Something is always left behind

I have been reprimanded by friends and loved ones for choosing two locations (ad nauseum) for my personal escapes. These locations happen to be Tokyo and New York. 

Against their better judgment, I escaped to the latter once more, and I must admit, I always feel like a part of me is whole when I'm out there. It could be an escapist mentality--where in reality, if I had settled in, it would be no different than where I currently reside. 

However, I think this might be different. I saw many good friends and I enjoyed some surprise encounters as well. Perhaps it was the fact that I experienced my first birthday outside of California in over 20 years. Or perhaps I'm simply getting older and my priorities are shifting more and more. 

A fine and introspective time for this Persian. I appreciate all my friends and loved ones (new, old, and removed) for contributing to who I am and for allowing me to contribute to their existence. Deep!

Also, for the record--I do plan to escape to a new part of the world. Never say I didn't try something new. 

Pellegrino gave me a family portrait

For the last two years I've been seeing more and more awesome stuff on SF's own Spoke Art from the talented Rich Pellegrino. I meant to partake, but life got in the way. 


I eventually resolved that folly when I saw this new gem on its limited run. I had to pick it up. I hope you enjoy--looks even better on my wall. 

Here is a taste of his other work.

Ireland does good

I stumbled upon Ruben Ireland's (you get one guess as to where he's from) awesome work recently and was completely charmed. So charmed in fact that I am dedicating a section of my living room to his work. Let's not even go into the headache of getting big packages shipped from Europe--totally worth it. 


Two very limited edition pillows for one of the couches and a lovely framed piece for the center.

Take a look: 

See me reminisce about objects, sounds, and locations

One of the most intriguing things about the human mind is its ability to associate locations, sounds, and objects with events and people. Not just a rough association—rather, a clear and almost methodical ability to remember specific details when recalling a memory.

I tried to do some research on this and after looking through dozens of asinine mind maps, I began to stop trying to place logic or order to how the brain functions in this respect.  

So instead of conducting a fruitless hunt, I decided to simply venerate this neat ability and share my impressions of it.

Personally, my mind often tends to lose focus on what I did just last week, but somehow, when a particular song plays, I can immediately recall a detailed memory of the past. How is it that the brain is able to discern that this particular song was played years ago and how can it clearly recall all of the associated details (i.e. the people, surrounding, mood, atmosphere, etc.)? Yet this same mind  cannot recall a recent conversation or what happened the week prior?

I can visit a location I have not been to in years, but the moment I see it again, the past comes flooding in again in full detail--my mind begins to reminisce about the specific time I last arrived in the location and I can recall what I did, wore, said, and felt. Some of these memories could be from over 15 years ago, but they suddenly seem like a recent memory.

Sitting at a table, I can look at an object—something as simple as a book and I can immediately remember the first time I received it, the memories I had sharing that book with someone, the discussion that may have surrounded me whilst the book was being held. This is such an odd thing.

The ability to recollect the past in this way and reminisce is probably one of the greatest gifts we have.  Also, the way that physical objects trigger memories reminds me that I can never go digital in terms of everything I own. I need those tangible objects and locations as much as I need to hear sounds and see images to trigger the memories that make me believe in how powerful our minds really are.

With that said, remembering the past is a double-edged sword in many ways. It’s a challenge since we can't control when our minds are recollecting all of this information. Based on your current situation and when you perceive these thoughts, you may be filled with delight or experience unwanted anxiety.


So yes, I don’t always like to reminisce, but I have come to embrace these moments of clarity. It’s something that I won’t take for granted.   

See (and hear) the new Launch 2011 DJ Mix

I've been itching to edit some tracks and create a mix that strays from ever exceeding the 125bpm mark. What the heck does that even mean? Essentially, I wanted to create something that finely stays outside of a mega-dance party sound, but would still motivate you to get out of your chair and shake your money maker.

Clicky and enjoy:

The CDs for this mix are being pressed as I type this, with lovely art by the talented Brady Tuazon. There will be roughly 100 of these guys to hand out at Launch.

So yes, I know I take forever to make my mixes and edits, but here it is. Download or stream it and enjoy. See you soon. 

See amazing games re-imagined as book covers

I often find myself reeling at the look and feel of most video game box art and packaging. Many of the current and previous generation's most moving game experiences are often referred to as "art"--which makes me wonder why the cover/packaging has to be so dire and throwaway in design.

So, color me giddy when I discovered A.J. Hatley, a UK artist, who has been reinventing some of the past decade's most moving gaming experiences and capturing them as book covers.

Make with the clicky and see for yourself: 

Most of A.J's work is drastically different than his cover re-interpretations, but I find it all to be rather intriguing. 

See my new prints and painting now

I have grown rather fond of the recent work by young artist Matheus Lopes Castro (quite a name I must say).

I chatted with him recently over email and told him that I wanted to edit a bit of his work for my blog's logo and how I was looking to add his work to my slowly growing collection. A super friendly guy, Matheus also pointed me to where I could pick up his work. If you talk to him and nag like I did, perhaps he would discuss parting with an original too. 

Anyway, I wanted to share the two that I am purchasing from him and encourage friends to see his whole collection. His older work may not impress me personally, but I love the new material. Keeping an eye on him.