JRF for GDS

A new skateboard shop, Guilford Dairy Skate in Greensboro, NC, recently contacted me about doing some graphics. After learning about the building that houses the retail operation, a former neighborhood dairy bar, I immediately started researching the history of the now-defunct, Guilford Dairy Co-op. Fortunately, I was able to discover an assortment of vintage Guilford Dairy milk bottles, ice cream cartons and related items. Those objects, complete with their elegant and simple, 1950's era, agricultural-style branding, served as reference and inspiration for the graphic solutions above.

Thanks to shop owner/operator, Kevin Townsend, for tracking me down and giving me creative freedom on this project. Look for an limited edition series of boards and tees to be released by Guilford Dairy Skate sometime soon.

SK843 / The Art of Skateboarding

(...it's been two weeks since I blogged, so I am a little rusty. Bear with me here...)

Do you live in or around Dallas, Texas? Then you may to check out The Art of Skateboarding, a silent auction fundraiser featuring 200 unique, one-off skateboards. The event will benefit the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital and the Dallas Arts Community and is presented by Nomad Arts and Hype Skateboards.

Many thanks to former Pool local and fellow SK843'er, David Chaiken, for inviting me to participate. Above is my contribution and donation: a one-off, one-color on natural finish, SK843 deck.

For those of you who don't live in or around Dallas, no word on whether or not remote and/or online bidding will be available for the one night event....

JASON ROACH PT.3

Today, October 13th, would have been the 37th birthday of an old friend of mine, Jason Alan Roach. Jason was a Savannah local who was known to terrorize the Historic District of the city during all hours of the day or night. His agility and speed upon a skateboard was nothing less than amazing...his generous spirit and infectious smile was unforgettable, too.

His friends and family have started a non-profit charity in his memory, JAR Skateboards, which aims to bring skateboarding to at-risk youth. I have been doing what I can to contribute my time, designs, and archive of 35mm photography to support them and honor Jason. Above is a proposed poster design for JAR; a photo of Jason at Kevin Taylor's backyard ramp in 1990.

Happy Birthday, Roach!!

RIP Brendan Mullen

I received word this morning that Brendan Mullen, the soft-spoken Scotsman and the founder of the underground LA club, The Masque, has passed away. The Masque, which existed from roughly 1977-1979, debuted several notable bands including X, the Go-Go's, the Dickies, the Skulls, Controllers, the Bags, Eyes, the Deadbeats and many more. Other acts that were regulars at the basement venue were The Germs, The Weirdos, The Screamers, Dils, Zeros, and the Alleycats. (Above portrait courtesy of Swindle Magazine/Adam Wallacavage.)

Thankfully, Brendan's story has been recorded and preserved within the pages of Live at The Masque, Nightmare in Punk Alley, released in 2007 by Ginko Press and R77. In 2007, I had the good fortune to team up with Brendan on the design of the above screenprint, which used an assemblage of  his original, hand-drawn flyers that advertised upcoming gigs. It was a real honor to work with him and I am grateful to have had such an opportunity.

Rest well, Brendan. Read the LA Times obituary here.

HOW TO MAKE A STENCIL

In continuation of Hurley's 'Against the Grain' webisode series, this new episode shows the basics of making stencils.  The whole sequence was shot at my studio, improv style, starting only with a few tools and some photocopies. The entire design was performed in front of the camera, right as you see it, without any planning or additional takes/shooting. Many thanks to the Director, Greg Roman, for making it nice and coherent with our first 'How-To' on 'zines, earlier this summer...check it out.

PCP Design

Back in February, I was asked to design a graphic identity for a new company, Poster Child Prints. The now-launched enterprise already had a few, key elements in mind; cherubs, banners, etc. Refining those initial ingredients was a bit of a challenge, but I made it work. I was also able to develop a number of monograms (which would function as an official print chop) as well as solidify the typography and the overall composition/lockup of the graphic. Above are a few snaps of the in-progress, final ink as well as earlier versions/sketches and related studies...and I managed to stay true to my  blend of analog and digital processes. You can see the final result of this logo at Poster Child Prints.

JRF for PCP Release

Well, it's been several months of anticipation for the launch of Poster Child Prints, and now it's a reality. PCP is a new Los Angeles-based, fine art edition publisher that has assembled a rather wide roster of artists; Adam Wallacavage, Mark Mothersbaugh (of DEVO), Mike Giant, Saber, Dalek (James Marshall), Jim Houser, Friends with You, Cool Disco Dan, Taki 183 and many more. I am also included on the above roster and very proud of it...

You may recall that back in May, I shared a couple of previews of a new print design; Patience & Discipline, Patience & Discipline II, detailing some of the process. The prints, Untitled (Border Series), are sold only as a complete set of four for $60. The edition size is 85. Each print features artist-mixed, four colors, measures 9" x 12", is signed, and numbered and features the PCP chop on the lower left. The film for each print was also hand-cut (Patience & Discipline!). I hope to extend this series over the coming months as well as expand the physical size of the prints...

If you'd like to purchase this print, or view some of the other releases available at PCP, please visit their site here.