Spiritual Expressionist in Motion

DJEMBE & CANVAS: Spiritual Expressionist in Motion

My comrades alfa smog and blaqpanda are talented in multi-dimensional ways.  Their combined vision generates a even smoother rhythm. 

I'm deeply grateful and inspired to have friends who're this passionate about what I do and are supportive enough to capture it with their time, energy, and creativity.  Massive respect.

Spiritual Expressionism is in MOTION.




In the Interest of Peace


title: In the Interest of Peace       year: 2012       36 x 48


Every human being has a sacred duty to protect the welfare of our Mother Earth, for whom all life comes.  In order to do this we must recognize the enemy- the one within us.  We must begin with ourselves.  We must live in harmony with the Natural World and recognize that excessive exploitation can only lead to our own destruction.  We cannot trade the welfare of our future generations for profit now.  We must abide by the Natural Law or be victim of its own reality.  We must stand together, the four sacred colors of man, as the one family we are, in the interest of peace.

*limited edition prints here




Twilight Samurai


title: Twilight Samurai     year: 2012     mix media on wood


in twilight mode 3D (only pertains to original)

When the warlord invaded his village, unspeakable bloodshed cursed his people.  To protect the women and children, he had no choice but to yield his blade.  Flesh punctured and cut, he fought until his physical state had nothing left to give.  He died standing and his soul transcended to the highest realm. With every second in his defense another life was saved.  The survivors went on to spread his eternal legacy, the legacy of the Twilight Samurai.

*limited prints here




Bodhisattva's Breath of Life


title: Bodhisattva's Breath of Life

2012, 60in x 16in, mix media on wood


We must come together in the interest of Peace.  Bodhisattva embodies the enlightened form of self-sacrifice.  Through self-sacrifice comes Harmony and Life.


* Bodhisattva in nightglow 3D (only pertains to original)

First-gen limited scroll prints are available under shop.




"Space Lion" smartphone skin


The unique and sleek "Space Lion" skin is now available for your smartphone.  

For a limited time, this skin comes free with any order you purchase. 

The product shot is for iPhone 4/4S, but I can custom print for almost any brand/model.



Synthetic Soul

title: Synthetic Soul     year: 2012

Los Angeles, Hollywood to Downtown LA view (in fluorescent 3D)

"There's a moon inside every human being.  Learn to be companions with it.  Give more of your life to this listening.  As brightness is to time, so you are to the one who talks to the deep ear in your chest.  I should sell my tongue and buy a thousand ears when that one steps near and begins to speak." -Rumi

I first came across Yosaku on a Melbourne-based radio show hosted by Ennio Styles.  To my surprise, I found out he was based in LA.  Soon after I visited a monthly he used to do at Zanzibar.  We became friends through reciprocal sharing of the arts and music.  I would send over my new paintings and he would share his latest mixes.  

The positive energy continues to swing back and forth; often I paint to the music he introduces me to, and every now and then my art covers the mixes he releases.  Yosaku recently asked me to cover an idea that revolved around the notion of 'the city that always sleeps'.  The concept has obvious correlations to the social and psychological dynamic of LA, and honestly speaking it's a sentiment I share in some ways.  Having lived in more open communities and diverse urban landscapes, I often wonder if the root of this intangible separation stems from the city's oversized, spaced-out infrastructure.

After I started painting this concept I came to realize something.  As solemn as his wording may appear, 'the city that always sleeps' is more an indirect reference to 'the city that has so much more to offer'.  Los Angeles is a place full of hidden beauties, and with open souls we'll come to understand it's true elegance.  In my opinion, that's the message Yosaku conveys through his musical projections.  It's one of peace, transmitting positive vibrations to our ears from a true music lover who embodies what I call an uplifting, synthetic soul.

DJEMBE & CANVAS



FURAIJIN 風雷神 redux



title: FUJIN & RAIJIN 風雷神 redux
year: 2012

left: The God of Thunder and a known pairing to Fujin. With a stick in each hand, he generates deafening waves of lightning each time he strikes the tomoe drums on his back, bringing about punishment/light upon evildoers to reaffirm a state of consciousness.

right: The God of Wind and one of the oldest Shinto gods. He is said to have been present at the inception of life. When he first let the winds out of his bag, they cleared the morning mists and opened the gate between Heaven and Earth. When he flies, his cloth flows through the sky producing shape-shifting air currents; when he blows, his breath brings about New Life to this world.

Both Raijin and Fujin were originally evil demons who opposed Buddha. They were captured by Buddha's Messengers of Heaven and have since worked as protective deities for the people.


*limited prints available under shop, tablet skins coming soon!



New Skins for Your Smartphone: Bishamonten & 2012


Skins for Bishamonten and 2012 are available under shop starting today!  The ones on display and on my shop are for iPhone 4/4S; however, for any user of another brand/model I can custom order for you as well.  Just checkout with the iPhone price, and I'll ship the compatible size to you.

*For the display above, I applied the skin directly on the back of the iPhone (easily removable/reusable with no residues) then sealed it with a clear snap-on case (I used Incase for the photo).

There are other ways to wear my iPhone skins, such as this style:


*Yosaku sticker on a chrome case



2012: Year of the Dragon


in inverse lighting

title: 2012

dimensions: 24 x 48

mixed media (in nightglow 3D)

2012 is the year of the dragon.  For some, it's the beginning of the end.  For others, it's the end of the beginning.  Personally, I envision an era of Spiritual Renaissance; a significant movement forward in our embrace and understanding of one another.  It may seem optimistic in a cynical world, but true spirit is about what you believe in, what you hope for, and the positive changes you want to see.

*limited prints under shop




Effervescence

 

title: Effervescence

2011, mixed media (in nightglow 3D)


in inverse lighting

The koi embodies the prosperous elements of sustenance and longevity.  Its spirit enables calm and inner peace.  Its energy elevates spiritual guidance, inspiring life and balance to those who embrace its presence.

*limited prints under shop




Bishamonten & Ucchusma

                                                                


Bishamonten 毘沙門天 (L) : The Guardian of the North.  The armor-clad God of Warfare and the Punisher of evildoers.

Ucchusma 烏瑟沙摩明王 (R) : The Purification of the unclean.  The Elevation to convert desire to wisdom.  The Enhancement of Spiritual Enlightenment.

*dimensions for originals are 12 x 36 each, limited scroll prints (8 x 24) are available under shop




Another Shade of Jade


An Evening at Blue Whale Jazz Bar: Quartetto Fantastico & Friends

Mark de Clive-Lowe (composer, piano)
Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (music director, viola)
Chris Woods (violin)
Paul Cartwright (violin)
Peter Jacobson (cello)
Marcel Camargo (guitar)
Gabe Noel (bass)
Zach Harmon (drums)
Jose Gurria-Cardenas (percussion)

Shot & Edited by alfasmog

Live Painting by DJEMBE&CANVAS



Someday We'll All be Free

title: Someday We'll All be Free

40 x 60, mixed media (fluorescent 3D), Oct 2011

I miss the times when we loved with more intuition and heart.  I long for what I believe we can aspire to be.  I look forward to the days when we'll come to breathe calmly, loving and living freely, as open and selfless individuals together as one.

* limited prints available here




Upcoming Solo Exhibit 11/05~11/26

Friends & Fam,

I'm proud to announce an upcoming solo exhibit that's happening from 11/05 ~ 11/26.  The occasion marks a full circle of the progress I've made in the past 12 months.  It also represents the accumulation of my experiences, reflected through deep and spiritual explorations into my soul, onto the canvas.  It signifies a new beginning, fresh growth from the ordinary: 



I wish to invite each and every one of you, who have been a voice of support throughout this grateful journey, to the opening reception on Saturday, November 5th.  I'll be painting a new piece throughout the evening.  Come have a glass of wine and unwind with me.  Thank you and hope to see you there.

DJEMBE & CANVAS solo exhibit @ 
Norbertellen Gallery
215 W. 6th St, Ste # 110, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(near 6th St & Spring)
11/05~11/26 duration of show
11/05 Opening Reception 6-10PM
11/10 DTLA Artwalk 12-10PM 
11/26 Closing Reception 6-10PM

*11/10 Artwalk from 10PM-2AM I will be painting across the street at Exchange LA alongside Marlon Fuentes (Bunda Funk), Eric Coleman (Mochilla), and my favorite DJ, YOSAKU, to some very high quality sound systems.  Come sway with me ;)


STAY TUNED...



MOVE FORWARD.



Aburiya Toranoko

Oct 30th, 2011 Sunday 5-11PM

DJEMBE & CANVAS @ Aburiya Toranoko

243 S. San Pedro St. 90012

Dear friends and fam, perhaps leave next Sunday evening open for some tasty uni goma tofu & art with yours truly at Toranoko.  It's situated next to Lazy Ox.  I believe the owners are planning a special menu, with hors d'oeuvres made for the occasion.  Feel free to bring guests as well, doors open at 5PM.  Come for dinner and/or drinks.  Dress up in a nice costume and I'll deliver you a prize...




MIGUEL ATWOOD-FERGUSON x MARK de CLIVE-LOWE x DJEMBE & CANVAS

 

Dear friends & fam,

This Wednesday evening, Oct. 5, I'm very proud to say I will be painting alongside the wonderfully talented Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and his string quartet.  Personally this is a very special moment for me.  I still remember when I first heard "Untitled/Fantastic" and immediately made a deep connection to his music.  It's a special arrangement that moves and inspires one to the core.

First set is Miguel Atwood-Ferguson string quartet w special guests 9:15-10:20pm
*Mark de Clive-Lowe is guesting on one joint to a piece he wrote especially for this occasion

Second set is the amazing 'Rootsystem' that will play around 10:30pm-midnight

The venue opens at 7:30, so please arrive early for seating and a few drinks with yours truly.  Blue Whale is a small and intimate jazz bar + art space, and has quickly grown into one of my favorite joints in Little Tokyo.  It's located on the 3rd floor of Weller Court and the address is:

blue whale
123 astronaut E S Onizuka St. Suite 301
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Hope to see you there.


w/ two dedicated musicians 

Peace & Love,

DJEMBE & CANVAS



Heliocentric: Life & Growth

title: Heliocentric

year: 2011

The lotus flower is unique because it seeds and blooms at the same time.  It reflects life in full circle.  The peony symbolizes romance and prosperity.  It pronounces love through joyful creation.  Such union between the two is akin to the spirit of the Sun, which defines the perpetuation of life and growth.




S1F Gallery: An Improvised Solo Show

 

Qilin in nightglow.


setting up


bring out the depth


now the glow



This fantastic space found its way to me by good fortune.  Although a bit last minute and fully improvised, setting up under limited circumstances quickly became a blessing in disguise.  Thanks to my friends for helping me out.  Also shout out to www.gsuarezphoto.com for capturing these memorable photos.  And of course, to everyone who came through.

*for full photo set click here




Old Work Revisited #2: Lovestains


title: Lovestains     year: 2009

COLORFUL AMOEBA CELLS / DELICATE DROPS OF WONDER NECTAR / MAKE LOVE / IN HARMONY




Old Work Revisited #1: Photosynthesis


title: Pho+osyn+hesis     year: 2009

We can extract unlimited positive from Plant Life.  Embrace their presence and reciprocate in balance and sustenance.  Create more than we destroy for their existence generates Growth for all beneath the Sun.