The Lost Foreword!
As mentioned, Cohen’s book is out now. Very exciting for us, but there was one regret (other than omitting Andrew Pommier’s brillant pieces by mistake) and that was the “lost” foreword to the book, written by Roger Gastman. Roger is an art world expert, and we were lucky enough to get a contribution from him. He turned in an amazing overview of the project, but it was felt that it mirrord my own personal history foreword, and had to be taken out. boo.
Rather than let it rot on my external hard drive, i thought it would be cool to share here. I got the ok from RG, so we are good to go!
I have never been a huge fan of babies or kids. I feel uncomfortable around them. I have nothing to say to kids, and babies, well, I might drop them and they could break. Their parents would not be happy with me; the babies would not be too happy with me either. So anything that draws the attention away from the “adults” in the room, and keeps kids busy, is fine by me.
So what is the best way to keep kids busy? Other than duct taping them to the wall? Sit them down at the table and give them some paper and crayons. It is better than having them watch TV or play violent video games. Not only does the $3 box of crayons allow you to have some adult time, it forces kids to get creative. With crayon in hand, they can let their imaginations run wild. And with any luck, their work will stay on the paper, not on your walls.
Drawing should keep them busy for hours on end. Although, at some point, they will interrupt your adult time by trotting into the room, proudly waving a drawing in your face that looks like a rainbow just threw up. At which point, you say, “Wow! Can you make me another?” Problem solved.
There are people, however, who encourage kids to create for reasons beyond getting them to go away. Aye Jay is one of those people. He encouraged his young son, Cohen, to create from an early age. And that simple act ultimately led to this book: Cohen’s coloring inspired his father to create the hilarious underground sensation “The Gangsta Rap Coloring Book.” While away promoting that book, Aye Jay carried his son’s watercolors with him, and asked illustrator Charles Burns to draw on one them—the first of hundreds of collaborations.
Since then, Cohen has collaborated with artists of all types—from graffiti writers to fine artists to tattoo artists and beyond. The lucky little bastard even got to work with some of my favorites: WK Interact, Barry McGee, Amanda Visell, Mike Giant and Mark Gonzales, to name just a few.
But while this book is made up of collaborations between Cohen and the artists within, it is, at its core, a collaboration between father and son. It is that collaboration which led to this book. If it was not for a father encouraging a son to create, and a son inspiring a father, you would not be reading this now.
But there is one pitfall to encouraging kids to create: By the time this book comes out, Cohen will be 8, and his portfolio will be bigger than yours. You’ve been warned.
-Roger Gastman
Stuff AND things!
Been a tad busy here at janky HQ finishing and editing the next activity book, but was able to knock out a few things for public comsumption. First, the always-radical Henry at Chunklet asked me to provide the illustration for a Wolves in the Throne Room poster!
As that wasnt fun enough, Patton asked for a quick jpeg-ster!
And not my drawing, but only eight years late, knocked out some Becky Sagers t-shirts! The Aaron Horkey drew the pic, based on a logo he drew for Rhymesayers records. These are only available through Mega Fauna in Japan, and come with a bonus button!
And don’t forget the Punk Rock Activity Book! In stores and Amazon.com now!
Ok, back to work i guess…
UTNE!
Utne Reader librarian Danielle Maestretti shares the highlights (and occasional lowlights) of what’s landing in our library each week in ‘From the Stacks.’
Utne’s library is abuzz with a steady flow of 1,300 magazines, newsletters, journals, weeklies, zines, and other lively dispatches from the cultural front that are rarely found at big-box bookstores, newsstands, or even online.
http://www.utne.com/Meet-Your-Utne-Reader-Librarian.aspx
Product Cavalcade!
Big fun here with new product!
-Vans released a wallet with one of my drawings, available at Vans stores.
-My graphic for Foundation’s Sierra Fellers board is part of the new line of Tech Decks, small toy skateboards. I found mine at Target.
-Best of all, it looks like my new book, the punk rock fun time activity book is out! The Amazon street date is April 1, but it shipped early! I’m super happy with it, and i hope you folk like it. It’s available at most bookstores. I saw it at Barnes and Noble here in Chico.
Chunklet!
The new issue of Chunklet is out! The best rock magazine ever returns, and i got to do several illustrations for the new isssue, including the drawings for the Rockopoly board below (head cheese H20 did the design and lion’s share of the magazine!) go to www.chunklet.net and check it out!
Be there…
“Catalyst” is a group exhibition that will include eight of today’s most prominent visual artists from the abrasive music community. The exhibit will bring together an underground community of artists in which aural and visual expressions converge. Artwork on display will comprise of a wide source of media, including new two-dimensional paintings, drawings, video installations, screen prints as well as an installation of seminal works from each of the artists’ extensive catalogues. Artists Included: Aaron Turner, Josh Graham, Seldon Hunt, Stephen Kasner, Aaron Horkey, Florian Bertmer, Justin Bartlett and Dwid Hellion. Curated by Brett Aronson. The “Catalyst” group show will be on display at FIFTY24SF Gallery September 4 – 25, 2008. Opening Reception: Thursday, September 4, 2008 from 7 – 9:30 p.m
Mystery!
Got this Cohen collaborative piece in the mail two days ago postmarked what i think is oakland. if anyone has any idea who may have done it, or recognizes the signature,please let us know!
ayejay@ayejay.com
T&A!
Earlier this summer, Portland based artist Klutch had a heart attack. To help cover his insane bills, Todd Bratrud, Aaron Horkey and myself teamed up with Andy at Diesel Fuel Prints to make this benefit art print. Onsale date and price TBA, but i’ll let you know as soon as i know.
Volcomics
Ealier this summer, Mike Aho and company at Volcom were nice enough to let me contribute a couple comics to “Volcomics” issue 1. The finished product is awesome, with great work from talented folk like Todd Bratrud, Travis Millard, Mel Kadel, and M. Siebien.
Below is my original contribution, playing off my activity book schtick. It was a no go due to legal stipulations, but i can show you here!
Re-Up!
Myself and my rapping cohorts, Dr. Becky Sagers PhD are in the new issue of RE:UP Magazine’s eye-popping photography issue. Featuring work From Glen E. Freidman, Corey Arnold, Andy Mueller, Mike Watt,Clyde Singleton and more. Cop that!
