Recently I had the opportunity to chat with Mykola Dosenko, also known as Myk Dawg. Born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine, Mykola’s inspirations paint an interesting portrait of popular culture in the late 80’s and early 90’s. A self proclaimed graphic designer, celebrity chef, comedian and stunt driver, it was not difficult to strike up a conversation about Myk’s interests and inspirations. With his graphic design work popping up on popular websites across the net, Mykola’s aesthetic is becoming recognized for it’s vibrant colors and retro influences. Touching on everything from Lebron James to zombie snails, our conversation was peculiar to say the very least.
Until I came across Jenkins Jellies, the only jellies I was aware of were the ones associated with peanut butter. Little did I know how much more there was. While strolling through the L.A. Street Food Fest two weeks ago, I happened upon a tray of crackers and jelly. “Go ahead, try one,” I was coaxed, from jelly creator Hilary Danner. I obliged, and was sold after the first bite. Quickly gathering Hilary’s contact information, I became intent on learning more about these wonderful jellies.
When Danny told me he met Dee and Ricky he didn’t say a word. It was merely a look. It was that, “Drop everything you’re doing and follow me now,” look. That, “This is the moment we’ve been waiting for,” look. To say the brothers are cool would be a bit of an understatement. When you’re getting love from Kanye and Marc Jacobs your hats may start fitting weird. Nonetheless, Dee & Ricky were cool as fuck, and our conversation was greater confirmation that the renaissance is here.
If this is your introduction to Dee & Ricky, I suggest peeping this and hitting their website. The video above is simply a day in the life. From the Staten Island trap to the tailor, to downtown art parties, Dee & Ricky are making crazy moves, and it’s only, getting, worse.
Last year, Damiani Books released HP, an anthology of legendary photographer Harri Peccinotti’s work. As one of the first few photographers to shoot the prestigious Pirelli Calendar, Peccinotti was one of the most forward-thinking photographers of the late ’60s and early ’70s. His work is directly, almost confrontationally sexual, with a strong female presence and a keen eye for aesthetics. Remind you of anyone? In this interview from Vice, Harri discusses his career, his creative process and why he’s not trippin off girls that aren’t “perfect”. Check out the book here, and more of his work below.
Recently I was introduced to the work of Norm Magnusson. Using nature as his medium, Norm’s work further relates the idea that there are no boundaries when it comes to creative expression. Norm’s personal outlook on art serves as a solid foundation to understand the meaning and purpose of his work. Developing an artistic movement known as “funism” Norm uses various principles to guide his work. Read on to get glimpse into the mind and creative process of Norm Magunusson.
As founder and creative director of Award Tour and more recently the Madbury Club, it is safe to say that Phillip Annand is more than just a part of the renaissance. With a focus on the enjoyment of life, and the appreciation of the moments, at 20 years old Phillip has already built a quality brand that truly stands for something. Featured above, Phillip speaks on the changing landscape of fashion and culture, while also highlighting the evolution of the Madbury Club. To say the future’s bright for Phillip is an understatement. Another member of the renaissance who’s destiny lies within the boundaries of his imagination. It’s only the beginning.
I don’t know. Maybe we should call this Innovation Wednesday. Featured above is a creation of epic proportions. Serving the greater New York area for over a century, this short documents the work of Rosenwach Tanks, the preeminent company if you want to get a tank made. Or just create the world’s largest lemonade stand. Celebrating the opening of the High Line Park in New York City, the stand is a symbol of what creativity and hard work can accomplish. I just wonder if the lemonade was slappin.
It’s interesting. It appears to me as if our perception of reality is becoming shattered more and more each day. This image is so poignant to me because it contrasts so greatly from this. But, they’re of the same person. Yet portraying such different realities. Or “realities” perhaps. In a way our world is crumbling before our eyes. As time goes on I think we will be astonished by what we have believed to be true. With Tiger, I think we can find a good in it. Although infidelity is not championed on the Bowties, being human is. I think when it comes down to it, humans fuck up a lot. But we want to make it seem like we’re always doin hella good. I can’t remember someone floppin themselves as hard as Tiger has in recent memory. But hopefully now we can appreciate our own wins and losses.
Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Leo and Oliver Kremer of Dos Toros Taqueria. The definition of entrepreneurs, the Bay Area brothers set out to create a one of a kind Mexican restaurant modeled after their hometown favorite, Gordos. Applying the successful elements of Gordos while adding their own unique taste and vibe, the duo have recently opened their own taqueria in the heart of New York City. To the awe and amazement of friends and family around them, the brothers have provided the people of New York with an authentic taste of home, serving fine Mexican cuisine to their appreciative patrons each day. Speaking with the brothers, we discussed the various elements of their business. Highlighting the difficulties of the process, how they went about selecting their menu and their inspiration for such a pursuit. A lesson in true entrepreneurship, the brothers are set to redefine New York Mexican cuisine, one burrito at a time. Read on to learn more about the creation of Dos Toros Taqueria.
Never have so few companies controlled so much of the music played on the radio and for sale at retail stores. At the same time, there are more bands and more ways to discover their music than ever. Music seems to have split in two – the homogenous corporate product that is spoonfed to consumers and the diverse independent music that finds devoted fans online and at clubs across the country.
This one’s for the music fans. An important film to say the very least. If you’ve ever wondered why you always hear the same shit on the radio, this film will answer your questions. Exploring the development and progress of American music, filmmaker Andrew Shapter unveils the realities that currently plague the record industry and American music at large. Featuring interviews with artists from the likes of Erykah Badu to Elvis Costello, the documentary provides viewers with an accurate portrayal of where the music business has been, where it’s at, and where it’s going. Whether you’re an artist, a producer, a businessman or a fan, you need to full screen this shit and just let it rock. Trust me.
Looking to make the most out of my settled Sunday, I hit up Ashley round one to meet up and kick. “Wanna go on an adventure?” I asked. “Oh god.” she replied on the phone. “What are you trying to do?” I told her about my plans to photograph the Reserve store on Fairfax and hit up the swap meet afterwards. After mulling over the idea for a moment, she agreed. “See you in 20,” she said. 40 minutes later, Ash arrived at my doorstep and we made moves. A settled Sunday, I was content shootin the shit with Ashley and slappin some Mayer on the ride over. Yes, it’s true. Bundy’s slowly making me a believer. On the ride over, sitting in some booty traffic, a novel realization came to mind.
Shit’s crazy sometimes. Life is so exciting because rarely do you really know what’s gonna happen next. Last night Jay-Z came to the Pauley Pavilion at UCLA. With N.E.R.D, Wale & J. Cole alongside, the show sold out in a matter of days. Needless to say, cats were hyped. For the past three weeks I’d been contemplating coppin a tick, but for $50 and limited bread I had started to come to grips with the reality of only hearing about the concert from friends the next day. So when last night rolled around and I found myself driving to Pauley with no ticket and no connections, I knew I had little to lose, and very much to gain.
I think for many of us right now, all we want to do is make a living doing what we love. I mean how clean would that be? To be a painter and just wake up and paint? To love to make music? So people pay you to make beats? I think we all have dreams that we’d love to have fulfilled, but often times going the scenic route is just not championed. Today we present ESPN’s interview with Keith Hufnagel. The creative mind behind Huf, his street wear lifestyle brand has risen to global prominence over the past five years. In this interview, Keith touches on the history of the brand, his desire to pave his own way, and where street wear is going. A dope interview for anyone interested in how to start a movement. Props to Josh Brooks for the interview.
