Published Articles
-Sink or Swim Pt. 1 "From Outside The Looking Glass"
(Published June 2011 in NUG Magazine)
“From outside the looking glass, no one told me that sleepy sun drenched San Diego was secretly still the Wild West. A whirling dervish where whimsical street performers, activists, and poet laureates still thrashed against neo-conservative undertones determined to protect starry-eyed tourists wandering through wonderland. Seemingly, I underestimated the looming prowess of a military and commercial conglomerate intent on stalling forward progress, hell bent on sitting in place while stepping into the future, complacent, believing only in the voices of those who can afford to pay for it. Yet, the most disheartening thing I’ve experienced since touching down in So. Cal. has come from within my, no our, very own culture where leaders have apparently and sadly forgotten that you can’t have a community without unity first"
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-Sink or Swim Pt. 2 "Back To The Basics"
(Published July 2011 in NUG Magazine)
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-Sink or Swim Pt. 2 "Back To The Basics"
(Published July 2011 in NUG Magazine)
"Some of the fondest memories from my childhood are the days I spent at the neighborhood watering hole. The summers seemed endless, pristine. Worry free, I’d splash and play with the other pool rats, partaking in relay races and cannonball competitions, out to catch the attention of the lovely local ladies. As far back as I can remember, being in the water was second nature, but that wasn’t always the story. Apparently, I sunk like a stone during my first lesson, resting helplessly at the bottom until the instructor pulled me to the surface. However, over time, I would become known as a fish in the water. The skills I had grown to obtain only existed because at some point in my life, someone with more experience and knowledge had taught me how to hold my breath, doggy paddle and float. Without these basic and essential tools, I would have drowned the very first day and never experienced one of my most precious childhood freedoms – swimming"
Click here to read the full article
Click here to read the full article
-Sink or Swim Pt. 3 "Constant Elevation"
(Published August 2011 in NUG Magazine)
-Perpetual Motion "An Exploration into the American Glass Blowing Culture"
(Published June 2011 in NUG Magazine)
-Perpetual Motion "Maximus"
(Published July 2011 in NUG Magazine)
Click here to read the full article
-Perpetual Motion "J.A.G. (Just Another Glassblower)"
(Published August 2011 in NUG Magazine)
-Perpetual Motion "CREEP"
(Published September 2011 in NUG Magazine)
-Perpetual Motion "JOP"
(Published October 2011 in NUG Magazine)
"Some people can’t resist pushing buttons. Call them rebel rousers. Punk rockers. Outcasts. Call them devil’s advocates dancing with a double-edged sword. Call them the spoon stirring the pot of life, preventing a dull film of homogenous existence from forming over the surface. Call them what you will, but please call them heroes. These brave souls adamantly battle an ongoing war, attempting to save us from a world where we all walk on eggshells in constant worry of someone crying over a little spilled milk."
(Published October 2011 in NUG Magazine)
"Some people can’t resist pushing buttons. Call them rebel rousers. Punk rockers. Outcasts. Call them devil’s advocates dancing with a double-edged sword. Call them the spoon stirring the pot of life, preventing a dull film of homogenous existence from forming over the surface. Call them what you will, but please call them heroes. These brave souls adamantly battle an ongoing war, attempting to save us from a world where we all walk on eggshells in constant worry of someone crying over a little spilled milk."
Click here to read the full article
-Perpetual Motion "Ryno"
(Published November 2011 in NUG Magazine)
"Six months into this adventure, I had an epiphany: I’ve been given a golden key. I, like so many of us in modern day society, am quite voyeuristic. Though I’m lucky enough as an artist to spend most of my life around other individuals with avant-garde ideologies about our world and its aesthetics, it’s not standard form to sit them down in the hot seat, causally remove my scalpel, and pick their brains without reservation or apprehension. We artists are known for our ability to build emotional and social barriers around ourselves for an endless list of reasons. It makes sense. I’ve moved my fair share of pieces across the chessboard, and when living in wonderland, one must be careful with whom he shares what secrets. But here I am conversing with another master glass contortionist, about to turn the key and dive headfirst into a worm-hole of creative expression, yet again."
-Perpetual Motion "Ryno"
(Published November 2011 in NUG Magazine)
"Six months into this adventure, I had an epiphany: I’ve been given a golden key. I, like so many of us in modern day society, am quite voyeuristic. Though I’m lucky enough as an artist to spend most of my life around other individuals with avant-garde ideologies about our world and its aesthetics, it’s not standard form to sit them down in the hot seat, causally remove my scalpel, and pick their brains without reservation or apprehension. We artists are known for our ability to build emotional and social barriers around ourselves for an endless list of reasons. It makes sense. I’ve moved my fair share of pieces across the chessboard, and when living in wonderland, one must be careful with whom he shares what secrets. But here I am conversing with another master glass contortionist, about to turn the key and dive headfirst into a worm-hole of creative expression, yet again."
Click here to read the full article
-Perpetual Motion "Chad G"
(Published December 2011 in NUG Magazine)
"It’s been said that change is the only constant, and I’m constantly reminded of this timeless truth. Our universe is dictated by a ballet of billions of molecules all seeking the path with the least resistance. Yet, no matter how fluid and peaceful a stream may appear to be on the surface, it’s almost guaranteed that below in the depths, each drop’s resolve will be tested by boulders, rocks and fallen branches. Our ability to embrace adaption decides how effortlessly we, as individuals, will dance through life’s playlist. If change is inevitable, then sitting stagnate, idling in place, is an insult to the progression of the universe"
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-Perpetual Motion "Aaron Sokol"
(Published January 2012 in NUG Magazine)
"BANG! The starting gun has sounded. The real race has just begun. Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you didn’t place your bets early, for there’s a new contestant in the competition, and the odds have just been changed. This month’s featured artisan, Aaron Sokol, isn’t new to the field; in fact, he’s been hiding in the shadows of the packs’ leaders, meticulously plotting this moment for over 8 years, drafting their winds, perfecting his technique, waiting for the perfect moment to take the world by storm. The time has finally come to place his name in the hat and see how far he can go in this rat race alone. If life is the art of war and this is the sprint to reinvent the art form, then this author is placing his chips on the rookie busting from the gates."
-Perpetual Motion "Chad G"
(Published December 2011 in NUG Magazine)
"It’s been said that change is the only constant, and I’m constantly reminded of this timeless truth. Our universe is dictated by a ballet of billions of molecules all seeking the path with the least resistance. Yet, no matter how fluid and peaceful a stream may appear to be on the surface, it’s almost guaranteed that below in the depths, each drop’s resolve will be tested by boulders, rocks and fallen branches. Our ability to embrace adaption decides how effortlessly we, as individuals, will dance through life’s playlist. If change is inevitable, then sitting stagnate, idling in place, is an insult to the progression of the universe"
Click here to read the full article
-Perpetual Motion "Aaron Sokol"
(Published January 2012 in NUG Magazine)
"BANG! The starting gun has sounded. The real race has just begun. Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you didn’t place your bets early, for there’s a new contestant in the competition, and the odds have just been changed. This month’s featured artisan, Aaron Sokol, isn’t new to the field; in fact, he’s been hiding in the shadows of the packs’ leaders, meticulously plotting this moment for over 8 years, drafting their winds, perfecting his technique, waiting for the perfect moment to take the world by storm. The time has finally come to place his name in the hat and see how far he can go in this rat race alone. If life is the art of war and this is the sprint to reinvent the art form, then this author is placing his chips on the rookie busting from the gates."
Click here to read the full article
-Perpetual Motion "Marble Slinger"
(Published Feb. 2012 in NUG Magazine)
"As I sat down to the opening credits, it was clear I was about to experience something exceptional. Striking industrial shadows set a dark background as fuel tanks flung open, the day’s artistic weapons were chosen, and finally, in a golden explosion, a flame was set ablaze. A deep bass pounded, bringing, full circle, a sensory overload that was sensationally pleasing. As glass silicate began melting, the camera paned dramatically over workstations and wandering dreams, moving slowly through the movie’s stunning introduction. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Degenerate Art."
-Perpetual Motion "Marble Slinger"
(Published Feb. 2012 in NUG Magazine)
"As I sat down to the opening credits, it was clear I was about to experience something exceptional. Striking industrial shadows set a dark background as fuel tanks flung open, the day’s artistic weapons were chosen, and finally, in a golden explosion, a flame was set ablaze. A deep bass pounded, bringing, full circle, a sensory overload that was sensationally pleasing. As glass silicate began melting, the camera paned dramatically over workstations and wandering dreams, moving slowly through the movie’s stunning introduction. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Degenerate Art."
Click here to read the full article
-Perpetual Motion "Dwreck"
(Published May 2012 in NUG Magazine)
"This month I've danced in Dante's inferno barefoot and begged the disk jockey for an encore. I've dined on forbidden fruits and drank moonshine for dessert. I've sent a crow into the lonely night with a message for my mind's hidden minions. I've embraced darkness. This may seem a bit extreme, but I've had to get in touch with my inner Anton LaVey in an attempt to understand this month's featured artist, Dwreck. Not to be repetitive, but I've landed another glass master and this time our themes are Darth Vader, demonic images, and zombie punk rock strippers that leave little room for the imagination. Dwreck isn't saying fuck it, he's screaming it from the top of his lungs.
Click here to read the full article
-What is Hip Hop? "Access Hip Hop"
(Published November 2011 on www.NugMagazine.com)
"If you asked a million “heads” to define hip hop, you would surely get a million answers. After all, hip hop is a vast tapestry drawing from an eclectic ocean of musical and cultural inspirations. From its conception at block parties in the blistering concrete burrows of the Big Apple, to its migration westward where it found its G-funk swing and trunk rattling thump; the only thing universally agreed upon within the culture is that the art form rests atop the pillars of its four elements: emceeing, DJing, break dancing, and graffiti. One could think of each element being its own dish within the grand spread at a banquet of self-expression, each very much so enjoyable and respectable in its own right; yet, ideally experienced when its many flavors can simultaneously compliment and contrast each other. To me, hip hop is a crossroads where jazz and funk meet drum breaks and 808’s; where Basquiat meets Banksy; where the grace of Swan Lake meets the braggadocios of the Jabberwockies."
Click here to read the full article
-What is Hip Hop? "Graffiti Denim Pt. 2"
(Published January 2012 on www.NugMagazine.com)
"Last month, while introducing my new series in NUG, I chose to title the piece by posing a question rather than making a statement, “What is Hip Hop?” Being that hip hop is a melting pot of multiple forms of self-expression, it seemed logical to approach the culture from the perspective of a child – with wonder, awe, and inspiration. True, I personally have been a participant in many incarnations within the art form over the last 16 years, but I wanted readers to find their own angle to fall in love with hip hop, rather than just sharing why I love hip hop. See that’s the thing; hip h op is not really so much a spectator sport. Almost everyone at any show you go to will have some angle in which they have touched the culture. Whether b-boy/girl, emcee, graff writer, DJ, promoter, beat boxer, etc., hip hop shines its brightest when all of these pieces congeal together. This phenomenon can be quite a rarity, but fortunately for myself and those in attendance last Tuesday at Kid Riz’s Graffiti Denim Pt. 2 at Bar Basic, something magic was in the air."
Click here to read the full article
-Vinyaaron "Making Yoga Your Own"
(Published February 2012 in Ecotistic Magazine)
"Four years ago, if you stopped me on the streets and informed me that someday I’d be writing for a new age magazine about yoga, I would have laughed at you….hard…really hard. I’m talking about one of those bellowing blahaha’s brought on only by the disbelief that absolute absurdity can breed. In fact, I would have wagered my soul against the most meager reward if only due to how confident I would have been that this moment would never arise. See, in those days I was an alcoholic rock star more concerned with raging into the night than making sure that my mind, body, and soul was properly aligned. Simply put, I wasn’t the type; and any part of me that perhaps once was, had fled from the path I was walking at that point in life long ago. Being brutally honest, I was a lost soul screaming out for salvation. But I guess that’s the most beautiful thing about prayers, mediations, or set intentions, you never know what curveball the universe’s cure may be." Click here NOW to read the full article in Ecotistic Magazine.
-VinShelby "Making Yoga Your Own"
(Published March 2012 in Ecotistic Magazine)
"If movement is the body’s voice let loose to wander free and frolic playfully, then this month’s feature Shelby Lafrinere (E-RYT) is a master linguist constantly exploring and expanding the range of which her soul can sing. Her instrument an intricate tool finely tuned to the universe’s natural rhythm, smitten by the infinite possibilities of our physical form. At times she sits in a state of nearly complete stillness, as breath becomes a bohemian decrescendo during moments of decompression and grounding. In contrast, other moments are wild and ferocious as limbs spin, bend, and bounce, ravaging life’s endless dance floor. But for as much as Shelby’s tale is about finding inner peace outside the box, as she shares her god given gifts with the world, her most interesting story is about the roadblocks and obstacles she’s had to overcome on her journey. She may be a highly accomplished yoga instructor and dancer, but her legacy is defined by her rebirths and resurrections." Click here NOW to read the full article in Ecotistic Magazine.
-VinDREZ "Making Yoga Your Own"
(Published Jun 2012 in Ecotistic Magazine)
"DJ Drez is an audio alchemist endlessly exploring new horizons with each mix. Creating spiritual soundscapes after sunset in venues around the globe, his trusty Technic 1200’s transform to become musical projectors of his mind’s inner eye. His original compositions and flawless mashups become PowerPoint presentations luring listeners into an experience that blends entertainment with education, elevation with grounding, and the voice of the streets with the whispers of the mystics." Click here NOW to read the full article in Ecotistic Magazine
-Perpetual Motion "Dwreck"
(Published May 2012 in NUG Magazine)
"This month I've danced in Dante's inferno barefoot and begged the disk jockey for an encore. I've dined on forbidden fruits and drank moonshine for dessert. I've sent a crow into the lonely night with a message for my mind's hidden minions. I've embraced darkness. This may seem a bit extreme, but I've had to get in touch with my inner Anton LaVey in an attempt to understand this month's featured artist, Dwreck. Not to be repetitive, but I've landed another glass master and this time our themes are Darth Vader, demonic images, and zombie punk rock strippers that leave little room for the imagination. Dwreck isn't saying fuck it, he's screaming it from the top of his lungs.
Click here to read the full article
-What is Hip Hop? "Access Hip Hop"
(Published November 2011 on www.NugMagazine.com)
"If you asked a million “heads” to define hip hop, you would surely get a million answers. After all, hip hop is a vast tapestry drawing from an eclectic ocean of musical and cultural inspirations. From its conception at block parties in the blistering concrete burrows of the Big Apple, to its migration westward where it found its G-funk swing and trunk rattling thump; the only thing universally agreed upon within the culture is that the art form rests atop the pillars of its four elements: emceeing, DJing, break dancing, and graffiti. One could think of each element being its own dish within the grand spread at a banquet of self-expression, each very much so enjoyable and respectable in its own right; yet, ideally experienced when its many flavors can simultaneously compliment and contrast each other. To me, hip hop is a crossroads where jazz and funk meet drum breaks and 808’s; where Basquiat meets Banksy; where the grace of Swan Lake meets the braggadocios of the Jabberwockies."
Click here to read the full article
-What is Hip Hop? "Graffiti Denim Pt. 2"
(Published January 2012 on www.NugMagazine.com)
"Last month, while introducing my new series in NUG, I chose to title the piece by posing a question rather than making a statement, “What is Hip Hop?” Being that hip hop is a melting pot of multiple forms of self-expression, it seemed logical to approach the culture from the perspective of a child – with wonder, awe, and inspiration. True, I personally have been a participant in many incarnations within the art form over the last 16 years, but I wanted readers to find their own angle to fall in love with hip hop, rather than just sharing why I love hip hop. See that’s the thing; hip h op is not really so much a spectator sport. Almost everyone at any show you go to will have some angle in which they have touched the culture. Whether b-boy/girl, emcee, graff writer, DJ, promoter, beat boxer, etc., hip hop shines its brightest when all of these pieces congeal together. This phenomenon can be quite a rarity, but fortunately for myself and those in attendance last Tuesday at Kid Riz’s Graffiti Denim Pt. 2 at Bar Basic, something magic was in the air."
Click here to read the full article
-Vinyaaron "Making Yoga Your Own"
(Published February 2012 in Ecotistic Magazine)
"Four years ago, if you stopped me on the streets and informed me that someday I’d be writing for a new age magazine about yoga, I would have laughed at you….hard…really hard. I’m talking about one of those bellowing blahaha’s brought on only by the disbelief that absolute absurdity can breed. In fact, I would have wagered my soul against the most meager reward if only due to how confident I would have been that this moment would never arise. See, in those days I was an alcoholic rock star more concerned with raging into the night than making sure that my mind, body, and soul was properly aligned. Simply put, I wasn’t the type; and any part of me that perhaps once was, had fled from the path I was walking at that point in life long ago. Being brutally honest, I was a lost soul screaming out for salvation. But I guess that’s the most beautiful thing about prayers, mediations, or set intentions, you never know what curveball the universe’s cure may be." Click here NOW to read the full article in Ecotistic Magazine.
-VinShelby "Making Yoga Your Own"
(Published March 2012 in Ecotistic Magazine)
"If movement is the body’s voice let loose to wander free and frolic playfully, then this month’s feature Shelby Lafrinere (E-RYT) is a master linguist constantly exploring and expanding the range of which her soul can sing. Her instrument an intricate tool finely tuned to the universe’s natural rhythm, smitten by the infinite possibilities of our physical form. At times she sits in a state of nearly complete stillness, as breath becomes a bohemian decrescendo during moments of decompression and grounding. In contrast, other moments are wild and ferocious as limbs spin, bend, and bounce, ravaging life’s endless dance floor. But for as much as Shelby’s tale is about finding inner peace outside the box, as she shares her god given gifts with the world, her most interesting story is about the roadblocks and obstacles she’s had to overcome on her journey. She may be a highly accomplished yoga instructor and dancer, but her legacy is defined by her rebirths and resurrections." Click here NOW to read the full article in Ecotistic Magazine.
-VinDREZ "Making Yoga Your Own"
(Published Jun 2012 in Ecotistic Magazine)
