Tag Archives: los angeles

From Chaos Comes Clarity

So, after seeing 311 this past Saturday night, I can pretty much die a very very happy lady. I rocked out to the songs that got me through high school, and totally remembered why I loved them so much. I, sadly, had slightly forgotten. In anticipation of the sounds of 311 taking me back to my high school state of mind, I wore my bright red Converse sneakers just as an inside joke to myself.

In other news, my roommate and I went to the Long Beach Antique Market on Sunday and boy oh boy was it hot!
Fra-gee-lee… that must be Italian
I don’t know why… but I assumed it would be indoors so I didn’t wear any sunblock. Needless to say my skin is pretty mad at me today. BUT I found a lot of great deals. I was surprised by the wide variety of goodies the Antique Market vendors had to offer. From vintage clothing to old comic books and action figures. There was something for everyone. My favorite find of the day was a Paul de Longpre framed print for only $5. Yeow Yeow. All in all good times were had.

Anyhoo, it’s been a while since I’ve last updated, so here’s a little visual update:

Otis College of Art and Design Senior Exhibit, Chandra Mallaroy, Harajuku Charm Doll Otis College of Art and Design Senior Exhibit, Disney Costume ReDesign
Otis College of Art and Design Senior Exhibit

Otis College of Art and Design Senior Exhibit Rocking out to Nephilim.

Helping the sister re-vamp an old thrift store shirt Experimenting with screenprinting

Being a good Bridal Shower co-host These sandwiches were my fave.

World of WarCraft, minus the “War”

I’ve been thinking lately about how lucky I am to be friends with such creative and talented people. All in their own magical ways. They never cease to inspire or amaze me.

So, last night I got back into my knitting after trying to think of something to make a friend for her 24th birthday. She too knits and crochets. It’s always a little hard thinking of things to make for someone who can make anything they want themselves. (I feel like that last sentence had a lot of pronouns, sorry). Anyway, after perusing my roommate’s Stich N Bitch Nation book, I decided to make this:
I hope you’re not reading this right now Desi!

So far it’s coming out really well. I’m using a vintage-looking mustard yellow yarn. Homegirl will totally be able to pull this off, whereas I would probably not be able to. :o )

In other news, being in close proximity to yarn and new patterns makes me itch for bigger projects. I REALLY want to make an afghan. I was thinking of going to the library after work to check out some books but then it dawned on me… YOUTUBE. And I found all of my answers! The best video (series) I’ve found so far is this one. And not only does it show you how to switch up the colors… a man is crocheting. Yes, a MAN. I love it.

In other, more dramatic news, check out my friend’s play! Watch the video to get a better idea. The costumes look amazing.

I Gelosi

Where?
3116 2nd St
Santa Monica, CA 90405

When?
Now running through June 14th

How Much?
$20, or $10 with Student ID

I STILL don’t get it.
This may help.
Here’s the synopsis according to the website:
I GELOSI (“The Zealous Ones”), written and directed by David Bridel, tells the story of Italy’s first great traveling theatre troupe. In the late 16th Century the Gelosi company takes the provinces by storm, thanks to the beauty, wit and charm of Isabella Andreini, one of the very first women ever to play on the stage. Invited to perform at the Court of King Henri III of France, the Gelosi become the toast of Europe – until they risk the wrath of the Pope with a virulent theatrical satire. Hounded from the French Court, the company’s fortunes sink, despite the increasing brilliance of Isabella’s talents. Finally the company returns to the poverty from which it came.

Featuring masks, music, and costumes from the period, I GELOSI lovingly recreates the world of the commedia dell’arte and the actors whose life’s work consists of portraying the vivid archetypes Pantalone, Arlecchino, Il Capitano, and others. Yet dwelling beneath the glittering comedy of the play lies a vital question: is the theatre merely an entertainment, or is it a voice for the dispossessed?

A visitor from the North, and my quest for the perfect jumper.

This weekend was an amazing weekend for two reasons:
1.) I went to the Getty with two of my favorite people.
and
2.) Joann’s was having an AMAZING sale on Simplicity patterns… 5 for $5! What up.

My good friend Marissa ventured down from the splendid North (Rohnert Park, CA to be exact) to hang out and bond. Marissa and I discovered a tradition that we have of always visiting museums when we spend time together. In the past we’ve visited the SF MOMA, the Boston Institute of Contemporary Art, the DeYoung Museum, and the list goes on. This time, since she flew into LAX, we hopped over to the J. Paul Getty Museum. What a perfect day. The weather was beautiful, and the museum was not at all crowded. The Getty has a handful of exhibits currently running, but here are a few that I thought were worth mentioning:

The Goat’s Dance: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide -
Cholas, White Fence, East LA, Graciela Iturbide, 1986
This exhibit showcases the photography of Graciela Iturbide, from the barrios of Los Angeles to the wide open spaces of Sonora, Mexico. She captures the in-your-face nature of the cholos and cholas from the infamous White Fence and Maravillas gangs of East LA. The subjects of her photographs are compelling and allow us a glimpse into their dynamic world.

Consuming Passion: Fragonard’s Allegories of Love -
The Fountain of Love, Fragonard, 1875
I absolutely loved these pieces, and I loved seeing the process in making pieces of such detail. The Getty provides not only the finished paintings for our viewing pleasure, but includes some original sketches and/or drafts and variations of the pieces. Very neat experience.

Alas, my Friday spent at the Getty came and went. The two hours we spent in pre-rush hour traffic back to Huntington could have been worse. I, of course, played my Shirley Temple’s Greatest Hits CD… but soon realized that I was the only one enjoying it. Needless to say, it did not help. Luckily we talked up a storm and passed the time the best we could.

Every now and then I get an itch to create an addition to my wardrobe. Usually this itch is a result of disappointing selections at clothing stores. My quest this time is to create the perfect jumper. The jumper is something I struggle with. Why? Well, for one, it can easily look like a Muumuu. And secondly it can make one look very juvenile- and being the youngest person in my workplace, looking more juvenile than I already do is not ideal. So, I have been doing some research. Luckily for me, Joann’s had an amazing sale on Simplicity patterns yesterday. I bought 10 patterns for $10! Woo woo. So here is the pattern I am using for my jumper:

Simplicity Pattern, 4097

I basically finished it last night, save for a few details that need some hand sewing, but I still feel like it looks a bit muumuu-ish. So, after perusing the good old internet I’ve found some inspiring jumpers:
Chloe
I really like this jumper by Chloe. I like the bagginess, and the way the garment is styled with the collared undershirt.
Heart Bubble Jumper Dress
I really like the way this jumper bubbles at the bottom, but not in the typical “bubble skirt” kind of way. I might utilize this technique.
Mooka Kinney
The “Maeby Jumper” by Mooka Kinney, a dress designing duo from New York. I absolutely love what they do. Totally inspiring.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress with the perfect jumper…

Sometimes Size Does Not Matter

I’ve been wanting to see this show ever since I found out it was going to be at San Diego State. I missed that boat, but luckily for me, the show was also traveling to good ole’ Cal State Los Angeles. I’ve never been to Cal State LA, and I must say, their Luckman Arts complex is gorgeous. Me gusta mucho. I love how accessible it is from the parking structure, and how easy it is to find from the freeway. Two thumbs up from a tourist’s perspective. (Everytime I go to LA I feel like a tourist). So anyway, going on as we speak…

The Graphic Imperative: International Posters for Peace, Social Justice & the Environment, 1965-2005
Libertidad Para Angela Davis, Beltran Felix, 1971

Where?
Cal State Los Angeles
Luckman Gallery
5151 State University Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8116
(323) 343-6604

When?
October 27-December 15, 2007
Gallery Hours: Mon-Thurs. and Sat. 12-5pm

How much?
FREE, except for the dollar that you’ll pay for parking… which is a bargain for parking in LA.

I STILL don’t get it.
What initially drew me to this exhibit? Two words: Guerilla Girls! I love seeing their pieces at different exhibits. They’re so inspiring, I would never pass up an opportunity to experience their work up close. The aura of powerful women is always palpable. I know their pieces are posters, and it’s not exactly the same as viewing a painting, because it’s not one of a kind… but I think that’s what’s so great about this exhibit, and about the graphic arts in general. Graphic art, for me, has so much cultural influence and resonates loudly irregardless of which form it takes; whether it’s a billboard, graffiti, a sticker, or in this case, a poster. It’s a piece of art that is utilized in the mainstream of everyday and in turn may be discussed outside of the political arena, making these issues everyone’s problem instead of just the government’s. It’s kind of sneaky if you think about it. We are advertising a social movement like we’re advertising a consumer good. If you capture someone’s attention, the product becomes more popular, and then more people will jump on the bandwagon. Well, that’s in the utopia for social movements in my mind, but I guess in the real world it’s a little more difficult.

The Graphic Imperative exhibits 111 posters that have served to create awareness of social issues or injustices that existed, and in turn created a discourse to try to make change happen. The exhibit includes posters from the past 40 years; four decades that were critical to many issues such as unfair labor, racism, violence against women, AIDS, the environment, and many more.

The Luckman Art Gallery at CSLA is pretty small space, but an average size for a University art gallery. Although the exhibit is small its message is anything but.