Thumbnails: Episode Four // Kelsey Brookes.

in

Kelsey Brookes is a painter based in San Diego. After graduating college Kelsey began working for the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) conducting scientific research during the first outbreak of West Nile Virus in the United States. After two years at the CDC, he moved to San Diego to work for a local lab that was creating blood tests for HIV, HCV, and HCB. 

After four years of working in that lab, Kelsey left the scientific community to pursue a career as a painter. Kelsey’s artistic pursuit stemmed from a year and a half spent traveling and living in a van in Australia, where he refined his artistic abilities and began surfing. Today, Kelsey is a well respected painter whose art melds his two passions of science and art. His pieces center around hallucinogenic compounds and their molecular make-up. Through his brush work he articulates and showcases an array of psychoactive drugs in a unique and fascinating manner. 

Kelsey’s new exhibit, PLANTS OF THE GODS, is on display at Eric Firestone Gallery in East Hampton, NY from June 20th - July 7th. For more of Kelsey’s work visit: www.kelseybrookes.com and follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/kelseybrookes. 

ON THE ROAD: MAUI.

in

Earlier this February I went on a two day trip to Maui with my good friend John Hook. John is a professional photographer based on Oahu. He was asked to shoot the notable towns around Maui for one of the magazines that he works for. I tagged along and followed John as he shot photos of hippies in Paia, a family in Makawao, and the sun rise atop the volcano responsible for Maui's landmass, Haleakala.

The sunrise at Haleakala is something that I've always been told to check out, but it wasn't until this trip that I was able to fully bask in all of its glory. After buying a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts in the wee hours of the morning, John and I drove the winding road to Haleakala's summit. It was quite a spectacle and one of the coolest things I've witnessed. Every hue of red, orange, yellow, and blue filled the sky over the Mars-like terrain. It was a truly breathtaking experience. 

IN THE WORKS: KELSEY BROOKES.

in

I am currently working on a short film piece about local San Diego artist, Kelsey Brookes. Kelsey's scientific background is where he draws a great deal of his artwork's inspiration from. Later this month his work will be featured at Eric Firestone Gallery in East Hampton, NY. The show entitled, Plants of the Gods, consists of paintings based on hallucinogenic compounds used in indigenous ceremonies throughout the world. For more of Kelsey's work visit: www.kelseybrookes.com. 

Stay tuned for an interview and glimpse into Kelsey's creative process in the coming weeks. 


ON THE ROAD: SUNSET BEACH.

in

One year ago today I was in paradise celebrating the love that two of my dear friend's share for each other. It was a picturesque wedding nestled in the heart of Waimea Valley on Oahu's North Shore. The hot sun was beating down on us as we sat anticipating the arrival of the beautiful bride. As I sat surrounded by some of my closest friends at the small ceremony, I was overcome with so much joy. I will always remember the moment that Christian and Heather locked eyes during their vows. It was such a special moment to share with them as they began this new chapter of life together. 

As the ceremony came to a close a massive storm cloud rolled in over the valley. They shared their first kiss together as newly weds and while they were walking down the aisle hand in hand, an eruption of warm, tropical rain surrounded us all. It was by far one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced. As we all huddled together under a massive banyan tree, everyone had the biggest grins on their faces. Love was truly in the air and it was hard not to acknowledge the beauty that we were a part of. Christian was smiling ear to ear as he and Heather shared a warm embrace with not a care in the world. In that moment the most exciting chapter of their lives was beginning. 

Thumbnails: Episode Three // Shelby Ling.

in

Shelby Ling is an artist, illustrator, and designer from Leucadia, California. Having grown up in Southern California, Shelby's artwork features a great deal of animated, surf-inspired imagery along with unique, blue cactus collages inspired by her time spent in the desert.
 

Shelby's skill set is one of great variety and her artwork showcases her ability to work with all kinds of mediums including, wood, paint, and fabric. Currently she is studying furniture design at San Diego State University while continuing to work as a freelance artist and self-proclaimed "co-parent".

For more of Shelby's work visit: www.shelbyling.com & follow her on Instagram at instagram.com/dirtandhoney.

ON THE ROAD: JOSHUA TREE.

in

Prior to last summer, I had never visited Joshua Tree. After a fun weekend camping trip in the mid-summer heat I made it a priority to get back out there as soon as possible. Last month, I headed back with a few friends from college for another three-day stint. Having grown up in a coastal community I never understood the allure of the desert or why so many people flocked to such a barren landscape. 

From my two trips to Joshua Tree I've realized that the seemingly sparse landscape is actually the perfect place to go when things get stressful or overwhelming. In a time where people are consumed by technology and forced to be a part of "the grid", Joshua Tree offers a great deal of solitude. Being disconnected from the outside world is surprisingly satisfying and the perfect way to spend time re-evaluating priorities. 

Joshua Tree has an amazing variety of places to climb, hike, and explore all within close proximity to each other. Camping at Jumbo Rocks is a must, due to the site's surroundings, especially at sunset. I highly recommend visiting Keys View in order to gain a better perspective of where the park is situated within the desert. 

ON THE ROAD: SAN FRANCISCO.

in

San Francisco has fascinated me ever since my first visit as a child. One of my earliest memories was a day spent wandering the city with my mom, aunties, and grandma. From the harsh barks and potent scent of the seal lions sunbathing at Pier 39 to my first ice cream sundae at Ghiradelli Square, San Francisco left an impression on me at an early age. 

San Francisco is by far one of most interesting major cities in California because of its diversity and rich history. To this day, every visit to San Francisco is inspiring and truly eye-opening. As more of my friends begin to call San Francisco their new home, I am looking forward to more trips up to the Bay in the near future. 

Thumbnails: Episode Two // Justin "Scrappers" Morrison.

in

Justin "Scrappers" Morrison is an artist and the founder of Stay Wild Magazine. Stay Wild Magazine is a free adventure magazine that Scrappers and his wife, Amy, run out of their creative workshop, Action, based in Portland, Oregon.

Scrappers' love of the outdoors and art is what makes Stay Wild such a unique and interesting quarterly publication. In the second episode of Thumbnails, Scrappers discusses why he started Stay Wild a year ago. 

To find retailers that carry Stay Wild Magazine near you visit: www.staywildmagazine.com & follow them on Instagram at instagram.com/staywildmagazine .

For more about Scrappers and his artwork visit: www.scrapperstown.com

ON THE ROAD: SALVATION MOUNTAIN.

in

By now you've already seen plenty of photos from Salvation Mountain. This iconic art piece in the Imperial Valley can be seen from miles away due to its sheer size. The mountain's bright paint stands out when juxtaposed with the barren desert landscape that surrounds it.

Last month, a group of friends and I drove out to Salvation Mountain to explore Leonard Knight's masterpiece. It was my first time visiting Salvation Mountain and it was just as jaw dropping and interesting as I had expected. As we walked around Knight's creation I found it truly inspiring that one man dedicated a huge portion of his life to build such a beautiful monument. The mountain intrigues a wide range of visitors. Some people are drawn to it because they view it as a beautiful piece of art, some think it is a cool place to visit while in Southern California, and others are drawn to its religious symbolism. Regardless, Knight's legacy will forever be a part of this desolate landscape. 

THUMBNAILS: EPISODE ONE// LENNY KAHOLO.

in

Earlier this year I decided I wanted to make a collection of short films about inspirational people in my community who make really unique work. While in Hawai'i two months ago, I had the opportunity to meet freelance photographer, Lenny Kāholo. After spending a day at his home studio, I knew he was the perfect person to showcase in my first episode of Thumbnails.

Lenny is a wizard when it comes to analog and wet plate photography. Wet plate photography is a tedious and time intensive process that requires a great deal of patience. Here is a brief look into the inner workings of wet plate photography during a portrait session with Lenny and John Hook.

For more of Lenny’s work visit: www.lennykaholo.com & his Instagram. 

ON THE ROAD: LAKE TAHOE

in

This year California has been experiencing one of the worst droughts in modern history. During a weekend trip to Lake Tahoe last month, a group of friends and I hiked to a small snowy patch of forest. The morning after we left, six of the sixteen major resorts in the Lake Tahoe region closed down for the season. Historically the snow season runs into the latter part of April. For me this was another perfect example to reflect on when thinking about our ever changing world.