“YOU DON’T NEED ANYTHING, YOU DON’T NEED TO BUY ANYTHING OR OWN ANYTHING BECAUSE REALLY, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU.”

Encountering this quote by JR during his interview with Kristin Farr from Juxtapoz, it triggered a memory:

It was summer, 2008, I was young and just realizing that parentheses around your bank account balance meant you were in the negative. Being the independent type, it was an embarrassing tragedy; I was $40 dollars in debt and I hadn’t started my new job yet. It became apparent that I would, begrudgingly, have to ask my father for money and use my rolled quarters to pay for gas.

Without a breath of thought he said, “Of course! You only need $40?”

“Yes, and I’ll pay you back as soon as you can.” What he said next I’ll never forget, perhaps because of the simplicity of the statement and the fact that it was a real piece of advice from my Dad: ”Maya, you can’t take it with you when you go. So don’t worry about it.”

So here I am, the same advice hits me on the page 72 of the Juxtapoz magazine but this time by the “photograffeur,” social activist and
street artist JR. Street artists may not be many people’s first idea for advice, but it goes to show: don’t let pride or judgement blind you from the wisdom of some smart folk who’ve lived a life. JR goes on to say:

“Never making a plan, that’s one thing I’ve learned… I used to be scared of what’s next, what’s the next project, but I’m not anymore. I realize a project fully and see if there’s another one, and that’s it.” (page 72, Juxtapoz).

JR talks with the same candid simplicity as my father: straining out all clumps of human drama and worry. I admire this ability and as I apply it in my own life, the part of me that worries and laments over fictitious, tragic scenarios starts to lose its footing.

Why worry about a future that isn’t here yet?  Focus on “realizing a project fully,” being prepared and applying your efforts to something with value and integrity. It’s great to see this happening in the street and urban art world by individuals such as JR and being exposed to the public through media threads like Juxtapoz. I’m glad 1AM can be a part of it!

JSLiK holdin’ it down with MTN‘s own “XXXL” Maximo can. 750mL of high pressure, fast covering fun.

Aspiring to be part of the newest generation of Street Artists, he’s like a sponge in an ocean of influence – soaking up the lifestyle and culture of urban art.

Respect to his parents who support the arts and are giving JSLiK an artistic outlet to open his mind to a world of creative possibilities.

Sneak peek of Vyalone's Art (via Instagram @Estria)

They have brought the heavy hitters out to play.  The line-up includes:

ABCNT, Chor Boogie, Codak, Cryptik, Kofie, Mear One, Pablo Cristi, Shark Toof, TEWSR, Warren Heard, BAM, Brett Cook, Can Love, Cern, Ckaweeks, Doves, Erin Yoshi, Estria, Jher Judy Baca, Katch, Kent Twitchell, Level, Mare 139, Martha Cooper, Meres, Sand, Vogue, Vyal, Woier, Alexander DC Smith & Hans Haveron, Aly Kouroma, EKLA, Evan Mendleson, Freddy Sam, Graffiti of War Project, Herakut, FOODONE, John Park & Christina Angelina, KIDGHE, LIBRE, Max Neutra, SANER, Yusef Davis, Van Saro, Estevan Oriol, Eriberto Oriol, Chaz Bojorquez, RETNA, Andrew Hem

Art Preview (via Instagram @estria)

FRIDAY, APRIL 27
VIP Preview, Exhibition Opening and Auction: (Tickets available here)
VIP Preview 6:00pm -7:30pm
Exhibition Opening 8:00pm-11:00pm

- Artist meet and greet
- Preview of all works for sale
- Hosted bar, hors d’oeuvres, live music performed by Mark D Clive Lowe Jazz Trio
- Multiple gallery spaces
- Live auction of select art works
- Recognition of a group or individual representing contributions made in the public art sector

SATURDAY, APRIL 28
PUBLIC Exhibition Opening:
7:00pm – 10:00pm

- Select artists in attendance
- Preview of all works for sale
- DJ’s
- Food trucks

The exhibition will run from Friday, April 27- Saturday, May 26, 2012

PRESENTED BY:
The Estria Foundation
L.A. Art Machine
The DoArT Foundation

"72 Heading Down Clement" by Nate1

You can also see Nate1 at work by signing up for our Art of Graffiti class.  His artwork and spray can mastery will amaze you.

Don’t sweat! Our current exhibition “Outside In” brings the murals indoors!

For the 2nd time, every cut, every fade, each line, stroke, flare, doo-dad, polka dot, bit, arrow; everything is so close you can smell it, you can almost touch it, we don’t condone the tasting of any art, but as you can see it is close enough for you to enjoy to your heart and camera’s content.

Do you hear what I’m saying? If you really love it, you can bring it home with you!

In 2005, Facebook’s President at the time Sean Parker, hired artist David Choe to paint the original Facebook Headquarters in Palo Alto. Mr Choe was offered $60,000 for the commission but instead chose to take Facebook stocks. 7 years later it is now 2012 and the stocks he holds could potentially be worth over $200,000,000.

‘Nuff said!

Check out this clip of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and David Choe painting .