An afternoon in Bushwick..
The other day I was given the chance to help out with a mural project in Brooklyn. I didn’t real think about how huge it would be, but once I got to the location it was a site to see. And it’s not even close to being finished. I don’t know when exactly I will be able to help out again, but when I do have some free time I will definitely be back.
johnsmalls.com version 36.5
Here’s another update to the site! I’ve been working on this layout for a few weeks now. Nothing to major but just enough to give the site an extra kick. The theme of the design came from an idea a friend on mine shot to me one day. He was saying how my logo looks similar to a moon. I didn’t really like that because my logo was a self portrait of myself. But after giving it some thought and letting what he had said sink it. The idea of my logo representing a moon over looking me as I work. I work on my art at night while I work during the day as a Graphic Designer. I let this whole concept marinate in my brain for a while and BAMM!! This is what came from that conversation. I decided to take the canvas art and my sketches down from the site and focus more on graphics and illustration. I will continue to paint but I’m just post up the pics in this blog. Also, another to to Japan is already in the works for later this year. Grinzilla Episode 2 Coming Soon!!
Yellow Fever…
Yeah some people call it that. I just say I’m inspired by some of the Asian Style. This piece was created for The VS. Project. Which is an online collaboration between artist, designers, and anybody else who wants to challenge themselves creatively. Check the site: http://www.thevsproject.com/
I call this Dragon and Flower. There is a movie out called Flower and Snake(it’s pretty bugged out). But check the movie and you’ll see exactly why I made this piece. And the theme for this project was sex, so that’s another reason why the chi chi’s are out.
The Calling.
This is what happen on a Sunday morning.
Guide to Nachos Pt. 1
It’s no secret I enjoy food and nachos are one of my favorite snack. Here’s a list of spots I’ve tried out. More will be added as I search for the ultimate plate of nachos-
Gonzalez Y Gonzalez
625 broadway, nyc
Beef nachos, plenty of beef included but not
enough sour cream. I didn’t enjoy the cheese
but the grub filled my appetite. Should have
gotten the chicken nachos.
4 out of 5
Maui Tacos
Chicken nachos, shredded cheese,
sour cream, some green stuff, chicken,
tomatoes. Average, not bad if your hungry
but there food all taste the same regardless.
3 out of 5
Trailer Park
on 23rd st. in Midtown.
And yes I had some nachos, so here’s my review:
Serious Nachos w/ turkey
Pretty chessey and a lot of turkey.
You can choose from beef, turkey or chicken.
And they also have a smaller version for like
six bucks I think. It didn’t fill me up but it
was good and I would definently order it again
whenever I’m in that area. I give it a 5 out of 5.
The Piano Bar
(somewhere off of Houston St. on the Lower East Side)
The Grand Nachos w/ sour cream, chicken(optional), homemade chile/guacamole.
This has been one of my FAVORITE plates of nachos so far!! It filled my appitite and it tasted great. I had a Brooklyn Lager with my meal I don’t think it added anything to the taste. But I was told I should mention what I had to drink with the nachos. The way they made the nachos was different than most I’ve tried. It came with chick peas and a really really spicy sauce. It was great but damn it was hot!! The spot was chill to. I will definently be taking a trip back for another plate. This one gets a 5 out of 5.
Visual Slang NYC: After the Show..
for more photos of the event. Peace-
Visual Slang NYC
Innovative artwork and global graffiti by over 20 artists crossing cultures, traditions and genres
Curated by Lois Stavsky with Michael Ponce
Featured artists include: Nir Aharon, Jim Avignon, Daze, Phil Frost, Meres, Kenji Nakayama, Khashayar Naimanan, John Smalls, Chris Cortes, Native, Nelson Rivas aka Zekis, and Spaze Crafte One
Opening reception: April 17, 6-8pm
Abrons Arts Center/Henry Street Settlement
466 Grand Street
NYC 10002
Contact: 917.562.8468 or 212.598.0400 ext 202
F to Delancey, J and M to Essex Street.
The Honorable
In the spirit of Easter I decided to recreate a piece I did back in 99′. Nothing major but it was important for me to knock this out once again. I don’t consider myself a religious person but I do have beliefs and a code I follow. So with that said I recreated this piece just to give thanks in my own way. It’d not finished, I will need another day or too depending on what other work I need to get done. You know the routine, check back in a few and look for the finished product. Peace-
Grin and Bear it…
Life has a strange way of teaching lessons and sharing wisdom. Recently, I met with a curator of an independent gallery in NYC. The exhibition will open in April and continue till mid June. I’m somewhat excited just for the fact that the work will be on display for two months in a popular area of the city. Also on display will be a black book section, where the participating artist will have there black books posted on display for visitors to check out. When it comes to my black books I don’t really let anyone view them or even hold on to them for two months. But this is a year of change so I have to break away from some of mu old habits and share a little. And speaking of sharing I got hit with a notice from my internet provider about movie downloading. I’m not saying I did that but not all sharing is good if you know what I mean. The things is the movie they said I downloaded I just brought on DVD. That ain’t right…Anyways back to the art…I’m still knocking out my JP Sketchbook. It’s taking some time because I want to make it right. The visuals and I want to add little bits of color in certain pieces.
Timeless is kindness..
Here’s the latest update from the mind of Capt’n Grin. Over the last few weeks I got hit with bills and stress. I almost lost it a few times. But I just kept with the plan and things worked out for the best. Finally got a chance to put up some sketches I’ve been working on from my trip to JP. It’s not many but it is a start in a book I’m working on. With each new sketchbook I try to stick to a theme or purpose. Something to challenge myself creatively. You might notice the store has changed a bit. The company I was setup with is on some shady nonsense with payments, so I’m no longer dealing with them. The “Morning Bird” print is for sale. I screen printed each one myself and signed them individually, so make purchase and collect my art. My future plans consist of new art of course but this year I’m working on a smaller scale. Not those huge pieces you maybe use to seeing my work on. I’m with a new company so that will influence my style too. Keep an eye out. Also, checkout www.mwcreates.com. This girl is sick with the camera her site is dope too. Peace-
The Grin is Back!!
I got back in town this evening. The trip back was long and typical of the New York commute. That’s one thing I miss about Japan, the efficiency of the train lines among other things. It ‘s been two weeks away from the 9 to 5 and the art scene. I’m came back focused, ready to create and take things to another level like one should do at the start of a new year. New work will definitely be coming soon.
Cherry blossoms never last..
So since my trip to japan I’ve been working on some new art and experimenting with some new patterns and techniques. in the next few weeks i will be posting a preview of the latest work. the tokyo art scene is a inspiration for any artist of any style.
jay loves japan(^___^)
I’ve been here a week so far. Japan is a place full of history and style and a very live and active culture. before coming arriving in Japan i studied some words and phrases so i could sound somewhat like i been here before,that help a little. but i picked up some new vocab: shochu(a Korean drink served in JP that’s strong and flavorful), oolon hai, arigato gozaimasu and a few others. I’m staying in Tokyo but Tokyo is freaking huge!! so each day i go to different district/area (similar to the way NYC has boroughs). i don’t have a favorite but hirajuku is a dope spot. the t-shirts over here are sick!! one can go broke just going from shop to shop, but its worth it. theres many snealer spots too. ive seen a few dunks and some sb dunks but ima get the footwear last. so far I’ve been to shibuya, asakusa, kamakura, tama river, ginza(and fifth ave cant even compare to ginza shopping!), the imperial palace, ofuna and roppongi. theyre many more places to check out while I’m here. I’ve been sketching a lot and taking pics. i started a sketchbook while i was at the airport and I’m halfway finished. theyve been having earthquakes since i arrived, but thats common herre. people dont even care if the house shakes or if they have a tsunami. theyre use to it. for the most part japan is chill, very fast forward environment. the way the system works is for the benefit of the people and the people go with the system because it works well. everyone recycles and does there part to keep thinngs clean. i havent seen any dirty neighborhoods in the the areas ive been too. the funny thing is people are for healthy living and excercising but so many people smoke. you cant avoid cigarette smoke at all! if youre seeing typos thats becasue im using a foreign laptop so some of the keys are different.
GRINZILLA 2007
It’s been in the works for a while so it was bound to happen. John Grin Invades Tokyo. In a few days kaos will break havoc once again in the islands of Japan. An artistic voyage of discovery and exploitation, beer drinking and tattooing. I could continue but what would be the point. Periodically, I will post pics and sketches of places I visit and people I meet. I have no expectations, a roundtrip ticket and an open mind. The rest is up to chance-
First of many..
Welcome to the Daily Mission. To focus more on art I set some creative goals for myself this year. First, to make as much art as I can without thinking about what I’m creating, just let it flow as it comes to me. Second, to post work more often and share it with the world. The title “Daily Mission” is a reminder to focus on the little things in life that we often forget about in our daily lives.It’s a mission not to forget why I make art or how I came this far in life with it…
Here’s some new work for the new year! Well it’s not exactly new to some of you but I made some changes to these pieces to take them a step further. Be expecting many new works of art and design this year. It’s 2007 Year of the Hustle!
“Untitled” 16 ” x 20 ” Acrylic, ink and paper on canvas 2006
“Untitled” 16 ” x 20 ” Acrylic, ink and paper on canvas 2006
“Untitled” 20 ” x 16 ” Acrylic, ink and paper on canvas 2006
I wasn’t sure on what to name the series so for now it’s Untitled….
Peace- J. Smalls
