Calling All Typophiles!

A fine number from LA-based Brazilian Douglas Alves for the BBC:


And one of his personal works:


. . .both are sweet examples of representational typography—finely illustrated, and not cheesy in the least.

My Latest Crush

Okay, this is the body of work that I’ve been obsessed with lately. Oksaka-born illustrator Toshiyuki Fukuda has a herculeun handle on his craft. And, his talents extend across many mediums: textile, book covers, cards, dolls, wallets, to name a few. What crazy, perfect balance in composition and contrast—this guy really knows how to handle a blank canvas. xxoo, Toshiyuki-san!

Voices Collide in the Abyss

The Voices from the Abyss column began with the intention of celebrating those earnest folks who sing into the depths of the world wide web hoping for a reply—an ode to being scrappy enough to insert your voice into the performing arts despite any marketability issues. I imagine that it’s wonderful when these seekers do get a response, there’s many a comment on YouTube. But even better, sometimes an artist actually gets a volunteer from the audience, someone so moved, she sings along. . .and a duet is born.


Voices*: ccendana (aka Chris Candaña) is from Pennsylvania. tonjesmi (aka Meghan Tonjes) is from Michigan. Song written by OneRepublic.

*Note: Yeah, there are a few pitch issues, they’re never perfect (is anyone?), perhaps that's part of the beauty—no retouching. The collaboration is nonetheless poignant, a pretty meaningful statement, especially for those who feel that the internet is making us less human. I’ll feature the female singer again, on her own. She’s pretty talented.

Previously featured Voices from the Abyss:
• ju218
• mealat

Alianza

This is what happens when you match the brilliant hand-lettering of Retna. . .

. . .with the larger-than-life portraits of el Mac:

. . .poetry.

The final exhibit that we are sharing from the SF Lower Haight Art Walk last week is a collaboration: Alianza, a new book featuring the work of el Mac and Retna as individuals and co-conspirators in cities all over the world. El Mac was on-site celebrating his latest collection, and adding a new mural to Haight Street—though he was kind enough to take a break to sign our book.

P.S.

El Mac is also known for this fingerprint-like texture in his work (1st image). Retna is also known for adding his dynamic illustration style to fashion photos (2nd image)

. . .and this one really shows el Mac's skill as a fine draftsman.

Estevan Oriol’s Thug Beauties & Beasts

A special treat for all of you this week: Last Friday, we participated in the Lower Hater Art Walk, met some very cool people, and saw some great art. On Saturday, Melissa shared with you the first artist we saw, Kristine Reano. The second artist who grabbed our attention was Estevan Oriol. (Please imagine the photo below at 5 feet long by 3 feet high).

Yeah, I know.

While we didn’t have 5G’s to drop down on it, we were able to walk away with a deck of playing cards, 52 images, for a mere 15 bucks. These cards feed the inner cholo in me—without the risk of gunshot wound. Now, I can dream of a thug life, while playing Go Fish. Here’s some of our favorites. . .enjoy.


Estevan Oriol is a Mexican-American photographer based (guess where) in Los Angeles, California. His work has been featured in dozens of magazines worldwide including Mass Appeal, The Source, Details, Vibe, and Rolling Stone. He is affiliated with Soul Assassins, and has directed music videos for groups including Eminem, Cypress Hill, D12, Linkin Park, Blink 182, Paul Wall, P.O.D., and Xzibit. Click here to see more of his work.

Please stay tuned this week as we are saving the best for last! One artist was spray painting his piece outside a gallery wall during the walk. His work is incredible. . .