Sometimes I come across photos from photographers, in the case of this post Michel Comte, and I see a picture, then begin to go into an analysis mode of deconstructing the composition, the subject, etc., much like any artist or lover of art would. Then there are times where I almost force myself to do this. It’s usually because I can’t find the words on why I like the picture, or why I find it so captivating. At that point, I tell myself to stop…just enjoy the picture. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. With these, I just couldn’t find any. I mean, I know I like the artist, but the pictures just drive me emotionally. What they are saying? I do not know. Tongue’s bitten. If I have to really think about it, it’s not worth spending the time to figure it out. Words should just come to you sometime.

I feel that’s the mark of true art – on a personal level. When you connect with a piece and are not totally sure why, but it evokes some sort of emotional response, all you should probably do is allow yourself to come to grips with it. Understand that, you just like it. Simple as that. This is kind of lame or lazy, but it’s like letting the art chose you instead of the other way around…

This is probably my most haphazard post to date. It just is what it is.

by: Erika Iris Simmons

For some artists, the ability to create is limitless. No medium is the limit. In the case of Erika Simmons’ “Ghost In The Machine” series, she takes something as vintage and nostalgic as VHS and Cassette tapes, rips the guts out, and creates portraits of some of America’s favorite heroes.

What’s most fascinating is her different techniques in creating the portraits. You’ll see in the Traci Lords portrait below, her way of creating blond hair with thin black tape. It’s really inspiring to see when artists are able to create and spot out an idea that is so removed from what would be conventional. That I think is what keeps the culture and the minds of others evolving. Bravo Ms. Simmons.

Traci Lords

Jimi Hendrix

Kurt Kobain

John Lennon

Nick Cave

Alfred Hitchcock

To see more of her “Ghost In The Machine” creations visit her Flickr page.

Two things to obsess over.
Women: The complex wonders of the world. Beautiful and essential for life.
The City: Bright lights, the inhabitants, and their stories that become it’s soul.

“8 million stories, out there in the naked/ city is a pity/ half of y’all won’t make it…” – Jay-Z from “Empire State of Mind”

There is something magical about looking out of a window of a high rise down into the silence of a loud city. Odd saying this, since I have never done that, but I’ve seen it a million times before in a picture or in action in a film. It’s become a memory for me now, an image that burns in my mind, and an experience I long for. Not to mention, a beautiful young model sprawled in fine lingerie on a chair waiting behind me as I take in the moment. It sounds like the perfect moment to have in the nighttime on eves of success; like a night that is lonely only until the interaction with her. What’s interesting about the images we see in life is the multiple interpretations that are drawn when they are viewed by different people. The emotions are not collectively consistent at all. Fantasy is the greatest. As the world evolves, fantasy has become more important. It’s even become reality. What is fantasy to some (dreamers and those who want to experience celebrity life), is reality to others (the celebrities themselves). Now you probably think that I must’ve been speaking on elves, sorcery, or hobbits. Far from that. Our present day fantasy is everything we see on TV, movies, and magazines. Sad, only a fraction of the percentage who seek that life out will ever experience it. Not everyone is meant to make it. Talent is not common. But people who believe they have talent are in abundance. It’s not my job to break the news to them that they don’t have what it takes. That’s just the bitchiness of the world. As an artist myself, I believe I have the talent and what it takes. I’ve only come to this conclusion through consensus by many in support of this. Or has the world just not shown me her bitchiness to me yet? My sake, I hope she’s a sweetheart.

Thanks to photographer David Drebin, I can extend views of 8 millions stories and scantly clad women. Love to look. Looking can take you somewhere you’ve never been. Good luck to all of those out there trying to make it. Don’t give up.

I saw a post by a friend of mine on facebook recently about a blog post written by Roger Ebert stating that video games could never be considered art. “?”
Has he gone mad? I think he has come to his senses, becase not too long after wiritng that blog post, he wrote an apology.

It’s upsetting to hear someone say that video games can never be art. For an industry that makes up a huge percentage of entertainment (and all forms of entertaiment are considered art), not to mention it’s monetary contribution, it’s hard to miss video games in the mix. For someone like myself with a degree in visual effects, and a gamer since the age of 5, I know first hand what kind of time and skill it takes to create not only film visual effects but the video games that generate so much money for giant publishers such as Electronic Arts and Acitvision. The developers, many of them, are small companies with artists who work freelance tirelessly to meet deadlines and create the experience that has become the lifestyle of many hardcore gamers. Many of these artists are some of the most talented and creative minds in the world today. The visuals you see in video games do start from concept art. And that concept art evolved from an idea. It is a creative process. So I feel that anyone who dispels the creation of video games as an art form has no right to do so. Just to prove my point, I have presented concept art from some select games franchises that have survived the test of time, in which I truly love the art style, and have provided you with the game’s trailer – of the most recent games in their respective series – to show you exactly how that idea translates to concept art, and from there, they mesh to give you an tangible art experience that is nothing like any other way of experiencing any art form we know of.
Very, very long sentence.

The Street Fighter Series (circa 1987 to Present Day)
(Developed and Published by Capcom)

Ken (no relation to Barbie) – probably my favorite character.

The Metal Gear Solid Series (circa 1987-Present)
(Developed by Konami/Kojima Productions. Published by Konami)

Solid Snake – The HeroLiquid Snake – The Villan/Brother

You can’t tell me after watching that you wouldn’t want to play it.

The Super Mario Bros. Series (circa 1983- Present Day)
(Developed and Published by Nintendo)
You know who this is, I don’t even have say.

Bowser!

Poor Luigi, he’s always forgotten.

Don’t tell me that’s not art. Look how fantastical that game looks.

I dedicate this post to all my loyal gamers out there. Let’s all join together and say to Mr. Ebert, “Go screw yourself for saying video games are not art. We take that shit kinda personal.”

And it’s pretty too. This is BMW’s Latest Art Car. Looks nice, yah?

I think so…I’m a huge fan of exotic cars. Well, I love cars in general. Secretly. And I don’t think my father knows this, which he probably should, and would be proud, since he’s been working in the automotive industry longer than I’ve been alive. If he happens to read this post, he will know now. I’ve always had an appreciation for the vehicles that have a distinctive design – what was under the engine never really excited me as much. Although, I have always been a tech-head, and since I began to learn way back about the technology they were introducing into many cars, such as futuristically dreamed navigation systems and even cameras mounted in the bumper for reversing. Just awesome. Needless to say, I will have the flyest car when my means allows me to…hey, maybe I literally can.  Aren’t we close to flying cars? Didn’t they have those in Back To The Future? Wasn’t it 2015 they were depicting? That means we’re close. And where’s my Hoverboard!? Someone please get on this ASAP.

This art car was designed by renowned artist Jeff Koons, who has been wanting to design an art car for BMW for some time now. He finally got his chance. His canvas? The BMW M3 GTS. In the design, he decided to base the theme on power and energy with bold colored strips from an explosion of debris running along the car from front to back.

Jeff Koons was very pleased with his work. And lucky for him, the car actually touched the road. It raced in the 24 Hour Le Mans race on June 12th. Art cars have been around for some time. Most famously was a car completed by Andy Warhol in 1979. Oddly enough, the car isn’t really painted. It’s just vinyl wrap covered with two layers of clear coat. Just makes for a lighter car. It is supposed to be a racing car, so it makes sense.

You can read more about the car here: http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/06/jeff-koons-art-car-doesnt-suck/#ixzz0repiv1ra

That is, if they are of beautiful women cut out from many magazines and arranged to cover the wall in a collage fashion…but put up obsessively, as if creating a masterpiece. Unaligned and taped down. Some with crinkled edges from previous fantasies, others perfectly maintained as to not taint the perfected beauty that the camera and photoshop has created. Sounds a little deranged and awkward. Yes, but it makes for good visuals and a possible movie scene.

Ben Hassett: The Photographer.
The women below: Prisoners held in captivity to a bathroom wall… Don’t forget to put one behind the mirror in the medicine cabinet…

Criticize the art, not the insanity. Encourage the creativity, and befriend the bizarre. – Troy Buchanan

The word is visual in itself, but the visuals below serve justice on a much more candid level. Black and white photography – in my opinion it’s among the most beautiful out of any style of photography.

Irony: Despite all of the racism that has transcended in the world over years, the marriage of black and white photography always come across to me as the most visually intense, looks the most beautiful, and the subjects are the same color – a shade of gray. How about that? Though that is purely and opinion and a mere observation, I think it’s valid and justifiable.

Michel Comte, a photographer of Zurich, Switzerland, who I was just introduced to while skimming through some pictures when I came across the ones you see below you. They were stark, and strangely addictive to my eye. What’s most interesting about the photographs from his edition is that they are all taken at different time periods,  yet they resonate with a consistent style that is is all his own, a motif of cigarettes he seems to have a thing for, and celebrities as the subjects.

The most famous was the first which took place in Florence, Italy from the 14th to 17th century, but the most forgotten was the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920′s and 30′s.

After a conversation one evening with my friend, Devin, who directly inspired this post, showed me a painting that was from the Harlem Renaissance. She could not stop talking about how beautiful it was. She sent me the painting and I was instantly in agreement.

Black Belt (1934)
Archibald J. Motley

It’s a shame that some of the most beautiful works of art, which seem to be overshadowed, are from some of the most talented African American artists of the 20th Century. What is interesting about the Harlem Renaissance, not only in fine art, but in music and other entertainment media, African American artists had the first opportunity to speak a voice for representing their culture with some truth that had never seen before. The pioneers of African American artists in Western Art were more known for thier landscapes, still life, and sculptures but at the sight of the Harlem Renaissance, political, satirical themes on racial life, and the Jazz culture were in abundance. If you love art, please take the time to experience the magnificence of what the Harlem Renaissance offered to the culture.

Midsummer Night in Harlem (1938)
Palmer Hayden

The Creation (1927)
Aaron Douglass

Nous Quatre (1930)
Palmer Hayden

The Brown Bomber (1938)
Robert Riggs

What is a bored artist? Someone like myself who was at work, in a retail store that was getting no business, bored out of his mind an unable to use his talents so that they stay fresh. Or was I? I present to you my newest piece, I call Rising Upwards Against The Forces.

An artist should be able to create using any medium he has in reach. On this particular day I had a magnet base an some paper clips. It’s not much but it make for an interesting sculpture. The focus, as I built, became centered on balance an organization, hence the name. I like the idea of using something so easily bent and lightweight as paper clips trying to form a shape and stay uniform despite the strong force of the magnet base acting upon it. It’s simple and not much but it’s and effective exercise. It’s sort of a metaphor for my own life. More art to come! I still draw! Not much as I should, but I have some cool pieces on the way.

If you have ever looked at my resume on this site then you know a little bit about my background and what contributes to my love for art, the knowledge and the everlasting pursuit of showing people what I can do as an artist myself. But allow me to trek to the second attribute, the knowledge. On my resume, you can view my current experience in Film and my work as a Musician. Many people will respect what I do now, or what I have done in the past, and that holds true for anyone who has received accolades or is in the possession of many accomplishments. Its often over looked as to what groomed them in order to reach at the doorstep of those accomplishments. I always wonder, why? It seems no one is ever really interested in what you did in school. I think that’s unfair. Many of times school is the place that beats you up into the person you become as a professional. Same as how your childhood shapes the person you become as an adult.

At the University of Central Florida where I received my B.A in Digital Media (everything that encompasses fine art to visual effects created on digital platforms). Computer Animation was my focus. I was required to take several fine art classes as pre-requisites before I could delve into my major. At first, I was wondering why do I need to take 2D Design in order to be a computer animator? I know now, and I appreciate it more than anything. In my sophomore year, I took 2D Design and Drawing I. Everything about taking an art class was so foreign to me, but I was very excited nonetheless. Was I an art student before? Nope. Never picked up a conte crayon let alone a 2B Pencil to draw before. Ryan Burkhart was the first person to teach me everything I know and love about art. He is the sole person that ignited a fire in me to want to be the best at anything I do as an artist. Robert Reedy followed right behind and solidified that feeling and surrounded it with being a professional on every level. Everything must be clean and presentable when you show it to Mr. Reedy, if not, expect to be chewed out. I don’t think I will ever let it die out. Everything that I do is in direct respect to Art and Professionalism talked on all the time by two gentlemen.

To show my appreciation to them for serving as professors, mentors and inspiration, I wanted to put some of their artwork on display in a gallery on TroyB Arthouse. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you gentlemen for all that you have offered me.

Ryan Burkhart

Robert Reedy

Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
-Robert Reedy

No, not Elvis or T.I., but Jack Kirby, one of the most respected and remembered comic book artists of the past generation. It is important to remember these legends as they have laid the groundwork for what we see before us today. Without Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, and Will Eisner we wouldn’t have our Todd McFarlene, Frank Miller or Joe Quesada – a some of the men who transformed comics into what it is today. The mainstream has caught on, it has become a cash cow, and we have almost too many comic book movies in production. Blame Hollywood to take something and slut it out.
I have always appreciated the art of comics from my younger years. More so than the stories. I wasn’t sure why but not many of the comic book stories never attracted me. The only superhero I could ever identify with was Batman, which is strange because he’s a billionaire middle aged white man who fights crime at night with technology’s best equipment and a kick ass car. How could a middle class black child ever relate to that you ask? Well, it was the human element that I loved the most – no powers. He was a mortal, yet knowing this he felt as if he couldn’t die fighting crime. The comic was very dark, and Batman was full of flaws. Everything that pushed him as a superhero was his inability to let go of his past and vengeance drove everything. There were many reasons I could relate to that, and that is what I loved about comics, at least the ones not too suspended in fantasy. I also loved Spiderman. I really appreciated his story and the constant confusion of his own identity.

When I was first exposed to Jack Kirby’s art, many years after he passed in 1994, I got a chance to see how it evolved during his career, which is pretty remarkable to see. He started in golden era of comics and he transitioned to the years when guys like Todd McFarlene and Frank Miller where beginning to give the genre a major overhaul in style. Below you can see what real talent can offer. In my definition that is the ability to grow with the times of the culture and still remain relevant with your art.

Dr. Doom

Dr. Doom and Silver Surfer

Star War Six Galaxy

Fantastic Four

The Losers
(The recently released movie is based on a comic book)

If you remember me saying before that, “Art is Everything” it’s because I truly believe that. I feel that art can be anything that you want it to be. Sometimes the world, or even our universe can show of some of the most beautiful images the naked eye can marvel. I have always been a science junkie, and anything that involves technology, I am all over it. I remember seeing a documentary as a young teen about the Hubble Space Telescope and the epic journey of doing the repairs needed to save it in 1993. Since it’s official birth in 1990 the telescope has allowed us to witness some incredible art on display by the universe. The photo below is no different, taken recently and released in honor of the telescope’s 20th Anniversary. It is star-forming region in the Carina Nebula. The enormous pillar of gas and dust is 3 light-years tall. The seam in the middle is the result of new stars forming and emitting powerful gas jets that are ripping the pillar apart.

Beautiful, isn’t it?

I saw these photographs on Kanye’s blog a while back and I held off on posting it on here because I wanted to leave credit to him for the find, but I came across this again and I just had to post it. It’s some of the most beautiful photographs I have ever seen. Especially seeing how much I love women – I think they are the most beautiful beings ever conceived. To me, they are the closet thing next to angels breathing. These photographs feel like an extension of that.

These are from the “Silver” edition photographed by Guido Argentini, and Italian medical student turned photographer at age 23. It was his passion. It seems that one’s passions take over the direction of we peruse as a conventional job. I believe the passion is the right job. Much of Guido’s work have been published in the leading magazines such as, Marie Claire, Men’s Health, Panorama, Playboy, Vogue, Max, Maxim, and among others.

Here are some extras that I found of Guido’s other editions.

This one is my favorite.

Conceptualize. I personally, love to engage in the act. My brain adores it even more. Well, it is my creative charm that seduces the muse to fulfill my erotic desire to breath into the lungs of a new born idea. It’s fun. I do it sometimes subconsciously. It just so happens to be a style of art as well. Conceptual art. It is among my favorite of the many techniques of fine art. What I appreciate about it the most, is that you are bound to no rules. The result can be anything that your mind can dream of, and in any form you desire. It can be on bristol paper in a drawing, on canvas in oil or acrylic, or even a conceptual still life. After that point, it is up to the viewers to interpret it’s meaning. That piece of art can mean the difference between someone seeing exactly what you were after or it being given a meaning completely opposite of what you had in mind. Then it just becomes something entirely new. And for every person that sees it, a new description arises. It’s really wonderful.

One of the first conceptual artists that I was introduced to in college was Marcel Duchamp, in my 3D Design class. He has become of my favorite artists standing in the same lineup as Vincent Van Gogh. He was an artist of the Dadaist and Surrealist movements referring to many of his works as “readymades” by taking the most mundane objects which would have not been considered art, altering them in someway and or renaming them and placing them in a gallery. This inherently became his style. Much of the work that he created in his time and helped influence development of post World War I Western Art.

The Fountain (1917)
Yes, this is a urinal.

L.H.O.O.Q (1917)
Reproduced postcard of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Duchamp’s addition: the beard and mustache. One of his more famous “readymades”

Nude Descending Staircase, No. 2 (1912)
Oil on canvas

Étant donnés (1946-1966)
Tableau Sculpture

I really love photography. I love when photographers try to tell a narrative in the moments they capture. Or even a subliminal message that the composition can evoke with the right interpretation. In most cases viewing the art of photographer can really spark imagination, and in other cases it forces you to think outside of the box. In my interpretation of any art, I usually go off the emotion of what I am seeing or hearing what to think of the piece, whether I like it, the excitement it can bring, inspiration, or a mood changer. I like to approach it in that way because my emotional senses are strong, and it’s where I find the most pleasure in something. Other humans (yes, that’s on purpose) may ride on of a visually striking piece. They may like a certain print because it has a shock value that cannot steer the eye away no matter how hard you try to not look at it. Almost like it’s a guilt for liking something because it feels wrong or forbidden, but that’s why I love art! You can truly think and feel exactly as who you are, in your own mind, free of judgment. I find the the most fascinating because no one is ever who they truly seem. I always wonder what really goes on in the mind of people. What are they thinking of when they speak to you. No person’s mind is ever blank in conversation. At least I don’t think so. When someone is trying to hide an emotion opposite of what they are portraying, how are they talking themselves through it? I like to think the interpretation of art work much in those ways. Whether it be film, fine art, or music. Or even just standing in a crowd of people. That’s actually very fun. Analyzing the different people around you; seeing all their actions describe their characteristics. To me, that is a fine piece of art that only the maker (whoever he, she, or it may be) can create.

Meet photographer Roxanne Lowit. A 30 year career in photography has gotten her many accolades and innovative techniques into the medium such as the “backstage scene” which was lauded as changing fashion photography forever. She has photographed many celebrities and personalities over the years and has also shot ad campaigns for many brands magazines including: Moët & Chandon, Dior, Emporio Armani, Barney’s New York, Vivianne Westwood, and Cosmo. If you are ever happen to be in Japan, you can view a permanent collection of her work in the Kobe Fashion Museum.

Below are some of her photographs from various editions along with my own interpretations of them as they came right out of my head. What are yours? Write them down as you see them. You’ll be surprised at what you thought when you actually see it on paper.

The girls who play innocent. Can’t fool me. They are enjoying every moment of it.

At a party being drunk, high, horny, having a hell of a time, and wanting to capture the moment but no is there but you.

A quick smoke of the caner stick before carrying out the hit.

1. A double team…?
2. I wonder who’s gonna get her first?
3. Was this all apart of her plan?

The dream where everyone in the world is exactly the same person but you. Creepy..

The lean only the greatest feeling, or high can bring. I want to feel that. It looks euphoric.

H20 by Howard Schatz

This edition is brought to you by the same photographer behind the Liquid Light Series that I posted a couple of weeks back. After seeing that edition, I was an instant fan. He work is by far the most imaginative that I have seen from any of the photgraphers that I have been exposed to. Although, I cannot compare David LaChapelle to him. He’s in his own class. When it comes to avant garde photography, Mr. Schatz to me, stands in the front lines. There are other photographers that I have yet to be engrossed by their work so, it may be too early to call Howard Schatz my favorite. For now, he is at the top of my list of photographers.

All of the images you see below were taken underwater. With such balance and finesse, the models look so angelic and peaceful. For a bit of technical background on the creation of these underwater studies from Photographer Limited Editions, they are shot in a state-of-the-art, custom-built pool fitted with studio lights and covered with a giant dome to regulate temperature. Enjoy these fine pieces of art. To see more of Howard Schatz’s Photography Editions, click here.

The Last Supper Underwater

I had the pleasure of meeting Micah not too long after I moved to LA last year. We met when I came to the Apple store in the Glendale Galleria mall where he works. I was working at Solstice which was right downstairs. It was my day off and I was seeking help from the Genius Bar for my iPhone. We spoke briefly as he helped me get an appointment, which I never knew I needed in order to go to the Genius Bar, being it was my first time to the store for a product issue. I got good vibes from him. He seemed like someone that I could actually politic with.

When I came back for the appointment he immediately remembered me. Once my iPhone had been sought after and all issues resolved, we bagan to talk as the store was closing. We spoke on area of interests, my recent move to the city, and what we were involved in. The first commonality presented, was that we were both artists. Next actions led to me powering up my laptop as he took me to his website. I was immediately a fan. I was also more excited that I found another Black artist in a city where we are very scarce. That was even more exciting. His work really blew me away the first time I saw it. It was unusual and a style that I had never seen before. There is a charming darkness to it, even though that may sound a little paradoxical, I hope you see what I mean when you take a look at his work. When I spoke to him, he immediately reminded me of the many artists that I meet. They all have this one trait, some stronger in others. They seem as if they fight to express themselves in real life actions as they do in their work. I myself, struggle with the same pitfall. But, when two artists speak, it seems that goes out of the window. It’s like we have our own vernacular. Our own language that only we understand. People have been so rude as to call it “geek talk” but I feel that it is communication on another level. A level that the layman cannot comprehend. That is, because most artists are geniuses. And most artists struggle with the simplest of tasks in communication. How odd that is? (Did you catch that?)

It’s like a glitch in our maker’s to be visualized, “perfectly constructed brain for a human.” What’s even more odd and sad is that, that one glitch can make or break an artist. I have come to believe that’s why many artists are outcasted by their peers growing up or as they get older they become more lonely and introverted. The world is very harsh. Life is very difficult. People are cruel. The artists that do make it, and become as famous as pop culture icons, or are actual pop culture icons themselves – movies, music, and other forms of entertainment- are the ones that found out how to communicate on both levels. In the case of Micah, he’s a charasmatic guy, and seems very confident in his skills. But he knows what he wants for himself as an artist. He is one of those artist that chose to work on a smaller level. Which I highly respect. It’s tough when you try to break out as an artist to serve the masses. Many…so many try, and yet only a fraction of what you would call “a few” succeed. If I can do Micah justice and introduce his work to another audience so that his talents may be appreciated then I will feel I have done a good deed in helping a fellow artist be recognized. By doing so, I can even be mid-wife to the birth of his new fans. No greater joy. So now, I open a gallery in TroyB Arthouse to: Micah Mckinley

This is my favorite.

From his Stairway to Nowhere Series

Be sure to click Micah’s name to visit his website and see more of his work.

The Real Evil Genius.

Photography is a fine art. The ignorant will say, “All it is taking a picture.” That couldn’t be so far from the truth than George Bush actually winning an election. Long behind us but still relevant. There is a truth in art. Usually it is the artist’s telling of how he sees the world. Every artist is different. They range from the realist to the reverie. I fall into the latter. So does David LaChapelle. Every one of his photographs tells some sort of story that bleeds from a sometimes presented chaotic mind. He’s definitely in a class of his own and I think that’s why he’s probably one of the most successful photographers. He definitely pushes boundaries and I continue to believe in that as the key to great art.

Below are some of his photographs that I chose to showcase. Each really displays a funny message on our pop culture in relation to the subject matter. I won’t say what I think of each, I’d rather leave that to your own interpretation. We all look at art differently.

To read a biography on David LaChapelle click here.
You can also see more of his work on his website.

Not my best, but for some spare time doodling. I really like how this came out.

I have really been exploring continuity and line more. This was kind of tough to play around with line because I wasn’t using the best pens, only what I had available to me. I tried to at least tell some form of a story with every individual image. I hope you all like these. More to drawings to come.

I know that I have been slacking on the art posts lately, and in lieu, spending the last week more or less venting in the posts. I had to get some things out. Not to fear, back to our regularly scheduled program.

These photographs are from Howard Schatz in his Liquid Light Series studies of the human bodies as a canvas. These are, excuse my 90′s slang, bad!

Today a friend of mine sent me an article about a seven year old art prodigy and I was pretty blown away.  Some of his works that are selling at £900 which is the equivalent of roughly $129 a piece. I don’t care what anyone says, at age 7 that is very impressive. What’s even more impressive is his skill. Looking at the pastel work below, I would have never guessed that was bred from a seven year old boy.

Click here to read the article.

by Kieron Williamson

These are really, how should I say, “Dreamy.” Literally.

These photos were taken on Polaroid by photographer Patrick De Warren of France.

Photographer fun fact: He was one of few photographers selected by Giorgio Armani to photograph for the Armani Art Exchange project.

….Beautiful aren’t they?

Being that I am from Florida, I only feel that it is necessary to represent the new hip hop artists emerging from Broward and Dade County which consists of Ft. Laduerdale and Miami.

Hip Hop even still in it’s infancy advances as a music genre faster than any other musical genre out there. I think the reason that may be is because of it’s recent drive as an industry based on trendiness. That can be a good or bad thing. Good for the record companies because they financially capitalize on their Products (Artists) and bad for the Artists because they can either, never fully reap the benefits of their success, if any, or they can really be: here today gone tomorrow.

Hip Hop is extremely competitive. Every Artist (and I use that term loosely) is fighting to outdo the other or surpass their competition’s ‘freshness’ or ‘swag’ as it’s more now commonly known. I think they are forgetting that their main job is to make music.  Listen to any rap song today or any song for that matter and I can almost bet you it sounds like a commercial or a bunch of talking over the instrumental. I’m being told that sasid champagne is the one to drink, said are the clothes to be worn, or even the women shown are the ones that I’m supposed to go after (RE: music videos). It’s all very odd to me sometimes.  I don’t even think I can call some of it music anymore. We have an industry full of life advertisers.

Over the horizon is our generation shift in the genre, which last took place cira 1993. It was that year that we were introduced to Hip Hop’s newest Artists, and back then I could actually call them that. I’m seeing a little better of a presence and it’s more or less coming back to making quality records and not so much about the promotion of the lifestyle that I and many others may never experience. It’s all circling back to relatable music. The most notable to take the reigns are (in no particualar order): Wale, Drake, J. Cole, Kid Cudi, Charles Hamilton, Asher Roth, Wiz Kihfa, and Curren$y. Oh, and Joel Ortiz. I probably missed a few. I just mentioned the ones that are really recognized the most as of now. On the come up, I’m listing ones from FL becuase that’s where I’m from, are: J Nic$, Vito, Phresh James, Sean Buck (my brother and producer to watch) and among some others. I could include myself but I reside in LA now…and I don’t even claim LA. I always feel like I’m in the middle.  So, as I should say Troy B, an up and comer in Music.

Check out www.the305.com to hear some Miami’s newest talent.

TroyB mixtape/album arriving soon. Produced by Sean Buck.

With all the many talents that I have I often wonder what it is I really should be doing (I’m sure we have been over this before). Many of times I feel as if I am closing in on the true answer to that question as I seemingly impress more people with my music. I am beginning to believe that is the one talent that I posess which may be my calling, but will also turn into the binder of all my other talents allowing me to use them in the ways that are most beneficial to me.

Until then, I will continue to show love to my artistic skills by viewing them as hobbies now. One of them being drawing. I really love to draw and for someone who started to draw for the first time in 2005 and to display the improvement as I did, it screams in a major way. Please see my Artwork section to get the complete explantion behind that statment. Much of those first pieces that you will see were done that very year. I am amazed myself everytime that I see them…I used to draw stick figueres before I took those fine art classes!

So now, I present a new little piece that I started a few weeks ago at R+H on my notepad which I used to carry around the studio serving as my library for new tasks or notes from 2K reviews. I actually started this out of pure boredom one day while waiting for the show’s VFX Supervisor to arrive and I just chipped away at it everyday after then, sitting in the screening room waiting patiently for the dailies to begin. I am very excited to see the end result of this. I don’t normally like to draw with pens but I recently got into the habit because I feels it pushes me to make the right choices on where I put my lines. The lack of having an eraser makes it much more challenging and forces my creative hand when I actually do make a mistake and have to figuure out how to make it seamless. I also noticed that it changes my drawing drastically into a more animated/comic book style.

I also try to focus on a central theme whenever I start anything like this. I like having structure to an idea. It makes me feel as if I’m heading somewhere and not just doing it in vain. The theme I chose to work with this time around is, heaven and hell and the fight between dreams and reality. Sounds like something you’ve heard before and it may not look like much now, but if I could show you what’s in my head at this point then it would make sense. You’ll just have to wait until it’s completed.

I am trying to escape making empty promises so, I cannot tell you when this will be finished. Since I have other projects that are of more importance at this point, all I can say is, “It’ll be finished, when it’s finished.”

I was talking to a friend, who like myself, is getting ready to venture off from his job to go after what makes his life feel complete. I can totally relate.

I feel so comfortable with my decision. I have been planning out my career for years and at this point in my life, I don’t really have anything to lose. I don’t have a large salary, I don’t have a house, I don’t have kids, nor a girlfriend, unfortunately… Thinking again, I’ve only see relationships cause my friends more stress than happiness, so maybe I’m better off being a bachelor. The only thing I am losing out on is time – that I will never get back. But, the time invested in trying is worth more than the time people sit around doing nothing with themselves.

Forward 3 weeks from now. We are on the horizon of a new decade. 2010 will be a good year. It will be the year that everything happens for me. Not my instant rise to stardom, but the dawn of my rise to stardom. I’ve done a lot for people in the past. I’ve helped, I’ve given, and I’ve supported. In the end, it made for many happy friends and family, but an unhappy me because I never obtained the time to invest in myself. I feel like next year will be that year. I am ready. There is no turning back. No matter how hard the road gets, I, along with my brother Sean will live out dreams much wilder than we originally imagined. We will be the greatest to ever grace entertainment. We have, and will continue to work for it. Let’s show them where art lives, little brother. You are probably the only person I will share my time unwillingly with no matter my situation. So let’s make use of it. Do you want it? Do you want it as bad as you say it? I know I do. Well, let’s show them then!

Well I always spit that, wonderama shit, me and my conglomerate
shall remain anonymous, caught up in the finest shit
Live out my dreams, until my heart give out
Involved with cream, you know exactly what this shit's about
Fuck y'all mean? Handlin' since a teen I dish out
like the point guard off your favorite team without doubt
My life ain't rosy but I roll with it
My mind was fine until the dough hit it and told me that the mo' did it
And now it's kosher shit is so Hasidic
I blow a digit on a diamond in a minute but, no bitches
Watch how I'm walkin cause even the thoroughest niggas be knockin
tryin to strike a bargain hoping that they might get pardoned
Shit I'm involved with got me pins and needles
And my cerebral be's the wickedess evil thoughts that this martyr feed you
Feedback, in the game so deep fiends could catch ya
Freeze off my knee cap, can y'all believe that?
Got the city drinkin' Cristals, re-up the fee
Rappers goin' broke, tryin to keep up with me
My rise to riches surprised the bitches - think harder
You know this nigga, Jay-Z; Shawn Carter
G.S. the fuck up, dree-ess the fuck up
Watch me shine like a Breitling, begets the fuck up
All rhymers forget it like Alzhiemers
Small timers, I said it, I'm addressin all dramas
Talk to me
-Jay-Z

I only felt it was right to post this. This is TroyB Arthouse isn’t it? Kanye, actually beat me to it. He posted some pictures on his blog today from the very famous (Somehow, I’ve never heard of it. I blame working so much) Art Exhibition held every year in Miami. I was held this past ending week from December 3-6th.

It was a good thing that I went to check his blog today. I would have never known that it was this weekend. It immediately made me say internally, I miss home. I’ll be back for 3 weeks starting Saturday but, I don’t think I’ll get the full effect of feeling like, I’m actually home. But, I suppose it’s better off that I don’t live there at least for a few more years. Too many distractions, not enough opportunities. Or so I think. That could all change if I can actually become a model. It’s possible. Think positive, Troy. Amongst LA, NY, Pairs, and Milan, fashion modeling is just as huge in Miami as well. That may be a reason to move back. I could get my break in music there too…Or am I just searching for a reason to go back?

Oh, yes, sorry. The Art Basel. The original subject of this post. Haha. Apologies. Now, I was intrigued because this was the first time that I have really heard of the Art Basel so I decided to do some more research. Some of this is quoting Wikipedia. “Art Basel Miami Beach has been held annually since 2002, has been held throughout the city each December. Along with adjoining fairs and associated events, Art Basel Miami Beach has eclipsed the original Art Basel in size, popularity, if not importance. Events for Art Basel Miami Beach are held in art galleries in the Miami neighborhoods of Wynwood and the Miami Design District. The Art Basel Miami Beach is sister to the exhibition held in Basel, Switzerland. It is known as the contemporary art olympics. That sounds like pressure. I stumbled upon an article in the NY Times that goes into detail about the social/business sides of the annual exhibiton which I find highly interesting. See the article to see what I mean. Also, click on the picture below to see the pictures that Mr. West has posted on his blog. It’s really unforunate that it was the weekend before I was supposed to fly back to Miami. Well, there is next year…

I remember once at a screening of a thesis short film a girl approached me an asked me, “Are you inspired (I was wearing my Gap Red, Inspi-Red shirt)?” Of course me being me, took that as an open invitation to flirt. So, I smiled back simply responded, “Always.” My response was highly earnest, and that led to an interesting end to my week.

Any artist will tell you that it can be a struggle to consistently find inspiration to invest into projects. Some are constantly inspired. That is a blessing. I am blessed, because I happen to be one of those artists. Inspirations – people, my life, the lives of others, the aftermath of artistry aside from my own. Often it can be something so minute that can strike a chord that will fuel and idea for something that will turn out to be so epic for me. The latter can be accredited to experiences with different women that become situations sprinkled throughout my second feature script, which is a romantic comedy.

I saw a romantic comedy last night. It was the premier of a thesis short film, Santa Ana Winds, written and directed by a good friend of mine, Kyle. He just graduated from AFI. I will say this much about him, great guy and talented individual. He’s going to be huge. It was last night that I became inspired once again. This happens every time I am around him and  classmates, also friends of mine. I have been to all of their screenings and I never knew my peers could ignite so much in me to continually push myself as an artist. That’s something special because so many times you can feel compelled to want to compete, and that happens to me more often than not as a hip hop artist. There are so many musicians trying to do what I am and hip hop is already so competitive (I’m sure the same holds true for film). There are a few hip hop artist that provide me with the same feeling that my AFI friends give and I love that feeling more than anything. The artist unity and wanting to collaborate rather than compete. Hip Hop is becoming more like this. It’s incredible. I hope these people  are the next to be running H0llywood. With them, the industry would be a much better place. The ones that I’m close with at least. Their intentions are very sincere.

So, now, it’s time to get back to work; making more great art for the world to emotionally invest in. I’ll be right back.

*I have extra DVD’s. Friends, contact me if you would like one.

It’s about time. Complex Magazine has graced it’s recent issue’s cover with one of the last of 3 remaining God MC’s. Yes, I said 3. Jay-Z, Nas, and Enimem. The latter is still, after 10 years in the game, highly underrated in skill and often overlooked. I think it’s unfair and it just goes to show you how one-sided the genre has become.

The reason I place those three gentlemen in the category of being “God MC’s” (the term was originally coined by Jay-Z himself) is based purely on them reaching a Legend status in their career. As you can see in the backdrop of the cover Eminem has finally decided to stand in front of  a statement which I’m sure he’s felt for some years now. He’s more than proved that by having the highest selling Rap album of the year and to his latest verse to the song “Forever” featuring Drake, Kanye West, and Lil’ Wayne. He’s the “old timer” on the track, and he effortlessly out raps all of the new guys. This is not to take anything away from them they are all incredible MC’s and I am anxiously awaiting to see what Drake has to offer on his first album, I really hope that he lives up to the hype that he’s been getting. He’s a talented rapper but I want to let him breath and release an album first before I can say he’s the next “king of hip hop” or “the next Will Smith” or “Jay-Z’s replacement” like so many people have been labeling him. You’re cutting his legs before he has a chance to walk, people. Let the man mature as an artist first. Let him take us on a journey before you try to state his destination.

You can read the Complex article with Eminem in full, here.

Oh, and just in case anyone was wondering, here is my top ten favorite MC’s list:

1. Jay-Z

2. The Notorious B.I.G

3. Nas

4. Ghostface Killah

5. Eminem

6. Kanye West

7. Lupe Fiasco

8. 50 Cent

9. Common

10. Cam’ron

I am convinced that I am Steve Urkel who became Stephan. Anyone who really knows me, and I’m talking way back to middle school days (maybe even before then), will know what I am talking about.

I love art (as you know by now), I love technology and anything that has to do with science. I think my major explains many of my interests. I have a B.A. in Digital Media. That means I am an artist but at the same time I understand the technicals aspects of new age media. Working for a visual effects studio has fulfilled my inner geekdum (this a blog and I reserve the right to make up words) more than I expected it to. My eye has become more trained by sitting in 2K reviews, I have learned so much more about pipeline on a professional level. Things are entirely different than school. Which lends me to say, they tell you they are teaching you to be able to easily adapt to the “real world” level of the work that you are doing but after graduating and experiencing a studio that works on tentpole Hollywood projects, the college experience doesn’t even come two lifetimes close.

What’s odd to me is that I have been trying to take myself in the completely opposite direction with my career but the beauty of that is I can still never let go of what made me who I am. I never lose sight of my integrity. What scares some people is, if you talk to me now about anything that I love or studied that is totally void of most people’s interest (on a general level), and I’m talking deep into the topic, science especially, they would suspect that they were talking to someone completely different. I love to analyze and dissect topics. Try me. You’ll be surprised.

People will more than likely ask me, “Why are you trying to be a model?” You’re interested in in Photography, you take photos, and you understand lighting, and all the technicalities associated with it. Or, “Why do you want to be a rapper? You write so well, you have two feature screenplays to prove it. You can easily pen a novel. Not to mention, you know music, you know marketing, you have a great business mind (that last part I added in myself). You should run a company.” The only one that sort of sounds normal is, “Oh, you want to be a Film Director…ok that’s cool.” Then I move to LA and damn near the entire city population wants to be that.

I wish I could say I have a simple answer for all of those questions. I just don’t. I cannot even understand why I’m attracted to the “being under the microscope by the world” type of jobs. I used to say I never wanted to be in front of the camera. A small part of the change is this insatiable desire to prove some people wrong. It’s pretty sad though, all this intelligence and I want to be an entertainer… If all goes according to plan, that will not be entirely true. Create opportunities to get new opportunities and do what it is that you really desire. If that makes any sense at all.

You ain't havin it?  Good, me either
Let's, get together and make this whole world believe us huh?
At my arraignment, screamin'
all us blacks got is sports and entertainment, until we even
Thievin, as long as I'm breathin'
Can't knock the way a nigga eatin - fuck you, even!

- Jay-Z

…or won’t let me be.

I went back to rapping.

I can’t stop thinking about her.

Art’s vice grip.

Damn memories, or daymares… I should say.

Music.

Rap.

Art.

Problems.

Demons.

Self doubt.

Insecurities.

Women.

…the things I love cause me turmoil.

Random I know, but just something that made sense to post.

For those that wonder what this blog is for, a myriad of things. It has become my internet voice. A way for my family and friends to see what going on in my life. Updates in my career. A way for me to continually put my projects and music out there to the world. I may just be brave on some posts and put myself out there once in a while, such as this one. Stay tuned, more to come.

-troyB, troy buck, and young cannon: me, myself, and I.