XDC Space (Xin Dong Cheng Space) is a gallery that exhibits contemporary Chinese art. I caught the current exhibition Red, Smooth and Luminescent.

The above piece really caught my eye. I think it is a depiction how the west (coke, mcDonalds) has become a part of Chinese life. I want to say this is not good but one of my friends here gave me another perspective. She says the Chinese people are happy that they can afford these more expensive American goods ($5US for a meal is a lot of money here). To them, it shows that they are doing well, that their country is prospering and growing. What do you think?

: D E N Y

I’m in Beijing for the next two weeks so I’ll be posting on the various art and happenings here…so here goes. I got to check out Beijing’s art district known as the 798 Art Zone and its pretty awesome. Wikipedia says:

798 Art Zone is a part of Dashanzi in the Chaoyang District of Beijing that houses a thriving artist community, among 50-year old decommissioned military factory buildings of unique architectural style. It is often compared with New York’s Greenwich Village or SoHo, but faces impending destruction from the forces driving Beijing’s urban sprawl.

There are a ton of galleries (seriously at least 50), but many were closed. Still, I spent a good half day there looking at paintings, sculptures, and installations. Here are some of the goodies:

This is 798 Space, one gallery in the art zone. Its cool how they decided to leave the green machinery from the original factory.

Sleeping quarters for resident artists.

This is to be converted into a cafe!

A bit of graffiti. The only graffiti that I’ve seen in all of Beijing is in this district

enjoy life.

: D E N Y

Hello friends and family. My next annual crazy big solo show is approaching fast. Here are some up close shots to give you a taste of what to expect. Show opens July 19 at The Shooting Gallery in San Francisco. Don’t miss out!

see more of my work on my website.

I finally was able to stop by two of my favorite galleries in San Francisco to check out their latest installments. Shooting Gallery is featuring the work of Curve One in the show entitled “Remembering Tomorrow”.

corner installation with handmade wooden spray cans

Then over to next door, where White Walls is showcasing the work of A.J. Fosik and Kelsey Brookes. There was so much great art, but I only took pictures of the ones I really liked. I suggest, if possible, you get down there and check out both shows.

A.J. Fosik

A.J. Fosik

A.J. Fosik

Kelsey Brookes

Kelsey Brookes

Kelsey Brookes

Today, Erik and I checked out the Maker Faire, “a two-day, family-friendly event that celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset. It’s for creative, resourceful people of all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make things.”

We were wowed by all the amazing things people could make on their own. Robots, fashion, cupcake cars - they had it all. Check out the photos below for a taste.

Blueberry cupcake speeding by.

The kids were all over this lego jeep.

Live screenprinting.

Curing the print with a heated gun.

Make an old tee new again!

Sewing stations where many were able to reconstruct from donated clothes.

Etch-a-sketch made easy with a joystick.

Can anyone tell me what this is?

I would like to borrow one of these for New leafs next event

Express yourself. Stylize a rubber ducky.

Thats it from kung fu panda and myself. Peace.

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.

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.

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.