Creative Matador » Expressions of an artful yet instinctively brutal designer

Title: Reality vs. Expectation Chapter 1

Description: This piece is the first of many in my new series, ‘Expectation vs. Reality‘, inspired by a scene from 500 Days of Summer married with visions of our children’s future… what we hope versus what will be.  Being proud parents of two, my wife and I can only wish for a safe, clean, and peaceful world for our children and their children to live in. The reality, however, is far fetched as mankind continues to destroy the gift we’ve been given.  This along with following pieces in this series gives a glimpse of what my son and daughter should yet will see in their lifetime.

A bumper sticker we recently came about illustrates a terrifying thought… “Daddy, what are trees?”

Title: Made in China

Description:

Take a minute to look at everything you own, from your office, to the items in your bag, to the car you drive, to the furniture and appliances in your home.  Most of everything we buy has been manufactured outside of our country.  Who doesn’t want cheap affordable options as consumers?  But… I still ask, what happened America? When and why did we sell out and cease to make reliable goods at competitive prices in our own backyard? What was once a proud, strong, industrial nation has given way to cheap, exploitive labor to other countries and help them prosper.  Now, I understand that other countries rely on our consumption to put food on their plates but corporate American greed has stolen those basic necessities from our own people.  This has such a profound negative impact on our economy and the mental health of our citizens.  Let’s recreate, rebuild and manufacture what were once great products so we proudly label “Made in the U.S.A”.  Regulate outsourcing and give jobs back to the American people.

Description: Let’s keep this one short and sweet. I applaud the efforts of and have the utmost respect for the United Nations and all they do – now if they would take a more active roll in response to global threats and security, they may just get a standing ovation. Instead of just condemning acts of violence, hold those nations accountable and act on it. Don’t defer to America to lead and handle – take the helm and do more than history has dictated.

Title: The Great Flood

Description: For he is a fool who either claims “it never rains in Southern California,” or he who actually believes it.  The climate change has brought about fierce and consistent rain these past couple of winters.  The rain has been unforgiving and invaded our living space.  Luckily, it was merciful in that we didn’t get hit with mud and were able to salvage our belongings… but the timing this last time couldn’t have been more intrusive.  With an uncomfortable pregnant wife, an over-energetic toddler, and only 25% of dry flooring, the constant flow of incoming water tested every fiber of patience in me.  It was never-ending mopping, sopping and ringing out of soaked towels day in and day out leading up to Christmas.  This piece commemorates those long wet days that aren’t so long gone… unfortunately… blame it on the rain.