Check Out “Live Suburbia”
I picked up this book at Skylight Books in my neighborhood because I liked the punk movie “Suburbia” in the 80’s and I was curious. It’s an awesome book with stories about everything that mattered to me growing up. Kiss, Skateboarding, punk rock, hip hop, and graffiti are all talked about and illustrated with scrapbook style photos. I even found a shot of me in there from late ’95 or early ’96 in front of one of my first OBEY posters. I love the stories because they remind me of how excited I was by the process of discovering things. Road trios to skate spots, trading tapes of new music, making home-made tee shirts, ‘zines, and stickers with friends. If any of that mattered to you, you should check out Live Suburbia.
Speaking of all that stuff, my friend Al who I used to skate with in R.I. just sent me a photo of me printing in the RISD screen print studio in the fall of ’89. Check out the paper cut stencil Johnny Rotten tee I made the same summer ’89 period when I made to original Andre sticker. I’m not sure what I was thinking with that hippie bracelet, except that it was rude to turn down a gift from a lady friend. Ohhh… the things we do for love.
-Shepard Fairey
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Holidaze
I’m a bit conflicted about a lot of things, so why should the holidays be any different? The holidays are very commercial, with a barrage of sentimental, emotionally manipulative ads trying to sell you crap you don’t need. A girl I loved once broke up with me right around Christmas and it tainted the whole time of year for me for a while. Now that I am married with my own young kids, I am grateful all year, but I especially get to see how much of a difference love and generosity make to my family around Christmas. I guess it is a reminder that love and generosity make a big difference in all people’s lives all year long. I think that is an idea to remember and live by in 2012 and beyond. I am extremely grateful to a all of you whose support enables me to make art for a living. Thank you and have a happy and peaceful holiday season. (Feel no pressure to buy anything from this site because I delivered you a sentimental holiday message)
-Shepard Fairey
BNE Water Foundation
If you have walked the streets of any major city in the world, then you know BNE’s graffiti and stickers.
As BNE’s recognition grew, so did offers from corporations hoping to use BNE’s talents for their advertising campaigns. BNE said, “I realized that with my art I had a global voice and not to use it for good would be a waste. I needed to use this brand that I created to make some sort of positive social change.” Rather than cash in, BNE chose to use his voice to create a charity called the BNE Water Foundation which aims to bring clean water and sanitation to people living in poverty and in developing countries. Please take a moment to visit BNE’s site and make a donation. $20 can provide one person with access to clean water for 10-20 years depending on the location.
It’s very important that all of us get involved. Read BNE’s call to action here.
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Shepard Fairey TIME Cover
I’m happy with this Time cover mostly because I’m proud to help acknowledge and amplify the influence of protest movements this year, especially Occupy Wall Street. Exposure leads to dialogue, and I’m glad that the issues Occupy is concerned with are finally being discussed.
With the cover image I wanted to capture the dedication and spirit of defiance that any protester must possess in the face of arrest or worse.
Time provided me with images to sift through and I illustrated from a photograph that I thought would be a good reference for an iconic and compelling protester. In my art I try to emphasize the most powerful essence of an image and eliminate anything superfluous. In this case I felt there was a powerful contrast between the intensity of her eyes and her unthreatening yellow knit beanie. I wanted the protester to come across as serious, but not scary. Most of the protesters I’ve met are normal, idealistic, young adults, so I thought the “person next door” feel was important. Ironically, I found out that the subject of the photo I illustrated from is an LA resident and employee of the Robert Berman gallery who I have worked with. I hope to meet or speak to her at some point.
This Time issue is a documentation of an irrefutable phenomenon, not an incitement to protest(I wish I had that degree of influence over Time’s agenda) even though I do encourage people to stand up for their beliefs and protest if necessary . Regardless, if this Time cover encourages others to stand up for their ideals, I think it is a victory.
-Shepard
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Rootstrikers Strike Again
-Shepard
SHARK SHOOT: FIJI
My friend and great photographer Michael Muller worked on a TV show about sharks. You may have seen some of his shark posters around LA. He’s very dedicated to the ocean and the environment. I’m sure the show will be awesome. Check it out. -Shepard
Shark Shoot: Fiji on December 18th on the Travel Channel at 9pm EST (check local listings).
For more info on Michael Muller and his production company, STRAWHOUSE Productions, click here.
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12 Reasons to Give
Get 12 people to pay $12 for 12 months and one child will receive what no other child from the slums is able to get – a secondary education. follow @artistsforpeace and donate to the campaign HERE.
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Tyranny Has a Witness
I believe in using my art to advocate for human rights, so working with Human Rights Watch to further their goals is an honor and ideal collaboration for me. I’m very excited about this image because I feel it promotes the idea that a few courageous people can stand up for what they think is right, and soon others will join them. There is power in every small action and cumulative power in numbers. “TYRANNY HAS A WITNESS” showcases the hope and determination needed to fight injustice and oppression. – Shepard
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Obama sides with the 99%
This editorial in the LA Times brings up some reasonable points. The exciting thing is that the Occupy movement has shifted the focus of the conversation. Awareness is crucial for people to form opinions. I’m glad Obama is feeling the pressure to address some of issues Occupy is concerned with.
-Shepard Fairey
Bill of Rights Dinner
In Celebration of the 220th Anniversary of the Bill of Rights, the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California Invites You to Join in Paying Tribute to our Award Recipients
Date/Time:
Monday, December 12, 2011 5:30 pm — 9:30 pm
Location:
Beverly Wilshire Hotel
9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
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