A Westside Story

My grandparents have been married for 70 years. They're both in their 90's now and considering the change and struggle the world has seen in that time, it's hard to imagine the life they've shared. My grandmother Rose was born in Puerto Rico in 1920 but raised in Spanish Harlem, New York. My grandfather Eugene was born in 1921 and brought up in a strict Irish Catholic family in Hells Kitchen, New York. Both fell in love during a bygone era that few in my generation have the appropriate appreciation for. It's a fairy tale romance that lends authenticity to American classics like Broadway's West Side Story and Ben E. King's Spanish Harlem. I was recently sorting through old things of theirs and came upon a red album full of original photographs. Some timeless images of old New York neighbors, honored wartime buddies, quaint backyard BBQ's, and an undying love that still burns strong. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Youth, LoveSean TullyGrandparents, FamilyComment
Adrift

Adrift, 2009, Directed by Heitor Dhalia

A beautiful film from City Of God director Heitor Dhalia. Amazing locations and cinematography, great cast (always enjoy Vincent Cassel), and a layered story that I think many could find relation to. This one's worth a view. 

 
 
 

The spirit of summer is perfectly encapsulated in Heitor Dhalia's stunningly beautiful portrait of youth and discovery in this thrilling coming of age story. Spending summer vacation with her family in Búzios, Filipa, a fourteen-year old girl, experiences her rite of passage into adulthood while discovering love for the first time.

 
FilmSean TullyAdrift, Cassel, Dhalia Comment
Nothings Too Precious

A loose gathering of skateboarders and the things they make. Inspired by the accessibility and honesty found through skateboarding, Nothings Too Precious features a selection of smaller works all priced at $100. Curated by skateboarder Billy Valdes and featuring work from an eclectic mix of notable skateboarders.

Opening reception is 5pm on Thursday, May 2nd at Innocnts in Silver Lake. Check the Nothings Too Precious event page for more information. 

Confirmed Artists & Merch Below

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Skateboarding, Art, ShowsSean TullyNothings, Too, Precious, Art, SkateboardersComment
Lowrider Culture Abroad

A nice piece on public radio about the Mexican American lowrider culture of Los Angeles and its growth in foreign lands. Chicano and Chicana studies professor (Cal State Northridge) Denise Sandoval grew up near the mecca of lowriding in East Los Angeles and has been studying its global spread. She shares her viewpoint in this short but sweet radio feature. 

Listen to the full story below.

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The Mexican-American car subculture of lowriding with roots in Los Angeles has spread around the world from Japan to Brazil. There is even a Japanese lowriding magazine about L.A. Chicano and Chicana studies professor Denise Sandoval grew up near the mecca of lowriding in East L.A.

CultureSean TullyLowriderComment
Dion Agius Talks About Epokhe

Dion Agius is many things. Perhaps better known for his wave riding pursuits, Dion has traveled the globe as a professional surfer picking up various experiences and attitudes from place to place. These experiences and attitudes have no doubt shaped his aesthetical outlook and most certainly lend themselves to his recent endeavor EPOKHE Eyewear. Established very recently by Dion with friends Kai Neville and Mitch Colborn, EPOKHE Eyewear is quality, function, and art. Innocnts recently caught up with Dion and posed a few questions.

Scroll below to see what he had to say.

 
 

1. What's your favorite EPOKHE shade/style?

It's hard to choose but the style I have been running around in the most is the Kozara. It's a round frame with with a metal / acetate mix. They feel heavy and solid. And are very nice to hide behind. I really like that sometimes.

2. If EPOKHE was a city or destination, where would it be and why?

It would be a mars like landscape similar to the location we used for External World (1.0). I want to go back there, it was the most visually stunning and eerie place I think I've ever been.

3. Was there a specific moment when you, Kai, and Mitch decided to start EPOKHE?

About 3 years ago when Kai, Mitch and myself were working on Modern Collective we kept tossing around the idea of doing something, we spent so much time on the road together, We really wanted to have something to call our own, we just weren't sure what it was. And a little bit over a year ago the glasses idea came about and we have been working on it everyday since.

4. Where does EPOKHE draw aesthetic inspiration from?

I have a pretty soft spot for minimalist scandanavian design, whether it be graphic, furniture, interior or industrial. So we tried to use that inspiration and keep the line really clean. Lots of smooth curves, lines and carefully thought out angles. The slightest mm of change can make a such a huge change to the overall feel of the frame. 

5. What are your thoughts on the suspension of judgment?

I would think I would very much enjoy living in a constant state of suspended judgement. It sounds so very peaceful.

6. If you could choose any artist (dead or alive) to represent EPOKHE, who would that be?

Salvador Dali. 

People, SurfingSean TullyDion, Agius, EpokheComment
Chris Rucker

Chris Rucker graduated with a degree in sculpture from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, where he also grew up. He's been working in design+building since 1996 in New York City and is currently with the firm AR&DEE located in Brooklyn, NY. Chris lives at an old loft building in chinatown with his Daschund named Wilson and commutes by bike to work daily.

Click here for more brilliant work from Chris Rucker

 
 
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Design, FurnitureSean TullyChris, Rucker, FurnitureComment
Red

Red is the color of blood, rubies and strawberries. Next to orange, it's at the end of the visible light spectrum. Red is commonly associated with danger, sacrifice, passion, fire, beauty, blood, and anger.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sean TullyRed, Passion, Danger, SacrificeComment