Creative Matador » Expressions of an artful yet instinctively brutal designer

Title: resume flusher

Description: Although I can happily say I am back to work, I created this piece as a constant reminder to myself how hard it was to be unemployed. Our nation has been through some pretty hard economic times in recent years and it has taken its toll on the American family. I think everyone can understand how difficult it is out there to land a new job much less get an employer to read your resume. There are some honest hard working people out there who can’t seem to catch a break. These are some scary times we’re living in folks.

Title: RWUA

Description: America, I’m going to share a very sensitive and emotional story with you.

It was a warm summer morning at a serene Santa Monica community park. With iPod in hand I decided to get in some much needed cardio work. After a few laps, I stopped to do some jump-rope.  Almost immediately a curious little furry friend climbed down to take a look at the action. At that point, there was no inclination that a heated brawl was about to ensue. He began to charge at me with such bravado and aggression that I back-peddled to escape the attack. I created some space and thwarted the attack with my jump rope but this little S.O.B wasn’t going to let up! I decided to get the hell out of dodge before I find myself in the hospital for 20 plus rabies shots. Needless to say I was stripped of my manhood as I nursed my emotional wound for days to come while that little bastard basked in all his glory.

Title: Forward Nerima

Description: To commemorate my brother-in-law’s bold move to Japan, I’d like to send him off with a little parting gift. Like a bird leaving its nest in search of new beginnings, Richard is about to embark on a journey few people would ever have the courage to do themselves. This adventure will take him out of the shadows of monotony and into the light of challenge and discovery. Jamaicans have a saying, “forward Jamaica!” but I say, “forward Nerima!!” Congratulations Richard on your journey.  You will be missed.

Title: seabiscuits
Description: Everyone has to take risks in life… and here is one of mine.  In this portrait piece, I am portraying my parents-in-law as a married horse couple stoically posing for the camera. The portrait is encased in a Victorian oval frame in efforts to domesticate the animalistic nature of the beasts. If you’re at all familiar with Chinese zodiac, you’ll recognize that the year of the Horse embodies freedom and independence. These are as essential to Horse-born people as the air they breathe. They are constantly on the move and have a low boredom threshold. Well folks… my in-laws are both Horse-people and wild ones at that. They cannot plant their feet at home longer than to rest their heads and disappear at a second glance. They come in through the front door only to escape through the back. A zodiac site stated that the best time of the Horse is from 11:00 a.m. to 12:59 p.m. Need I say more?

Title: the birds
Description: A morning cup of joe and an early bird observation in my backyard served as inspiration for this simple yet illustrative piece.  I sat and watched four birds fly in and perch on some crossing wires.  Their social behavior very much mimicked those of humans.  Why do some choose to sit independently from their assumed ‘partners’ while others take flight and perch together?  Speaking in terms of couples, it brought awareness to the fact that some couples couldn’t be separate from one another while others yearn for independence.  I, for one, find more joy in being near my wife than distant from her… and couldn’t be happier that my wire mate reciprocates that very sentiment.

Title: politics

Description: Hope this piece strikes a cord with some of you. Hope that the two parties start working on what’s truly important. Hope that they can stop all this mudslinging. Hope that they stop blaming each other and start blaming themselves for whats wrong with America. Hope that they can make this country great again. And last but not least, hope that they can give this guy a hand. His job isn’t easy.

Title: i want my golden egg
Description: I designed this piece with one thought in mind, “What happened to parental respect?”. Today, American children are more spoiled than ever and have lost all respect for their parents. More and more children tend look down on their parents rather than up. Good job America!

Title: les oranges au havre
Description: Once again, my wife served as the inspiration for this piece.  Sophie has always had very vivid memories of her grandfather.  The very last time they spent time together he peeled her oranges and kept replenishing even before the last wedge was eaten.  As in most Asian cultures it is uncommon to show affection or whisper words of endearment… however, with the oranges, her grandfather spoke a thousand words.  It was a simple gesture that meant the world.  As I wasn’t there to witness this account… I could only hope I did this beautiful story justice.