Rumor Has It in the Arts District…
April 7, 2012
I got news!! Just stopped by Handsome Roasters after a quick-lunch at The Pie Hole.
I liked both places very much. I can’t believe it’s taken me forever to get to both of them.
Since the reporter in me won’t stop asking questions, I found out a few businesses that are quite possibly going to lease space right next to Handsome Roasters on Mateo.
First off, a catering company called Heirloom-LA is looking to lease a restaurant space. With their humane “farm to plate” concept (and gourmet lasagna cupcakes), Heirloom-LA would most certainly be welcome in the Arts District. We need some place like this! Do it!!!
Secondly, a whiskey distillery is supposed to open in the same complex. This place would offer whiskey tastings.
Handsome currently bridges the space between Industrial St and the rest of the Arts District, and I’m excited for the bridge to get a little bit bigger. Pretty soon, I’ll be able to walk the neighborhood at night.
A Strange Morning Encounter…
February 4, 2012
I woke up this morning to a knock at my boyfriend’s door. It was 9 o’clock am, and he had left for work about an hour earlier. I didn’t know who would be knocking so early on a Saturday. I sleepily followed my barking dog to the door, and realized it was open–just a crack. I looked out the peephole and saw a security guard holding a guitar. That’s strange, I thought..
“Hi..,” I say as I slowly open the door.
“Is this your guitar?” the security guard asks.
“Um..Maybe. I think so. I don’t know,” I answer. “It looks like my boyfriend’s, but he has three.” A girl appears next to the guard. She seems super awake, excited and she’s dressed in men’s clothes.
“Yeah, it’s your guitar”, she declares.
I look at her. She looks to be about twenty-years-old. She is quite pretty. She has long brown curly hair. I think she’s hispanic. Her wide grin seems permanent. At this point, I’m a bit confused. Am I dreaming? What the hell is going on? Did she steal my boyfriend’s guitar from his unlocked apartment while I was sleeping? A thousand thoughts go through my head.
“Are these your boyfriend’s clothes?” the guard asks me as the pretty girl shows off her attire. She poses in men’s clothes-way too big for her. I think she has something else underneath, but I try not to stare.
“Huh?” I utter in total confusion. “I’ve never seen them before”.
“I was here last night” she exlaims.
“I don’t think so because I was here all night”, I tell the guard and the girl. “What is going on?
“Did this girl take your boyfriend’s guitar? We found her wandering the halls, and she said she was staying on this floor with some guy.”
“Let me check”. I go inside and find all of my boyfriend’s guitars safe and secure. I come back to the door and open it a bit. ”How do you know my boyfriend?” I ask quickly.
“I met him last night”, she exclaims.
“What does he look like?” I ask.
“Well, he’s got big bushy eyebrows…and he’s bald,” she says as she smiles. “He was cute”.
“Definitely not my boyfriend,” I say. “And his guitar is here”, I tell the guard.
“Well, that’s not what she said earlier. And the door was slightly open, so we thought maybe she came from here,” explained the guard.
“No. I’ve never seen her in my life, ” I say.
“Thanks”, says the guard. He looks disappointed. “Can you call your boyfriend and let him know you’re alright?”
“Okay- but he’s working,” I say.
“I just talked to him, and he’s worried,” utters the guard as he walks away.
“Okay”, I say.
“C’mon with me”, the guard says to the pretty girl. I close the door and go get my phone. It was on silent. I missed two calls from my boyfriend. I call him immediately.
“What is going on?” I ask. “With the girl and the guitar?”
“Are you okay?” he asks. Security called me and said, ‘Your girlfriend is super mussed up and wandering around the building with your guitar.”
“Wasn’t me,” I say. “She was pretty messed up.”
“The door must have not closed all the way when I left with all my gear this morning,” he explains.
“Well, that was strange. I’m going back to bed now,” I say. “Have a good day”.
I went back to sleep. Later, I went out to get some coffee and stopped by the security desk. “Whatever happened with that girl? Did she find the right loft?”
“No”, a different security guard says. “But, she must have been on something. She left and wandered down the street. She took off all her clothes in public. She got arrested.”
“Wow…she must have been really messed up.”
“Must have been something real good,” he says.
A few photos from this weekend….
July 5, 2011
DTLA:Where Anything Goes-Like Angel City Brewery
May 22, 2011
“We love it Downtown! Anything goes…,” one of my 23-year-old friends told me yesterday.
Earlier in the day, she posted on Facebook that she was going to be Downtown. I texted her, and it turns out she was in the city for the Red Bull Soapbox Race. We made plans to meet up at Angel City Brewery in the Arts District. I was excited to go, as I had never been–and it’s been open for over a month now. I once considered myself to be a sort of connoisseur of all things AD. I’ve lived here for about six years now, and I’ve seen this place change….grow into a real destination.
At night, the streets were once empty–looking like a city set. The AD is often used for filming–especially for creepy murder scenes on CSI. But now, the streets are rarely vacant. People come from all over–even the West Side (like my friend) to experience the art, energy and amazing food/drink DTLA has to offer-especially the Arts District.
I once had more time to explore my neighborhood But now, I’m so consumed with work, that I don’t have as much time for downtown adventures. I’d like to bring back my “Local Celebrity” posts. I’ve been planning an interview with Joseph Pitruzzelli (co-owner) of Wurstkuche (and basically, like,the mayor of the AD) for like a year now. It will happen eventually–I promise.
Sorry for the tangent; my point being that I’m kinda upset I haven’t been to Angel City Brewery earlier. It’s just down the street from Wurstkuche and has lots of free (yes, free!) parking.
At 27,000 sq ft, the place is huge. Apparently, the building was once a cable factory (the kind of cables that go on big bridges). The space is really industrial, which I adore.
Angel City is open Thursday-Sunday (see website for details). They don’t sell food, just yummy, locally-brewed beer. The beer is only $5 for a pint of one of the four selections on tap.
You can get food from food-trucks that park outside the building. The space hosts music and art events.
Right now there is a Street Art exhibit going on in conjunction with the MOCA exhibit. Becca and Saber are some of the artists who have pieces for sale in the gallery. Actually, the whole space is like a gallery (see photos above). And, there’s a giant slide.
You’re not supposed to climb up or down the slide–but I think they should open it up and make it a centerpiece attraction- like Trail Dust Steakhouse in Denver (I’ll never forget that old slide).
I mean the whole operational slide would fit perfectly into my description of Angel City Brewery. The only way I can describe the place is like an indoor park. It’s so spacious, and there’s picnic tables for seating. You can even bring your own picnic dinner. They should add some see-saws and monkey bars. It would be perfect! I mean, it’s Downtown–where anything goes, right?
Rad Documentary coming to Downtown Independent #DTLA
May 15, 2011
Nearly twenty years later, still profoundly affected by his experience at Showbiz Pizza, small-town disc-jockey Chris Thrash sought out Fechter and purchased a Rock-afire band of his own. Some clever programming on Chris’ part, and the band was once again performing for millions, this time on YouTube.
The Rock-afire Explosion reveals how Chris came to revive this fallen 80′s gem, explores his and a number of other fan’s obsessions with the animatronic band, and chronicles the rise and fall of Showbiz Pizza and what was once a 20 million dollar per-year venture for inventor Aaron Fechter. More than this, the film is a look at the importance of nostalgia, ever-changing media culture, and the eternal quest to stay young.”
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 – $10
7:30 PM – Downtown Independent
251 S. Main Street
BUKOWSKI IS HERE!
October 11, 2010
I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present. Okay, there are still a few things on the list I’d love…..But,there’s a BUKOWSKI exhibit going on right now in Pasadena at The Huntington Gardens/Library/Museum.
From the website:
This fall, The Huntington presents a much-anticipated exhibition on the life and works of Charles Bukowski, drawn from the archive of his papers donated to The Huntington by his wife, Linda Lee Bukowski, in 2006. “Charles Bukowski: Poet on the Edge” opens Oct. 9 in the West Hall of the Library and continues through Feb. 14, 2011.
Among the rare items on view in the exhibition; will be first editions of his works; corrected typescripts of poems and novels; original drawings by Bukowski; correspondence and fan mail; large-format printings of his poems produced by the Black Sparrow Press and other fine printing houses.
In addition, Linda Lee Bukowski is graciously lending a number of iconic items, including Bukowski’s manual typewriter, an original oil portrait by John Register, and very scarce early books.
I love that Bukowski lived a few blocks from my loft. His writing was heavily influenced by downtown Los Angeles.
When I read his poems I imagine which building he was writing from. I know he worked at the Terminal Annex Post Office down the street, and frequented downtown bars like Crabby Joe’s. If you’re really interested in Bukowski’s LA life (like me), you can take Esotouric’s awesome Tour: Haunts of a Dirty Old Man: Charles Bukowski’s Los Angeles. One day–I’m going to do it. But for now, I think I’ll head to The Huntington Gardens on the first Thursday of the Month (as admission is free and that’s how Bukowski would do it).
Leo DiCaprio & I are Obsessed with…becca
August 29, 2010
I found the two becca street art pieces at the corner of 7th and Mateo–in my neighborhood (the Arts District). I’ve seen her work before, but only in photos. I did a little research about becca, and found out she’s a renowned street-turned-studio artist.
““From the littered streets of Hollywood to the whitewashed walls of its hotspot galleries and cultural institutions, the reclusive artist known to a nation of enchanted spectators simply as ‘Becca’ has brought her tale of urban alienation and sly humor to life in the form of her innocent little girls and elegant ladies.” –Juxtapoz cover story, Jan/Feb 1999 Issue #18
The above comes from an article in Juxtapoz magazine written over 10 years ago. In the last 15 years, becca’s work have been snapped up by Leonardo Dicaprio, Norman Reedus, The Getty Family and other esteemed art collectors.
Here are some studio pieces:
I Wanna Go Here…..New Places in #DTLA
August 16, 2010
There are new restaurants and bars popping up all over downtown, but I’m thrilled to announce two relatively new neighbors: KTCHN 105, and Villains Tavern.
I haven’t been to either restaurant yet, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about both places.
KTCHN 105 is located here:
“Beyond cooking, our studio kitchen at KTCHN 105 was designed for learning, entertaining, and coming together for the appreciation of food. Located in the the heart of the Produce District of Downtown Los Angeles, our studio kitchen offers catering, private tastings, specialized cooking classes, private dinner parties and creative culinary energy. “
They Also offer Sunday Brunch:
Some of the yummy offerings include: sun-dried tomato scramble, Corn Meal Waffle Pear BLT and Basil Cured Salmon Lox with Toast Baguette.
Next up:Villain’s Tavern
The folks who brought you Bordello and 4100, are now bringing you this amazing place. I really want to go to look at the design of the space, which supposedly includes: ” church pews on the outside patios, an antique bar that used to reside in an 1880s-era New York City tavern, and a Gothic church window behind the bar.”*
According to the yelp reviews, food includes: burgers, grilled cheese and Parmesan fries. And, there are a ton of beers on tap including: Chimay, Deschutes Porter, and Racer 5. The most popular drink is the combo: $8 gets you a mason jar of one of 20 beers, ales, lagers or ciders on tap and a test tube shot full of hard liquor on the side. What a deal?!
Here are some more shots of Villains (thanks yelpers!):
*Photos Courtesy of KTCHN105 and YELP.
Thank god for good friends. I was at my neighbor’s loft watching the soccer game, when she told me that Julian Schnabel was lecturing on the new Dennis Hopper exhibit he curated for MOCA. I would have known that information had I read my MOCA member’s newsletter. But….I didn’t.
After the game, we ran (I actually rode on a Vespa for the first time ever) to the Colburn School (next to MOCA on Grand) where the lecture was supposed to take place. At the last minute, Schnabel changed his mind and wanted to lecture at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA (where the actual exhibit is housed). Smart thinking Mr. Schnabel!
When we arrived back at The Geffen MOCA, we learned the lecture was sold out (even for MOCA members). We patiently waited, and with a little help from someone– we got in. My friend pointed out that there were tons of Soap stars there. I didn’t recognize anyone, but I don’t watch those shows. I did notice lots of plastic-surgerized people, though. Maybe those were the people she was talking about. My favorite woman was really old and wearing a bright pink shirt that said, “This is what a feminist looks like”. She left a few minutes into Schnabel’s lecture.
I didn’t really know much about Hopper’s art or photography before today. And, I’m definitely more of a fan of Schnabel’s film work ( especially Basquiat!), than his art…But, I learned so much about both Schnabel and Hopper during the intimate program. I found Schnabel incredibly funny and charming (even though he has a reputation of being arrogant).
Ed Moses was also in the audience, and spoke a few words about Hopper. Schnabel talked about how the brilliance of Hopper’s art/photography, while Moses explained Hopper should definitely be known for his film work (Like Easy Rider and Blue Velvet, not his photography or painting. MOCA’s new director, Jeffrey Dietch, stood beside Schnabel as he spoke for about 45 minutes on curating the Dennis Hopper exhibit.
I tried to transcribe most of the lecture on my iphone (I hope Schnabel didn’t think I was texting the entire time, as I was standing right in front–I promise. I was writing it all down!)
Here are a few things I took away from this awesome lecture:
Hopper was a painter without a brush (regarding his photography).
He was painfully humble and generous.
His photos document NYC artists coming to LA.
Schnabel tried to show lots of Hopper’s familiar photos next to photos that are not famous at all. Hopper turned the camera on everything. Schnabel wanted to show Hopper’s insistence on looking at the same things over and over in different forms.
Hopper liked to create abstract paintings from photos he took. He invented reality.
Someone once asked if Hopper was a Pop Artist or a Contemporary Artist. Schnabel explained Hopper’s house on Crescent Heights was full of pop art. He spent a lot of the money he made from acting on artwork. Famous artists, like Warhol, loved going to his house. Hopper was curious about “how to be an artist”. He was attracted to the best artists.
Hopper was a conceptual artist. He had people paint his vision. He was brilliant.
Duchamp was a huge influence on Hopper. Necessity is the mother of invention.
On Basquiat: Once Basquiat was asked where do your images come from? And he answered, “Ask miles Davis where his notes come from”. (Schnabel referred to Basquiat by his first name Jean-Michel, not Basquiat).
When curating the exhibit, Schnabel wanted people to see the consistency of things Hopper focused on. He also said it was easy to find a version of yourself in Hopper’s work.
Hopper’s art was so much about life, while Schnabel said his work is about death.
Schnabel said the exhibit could have been called “On the Road” because Hopper was like Kerouac.
We’re living in a world where it’s not about who painted it first, it’s about who painted it last.”
Hopper found love and contentment in his art. He had no self pity at all. He was a tough, strong beautiful friend to Schnabel.
It’s hard to be a living artist and get respect, Schnabel said. Now that Hopper’s dead, he gets more respect for his art.
A while back, Schnabel was sitting with Hopper on his couch, and Hopper said, “My body is riddled with cancer”. Schnabel talked to Hopper’s doctor, and the doctor said, “If everyone stopped treating him like a patient, and let him continue with his art, he’ll live.”
Hopper and Schnabel were working on this exhibit before his death. He gave Schnabel full reign to curate the show. He trusted him.
Dennis believed in God (Schnabel does not). Schnabel ended with, “Dennis would say God Bless you all and thank you. Take a look around.”
Everyone seemed to feel Hopper’s presence during the talk-even Ed Moses commented on the energy. Strange noises came from the back rooms of the exhibit. They noises could have come from a bunch of random things–but I’d like to think Hopper was really trying to be heard as an artist. True Story. Thank you Mr. Schnabel.
If you get a chance, definitely check out Dennis Hopper’s Double Standard exhibit. It runs until September 26th, 2010 at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. I especially loved Hopper’s B/W photos.
(some girl cried when she met Schnabel)
DTLA Art Walk May 2010…w/Photos
May 15, 2010
I usually love Art Walk. I’m always inspired by something I see at the monthly event. Whether it comes from people watching, a piece of art, or the creative energy, I always bring something back to my own work. But, this month’s Art Walk was a bit atypical.
I arrived a bit late–around 8pm. I usually like to get to art walk around 6 or 7, so I can try to snag a parking space on the street. Sometimes I have to park in one of the $10 parking lots a few blocks away if I’m running late. (And no, I will not walk from my loft, as it requires walking right through skid row.)
Next time I will be taking a taxi. Driving on Main and Spring streets felt like driving in NYC. There were people everywhere, no one was moving, and it took forever to get one block. After driving a few blocks North and South of Art Walk, we still couldn’t find parking. My usual $10 lots were all full. We ended up parking all the way near 7th and Grand, near Bottega Louie and Caseys, where we would end up later in the evening. I know that doesn’t seem so far away from 4th and Main, but it was a lot further than I’ve ever had to park.
We walked through the nearly empty streets until we started seeing a few people here and there. Everyone was dressed up. As we got closer to art walk, the sidewalks started filling up, more and more people started appearing. By the time we actually reached Spring, we were stuck in a sea of people. We could hardly move. It was claustrophobic. I’ve been to Art Walk when it was crowded before, but never like this. It was so hard to see the art. You had to push your way into even the mediocre galleries.
This Art Walk was not my favorite. But, I managed to snap a few photos.
I’m really happy for all the traffic the businesses, bars and restaurants are getting because of Art Walk. I just think the walk needs to spread out a bit. Or perhaps, the city should close off parts of Main and Spring so people can actually walk, breath, and see the art.
