WK Interact: How to Blow Yourself Up

by Phuong-Cac Nguyen

No stranger to controversy, WK Interact keeps upping his ante. For his newest show "How to Blow Yourself Up" at L.A.'s Subliminal Projects, the artist moves away from spray paint into multimedia work. Playing on ideas of the apocalypse (2012 being the most recent buzzed-about theory), he takes them for a turn by presenting impending death as controllable by the believer.

The title could be interpreted as how to gain fame, which people who blow themselves up in fact do accomplish. Was this double entendre made on purpose from the outset?

That’s a bit off the concept, a consequential accomplishment on their part... Funny, the double entendre is also consequential. There is a great deal left open for interpretation but this was really about getting into the heads of various individuals who may not usually or stereotypically attach [themselves] to such acts but who are equally desirous of controlling destiny. Isn’t death our ultimate destiny, therefore calculating the time and place gives [us] that power of control over fate?

Did you do a lot of research into making real bombs and their mechanical makeup to make your pieces as true to life as possible?

Just a bit of common sense. If you can connect a circuit you can build a bomb. So I guess a past talent for stripping motorcycles and rebuilding engines qualifies me to be a sort of bomb maker.


For those who don't share beliefs in the end-of-the-world theories, how can they still connect with the show?
I think every human being has dedicated at least an instant of thought to addressing his/her self worth or purpose or effect on humanity, so that is really the common thought behind this concept.



You've worked on such diverse projects from street art to merchandise. How was your approach different for the works in this exhibit?
My approach to gallery and street work is basically the same in terms of conveying my thoughts and my opinions, then observing the metamorphosis of the concept through the opinions/interpretations of others. One body of work leads to another, then you realize that you are continually building an infinite number of links from past projects, developing and refining ideas.

How to Blow Yourself Up
Opening Reception: 7 November 2009, 8-11pm
7 November-5 December 2009
Subliminal Projects Gallery
1331 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026 map
tel. +1 213 213 0078

Photographer Ashley Jordan Gordon

by Karen Day

With passion as intense as her photos, budding photographer Ashley Jordan Gordon recently caught the attention of London's National Portrait Gallery with her image called, "Girl on Kingsland Road." Shot at an East End music festival (pictured above), the 24-year-old caught the "convergence of the roiling crowd" as well as a fleeting moment of mutual awareness with her subject. The upshot, feeling like a strong, decisive moment, placed her as one of the candidates in the gallery's Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2009 competition and exhibition.

Gordon describes her draw to the pictorial medium as, "very much the same line as staring at my own tears in the mirror. I think I have always been fascinated with how personal experience translates and disseminates itself out into the world, how that is viewed and interpreted as opposed to what we experience internally, and where these meet or diverge away from each other."

A California native, it was only a few short years ago that the now London-based photographer graduated from college in Santa Cruz. Obtaining a degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Documentary Photography, Gordan aims to utilize her talent in a positive way. In her view, "there is a lot of need in the world for exposure to the environmental and humanitarian problems we are facing, and I feel a duty and desire to work toward being able to share this in a way that could perhaps help educate or overcome a viral apathy that our wealth of media and imagery has perhaps contributed to."

Comparing Steinbeck's "Travels with Charley" to her Peeping Tom personality and insatiable curiosity to document people, Gordon's objective way of viewing the world—and herself—lays the path for a life filled with inspiring images. (Click on photos below for enlarged view.)

Check out more images after the jump. To see Ashley Jordan Gordon's entire portfolio, visit her website.

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2009
National Portrait Gallery
5 November 2009-14 February 2010
Saint Martin’s Place
London WC2H 0HE map
tel. +44 020 7312 2463

Rubber Duck x Joyrich Snowjogger

by CH Contributor

by Julie Wolfson

L.A. darling Joyrich recently put their street chic spin on Rubber Duck's classic boot, the Snow Jogger, creating two new versions—shiny and suede—that will keep feet sleek and warm all winter. Built for the versatile lifestyle, the Snow Joggers combine the warmth of a snow boot with the comfort of a running shoe.

Founded in Copenhagen in 2004, Rubber Duck aims to make people feel good. Now based in Los Angeles, founder Eik Ottosen is known for his positive approach to life and for his commitment to giving back, setting up the Rubber Duck SMILE Project which donates proceeds to various charities and organizations.

Tom Hirota came up with Joyrich in 2007 with the concept "Freedom/Hope/Dream/Love." Taking inspirations from music, world fashion and art and already adored by many in Japan for their colorful designs and urban street appeal, the label has plans to expand globally in the near future.

The collaboration between two ultra-optimistic companies will undoubtedly make this winter a very happy season. The boots sell online in a black or white quilted version for $90 or a tan or black suede version for $120 from 80s Purple.

Creston Electric Instruments

by CH Contributor

by Noah Armstrong

A one-man operation in Burlington, VT, Creston Electric Instruments builds fairly traditional electric guitars, generally styled in the Fender tradition, but custom-designed according to each customer's expectations. Owner Creston Lea works with his clients throughout the entire process, resulting in highly personalized instruments and a body of work that reflects the pride and enjoyment he takes in his craft.

“I stress, more than anything, simplicity—almost to a ridiculous degree. I try to get everyone to pare down to one pickup and no knobs and then add as little as possible from there. It's a battle I don't mind losing, but I try to get people to think about utility and what actually makes a guitar a good guitar.”

Aside from technical specs, Creston makes guitars structurally personal by incorporating objects that his clients give to him. Jay Farrar (Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Gob Iron) passed along a rock, a rusty steel carriage bolt and a piece of weathered beadboard—all found at the remains of Woody Guthrie’s Oklahoma childhood home. Creston creatively incorporated each in an appropriately nuanced manner into Jay’s “Okemah Artifact Custom” guitar (pictured after the jump).

Another example, Creston made Anders Parker's guitar from the beams of his mother’s barn—the result looks visually raw and absolutely unique (pictured top left and above right). “I push my clientele to think beyond the canonized palette of colors—why not make it personal?” asks Creston.

Fellow Vermont resident and painter, Sarah Ryan joined with Creston to hand-paint an ongoing series of guitars and even his band-saw. Her floral Americana style makes a perfect fit for the feel of Creston’s guitars and most of musicians who play them—Ian Mackaye, perhaps, being an exception.

Other notable guitarists working with Creston include Jaleel Bunton (TV On The Radio), James Walbourne (pictured above; Son Volt, Pretenders, Pogues), Brian Henneman (Bottle Rockets), Chuck Prophet and Eric Heywood (Son Volt, Alejandro Escovedo).

An incredibly friendly guy, contact Creston through his website. Prices vary, but begin at $1,500.

More images after the jump.