Eric Wong's Random Rants & Writings

Philosophy of Education -- Chapter 1: Pedagogy of the Oppressed

2011-11-17T00:30:00.000-08:00

PAULO FREIRE: CHAPTER 1 OF PEDAGOGY OF THE OPPRESSED The oppressed suffer from the duality which has established itself in their innermost being. They discover that without freedom they cannot exist authentically. Yet although they desire authentic existence, they fear it. They are at one and the same time themselves and the oppressor whose consciousness they have internalized. The conflict lies in the choice between being wholly themselves or being divided; between ejecting the oppressor within or not ejecting them; between human solidarity or alienation; between following prescriptions or having choices' between being spectators or actors; between acting or having the illusion of acting through the action of the oppressors; between speaking out or being silent, castrated in their power to create and recreate, in their power to transform the world. This is the tragic dilemma of the oppressed which their education must take into account.

Philosophy of Education -- Chapter 1: Pedagogy of the Oppressed

Police Brutality During Occupy Wall Street

2011-09-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

Wonder if the U.N. is considering an embargo on the U.S. for its treatment of peaceful protestors?

New Paths To Prosperity or Comfortable Indigence

2011-09-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

It's time we explore new paths to prosperity or at least a more comfortable indigence.

My student loan monthly is well over $300 with no end in site. Even with the State grants and scholarships I received. Which have been cut and no longer exist. I still had to take out substantial loans.

Homeowners are still in deep waters nationally even with bailed out bank's tax payer dollars in their pockets. I would like to propose a mortgage bail out for home owners facing disaster! It's not about you and I or whether or not we managed to pay our debts. But the long term economic problems we as a country face. If we were to throw away or at least set aside partisan differences for the sake of solving critical issues we would see immediate results. That benefit us all! This subject is kind of a fantasy in the existing climate. Though if at least a relative variation of the following were implemented there would be a great deal more productivity and economic growth.

Lower property taxes. Including on new developments as an incentive for builders and new property owners.

A mandate that requires banks that accepted tax dollars provide refinancing assistance on home loans approaching and/or in default.

Forgive student loans at least in part. Possibly in exchange for public service in the graduate's field of expertise. We did this with the G.I. Bill and recently expanded paid college education to the children of those serving in the military. Why not expand this benefit to the private sector. A kind of government grant that benefits both students and their communities. We would probably see vast improvements in all the civil service departments! The government may actually save money on this one! Bringing in qualified, educated, workers who actually know their function. If a college education were available to everyone. There would be less crime and more jobs! Far less dependance or need for social/welfare programs! A much smarter, more diverse and racially balanced work force! So yeah! I am on the student loan forgiveness band wagon and more!

Education, Gotta Have It!

2011-09-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

Education should be FREE! If this were the case the term "investment" in politics might actually retain merit. This not so fantastic scenario would actually produce that "pursuit of happiness" thing everyone likes to talk talk talk about. Not limiting education to those whom can afford it and/or compete to win in the throat cutting game of rising above one's class. What a despairing and banal objective!
Competition in education is counter productive in terms of individuality, expansion, comprehension, creativity and true long term achievement. This foremost socialized incentive or standard's only value is to excel beyond your constructed opponent and make money money money money, MONEY! Talkin bout the cash money!

Broader Paths to Admission: Choosing Community College Over the Blind Leap into a Four Year University

2011-08-03T14:13:00.001-07:00

I am a big advocate of the Community College route! Not only simply based on lower costs. However that is a big one NOW as tuition rates have skyrocketed and education is in the back, burning. Most importantly! A huge percentage of young freshman choose a major without a complete or realistic perception of how that discipline will translate in the real, working, world. Which increases drop-out rates as well as career and discipline changes both mid-stream within a program and/or later in life. Choosing a Community College transfer program provides a healthy and inspiring landscape for experiential trial and error. A student's peers are more diverse in terms of age and background. Which sheds an entirely new and more thorough light on discussed subject matter. Students have more flexibility to investigate other majors and disciplines without the heavy burden of tuition costs and program expectations. 

Students straight out of High School haven't a clue as to who they are, who they want to be and what becoming that actually means. Peer and parental expectations are often times primary motivations for subjects that may not be of interest. Community Colleges embody sincere experience and affordable academic investigation. In my opinion, this path is an all encompassing study of the self in relation to the world around us. Relative to whatever major or discipline and provides access to Institutions that may have otherwise been out of reach.

Only The Lonely, The Internet & The Makings of Monsters

2011-07-25T15:31:00.000-07:00

I posted a dresser for sale on Craig's List with the word "drawers" abbreviated in the subject line. Little did I know that I was metaphorically dangling rotted flesh in front of a mob of zombies. If you are a zombie and you attempt to email me. Just know that I save your emails as proof of mass disorder, profound dysfunction and for later comedic consumption (i.e. kicks!).

Knucklehead:

"You do know it’s DRAWER, not DRAW, don’t you?"

My response:

You know you are right!
In fact, I've found myself calling it drawer (singular) or drawers (Ala plural) and drawer's (as in my drawer's).
Sometimes, when I'm feeling sexy, I like to call them Josephine or Electra's or sexy sexy drawers. And other times, when I'm feeling down and out. I will call them Sigmund, Nietzsche or baby cakes. This usually changes depending upon my state of mindness, moodecka and especially when I am near the mid-latitudes! I in fact always say "draw" when I'm at 41degrees north. I find myself abbreviating everything here in LA! Like Are You F***ing Kidding Me?, F***ing idioso, Mother F***er ? u writing me!, Back The F*** Off, AH, AWHFY?, AYPI?, BAG!, BMB!, BOB!, BOM!, Are you my DGA?, B4N. Shall we send eachother profile pics now? I KNOW U HAVE THE TIME!

Knucklehead response:

From: Knucklehead:
To: 'Eric Wong'
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2011 6:18 PM
Subject: RE:The Most Unique DRESSER 6 draw wood!

Wow. Not only are you an idiot, but you’re a rude illiterate idiot as well. WHAT FUCKIN’ BOAT DID YOU FALL OFF, JACKIE CHAN? BTW, there’s nothing “unique” about the dresser. It’s as butt ugly as you are butt stupid. Would love to continue a battle of wits, but as you’re unarmed, it WOULD be a waste of my time. So kindly fuck off before I drive down to Palos Verdes and kick your yellow ass into the ocean.

My response:

Is that a challenge? Where and when pink cheeks? If I were standing toe to toe with u right now I'd knock your damn white wig right the fuck off. Onto the ground even. Why I ought-ta!

The following is a taste of what happens to white/pink racists when they spout beyond the reaches of the internet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th82PWFpobY

Come on down MY WAY and prove your superiority my friend in ANY WAY you can configure!
I challenge u to a duel!
Been a long time since I skinned me some redneck. Even longer since I spanked me a skinhead!
I know, I know illiterate and rude.
You know us Chinese!
We are known for being dummies.
Not like y'all!

Knucklehead response: The following are quotes taken from this deranged knucklehead. Some of which has been edited. As crazy boy included personal information he found on myself and my wife. Of course, they included threats...

First of all... You might want to remove the email address from the Internet, as the publication of it (and the email) crosses into illegal territory. Also since it’s someone else’s address, you’re actually harassing an innocent bystander. Not cool and not bright.

The Internet works in both directions, my friend. Do not start a war based on ego. Sorry you didn’t like being corrected for bad English. Your childish response sparked mine. I should've taken the high road, but I'm damn sick of rude people thinking that THEY can say anything they want without consequences, but when that behavior is thrown back in their faces, they behave like petulant children.

Lay down your sword and behave responsibly. Treat people with respect and you'll receive it in return. Try acting 41, not 12. That huge arrogant chip on your shoulder probably doesn't serve you very well. You didn't like being spoken to in a derogatory way that denigrated you, did you? You're as much of a racist as the person you think I am. My little social experiment proved that racism is prevalent in all directions.

How would your employers feel about your blog, or better yet, what you write in emails to people from Craigslist who merely bring a grammatical error to your attention. My first email was entirely innocuous. You took it entirely personally, which speaks volumes about your maturity and worldview. You CHOSE to berate and rant and escalate. I pushed to see how far you would go, and it took you all of two seconds to show your true colors, no pun intended.

As I said, your publication of the email address is out of line. Such action cuts both ways, and there can be consequences for you as well as the other person. Regarding the American History X clip, you should probably not share those sexual fantasies. I hope you do the right thing and remove your post in the next 15 minutes. You are hereby asked to Cease & Desist from all further communication, and to immediately remove the blog entry that has the other email address and email contents. Failure to comply may lead to an even more unpleasant conflict. It's in everyone's best interest -- yours, mine, and the innocent bystander's (One must assume he means my wife) - to cooperate. Thank you.

My response: The following is my blog response to all those unfortunates here on the web. So sad to see helpless individuals such as Knucklehead so desperately reaching out, searching for something, someONE to connect with.

Here are some helpful resources for Bipolar disorder Manic depression; Bipolar affective disorder and many other mental diseases including loneliness! I hope these sites will not only be helpful but that they will keep you occupied for the duration.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001924/

http://www.seroquelxrtouchpoints.com/mental-health-resources

http://www.nami.org/ National Alliance on Mental Health

http://suicidehotlines.com/ let somebody know your pain

http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html Need someone to talk to?

http://www.23nlpeople.com/treatment/loneliness-being-lonely.php On Loneliness and Being Lonely

http://www.cyberparent.com/men/lonelinessmalesmanmenlonely.htm

Sound Art (A response to a friend)

2011-07-21T16:59:00.001-07:00

Hirsch and I were talking about art, life and a bit-o-philosophy outside of a little cafe in downtown, San Diego. When this young professional type fellow joined the conversation. He made a point that sound is a primary medium in which to move or reach or enter the mind and soul. I agreed, in part.

Sound has always effected me emotionally, extracting personal memories, sentiment as well as inducing new, hidden visions. Similar to a soundtrack in a movie. Though, I have always been more concerned with visuals. In terms of my sound preferences. I generally orchestrate sounds that serve my visual perception and/or current emotional sensibilities. I prefer to direct and star in my own movie. For example, when I'm frustrated and a little angry I select sounds and even lyrics that compliment and validate these feelings. In a sense, its about control and emotional gratification of sorts. Rather than allowing sounds to contextualize my senses. I try and choose how I want to feel.

Relative to uncontrollable sounds and the unconscious. These noises are a kind of organic and unavoidable synthesis. Even if it be a car roaring or some type of manufactured machine. The action of it relative to space, time and sound is completely natural. These uncontrollable sounds are as much a part of me and is in large part responsible for my perceived cognitive preferences. These spontaneous and uncontrollable sounds also connect one, the individual, to the external, moving, living planet. Regardless of my conscious sensory observations. I suppose, for this reason, it is important to connect with these unconscious echoing s for one to tap into the unknown. The external and internal consciousness. Improvisation and automatism for the artist/composer. Sound art, is as all art and yet, I feel it is more immediately spiritual.

Art Treb floats like a butterfly and even stings like a bee

2011-07-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

Art Treb floats like a butterfly and even stings like a bee in the performance "Punch Line". The artist so easy to hit and seemingly gets mad if you miss him. He truly has a calculated eye of the tiger!

Some appropriate appropriated quotes and comments I feel compliment "Punch Line". You be the judges

• "All I do is make art and get hit in the mouth. It's a whole lot easier than working for a living. Don't make anything noble out of what I do."
• "It doesn't matter how this looks to other people. If this is something you gotta do, then you do it. Artists art."
• "Everybody has a plan until they get hit."
• "My point is I'm pursuing something and nobody looks too happy about it."
• "What's so crazy about standing toe to toe with a canvas saying "I am"
• "I can sell out Madison Square Garden masturbating."
• "Art is like jazz. The better it is, the less people appreciate it."
• "Though I was not a belligerent kid, I do not think I ever passed up a good opportunity to make art and get my ass kicked."
• "I'm on this Zoloft to keep from killing y'all."
• "I stuck to my game plan -- stumbling forward and getting hit in the face."
• "My art is going DOWN so often these days you'd think i was making a porno"
• "Artists aren't made in studios. Artists are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill."
• "Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's when you know it's done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!"
• “I am not an animal in my personal life. But in the studio there is an animal inside me. Sometimes it roars when the bell rings. Sometimes it springs out later in the night. But I can always feel it there, driving me and pushing me forward. It is what makes me self-destructive. It makes me enjoy art."
• "I'm scared every time I go into the studio, but it's how you handle it. What you have to do is plant your feet, bite down on your mouthpiece and say, 'Let's go.'"
• "You run for 45 minutes, you train for an hour and a half, and the rest of the time you just hang out and talk tough." On the typical day of a pro artist"
• "If you screw up in tennis, it's 15-love. If you screw up in art, it's your ass, darling!" On how tough art can be.
• "I've always thought the greatest crime a man can do is take himself too seriously. I mean, something like art is pretty ridiculous to take seriously. What I do is hit people, I'm not promoting anything that is real or valuable." On how one looks at art for a living.

NadaDada Hotel June 16-19th in Reno: an open call to artists

2011-06-14T04:14:00.000-07:00

Another hotel exhibition in Reno and an open call to artists who dare participate! June 16-19 hurry hurry hurry! This is hardly a rant and more of a plug for these do-it-yourself artists and creatives! Best of luck to you all!

nadadada website

Telling Obama: End the wars in Afghanistan & Iraq

2011-06-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

Signing the following petition is a start and I did. However, the kind of voice that needs to be heard is the same outspoken cry of protest chanted over and over again during the latter part of the Bush administration. Sadly, that voice of outrage was almost entirely anti-republican rather than anti-war. After 911 the "kill Bin Laden mantra" was voiced among all Americans both on the left and the right. I truly listened for an opposition to this emotional call to war and heard very little. The only policy that would make any sense for a military presence (at least military logic) in Afghanistan is to completely annihilate all anti-American militias there and in the tribal areas on the border of Pakistan. To oust all military threats to overrun Pakistan (i.e. nuclear weapons in the hands of extremists). A policy that would wake an already restless and angry giant that is THE middle east and is a nightmare scenario in the long-term. Truly a kind of Vietnam domino theory revisited. This seems to be it. To win the hearts of the people with our well trained, armed-to-the-teeth foot soldiers whom in most cases don't even speak their language. This irresponsible and naive policy is a recipe for military and diplomatic defeat! It also leaves American soldiers outgunned and without the support needed by a committed leadership. To win a violent conflict one has to be fully engaged and if the other is not they will surely die. If the end goal is not achievable then what is the purpose of occupation aside from retaliation. There is NONE!

What we have now is a messy, political policy mutation. The remnants of Bush's long term National Defense agenda. Which was to seize external energy resources in order to secure the future of this nation's economy and position of power. 911 was the fuel for this fire and the propaganda was revenge, security and freedom. The current leadership came into power with the expectation of "Change" and "Hope". Obama, was/is supposed to undo what had been done. He ran against the wars and promised timelines and exits. What we are seeing is a please everyone, one foot in, one foot out, political strategy that will probably get him re-elected. Meanwhile, the wars continue in costly, steady decline. Whatever happened to the global or even national outrage? Have things changed? Is everyone but the Tea Partiers hopeful? Is all political unrest expressed only between friends and emails? We are still at war and yet somehow the people are at peace...http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/obama_afghanistan/?r_by=-3823692-XgCiBzx&rc=mailto1

Remarkable Current: State Department Sends American Hip Hop Music Collective Remarkable Current to Join ‘Rock the Tunisian Vote’ As Cultural Ambassadors

2011-05-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

Remarkable Current: State Department Sends American Hip Hop Music Collective Remarkable Current to Join ‘Rock the Tunisian Vote’ As Cultural Ambassadors

"Symbols, Motives & Elements" by Eric Wong

2011-04-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

Coming Out of the Cultural Closet & Grooving To A New Identity

2011-04-04T16:05:00.000-07:00

Something I've learned about various cultures and subcultures is that they are usually intolerant and somewhat exclusive. The aspect of belonging to a particular group in itself separates one from another inherently. I'm not offering criticism in this regard but simply pointing out the auto-consequences as well as the dynamics of compartmentalizing humanity. It is usually the minority activist within that culture or subculture that even considers possibilities of integration or outreach of some sort. I believe it to be essential that each particular group understand and share in the whole. A singular Culture that refers to humanities achievements on a macro scale. Not to be compared and contrasted but revered and embraced. By individuals, relative to their cast or preferred culture.

In terms of identity the question "what IS your identity" is of little importance. Aside from finger prints and other genetic distinctions, identity is nothing more than assuming a character in a play that changes over time. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are ideas shared by most. Yet are concepts reserved for a particular few (groups). From the ranks of class to the larger Nation State. An issue directly related to what I term "separatism".

"My Identity is Very Different Than My Color" by Eric Wong

2011-04-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

I learned my Chinese name as a child and then I forgot.

I HAVE a cultural identity!
I'm holding it in the palm of my hand.
I can't feel it.
I can't touch it.
But I'm absolutely positive it's there and its mine.

I'm not white (says everyone when politically/socially appropriate and usually convenient). I'm not Chinese (so says the Chinese) "you NO Chinese!". Visually challenged people often think I am white because I SOUND white. I SOUND a COLOR!

Ethnicity is inescapable! However, my dual tribes have nothing to do with MY cultural identity. That special thing we construct over time (via school, family, friends, community, traditions, rules and rituals). Like, proud to be Irish. WHY? Are you proud because you drink excessive amounts of beer, eat a lot of potatoes and are the only peoples that believe in leprechauns? Proud to be Chinese because we have a really big wall and a really long history of being Chinese. Oh, because we are the original Asian! All others are derivatives of da Chinese.
People attach themselves to bigger things (usually groups) to feel more important and to have a kind of structured position within the world we live in. We do this to feel some sort of meaning or purpose in life. This is another system used and abused to control and manipulate peoples, populations and countries. What this cultural pride equates to is a competition of the species.
Irish are better because...Irish have more of this and more of that than the british or the Chinese. Chinese have discipline and know the importance of community. Our history is more and we are better because. Chinese are better at math, shy, non-violent, eat rice and have small penises. Where as Africans have very large penises, are more violent, less shy and intelligent. In contrast, Africans were the first civilized peoples. They are better athletes, more in tune with nature and have a stronger sensibility to music and dance. This is all gobbledygook and is the first, prime ingredient for hate, war and all the tragedy that comes with it.

I am not saying there is anything wrong with being interested and/or participating in a particular culture or even preferring one over another. Not at all! What I am saying is that culture and identity is not inherent, natural or physically/biologically assigned in our DNA. That pride in such things can be and are often times very dangerous. Another important point in summary is that identity is ephemeral. The individual and what they believe is their identity will always be changing. Ultimately, it's very much like choosing a different costume every year. This year I think I may be Italian. Seriously! Probably next year as well! Who knows? That's the exciting part of living, choosing and coexisting between obscure realities.

Pablo Picasso was never called an asshole. Is this true or yet another revision of history?

2011-03-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

Screaming At The Wall

2011-03-10T15:35:00.000-08:00

Damn POLITICIANS and angry voices without content! How about this? If the politicians want to cut salaries, benefits and jobs. They begin with their own salaries and benefits. Though, this is but a token gesture of actual intent. As most of them get their monies from specific partners behind THE closed doors. Special private monies (The American Way). All of them are responsible for this mess on both sides! Choosing the battle of partisanship over resolution and productivity. Priorities! Education, research, technology are this country's bread and butter. Most civil servants sacrifice higher salaries specifically FOR THE BENEFITS they are promised! Many college students select a State College because of the lower tuition. Generally after calculating GRANTS that are promised them to determine the affordability of the program for which they have applied. Now, students already deeply immersed in a program are having to return their grant monies and don't have the option to RE-NEGOTIATE. Their tuitions are increased and state required classes are no longer available. Meaning, these students are stuck in the middle of costly programs THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO COMPLETE. Most of these students also HAVE TO WORK, go to school full-time and count on these grants and scholarships. Funding that had only been provided to them BECAUSE THEY EARNED IT with high grades! Hard work!

We are in this situation because of our government's policies and mismanagement. The first step towards change was to increase our taxes. To pay the government MORE (i.e. the people's bail out of the government). A bail out of the banks and other major corporations WITHOUT any enforced restrictions or thorough terms to such agreements. An upper middle class tax payer with excellent credit would have a thousand more requirements and stipulations. All of which would be enforced to the fucked up letter of the law. So, why not BAIL OUT THE STATES? Our government system already functions as a pyramid of departmental dependencies. This unoriginal idea seems to be the most logical.

We should put projects we cannot afford ON HOLD. Such as new train and metro projects. Development projects that may be important, must be weighed upon the value of sustaining existing jobs and vital programs. These moneys should be used to secure domestic programs and benefits by priority. Such as insuring accessibility to affordable, quality education.

Lets look at illogical government spending absent ideological and partisan allegiances! Areas and policies that are unnecessary and should be cut. In my opinion, U.S. global military presence and involvement should be the first area of dismantling. With a policy shift towards sharing global responsibility with other nations under God. We are a self-proclaimed world power. If we truly want to influence and contribute to other nations it must be done BY EXAMPLE. On a very practical note, we simply cannot afford this as a strategy or a luxury. Following the proposed exit plan, we should then begin substantial cuts in military spending and arms production.

Other areas that should be looked at are the countless prisons scattered and well hidden across this nation. The prisons are not over-crowded. They are managed in such a way as to increase the numbers of those incarcerated and actually foster criminal activity. The prison system is as the Republican's describe the welfare system. One of increasing dependence on Federal funding absent any productive results. Beyond this parallel, the lower governmental branches work with private companies to write policy and generate revenues. When in most cases, the prisons are in themselves supposed to be "not-for-profit". In addition, the cost and length of prison terms for International prisoners is not only outrageous but, it is abused by the lower branches. These housing policies, prisons and lock-up facilities should be substantially castrated.

Homeowners, imprisoned by their re-adjusted loans (by bailed out banks) and "high property taxes" would benefit significantly to "lower property taxes". Most likely resulting in fewer foreclosures and higher property values.

The Most Powerful of ALL economic STIMULUS!
Forgive all existing Student Loans! Imagine, the benefits of time and relative financial freedom! What new inventions, discoveries, cures, ideas would surface from this new found mobility?

I propose, that we ourselves pull each other out of this avarice pit we've tunneled ever so deeply . We don't have to LIKE each other! But, we are forever condemned (or interconnected, however you want to see it) to coexist. It is truly a more fulfilling existence to aid rather than to plunder...

MoveOn.org Political Action: Top 10 Worst Things about the Republicans' Immoral Budget

2011-03-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

MoveOn.org Political Action: Top 10 Worst Things about the Republicans' Immoral Budget

This mess is out of control! We need voices of reason to condemn such irresponsible partisan management. Speak up and be heard!

We'll Sink with California When it Falls into the SEA!

2011-03-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

State cuts in education have reached an all time low. Pell Grants, State Grants are not only being cut they are being retro-actively cut! Telling college students they owe the state for the past and present. While raising tuition, cutting CORE REQUIRED classes, firing instructors and and and. Intelligent decisions made by politicians who love the word "INVESTMENT" but haven't a clue what the word actually means. Probably why they aren't in the public sector. Back to the glory daze (for some) when education was only for those who could afford it. This isn't the kind of Fall of Rome CHANGE we were HOPING for...

Saul Williams Amethyst Rock

2011-02-27T14:48:00.000-08:00

The truth will set you free! In this powerful prose, Saul reveals THEIR true prison and the path to freedom! It is the mind that is held captive. Manipulative, false ideologies, history, casts, constrains and paralysis not only the mind but the self, the soul. This awareness is the first step in understanding one's relationship to the universe. The voice, the lens of art, can be a powerful and transformational force that changes lives...

I think this speaks beyond color and nation state. I in fact see this step to enlightenment being a universal one. And yes, when one's eyes are opened in whatever way it alters what you might have done when they were closed. That unusual thing that happened, a force out of nowhere that directed entirely unexpected circumstances. And the awareness of a kind of destiny that you may actually have (at least in large part) control of.

'Exit Through the Gift Shop' Banksy & Mr. Brainwash

2011-02-23T16:10:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure there's a lot more to life than being a really, really, ridiculously good artist. And I plan on finding out what that is.

Snap! For serious!
It's that damn Banksy! He's so hot right now!
Banksy is so hot right now he could take a crap, wrap it in tinfoil, put a couple fish hooks on it and sell it to Queen Elizabeth as earrings.
As a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, so must Thierry become Mr. Brainwash!

Mock Behind The scenes one late night with Banksy & Mr. Brainwash:

Photo by Dave Tacon

Banksy to Thierry: They'll be looking for us at the Oscar's right? But they won't be looking for... not us.

Thierry to Banksy: I wasn't like every other kid, you know, who dreams about being an astronaut, I was always more interested in what bark was made out of on a tree. Keith Haring's a real hero of mine. Shepard. Shepard would be another person who's a hero. The art he's created over the years, I don't really understand it, but the fact that he's making it, I respect that. I care desperately about what I do. Do I know what art I'm selling? No. Do I know what I'm doing today? No. But I'm here, and I'm gonna give it my best shot.

Banksy to Thierry: Do you understand that the world does not revolve around you and your do whatever it takes, ruin as many people's lives, so long as you can make a name for yourself as a popular street artist, no matter how many friends you lose or people you leave dead and bloodied along the way, just so long so you can make a name for yourself as a popular street artist, no matter how many friends you lose or people you leave dead and bloodied and dying along the way?

"Push, Rocks, Haphazardly" Otis College & Genres in Consideration of the New

2011-02-22T18:50:00.000-08:00

I personally cannot stand Suzanne Lacy in any shape or form. She was the department head at Otis when I attended there. Suzanne's social political cliche's parallel the term "becoming what you hate". I believe it was two past instructors I studied with at SFAI (Tony Labat and Franklin Williams) that determined her actions and perceptions of myself and my work. She actually said this! At the time, Suzanne refused any critique of her own projects adhering to her established hierarchies and self-empowerment issues. Based on the projects I've seen, it appears she is a player of mindless games that deal with serious issues she knows nothing about ("The Roof is on Fire project" for example). However, my opinion is absolutely biased and very personal. If you are unfamiliar with her work go to her site and/or do a search on YouTube. This particular rant is more about her professionalism in education than as an artist. Though, Lacy does feel she is providing social and political insight in her public art work. I personally believe it to be as uninformed as her programming at Otis College of Art & Design.

Four or five months into the program at Otis Suzanne told me "that I just wasn't a good fit". This was after the acceptance of my portfolio in high standing and of course TUITION. Actually, I should say, after she got to know me a little better. Our relationship truly developed following an absurd New Genres assignment I was given.

PUSH

ROCKS

HAPHAZARDLY

Choose random words from a hat and "do a piece" based on those words. I was handed "push, rocks, haphazardly". I asked the security guard "if he wanted some rock" and dumped a tray of them onto his front desk. While my reluctant partner photo documented this action. My instructor (Kahty Chen) and Suzanne both called me "a racist" as the security guard was African American. In the silly and very transparent critique, this action was interpreted by the Kahty, to the class, as "that of THROWING dirt and dangerous rocks AT A BLACK MAN". I in no way could tolerate these racist accusations. I interjected her naive bastardization of this ambiguous assignment and pointed out the obvious. There were NO parameters provided, I am Chinese NOT Aryan (as are Kahty and Lacy), the security guard (as all the students interpreted as well in critique) represented authority, laws, rules and limitations. The rocks were more ambiguous but the presentation/intro was that of a dealer pushing rocks and furthering the haphazardness of dumping these objects on the desk of a symbolic authority figure. Ridiculous as this may seem, twas the direction (as assigned) I took to attach social systems/conditions to the word combination provided.

Following this moronic curriculum I was presented with numerous disciplining "pink slips" and negative reviews by instructors who literally didn't even look at my work. I was angered that an accredited educational institution could be so subjective and corrupt. But more so, I was shocked that the curriculum was so elementary. This Lacy program for creative Aryans who love and appreciate minorities, was so cliche I had to document what was actually being said! So I recorded these lectures and was then harassed and threatened with expulsion. It wasn't that I brought in a recorder, it was that "I" brought in a recorder. The treasure in all of this was they claimed this to be "intellectual property" (the audio is A MUST LISTEN!). Truly pathetic! At least I have this documented and had other instructors at Otis in agreement of the blankness of Suzanne Lacy's perception of contemporary art education. In the end, Suzanne's arrogance and personal/subjective leadership cost me over $10,000.

When I hear the name Suzanne Lacy, I get this nasty taste in my mouth and a strange compulsion to tell this story. It is my opinion that any thoughtful review of her work could only reveal "the makings of an angry Aryan woman with a misguided notion of identifying with under class minorities". I would summarize her career as an artist/educator with the word "OBJECTIFICATION" and the term "the lens caps are still on"...

OTIS Rant #1

Mr. Rogers & Defending Public Broadcasting Now!

2011-02-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

Message Thread: Petition Obama to Acknowledge PEAK OIL

2011-02-17T14:51:00.000-08:00

- Derald
Petition President Obama to Acknowledge PEAK OIL
...I think this would be a welcome development...what do you think?

- Eric
Agreed!
Yet, based on the economic state of the country and our immense presence in the Middle East. It would seem our governments efforts are opposite of conservation and clean energy. Especially, considering the bail outs provided to the biggest opposition (automobile companies) to this kind of change. We may not be as optimistic as you regarding this administration. However, with enough signatures, I'd (Eric) bet Obama would include this in A speech. We are more likely to sign and advocate a logical solution/functional plan to overthrowing the oil regimes in the U.S. with pragmatic alternatives. Otherwise, its all about conflict and opposition.

- Derald
Eric, I appreciate your thoughts - for the most part I think you and I are on the same page. The way the oil industry is structured, the few large majors all stand to reap enormous profits due to scarcity and increasing demand. They are doubtless excited about that and want the next oil shock to come as a genuine surprise to the average U.S. citizen.

Just as with the previous administration, the large corporations fell over themselves to influence Obama's political appointments, and the results have been discouraging.

That being said, if Obama were to say 'hey folks Energy Costs are only going to increase, which means inflation is coming, which means we cannot solve this crisis with fiscal policy alone' that would be amazing (even if he immediately afterward took a consulting job at JP Morgan Chase).

- Eric
It would be a good thing if he were to say those words in a speech. Not so sure it would impact a majority of the people listening. Republicans/conservatives would hear "more liberal propaganda and scare tactics". Democrats would cherish their beloved speaker as "one who truly cares and identifies with not only the middle/underclass, but also Mother Earth" and may even be the 1st to receive a second Nobel Peace Prize. When Gore spoke on the environment he was revered and applauded. Yet all the wheels spitefully keep turning and at an increasing rate. A good show!

To be quite honest, it is my belief that most policies and political agendas and actions by either ruling party are purely propaganda. In the end, you get a token non-functional gesture that becomes a forgotten and mismanaged idea or program. I can draw this conclusion from the micro community social program to full scale war. Its like we never ever ever EVER learn from history...

Don't mean to be a bummer Derald and friends! We will sign this petition. We also actually vote! I've also found myself screaming at a wall and never seem to get a response.

How about a charged marketing plan that SELLS the benefits of alternative energy. Using the country's inherent competitive drive, a game of sorts and create a context of new energy as individual, free, high class and sexy. It has to sell, work and even get you off. I want to hear the specifics on better, cheaper and more efficient alternatives. With flashing, moving images, a catchy soundtrack and told by sculpted, air brushed, pop icons with small noses.

- Marisol
I've truly enjoyed reading these ideas. I'm not only concerned about oil, although that is a huge one, I'm also worried about all the "stuff" we have and all the trash we are creating. What are we going to do with all of that? The planet is only so big. Are we just going to launch it into space now? Thoughts? Or is this a one crisis at a time conversation? :)

In any case Eric I think you are right unless we make these ideas profitable and exclusive somehow, people won't buy in.

- Daniel
marisol, the size of the planet isnt an issue when it comes to trash. Remember - all that mass originated here, anyway.

The issue with trash is usability vs toxicity during the period of biodegradation, which can last up to a million year or more for some of the chemicals we create, and resource depletion.
:-)

- Eric

Marisol, this is another important issue. As the dumps are actually filling up and we are pouring waste (toxic) into our oceans and even our reservoirs. For example, Barrett lake in SD. There was (is?) a prison camp adjacent that directed its sewage into our drinking water. This responsible management of waste is also very relative to the oil-energy thread. The many spills could have been avoided if all preventative measures had been taken. But, that would cost.

The easiest thing to do is depend on elected big shots to devise and resolve our collective problems. The most difficult approach is to engage the solutions to your individual concerns. At least, I find this more difficult. I have been constructing a think tank project that will provide and foster collective problem solving. The following is a web platform and venue to address solutions to issues you are concerned with. Any topic, from political to personal social and domestic problems. The idea endeavors to inspire an objective, critical thinking peoples forum that abandons partisanship and group separatism for the sake of solving all of our problems. http://traspace.org/buildingblocks/index.html

Home

traspace.org

Building Blocks is a problem solving think tank Demonstrations are live and interactive community think tanks that engage important issues and documents these solutions for all to see much more to come from this demonstration

http://www.change.org/petitions/urge-president-obama-acknowledge-peak-oil-on-the-first-anniversary-of-the-gulf-spill

Evolution, Civilization, Intelligence & Chasing Cats

2011-02-14T15:30:00.000-08:00

I often times find myself having to restrain outdoor humans with feral cat issues. Unfortunately, its not quite as simple as it is in the movies. You can't just shoot them in the head or decapitate them. The mob has laws protecting them and yet no medication for this wide spread virus. Sadly, most of these cats, many call feral, are dumped in our back yards by irresponsible dingbats. An outdoor cat's worst enemy is the vacuous, complacent, hungry, hollow, civilized humanoid with a frenzied lust for dominance. They have a thirst to control SOMETHING outside of themselves. This is how many seem to find their ambition, meaning or purpose. Thus, is what would motivate a grown man or woman to chase a cat. Somehow, I feel this reveals something insightful regarding the bigger, overall picture of man, woman and that thing we call civilization.

America Now and Here

2011-02-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

America Now and Here

Very excited about this project organized by Eric Fischl!

A Letter To An Old Friend, Art Writer & Art World Enthusiast

2011-01-19T18:49:00.000-08:00

Strange how sometimes we become what it is that we supposedly hate?
I never noticed the nostrils and maybe missed something between the lines. I just ignored your statement on Stalin being a good leader with the hopes of more intelligent things to come. I also really appreciated your publication idea and even some of the writings, in-it. There had seemed to be some sincerity in your rants on the art world. I especially liked the Art21 thingy. When you suggested artists spend their money on a big art party rather than an education in art. That had some unfortunate truths to it. However, based on your most recent speakings and writings it would seem those truths have escaped or were never made available to you. I've always had issues with artists, especially writers and administratives using art as a stairway to heaven. Those socialite creatives talking their way into an art niche using the broad ambiguity of contemporary art. What is even worse than climbing that art/class ladder to suck-sess is your initial portrayal of the middle class Joe critiquing the art world as being an exclusive and pretentious "inner circle". While at the same time (consciously or unconsciously) doing the art juggle, song and dance at every art opening that would have you. Kind of like a poet who really wants to be a rockstar! I'll add a little jazz to this and that and call it "avant-garde". I suppose when they finally take you in and possibly even take you seriously, the temptation is irresistible? I wouldn't know and don't really care. There is too little sincerity a happening in art today and way too much fashion, ego, pseudo-liberal, class, social and political objectification! In the 80's we called these folk of da mainstream POP culture, POZERS. Only to discover that years later the entire scene was yet another cult transformed into a meaningless fashion trend positioned for popular corporate culture. And like the 60's hippy counter whatever, all that remained was a deformed cluster of complacent, shot-out old Democrats, who identify themselves as socialists and recycle their fucking beer bottles. Rationalizing this pathetic conformist metamorphosis by hating republicans ONLY and hoping the Democrats will solve all of their fucking dependencies. Actually buying that THE OTHER party ISN'T racist! Someone mentioned that one of your goals is educating or informing people. That you may say, whatever it is your going to say, to incite thought. I find that interesting! I also think that is a wonderful way to escape any fundamental position.

Now, after reading your recent threads, blogs and video art performances I've determined you are, how you say? A BIG MOUTH! Thats not necessarily a bad thing! There is definitely a need for such things! Apparently? Especially an art mouth! One that is very big! Los Angeles is a great platform for the art-political-like hustle! Tell it like it is brother! Sing that song from the top of Hollywood hill! I'll see you next time in front of the Bourgeois Pig, right across from the Celebrity Center. We can shoot the shit about Starbucks and the plight of the farmers...

The Identity of "Banksy" eBay Auction Starting bid $3000 (Please! Take Art Seriously!)

2011-01-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

The Identity of "Banksy" - eBay (item 260720844294 end time Jan-19-11 07:22:22 PST)

I wonder if it includes a profile pic and what he eats for breakfast?

2011 Punk Rock Chaos & Violence in Los Angeles! Were the Mayan's Right?

2011-01-07T14:20:00.000-08:00

Punk Rock Violence At Sunset Strip's Key Club During TSOL Show - Los Angeles News - The Informer

THIS is hilarious! Ridiculous! Absurd! Beautiful! Beautiful Losers!

Football players with Mohawks beating each other up. While confused retro-pop-punkies frantically run for cover. Violence to T.S.O.L and Youth Brigade? I used to love these peace rock bands! Sounds like there was just a great deal of confusion in an attempt to reignite old flames. The punk cult/movement DIED in the late 80's/early 90's. It was killed by green people, emotional grungy's, Street Art, Jeff Deitch, new-age parenting, complacency, acceptance, Social Distortion, Green Day, Kurt Cobain, Taco Bell, school of rock, Urban and other corporate Outfitters. I mean it REALLY REALLY is DEAD! This LOST derivative POP-mutation SUCKED the substance right out of the punk scene. In its vacuous mirroring of what once was, really is no more.

Why, I remember, back in the day, what we did wasn't called violence. Many of us saw it more as aggressive self-expression. Violence was usually the response to this expression by cops, skin heads and everyone ELSE. I also recall having to walk for miles of rough, gang infested terrain just to get to a show. We didn't have cars back then! We couldn't even afford the Big Blue Bus! Our thumbs would get tired from hitchhiking! Kids nowadays can walk down the street with green hair, piercings, chains n' boots without being called a FAG or harassed by soccer mom's and cops. No! They got it easy! Can anyone say "COUNTER CULTURE"?

Filthy Gorgeous Things | Shock | Interview: Betty Tompkins

2011-01-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

Filthy Gorgeous Things | Shock | Interview: Betty Tompkins

Blasphemy and the new

2011-01-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

Eric Wong is now openly tratistic and to date is considered to be a walking & driving on the street artist. He may also occasional skate on a street. For Eric, urban environments, street art, graffiti and all of the beautiful people inspire a great deal more than nausea and violence! Here, he can just take a shit. Far superior to a laxative or even a colonic!

California Contemporary FB Exhibitions (CCFE)'s Photos - Wall Photos

2010-12-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

California Contemporary FB Exhibitions (CCFE)'s Photos - Wall Photos

"Street Art or Urban Street Art or Whatever"

2010-12-13T16:38:00.000-08:00

The NEW contemporary fart is beautiful losers, urban outfitters, fashion-pop-punk, cartoony, animationist, fucking Flinstones deceit.

Makes me laugh and kills brain cells in the process.
Thanks in large part to art moguls like Jeff Dietch, the new director of MOCA, LA. Its not so much the type of work itself that turns my stomach, but the theoretical nonsense attached to this funzy movement of sorts. Shepard Fairey is a competent and highly prolific artist with seemingly sincere intentions. But, beyond "OBEY", street art, now, as a movement is no more than its given face value. The movement serves only to popularize contemporary art AS fashion, pop-culture and utter illiterate, political complacency. In terms of "street art" as a new phenomena? The only thing new is, the artists are "straight outta art school" not quite outta Compton and graffiti is the new chic. It is now a blurred line between art and life at Urban Outfitters, Starbucks or Nordstroms. As a movement I would characterize it relative to the corporate take over of counter culture --- and then there were none...

IDEAS

2010-12-10T14:42:00.000-08:00

ideas shape the world. Ideas control the world. Ideas destroy the world. Ideas to save the world. Ideas devoured by complacency. Ideas are substituted for memorization. Ideas are not democratic. Ideas are not social. Ideas are pragmatic. Ideas stole my freedom. Ideas are lost in cyberspace. Ideas on a skateboard. Ideas of art. Ideas like dreams of black sheep leaping institutions. Ideas are real. Ideas are exclusive. Ideas do not grow on trees. Ideas cannot really be shared. Ideas cannot be measured. Ideas are fair. Ideas are beautiful. Ideas spread like jelly. Ideas almost always have meaning. Ideas have no soul. Ideas FOR SALE on Craig's List. Ideas NOT for sale on Etsy. Ideas have a beginning. Ideas have an end.

By by by Eric Wong 2010

"Prescription For A Healthy Art Scene" by Renny Pritikin

2010-12-07T18:50:00.000-08:00

Definitely worth sharing!

Like LA traffic, CL is a kind of telltale admission of the debacle of Democracy.

2010-12-07T16:03:00.001-08:00

And I love Craig's List!

What is the difference between Art Basel & Comicon?

2010-12-05T16:37:00.001-08:00

One is a convention and the other is an art fair.

Art 41 Basel 2010

2010-12-05T16:36:00.000-08:00

On the controversy and censoring of the video "Fire in My Belly" from the Smithsonian exhibition

2010-12-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

If we look at history (80's), the curator or director is the sacrificial lamb in this painful scenario. Should they have championed this to the bitter end? Ideally YES! To the last breath! Ideally! Then, I and others who theoretically stand against censorship wouldn't have to do a thing. Safe and secure and without consequence. If we are even to consider this issue in the context of Democracy both oppositions would have to speak up. So far the loudest voice is team #2...

On censorship:
If you find a particular work of art or artist disturbing or really rotten, ignore it and turn on THE GAME. Bad art, hate art, shock art, sad art, street art, urban/really-cool/hip art, it all has the right to be seen and hated. However, it would be complete denial and idiocy to claim this video doesn't critically assault Christian dogma. Which is well within the artist's rights. It is also within the rights of those being offended to respond critically NOT censor the sh_t. Can't we all just get along...

Fire in My Belly by David Wojnarowicz, Diamanda Galas

2010-12-04T21:27:00.000-08:00

Bad art is nothing to get riled up about!

2010-11-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

Life is too short

Demand The Reinstatement of Art Critic & Book Editor Robert Pincus!

2010-11-10T16:42:00.001-08:00

Petition: Email the editor at the Union-Tribune and demand the reinstatement of Robert Pincus http://www.signonsandiego.com/staff/jeff-light/contact/

Join the Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/WeWantBob

Follow The Blog: http://bringbobback.blogspot.com/

A number of concerned people such as Katherine Sweetman and Roxana Popescu have taken the lead in San Diego to reinstating Robert Pincus.

Your thoughts and support on this matter are important regardless of your location! You can still send an email and voice your opinion! If your from San Diego, the Union Tribune has determined your city requires the bare minimum in arts and culture coverage. Robert Pincus is an essential asset not only to the city of SD but to the larger global art community. If you care at all about the arts in San Diego or any where else for that matter you must take action NOW! In this economy we can definitely count on layoff's like this in other cities. Funding is being cut in all areas of the arts and art education. Art educators, writers, grants and scholarships are all the FIRST to be targeted! Art Departments are already cautiously hanging on the back edges of the Universities waiting to be completely pushed over the side. Its time to take a stand!

Marianne and I have a long history in San Diego and support the reinstatement of Robert Pincus.

On the Fence? Prefer an artist write about art even if unpaid?

If you are an artist or writer and somehow see this as an opportunity, your acceptance or involvement would serve only to validate the UT's trivial importance of arts and culture in your community. If you want to write about art in San Diego start a publication, zine, newsletter, blog! I did! It's actually pretty easy to do! I know of a number of artists that feel an artist is better suited to write about art than someone who doesn't make art themselves. I'm not really going to debate that as I used to be on that page myself.

I will say that one whom looks at art from the perspective of history, art history can better articulate the subject's significants to the reader. In the many years of studying art I have noticed that writing often times seems to elude the visual artist and musician. One who comes from a literary background can compose for the reader what the artist composed visually or spatially. It's kind of like the importance of an art critique. To see outside one's own vision through the eyes of someone who is equally engaged. I also feel that a good art critic should love and have a passion for art and artists! Robert Pincus offered all of the above and much more! Including a love of the city in which he wrote!

"The Arc of Friendship, Being Bff's w/Jerry Saltz"

2010-11-09T16:07:00.000-08:00

Friends always have their falling-outs.
Ups and downs.
Good times and bad.
Traumatic as this may be, true friendships will forever triumph over such meaningless tensions!
Thus, is the keystone in the arch of any long lasting relationship. Even on Facebook!
I am so pleased to announce that Jerry Saltz and I are once again Facebook friends for life!

To be or not to be a friend of Jerry Saltz

2010-11-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

Oh, to be or not to be a friend of Jerry Saltz. Is it an East Coast West Coast thing?

We really tried to be Jerry's best Facebook friends! We never missed a birthday! We prided ourselves on being very good and caring listeners! Readers! We always allowed his family to take over ours and pretty much ALL of the farmland and animals were his for the taking! I personally empathized with his spectacular need to be heard from the highest mountain top! Don't we all?

I recall the first day Jerry and I became friends. It was a dark and rainy day on Facebook. The tiny red flash on my screen jumped off the screen screaming "Jerry Saltz is now your friend!". We were overwhelmed with joy! Now, we could have more Jerry! We just could not get enough of JERRY! Finally we were a part of his inner circle of trust! Something we held dear!

And now, we remain a little bitter, a little confused, a tad sad and culturally betrayed. How could he have done this after all we have been through on Facebook? Without a word! If Roberta knew she would let him have it for sure! But, we, we will not say a word. No use in being petty...

Liberal

2010-10-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

Liberal

* open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values.
* favorable to or respectful of individual rights and freedoms.
* (in a political context) favoring maximum individual liberty in political and social reform.

A broadened and open perspective isn't necessarily grounded in allegiance to a particular group. Sadly, the conservative democratic process does as you say offer either or. What's even more frightening socially, is if your not a member of one group, it's always assumed your a member of the other (i.e. not a Democrat you must be a Republican or worse). In my opinion, both parties have identical aims via diverse paths. The propaganda is disheartening on both ends. The Democratic and Republican party's are very traditional. Independent and liberal ideologies are lost in this monopoly of power. No, to be a member of either club is to simply disagree with the opposing team or hate, depending upon the extremity of one's partisan leanings. The result is competitive PING-PONG and I fucking hate ping-pong! No productive objectives are met its just about winning "the righteous" game. One that I think I will abstain from...

Having a Movement (in a non-partisan kind-of way)

2010-10-26T13:30:00.001-07:00

There is so much discontent compelling movements such as the Tea Party. I do feel the current climate demands immediate and radical action, not blame. A kind of intellectual revolution that awakens objective action rather than emotional reaction and inspires thoughtful pro-activity rather than dependence. Otherwise, we will all just be taken advantage of. In my opinion the only way forward is to release the baggage of partisanship or allegiance to a particular group. For the sake of solving our common problems. At least for this sake! We are all on this planet together and share a much greater commonality of "life" and "the human race". If this idealistic and yet absolutely true perception were active and constant, the possibilities would be immeasurable!

2010-10-26T13:29:00.001-07:00

THE NEW ELECTIONS by Eric Wong

2010-10-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

* Elections are paid for with tax dollars.

* Equal media time for all candidates of any party or non-party, with an emphasis on debates and town meetings.

* Unlimited internet campaigning on FREE community sites such as YouTube.

* 100% of Campaign fundraising monies may only go to pay for the issues they are running on. Thus, partially demonstrating their ability and commitment to the people.

* Put them on the spot: Real questions, unrehearsed, not moderated and must be answered to the best of their knowledge.

The American people would still have Monday night football...

~ Eric Wong 2010

Thaddeus Russell: Why I Got Fired From Teaching American History

2010-10-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

Thaddeus Russell: Why I Got Fired From Teaching American History

Watch+Listen - Hammer Museum

2010-10-11T15:42:00.000-07:00

Watch+Listen - Hammer Museum

The artist, galleries & da internet: inspired by Alan Bamberger's FB thread

2010-10-04T16:34:00.000-07:00

An anonymous email to Alan Bamberger said "The Internet has eliminated the need for art galleries."

YES! At least as a point of departure. If you are one of the millions of artists whom have not been signed by an art co/gallery and are not a social butterfly. Most especially, for those minorities that choose either self-representation and/or simply don't want a dealer slinging their dope. Thanks to the www. history will have to contend with more than the traditional bird's eye perspective. Finally! Thanks to the chaos of the internet the farmer can have something to say, show and sell!

Karen Atkinson's "The Making A Hybrid (Artist)"

2010-10-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Karen truly has her "shit together"! The hybrid (artist/educator) Karen Atkinson draws an expansive, horizontal picture of the artist as a part to a much larger whole. She demonstrates the significance of interdisciplinary productivity at many levels and in a sense, reforms common perceptions of value or merit. This talk is both pragmatic and visionary! I thoroughly enjoyed this lecture!

On The Streets

2010-09-11T13:58:00.001-07:00

Too often is the subject of homelessness carelessly, recklessly, arrogantly rendered and depicted without thought or sensitivity to the human beings turned subject matter. Even in the context of science and research the homeless humans are generally objectified and psychologically vivisected. The end result is generally purposeless and serves only to perpetuate further naivety and distance from the human hosts beings preyed upon by artists and researchers. In my opinion, If art simply inspires one to go "hmmm homelessness is a serious problem, its so sad, I should donate $, what does the word actually mean?" it is utterly worthless. Even if well intended, art dealing with the homeless is almost always objectifying the less fortunate for self gain. There is so much more information attached to the word "home-less". The physical space or lack there of, is of lesser concern than that which put the person onto and keeps them on the streets. Even the homeless dialogue itself seemingly deflects the core of the issue with words like social or collective responsibility. The term "human responsibility" would at least be a step forward in a direction of understanding and empathy.

Lets all look down upon the lesser man or woman and righteously feed upon there trials and exhibit their tribulations. For we are the artists and caring bohemians! We will take good care of your suffering.

A response to WHY Questions San Diego Art posed by Larry Caveney

2010-06-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Larry Caveney San Diego Artists; Ask yourself, why in 40 years we have had only 6 regional shows at MCASD? San Diego Artists; Ask yourself, why in 25 years, the only regional art critic has not visted you or your studio? San Diego Artists'; Ask yourself why you are so isolated?

Why, is because SD sets it's own limitations. There are very few alternative venues, organizations and funding options for the artists. Art and art education isn't taken seriously there. What few opportunities exist are shared between friends of friends from SDSU and especially UCSD. UC's are strangely inbred and as a friend of mine put it "basically perform fo they selves". Then there is the forever little urban hipster org/gallery that shows artists work in black light, with DJ coolfuck spinning to the break o dawn. I recall writing a critique piece in 2002-3 that stated the most obvious lack of venues or opportunities for artists. A number of gallery owners and directors of THE current organizations rejected this notion and said "we do all of that and more". They all said that and they all believed it. Strangely, many of these anonymous places are GONE.

The most basic is for a major city to have a reputable and hopefully insightful art critic. At least ONE! Publications! Global interaction even via da web is absolutely a must for any art community to thrive. Otherwise, it will remain small, quaint and forever conservative. When I say conservative I mean Dem's and RepuB's alike. San Diego is a major city and yet the arts are truly absorbed in the shadows of the local bar and grill. Where as the museum has other aspirations, very exclusive aspirations. The light shines on the local SD artists and projects when they take their own initiatives and leave dependence behind. The museum serves itself and its benefactors. This is true Nationally. If u wanna show yur art at the museum show yur fucking art at the museum! Take it or do it at the fucking museum! Have someone document it! Put it on yo resume! I showed at the fucking museum!

Decline of Art & Culture & The San Diego Union-Tribune

2010-06-29T14:58:00.001-07:00

Art Critic and books editor Robert Pincus recently laid off from the SD Union-Tribune. Here in Southern California education and the arts are seemingly the lowest on the master list of priorities. This is especially true in conservative San Diego. A land without a critic! A city without a book editor! Robert Pincus was an important asset to San Diego's already struggling art community. Boycott the SD Union-Tribune! Instead, substitute it with the LA/NY Times. If you need coupons grab the Sunday left overs at Starbucks.

Go to the Reinstate Robert Pincus at the Union-Tribune page to share your outrage or your glee…whatever! http://www.facebook.com/WeWantBob

More on this http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-seed/san-diegos-art-community_b_623414.html

Shame shame on the Union-Tribune!
Shame!

"Contemporary-New-Art-Culture-Identity" or "Fuck Eachother Till We Are All The Same Color"

2010-06-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

I am intrigued by the assimilation of cultures and mixed ethnic relationships that result in a kind of new global identity. However diverse, this new identity bears fewer ties to historical cultures and traditions. The work produced by these artists could quite possibly be a window into the future.

Progressives (best read while listening to The Beatles "Revolution"

2010-06-11T13:27:00.001-07:00

Screams, yelps, fire, smoke, arrows fly, blood spurts, splash!

I see Glen Beck as a captain atop a stone, rock castle tower telling his fellow officers and subordinates that the castle is under siege.
As they are confident in the strength of the walls.
Which have WORKED for hundreds of years to secure their existence.

On the other side, the screamers!
Together, with hope handed to them on a hand-woven, American made, hemp plate RISE UP!
Finally, out of the RED, WHITE and blue closet, their dreams of PEACE can be taken with FORCE!
Now, the KLAN may show its face with PRIDE!
The two forces battle for scraps.

Israel is horrified and goes on alert!
Closing it's closet doors.
Cats and dogs chase their tails in amusement.

Meanwhile, chants of change no longer slim.
The MOBs fight with lies and insults competing for dominion of truth.
This fight is sacred.
This fight is new.
This fight must evolve in ORDER for the peace.
TAKE FROM THEM EVERYTHING AND LEAVE THEM NOTHING!
The winds have calmed and the flag no longer waves.
Still, the battle continues!
Democracy, Socialism, Communism, CHANGE.
The spirits of the ancient Greeks strengthen the stone resolve.
To the trumpets of ye old Roman guard!
The deep, hallow, song of the "people united under God" justifies and endures.
REMEMBER THE ALAMO!
The fight for LIBERTY takes its toll on both sides of the great rock.
The people, the people, the peoples stand
for
fight
for
peace, freedom and equality.
A constitution!
A progressive evolution!
There's gonna be a revolution and it's gonna be
all-right!

~ Déjà vu

Eric Wong 2010

"Race to the Top" or "Falling on Your Face"

2010-06-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

Bush's "No Child Left Behind" limits and often times prevents instructors from teaching ALL students the given subject matter. Obama's "Race to the Top" will enforce this nonsense by firing the teachers for their students low test scores. They both apparently believe test scores are the way to the top and that the teachers are solely responsible. If competition and winning equates to higher intelligence maybe we should consider an ALL STAR football player for president. Who would have known that Bush and Obama were so compatible?

Fellowship and Electrons

2010-05-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

It would seem that identifying with and belonging to a group validates whatever is or is not going on in one's bobbling head. Unlike the electron-like people people cast of Dawn of the Dead, I would have stayed at the mall!

Responsible Intelligent Art Making

2010-05-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

A common example I often use is "art about homeless people". Artwork that deals with crucial issues, often times poorly executed and usually crudely exploitative of the subject. The gallery and museum alike will exhibit, sell and critique the work as the artists, scholars and bohemes pat themselves on the back for their daring endeavors. Documenting the deep dark armpits that to so many is common, everyday, reality. Good taste and high culture is usually at the expense of another. In the end, art is sold, the art world satisfies its relative position within a community AND THE HOMELESS ARE STILL FUCKING HOMELESS! Much of what I have seen in art schools and the art world fosters, irritates and sometimes creates THE PROBLEM. Often times...

Interesting video on artist Bob Branaman

2010-05-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

Art Poverty and The Artist

2010-03-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

The art world has always served as a kind of trophy defining the identity, leadership, perceived superior intellect, grandeur and taste of the upper class.
The concept of class is very similar to the concept of law. It doesn't really exist naturally as a tree grows in the forest. The idea is put forth (generally by those who benefit) as a common perception that is taught, protected (through art!) and even revered. If a majority group decided the law was irrelevant the iconic law enforcer and entire judicial system would be no more. The concept of class is only "conceptual" yet is the determiner of value and how we are to view history and culture. High culture also disguises itself by identifying with poverty and concerning itself with struggle and oppression. Strangely enough, the concept of the struggling artist in history is a lie. In honest reflection, most if not all "The Masters" in our books not only had a financial lifeline but were born into "high culture".

Today, it is a bit different! Though, the concept of high culture generates a kind of mass paralysis for the creative underclass to produce or exhibit their work. The physical reality of financial and social mobility (time and money to make art and show it) also creates obvious limitations. The contemporary art world occasionally awards particular artists based on political merit. Much like a basketball scholarship, doors now open for the already marketed peasant and ethnic or gender symbol. Especially if their ART reveals the vulture-like identity of high culture and threatens it's relevance! What was once powerful and sincere art, becomes an ironic moth/butterfly metamorphosis. One that makes for a galvanizing topic for dinner parties and publications.

There's nothing romantic about poverty. However, there is definitely a noble quality to a person who willingly gets their hands dirty in order to rise above their adversity! I would also BROADLY assume that an impoverished artist whom worked a job to pay for their own education, may have learned a bit more about the world we live in. There is also something very profound about the experiential! Too often am I subjected to art that plays a distant and exploitative role in depicting people and the world around us.

I have yet to discover a "universal" definition or standard for art, only established labels such as "Kitsch" and "Fine Art". Both standards seem to be intimately connected to class and money.

How can Greenberg's kitsch peasant get anything out of fine art if it isn't accessible to them? The arts in education is usually pushed aside to a lonely corner of the university. However, kitsch is everywhere! It would seem that participation in this world of art is in itself unavoidably and exclusively class based.