Waxin' & Milkin'

I Guess I'll Update This Blog....

2008-09-03T00:19:00.002-04:00

So yeah, sorry for never updating Blogger, but I have since moved on to Tumblr. Someday I'll start writing again instead of posting images but until then, Waxin' and Milkin' has relocated (for some time now) to Tumblr.

- Management

Random: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

2008-05-21T14:00:00.000-04:00

Art: They Shootin!

2008-05-10T00:27:00.004-04:00

You a slave to a page in my rhyme book.

Posters: C30 C60 C90 GO!

2008-03-27T02:53:00.005-04:00

Promo poster for a mixtape project I am trying to organize. Inspired by the ultimate mixtape anthem "C30 C60 C90 Go!" by Bow Wow Wow. Rumor has it Malcolm Mclaren had the b-side of the cassette single of the song left blank, encouraging people to tape over it and make their own mixtape. However, their label wasn't too happy about that so they pulled the single off the shelves.

In other awesome mixtape related news...

Italian designer Marcella Foschi makes these custom made wallets out of old cassette tapes:

More info via DESIGN BOOM

Then there is this genius of a concept by SUCK UK...the USB mixtape drive!

Here it is in action:

More info via SUCK UK

Lastly, I leave you with a clip from the best (and only?) film about the art of the mixtape, High Fidelity. Here is Jack Black talking about his Monday Mix he makes for Cusack.

Special thx to TAPEDECK.org for the cassette images.

Viva la mixtapes!

Photos: Girls & Vespas

2008-03-26T00:44:00.000-04:00

More photos of girls and vespas can be found here: Vespa Club des Savoie

Pale Horse Presents: The 2nd Coming Art Show!

2008-03-15T03:39:00.002-04:00

“Pale Horse” is the fourth horse of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the forces of man’s destruction, described in the Book of Revelations. So it seemed only logical that the first art show under the new name should be Four Horseman themed/inspired. “The Second Coming” Art Show will showcase Four Horseman artwork by 30+ renowned fine artists, illustrators and designers, across North America and Europe, in various mediums and countless interpretations.

This exhibit includes new works by Kathie Olivas, Brandt Peters, Rob Schwager, Hydro 74, Bask, Red Labor, Jarrod Eastman, Steak Mountain, Horsebites, Dan Mumford Josh Taylor and many more. You may have seen artwork by these artists in magazines like Juxtapoz and Computer Arts, as the cover art for your favorite CD, on the t-shirt you are wearing right now or at other galleries across the globe. Well-known, Tampa Bay area artist, Brandon Dunlap, is also co-curating the show.

The opening reception is Saturday, March 15th from 8:00 - 11:00 pm at 19 MLK Jr. St. S., St. Petersburg, FL. There is no cover, all ages are welcome and free drinks with proper ID. Music provided by DJ Muggles. Sponsored by Scion and Red Bull.

The exhibit will remain on display until Saturday, March 29th during normal gallery hours and will also be available to view and purchase online after the opening. For more details, directions and gallery hours, visit www.palehorsedesign.com.

Complete Artist Lineup:

Carrie Ann Baade (www.carrieannbaade.com)
Bask (www.myspace.com/baskinyourthoughtcrimes)
Alex Cherry (www.ofsoundandvision.com)
Calavera Comics (www.calaveracomics.com)
Jaisen Crockett (crockett.carbonmade.com)
Kyler Daniels (www.myspace.com/kylerdannels)
Brandon Dunlap (www.brandondunlap.com)
Jarrod Eastman (www.jrodart.com)
Fat Punk Studio (www.fatpunkstudio.com)
Heather Gabel (www.myspace.com/heatherhannoura)
Sean Gardner (www.53an.com)
Allen Hampton (flickr.com/photos/allenhampton)
Erik Holmen (epyon550.digitalart.org/?ID=6207&section=artwork)
Horsebites (www.horsebitesdesign.com)
Hydro 74 (www.hydro74.com)
Erik Jones (www.theirison.com)
Jason June (www.jasonjune.com)
Nicholas Mitchell (www.artistnem.com)
Dan Mumford (www.myspace.com/takeittotheboneyard)
Chris Musina (www.myspace.com/chrismusinaart)
Kathie Olivas (www.miserychildren.com)
Chris Parks (www.palehorsedesign.com)
Brandt Peters (www.brandtpeters.com)
Tony Philippou (www.tonyphilippou.com)
Red Labor (www.redlabor.com)
Joe Scarano (www.joescarano.com)
Rob Schwager (www.robschwager.com)
SmileMaker (www.myspace.com/baskew)
Steak Mountain (www.steakmtn.com)
Halsey Swain (www.myspace.com/haleycaust)
Josh Taylor (www.joshtaylorart.net)
Terribly Odd (www.terriblyodd.com)
Troy White (www.twhitedesign.com)
Anthony Zollo (www.myspace.com/azollo)

About Pale Horse – Formerly Blackout Creations, Pale Horse is a graphic design studio founded by Chris Parks and located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. Regularly, Pale Horse also serves as an art gallery showcasing works from local, national and international artists and a retail store with artist t-shirts, prints and more. Find out more about Pale Horse at www.palehorsedesign.com.

This shit is gonna be crazy....don't miss this! Also this guy Mark Malazarte along with Calavera Comics will be there so...show some love :D

Song of the Day: Soulwax - NY Excuse

2008-03-08T05:22:00.007-05:00

Artist: Soulwax
Song: NY Excuse
Album: Any Minute Now
Year: 2004

One of my favorite videos.

Plus, from Thursday's Justice show @ Firestone in Orlando ("We Are Your Friends" + "NY Excuse" remix + "Master of Puppets"):

What a fucking show.

Photos: Random Tampa Photography

2008-02-24T17:36:00.006-05:00

Random photography in and around Tampa and St. Petersburg, FL. Taken between Feb. 16-23, 2008.

Art: Helvetica Names

2008-02-18T17:27:00.007-05:00

Because there aren't ENOUGH knockoffs of the Experimental Jetset Beatles Helvetica name tees.

Commercials: Will Ferrell for Old Spice

2008-02-14T01:51:00.008-05:00

New TV ads for Old Spice deodorant, as advertised by Jackie Moon, Will Ferrell's new character for his 70's ABA comedy, "Semi-Pro". Design/advertising geniuses Wieden + Kennedy (who also did the previous ads featuring Bruce Campbell...as well as you know, making Nike cool) did the commercial. I am not sure if their rebranding of Old Spice has any bearing on me purchasing Old Spice recently, but I do dig me some Old Spice. So, kudos on another brilliant ad campaign!

NOTE: I know I have been slacking on the updates but I promise the rest of the month I will feverishly update on a daily basis and to top it off, I will honor Black History Month by having each one of my posts dedicated to a person(s) of African descent. SAY IT LOUD!

Music: N.A.S.A. (North America South America)

2008-02-09T02:52:00.000-05:00

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHEN THIS DROPS??? TALK ABOUT EPIC.

Song of the Day: Stevie Wonder - Boogie On Reggae Woman

2008-02-01T17:39:00.000-05:00

Not quite as funky as "Superstition", but this song is bangin' nonetheless. That electro bassline is crazy. Plus it's got a pretty long harmonica solo....in a funk song. Plus it has nothing to do with reggae. Stevie was way ahead of his time.

Artist: Stevie Wonder
Song: Boogie On Reggae Woman
Album: Fulfillingness' First Finale
Year: 1974

Events: This Weekend!

2008-02-01T12:37:00.001-05:00

Friday 8PM (doors) | $15
Girl Talk
More info: Pulp the Party!

Saturday 8:30PM (VIP) 10PM (doors) | $15
Dirty But Sophisticated IV
More info: Dirty But Sophisticated

E're body gonna be up in CZAR this weekend! You should to!

Art: Fun With Helvetica

2008-02-01T03:00:00.001-05:00

Pretty quick and simple design exercise using shapes/colors/type.

Artist: Meggs

2008-01-31T20:21:00.000-05:00

No he's not the guy who wrote the graphic design textbook they made you read in school, but I'm sure Australian artist MEGGS has picked up a few things from it though. Coming from a graffiti background, Meggs mixes graff pieces, cartoony illustrations, and more recently pop art and comic book styles into his work creating very stark visuals with a strong graphic design sense.

I'm going to stop talking now and just show his work.

Ah, the use of white space. Not enough artists utilize the empty space on a canvas. Big ups to MEGGS for showing people how it's done.

That's right, I did just say "big ups".

Music: The Velvet Underground & Nico - Femme Fatale (Live)

2008-01-31T02:23:00.000-05:00

Yesss the blog is back. The Velvet Underground are one of my favorite bands (up there with the Beatles, the Clash, and Beastie Boys) and although they are known for their avant-garde noise or psychedelic garage rock, they (along with Nico) can do some pretty mellow and great songs like this ode to Edie Sedgwick. I'm not sure what year this is from but Lou Reed is rockin a SERIOUS jewfro. Watch out.

EDIT: I think this was from Nico's solo tour (brown hair, not blonde) and Lou and maybe Jon Cale toured with her at some point....so it's not 100% the band. Nevertheless, Nico for the win.

Art: Lucha Cards

2008-01-17T01:16:00.001-05:00

RANDOM. (actual luchadore drawing by Alexis Ziritt)

Posters: The Wackness

2008-01-15T19:02:00.000-05:00

OK I know very little about this film except that's it is set in New York City and from what IMDB tells me it is a:

"Story, set in 1994, centers on a troubled teenage drug dealer and a drug-addled psychiatrist -- after the former trades pot for therapy sessions, then falls for the doctor's daughter."

However, I saw the poster today (thanks to JoBlo) and I could not help but be intrigued. Old-school graffiti type? Ben Kingsley and Method Man...and an Olsen twin? Plus the movie is actually called THE WACKNESS.

Consider me interested...

Music: DJ Dâm-Funk - Boogie Funk 2008

2008-01-14T16:03:00.000-05:00

Another podcast from Stones Throw records, only this time bringing some serious serious funk. Courtesy of DJ Dâm-Funk.

Tracklist (thanks to Treasure & Nuggets):

THE ANTILLES - "I've Got To Have You" :: Creole / '83
GODMOMA - "Godmoma Here" :: Elektra / '81
CIRCLE CITY BAND - "Magic" (instr ver.) :: Circle City / '83
UNO - "Boogie Beat" :: Tryon Park / '80
RAH BAND - "Messages From The Stars" :: TMT / '83
SIDE ON - "Magic" :: Beggars Banquet / '83
SAVANNA - "Never Let You Go" :: R&B / '82
ZALMAC - "I Get Down" :: TSOB / '82
VAUGHAN MASON featuring BUTCH DAYO - "You Can Do It" (instr. ver.) :: Salsoul / '83
WIZARD - "It's On" :: Chocolate Cholly's / '82
GASTON - "Everywhere a Funk, Funk" :: Chocolate Cholly's / '81
CAROL CHINNETE w/ The Concrete Band - "Cyanide Love" :: Zilco / '84
AARON BROOMFIELD - "Polyphase (Instrumental Poly Rythums) :: Mountain / '83
WYND CHYMES - "Baby You're The One" :: Shakin' / '80
INDEX - "Starlight (The Break)" :: Record Shack of London / '81
FIREFLY - "Show Me Tonight" :: Emergency / '82
NEXUS - "Stand Up" (instr. ver) :: Mr. Disc / '83
JAMES PANTS - "Ka$h" (instr. ver.) :: Stones Throw / '07
THE VERDICT - "That's Where I Come In" :: Nuance / '8?
PEE WEE - "Be My Girl" :: Streetwise / '82
BARON ZEN - "Burn Rubber" (dãm-funk Remix / instr. ver.) :: Stones Throw / '07

Podcast: Stones Throw Records
Download: HERE

Music: Justice - Xmas Mix

2008-01-14T14:54:00.000-05:00

I am sure everyone else is probably blogging about this, but the story goes that Justice made a rather off-the-wall mix for Fabriclive and they rejected it saying it's too different and not long enough. Long story short, Justice turned their mix into a "Xmas Mix" and gave it to only a select few people and I was one of those elite few. Hah. No I got this from someone else's blog like anyone else, and now YOU can get it off of another person's blog as well! Hooray!

Tracklist:

Sparks – Tryouts For The Human Race
Rondo Veneziano – La Serenissima
Goblin – Tenebrae
Daft Punk – Ouverture
Surkin – Next Of Kin
SymbolOne – Love Juice
The Korgis – Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime
Midnight Juggernauts – Ending Of An Era
The Paradise – In Love With You
Justice – TTHHEE PPAARRTTYY (Acapella...so technically it's really Uffie)
Chic – Everybody Dance
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – Who Loves You
Das Pop – Underground
Julien Clerc – Quand Je Joue
Daniel Balavoine – Vivre Ou Survivre
Richard Sanderson – Reality
Zoot Woman – Grey Day
Fucking Champs – Thor Is Like Immortal
The Rave – Mother
Fancy – You Never Know
Frank Stallone – Far From Over
Sheila – Misery
Todd Rundgren – International Feel

Download: HERE, HERE, or HERE

In all, I think it's a rather awesome mix. This is what makes Justice Justice is that no matter how much you pigeon hole them as another Daft Punk or another elctro-dance duo, they do pretty innovative shit like this and continue to be a few steps ahead of the game.

This is what making mixtapes is all about.

Dylan: Takes You To Church

2008-01-13T13:48:00.000-05:00

taken from a comic given to us by Josh Bayer at the 2007 MoCCA art festival.

Song: Bad Brains - Leaving Babylon

2008-01-12T01:28:00.000-05:00

Off of their self-titled debut, this song showcases the band's reggae influence and shows that just because you are the rawest grimiest punk/hardcore band does not mean you can't get your Sly & Robbie on. BTW if you look up I based my icon after their lightning bolt.

Download HERE.

Photo: Best Photo Ever?

2008-01-12T00:56:00.000-05:00

After much deliberating and surveying I have come to the conclusion that this photo very well may be the BEST. PHOTO. EVER. That's right, beating even Alberto Korda's infamous Che Guevara photo or everyone's favorite burning monk. This is it right here. Yeah, suck it Avedon.

Style: Watches

2008-01-11T21:07:00.000-05:00

Not really a big fan of watches, well, in fact I hate watches--I don't even wear one besides my Star Wars one (nerd!) occasionally--but the following are a collection of (what I think are) watches of the dope variety. Oh and I don't keep up with my watch game as I do with shoes, so I'm not sure if these are old or new, at all. I just happen to like them. Observe.

For the distinguished gentleman:

When you need to wear all black:

When you want to get your James Bond (Sean Connery, not Pierce Brosnan) on:

When you want to get your Dick Tracy on:

When you want to get your Maxwell Smart on:

When you wa--um, nothing to say, I just like this...I mean it's got a YELLOW band c'mon:

This is a little too Kanye, but the all white is pretty cool:

In my quest to own all things bright red, I must have this:

Jean-Michel Basquiat watches...I'm generally opposed to rockin artwork but these would be an exception:

Lastly, Corto Maltese watches! Dope! (these are an exception too):

Ah there you have it. Although I prefer to keep my wrists and body free of any type of jewelry (outside of a club wristband) I wouldn't mind wearing these though. But for the time being, I like to keep my hands free from any time constraints. GET IT BECAUSE IT TELLS TIME AND CONSTRAINTS MY WRISTS FROM BREATHING. I hate you watch.

Humor: Conan writer's strike

2008-01-10T01:49:00.000-05:00

Conan is so awesome.

Random Music: Klymaxx - Meeting in the Ladies Room

2008-01-09T17:54:00.000-05:00

John Stamos look-a-like poppin' and lockin' on a electro gym chair? "Don't slap me, cause I'm not in the mood."? The silver wig? The pseudo spoken word rapping? I can't handle it.

What Is Art?

2008-01-08T22:40:00.000-05:00

So, what is exactly the definition of art?
Ferris and company ponder this same question...

Courtesy of The Root 42:

Haik sez...

" Art is the 18th episode of the Dilbert animated series. It originally aired on November 9, 1999."

sxates sez...

" Art is bullshit."

Ani sez...

"This question becomes more and more difficult to answer as the boundaries of art are being stretched and challenged constantly. Especially with the emergence of the post modern movement. But I think that's where the beauty and fascination lies. Art has as many definitions as the number of people on this earth. I think the essential thing is for each person to figure this out on their own, and the process of "figuring it out" is most enriching."

ström sez...

"I think, regardless of what definition we try to give it, the conversation will not end. Nor should it; the discussion of art brings huge insight into the conception of what constitutes interpretation, creation, and intelligent thought in general. Art is one factor that separates "intelligent" life from otherwise; art has existed as a concept for as long as humans have lived in groups. Communication began as "art;" drawing figures to convey meaning. Story-telling, oratory art, gave rise to true language. Cave paintings pre-dated all of these. Before we could even communicate effectively with one another, we were producing interpretable forms.

Art isn't one thing or another. Its definition is a means of forwarding advanced thought, and its application is a means of expressing our unique position among the set of living things. I think this is the only thing I can say for certain about art:

Art was, is, and will be."

Fai sez...

" thank fuck im an illustrator! i hate art!"

Dan Savage stole this quote...

"Art makes poblems and Design solves them."

sparky sez...

"Personally I think art is whatever it is to you, and that no one can tell you what is or isn't art, or put boundaries or constraints on your definition of art. Pretty much kills any discussion but hey-ho thats just my view."

Russell sez...

"I always thought, in the absolute sense, that art was purely subjective. So, ya, I agree, if you just paint a wall red, then it's not art, but if you create something that reflected your inner workings and thoughts then it could be considered art, whether or not one found it attractive, or appealing, because it is entirely subjective.

Design becomes more objective even though it's main tool is art, which is subjective. Design takes the subjective experience and creates in order to serve a specific purpose, which is essentially art, but is executed with a goal in mind other than self-expression."

Lucero sez...

"A teacher in a creative writing class doesn't want their students to come up with the next great American classic every week during warm-ups. Art is very much about solving philosophical problems that require lots of thought to narrow down how they're going to be represented."

Clark sez...

"Why would words be necessary to explain it, if it qualified as "art"? To me, the heart and soul of art is to describe something without needing words. If a piece needs more than a title, the name of the artist, and the date of creation, then can we really call it art?"

Mike Mates sez...

" Art doesn't need pretenses. It's something that has a different meaning to just about everyone."

skooder mcgavin sez...

" art is content, with a context."

lastly, Terry shines some mighty words of wisdom...

" Bob Ross is art. End. Of. Thread."

So with this entire discussion of what the definition of art is, one can only come to the conclusion that art is purely subjective and cannot be defined for there are no set of rules to define it with. Art is this conundrum which drives us that we love and hate at the same time.

Frustrated Art: Hey Ladies

2008-01-07T20:12:00.000-05:00

What does this piece mean? I don't know. I guess it was inspired by Jay's line in "Chasing Amy" about there being only "one bitch...one bitch with many faces" plus the DJ Mehdi remix of "Ice Cream" by New Young Pony Club. I'm going to work on this piece more and unclutter the hell out of it but for now though, and for the sake of posting every day, here it is.

Random Music: Jackson 5 - Can You Feel It?

2008-01-06T16:51:00.000-05:00

"In the beginning, when land was pure, even in the early morning light you can see the beauty in the forms of nature. Soon men and women of every color and shape would be here too. And they would find it all too easy sometimes not to see the colors and to ignore the beauty in each other. But they would never lose sight of the dream of a better world they could unite and build together, in triumph."

Can You Feel It:

Hooooly shit. If you start your music video off like that, it's bound to be of epic proportions. Unfortunately for the Jacksons, it was a little more style than substance. I guess Michael was the only Jackson to really think of themselves that way the rest were quite happy fading off into obscurity and doing reunion tours whenever they needed the extra money.

It's hilarious though that at that given point in time the Jacksons were on top of the world I guess. So much that they felt the need to make a music video showing just that. That they created the universe and modern civilization and that their music and very presence spreads light and rainbows to the little kids. It's crazy because they probably, well Michael at least, genuinely believed this.

Speaking of, this video is definitely the precursor to the years to come, where Michael Jackson took the idea of music video to new heights and probably the best it will ever be. It's crazy how they didn't even care about Randy's vocals and had obnoxious laser and water sound effects going on while he was singing. Apparently this video was also the inspiration for nu-ravers (what is with this word?) Klaxons and the video for their gem, "Golden Skans". Only, with ribbons, glam rock, and interpretive dancing. Just when you thought the Jacksons' concept could not be topped, well, yeah you're right. The Klaxons video isn't anything amazing but it is an amazing song though. One could argue it's avant garde and is indeed a work of art but I dunno. It seems like their message was lost in their need to be so artsy. Great song, and band, though.

Golden Skans:

The verdict:

Can You Feel It: better video
Golden Skans: better song

Someone should take the Jackson footage and mix it with the Klaxons song. Maybe that would balance things out. You could even call it Klaxon 5. New idea for a mash-up anyone?

Rudo: Issue 2, Pg. 1

2008-01-05T17:30:00.001-05:00

uh here's my stuff thus far for Rudo issue #2. Photo collages are the shit!

Friday Movies: This is England

2008-01-04T11:30:00.000-05:00

This is England

Written & Directed by:
Shane Meadows
2007, UK

Runtime: 101 minutes

Based on director Shane Meadows' own life, This Is England is a coming-of-age film set in 1983 England. After getting into a fight in school, Shaun, a 12 year old who lost his father to the Falklands War, meets a group of skinheads and becomes a part of the gang. Soon after he shaves his head, gets some Doc Martens, a Ben Sherman shirt, suspenders, starts listening to The Specials, and embodies the rebellious British youth of the eighties. Things take a turn for the serious when the gang's leader Woody, gets a surprise visit from old friend Combo, played by the amazing Stephen Graham (Tommy "Who took the jam out of your donut?" from Snatch), has just been released from prison and tries to get the gang to join the National Front. The rest of the film follows Shaun as he tries to figure his life out, finding love and a father figure on the way, as well as what it means to be British.

This film really captures the eighties, especially the British skinhead scene, perfectly. The fashion, the music, and the characters are all very genuine and really make the film seem like it could have been made in 1983 (minus the bad camerawork of the 80's). The story is well-written and shares a similar plot with another film dealing with youth and racism, American History X, but the two films are ultimately different. What makes me like this movie so much is that it really captures the attitude of British youth not just in the eighties but in general. Everything from the Madonna/Cyndi Lauper looking Smell, the cool Jamaican Milky, the leader punk with a heart of gold Woody, and of course the lead Shaun, played by newcomer Thomas Turgoose, are all genuine British characters. Then there is also the character of Combo, much like Ed Norton in American History X, Stephen Graham really captures the insanity and instability of a nationalist with a troubled childhood.

This film also does very well one of the elements in film that are a bit overused (cough, Wes Anderson) but oh so awesome when done well: the montage. The film starts off with Toots & The Maytals' "54-46 Was My Number" with images of 80's television showing cartoons, TV shows, war protests, the wedding of Princess Di and Prince Charles, footage of the Falklands War, and of course, skinheads. Besides this, there is also another great montage in the film that I really liked. After Shaun gets his new skinhead makeover they play another Toots & Maytals jam, a cover of "Louie Louie" then shows the gang play some football, go swimming, throw rocks, goof around, step on puddles, and walk like badasses in slow motion. Now there's another thing that's a bit played out too (Wes Anderson, again, sorry), but sometimes you can not go wrong with the slow-mo shot of people walking down a street looking bad ass. A Clockwork Orange did it right, the Beastie Boys "Sabotage" video, Reservoir Dogs, and now This is England. Anyways, montages like those really add a good sense of style in this film not just for aesthetics, but in doing so, provide a simple yet amazing job of capturing England in the eighties.

Here's how you do montage:

Overall, this is a great stylish film with a superb soundtrack with top notch acting featuring a phenomenal Gary Oldman caliber performance from Stephen Graham.

Like Trainspotting before it, this film should be seen by anyone remotely interested in British culture and shows what true England is all about, not the Bourgeois posh tea and crumpets England Americans often stereotype.

Story: 7
Cinematography: 8
Cast: 8.5
Soundtrack: 9

Mark's overall rating: 8.5 / 10

Minor complaint: WTF this movie has to have the most production companies I have ever seen. There is seriously like 7 companies they show before the movie even starts. And it's not just like flashing their name, they each have their own little motion graphics animated logos.

That said, this movie is definitely worth having to sit through all those though.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T08:03:00.001-05:00

here is a track by myself and Nick

keepin your christmas nice and funky

first post!

2007-11-19T00:50:00.000-05:00

this blog will consist of all my daily musings of art, music, film, books, random shit, rants, as well as anything else i feel the need to post for mine and your amusement.

the madness begins (officially) january 1st.