Trinity Within

It's no secret that I have issues aplenty with organized religions. In my opinion they seldom serve to empower and free the individual. Quite the opposite, actually. There are of course, as with all things, exceptions and I do know and hold the utmost respect for people who have found evolved and inclusive ways to navigate religious waters.
However at odds I might find myself with the concepts and rules of organized religions, I can't help but be continually inspired by its imagery, folklore and pageantry. It is a clear and undeniable influence in much of my work. I strive to use this imagery in ways that might be empowering to the viewer.
In this piece, Trinity Within, I propose a female Holy Trinity, as I find feminine energy to be the strongest and purest. I'm sure my attraction to female energy isn't unrelated to having been raised solely by women. I have always enjoyed a point of view that is well aware of the changes women can set into motion in this world and the powers they possess. It is by no coincidence that they have always been in a struggle for equality and on the forefront of change.
In my paintings I propose that strength is always within us and we need not depend on or subscribe to biblical routines to find the solution to our problems, let alone reach a place of inner-peace.
The flowers in Trinity Within hold special meanings. Water Lilies (a recurring element in my work) represent rebirth. Cosmos are often seen as symbols of love and peace. Most importantly, the Bird of Paradise represents the exploration of unchartered territories and the search for one's personal paradise.

Trinity Within, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36"

Faith

Faith, acrylic on canvas, 12" x 16".
Available from Latin Pop Shop.

Virgen

Virgen, acrylic on canvas, 8" x 10"
This painting is available through Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Sagrado Corazon

Sagrado Corazon, acrylic and ink on canvas, 8" x 10"
Available from Latin Pop Shop.

#ExposingStupid: Social Media Inspires Art

UPDATE: Sadly Cory Allen Contemporary has closed and I am currently seeking a new exhibit space for this series of work. Stay tuned!


I am super excited to publicly announce that on the evening of November 12th, 2015 my solo exhibit, #ExposingStupid will open at Cory Allen Contemporary Art. This is a show unlike any that I have had the opportunity to create thus far. As when I prepared to take the stage as a performer many years ago, I find myself today filled with and fueled by nervous energy, inspiration and determination. With making this announcement, I wanted put into words some thoughts on what inspired this particular show.

I love Facebook.
Few things invented in my lifetime seem to have as great an impact in my daily world as social media does. It is a great business tool and personally a lot of fun.  I can’t think of any other way in which so many old friends and I would be in touch today sharing laughs on a nightly basis, regardless of distance or years in between face to face meet ups. 

Facebook also makes me want to rip my face off and feed it to a pack of rabid wolves. Sadly this is an almost daily occurrence too. Blatant racism and homophobia and pious bullies all seem to make their way onto my daily feed. Scrolling through sometimes feels like watching a parade of stupid marching down Facebook Avenue.

I don’t pretend to be good at things I’m not. Keeping my mouth shut and looking the other way, are good examples. The constant barrage of idiocy on social media results in spirited and colorful rants on my part. I am not one to keep chaos inside. Few things enrage me more than the sheer lack of empathy that seems so rampant online. I cannot afford brain tumors or cancer so it is purely an act of holistic health preservation when I have to call someone out on being a racist dickhole or a dumb pompous religious fuckturd. These are not nice words or innovative uses of the English language, I realize. Ugly actions deserve ugly words.

There is so much happening in the world at this very moment. We are witnessing history in the making at such a rapid pace through social media that it can be almost, if not completely overwhelming. With every stride or backward step come downpours and raging winds of opinions, support and opposition. The perfect storm of social discord takes place on our computer, phone and tablet screens every single day. 
I am no stranger to screencaps and not above snapping and tweeting or posting them on my page without the courtesy of name or face blurs when someone crosses a line of bigotry or hate. That is how #exposingstupid was born.  The concepts for the first few paintings for this series came from the desire to put onto canvas (another exercise in self-preservation, perhaps) thoughts and opinions on subjects such as racism, homophobia and religion-induced indignation. To further refine my approach I decided to take on the series with a “Year-in-Review” mentality, reflecting on how quickly change is happening. I hope that the show will not only offer visitors an opportunity to reflect on the themes at hand but a chance to consider putting themselves in the shoes of another and the "what ifs" of life.

While a few of the pieces, some which will be interactive, for this collection will be executed in disciplines outside my wheelhouse (a welcome challenge), I will be painting in my signature Latin Pop style which combines pop and folk art. I am very much looking forward to exploring dark subjects and recent events and triumphs with satire and whimsy and seeing how the public receives the work. 

Hurts so Good, acrylic on canvas, 30" x 40"

El Diablo

El Diablo, acrylic on canvas board, 8" x 10"

Santera

Here is the first painting of the new year (and the first completed in my new studio).
While painting this I had a dream that I was painting a series of works based on Tarot card imagery. Perhaps that is a sign of what's to come...stay tuned.

This painting is available from Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Santera, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 30"

Commission Sketch

This is the final sketch for a possible upcoming collaborative commission with MG Stout.
The piece will be a public work measuring 12 feet by 12 feet.

Faithful

Faithful/ acrylic on canvas/ 18x24"

This painting is available directly from my studio or Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.
Limited edition prints are also available.

Believer

Believer/ acrylic on canvas/ 18x24"

This piece was inspired by Christians who have stood alongside and openly supported the LGBT community in their struggle for equality. My intent was to portray a person who has found true joy and peace in their faith, rather than the tools with which to judge others. 

This painting is available directly from my studio or Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

It is also available as limited edition prints.

Reason 953 why religion chaps my ass harder than man-buttsex ever could:

Who can resist Jesus?

Not even I, when he's on CLEARANCE.


I might have to start my Gag-Xmas shopping a bit early.

WHY???

Oh Religion...how fun!
Was there a Passion of the Christ coloring book I didn't know about???

Dear Prince: (part 3)

from Pop and Hiss: The L.A. Times Music Blog
by Ann Powers

He did not vote for Proposition 8. In fact, he didn't vote at all. "I didn't vote for Obama either," he explained. "Jehovah's Witnesses haven't voted for their whole inception." The controversy over a recent New Yorker "Talk of the Town" item, which Prince feels implied he supported the gay-marriage ban, has upset him. It's the first thing he wanted to discuss when the Web geeks had gone and we were alone. "I have friends that are gay and we study the Bible together," he said. He added that two sides fighting "only benefit the third person" who instigated the fight.

Dear Prince:

I'm glad you've finally said something.

I'm ok with you not being an advocate of Gay marriage (you don't have to be, to each their own). What I'm NOT ok with is you speaking out against it in a hypocritical and irresponsible manner... the way the whole New Yorker thing (allegedly) went down. I personally think that you could have (and should have) clarified something like this right away, but that's me.

For once in your life I wish you'd speak clearly, in normal sentences that need not be deciphered.
However, I do realize that we may never see that day.
You have always communicated with the press (and us fans) in a ridiculously cryptic manner (which was only cute for about 2 minutes during your Purple Rain days). In this instance I suspect, you might just want to keep your fans without the church turning its back on you.
That is something I can't be mad at you for. There are plenty of stars who identify with a church (few of which are accepting of gays) but manage to remain friends of the gay community (or at least remain impartial) on a personal level.

But again, I'm glad you spoke...and not some "rep". It's really all I wanted all along.

Prince, you're no longer in hot water, but until further notice...
consider yourself on Gay Probation.

*Dear Prince
*Dear Prince: (part 2)

Dear Prince:

Let me start this "letter" off by stating that I'm fully aware you will never read it. This is just a personal rant merely disguised as a fan letter.

I've been heart-broken for two days over the whole New Yorker article ordeal and what you allegedly had to say to reporter Claire Hoffman:

Recently, Prince hosted an executive who works for Philip Anschutz, the Christian businessman whose company owns the Staples Center. “We started talking red and blue,” Prince said. “People with money—money like that—are not affected by the stock market, and they’re not freaking out over anything. They’re just watching. So here’s how it is: you’ve got the Republicans, and basically they want to live according to this.” He pointed to a Bible. “But there’s the problem of interpretation, and you’ve got some churches, some people, basically doing things and saying it comes from here, but it doesn’t. And then on the opposite end of the spectrum you’ve got blue, you’ve got the Democrats, and they’re, like, ‘You can do whatever you want.’ Gay marriage, whatever. But neither of them is right.”

When asked about his perspective on social issues—gay marriage, abortion—Prince tapped his Bible and said, “God came to earth and saw people sticking it wherever and doing it with whatever, and he just cleared it all out. He was, like, ‘Enough.’ "

I've been a loyal die-hard fan since the age of 12 (I'm 36!). As a young gay man I chose to idolize you and your music over more obvious icons of my community (the Judys, Lizas and Madonnas) because while tragic against-all-odds heroines are such fun, your music spoke to me of self-expression, inclusion and LIBERATION! Your music was filled with beautiful wild abandon and your lyrics painted pictures I could get lost in. I couldn't even tell you how many of my pieces I've painted to your amazing music.

Your camp has reached out to the likes of Huffington Post and Perez Hilton to "set the record straight" that you were grossly misquoted by Ms. Hoffman and the New Yorker. Of course there are no recordings of what transpired because you have your other-worldly rules about reporters bringing along recording devices to interviews. Up until now, we just accepted (and dismissed) this as part of your "crazy but artsy" charm.
Well, this dedicated fan doesn't want to hear from your camp. If indeed you've been misquoted (and I desperately hope you were!), I want to get the real story from your lips.
Given the current social/political climate and the recent anti-gay initiatives...this might be a time when you might want to make an exception and put all of your no-longer-cute cryptic and mysterious bullshit aside for just 2 minutes of actual tv face-time. This is just a tad bigger than erroneous speculations on your hip surgery...it would be the responsible thing to do.

There is no doubt that your music has changed since you became a Jehovah's Witness. As a creative man in a creative field, however, I hoped that you might possess the capacity of being religious while remaining a thinking human being (not a brainwashed follower).

I guess I can take some comfort in the fact that even if the outcome of this Controversy isn't good for fans like me, I'll still have 3 pre-religious zombie decades worth of wonderfully funky/filthy and mind-blowingly beautiful music to look back on and enjoy. That is still more than most artists will ever offer.

Bummed but Hopeful...

John

FURTHER PROOF THAT RELIGION RUINS EVERYTHING!

(Ok, stupid disillusioned fan rant over!)

Dear Prince: (Part 2)

Does God Care...???

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Ohhhbama, you bible distorter!

So, that gem of a man, James Dobson has accused Barack Obama of "deliberately distorting," biblical teachings to "fit his world view."

Hmm...

I guess distorting, omitting and downright re-writing the "Holy" book is only acceptable when used as a disenfranchising tool.

The nerve of Obama.

Does God Care...???

About my email address book?

I received yet another religious chain email yesterday and wouldn't you know it...I accidentally (tee-hee!) hit "Reply All" with a few words. The person sending me these emails is a friend's mom. I know she means no harm. A lot of good-hearted people see words like "GOD" and "BLESSINGS" on something and they pass it on to you blindly, almost like they're wishing you well. But I've made it clear that I am not religious (for a million obvious reasons) and the forwards keep on coming.

The way I see it, if they end up in my inbox, I have a right to reply, expressing my own take on these little "gems".

This particular one is titled...yep, you guessed it: "GOD" (you have to admire the originality of the folk who come up with these things). I won't post the full content here but the gist of it is this: We are so willing to pass on emails about jokes and naughty things, but we don't pass on religious chain letters (though they don't call them that) with the same enthusiasm because we are ASHAMED of God.

And if you are ashamed of God, God is ashamed of you! (because apparently he's just as bitchy we are)

The lovely email closes with the following:

"I pray, for everyone who sends this to their entire address book, they will be blessed by God in a way special for them"

Hahahaha!
You gotta send it to ALL of your address book if you want that "special" blessing!
It's all or nothing!
Or maybe if you send it to only three people, you get a small "average" blessing like finding a nickel on the sidewalk.

Who writes this stuff???

Not forwarding Religious Chain Letters has nothing to do with being ashamed of God and everything to do with respecting the fact that not everyone has the same beliefs.

I'm so glad I choose to worship less-demanding gods.



Oh! And while we're on the subject...

Does Jesus really care about CARPET???
Shot locally: