Another sunny day in SF. This time I headed over to the Mission District (aka “little mexico”) for some grub.

Rico’s Taco’s - hole in the wall joint with cheap tacos that is rarely open.

I think I might have to do a blog of just colorful houses you find in the Mission.

Couldn’t find my dude that sells the elote (mexican corn on the cob), but ended up watching a game of futbol before heading off to a meeting.

I often hear people going back and forth comparing who has a rougher neighborhood as if its a comparison of status of who has it harder. During these debates, I often just stay quiet, but what I really want to say is quit your complaining because you haven’t seen nothing until you’ve seen my block. Trust me, I am not trying to prove anything to anyone…I am simply here for the affordable rent. So while other people enjoy perfect working conditions in their fancy office buildings with views of trees and clouds, I grind away behind closed doors on a block most people wouldn’t step foot on.
Today was hot, so instead of cooking inside the studio, I decided it would be best to get out and be productive. As I gather supplies for my next big art show, it’s time once again to make my rounds to a couple of my favorite spots. For those of you that may not know, I am a world-class scavenger, and it plays a big part in the artwork that I create; using mostly found and recycled materials.

First stop, Scrap. Word of advice, never visit an Office Max again, this place has all the office supplies you need for practically nothing.

I usually stick to the paper aisle. I didn’t get a good picture of it, but I walked away with a trash bag full of paper for $7, but I gave the lady $10.

Everyone always asks me where do I get my paint. Well, here you go. Last’s Paint - your neighborhood spanish speaking paint shop. The number one place for recycled paint in San Francisco.

I found most of the colors I needed, but that’s my buddy in the background mixing up a fresh can of pintura.

Then I had to return my rental car and meet up with some friends for the second half of my day. We started off by checking out some artwork at the Asian Art Museum. My friend Val works at the San Jose Museum of Art, so she can get in to any museum for free, and I am her friend, sooo…

Contemporary Korean fiber artist, Kwon Hyuk

Yang Sang-hoon - I have been into lighting lately, so I really liked this one.

Then over to North Beach for some garlic pizza.

And for dessert, we grabbed some gelato.

After this lovely sight, we ran around some more, but still haven’t quite figured out the whole night photography thing, so you’re going to have to trust me that it was good times. the end.

What a weekend it was. A while back, I worked with Jansport to make some designs for their new artist-series bag collection. The night’s event was headlined by Supreme Beings of Leisure while other great OM Records artists kept the party hype.  Just about all my photos came out so blurry it would be dumb to post them, so hopefully you get the idea from these.

preview of the bags designed for Jansport - available summer & fall 2008

the quality and detail is not to be missed

testing out trippy visuals

storm clouds painted for the event

hadn’t seen anyone get down on the conga’s so well in quite a while.  this dude rocked.

Thanks to the folks at OM Records, Jansport, and Mezzanine for allowing me to come in and do my thing.

For those of you just tuning in, the New Leaf Clothing studio in San Francisco hosts an intimate yet aspirational gallery in the store front of our location. Here is a glimpse of our most recent installment by emerging artist, Adam Flores.

Adam is one cool dude, and he knows how to work hard.

installation in progress

SF painter/tattoo artist, Henry Lewis, came in to get down on the walls

Adam and art fans during the opening night

thanks to all who came out

…and be sure to check out the latest mural on our alley by Estria from Oakland.

are the best for that late night craving in San Francisco. gotta love it.

I had a few pieces up in a benefit show titled “If These Walls Could Speak” at Reaves Gallery in San Francisco.

my set - Higher Ground, Rising Tide, and Season of Change

Sidnea Damico

kfox talking to Sharon Reaves (owner)

Ella wearing her New Leaf sponsored doggy visor

Then headed over to the historic Castro Theatre to watch the rest of the Epidemic Film Festival put together by my friend, Jonathan Fung of Academy of Art University.

Almost a year ago, I did some graphics for a new company called Infectious out of SF. Once the project goes live, people will be able to purchase graphic decal kits made by artists to reinvent their ride.

there was no signage on the building, but when I pressed this button, the wall opened up almost like a secret tomb. way cool.

results from product testing.

every design firm needs a dog. meet Max.

Tim (founder) on right

thanks goes out to the infectious design team who helped make things even better than I imagined. Stay tuned to the product release this MAY.

Welcome to New Leaf Clothing headquarters! Here’s a look at our studio in San Francisco.

The front of our building is the home of Gallery Three

It’s official when the window decals come up.

Our design nook. Check out the Cintiq Erik won at Cut & Paste.

Looking down from the loftspace.