Sheeeee-it.

Image from Hit&Miss‘ “In the Woods” project. From what little text I’ve read on the site, the duo are a sort of young female Gilbert & George. They’re performance artists, who specialize in creating “frozen moments”, and have a tendency to suddenly show at crowded public gatherings.

Their latest project is a Twitter conversation between one and the other before the first, or is it the latter (?) moves away– and I’m assuming the partnership is permanently broken. Hm.

I mostly came for the rollerskates.

Katogi Mari.

While the rest of the blogosphere is flipping out over the new production photos from Tim Burton’s yet-to-be-released Alice sequel, I’m taking solace in Japanese illustrator Katogi Mari renvisioning of traditional European fairy tales in acrylic and gouache.

“Through the Looking Glass – Queen Alice”

“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”

“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”

“Hensel and Gretel”

“Red Riding Hood”

Katogi Mari (Portfolio).

Kooky, Hairy.

New York based artist Daniel McDonald’s series “Bohemian Monsters” presents classic movie monsters (think Universal Studios, ie the Wolfman, Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, et al.) facing “stereotypical conditions of bohemian life in a rapidly gentrifying city” in tiny dollhouse-like fabrications. By connecting the role of the outsider (movie monster) with that of legitimate recession-style fears of artists today– McDonald is able to examine and draw parallels to our fears, anxieties, and whatever plagues our minds at night while we sleep.

So proud of myself for not writing “bump in the ni–”, whoops.

“Inadequate Studio Space (Frankenstein’s Monster) “, (2007)
Mixed media.
7 X 4.74 X 4.5 inches.

“Forced To Sell Works From A Private Collection In Order To Offset Living Expenses (Wicked Witch Of The West)”, (2008).
Mixed Media.
10.5 x 8 x 2.5 inches.

“Artists Under Consideration”, (2008).
Mixed Media.
18.5 x 12.5 x 10.6 inches.

“Constant Threat of Eviction (The Bride of Frankenstein) “, (2007).
Mixed media.
10 X 12 X 4.5 inches (overall).
–
And just because 30 Rock’s Tracy Jordan’s “Werewolf Bar Mitzvah”:

I can’t help myself. I got a sickness.

Werewolf bar mitzvah, spooky, scary/
Boys becoming into men/Men becoming wolves
Werewolf bar mitvah, kooky, hairy

Season of the Witch.

I’ve had a terrible two weeks, between being genuinely spooked last Friday, hearing about all of the celebrity deaths today, losing my phone in the backseat of a cab today*, and still being covered in stigmata looking mosquito bites from walking thru Central Park on the 9th. (The 9th! Seriously?!). The artist I am assisting for was less than kind– apparently, my arms and feet make me look like a meth addict. Awesome. I haven’t found a Spanish off-brand of OFF! in my neighborhood as of yet.

So with that– you’re getting binge-posted tonight with a lot of things I’ve bookmarked because I am cheering myself up.
–
OK, so last year, fall of ‘08, Agent Provocateur released an entire range called Witches. You know if I had the disposable income– I might step up and get some big girl underwear. And you know what’s awesome? AP tends to stock smaller sizes (like me) that usually get overlooked in most mainstream mall stores. True story: I was told on three separate occasions, by three separate sales associates at Victoria’s Secret that they don’t make anything that small while pointedly looking at my chest***.

So here’s a short-term/long-term goal: Upon finding a new job, splurge just once on awesome underwear. If the job works out, you can treat yourself 1-3 times a  year. That sounds reasonable right? This is from someone who’s worn the same pair, year in and year out that the elastic has come out. Prior to moving, and prior to having some female friends stage an intervention I only had seven pairs. Make of that what you will.

AP even released some promotional images for the collection, and with that some of my favorites, starting with a teaser:

The rest are under a cut, as I don’t think most of these count as work safe.

Currently Coveting: Brooklyn Cycling Cap.

Ah, thank you Secret Forts! I totally forgot about the old Mars Blackmon adverts from Nike. And they’re just as good as I remember. Mookie is killing it. Check out the Little Richard cameo! Ahh! God I love the nineties. Sorry this post is taking everything out of me to not stop posting everything but exclamation points right now.

That’s cold.

“Do you know, do you know, do you know?”

Some notes: Mars Blackmon must have the same neighbors as me (0:14). Hey, a Denver shout-out! Check it (0:20).

My favorite part of the ads? The Apis Brooklyn Cycling cap that Spike’s wearing.

Those of you back home may remember that I set a goal that if I make it a year out here– I’m purchasing one of those. Who knows– by then I might have scraped up enough money to even purchase a bike lock as well. For some reason, I doubt that my “petite” frame will be able to handle one of those big, burly chains that the couriers wear around their midsections. Somehow, I imagine me falling off my bike, into my gears– and not ending well. At all.

“Is it the Shoes? Is it the Shoes? Is it the Shoes?
Nah man. It’s your lid.

Get yours here. I’ll have mine in seven months from now. Fingers crossed.

I should also mention there are few films that I love as much as Do the Right Thing. In the last two weeks, I’ve made three Radio Raheem jokes– take that as you will.

A Perfect Illustration of NY vs LA.

Not sure if you’ve been watching Conan lately. I have. What’s funny is that I’ve been watching him a lot more since a) I moved and b) all of the episodes are now hosted on Hulu. And other than suddenly reevaluating my staunch “No Gingers” policy*, it’s nice to see someone else going thru the same motions I am. It’s not easy to suddenly uproot yourself from where you were comfortable (for lack of a better word) to somewhere else.

I’ve done it for years; my father was career military. And then we settled in Colorado, where I went to high school, and later college. Trust me, it never gets any easier– but it’s even worse feeling stuck and not knowing if you’ll ever leave. I never want to feel that way again.

Which is why I will do anything within my power to stay here.

But I digress. Last week “Coco” showed viewers at home, myself included, his new California driver’s license. And then compared it to the one he had in New York. What’s more during almost every episode he mentions the difference between the two coasts, and oftentimes grills native Angelenos tips about making it in California.

I can only sympathize.

What’s funny is that I’ve actually done some time** in Cali as well. Not in SoCal though. I lived in Norcal (well moreorless in the San Joaquin Valley, down in Fresno), so I understand the culture shock though mine might have been more extreme at the time as I had just moved from Toyko back to the United States. O’Brien lamenting the loss of good bagels and pizza, echoes my cravings for Mexican food. Maybe, just maybe we can work out a trade?

Another blogger and l’enfant terrible going thru the exact issues is Sam from GUN / STAIN. She’s actually a close friend of mine, for who knows how long– that I’ve only managed to talk into blogging as I think more people need to know about her. She’s posting some interesting things over at her blog, mostly about guns, grits and God (an oversimplification sure). Homegirl made the move from Florida to Texas, and is in the process of currently documenting how growing up Southern (with a capitol S) has affected both her outlook, and the art that she creates.  Though there’s talk of her making the move to the Pacific Northwest in the air, so we’ll see.

So there you go. All three of us are slouching towards Bethlehem waiting to be reborn*** chrysalizing in the meantime in our newly appointed adopted cities.

* My new type seems to be 6′4″ with “a shock of red hair”.
** This includes an aborted stay at Catholic school before I was kicked out. My parents errenously thought I wasn’t ready to acclimate to public school after living overseas for so long. Yeeeaaah. Not so much.
*** I was raised Catholic and I have a predeliction towards the Gothic. Deal.

Mid-July Monsoon Isht.

Guess New York didn’t get the memo that it’s summer as it’s been raining nonstop the last week or so. I like rain– but I don’t like it that much. If I wanted to move to Seattle or anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest, I would’ve.

GS Boyz’s “Stanky Leg”.
Songs like this are my secret jam. I’m basically into anything that has a dance attached to it and accompanying directions, and I will dance with aplomb. Totally not kidding about this. I have chicken-noodled-souped, shaked it like a salt shaker, cranked dat (soulja boy), and done a myriad of other things. If prompted I can even two step, though sometimes I get carried away and try to show off and end up spraining my foot. Hey, it happens. Whatever.

Veronica Maggio’ s “Måndagsbarn”
I may be a quarter-Swedish but I have absolutely no idea what this Swedish songstress is saying*. I like to imagine this song is what Ikea would sound like if it was sung by Duffy.

Split Enz’s “I Got You”.

Matthew Wilder’s “Break My Stride”.

DJ Ironik’s “Tiny Dancer (Hold Me Closer)” featuring Chipmunk and Sir Elton John.
Grime! 70s AM Rock! Together, yay!

“I know I can/ Be what I want to be
If I work hard at it/ I’ll be where I want to be“

Nas’ “I Can”.
This might be a side-effect of living in Brooklyn, but I’ve been listening to a lot more hip-hop than usual. Especially with the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival just around the corner. The best part of this song? It’s super posi. It’s about believing in yourself, and working towards your dreams, no matter what they may be.

24K’s “Don’t Go There”.
Continuing on that posi-tip, remember this? When’s the last time you heard you a rump-shakin, feminist booty-jam? Outside of the late 90s?


Gotye’s “Heart’s A Mess”.
I drink the Gossip Girl Kool-aid.


Tracy Bonham’s “Mother Mother”.
My father’s been trying to thru e-mail ascertain thru e-mail whether or not I’m depressed. Truthfully? I am. A little. But I wasn’t happy at “home” either. It’s [being my mood] is something that might perk up once I’m gainfully employed again.

Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”.
I like to imagine that this song is a precursor’s Etta Jame’s “At Last”. In the movie– that is my life– this is the darkest period of my stay in New York. That this last month post-being laid-off at Bagelsmith is where I regroup and have my Scarlett O’Hara moment.


Lele’s “Breakfast”.
Hola hola hola, oatmeal and granola…

The Smithereen’s “A Girl Like You”.
I won tickets to the Smithereens show next week at the Bell House courtesy of Erica of Fucked in Park Slope. Which is awesome. However, the following day I recieved an e-mail from a friend of mine who works there, who sent me a note telling me that I could’ve gotten free tickets/on the list at anytime, to any show just by asking. Which granted rules– but kind of diminishes my win. C’mon! Love you Heather, if you’re reading this.


Sarah Brightman’s “I Lost My Heart to a Starship Trooper”.
It’s like Abba on acid– you cannot help but see Brightman’s effect on  pop descendants such as Lady Gaga. Right? Right! A clear example of this is Gaga’s Love Game (peep the costuming).

Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi”.
Ignoring the fact that the video features the super hot (and well evil vampire Viking sheriff from True Blood*), this featurette is a pop culture junkie’s*** wet dream. The video features shout-outs to Dr. Strangelove, George Michael’s “Too Funky” video (peep Linda Evangelista in vintage Thierry Mulger at 2:09), Madonna during her Blonde Ambition tour, the Steven Meisel ads for Versace, the triplets from Daisy of Love doing their best Warrant impression (please tell me I’m not the only one who caught “loving you is like cherry pie“), not to mention all of the designers she sports along the way: off the top of my head– Jeremy Scott’s wack-a-doo Minnie Mouse-inspired outift, Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring/Summer 2007 collection,  Marc Jacobs shades, Balmain shoes… am I missing something?

Let me know. I could watch this over and over again.

* I’m more inclined to suddenly understand what the Swedish Chef is saying. Børk Børk Børk!
** What’s with all the Swedes, this time around?
*** Succubus might be more appropriate actually.

How Art Brut(e) Has Been Feeling Lately.

Screencaps from “Mypods and Boomsticks” (Simpsons Season 20 x Ep 7).

Query: Attn. Computer Geeks.

Lately, everytime I’ve been trying to either drop a photo or a video using WordPress– my browser (Firefox) unexpectedly shuts itself down. Is there a reason it keeps doing it, for example is there a new version of Firefox being released soon? Or is it just WordPress being buggy now?

Thankfully I know enough code-level html to insert images, but clearly not enough to insert/embed videos. Anyone?

This May Beat out Turkey Legs Afterall.

I think I just found a way around my besto’s edict of not wearing chainmail at her wedding. Oh come on, she’s getting married in a castle.

“Walk the Plank”

“Walk of Shame”

Both of which are available from Litter SF.

For more bootstraps go here.