She Was Born Into Vengeance

I'm sure everybody has seen the movie: 'Kill Bill vol.1' by Quentin Tarantino. Lucy Liu's character borrows quite a lot from a character in a 1973 Japanese film called 'Lady Snowblood', starring Kaji Meiko. She also sings the theme song, which is also used for the final battle scene between Lucy Liu and Uma Thurman in 'Kill Bill'. If you don't know it, take a look here. Similarities are all over the place! Such a fun film.

Anyhow, this main character became the theme for my submission for the DOS group show. If you haven't seen what I did last year, take a look here. This time around, I attempted another mash up of cultures with the 'Dia de los Muertos' theme with Japanese Samurai Cinema. I wanted to keep it dark, but unlike last year, I wanted it to be badass.

I've got some 18x24" (out of 100) available for sale (DOS Show) as well as one giant 24x36" framed print! Of course if you're interested, let me know.

1 of 1. 24" x 36" print framed

Limited Giclee prints of 100. 18" x 27" photo by Society Vernacular

Limited Giclee prints of 100. 18" x 27" photo by Morris Lum

All the works will be up at #Hashtag Gallery, until August 6! 

***CLOSING RECEPTION AUGUST 2nd 7pm-12am***

Come by for drinks, art, and shoulder-rubbing with the best of Toronto's art scene. Hope to see you there!

DOS: Tonight!

Here's the final product! Gotta say I do enjoy these darker themes. What do you think?

So I've got some 18x24" (out of 100) to sell tonight (DOS Show) as well as one giant 24x36" framed print! Come through, say hello, and let's taste some tacos with tequila together!

DOS: In the Works

Just getting ready for an upcoming group art show DOS this Friday July 19 @ Evergreen Brick Works. Tacos will be provided by La Carnita and Big Star (Chicago), with music by Dj Platurn and Grandtheft. Pretty excited as my friends: Jacqui Oakley, Jamie Lawson and Carson Ting will be in it as well! Don't forget to buy tickets in advance and arrive early! Hope to see you all there.

La Carnita 2013 Skull Print

So, I'm currently working on some new skull work for the upcoming DOS show. In the mean time, check out the skull I did for La Carnita restaurant below. :D

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La Carnita restaurant approached me to create a new limited edition (I think it was 1000) skull art print for them. If you don't know, La Carnita is pretty well known in Toronto for it's take on Mexican street food (mostly tacos), with a modern flair. The interior is a fun mix of graffitti, and layers of printed skulls on the walls. 

 

Being my third time to create a skull for them, I couldn't help but think I was out of ideas, as I had done at least 6 skulls (La Carnita included). 

 

At the time I was really drawn to simple patterns and shapes. Also for some reason, I kept thinking that I had to brand it somehow, and include some sort of reference to carnita tacos.

 

Anyhow take a look at it from start to finish!

Yes very luminato mixed with that cute little piggy from 'Babe'.

...or one of the pyramids could be from space? hmm.
Blocking out shapes.

Adding way too many things...

At this point, realizing a little too much is going on.

FINAL VERSION: 5x7" 1000 prints. Stripped the elements down for the final, realizing that less is more. Voila! 

UNO SHOW > a whole lotta people!

Thank you to the organizers (La Carnita and HXfour) for putting on the event last night. I would like to send a BIG THANK YOU to all those who made it to the UNO show last night! It was SOOO great to to see old friends, friends I hadn't seen that I knew only online, and meet new people. Sadly I didn't get a chance to talk to everyone. It was a bit crazy last night. And apologies for those who couldnt get in last night. Next time you do come by and I am talking to someone, just punch me in the shoulder please. 

Oh and I sold my 30"x40" (1/1) framed piece, as well as a few of my 18"x24" prints as well! Again, thank you so much for the support. It totally made all the hard work so worthwhile. You really made it the best night ever! Have a great weekend!  ps: I will thank you individually later. :D

I have a few pics from last night here. I will post some more throughout the next few days.

If you have pics please post them here!

photo by Ivan Kostynyk

photo by Jen Chan

More photos to come in the next few days...

@La_carnita #UNO #Artshow Submission Complete

So I just finished signing my 18" x 24" giclee prints (will be sold at the UNO show on friday) and dropped them off at @La_Carnita!!!

YES, you heard right. New prints will finally be available, printed with the highest quality using Epson Stylus Pro 9900 (scroll down below for more info on Epson Technology) on Epson Matte paper.

Relaxing now eating a grilled chicken bahn mi sandwich from Bahn Mi Boys, and an americano from Sense Appeal. It is a good day today. 

ps: thanks to Richardson DX for the photos!

Could that be the new issue of Scion Magazine Issue 3???

Epson Technology

To produce our archival prints with amazing colour integrity, gloss-level, and scratch resistance we use Epson Stylus Pro 9900.

Representing Epson's next generation, the Epson Stylus Pro 9900

(44 inch) incorporate the latest achievements in photographic ink jet technology. By combining the precision of the MicroPiezo TFP™ print head with the extraordinary performance of Epson Ultrachrome® HDR Ink, the newest generation of Epson Stylus Pro printers continue to represent a level of technology unprecedented in Epson's history. 

Epson Ultrachrome High Dynamic Range (HDR) represents the latest generation of pigment ink technology. Now utilizing 10 COLOURS (including an all new ORANGE and GREEN) Epson Ultrachrome HDR Ink produces the widest colour gamut ever from an Epson Stylus Pro printer. Even more remarkable, when combine with the new Epson AccuPhoto™ HDR screening technology, Epson has once raise the level of print quality, while setting a new benchmark standard for photographic reproduction.

Epson Accuphoto™ HDR Screening

*- Advanced ten-colour screening algorithm resulting in prints with superior colour and clarity.

*- Maximum resolution of 2880 x 1440 dpi for incredibly sharp text and line art.

*- Produces extremely fine blends and photographic transitions.

*- Extremely accurate highlight-to-shadow details.

*- No visible photographic graininess due to the printing process.

*- Ensures consistent color balance regardless of the viewing light source.

*- When combined with the precise dot placement accuracy of the Epson MicroPiezo TFP print head, overall photographic print quality is dramatically improved.

EPSON ENHANCED MATTE:
Archival quality 76 years approximately
Flat matte surface provides the optimum photographic platform.
Heavyweight stock delivers true photographic feel.
High colour gamut yields remarkable colour reproduction.
Epson Archival Ink compatibility ensures exceptional lightfastness ratings.

New Halloween Art

Yes it's that time of the year, where we all get dressed up in some zany costume of a character that's super popular in pop culture, or super obscure that requires a little bit of explanation over a trip to the bar (I prefer the latter). This year however, I'm kind of on the fence about going out, since the deadlines seem to be piling up nicely (a tad crazy). 

Anyhow, a few weeks back I finished a new design for (what was to be) Monster Massive's upcoming Halloween party. Just found out that it has been cancelled. More info here.

I rather like this one, and hope to get more chances to do more of these. Let me know what you think. :)