Ritchie Ramirez presents "Free Thinking"

Long long time aaaggaain!!!

2011-08-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

I know its been a million years since I made a post, but so much has been going on with me. I'm gonna update very very soooooon, but probably in a new blog. I'm in a transition period in my life. I can't wait to start posting again. Until then, check out this sick ad for Ecko watches. hint" I've been looking into a lot of "motion graphics" lately........ more to come. BLESS!!!

Ecko Artifaks from 4Dthieves on Vimeo.

I'm back!!! Its been way too long!

2011-06-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

I seriously thought I was going to switch blogs but I'll just stick to this one a little longer. I know its been a while since my last post. I've been so freakin busy working on endless projects. I have much to post so stay tuned. For now, enjoy this clip.

"Shave and a Haircut" recap.

2011-03-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

Good times hanging with my man Ja and friends at this event. Here are the pieces I provided. You can buy the original over at Monkey House Toys in Silver Lake. Thank You everyone who came and supported this event!!

If I can get pictures of the event, I'll definitely post em.

Here is the link to Monkey House Toys Myra owns the store and shes awesome! She has a very warm heart and is all about the local artists and the community. Come support her. Cheers!

Monkey House Toys presents: "Shave & a Haircut: Hep Hairdo & Suave 'Stache Show"

2011-03-11T18:33:00.000-08:00

I'm doing an artshow next week. Come check it out.... FUN FUN......FUN!!!!!!

Todays Painting: Forest Village

2011-03-03T11:22:00.000-08:00

Oh yes.... Getting inspired these days from all my projects I have going on. Heres another sketch. Took about 45 mins I think. It was late last night. Todays another daaayyy!! Keep em coming... Cheers!!

Todays painting: Sea Turtle

2011-03-02T22:49:00.000-08:00

I really dont know why or how I ended up painting this. I was just sketching and then this came out. I didnt want to spend more than half an hour doing it... lol. anyhow.. enjoy.

CSLA: Community Leader Award Illustration

2011-02-28T21:35:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Jackie Lopez of Versastyle for receiving the community leader award. Well deserved. I was fortunate to design the award this year. This was presented at CSLA's event yesterday at H4 (Hip Hop Has History). The illustration expresses the 4 elements of Hip Hop. I hope these elements are not forgotten. Thats why people like Jackie exists to continue on the longevity of hip hop the right way. I'll cheers to that. Bless!

Todays Sketch: An Alien Prince

2011-02-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

I'm playing with dramatic lighting and textures on some clothes. I got kinda bored with the character himself so I stopped. Otherwise I wouldve developed him a lot further.

Todays sketch: Sketch Session @ Bello's pad

2011-02-26T23:26:00.001-08:00

Here is todays sketch. I had a good sketch session over at Brians pad in North Hollywood. It started hailing or snowing... hail snow... It was interesting.

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Todays Painting: Robots and war.

2011-02-25T02:30:00.000-08:00

Here is todays painting. These days, I've been on the subject on Robots. I figured... hey, why not do another one. I've been honing my skills to get better at painting and illustrating. These practice sessions really help me out. Enjoy.

VF-2 & Farrari Concept practice.

2011-02-24T13:01:00.000-08:00

This became more of a concept painting exercise combining a farrari and VF2. I was trying to conceptualize an alternative design for the VF-2 but it kept looking more like the original design. Not so successful imo. This became a great practice painting though. It serves more as fan art.. if anything. enjoy.

Here's a pic of the Farrari. I'm not sure what model this was.

Heads paintings

2011-02-24T12:47:00.001-08:00

I've Been taking my brushes out and painting these small characters. I dont have a name for them yet but I call them Heads.

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Environment Studies

2011-02-24T12:16:00.000-08:00

I've been studying a lot on painting and composition. A big goal for me is to get better at environment and color with lighting. Its a big challenge for me but I've been getting better as I practice. Here are a bunch of random sketches I did on my laptop. I put the dates so you can see the progression. I have more in my sketch book too. ;)

12/13/2010

12/21/2010

1/14/2011

2/9/2011

2/16/2011

Lil Lisa Art

2011-02-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

Here is my dedication character piece to Lisa Nguyen. Bless.

R.I.P. Lisa Nguyen and Family

2011-01-10T15:50:00.000-08:00

The news is not so great this morning. This post is dedicated to Lisa Nguyen. I had to take a step back today and reminisce about Lisa. I barely knew her, but I remember my time in Long Beach that I would see her all the time in the computer lab, and we would make these sny yet funny remarks to each other. She greatly stood out, very small (hence the name Lil Lisa), she was very free-spirited and unique individual. My only regret is that I didn't keep in touch after graduation. This is such a tragedy about how all this happened. Life is so fragile, and I couldn't be more thankful and appreciative of it. To my friends and fams, I love you all! Keep on living. The present is where you can cherish every moment of time. Appreciate the present because tomorrow may never come. Bless!

Here is the link to the tragic news cover of Lisa's death.
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-harbor-city-double-murder-suicide,0,5318128.story

I will be submitting artwork for this show in memory of her.

Character sketches: HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!

2011-01-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

Happy 2011 folks!!!!!! To start off the new year, I'm posting some characters that I've been doing at coffee shops. I usually go to coffee shops to people watch and sketch. I've been pretty focused and excited on this new-found direction. I'm not getting into it right now but hopefully you can see as I post up more art in the future. For now, Happy New Years to all! I hope 2011 is gonna be great for you. Bless!

Team Coco

2010-12-31T00:17:00.001-08:00

I'm glad Conan is back with his show. I'm up here at the Floology lair playing on Ami's new Intuos. I didn't mean to make him look freaky and weird but what evs. I'm not much of a caricature artist. Anyhow, GO COCO!GYEAH!

2010-12-17T14:18:00.001-08:00

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Todays Sketch (sketch session 1)

2010-12-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

Here is todays sketch. I've been trying to focus more on the digital drawings and what not. I decided to record the process as well so I can get more of an idea of my time. There was no planning or anything, I just decided to draw. Enjoy!

MIA

2010-12-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

Its been about a month since I posted something. Sorry, Ive been busy training, performing and directing. However, I do have lots to show. Ill be starting up again... TODAY actually. Stay tune.

Todays sketch: Cal Tjader

2010-11-08T12:45:00.001-08:00

Todays sketch is one of my favorite jazz artist. Mr. Cal Tjader himself. Listen!

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STEADY: November 5th 2010

2010-11-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

I was invited back to showcase my art skills for STEADY last night but this time to do a LIVE PAINTING. I had so much fun. This be my first live painting. Here's how it turned out.

My apologies for the low res pics.

Skull lantern pumkin juice incense !

2010-11-01T11:59:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloweeeeeen!! While I was watching the Lakers kill the Golden State, I carved me a skull pumkin.

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Rally to Restore Sanity and or Fear: Jons closing speech!

2010-10-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

This really moved me today. I was happy to see the 100,000 people that showed up to the Rally make Jon's day. His speech/message (as he expresses day to day on his show) is powerful, necessary, truthful, eye-opening and most of all fulfilling with sanity. Its great stuff IMO. Take a look. I also put the the speech in text below.

“I can’t control what people think this was. I can only tell you my intentions. This was not a rally to ridicule people of faith or people of activism or to look down our noses at the heartland or passionate argument or to suggest that times are not difficult and that we have nothing to fear. They are and we do. But we live now in hard times, not end times. And we can have animus and not be enemies.

But unfortunately one of our main tools in delineating the two broke. The country’s 24 hour political pundit perpetual panic conflictinator did not cause our problems but its existence makes solving them that much harder. The press can hold its magnifying up to our problems bringing them into focus, illuminating issues heretofore unseen or they can use that magnifying glass to light ants on fire and then perhaps host a week of shows on the sudden, unexpected dangerous flaming ant epidemic.

If we amplify everything we hear nothing. There are terrorists and racists and Stalinists and theocrats but those are titles that must be earned. You must have the resume. Not being able to distinguish between real racists and Tea Partiers or real bigots and Juan Williams and Rick Sanchez is an insult, not only to those people but to the racists themselves who have put in the exhausting effort it takes to hate--just as the inability to distinguish terrorists from Muslims makes us less safe not more. The press is our immune system. If we overreact to everything we actually get sicker--and perhaps eczema.

And yet, with that being said, I feel good—strangely, calmly good. Because the image of Americans that is reflected back to us by our political and media process is false. It is us through a fun house mirror, and not the good kind that makes you look slim in the waist and maybe taller, but the kind where you have a giant forehead and an ass shaped like a month old pumpkin and one eyeball.

So, why would we work together? Why would you reach across the aisle to a pumpkin assed forehead eyeball monster? If the picture of us were true, of course, our inability to solve problems would actually be quite sane and reasonable. Why would you work with Marxists actively subverting our Constitution or racists and homophobes who see no one’s humanity but their own? We hear every damn day about how fragile our country is—on the brink of catastrophe—torn by polarizing hate and how it’s a shame that we can’t work together to get things done, but the truth is we do. We work together to get things done every damn day!

The only place we don’t is here or on cable TV. But Americans don’t live here or on cable TV. Where we live our values and principles form the foundations that sustains us while we get things done, not the barriers that prevent us from getting things done. Most Americans don’t live their lives solely as Democrats, Republicans, liberals or conservatives. Americans live their lives more as people that are just a little bit late for something they have to do—often something that they do not want to do—but they do it--impossible things every day that are only made possible by the little reasonable compromises that we all make.

Look on the screen. This is where we are. This is who we are. (points to the Jumbotron screen which show traffic merging into a tunnel). These cars—that’s a schoolteacher who probably thinks his taxes are too high. He’s going to work. There’s another car-a woman with two small kids who can’t really think about anything else right now. There’s another car, swinging, I don’t even know if you can see it—the lady’s in the NRA and she loves Oprah. There’s another car—an investment banker, gay, also likes Oprah. Another car’s a Latino carpenter. Another car a fundamentalist vacuum salesman. Atheist obstetrician. Mormon Jay-Z fan. But this is us. Every one of the cars that you see is filled with individuals of strong belief and principles they hold dear—often principles and beliefs in direct opposition to their fellow travelers.

And yet these millions of cars must somehow find a way to squeeze one by one into a mile long 30 foot wide tunnel carved underneath a mighty river. Carved, by the way, by people who I’m sure had their differences. And they do it. Concession by conscession. You go. Then I’ll go. You go. Then I’ll go. You go then I’ll go. Oh my God, is that an NRA sticker on your car? Is that an Obama sticker on your car? Well, that’s okay—you go and then I’ll go.

And sure, at some point there will be a selfish jerk who zips up the shoulder and cuts in at the last minute, but that individual is rare and he is scorned and not hired as an analyst.

Because we know instinctively as a people that if we are to get through the darkness and back into the light we have to work together. And the truth is, there will always be darkness. And sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t the promised land. Sometimes it’s just New Jersey. But we do it anyway, together.

If you want to know why I’m here and want I want from you, I can only assure you this: you have already given it to me. Your presence was what I wanted.

Sanity will always be and has always been in the eye of the beholder. To see you here today and the kind of people that you are has restored mine. Thank you."
-John Stewart
Rally to Restore Sanity and or Fear: Oct. 30, 2010

BLUR Studios!!!: DC Universe and Star Wars

2010-10-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

Maaaan!! These fights scenes are sooo much better than the movies. This is exactly how I'd imagine super hero and Star Wars fights are meant to be and presented in this way... imo. BLUR Studios.. maaan you just have to give it up to those cats for making such incredible animations. ENJOY!

You can preview their site here.

Todays sketch

2010-10-26T10:49:00.001-07:00

More samurais fighting an ultra fighter.

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R.I.P Gregory Isaacs

2010-10-25T16:13:00.000-07:00

Sad day today. Heres to you, thanks for everything. You're music makes me say "OH, WHAT A FEELING!!!"

Got inspiration?

2010-10-25T14:33:00.001-07:00

Lol..i went crazy when I have artist block. I brought the books out.

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Todays sketch: @the cafe

2010-10-24T10:55:00.001-07:00

At the Bean, drawing more random characters.

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Todays Sketch

2010-10-24T00:55:00.000-07:00

The sketch today is some random female. I dunno... I just needed to sketch some thing for my warm-up.

Happy Bday Dizzy

2010-10-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

Big ups to Google for showing love to Dizzy. I really like the art work. Happy Birthday. "Night in Tunisia" is a childhood song of mine. Peace love and celebration of life!

Todays Sketch

2010-10-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

Todays warm-up sketch resembles Yoshimistu. I always had a thing for samurias.

Sketches

2010-10-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

More random sketches for today.

sketch 1

2010-10-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

I felt the need to sketch something random tonight.

Dreads: Its been a year!

2010-10-14T02:15:00.001-07:00

October 11th, which was about two days ago, marked my one year anniversary for my dreads. Its been a very interesting change in life-style. Lots of maintenance, research, and time. Honestly, I do miss having short hair with that 'get up and go' life. But having dreads was just something different. You learn a LOT about yourself. Its 'maintenance' is a killer but with p patience, your good to go. I love em and I intend to keep them strong and healthy. Cheers to another year.peace and love! Vibe well folks!

Thanks to the brotha EARL for hookin up the pic. Check him our here.

Trisha's shoe socks.

2010-10-12T16:46:00.001-07:00

I swear, Nike makes the darnest/creative things. She also said ,"That was the first, no one has ever taken a picture of my socks before." Thats cuz your shoes are always covering them. hehe.

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Kallusive presents : En•Kore

2010-10-11T16:00:00.001-07:00

I'm exhibiting mah skills this Saturday!!! Come check it out!

Back on the grind/CSLA annual benefit show: Soul Survivors

2010-10-11T01:31:00.000-07:00

Hey folks. I realized I haven't done a post is sooooooo long. I've been just super uber busy with life in general, making moves and shtuff!! A lot has happened since August 20th. That date is significant because everything everything leading up to that date was all about Culture Shock Los Angeles's Benefit Show: Soul Survivors. I wanted to do a post on how everything went but I found that I was too busy catching up on other things. Any how, before I get into the current stuff, lets rewind back to that August 20th date and talk about the benefit show.

I had the privileged to play the central roll for the show. For those that watched the show (people who were involved in the production), the outcome (all 2-3hours) was the only they were able to personally experience. Through my eyes, the outcome was just the end of a long journey. The experience is what its all about. Such as life. People worry about death so much, but I once heard somewhere (it was a tv show) that death is only ONE moment that you have to live through. Its the other moments leading to that day you have to worry about. Everything leading to the show turned out to be an awesome experience.

I couldn't have been more blessed to work with such an awesome group who was so patient and very willing to do what it takes to put on a good performance. Yes. I am talking about the dancers in CSLA. Very talented and family oriented. Lets not forget that these folks volunteer countless hours of their lives doing what they believe in. It is indeed the passion and love for dancing the love/belief in what it means to be a CSLA dancer that gets them to rehearsal every time. Granted that the some days aren't perfect. Not everyone performed great commitment. There were many rehearsals that were not productive too. These had the potential to make the moral of the group break at any moment. However, the leadership was one that made the group come together and act as one unit. Cheers to the dancers for CSLA!!!

Playing the homeless man, was very humbling. The feeling of being constantly ignored is the equivalence of loneliness. Prior to the show, I would study the interaction of homeless people on the street when they would encounter others. Most people ignore them, some drops down a few change. I had no questions nor theories I wanted to come up with or ask myself. I just simply wanted to observe. Homelessness is a subject with feelings that hits you straight in the face (judgement, sadness, sympathy, confusion, etc) most of which are negative. I only had my imagination to understand what it'd be like to be homeless. The feeling was interesting, and not so pleasant. I learned a lot.

Here you can view Sthans brilliant photos Enjoy.

Testing

2010-09-28T09:07:00.001-07:00

Samsung fascinate

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Futurama sketch

2010-09-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

Been watching a lot of Futurama lately.

My Favorite Cafes

2010-09-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to all the cafe's you'll probably find me in the Los Angeles area. Yes indeed, there are many spots that I go to. Come follow me if you will.

Bricks & Scones
403 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles Ca 90004

I'm here a lot these days. Its one of my favorite spots to go to when I'm doing my work. There are lots of outlets to plug your laptop in. The inside is dim lit with a victorian style interior (2 floors). Coffee is great and their sesame chewy rolls are the best (with butter).

..........

Urth Caffe (Little Tokyo)

451 S. Hewitt Street
Los Angeles, Ca 90013

I know, these pictures suck. Anyways, Urth Caffe is a cool spot. Wifi is free too, but there aren't any outlets to plug in your computer. The food is good, the Coffee is excellent. Its a little more on the pricey side. I like this spot because the patio is nice and intimate especially at night (they put the heat lamps and candles out). I usually come here before Open house practice on Tuesdays and/or I would meet Abie and chill. Not a bad place to get some last minute work done.

Monday Night Drawing Sessions @ E3rd Street (Little Tokyo)

2010-08-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some sketches I did last night at the drawing session. The theme was 'Jack the Ripper'. The poses they did weren't sinister as I had hoped. I had fun non-the-less.

Anica the Ballerina by Ritchie

2010-08-26T01:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a little something I did for Anica. I thought it'd be fun. lol.

CSLA presents : Soul Survivors 'Seeking Refuge'

2010-08-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

I know I know.... its been way too long since I did a post. Reason being is because of this!! I'm performing at CSLA's Benefit show 2010. Its time to spread the awareness of 'Homelessness'. Come support!

Heads

2010-08-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

Playing around in illustrator last night. I want to make stickers of these.

Christine Ver

2010-07-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

Ok so miss Christine Ver also known to me as (Ms. Foody) was at this horrific crash scene. A driver crashed into a sushi bar near her work. Christine was quick with her trigger finger. She took this picture and it got published for "Press Telegram". I thought this was cool to see the bottom of the picture saying (Christine Ver/ Special to the Press-Telegram). Picture was taking with an iPhone4.
http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_15485663?IADID=Search-www.presstelegram.com-www.presstelegram.com

However, when she told me how she was able to get that published, my reaction was like, "eh?!... thats not THAT cool." lol.

HA!..

But on the other hand, the cool part about her is that she has this really cool food blog and its mighty delicious! Come check it out. . .

http://www.feedmysole.com/

She's back on the cool map.

Musical Turtle by Ritch

2010-07-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

This image has been in my head and I thought I'd let it out by illustrating it.

Chirp! by Ritchie

2010-07-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a little something I made this past weekend. Im starting to get into more animals.

I decided to take it up a notch and render the heck out of this image. This is how it turned out. Fun times.

PEACE! LOVE! and HAVING FUN!

2010-06-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I went to REHAB (DJ Academy) and they were having their graduation ceremony there. Mr. Herc (aka DJ KOOL HERC) himself was there and I got to meet and greet this living legend. Although the Lakers lost, this was definitely the up (waay ‘UP’ side) of my Sunday. He told his story during his interview.

“…it was all about HAVING FUN!”

Through hard times, with a simple philosophy, becomes the birth of Hip Hop. I left the place with one quote on my mind.

“You have to know where you come from in order to know where you are going.”

Bless!

-Ritch

Busy BEE!

2010-06-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

Alright... so i know i havent posted anything in a while. To be honest, its been really busy for me these days. For the sake of you reading "another long post", I'd rather show you what I've been into visually with minimal words.

...

Ive been dancing my ass of with Open House and CSLA. Here is a battle in SD with Open House.

...
Ive been watching 'The Daily Show' lots (I never miss an episode) and guess who is the new correspondent. The one and G4's super starr Olivia Munn. Honestly, since she's been getting a lot of attention for her stunning looks, modeling here and there, esp. on Playboy (classy though), her appeal has been slowly going away. Don't get me wrong, theres nothing wrong with her career choices, I'm just saying that I find her a lot more appealing as a spokesman/skit-actress on G4 rather than a model. But now, joining John Stewart, she might catch my attention again. Lets just see how funny she'll be. Samantha Bee is almost due for her child. So I'm thinking thats primary reason they got Olivia Munn. WERD. check it.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

The Spilling Fields - Vietnamese Fisherman

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Tea Party

...
Yes, Ive been working still at the J.O.B. Waiting for the right moment to make my next move. I feel it... its coming SOOOOOOOOON!!!!! In the mean time, get ready for my Website coming soon as well.

Patience is key and a huge challenge for me. But, it does feel good being busy. Cheers to success!!

Much Love to the UK: Madame JoJos!

2010-05-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

If you all have the chance, take a trip to Madame Jojo's in SOHO London (May 30th, 2010). The vibe was excellent!!! Mad House Dancers from all over. Last time I was there was a week before Juste Debout 2010. I was shocked when they put me on the flier. I hope to go again soon. Peace Love and HOUSE!

Beatles Rock Band

2010-05-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

So Good!

BEATLES Rock Band from alberto mielgo on Vimeo.

Happy Mothers Day! - GO LAKERS!

2010-05-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

Lakers are looking to SWEEP the Jazz tonight!!.... oh and Yes... my mother is excited.

Bombs Away by Ritchie Ramirez

2010-05-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a new piece I did for up coming shows. Sticking to the Hip Hop elements, I made this character as a dedication to some of the graff artists I know. Cheers!

War Hammer 'Age of Reckoning' : Trailer

2010-05-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

Blur Studios just come out with the best stuff.

Heres their current reel

Ja does Japan!

2010-04-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

Ok so my boy JA is in Japan right now with his wifey and he sent me over this shot of a couple in Tokyo I believe. It is a NICE photo. This guy is craaaazzy with his camera!

Ja Tecson Photography

PHENOMEN (Phenomenon) : Juste Debout 2010

2010-04-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

At my trip to Paris, these guys put on a phenomenal show. Very creative and intricate. My jaw dropped!

Freddie Joachim: Midway promo

2010-04-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

Mr. Joachim... music extraordinare! he's coming out with a new album in June. Done sleep!

Freddie Joachim - Midway Promo 01 from Freddie Joachim on Vimeo.

Banksy : Exit Through the Gift Shop

2010-04-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

So I watch this film the other day with Abie. I thought it was well worth blogging about. I first heard about about Banksy a couple years ago and I (like everyone else) was very intrigued by his work. I definitely was interested to watch this film. I'd have to warn all of you who havent seen it yet that if you read on, you're experience might change about the film (if you were planning to watch it)... in other words.. spoiler alert?!?

Here is the plot written in the NY times:

"The film, which opens on Friday in New York and California, follows Thierry Guetta, an amiable Frenchman who lives in Los Angeles and videotapes everything — or so we’re told. When Mr. Guetta and camera eventually tunnel into the world of street art — he was introduced to the scene through a cousin, the Parisian artist Space Invader — his enthusiastic recording melds nicely with the artists’ desire to have their otherwise ephemeral work documented. He captures that scene’s luminaries, like Shepard Fairey and Swoon working on rooftops and in alleys under cover of night.
It seems to be a natural fit for a documentary. But Mr. Guetta’s nonstop footage turns out to be unwatched (he has boxes and boxes of unlabeled tapes) and even when he cobbles something together after years of shooting, largely unwatchable. “He was maybe just somebody with mental problems who happened to have a camera,” Banksy says in the film.
So Banksy decides to take control of the material himself — or so we’re told. Robbed of his camera and prodded by Banksy, Mr. Guetta, meanwhile, morphs into a street artist, inventing an alter ego called Mr. Brainwash and staging an opening exhibition in Los Angeles that turns him into an overnight sensation, all of which is captured in “Exit Through the Gift Shop.”"

Click here to review the whole article.

After watching the film my initial thought wasn't really about Theirry's "undeserving success", although that was the plot of the whole film. As i think back on Banksy's body of work and messages he expresses, I couldnt help but to think theirs something bigger going on (I'd expect that from him). I question whether or not it was the documentary itself that was his 'masterpiece' to express to the public that ...hey, we're all too caught up to believe the marketing hype of whats quality vs. shit. People who watched the film, perhaps felt stupid by supporting Mr.Brainwash's show. I couldn't tell you if this film was a true documentary or a hoax. Maybe they were all in on it. Who knows? I do, however, believe that this was all part of the grand scheme of things. In other words, Banksy is using the 'media' angle to try to twist our minds. Brilliant!!! lol. It personally doesn't matter to me if the documentary is real or not. It has valuable messages on the culture we live in. Never-the-less, this is what makes the film so daym fascinating, imo. NY times couldn't have said it best about Banksy:

"Is there an art-world equivalent of crying wolf? If so, Banksy has probably done it."

Watch this film! Here's the trailer.

Jon Stewart does it again!!!

2010-04-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

Last nights episode was fun. Take that FOX news!..... again!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Bernie Goldberg Fires Back

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Tea Party

Rest In Peace GURU of Gangstarr

2010-04-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

This was the track that track that did it for me. I remember I kept playing this all the time none stop. It was one of the tracks that made my love for Hip Hop grow at the time. I'm trippin out too because I got to meet ya. RIP Guru... you'll be missed.

P.U.T.S.

2010-04-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

I was drawing yesterday and I felt like doing something of a Los Angeles luv thing. I ended up drawing Double K and Thes One. I was like, hey... they rep LA like no other.. Ha! These guys are dope! Been a fan for a while. Enjoy the track.

ITS TIME!!!!!!!!

2010-04-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

Its FINALS time on Sunday! GGOOO LLAAAKKKEERRRSS!!!

Again, I'm bored!

Teddy

2010-04-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

Im bored!

Faces Vol.1

2010-04-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

GYEAH!!!! Alright ya'll.. I'm just excited because I finally got some music up in this!!! Here is a new project I did called "Faces". As described on the site:

"Faces" was created to showcase the other side of my artistic lifestyle (music). I always felt artistically that I have to put on a different 'face' as I express myself in the different genres of art (dancing, drawing and painting, music).

This is purely an experimental project from sampling, melodic riffs and improv. All tracks are instrumentals bringing you more of a laid-back/chill feel.

Enjoy. Peace and bless!

<a href="http://ritch.bandcamp.com/album/faces-vol-1">One Change Within by RITCH</a>

Click here to download the album.

Hip Hop . . . I MISS YA!

2010-04-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I felt it... you know, that chill you get when you put on a Dilla beat, or that feeling you get when all the "elements" combine hone into an environment, and you're in the middle of everything giving praise to that hip hop energy.

Sketchbook Madness 2010

2010-03-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

WOW!!!! Its been a while since I've done a post. I'm happy to be on it. March has been crazy busy for me.. so in a sense, its a good thing that I've been out. To make up for lost times, I'm posting what I've been drawing in my sketch book. A lot of it is random (mainly warm-up sketches), but its been really helping me to grasp on my style.

My Trip To Europe

2010-02-25T00:43:00.001-08:00

Hey folks. This week until March 9th, Ill be in Europe practicing for the next Juste Debout in Paris. You can keep posted on my trip by clicking the link below. Salut!
Click Here

Geisha Sketch

2010-02-23T14:42:00.000-08:00

Im here in K-Town, chillin at Koffea. I ended up drawing this.

Greyboy whaa!

2010-02-21T14:16:00.000-08:00

Daang,,, I'm still trippin out on how I ended up with this. My boy Freddie went out to Fingerprints in Long Beach to buy me a present. He wasn't so sure what to pick up; some bossanova grooves or other hip hop records. He ended up pickin up this Greyboy "Land of the Lost" record. After he bought it, him and John were outside chillin for a bit. All of a sudden, Greyboy comes riding up across the street in hi bike. Freddie was like "oh shiiitt its Greyboy. Imma ask him to sign this for Ritchie." That is the very definition of "when the stars align". Thanks again for the gift buddie! Keep creating them grooves.

Check Freddie up on his blog. His production is INSANE!!!!!
Click here!

Ladies! by Ritch

2010-02-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

I've been having a lot of fun on Sketchbook Pro. Ill see if I can continue a series of these. I'd love to hear what you think. Bless!

Juste Debout 2010

2010-02-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

Its DONE!!!!!! Paris, here I COME!!!!! The homie Sebastian and I are entering in the next Juste Debout in March at France. This would be my first. From what I hear, I'm in for a riiiiide!.

When I first started to get in to House Dancing, this was one of the first clips I've seen on the internet back in 2004-05 (I think).

Open House: 1 year Anniversary

2010-02-02T18:06:00.000-08:00

Its already been a year... DAANG! 2 things. Here is the flyer for the one year event so please come and support. Also, because its my art blogg, I can not but mention that I made this flyer. Ive been really itching to try new things especially 3d stuff. It turned out pretty cool. Anyhow, hope all is well. Peace, Love and House!

Koi-Maid

2010-01-29T03:23:00.000-08:00

This piece is experimental. I've been messing a lot with coloring in different ways as well as brushes. I was having too much fun coloring.

PEACE, LOVE and all my RESPECTS to Mr. Conan Obrian

2010-01-25T13:12:00.000-08:00

Here's Conans final thoughts. Since he came to LA, I haven't really missed a show. I believe as Robin Williams does as well, that Conan is a good good man. To anti-cynicism...CHEERS!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

2010-01-23T04:05:00.000-08:00

I grew up with the turtles. I've always wanted to do my version of them.

Jim Wallis of Detriot: The Daily Show

2010-01-22T13:27:00.000-08:00

Since the economic meltdown, I've been talking about the idea of changing our way of thinking and living especially the idea of living by our means and not just thinking we have all the money in the world to spend. I'm happy to hear that an intellect like Jim Wallis shares that same idea and then some (through his theological philosophies). I couldn't be more motivated to live on my daily life.

Honda Crosstour commercial

2010-01-21T19:25:00.000-08:00

I love this style!

Open House: Fundraiser to send Ritchie to Juste Debout.

2010-01-19T14:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a message from Emiko.

Hey Family

How are you? Next Tuesday Jan. 19th is Ritchie's birthday, and we are celebrating his birthday at Open House. He has been helping Open house to create flyers and other media designs. Also, he has been practicing very hard every week.

We are going to send Ritchie to Juste Debout in France in March 2010, and we need YOUR HELP! We are doing fund raiser for Ritchie to go to Juste Debout this year and represent Open House worldwide. There are several ways to contribute for Ritchie.

There will be a box on a table, and you can donate as much as you can. Even $1!!!
His Art piece on a wall will be sold as an auction, so that will be a great way to contribute if you like to have little bit of Ritchie for your home. Auction will start from $50. He will have his toy piece for sale too.
You can ask Ritchie for Private House dance instruction, and that will be $75.
We will sale food for $5 and all the profit goes for Ritichie to purchase an airplane ticket.
Let's show some love to Ritchie! We believe that He is the best representative from Open House.

Date: Jan 19th Tuesday 2010
Time: 9pm to 12am
Location: 511 Molino St Los Angeles, CA 90013
FEE: $3 for entry and donation suggested for Ritchie.

Peace and Love
Open House mom a.k.a Emiko

Here are the pieces that are suggested to be auctioned:
(note: all pieces are framed and varies on sizes)

Good Bye 2009

2009-12-30T23:00:00.000-08:00

AALLLRRIIGGGHHTTT!!! So the end of the year is coming up - about to make way for 2010. I thought it'd be a good time to post a reflection of 2009. MAAAN, I have to say that its been one hell of a ride. As I think back throughout the year, the feeling I mostly get is accomplishment. A big lesson I learned this year was "patience". Being hasty in trying to force things your way is NOT a good way to go as far as I am concerned. As patience took over me, I wonder if I was able to accomplish 3 art shows and a 1st place dance victory in HDC. On top of that, being part of the'Open House' movement and then finishing my portfolio at the end of the year. OMG, I'm getting the chills because now I can't wait for 2010.

Currently, I'm at a state where I want to take my life to the next level. This goes as far as my career, dancing, and

BRB!!

Holiday Cards: Christmas and Valentines

2009-12-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

Here are some Holiday gift cards that I've designed these past few years.

"Everything is Relative" by Ritchie Ramirez

2009-12-09T21:44:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share with you my special interests. I'm truly fascinated by physicists and their quest to prove the theory of "everything" aka, String Theory. Since Newton's discover of gravity, and Einsteins theory of relativity, time will only tell us weather or not string theory is discoverable.

"Everything is Relative" is my fascination with Einstein, who showed us that the universe works based on the perspective of the observer. In other words, each and every one of our experiences here on earth is unique especially the point of view of which we see, think, feel, smell, hear, tasted, move, groove, sing, draw, etc.etc.etc. We are all unique individuals and our perspective of how we view life is relative in that which you will end up. Einstein proved that the universe works this way through space and time. I am experiencing this in my own space, living through time, and feeling my success in the future. Through my perspective,I continuously feel hopeful on my success living through life positively. Thats how I know I will be alright. =D

Putting in string theory is my representation of the unpredictable future. It's a necessary understanding that the means to try is our meaning to life. We dont know what the future holds yet we shouldn't be afraid if there is failure. For all we know, string theory can mean nothing in the end but that end will give us another beginning.

"Everything is Relative" is the understanding that all things, living and non-living, is relative to YOU since we are made of the same stuff. As we understand, the universe is appearing to be more and more mysterious. Which on the other hand, I can conclude that we are all more and more mysterious. And unlocking the mystery of ourselves is not but a blessing that life has to offer.

Cheers to UNIFICATION!!!!!

Portfolio Workin it!!!

2009-11-23T15:59:00.001-08:00

Long ways to go... but definitely gonna be worth it... Cheers to the future!

Open House Sessions on Tuesdays.

2009-11-16T10:46:00.000-08:00

When I'm not doing the art thing, I'm doing this. couldn't tell you how much I love dancing.
Here I am doin my thing at Open House.
Open House is every Tuesday from 9pm-12am
$3. If you dont dance, but just wanna listen to music, come through.
511 Molino St. (Little Tokyo)

Hawaii FUN photos

2009-11-16T02:43:00.000-08:00

Its just this for now. =D... stay tuned!

Art Work for Sale!

2009-11-14T01:23:00.000-08:00

Hey folks. Here is the stuff I currently have that I am selling. Contact me at any time if you are interested. email: rramirez19@gmail.com

Print prices vary on the size of the prints and frame (if you choose).

Here are the custom painted pieces I have. Limited.