Supersonic 09: come and gone

The Los Angeles Art Fair and the MFA Supersonic has come and gone. It all ended this past Sunday with what I believe was a good amount of foot traffic for the multi day giant event. On Friday evening, after the show closed to the public, artist and guests where able to mingle amount each other and the art. Provided are some pics of this night with my friends.

Marcela and my babe (Melly). She was so nice and willing to accompany me to this event, I know these functions can be boring but there was good company and drink. Bless her heart.

These are some of the individuals that traveled from Tijuana for this special event. Marcela, Omar and Lore on the far right. Roman, next to Lore on the right side, I'm not sure where he is from. Someone mentioned Mexico City but i could be projecting. It was the first time meeting him, he was very kool and I would definitely hang with him again.

Everyone waiting in line for a taste from the bar. Very limited in selection but free is free some would say.
There was some interactive work such as this funky couch provided by one of the galleries at the art fair. This is the group climbing and conquering for a group shot. 

Artist and Supersonic participate Omar Pimienta, that is not his work behind him.

Image: Could Obama be the next Che?

As the country moves into a new era of leadership and hope with the entrance of President Obama. His image is easily found everywhere. When he was still the president elect Obama his friendly face was all over the media as they followed him to his current position. Obama's picture, before and present, can be found on T shirts, posters, car stickers, artwork, comic strips, etc.

There are very few representations of individuals which could and are world recognized. One such infamous picture of a face I believe falls into this category, the portrait of Che. Is the image of Obama becoming the next Che image? The front of Che is not only a very recognizable face but his mug has become a symbol, such as being associated with the concept of revolution. I'm sure the list is very long with the metaphors connected to Che but has this icon attachment happened with our new president?

Part of the campaign strategy is for the public to associate the candidate with a one word or positive phrase. With the hope of the country looking towards President Obama for improvement does his depiction stir up hope, change or progress? I'm sure that his features are recognized internationally however what will he be a sing of? At the moment I believe to most he does signify change but only time will tell how he will be seen in history.

Supersonic 09 set up preview

The time for the curtain to go up and reveal the artwork that will be part of the 2009 Supersonic exhibition, which is part of the Los Angeles art fair, is almost here. MFA participates were hard at work installing their work over the weekend for the big public presentation at the Los Angeles Convention Center. the following images are of the very dedicated University of California, San Diego installation team making sure their comrades and their own work is up and ready ( not all are present in the pics ). i was one of the individuals ( i was taking the pics ) setting up, drilling, problem solving, leveling, etc and stressing over the details for the perfect presentation. special thanks to Clare Parry for being our Supersonic representative and going crazy with stress making this happen.

some of the UCSD individuals seen are Glenna Jennings, Matt Coors, Kael Greco, Clare Parry, Susie Bielak and a hidden Julia.

Supersonic is back! and its here!

 After missing in action for a few years the uniting super show with multiple masters of art graduating classes of 2009 representing various university programs in the southern california area has returned. And returned with a hunger, showing up earlier in the year than its normal spring show time and combining power with the very large los angeles art fair.

The supersonic part of the mega show will take place at the los angeles convention center (the west hall, A) during the days of january 21 thru the 25. the major difference in this years exhibit for me is that i will be part of it. a sample of my work in the exhibition can be found thru the following link lovebmarks. come out and support, and view some amazing work but be prepared and bring your walking shoes cause its a big event.

Temporary unemployment

Often times we do not understand the impact of something till it affects us directly. In this case the impact of the United States economy on the everyday individual is slowly creeping into my financial reality. Now this does not mean I have been unaware of the troubles that exist and have been building. I watch the news, read the papers, scan the internet and have heard the stories of people I know having money issues or recently losing employment. Nevertheless there is still a personal layer of separation from what I have heard and what I experience.

Some of my income is provided from working the port environment of the Los Angeles Harbor. A huge import/export industry that seems not to be immune from the problems with our current economy. During this time after the holidays and the coming months it is a slow period of work for the longshoreman/woman. Not as abundant during the summer up until the holiday season but there is work. Now it seems to have come to a halt, I personally would go in to work my allowed 2 days of employment without a hiccup however no more. Our system of equal employment is divided into groups (different class levels based on seniority) which the lower groups have been troubled obtaining work, including myself. This has been the first weekend where I was not able to work one day due to the lack of jobs provided. So for this weekend I was temporarily unemployed. This is just a small example of what full time longshoreman/woman have been going through, some not getting work all week. This does not include the casual work force (part-time workers) which I hope many have a second job cause they have not received employment in some time.

To my personal experience, I can only hope that next weekend will not repeat the same pattern and I will return to my 2 day allowed work habit, yet I reflect on the economic situation, personal and larger. If a nation wide import/export industry is not safe during these times, an industry that always has things to move, who is?

New Years EVE! ON the move

Well another year has come and gone. To many it seems that New Years Eve is the moment to end off the year with a bang or start off the year on the right foot, I believe that as long as you are surrounded by friends or ones you care about your doing OK either way. This Eve the girl and I were on the move, visiting friends and family in different locations spreading love and support. This is a very cute couple I was happy running into, Paula and Dan (Daniel, Danny, depends how much alcohol is in his system). Hopefully I will get to see them more in the coming year (sounds like a new years resolution in the making).

Had to visit this girl on the EVE, Cheli and her sister. Not only is Cheli the homie and ex roommate but New Years Day is her birthday so she is baby New Year. I wish nothing but love and support to her, she will be going back to Texas as she continues her pursuit to be Doctor Cheli... Side note, notice the table on the right side of the picture. They had un chingo of alcohol. 

Nearly making it to our final location of Tijuana before the clock struck midnight we picked up some fellow homies, Carlos and la Daisy (my girl on the right). Great company and always up for an adventure, and Carlos gets funnier the more he gets buzzed not to mention that la Daisy is a great good time motivator with her random acts of micro dancing.

Group photo in the casa de la Pimienta (too many people to name), a few are missing from this shot.

Over all it was a great night fill with good conversation, laughs and the drink. I ended up losing my voice not only due to so much conversation but I struggled with an annoying cough, I think the sickness won... I would have posted more pictures but there are just too many good ones, had to edit myself down. Much love to all, hope to see you in 2009. (picture above, left to right: Gady, Marcela, me, my babe Melly and Omar)

Lost Season 4 is out! $$$ Mad Money

I am a true fan of the very good, tense, creative and thrilling prime time award winning show of "Lost". I have been there since the beginning and have never lost (no pun intended) faith on the journey they were taking me on. Now I can admit that the show is not perfect and some episodes per season seemed like filler but many can agree that the show has been on a heads on role ever since they announce when the series will end. Many believing that this gave the show direction and that we were not on a wild made up per episode trek but a true journey towards something. Like stated before, I have enjoyed the ride and enjoy a good mystery, in this case a compelling mystery.

Now the great "LOST" season 4 (filled with so many answers but even more questions) is out on DVD and i couldn't wait to pick up my copy. So like many of the past seasons I went to my local Costco for my purchase but then I noticed the price $39.99. I was surprised by the price and started to think. Wait, isn't this the season that was affected by the writers strike so we ended up with less episodes (this still after the announcement that the remaining seasons would be shorter than the standard 24 episodes), however this season even held less than 16 episodes. I ended up not buying the season in favor of searching on the Internet for a reasonable price but noticed that many online stores offered it close to the same cost. Now I understand that when something new is released it will go for more and later the value is deflated due to its popularity. Despite that, like stated before, we are being sold a product with less for the same price, even thou it is made up with hours upon hours of bonus material. I understand some fans that price is not an option but I believe in being more economically mindful (some may call this being cheap). I will succumb to the purchase eventually nonetheless I ask you is the price being asked for reasonable?

Accidents do happen

When you here about the waterfront or the mention of the name longshoreman (and women) in the media it is usually connected with the economy, a labor strike, hiring opportunities, etc. but very rare when an occurrence or accident happens. Like any other blue collar job in America where man/woman works closely with machines accidents are bound to happen and some of the time may result in the unfortunate death of a working bother or sister. The images provided are of an incident which occurred but blessed with good no one was injured, even the operator of the machine, known as a Top Handler (Top pick depending which dock system you originate from), was fine. The machine toppled over a stack of 40 foot shipping containers creating a domino effect to the stack. It was a stroke of luck no one was on the other side of the container pile. 

The reality of the docks it is a very dangerous place to work. It may not be on the "top 10 most dangerous jobs" like crab fishing in the Arctic but if something happens to an individual they will not just get a bump on the head and go home fine. One will end up seriously injured or may not survive at all. The long shore community has been advantageous that the death statistics have not been higher throughout the years but it must be seen that even one death a year is still a tall price to pay. This is the real battle that the longshore community faces, helping to create a safe work environment, making sure that individuals don't become complacent on the job, etc. and all this is on top of the huge list that most jobs in complicated times are fighting to maintain: higher work wages, medical benefits, etc.

So next time you run into information dealing with the waterfront or longshoreman/woman and they are being demonized realize that what they fight for is a small percentage of what is owed to work in a dangerous work place.

New images on lovemarks (lovebruise)

Some new images have been uploaded to the Lovemarks (lovebruise) blog. Please take the time and check them out (jump over using the link lovebruise.blogspot.com  ). Also if you cannot take the time to take part in the blog with an image/s please take the time and spread the word about the blog to everyone you know. Keep an eye open more images will be posted soon. 

Scooter ahoy!

Well its finally happened, i've joined the eco friendly green traveling masses (or did i associate myself accidentally with the hipster crowd) and bought a scooter. My new migrant pony is a Kymco people 150 and i'm very pleased with its performance/mileage. It manages a little over 70 mpg and in a world with erratic gas prices it sure does come in handy. I won't be taking it cross country but it will do just fine for some everyday short trips and commuting, i only hope that it fits my personality. I know it is not common for a wilmero to be seen on a scooter let alone own one but someone has to be the first to break the stereotype. Maybe if i pimp it out it will be accepted on the ghetto streets of my hometown of Wilmas. Could you imagine my new little machine all chromed out in some elaborate candy high gloss color with some form of hydraulics? Nah, i like it the way it is so roads, streets, boulevards, avenues, etc. here i come, scooter ahoy!