(this was created on Feb14...apologies for late post)
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!!!
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A bodyart/mural collab one night in Kihei...a group of artists and myself decided to bust a piece showing two angels enjoying the ocean...because angels can only play while we sleep (; Mahalo nui loa to Muralist/GrafArtist; Dylan Kauz for the spraypainted backdrop YOUTUBE VID "MURAL/BODYPAINT COLLAB IN KIHEI", BodyArtists; Rebel Jen & Maya D, more VID OF BODYART ANGELWINGS ON YOUTUBE TOO!!
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Bodyart/Mural designs in 2017. |
well happy vday maybe for some..I'm kidding I'm kidding but its not as special now that I'm not painting live for a show down the road from my hale...I couldve ridden my bike! I totally would have too with board strapped to the side...not because I had to...but why not? it's not often I could ride my bike to a gig...I know it was last minute on a planning level..but my set up is under 5 minutes...I jam and I bring that shith whatever theme whatever visual concept...I'm on it. But the promoters weren't feeling my art.. And I am a bit frustrated that nobody anybody acknowledged my art request or my offer of a FREE 6'2" handpainted board..I mean jeeez do we still live in the day of the voicemail machines...cmon really? so you had no idea eh? the text/vm/skype/facetime/email/messenger/imessage...nothing worked eh? (Pigeon tone) My art piece I offered for free isn't worth a mahalo nui? Heehee...sorry I'm being a total smart-arse...and yep, whining all night tonight...as I miss the last day of "da kine."
Man, when people nowadays pretend they have no idea, that kinda pisses me off too (not the people from this gig, I'm not pissed because I understand it was last minute, just bummed when there's no sign of any efforts...throw me a bone hehe nah)...even apple software allows you to see if they received your text, I love that feature hehe...no more little haole lies to keep from being sneaky. Like when they see your post but ignore you...that sucks man lol whatta social media burn ha ha, but cmon I am no idiot...especially when everyone of your FB friends saw it too...oooo now I am getting sauced hehe nah nah, promise it's all fun when I get the call and even when I don't I just go back to doing what I love--painting and tattooing.. But high respects to locals and restaurant owners on island super solid people, who have always acknowledged and encouraged creative movement within communities LOVE MAUI COMMERCE!!!! it's awesome when anyone from our tiny island makes it, that sense of close nit community has always been warm and fuzzy heehee...so I applaud those true professionals and all the restaurant owners on island who acknowledge the arts!! Those who had taken a moment to return my call or email, again high respects.
I am choosing to bring light to this topic of being real with others...I love this blogging...I get to tell some people exactly what I think about there behaviors and egos...if they don't like it, tune in or out...thats what art is...a free-will portal into alternative communication...my art is my way of communicating...so if you can understand a chihuahua in a yoga pose...you get me. (for the record, not literally)
I had someone tell me a few days ago "I don't air my dirty laundry" I laughed...and said "why not? maybe someone out there will help you clean it?" too many secrets people hold too many "skeletons in the closet" keep people in fear. Fear someone may see that they are really living how they choose. So many passwords and codes flying around...so many live like a number on a cashiers check...they rely on paper and electronics or social media to determine their worth.
Some people smoke weed, some don't, but I don't judge. I'm just so tired of looking at things that arent real that gets so much attention out there. People pretending they have a blissful life of perfection...cmon, you really think we believe that? It's ok if you want to vent...maybe someone will help out there get you on track again...who knows, but isn't it worth working towards global peace? Tell it like it really is so you can get to that bliss....and PLEASE stop living in fear of what others out there think. Let Facebook have my comments and pics, whatever, who cares...if I was worried, I wouldn't have posted in the first place...let them have my "private" messages...oh please, those were never private to begin with. Ive 'said' this before; if I wouldn't of "aired my laundry," I may not have had a friend reach out to help me visit my familia overseas...my posts were real and someone felt that 6 hours across the ocean. Facebook is here for awhile folks, so if you can't be truthful, your friends and family will help you be, or Facebook will call you out later lol either way...someone will tell your truth if you don't these days /: This day and age, there's really no privacy...neighbors live so close they can hear everything, drones above our heads, helicopters peering into our yards, phone taps, pens with cameras, and hearing devices that can hear whispers miles away.
If you are "out there" then be real...I'd rather see the nitty gritty real person than a photoshop design, I want to see more celebs without makeup, wearing the same attire for a whole year, then donating it to charities, washing their own cars then donating to charities, building COMMUNITY gardens then donating to charities, out mowing there own lawns and hell yes, donate that lawn to community gardens....I challenge all the wealthiest people in the world to start FEEDING OUR HOMELESS!!! and I don't mean write checks, I mean actually servin up their own home cooked meals from those beautiful kitchens in those beautiful homes...or from a community kitchen that is paid for the year so the help can continue without stress! BUILDING SHELTERS & SUBDIVISIONS!!!! BUYING LAND FOR THE HOMELESS!!!! Give to families, yep GIVE 100%...start with the families that have been homeless for over 10 years! 20 years!...or families that want to grow there own foods, let them share with surrounding communities. Can you tell I'm frustrated with the abuse of wealth in this country? Someone told me Trumps rent is in the millions...and my stomach wasn't the same after that...then looking at the pictures of his gold trimmed mansion...utterly disgusting. So if our own President isn't going to be the example or do whats necessary to start a positive movement...then let the people help eachother through our own wealth and fortunes. We can do anything as a people if we are all on the same level of unity.
Too many millionaires use a very small percentage of income to send to charities, instead of getting out there and actually having hands-on approach...show me that you are a humble soul by selling all the bling you have to live a simple life like everyone should...being humble isn't how you dress or what you own...and definitely not how much you have trimmed in gold.
One person that I have been impressed with for years, is Paul Newman...the actor and maker of my favorite "Newman'Os" hehe..even the name is cool. Paul Newman gives 100% of the proceeds to charity...he is content, he is telling the world that he is content with the material he has...he hit it big with fame...stardom...businesses...he's the shith and knows it hehe..and doesn't need to make more and more and More and MORE...he's made it obvious he's not a selfish person who only regards himself & people he loves...he's letting the world know he genuinely cares by putting his money where his heart is. So it's ok to be wealthy, I'm not saying the wealthy are bad people, I am just bummed that most wealthy people only think of ways to stay on the highest level while disregarding the communities they are in. How about hit the mark and then build your nest and eggs...then fly! Get out there and do something that will make an incredible impact and give back to someone or some people who may be at same starting point you were before fame and fortune...don't let the bling be so bright you can't see people.
To the wealthy, I say, use your wealth to rebuild communities, develop more art facilities, more art programs, more community resources. You own a jet? rent out to mothers who can't afford airfares to see their children (hint hint) or an extra month of paid rent in order to visit longer (again, HINT HINT hehe). Have a mansion? rent out to abused women and children. Fancy cars? drive our elderly to their families that can't visit during rainy seasons and holidays..
The people who give, TRULY GIVE FROM THE HEART, they are without until funds roll in again and they can wait because they never held it above themselves or anyone to begin with so it's not a bad thing to wait while working with community...like the Rastas I know, the most humble people I've ever met...and happier than anyone I've ever seen. The material isn't important, the fame, none of that...it's the people you help with what you have RIGHT NOW not when it's convenient or when an assistant has time. Picasso said share your gifts, but lately all I notice are people closed up and not willing to "share the stage" with the unknown and unfamous. It's always the same people getting the exposure. Thats why I chose to be an event planner because I wanted to see more people in the community on stage getting exposure. Bring in the clowns, the stiltwalkers, and the jugglers, let's have a circus of fun happening. Cirque du soleil is this type of circus and look how incredible it has become (I still like my idea of the Rock&Roll Circus of the rock stars (mural design)...heehee imagine Mick Jagger flying through the air as Lenny Kravitz balances on an elephant...I still dig it!).
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REBEL JEN; BODYARTIST/MURALIST does her thing for a collaboration with
BodyArtist; Maya D. & GrafArtist; Dylan Kauz for "Surf Angels" Kihei, Maui, Hawai'i 2017 |
Then there's people in higher places delegating that are completely unfair and bias. Those people really suck because they sometimes hold the key that opens the door...well, climb through a damn window if you have to and bypass those donkeys lol...because they too will fall with the rest of the negatives. People out there will see through the mirage.
And let me be super clear; I paint for the people, the community, my island ohana...when I go to paint live, I am in the mix, talking story, enjoying everyones happiness. I paint live at no cost to club owners and entertainment companies...I do try to sell my art, but not for hundreds, I offer to people that are feeling my art that night. I usually ask after they offer to purchase, "well, how much do you have in your pocket?" I'm not there to get paid (accept if owners want something painted for their club/restaurant, then I'll charge regular rates), not there to be admired, I am only there to be among the people. And when we mingle during the show, it's like we are all a community joining together in love and happiness...may sound corny but that's why. Wait, there is another reason, to promote the mural arts, and the members who support it. I paint live but there are a whole group of artists anyone can call on for bigger events...and no artist is better than another, we treat eachother with respect as equals. Equals, yes, I love that word. If for ANY moment I can't say that or feel that, I'm outa there anyway. I have respect for people that are successful, don't get me wrong, not prejudice of blessings, I give everyone a chance to show me who they really are.
Doesn't matter how much money you have or how famous you are, wikipedia doesn't mean you are above everyone else. Look at Mother T, she was living among the poor and sick...and felt guilty for putting others before the sick...she made it her lifes mission. I'm no Mother T, I'm just saying even one of the most famous and recognized beings ever...was equal to everyone who she crossed paths with. She truly stayed at a conscious level.
I recently stopped supporting an artist because I saw that "me first" attitude I can't hang with. I promote all artists when I'm out there...and those who support that by helping me gain exposure for the arts, those are my kinda peeps. Theres too many of that selfish narcissism in this world, the "me first" people are why theres no unity within community. Like tattoo artists, many (but not all!) are just pure holes, total attitudes like they are better than others...not willing to share their gifts because they fear competition. Im referring to our plans to open a tattoo/massage training center for vocational certification. Many will say, "this is a close community and we are not accepting of teaching just anyone" so who's the "anyone" that are above our "anyone." The craft only exists because of some people willing to teach others. "I've been at this for years" translates into "I'm afraid of someone better coming along and taking my clients" guess what? you aren't as good anymore just because of that ridiculous way of thinking...wake up, you just limited yourself from learning more. If I would've let someone treat me like that, I may have never learned the craft. And I didn't have to clean someones shop toilet to do it...new and improved artists are on the rise people get in touch with reality of life. And if your old techniques are not taught, they will be forgotten anyway.
Why is it some tattoo artists feel painting art and inking art...isn't a similar art? the tools are different, and the paint/ink is different...but it's an art...and to master the works you must first learn the basics the fundamentals of the craft..the art (ie; tattoo training center). We are teaching the basics, but to make sure we are teaching people the very best way we can...we've decided to add the anatomy curriculum, tens units, ultrasound therapy, reflexology, ear candling, and special training overseas (Bali/Thailand)...we are encouraging people to think more and add more to their skills to make sure they won't ever feel inferior next to another tattoo artist that apprenticed at a shop. And because our curriculum is in two phases, people can jump in and out of instruction. We also have plans to bring students overseas for additional training as well. My thought is; if people have to train for more than a year or two, why not have some fun training overseas for specialty techniques? Let's tattoo travel yo!
Recently, someone made a soft threat in an email, that I didn't take lightly AT ALL. He told me his name too, thankfully...and I will be sure to worn every apprentice that signs up now. I plan to hold an open meeting inviting all artists on island, but those who make threats will be held on a permanent list of artists known to stir up trouble with ridiculous statements like, "some tattoo shops have ties to motorcycle clubs known for illegal activity" and "make it their lifes purpose to discredit you and your artists" wow really now? Well go ahead and see how far that illegal activity gets them...I almost want it to happen to weed out the crazies in this industry. This meeting is a chance to vent, get it out y'all, I will be ready to be roasted that evening for bringing top notch education and opportunity...but then I get to speak...and I'm not a delicate flower by any means.
Wonder what the most pissed off plan to say about our permanent makeup artists who are learning how to build their own machines..I am open to discussion for sure, I'm professional and respectful to those that are to my staff and I...but threats? nah...I deal with that right then and there. Done. You're out and don't ever come back. I'm not into bullying either. Those "bikers" that think we don't have families to protect will have heavy wake up calls fersure if they have any ideas or plans to inflict harm or cause havoc to others trying to better themselves and provide a better life for their families. I come from a very fearless family of arse-kickers hehe, my people are travelers, hikers, we packed tamales and went for it lol seriously without hesitation, we headed towards the unknown territories...yep, that's where I come from...and if you really wanna get deeper, my people are neolithic baby...that means, we go so far back, they lost track of the true point of origin...but more in this century, my father was a Vietnam Veteran, need I 'say' more? So I'm gathering up the artists and their families (rooooots!!!) and we are venturing into a career move together.
And our first two years in business we have decided to remain underground to ensure the safety of all families involved. I am not saying I fear what threats have been made, nope, what I am doing is guaranteeing everyones safety from stupid people. So our locations will not be given too easily. People can inquire all about our programs but no location is given until the deposits clear. We will not have one location, but several small rooms throughout the islands, turns out this is actually beneficial in providing education right away overseas...and expansion can be as much as people want to learn higher levels of tattoo education. Used to be the same story of the old dude that tossed beers at the local biker bar turned tattooist.. that was mean and publicly humiliated his apprentices having them scrub toilets doing all the dirty work and less time actually learning the craft...all that folks for $10K...well, I don't agree with that type of education...especially when I am a parent. I'd be pissed knowing I gave that kind of money to some fool degrading my blood. Nah, this is an education anyone can be proud of...we are not about the bling, with the fancy shops, we want more personalized instruction behind a closed private room with a licensed tattooist and licensed anatomist. Now that is definitely worth my dollar.
In my opinion, nobody is above acknowledgement of another human being. We are all equal, one people, under Jah. And when someone shows you love, no matter who they are, don't ignore that, its what makes love grow.
See you on the other side,
~M.
