Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Beat Street
After a long Mother’s Day I decided to take a walk downtown and take pictures and maybe find some inspiration for future Grits shirt designs. Surprisingly, there was lots of signs of life for a Sunday evening. Even more than the usual crowd of people hanging at bars and clubs and, of course, the seemingly ever present homeless.
Being alone, especially in middle of the night, tends to make you more aware of what is happening around you. As I was busy taking pictures, I began to notice that some Asian dude was following me. Every I would make a right turn, he would make the same right turn. I’d turn right. He’d turn right. I decided to switch it up and make a left. Sure enough, he made the left, too.
So I figured I was going to have to make a stand. Better that I decided to do it before he did. Besides, I had a knife in my back pocket in case things went south. I decided to just stop dead in my tracks and start taking pictures. He kept going, walking past me for about 6 more feet and then he turned around.
“Are you a student?” he asked in a very thick Chinese accent.
I looked back and said “NOoooo, I am just a person who likes to take pictures.”
“Oh, ok I am a student at U of H just walking around downtown. I thought that you were a student. I not from this country I am from China. I’m afraid of getting robbed. Is it okay to walk with you so I won’t.... get robbed?” he asked a little nervously.
Why did he decide to ask me, I wondered. Why not the nice, happy Hispanic couple that we’d both just passed on Main street? Instead he chose the black man with long locks in the middle of the night, mind you. (Apparently I wasn’t as a menacing looking as I thought.)
But I said, “ok.” Then I introduced myself and asked him his name. I couldn’t really understand what he said through his heavy Chinese accent. So let’s just call him David.
That’s where my journey with David began. Here are a couple of pictures from that night.
Most of our conversation consisted of him pointing out buildings and me telling him what goes on there.
But then as we’d almost reached the Theatre District the conversation took an awkward turn.
David: I don’t want to offend you but, can I ask you a question?
Me: Shoot
David: Is prostitution legal here?
Me (perplexed): No, of course not.
David: So, If you got caught… Do you know the penalty?
Me: I don’t know…. Why? Are you trying to find a prostitute?
David: (silent)
We continued to walk in awkward silence for another block.
So I start to try and figure out how I’m going to shake David. Apparently, he has other reasons why he’s walking around downtown tonight.
Then, just as we approach an intersection, David turned to me and said he had to go catch the bus.
Much relieved I said, “Ok.”
We shook hands and he went off into the night.
Being alone, especially in middle of the night, tends to make you more aware of what is happening around you. As I was busy taking pictures, I began to notice that some Asian dude was following me. Every I would make a right turn, he would make the same right turn. I’d turn right. He’d turn right. I decided to switch it up and make a left. Sure enough, he made the left, too.
So I figured I was going to have to make a stand. Better that I decided to do it before he did. Besides, I had a knife in my back pocket in case things went south. I decided to just stop dead in my tracks and start taking pictures. He kept going, walking past me for about 6 more feet and then he turned around.
“Are you a student?” he asked in a very thick Chinese accent.
I looked back and said “NOoooo, I am just a person who likes to take pictures.”
“Oh, ok I am a student at U of H just walking around downtown. I thought that you were a student. I not from this country I am from China. I’m afraid of getting robbed. Is it okay to walk with you so I won’t.... get robbed?” he asked a little nervously.
Why did he decide to ask me, I wondered. Why not the nice, happy Hispanic couple that we’d both just passed on Main street? Instead he chose the black man with long locks in the middle of the night, mind you. (Apparently I wasn’t as a menacing looking as I thought.)
But I said, “ok.” Then I introduced myself and asked him his name. I couldn’t really understand what he said through his heavy Chinese accent. So let’s just call him David.
That’s where my journey with David began. Here are a couple of pictures from that night.
Most of our conversation consisted of him pointing out buildings and me telling him what goes on there.
But then as we’d almost reached the Theatre District the conversation took an awkward turn.
David: I don’t want to offend you but, can I ask you a question?
Me: Shoot
David: Is prostitution legal here?
Me (perplexed): No, of course not.
David: So, If you got caught… Do you know the penalty?
Me: I don’t know…. Why? Are you trying to find a prostitute?
David: (silent)
We continued to walk in awkward silence for another block.
So I start to try and figure out how I’m going to shake David. Apparently, he has other reasons why he’s walking around downtown tonight.
Then, just as we approach an intersection, David turned to me and said he had to go catch the bus.
Much relieved I said, “Ok.”
We shook hands and he went off into the night.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Houston Palestine Film Festival 2010 KICK-OFF PARTY!!
Last night was the Kick off party on the rooftop of Khon's in Midtown for the Houston Palestine Film Festival 2010. Winner of 2009 ‘Best Film Festival’ in Houston Press. Every year Houstonians come out to enjoy the festival. It’s a pretty fun and enlightening experience, if you’ve never been, you definitely need to come out.
Checkout their website for the film lineup HERE.
Checkout their website for the film lineup HERE.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
"The Qualities of Light" Series ft. Augustine Kofie
From their site:
In the first installment of The Qualities of Light, we would like to share a glimpse into the life of esteemed Los Angeles artist Augustine Kofie. Taking a hands on approach to everything he does, Augustine is masterfully building his unique repertoire and catalog of astounding work. We were given access to capture Kofie in his element as he shares with us some of the primary components of his creative ambition.
Visit
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Nice Kicks X Simply Complicated Party in ATX
Big ups to Simply Complicated Apparel for the dope party in Austin. For those that who missed out the Nice Kicks X Simply Complicated Party in ATX. Here is what y'all missed.
Remix Label
I'm late posting this up but, Thanks to Mike Remix and the folks at RemixLabel, we got some shine in this week's blog. As you can imagine, we’re feeling good about this & what we’re doing!
Check their blog to the latest in streetwear in Houston Here: http://www.remixlabel.com
Check their blog to the latest in streetwear in Houston Here: http://www.remixlabel.com
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Exit Through The Gift Shop Houston Debut
For anyone who loves street art this is defeinelty a must see.
Join Shoot. Edit. Sleep. & Aerosol Warfare Friday May 7th for the Houston premier of the highly anticipated documentary, “Exit Through the Gift Shop”! Directed by the U.K.’s notorious street artist, BANKSY, this film is a Must See for any and all Street Art enthusiasts!
The Film makes its debut Friday May 7th at River Oaks Theater, 2009 West Gray, HOU, TX 77019. Show times for Fri 7th * Sat 8th are 1:00, 3:10, 5:15, 7:30, & 9:40 with a special late night run at 11:45 each night! For directions, ticket prices and additional theater information, you can contact River Oaks Theater recording line at: 713-866-8881.
But wait, there’s more!
Come early and check out the teaser clip of Shoot. Edit. Sleep.’s documentary, “Stick’em Up”, which will run 10 minutes before the 7:30 showing, Friday only!
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