.

I Respect Katie's Kouture.

Amidst the thick crowd of doe-eyed freshmen at Newman Smith High School, Katie Dale entered my life as a bubbly, friendly cheerleader. Normally, this is where I would take a dramatic twist and present a dark, sensationalist turn by saying "Today, she is a serial killer." Alas, she is in no way a serial killer, a baby seal clubber, or a slumlord. In fact, as I recently learned, Katie started a philanthropic venture called Katherine Kouture, a line of reasonably priced handmade jewelry. With a percentage of each sale donated to Breast Cancer research and awareness, Katie and her jewelry are charming accessories to advocacy.

I'm not necessarily shocked that the bubbly cheerleader I met 10 years ago would start something like this. With the exception of Doogie Howser, MD, what high school freshman knows what the hell they'll be doing in a decade? I had no idea what I'd be doing then and I'm going to go out on a limb and say neither did she. However, today I do know that I am proud to have someone with these socially conscientious ambitions as a friend. We haven't actually talked in quite some time, but I'm in the mood to give mad props. Thanks for doing what you're doing, Katie.

Aside from that one time on New Year's Eve, I know absolutely nothing about women's jewelry, but you can check out the pieces for yourself at www.katherinekouture.com.

Monday, January 12, 2009

i get by with a little help from my friends.

Every now and then, I like to chum the waters and see what kind of used crap I can get my hands on. It's not that I absolutely need any of these things. Some are supplies for the creative endeavor that I could always use more of and some would just be nice to have. Before I hop on craigslist, I thought I'd see if (A) anybody reads this thing and (B) what kind of stuff my homies have lying around. Thus, the list below. If you have any of the following items/services or know somebody who might be willing to part with them for cash money or a swap of some other variety, holleratme.

Plywood
Luan Wood
Broken or Abandoned Skateboard decks
A Tablesaw
Wood Stain
Polaroid Film (600)
Paper with odd texture
Knowledge on repairing an early 80s Technics Turntable
Lawn Chairs
*A Box of Maps
Extra Clamps
A jigsaw
A haircut
Shoe-Sole Repair
A Bonsai Tree Care Book
Storage Bins

If only this guy hadn't already thought of this project...(thanks, cara!)

Friday, January 9, 2009

happy 23rd birthday, steph.



love,
your big brother.

we are a society of...

I decided to go through the alphabet in the google search bar just to see the respective suggestions for each letter. Here's what popped up first:

amazon - online retail
best buy - electronics retail
craigslist - online job/2nd hand/housing/networking hunt
dictionary - reference/education
ebay - online retail
facebook - online social networking
google - online search engine
hotmail - email service
imdb - celebrity worship
jcpenney - retail (apparel)
kohls - retail (apparel)
lowes - retail (home improvement)
myspace - online social networking
nfl - sport worship
obama - politics, interest in the president elect
photobucket - online photo storage
quotes - other (folks looking for cheesy motivation)
runescape - online gaming, apparently
sears - retail (various)
target - retail (various)
utube (?) - illiterate folks looking for "youtube"
verizon wireless - cell phone provider
walmart - retail hell
xbox 360 - gaming console and it's hermit-habit-forming offspring
youtube - online video player
zappos - online retail

Now, for the sake of being a bit cynical and applying a minimal amount of analysis to these results, I arranged a run-on sentence regarding what we can glean about our society.

We are a society of online shopping, electronics buying, job/housing/second-hand/missed encounter hunting, uncertain but diligent, online junk buying, social networking, universally curious, emailing, celebrity worshiping, apparel happy, clothing concerned, home improving, bulletin posting, sport worshiping, obama-dazzled, photo storing, plagiarizing, online gaming, department store depraved, bullseye aiming, illiterate, cell phone using, late night shopping, video game gushing, entertainment spoiled, discount shoppers!

Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

what the hell are you doing on saturday?

I'm heading to Kettle Art Gallery for the Hopelessly Devoted II Film night from 7-10 and then it's off to the Prophet Bar to support my homies in Halcyon Nights.

Photobucket

Monday, January 5, 2009

thanKERA.

Thanks to the lovely folks at KERA's Art and Seek, I was recently given the opportunity to share some thoughts about my creative space (aka the detached garage that houses our camping supplies, some amps, sawdust, and a bunch of my art supplies).

Click right hurr to check out the interview(s).

I'm down towards the bottom, but a quick ctrl+f + "tolentino" should get you right there. Don't be shy though. Feel free to roam around and read the rest of the interviews and make sure the check out lareuniontx.org to learn more about the concept behind these interviews.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

P.S.TMNT

Well, it's January and I figured, "What's the point in having a homemade Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costume if I'm only going to wear it once a year?" Faced with the decision to either (A) dump the paper mache shell and chestplate, or (B) wear it regularly in public, I chose the latter.

Here are some photos from my day out with the costume...




Saturday, January 3, 2009

Two Thousand Nine.

Here we go, folks. It's going to be one hell of a ride.

In lieu of listing resolution(s), I've put together a list phrases based on events and occurrences that I anticipate saying this year. Some are definitely going to happen, some just might, some are wishful thoughts, some are happy, some are crappy, some are personal, some are universal, some are trivial, some are crucial.

Either way, in no particular order, here we g'09...

1. "Welcome to your new house, President Obama."
2. "Goodbye, Turnberry Isle Apartments."
3. "Goodbye, Scion Warranty."
4. "Stimulate me, Government. Stimulate away. "
5. "Who wants to buy a well loved G4 Powerbook?"
6. "Hot damn! this Macbook Pro kicks ass!"
7. "It's a damn good thing I bought those safety goggles."
8. "It's a damn good thing I bought those safety gloves."
9. "ArtCon 5 was asskicktacularly amazing."
10. "The solo show was badass."
11. "Halcyon Nights is officially signed!"
12. "Somebody's Darling is headlining in 30 U.S. cities!"
13. "Hi, I'm Andrew. Nice to meet you."
14. "Nope, not anymore."
15. "Oh, outsourcing, corrupt ownership. You know, the usual."
16. "I got in!"
17. "I can't, I have class tonight."
18. "Man, New York kicked so much ass."
19. "And with that said, I raise my glass to my best friend of nearly 20 years and his lovely bride."
20. "I still smell like Arthur Bryant's Kansas City BBQ...and I am tempted to eat my arm."
21. "WELCOME HOME!!!"
22. "This group show is going to rule."
23. "That group show ruled last night."
24. "Yep, I've got to mail the pieces out on Monday."
25. "25."
26. "Nope, nothing to declare."
27. "Superfriends Success!"
28. "What the hell is wrong with people?"
29. "And this is my view."
30. "Yep, 365 times."
31. "And I did this entirely in the nude."
32. "Hell yes, I'm down."
33. "I knew the price of gas couldn't stay this low."
34. "We can just take the train down to deep ellum now."
35. "It's in April."
36. "Unless there's a reunion tour, that's the last time I'll see Tool live."
37. "That was a terrible idea."
38. "It turned out to be better than I thought."
39. "Turd."
40. "Let's try a fresh start."