Today’s post combines math, data visualization, and mysticism all within a single song. Yesterday while I writing, I was listening to some jazz and John Coltrane’s 11383 (Take 1) randomly played. About three-quarters of the way through the song, a bass solo by Jimmy Garrison suddenly reminded me of a hip hop sample that was … Continue reading Artist a Day: John Coltrane
Many years ago I took up the practice of Yoga during three important periods of my life. When I first moved away from home for college, when I moved to Los Angeles 2001 and when I moved out of west L.A. in 2006. The benefits of yoga and meditation were important keys to me adjusting … Continue reading Artist a Day Challenge (17): Mindfulness and Modernism with Jennie C. Jones
Art and music collide in a beautifully explosive Steinway & Sons collaboration that showcases the Spirio piano in a new light. The Steinway Commission pairs visual artists with Steinway musicians to create unique works of art that reflect their collaborative vision and process. This three year project makes its debut with a Steinway Spirio piano that … Continue reading The Ghost in the Machine: Mark Bradford & Robert Glasper Combine Creative Forces
This painting by Beauford Delaney out of all his portraits of fellow artists really stuck out to me, not just because it is a beautiful piece, but I wonder why he chose to obscure the Queen of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald amongst this colorful palate of brushstrokes. Delaney’s work transitioned from figurative to abstract upon his … Continue reading Artist a Day Challenge No. 24: Beauford Delaney x Ella Fitzgerald
“I AM DELIBERATE AND AFRAID OF NOTHING.”~ AUDRE LORDE “I’M A REBEL WITH A CAUSE”~NINA SIMONE The first time I heard “Four Women” by Nina Simone I got chills. To me, there are three important elements to storytelling in any form of artistic expression: 1. It immediately conveys and connects to raw emotion 2. It provides a subtle … Continue reading Artist a Day Challenge No. 7: Kenturah Davis
Today is Langston Hughes’ 113 birthday, and Google has posted a beautiful doodle in tribute to the writer. I am smitten with the animation by doodler Katy Wu and how the illustration captures the vibrancy of the jazz age and the beautiful message in his poetry. Hughes deftly recognized our stark, painful realities while artistically transcending the pain … Continue reading Today’s Google Doodle: February 1, 2015
I’m dedicating this Rewind to someone who despite the gravity of recent days, had a GREAT week. Jeff Goldblum has had a bit of a Renaissance of late. For me I guess it goes back 10 years when he played Alistair Hennessey in “The Life Aquatic” wearing that fabulous “I’m a Pepper” shirt. From then on, … Continue reading Weekly Rewind Vol. 3
I took a little break from Culture Shock Art in May, and I am so happy to be back at the keyboard sharing my finds in art, music, and fashion. My Dad fell ill last month and it was the first time I had ever seen him sick with more than a cold much less a week laid up in the hospital. … Continue reading For My Dad: Then and Now
Thought I’d share what I listened to Tuesday night. One day I will dedicate a post or two about the legendary Blue Note Records and the beautiful Photography of Francis Wolff and incredible Graphic Design of Reid Miles. One of my most cherished art books is a collection of over 400 Blue Note Album covers … Continue reading Black History Month #4: Hank Mobley and Blue Note
I love anything that combines my love of music, art and culture so I am excited to see that something like the Roy Ayers Project exists. Fans of Roy Ayers will appreciate this site that chronicles the artists’ musical legacy by featuring the plethora of artists that continue to be inspired by his work. I … Continue reading Change Up the Groove: A Spotlight on the Roy Ayers Project
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