PAINTING • ILLUSTRATION • DESIGN
Depiction of the creation of Life through the delicate balance of masculine and feminine energy, animated by the element of ‘Spirit’, alternatively known as ‘Divine Fire’.
A narrative interpretation of the "Stoned Ape Theory", a controversial hypothesis brought forth by American ethnobotanist Terence Mckenna. He proposed the idea that through climate change, primates were pushed out of the disappearing jungle canopy and into the lush african grasslands. This forced them to adopt a more experimental foraging diet as a means to survive. There, they ate a variety of plants, insects, and psilocybin ("magic") mushrooms which could be found on wild cattle dung. Psilocybin has a number of significant effects on brain connectivity, which McKenna believed was the primary catalyst for the unexplained rapid evolution of higher primates into modern man.
"Native Tongue", OC Weekly, AD: Dustin Ames.
Personal Logo Design
Representation of the ancient land of Lemuria.
Ancient Lemurian temple, available for your enlightenment.
Illustration for an article about America's often broken justice system.
As the human population continues to grow, we have an unavoidable responsibility to protect our planet. By embracing our differences, whether it be ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, or cultural background, we can work towards building a better future for generations to come. *Tikkun Magazine*
Series of Illustrations done for ‘Freedom Magazine’.
Illustrations for an article addressing the difficulties of navigating the media. We live in a time where the transfer of information is instantaneous and we owe it to ourselves to use our own filters of discernment.
A depiction of how pharmaceuticals (coupled with the media) consistently manipulate the population, by way of infiltrating minds both mentally and physically.
A depiction of the powerful connection between the media and pharmaceutical industries.
Illustration for an article addressing the dynamics of religious freedom. What is religious freedom and how much of our perception is manipulated by the media? Now, more than ever, is a time when we all could practice a little more kindness, tolerance, and willingness to truly listen to ideas beyond those that have calcified in our own minds.
Illustration addressing the manipulative (albeit awakening) power of conspiracy theories.
Depictions of an American veteran, prior to receiving aid, and after. War and PTSD have become synonymous these days, and a steadily increasing issue that demands attention. With access proper care and resources, the recovery potential of these men and women become limitless.
Illustration for an article discussing education reform in India and civil rights movements in Bangladesh.
Geishas are traditional female Japanese entertainers and companions. Typically trained in various art forms such as singing and dancing, they are distinguished by their hair and make up style. Most are identified by a thick base of white rice powder make up and red lipstick on the face.
Shamans have been revered by native peoples throughout the world for centuries. A common healing method is to put a subject into a controlled dream-like trance through meditation, where demons are discovered and then conquered.
Its wonderful how deep one can think with a tall glass of full moon.
Portrait of American funk-goddess Betty Davis.
Portrait of thee Jimi Hendrix.
Portrait of my friend and fellow artist, Nico Pliskin
In preparation for human space travel, various primates were used as rocket test pilots starting as early as 1948. This painting pays homage to Enos and Ham, the chimpanzee pilots of the Mercury 5-Atlas Capsule in 1960.
The depths of the sea constantly captivate the human mind and fill it with wonder. Through the evolution of technology, we are able to explore the mysteries of the deep. Scuba diving is a common way for people to catch a glimpse of the aquatic beauty that encircles 71% of the Earth's surface.
The Bubonic Plague was thought to be airborne, and as a result, doctors during this time would cloak themselves and wear venetian masks stuffed with fresh herbs in an attempt to purify the air. Unfortunately it came from the "oriental rat flea", which traveled from Asia to Europe on the Silk Road.
This piece plays with the idea of coping with establishments that contribute to a steady increase of environmental pollution.
With increasing pressure from various sources (i.e. the media, etc) to meet "ideal" standards of beauty, people empty their wallets to live up to the hype. Globally, the fashion and beauty industries makes over a trillion dollars per year (in numbers, that looks like this- $1,000,000,000,000). Put on your "fashion face"!
Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, and is one of it's least explored regions. The native peoples adorn lavish decor and extraordinary face paint for various ceremonies and hunting.
In many native cultures, the medicine man is a traditional healer and spiritual leader. They seek help from the spirit world and restore the balance between man and nature.
The eagle is considered by many to be a powerful spirit guide. By flying higher than any other bird, it is said to bridge the gap between heaven and earth. The eagle is synonomous with courage, wisdom, patience, and strength.
Poster for the Newport Beach Film festival, showcasing the work of Orange Coast College film program.
Shirt and poster design for a haunted farm hike, held at Awalau Farm in Maui.
Poster for Utah-based indie band, MMEND.
Business Card design
Medusa Label for Stoic Wines
Logo for the film production company "9 Crowns Productions"
Shirt design for Slicer Pizzeria, Oakland CA
Logo for the travel/business company TV Entrepreneur
Logo for the record label "Rap Vacation"
Logo for the welding company "1254 Industries"
A typeface composed of flexible ostriches.
Poster concept for the California Strawberry Festival.
Caricatures of the employees for the company "Associated of Los Angeles".
Spot illustrations for the Village Bell magazine in Beaconsfield, VIC, Australia. Used to promote the annual village festival.
Poster for Oakland-based rock band, Love Moon.
A sage who knows the mysteries of our moon.
Unlocking one's penal gland, or the third eye, contributes to a higher awareness of existence and allows for a greater exploration of one's self.
A depiction of the way oceanic creatures work together to survive.
An exaggerated figure drawing done at the Society of Illustrators in New York.
Illustrations in a business manual for "Associated of Los Angeles". The manual deals with proper business tactics and utilizing one's conscious and subconscious abilities to succeed.
A variety of ceremonial masks from Africa
Sometimes, Santa's not so jolly.
Portraits of my parents. Grateful for them everyday.
