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I am not your stepping stone! Speak your mind, and don't let anyone trample on your voice. Kamala Harris is strong as hell. What a powerhouse female force backed with intelligence and credentials. Kamala is SPEAKING! The VP debate empowered me (and I hope you,) while revealing that Pence is in fact Norman Bates. VOTE VOTE VOTE! This is the kind of person I want to be led by. Someone qualified and diplomatic to make hard decisions. Time for a women to take a deserving role in presidency with Biden. Ladies get it done. Boss bitch energy is what our young women need to be influenced by. Accomplished and confident. Yes! As a female artist and entrepreneur, I can not tell you how many extra hurdles I have to jump to get front of line. Seriously, NO MATTER WHAT FIELD, women have to work harder, always. Period. 2020 has empowered me to speak louder than before. Time is fleeting. And this year is giving us some hellish fury. So, here's Rosalind Russell in a ridiculously cool outfit teaching us that woman can have a lot of Mars and be fucking fierce. Even to Cary Grant. The Monkees - Steppin' Stone

Been on hyper speed recently, so spent this past Saturday feeding my brain. Taking time to tie up loose ends and do some "self-care." And, I am not talking about a bath and candles, but dedicating time to fuel your soul. You know, bake something delicious, spend time with your pets, do laundry with love, and of course, learn about NEW bands/musicians. Fresh music for me is usually old, as I'm into educating myself in a historical manner. If I follow the synchronicities I've noticed in my week, I discover new things quickly. Keeps me on my toes. And if you don't know what "seeing synchronicities" means, here's what Google provides: Synchronicity is a term that is frequently used to represent the process of experiences coming together and forming some sort of meaning. Synchronistic occurrences are formidable and propel us forward with a surge of ephemeral courage. If you really absorb your surroundings and little details of your days, it leads you to new places! Vibe of the weekend started off with The Monkees then rolled right into the Traveling Wilburys. Whatever you listen to really does soundtrack your day and curate your energy. The Traveling Wilburys - End Of The Line (Official Video) After an afternoon glass of tequila, grapefruit and cayenne, I headed over to Revival Records on Bleecker Street to find a new Roy Orbison album. Spend a few hours there, thanks to the owner, Jamal, walked out with a nice little stack. And also discovered a new band to add to my repertoire: The Blue Magoos. After I got home, pulled up their music, and of course hooked. I love Herman's Hermits, so this fit the bill for me. The Blues Magoos - We Ain't Got Nothin' Yet (1966 67) What's key about this off-day is that I sparked some synchronicities for my week. Also scored a new Deep Purple album, Burn, that has inspiring cover art for Sunday's painting sesh. Taking a little time to just re-invent the things you love is the most valuable thing in the world!

You can never have enough pins. At Storm Ritter Studio, we had tubs and bins full of original & vintage pins. I personally have a pretty hefty collection of pins from all decades and styles, including my own work. Currently making some new ones on the reg as they are easy to wear, quick to buy, and can help voice opinions. Pins empower! When I pin up a garment, 9/10 times the theatre kid shines through as I sing Telephone Hour from Bye Bye Birdie. WELL, I HEARD THEY GOT PINNED! DID SHE KISS HIM & CRY? Back in the day, courting couples would give or exchange a pin to represent their UNDYING LOVE for each other. With all the pins I have, I obviously have quite the impressive number of suiters. Musical Number: Bye Bye Birdie - Telephone Hour The late 1950's style in this movie is parody of the Elvis craze - right before the boom of 1960's rock madness. In a fashion sense, I love meshing a retro 50's cut of clothing with a psychedelic twist. Duality and merging of styles is of interest to me, and a constant investigation. Linking punk'd out pins to a Technicolor musical, it all makes sense to me.

Ah, the month so many wait for! But alas, we are headed into a time of holidays & fall events. Not to be a debbie downer (wah-wahhh) but Coronavirus is out there lurking. Don't be blasé to the whole matter! But you know, you do you. However, I do have justifiable social anxiety when it comes to restaurants and outings in the city. As a self-employed business owner, I got to stay on my toes! This painting is called Social Anxiety, embodying my current October festive, yet uncertain vibes. It's actually not as stressful as the title sounds with it's gorgeous gold-pink-orange palette & divine people. You can purchase the original, here. Orange is the dubbed color of the month. I'm starting a small color study in my sketchbook -- just the beginning. I did take a beautiful stroll down to the West 4th Ace Hardware this past week and replenished my paints. Nothing brings more joy to an artist than paint restocking, except you know, paying that bill. Of course, you can't have Halloween without cats. A witch's essential! The Cool Cats are back with a new series this month. More canvases and other garments fresh out of studio. Thanks Velvet for the attitude modeling. You can purchase this painting, here, or place a special order. And you can't have a good start to a new season without a record restock and fresh bakes. Wrapped up September with a visit to Village Revival Records on Bleecker Street and ended up with a bundle of new vinyls, including a coveted Laugh-In LP. I scored one of their small-run tees, which of course I ended up distressing and dying. Got me in a mooooood. Still shipping out masks like crazy and repping The Cool People on the regular. Other than that, we have some new record bowls fresh out of the oven with chipped vinyls & a new recipe for homemade avocado-pumpkin-banana-oat bread. I think this month is going to a hell of a circus.

Bad ass bitches from Venus! Female forces have so much strength, and it's time we keep moving to the forefront. Women get shit done. Amidst our world's chaos, don't you just wish you could switch up your planet? I was recently watching one of my fav absurd 1980's flicks, Earth Girls Are Easy, which inspired the campy mood and vibrant color palette of these pieces. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. And, what does Mars represent? In palmistry the Mount of Mars resides near your thumb and it can delve into how you deal with aggression and handle your temper. But woman too can house quite a marvelous amount of Mars. But perhaps, using different methods of madness. The paintings and illustrations of The Cool People throwing up the bird started after the first presidential debate. Go figure. First some painting with India ink then moved to acrylics. The images created new canvas pieces and spawned a a few empowering artist buttons. My first cat and loyal best friend was named Venus. She lived to 18 and was a fierce, take-no-shit bitch! My pride of cats growing up were my siblings, and she specifically taught me how to be feminine and dominating. So that name hits home for me more than just the goddess or planet. Now, Velvet and I are bad ass bitches under the spiritual reign of Venus.

November 3rd is coming up fast. My only coping mechanism is to stay strong as hell because we are battling the devil himself. After the first "presidential debate" (if you choose to call it that) I fell into an overwhelming pothole of terror. The only response to this catastrophically massive stress ball is painting it out. Ergo, you won't find me without a sketchbook this month to say the least. Feeling an insane amount of fury, and a simultaneous radical need to find a stronger voice. But we can only do so much. Obviously, VOTE! And keep educated. But no matter how many protests or social media awareness you take part in, the essential element that needs to remain active if your inner strength. The ability to house and protect your own opinionated point of view is huge. Stay strong as hell. Robert Johnson - Me And The Devil Blues With Lyrics

The Cool People have been an evolutionary motif in my artwork for seven years now. In the past year, I have entered a new dimension of their world -- especially with color and texture. The ambiguous forms come from my spiritual and physical experiences, but recently their environments on canvas have been peeling away. I prefer a monochromatic, story-telling style when I ambidextrously paint them, but when there is radiant magic, it's apparent. I have slowed down their process to uncover more about their mystery. You know when you see something divine -- it just hits your heart. And it's not just from their forms, which have began to express new life. But from the canvas they live upon. I am passionate about ephemera and artifacts. I prefer to work on loose canvas and build up a prop, daresay. Creating a small piece of value beyond paint and surface; comparable to something of archeological substance. The Cool People need to live in space that's not contrived, as they are born from a marriage of the unconscious and conscious. This piece below, Fire, Water, Air has a literal soul and story. Sometimes art just captures power and energy. The spirituality of The Cool People can run dark, and often fall into a place of purgatory or madness. Well, people experience all emotions, right? I feel they reflect human nature on all aspects. These loose canvas pieces embody spirit and soul. I call them tapestries, even if they are 8x10". You can simply tact it on the wall if you chose not to frame them. They are talismans of luck. The two pieces here are entitled, Divination and ONE. The focus on the textural environment houses energy with greater stability. More on this to come.

...you gotta fight, for your right, to paaarrrty. Beastie Boys, aside (and awfully irrelevant,) but PARTY is a great launching point here. No matter what party you side with, fucking vote for CHANGE in office. Leadership needs to change. We need to change how we interact as well. What is ahead is unknown. Just too much to wrap this blog post around. It's a simple one. Come together and vote. If you don't think your voice counts, it does. And in some crazy universe where elections are fixed (*serious Trump cough*) you are a character person for using your right to vote. All we can do is use our voices, educate ourselves, and connect our like minds, to evolve. The more unity and communication we have with each other is better than anything. TALK ABOUT POLITICS! HAVE A DRINK! HAVE A SMOKE! BITCH ABOUT IT! It's ok. If you want to hide from it, cool too! If it fucks with your mental health, take a step away, but don't be complacent. If you want to vote for Trump, you shouldn't be here.

...and also with you! I'm a dedicated member of the church of cool. Don't mess with the peace sign or call it a stereotypical hippie thing. It means so much more than a social association. The peace sign comes in many forms, means many things, but at the end of the day for me, it's about being a cool, kind person. Not only does the circle sign represent peace, but the classic throw up two fingers move. It's cool to show some love. You'll almost never see me without my peace sign on. Dead center above my little purple house in Florida hangs a handmade, large-scale peace sign. Made out of PVC, wrapped with string lights, I see my family home as a house of rising peace. My parents taught me the religion of the peace sign. And, that's the good stuff! Both of them always wear a sterling silver peace sign necklace -- ever since I can remember. Finally joined the club of peace years back. It's a simple statement that it's cool to be peaceful. And peaceful doesn't always mean complacent, because It's cool to care about shit! It's cool to be nice. Recently found a divine art detail with a specific cool person and their peace moment.The organic slant of the head and the stance of the upper arms just speaks loudly. Body language, baby! Love the simplicity of it. Shop the button here and peace related artwork! The Cool People obviously throw up the peace sign, and you'll find a peace sign quite often in my artwork. It's apart of my past, present, and future, so I'm all for keeping the peace sign in my scene. The Cool People obviously throw up the peace sign, but you'll find a peace signs quite often in my artwork. It's apart of my past, present, and future, so I'm all for keeping the peace sign in my scene. And especially when you pop it out with color, I'm psychedelically sold. Shoot me a message to order something special and keep checking up on the shop for new peace listings.

Dig those crazy jackets. Painted patches all over a vintage cotton/denim barn smock – hot damn, ma'am! This year of 2020 is all about searching for my fresh meaning for authenticity, beauty, and quality. Wait...what the fuck does that mean? So broad! I know, I know. What I am really saying is that my growth as an artist continues onward. On a journey to refine my life to the HIGHEST of fulfillment. Or maybe all that pot has caught up with me. Haha, but in all seriousness, moving forward, new pieces have a fresh playful spirit, purposeful intent, and unexpected individuality. Inspired by my surroundings and mental images, most jackets are tied to a reference, unknown or known. For example, the Village Artist jacket below has a painted sign on the back mimicked from the 1960's Greenwich Village shop sign. If I was walking the streets in 1963, that would def be my spot. Time and health are the biggest luxuries out there. The pandemic x quarantine obviously gave everyone a taste of isolation-station, you know, embedded with countless self-quandaries! How lucky are/were you if you were healthy, had access to food/water, and a safe emotional place to be in. After that being said, I had hallucinations of me and Velvet packing up old school hard suitcases with only the coolest of cool clothing, books, jewelry, and chackqkis. We'd hop into a psychedelic VW van and fly off, like in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Needless to say, that did not happen. But what did happen was growth. My artistic vision turned towards creating rare-feeling pieces that would be worthwhile packing in your one suitcase to travel the world. 2020 turned into a year of focus on self, business, and renewal. Adapting and changing to the times was something I always vibed with, but what's different is my interest in taking a step back. Ok so back to these jackets! I am a collector of meaningful things, and nothing beats a patched up jacket from years of experiences and stories. I wanted to recreate the feeling of vintage garment filled with life. Starting with mint condition vintage barn jackets, each patch is hand painted while the jacket is overall aged with paint and styling. The more you wear it, the more it becomes a part of you. The Cool People are the luckiest of charms. They appear as accents or as the real deal on the jackets. Thematically, each jacket embodies a concept, whether its based on color palette, composition, or patch meaning. Heavily thought out but organically created. Contradiction? Why, yes, but are you surprised? I usually flow with synchronicity in my artwork. With these new pieces, it triggers the future magic. You can shop or order custom, as always.

Doesn't it feel sometimes that you repeat the same day over, and over? Same goes with painting. Sometimes you paint something over and over...and over. But more than mania, sometimes that repetition is teaching you to enhance something. Or perhaps, it just works and you feel it in your gut. It could feel like, YES I like what this feels and looks like - let's keep the pattern up! The difference of practice and obsession is all mindset. I often feel as though I'm in a hallucinated trance. Maybe because of the repetition of my day-to-day or due to visualizations from listening to certain music -- but either way, its all creative process. Or it's pot? Around March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, I started really thinking about duality and cohesion as interconnected concepts. The black and white image of The Cool People with the reversal design came out one day, and I was like YES! This simple thing works for me. I enjoy the process of creating it, and the meanings are vastly achievable. It fulfills duality and acts as an excellent cohering image amongst Technicolor visuals. So, THIS JACKET! I find that the heart of this piece is the reversal image of The Cool People on the back. The painted patches on this jacket are all relevant to my day-to-day living in the West Village. From the 1 train to the one way, there's a lot going on. A vintage barn jacket to start, made of 100% cotton, this garments feels like a lightweight denim and already has quite a story. You can purchase this jacket or others like it here , and as always, send me a message for special order and have your story created just for you.

Holy cow, batman! This jacket is a new heirloom if I've ever seen (or made) one! Gorgeously groovy painted leather jacket, this is truly a statement piece that's outta this world. Worked on this garment for a solid amount of time, adding layers of colors, concepts, and moods. Building something valuable takes many parts and many ideas. A constant in the process however was the music choice that seemed to play while I painted on this guy. Always been a fan of The Animals, especially their most popular song, "House Of The Rising Sun." Their Best Of record was always on the table, and I perhaps was too lazy to change vinyl (or even flip the side!) Ergo, this song took the thematic wheel on this work (and titled itself on the back.) Shop this jacket! Ugh, whatta classic -- melancholy, angsty, and dark. A reflecting rock/folk song, it's a hauntingly bluesy anthem. Interpretations can be literal or metaphorical, ya know? Don't we all spend a time time spending out lives in "sin and misery?" I mean, forewarning, life can throw you some shit! Listening to this song on repeat made me want to pack a patched-up suitcase, throw on a single leather jacket and take a train -- anywhere! The song (and jacket) takes you to another world, huh? Makes you feel like another kind of person? Maybe. Regardless, this is the jacket I'd bring on my journey if I headed off to embrace a psychedelic house of rising sun. The Animals - House of the Rising Sun (1964) HQ/Widescreen ♫♥ 56 YEARS AGO The details on this jacket appear endless (...or are they?!) Numerous of layers and lots of fun. Little phrases are intertwined with variations of The Cool People with saturated color moments. The more you wear it and the more it ages, the cooler it gets. You know how really epic vintage items happen to be expensive? Age creates beauty and value - don't let anyone tell you otherwise. When wearing this jacket, honestly a pair of black jeans and solid color tee would do the trick. But in true personal fashion, I snazz it up with complimentary kicks, shorts, and a chapeau! The shoes are customized Vans, shorts are painted and patched up Levi's and the vat is mint condition vintage! I do have a few duplicates of that hat (wholesale vintage guru) and of course, special order is verrry doable for you! Just send me a message and I'd love to make you something that makes you feel you've owned it for years and it's passed down from your second cousin who used with trip on acid with Dali and Gala.

As an ambidextrous artist, The Cool People were birthed through a practice of emotion with motion painting. My right hand forms the technical structure and the left hand contributes the organic movement. Just like with people, you can't plan how they will unfold. And not one person is identical.  Cool is authenticity and confidence. Cool is knowing the power in the self and the power of good people. Cool is disregarding norms to use your own brain. Cool is saying fuck it, and dancing to the beat of your own drum. Cool is knowing when you need help. Cool is empathy. Cool is loving all the people in your head. The Cool People are storytellers and truth speakers. Ambidextrous painting gives me a freedom to paint with my unconscious and conscious, hand in hand.  When I paint openly, they can answer my questions and school me with insightful reflection. They visualize my inner dialogue.  Two hand jam! What life they bring when The Cool People come together. The burst of unified movement showcases the POWER OF THE PEOPLE! When we all move together, we rise up for what's right. They speak when I can't seem to find words. The Cool People keep the ego in check. As surrealist motifs, they are embedded in almost all of my work, unintentionally and intentionally. Good luck charms, they are! When wearing their image, you represent cool. You're representing a confident you. The Cool People stand for something. They adapt and reflect the current state of our world. How they translate is honestly intimate to you. I don't identify them by gender, race, or age, but solely acknowledge their authenticity. It's always up to you how you identify.  Learn more about The Cool People.

Oh, so aloof. Associations are the heart of my creative jive. This morning, I'm jamming with coffee and planning to start a little illustrative work in the sketchbook. Alas, I needed some body language inspo, so pulled the 1969 Sweet Charity iconic frug scene, choreographed by the twisted genius, Bob Fosse. Now, not only did the music put me in A MOOD but had me jumpin-jivin-jiggin all over the place, ya know? Open the fridge, what do I see: FIGS? Instant connection (obviously.) Ergo, I was about to take myself on a figgy, fosse fantasy. So immediately I pulled out my brushes & ink, started scribbling out The Cool People in pure dance mode. Nothing is cooler than expression. As I was tapping my toes and pissing off my neighbors, I got some sweeeeeeeet work done. My kitchen lights are pink and orange-- aka my constant environment is psychedelically set. The groove was on. Sweet Charity 1969: The Aloof, The Heavyweight, The Big Finish (HQ) Bob Fosse And those fresh figs were on my mind at this point. It's 8am, need a stellar snack, especially now that I am in this jazzy mood. Figured, well let's bring the creativity full circle. As the paintings dried, I did some light googling for a prompt recipe on fig-oatmeal cookies, but I'm out of most of the ingredients needed. Always experimenting with baking/cooking, so I crafted my own version. What resulted was a spicy-steel-cut-oats-biscuit-cookie, featuring fresh figs, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, truffle salt, and lots of groove. Scribbled down my ingredients for next time. 9/10 times, I never follow an recipe fully anyway. Prefer a risk and spontaneity. Sliced up the figs, chopped the walnuts, mixed the dry ingredients, blended the wet, and logically combined together! Added a second egg, splashed extra seasonings, and plopped 4" sized cookies onto a oiled up baking pan. Wow, not going to brag, but gonna brag. Hot damn. Super moist (sorry for that word) and tastes like fall (sorry for the cliche.) Hand me a cup o joe, and we got the fuel for the day. As I noshed on my fosse fig finger foods, I continued on with the inspired Aloof dancers x The Cool People paintings. I used leather paints, acrylics, gesso, and india ink on hand-woven, cotton 9x12 paper. Ended this morning with a bang! You're welcome to share this fosse fun and snag this special painting! THE COOL PEOPLE - ALOOF FOSSE Four characterizations of The Cool People in a purple haze. *Also, if you haven't watched the show, Fosse/Vernon on FX, you totally should. I personally may watch it a second time. The show really captures their work. The series does school us on how brilliant Gwen Vernon is and how she's the true POWERHOUSE behind Bob Fosse.

Developing a stronger vision and communicative process relies on my consistent research practices. Very important to take notice of synchronicity along the way. It's all about connecting the dots. Let's break down Sunday morning, shall we? A little journey of association! First things first: brewed coffee, open sketchbook, dress the cat, & on our way. 6AM call time. Turned on the 1966 flick, The Trouble With Angels, starring Rosalind Russell and Haley Mills, specifically to watch the opening credits. I used to watch this movie as a kid and it always triggers my nostalgia for 1960/70s game shows -- specifically Match Game. Probably the music - dig that crazy organ. Morning nostalgia calls for breakfast. Open the fridge to see what's on the menu for Sunday sun-up. We got dates and some old fruit -- serendipitous choice since Match Game is on my mind. Guess some kitchen sink bread is on the to-do. The creative mojo is up now. Want to snack it up, but first, let's get some art rolling. Reminiscing with the illustrative credits, I note the cartoon of a spoofed showgirl juxtaposed with nuns. Love that kind of kitsch - very inspired with this. And also still thinking about 1960's into 1970's television. Games shows especially - gross how woman are spoken to, portrayed, and treated. I mean, Richard Dawson, in Family Feud?! Whole 'nother topic. But a strong and relevant jumping off point. Anywho, two figures of The Cool People a la Trouble With Angels birthed. With their pill-like signs comical held up, I'm sparked to watch clips of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. That show embodies camp, politics, feminism, etc. What a time for women (I mean, when is it NOT a time) but we are talkin' a specific span of sexual revolution. Off on the races, we got an association train chugging along. Before I pull up Goldie Hawn sketches, I searched for Match Game refreshers. Would ya look at Betty White in pink, and the set design in orange and blue. We got a color scheme, ladies and gents! Next, I look for a musical scene from Laugh-In, and WHAT DO YOU KNOW -- the same color palette. Cool coincidence. The song "The Sexy Sixties" embodies all the questionable, feminist themes I'm tossing around with the Trouble With Angel's showgirl prompt. Investigating here - all a process. Comedy goes a LONG WAY in appropriately handling political and social topics. The Sexy Sixties | Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In | George Schlatter Combining the shapes & color palette influences = a new design! The quote, "...you might say the pill changed the shape of the sixties" struck me hard! I started off thinking just about color, but then symbolic meanings hit quickly. Found a number called "Four Happy Pills," which helped carried the allusions into the art. Dolls-mimicking-pills; all bougie content. I made a few paintings in the past merging The Valley Of The Dolls and Valium pills, so this continues to evolve my style. I am jazzed about the new art - all pieces are essential to my process archival. The two paintings available for purchase are entitled "That's Just How It Is" and "Three Happy Pills." Feeling a new series coming on... Four Happy Pills | Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In | George Schlatter Oh and in case you were wondering what happened to my date-based breakfast? Here's the ever-so important incorporation of the impromptu bake. When I am in studio mode, I can't stop making cool shit! The final result of my breakfast was incredibly satisfying as it was similar to a poundcake meets spiced fruit cake. Painting and baking/cooking go hand in hand -- you never stop thinking like an artist: a blessing and a curse. And also grateful that at least the "homemaker" stereotype today has evolved (I hope) because EVERYONE should fucking know how to use their kitchen.

Taking Care Of Business vs. The Cool People. Thanks to Elvis, the TCB acronym is commonplace in my terminology, but TCP has been a new norm as well. Simply put, all my files and folders about The Cool People are labeled, "TCP." Thinking about it a bit more, TCB is similar to TCP -- but, Taking Care of People. The Cool People in my art are ambiguous. They are spiritual forms, open to interpretation. But one thing I do say about is that they care about things. And they take care of business! It's way uncool to be passive about life. The Cool people represent confidence, coolness, and care. Shop the exclusive enamel lapel pin - pretty classy 'to & cool. Emphasis on the cool, ya dig? You can buy the artist pin, here! ...you can't mention the king without adding a music tribute link. So here's a little adorable number from my favorite Elvis era. The Lady Loves me - Elvis Presley & Ann-Margret in Viva Las Vegas 1964

Absolutely LOVE when a client gives me something of theirs to breathe new life into it! Subconsciously, we are all creating our own fluctuating costumes. Building an identifiable look from the pieces we wear and surround ourselves with. As a collector of nostalgia – as I like to phrase it – my home studio is a cornucopia of physical memories. As a retailer of my own work, I really don't have an issue saying goodbye to items I've made. Why? 1) I work quickly when in the zone, so my production rate is high. 2) I am happier to spread out pieces of myself to others, as its more fulfilling to give than receive. (yeah, that's very Hallmark card, but it's fucking true.) I keep pieces that are of divine, intrinsic value to me – perhaps due to where I originally got it or the first time I painted a new motif. Those things are my heirlooms and artist relics. My most requested pieces are usually ones that are essentially, mine. How I can elevate the pIeces I do sell? Everything I offer should have authenticity of soul. Quality over quantity, my friend! This had me thinking about the importance of heirlooms, or moreover, new heirlooms. For example, this vintage leather jacket, was purchased as gift to me by a family friend in France. The jacket was gifted to me worn, patched with a few beaten up patches, and matted studding. As I added paintings onto the jacket, those moments of artwork immortalized a learning time in my life. This jacket is tattooed with experiences, Wow, now that beats out a new garment any day. And completely identifiable to me as it's with me throughout the fall/winter seasons. But that's just the start of this conversation with myself. Off the top of my head, I remember being watching Scooby-Doo cartoons, flopped down in front of the television set. Damn, how I craved to have an identifiable costume that was just me. You know garments I would rock on the regular! But furthermore, I was more interested in where Daphne's green scarf went. Who inherited Velma's glasses? Ok, cartoon aside, the point is I was intrigued about rare personal items that weren't mine. Craved to build my wardrobe immersed in pieces that held a lot of meaning. As I hit my early 20's, I've built quite a collection of special items, passed down from my mom or coveted from estate sales. Growing up in Florida, my mom and I exclusively shopped at second-hand vintage shops and local garage sales (quite the mecca down there for that.) Thanks to my main bitch, she instilled the concept of making an outfit for yourself that meant something. She is an artist herself, always wearing a white button-up shirt, cotton black pants, covered in paint – and also dripping in chunky, sterling silver jewelry. Trisha, aka Trish The Dish, was the most beautiful palette to me as a kid. Watching her stand on ladders for hours, painting children's room murals, in her ARTIST OUTFIT –– the clothing she wore when her soul shined! That was when she appeared powerful. She still has those painted shirts, some of her most prized possessions. The concept of an Artist Outfit spawned a small run of white cotton t-shirts with this design simply showcased. I encouraged my customers to wear it with the knowledge that it becomes a part of you! Embrace the stains and changes of time. It's YOUR artist piece. A simple example of how something of quality can be transformed into something much bigger than a white tee. You can have a 100 t-shirts, but try to choose one that could be worn everyday because it tells a story. Let me tie up this conversation. My point is, clothing should be SPECIAL. Could be a green scarf or a white tee with a perfectly worn feel. I don't need to express how the concept of fashion can teach time, environment, society, etc., but I do want to point out that our modern American culture is fast! Guess that just reflects our technology-obsessed, instant-gratification era. Americans are known to constantly feel the need to buy new, with cheap prices, and in bulk. The we throw things away as fast as we buy them. Let's sloooow the fuck down. And patronizing the bombarding number of "sustainable brands" isnt helping. Generations before us perhaps were just as consumerist-minded, but the products available (pre-outsourcing) were of higher quality and of manufacture standards. What I am suggesting a change in is MINDSET. Enrich your home and wardrobe with new heirlooms, from yourself and others. Can you leave a garment for future generations to use, that holds your energy? Do you have heirlooms already that you could be using or re-purpose? When you do purchase something new, think about who made it, what it means to them and what it means to you. How will that item bring your closer to feeling naturally cool? 2020 has taught me that in order for you to feel the best about your life is when you are surrounded around things that are are understood as authentic to you. Memories are the best when you have a true experience. Since I mentioned Scooby-Doo, I recalled one of my favorite songs I had in my portable CD player in the early 1990's. It was a soundtrack of 1970's songs played in the cartoon. Guess you can say, no matter what kind of modern entertainment I had, there was always some nostalgia tied to it. This song Recipe For My Love, written by Dany Janssen, but performed by Austin Roberts was my jam as a kid. I used to dress up in costumes and bounce on my bed to this. Simpler times. Scooby-Doo's Snack Tracks: The Ultimate Collection - 02 Recipe for My Love

Watching the opening credits of any Technicolor flicks seems to spike inspiration station . I recently put on Charade , one of my top picks for a Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant (gush.) combo, The opening credits for this Hitchcock gem got me all hot for shapes and lines. This led me to pull up the theme song for the 1966 flick, The Swinger with Ann-Margret to bask in the angular, dada shapes of the set. Later on, Moon River , popped on my Spotify during my daily saunter run, bringing me back to a melancholy, dark Audrey Hepburn. Now this domino-effect spiral perhaps seems non-relational, but these three references led me to create this ridiculously cool skirt. And that's my story -- it's all about the process. Peep the three videos at the bottom of this post to get a taste. And of course, you can shop this one-of-a-kind skirt/art piece, here , or place a special order , any ole day. And of course, art is never done without a sketchbook accompaniment. The stairway design is reminiscent of many a'thing, but does anyone remembe r "The Caste In The Air" scene from The Phantom Tollbooth ? Hands? Ok, well google that and you'll get on my page. Ominous, episodic, and cyclical, I'm pretty sure this visual work will resurface in future paintings of mine. So, fast forward about 1:10 into the opening number, you get BLASTED with Henry Mancini setting the tone. And, you CAN'T go wrong when Mancini comes to town. But the trippy, psychedelic Hitchcockian vibes slap you in the face and take you literally into the Charade . I remember first watching this on TCM at 3am when I was like maybe seven? Still remember thinking those spiraling lines were seriously moving. Okay, this is a real zinger - love the lighting and transitions, plus Ann-Margret is the ultimate movie star icon! Ever see her in Tommy ? Highly advise "Go To The Mirror!" song/scene where she's just an absolute nutcase. QUEEN! But the entire vibe of this song is pure fun. The abstract visuals makes you just wanna get up to shake and hop like Ann. And here it is, the iconic song guaranteed to make your feel emotions you haven't felt in years for absolutely no reason. A moment where Audrey's singing voice sounds decent and (as always) is a brilliant movie star. There is something so dark about this, and I feel. translates into design, I mean, at least to me. Pulled a painted blouse and loose canvas drop that compliment this overall storyline. Imagine all of these concepts in room - totally cohesive. Thought I'd add these pieces here, to you know, bring this to a visual full circle. The loose canvas is available for purchase , and the shirt is held in my personal collection for styling pulls. Shoot me a message if you are itching for a new garment or art piece created just for you!

Raised by killers -- my parents, Tim and Trish are my original cool people. I have a special relationship with them as they are not only my best friends, but they are the ultimate influences in my life. Perhaps we even all knew each other in past lives. I'm equally my mom as I am my dad. The three of us are an excellent team (plus our pride of cats.) They are hard-working, outlandishly talented artists. Both renaissance people to say the least! Mom created countless art-based businesses and my dad, carpenter extraordinaire & a dedicated dude to whatever he was doing! No matter what gig we had going, they taught me how to be innovative, street smart, and honest -- while knowing how to take proper care of all of our paintbrushes. Plus they instilled my deep love and extensive knowledge for movies and music from all eras.They are KILLERS! One of my past dada-influenced designs, entitled Raised By Killers, is a salute to my 'rents. The phrase is dark, twisted, and double in meaning. Tim and Trish taught me the importance of stickin' it to the man for the right causes and reasons at a young age. Our little purple house in Dunedin, FL is a natural fairyland with a peace sign hanging above the roof. Bees and birds always at the ready. Grew up along the Gulf Of Mexico in the most kitchy little tourist town, there was something charmed our bungalow. Three of us, all doing the peace sign. 222 was the magic number. All three of us always had paint on our clothes. Our 1930's home is quaint, colorful, and really lacking doors. We are a pretty open fam. Mom's a wiccian and Dad's a rastaman. Both artists with total quirky, opposing styles. Our house is filled with estate sale treasures and meaningful heirlooms. They moved to FL in the early 1980's, found this house, & lived for rock'n'roll, weed, tequila, and love! I grew up here, and I think they did too. When I am home, I bask in the outdoor space, my ridiculously cool tree house (now art studio storage--go figure) and old school garage space. I have the luxury to paint anywhere and everywhere! My dad (goes by Packy Boy) and mom (goes by Main Bitch) have grown the gardens from hundreds of rescued plants and expanded the jungle using 0 pesticides and keeping the compost box thriving. My hippie parents know how to make a cool ass cottage. We have a studio space outside of our house that's my mom's domain, and filled with trinkets, all excellently labeled in boxes galore. As an artist, where I came from is highly important and private to me. It's full circle. You always wind by up where you started from. Cat Stevens, the prophet, and one of my favorite musicians has a song called, Sitting. The lyrics embodies the nostalgia and feelings of home and family for me. I find that my connection with my home and parents is weird and rare. It's like we live in our own little world when we are all together. Ask anyone who knows them and me -- it's pretty cool. I am a highly sentimental person, and it's so crucial to live in the moment to embrace what joy you have around you. Man, life flies by. Cat Stevens- Sitting

Recently listed online a painted 29x60" backdrop that I created at the studio a few years back. The loose canvas has history and has a raw quality about it. I jumped back and forth between titles of Divine Punks and Pink Punks. There is a strong rebellious energy about the piece and the colors are rich, lush, and to me, almost edible. Wonka-licious. The loose canvas was hung on the wall, simply nailed at the top. Adding color to the room, in inspired punk'd out forces in hues of vibrant, painted pink. The loose canvas was photographed and digitally printed onto textile. We handmade each shirt in studio and launched a small collection of t-shirts. You can still shop the last few pieces of the run, here. The divine energy and forward movement originated from how the painting was made. As an ambidextrous artist, I use both hands to paint The Cool People--right hand gives structure, left hand, emotion. When the textiles were designed, I had the forms moving upward, downward, and merging. People are individual but much more powerful in contrasts and unities. I think the design rocks. It's just punk to me. RAMONES LIVE 1977 - Judy is a Punk There are a few bodysuits left as well with the design, shop now! If you are buying the loose canvas -- man, is that cool. You have the original guide to a huge series of apparel. Meaning, you own something that affected other people's lives. Sometimes thinking on that kind of scale really can give you a sense of how we are all so interconnected. There are more variations of The Cool People in pink hues. Pink and black together is awfully punk in my book, perhaps rooted from influence from Jimmy Webb, but it's more apparent to me now why this was such a consistent style in clothing and artwork the past years. Despite the association of pink and girls, its about being divinely punk, powerful, rebellious, and confidant. Really could be any gender, but again, art interpretations are up to you, baby!

VOTE! DEMAND CHANGE! Do what you can to educate yourself, listen up, and keep pushing forth NEW WAYS. In NYC, we jumped from extreme quarantine and mask-centric conversation to protests and passionate community outbreak. Clapping at 7pm for our heroes outside the window and marching in the streets simultaneously. Since March, I was shipping out thousands of masks and hundreds of care packages to essential workers in the city and the states, and as months went by, I created a heroes rock tee for a fundraising shout-out to our volunteers and workers battling and fighting COVID-19. Donations were made to New York Cares COVID-19 Volunteer Relief Program and Black Lives Matters Global Network. I did what I could and can to help, but this is all such a mind fuck and so much bigger than any single one of us. We are battling so many problems from our social norms and climate catastrophes to political nightmares and economic panics. We have to stay unified, and again -- DEMAND CHANGE AND FUCKING VOTE!!! As soon as BLM protests resurged in the city, I joined and supported the marches on a consistent basis as it's VERY important. A contradiction as I was 100% in isolation then marching with masks. But I was tested multiple times for coronavirus after I marched and continued to quarantine. Distributed masks at protests and kept a solo distance, rarely attending with social groups. What can you do man, these times?! I can not stay silent, as I did post on social media at first quite a bit, but then fell dormant because, well, social media can become mentally destructive. You can't always convert people buy reposting a meme. Especially as an artist, I needed to soak up these overwhelming experiences. From protest signs to canvas, I made an effort to contribute my voice. Raise up and focus on black voices first, but every person needs to have their backs right now. The Cool People were there to stand the hell up! NYC is completely different now, as countless businesses have shut down and most industries have changed drastically. Homelessness is at a high, people are moving out like crazy, and tourism is quiet. People struggle to have food and resources of safety. Health is of mass concern. Places are re-opening with restrictions, but I just don't know how things will unfold as we move into the fall and winter. It's really sensitive, and lonely times. If you're lucky to work from home, its a plus and minus. There are so many with various levels of privilege who need to check their privilege. I know I continue to check myself because you can always learn more than you think you know. Take a step back from where you are and absorb. Some seem to juggle the opinion back and forth whether or ignore and just live a life, but sorry, it's an artist duty to reflect the times. Thanks Nina Simone for that lesson. And it's also so essential to keep caring. All forms of pandemic are not trends. Just to proclaim a few: Vote! Educate! Empower black voices! Fund Planned Parenthood! Shelter our homeless! Help our youth! Elevate our health care! Know love is love! Declare you identity as yours! Protect our environment! Consider other's mental and physical health! Eat smart! Prioritize your pets! Thank your heroes! Wear a mask! Love yourself! DEMAND CHANGE. And I am sure I am just touching the tip of the iceberg here. I'm passionately reminding your to just care and use your voice to help where you can. Nina Simone - I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free) (Live at Montreux, 1976)

No surprise I am lover of mother nature's grass, but there is something truly authentic about the process of it's various effects. There's something rather cool about being respectful and open-minded in regards to pot. I can only dictate my own story, so it's my interpretation. As someone who has privilege in various categories, I can speculate more comfortably, but I am not taking it lightly. A commonplace for weed in NY, but still not legalized, weed is a strong solution for countless physical and mental health issues. And there are hundreds of thousands of innocent people in federal prison for marijuana-related charges. Changing the negative stigmas and cultural/racial associations with marijuana is a huge step in dismantling the patriarchy, which you know, is a very cool thing to do. The Pot People concept is a spin on a cannabis sativa leaf. A new design from July 2020, you'll see this again I'm sure. Pot does NOT just make you cool. But pot can teach you how to evolve, which is damn cool thing to do. My parents raised me with hippie values, daresay, so smoking weed was about connecting with yourself and with the earth. Using it responsibly, it can be grounding, humbling, and enlightening. My father has a deep passion for Rastafarian traditions, and that influence has taught me nothing but positivity. Weed also treats pain and anxiety, which topples alcohol use any ole day. As its said, isolate a few stoners with one joint in a room and a few alcoholics with one glass of liquor in a room, just see what happens. The Cool People are my people. My internal team of truth-tellers and. story tellers. I don't doubt that a good percentage of my cool people are most obviously pot people. Without their insight, I don't think I would be able to see a situation from so many perspectives. Or have the vast empathy in times that don't ask for it. Cab Calloway - The Reefer Man (Original) Say what you like about stoners, but there are many different kinds. Hey, no shame in a pothead. For me, it's about connecting the body naturally. You know, mint leaves refreshing to the palette, benefiting oral health. Marijuana leaves refresh the mind, benefitting mental and physical health. It's all gardening. That aside, people who use pot to elevate their souls are doing right for themselves. Self care and self-love is hot hot hot. People who care for pot and grow by it's beneficial properties are cool. Simple as that. It it doesn't suit you, it doesn't make you un-cool. It's cool to care for yourself and others. It's cool to appreciate the gifts of the earth. It's cool to unify with people or take a moment to unify with yourself. It's cool to change. FORTUNA, THE HIGH PRIESTESS This painting below entitled, Fortuna, the HIGH priestess, purely depicts my thoughts on inward enlightenment rooted from pot. Alleviation of anxiety--smoking weed gave me the opportunity to grow mentally. Blindness is wisdom. You don't have to physically see reality to understand. Spend time with yourself and look within to discover your own truths. Thankful for the time I've spent with Mary Jane, which enriched my clarity in my point of view.

The Canadian tuxedo, eh? A denim ensemble that really never goes out of style. Admired my mom watching her paint for hours, simply wearing her paint-splattered denim button-up. Full circle, baby! But now, I'm on a patches train; absolutely love the collection of images and collage style - especially when painted on! This skirt and top are hand-painted with monochromatic patches - gotta love it. No matter what season, I bet you own a blank pair of denim jeans, shorts, skirts, tops -- point is, spicing up your basic denim with a painted patch is such a fun way to express some creativity. Many clients love to send me their perfectly-broken-in jeans to have a couple of patches painted - or even the Full Monty. If you order a new custom piece, I source 100% cotton, non-stretch denim, usually a classic Levi's. This skirt is up for grabs and you are more than welcome to special order something just for you. When you're rocking a monochrome look, I usually demand a pop of color. I mean, I love A LOT, so thats me, but a touch of funk in accessory is all the rage. This painted fanny pack is my current go-to bag. Intentionally made this for a client for a styling gig, but ended up keeping it for myself (which is a total rarity) but it's the a winner for me at the mo. I do have to note the addition of The Cool People artist pin to this leather bag - a total A+ choice. You can purchase one here to add to your fav denim jacket. Is less more...still debating! Shooting photos outside is mega weird as I am VERY dedicated to wearing a mask. Taking it off for a minute or two to catch a shot seems acceptable, but don't fear, this lady has her MASK on check. If you still need masks, I got you. Chuck Berry-Route 66

Rare treasures from the past have always been valuable to me. I've made many a backdrop in my day (thus far) and this one in particular was one for the books. Used in past productions and actually recorded the process of creation, this first edition of canvas drops were just cut into five pieces to be hung as tapestries or to be framed (or even stretched) in your own home. Shipped to you rolled, the choices are endless and with a quick zap of an iron (raw canvas side, please) the canvas is brilliantly ready to rock. Each piece is hand cut at various sizes and signed on the back. You can purchase an original of The Cool People , now! If you are interested in various sizes or special order, just shoot me a message !

A noun, an adjective, an interjection, a verb, or an adverb, Fuck's got it all going on in the english language. I am not into censorship, but I do have couth in how I present information. Profane language is intellectual and idiotic simultaneously. It's something you have to really learn and have the ability to navigate if you want to be a servant of slang. It's powerful in the right way when you're attaching it to actually caring about something. Because remember, caring is fucking cool. And we can delve into a massive conversation on the pros and cons of using the word in your daily language, but at the end of the day, sometimes you just have to say FUCK! Sometimes when things get bad--especially these mental days--saying fuck this or that can be the resolution. I am NOT promoting your to go out and be a negative asshole, but in my experience its HUMAN! It's flawed and funny and reeks of emotion to use the word. It can be an unifying ice breaker or just a slip of the tongue showcasing you're not perfect. Maybe when we are kids we are encouraged not to say it because 1. it's dirty and 2. you're not mentally at the point where you can really register WHEN to use it or even why? I don't know, call me out however you like, but I know, when the chips are down and I need a laugh or a shake up, FUCK - it's okay to be real. It's cool to NOT be perfect. It's cool to embrace the fuck-ups and to acknowledge that change is needed. That's seems to be thee key to growth. So, FUCK!!! Nothing brings a chuckle or smile quicker than having something that says fuck on it. I've created an ABUNDANT amount of clothing to canvas with this design and vibe, and currently what's available to shop are buttons, mini skirts (sizes S-L) and an original canvas painting. As always, a special order is just a message away! The HIGHLIGHT of the image was when during the election I ran a Fuck Trump campaign in our shop window, flashing the image on retro TV's and using a custom textile to show our disdain for Donald Trump. 2016 was the year of Fuck really hit it big. For a small four-lettered word, it causes quite a commotion. And, Spike Lee ended up using a image of the front of our shop during a montage on civil rights/activism for his Netflix show, She's Gotta Have It. So that was fucking cool. I first created the fuck design circa 2015 in my sketchbook -- first page too -- that does sets the tone for every sketchbook you start. With that, I carried on to do a series of canvases with it, as well as launch a line of textiles and merch with the trippy design. Basically this FUCK represented an uncontainable amount of emotion. And I believe that the simple image empowers and gives people cred or a feeling of strength. You can't mess with me - I know my power, kinda feel. This is a cute little 2015 video of me painting one of my Fuck canvas paintings. Kitschy, fun, and totally focused. I am so thankful I archived so much of my life for the past ten years because looking back, it teaches me so much about myself. If you're not investing a little bit of your time printing out your photos from your phone (seriously CVS or Walgreens does the trick and it doesn't cost a dime) or making sure you have your visual and written archives in check, I'd advise it tenfold! Marie Kondo does have something about keeping shit that sparks joy, but remember, keep things that will spark joy for your FUTURE self or others. ;)