A Town Press

If you haven’t seen – + P E A C H E S + -, the new collection from +F.i.A+ click on the image above to enter into +F.i.A+’s 4th dimension + enjoy

Living Walls was some shyt that completely caught me off guard. I mean Tunde mentioned it here and there. But I didn’t think nothing of it. I didn’t realized the scale of the event till I was up there helping out a day or two before the event, and talked to an artist who had traveled all the way from Peru to participate. From there on out everything just started to unravel. I mean everything seemed normal, got to the site, and everyone was putting art up in the main gallery. But when I stepped into the hallway to get to our wall, that jalepeno just hit me and left my jaw hanging. All the walls were covered in dope ass art. Those walls have never looked like that before. Talked to the guys putting up work there, turns out they were from Cali. And I found out that one of the walls had works submitted from street arts from all over the globe. I went out side and saw more folks doing more art. Went into the building over there, saw crazy ass art inside of there. Shyt was stoooopid! I had no idea. And the whole time Tunde had been like “yeah, it just the living walls project” with his non-excited Family Guy eye lids. Once I realized the scale of it I def started exploring and figuring out exactly what was going on. Turns out Eye Drum had been putting this extensive project together for 8 months. Living Walls is a conference slash exhibit on street art and urbanism that brings talented street artist from all around, locally to globally, to reek creative mural mayhem on Atlanta, bring attention to the public space downtown and public art. So when I got there I meet artist from all over and overdosed on wheatpaste and acrylic. It was such a rich experience, Im for real, it was so much art that being around it made it seeped into my blood. I learn so much about art that day through osmosis. I also spoke with the old heads and picked their brain about art, life, being young and what not. We stayed up mad late to get the mural done. And it was just satisfying knowing I was up putting blood sweat and tears in to the piece like everyone else ( all props to Tunde though, he really smashed that jawnt, dude is a machine). I saw everyone’s hustle and ambition and it was just truly contagious. Uber unfortunately I missed the conference, but one thing that I did learn from the old heads that was mention at the conference was urbanism. Which was just simply taking note of your environment downtown, or in metropolis, city. Just taking the time to look around and be aware of how the city looks, what it says, how it feels and everything. All of which you learn by experiencing the city, walking through that thang. However, Atlanta is a commuter city; sorry folks, you can’t experience anything from the bubble of you car.

It was great to see something like Living Walls take place in Atlanta. I have been a long time fan of street art and am painfully aware to how spread out and limited our city is in regards to this. Living Walls was a chance to push that culture forward and strategically take back the walls with some amazing pieces. There are a lot of folks who have a need or compulsion to create beautiful things. However, it is labeled as vandalism. This is far from the truth. At least not if our city allows our artist to grow and express themselves to and for us. I’m sure with the amount of money the city spends on covering up bad and good street art, they could sponsor some amazing works for less and improve the mental health of all those that come its way.
After walking through the Eyedrum facilities the night of the opening reception, I was immediately impressed by the turnout of support and I was drawn in by the variety and scale of some of these pieces. They ranged form large scale murals to smaller more subtle ones. Stencil, and wheat paste. No matter its size or medium, the collective impact was impressive. I was hypnotized and walked around diligently recording as many works with my camera as I could. It was like an easter egg hunt, except the candy filled eggs were in abundance.
I invite you to take a look at my collection of photographs and envision this quality and quantity of works unleashed upon the city.

Last week was one big roller coaster, from launching the new +F.i.A+ collection then jumping head first into the painting of our mural, while documenting all the art that went up for the project was definitely a feat. That being said it was also great meeting all the different artists like Everman, Swampy, TSF, Hell Bent, Swim, Nev, Gaia, and many others that I’ve forgot to mention. It felt more like summer camp for street artists than anything, but was really cool and inspirational to see all the different styles and philosophy about art come together. We decided that it would be cool to present it from the different point of views of the members of +F.i.A+. I’m going first and then Rithy and Oni will be posting up their pics and point of views shortly after. We have tons of pics so click through to see the first batch // MORE INFO AND PICS AFTER THE JUMP + enjoy

I first saw this on my phone and was impressed by the graphic quality of the lettering and patterns. But then I stumbled upon it again on my computer and was blown away at the fact that it’s a GIF. Insane!
By INSA & INKIE

So last night while I was working on my wall, I took some in-between time to take shots of what the other artist were working on, and I have to say there’s dope art eeeevvvvrrrrywwwwhhhheeeeerrrreeee. EyeDrum will be celebrating the completion of the Living Walls project this weekend at the gallery this should plenty of fun // MORE PICS AFTER THE JUMP + enjoy

Hey guys just want to let you know that we are now open for business, I’ve included some nice up-close shots of what we carry, hope you like + enjoy – // MORE IMAGES AFTER THE JUMP

+ MARKET

They are now available to purchase here – MARKET – and don’t forget to enjoy

Dungen is one of my favorite bands. They’re a Swedish group and they play amazing jazz/psychedelic rock revival music. Their album 4 was spectacular and I’m sure their upcoming release Skit I Allt will live up to those standards. This is the video for the self-titled track Skit I Allt

Dungen will be touring the US and here is the itinerary:

Sep-03 Buffalo, NY Mohawk Place
Sep-05 Monticello, NY All Tomorrows Parties
Sep-07 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda’s *
Sep-08 Baltimore, MD Ottobar *
Sep-10 Charlottesville, VA Jefferson Theatre
Sep-11 Raleigh, NC Hopscotch Music Festival
Sep-12 Asheville, NC Grey Eagle
Sep-14 Atlanta, GA The Earl
Sep-15 Nashville, TN Mercy Lounge
Sep-16 Memphis, TN Hi-tone
Sep-17 Dallas, TX The Loft
Sep-18 Austin, TX Mohawk
Sep-22 Phoenix, AZ Rhythm Room
Sep-23 San Diego, CA Casbah
Sep-24 Pioneertown, CA Pappy & Harriets
Sep-25 Los Angeles, CA Echoplex
Sep-26 Big Sur, CA Henry Miller Library
Sep-29 Oakland, CA New Parish

Oct-01 Portland, OR Mississippi Studios #
Oct-02 Vancouver, BC Biltmore #
Oct-03 Seattle, WA Neumos #
Oct-06 Minneapolis, MN Triple Rock #
Oct-07 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall #
Oct-08 Detroit, MI Magic Stick #
Oct-09 Cleveland, OH Grog Shop #
Oct-10 Toronto, ONT Horseshoe Tavern #
Oct-12 Burlington, VT Monkeytown #
Oct-13 Boston, MA Harpers Ferry #
Oct-14 Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory
Oct-15 Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory
Oct-18 New York, NY Terminal 5  $

*w/ WOODEN SHIPS September 7 & 8
#w/ THE ENTRANCE BAND October 1st thru 13th

$w/ MY MORNING JACKET October 18

Art is not something that can be used within a diverse set of applications worldwide. A knowledgeable software programmer with a masters in computer science and engineering can create a software program that can benefit the entire world. Accountants help to interpret and communicate the financial information within a company; this is extremely valuable for business owners, managers and shareholders. The same can be said for doctors or clinical lab technicians who help to diagnose, monitor and treat diseases that can threaten all of mankind.

However, an art form such as music can only be taught to people who are interested in music and want to expand their own outlooks in regards to that craft. Music is not something that can be used in a variety of applications and fields and one person’s music tastes can be largely divergent from another person’s. So the entire art form is very subjective and is balanced upon the often disparate interests of different groups of people.

In general, from a capitalistic vantage point, it may be hard to weigh the overall benefits of the fine arts because 1) they cannot be applied universally and 2) it is hard to make an extraordinary amount of profit on the by-products of the arts and those products’ application within our modern global society.

From this perspective, one can better understand how arts programs have been cut from school budgets and why students are encouraged to enroll in more math and science courses and not band class. However, I would argue that the arts definitely have a place within a capitalistic society; moreover, they have a strong place within American culture.

As a capitalistic society, we may share a set of attitudes and goals surrounding the pursuit of profit or a greater dollar. But as a nation, we are a myriad of cultures and the arts are a major subdivision of all cultures within our nation. America is a very diverse nation, but as people we share a capacity for symbolic thought, creative expression and social learning. The arts enhance all of these things by granting individuals and groups the power to express themselves through art; impacting other people through a completely new and provocative experience that can transcend the artist’s initial inspiration or stimulus. This in turn manifests the creation of new symbolic thought processes and engages people in both passive and active learning experiences.

Let us not forget that the fine arts are universal and have the potential to connect people of all classes, races, ethnic groups and cultures worldwide.

Should it be mandatory for the government to support the arts?

This can be a tough question because it arouses the issue of what role the government should play in any private sector, including the arts. But I would make the case that the arts should not and are not exclusive to the private sector, but a part of the public sector. This is because the arts offer intrinsic value to our society – personally I feel that we cannot boil everything down to profit within this country.

In addition, I believe that arts programs should be in every academic institution. There should be government support and funds for all fine arts programs and monies allocated to people interested in teaching the different art forms to America’s students. If someone wants to teach ceramics, film studies, music, dance, or journalism to a group of young, budding minds; they should be granted that opportunity and know that they can always receive some form of income, no matter how large or small, from a government entity. This should be a mandatory initiative on Congress’s long, bullet-pointed agenda.

Why do I feel that the government should support the arts?

 I feel the government should support the arts for the same reason that we value creative expression and ingenuity as human beings. I also value the arts because I understand that from time to time our society needs to take a mirror and have our people look at themselves. Artists provide that self-examination and keen, yet sometimes brutally honest observation of society. And let’s not forget, art is entertainment. We love the spectacle of seeing a gifted virtuoso onstage or watching a blank canvas transform into a work of art that resembles a reality separate from our own.

The entertainment aspect is honestly no different from what we get out of sports. We watch athletes because it’s entertaining and enjoy seeing people who are in their peak physical condition competing against similarly matched athletes. Yet time after time, schools and universities nation-wide increase the budgets of the sports teams (especially in the southeast), while the arts programs and facilities remain in constant fear and peril of being extinct on campus.

Parents send their children to specialized art schools where they can cultivate their artistic talents, but these schools remain on the fringe of the academic world. In addition, many parents may do this hesitantly because they feel their children will end up with a mountain of debt and no lucrative career to assist in paying it off.

My only answer is that the government can play a greater role in promoting the arts, specifically at the compulsory education levels of elementary, middle and high school. There are countless art galleries, museums, opera houses and dance halls funded by the government, that’s great! But I always hear complaints from the art teachers and band/orchestra directors at the schools. They complain about how the budget is being cut, teachers are losing their jobs; there is not enough interest in the programs, etc. There should always be government support for the arts and it starts at the school level.

Students who encompass a natural talent for the arts should not feel shunned. They should not feel that their set of skills is not valuable or lucrative within our society. As a musician, I have been told my entire life that music is great as a hobby, but why pursue it as a career?  I have been told by family members, friends, counselors, etc. that being a musician can and will end up in starving artist lifestyle. And because it is a “starving” artist lifestyle, there is no value in it.

In addition, as a minority, I understand that amongst the lower-income black and Hispanic youth, it is more popular and respected to take the route of an athlete. They believe that because athletes in the NBA or NFL get paid more money and are more popular in the mainstream media. The job of an athlete ultimately becomes more appealing and gratifying to the impressionable inner city youth. If a few of these kids with artistic inclinations knew that they would be guaranteed some sort of income by being involved in the fine arts, things would be different. And it has to start at the compulsory education level, this is the time when our country’s youth is programmed and will eventually turn into future citizens/taxpayers of America.

In general, how the government and taxpayers respond to the arts agenda and cause is largely contingent upon where and how we view ourselves as a society. As consumers, we are all bound by the pursuit of a greater profit. This is a fact. But on a day to day basis, people do not ask themselves where they envision this country in the future. What kind of leaders will we have elected, what institutions will be built, how will the rest of the world perceive America? These are all tough questions that make up an even greater equation about how we ultimately define the new American society and the new American values of the 21^st century.

But these questions have be to asked, at least evaluated- and the fate of the fine arts in our country should be one of these questions. My answer is simple. Fine arts education needs more funding at the compulsory education level. It is intrinsically tied to a child’s personal development and it is a public service to American society and culture.

*If you are seeking a solution on how to gain more funds for your fine arts program or start a fine arts program at your school, I would consult the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and find out where the funding sources in your state are.

You can access their site here and I would HIGHLY encourage you to read this article published by the NEA here

I also encourage students to start clubs at their schools. You may already have a band, orchestra, choir, art class, etc., but feel the curriculum doesn’t fit the needs of your current student body. First, talk to your teachers about it. Then see if you can start a club and highlight those art-related issues that you care most about. I was a part of a guitar club at my high school and it was a major part of my musical and personal development.

You can also partner with different organizations and people within your community. When I was in high school, my guidance counselor laughed when I said I wanted to play guitar and compose for a living. What she should have said is that I could seek out an internship at a local music venue or volunteer at a local theatre, art gallery or non-profit such as the NEA that works to protect and preserve the arts. Reach out to those other creative people in your community and help them make that community stronger.

Its the moment we’ve been waiting, it’s definitely been a journey getting to this point and we are glad to finally share it with you. Without further adieu I present to you the +F.i.A+ 2010 COLLECTION – lookbook. This years collection of tees, hats, pendants, and art prints, we’ll be up for sale in our newly revamped store this wednesday – so stay tuned to – www.freshiam.net/market // VIEW THE ENTIRE LOOKBOOK AFTER THE JUMP + enjoy

- + P E A C H E S + -
The line is representative of a southern youth culture reaching for something that reflects their true state of mind. It explores the randomness of a city with minimal diversity in it’s own micro culture. Each piece is meant to set the wearer apart from mainstream culture by putting them at a stark contrast to it by utilizing pastel colors and stark black. The collection is meant as a call to rise against the old ways of doing things so we may replace it with a new and fresh perspective.

This the rebellion of a generation that has been put down by the status quo. They, who have been told their dreams are not for them. They, who know the truth within their hearts. This is a message to those who have tried to force them to conform: WE SHALL NOT!!!

- SPECIAL THANKS -
Danniel pandolfi – styling
Onisha Roman – Model
Brittany Bosco – Wordrobe