We apologize on not updating the blog. The Ampal Creative recently moved operations to downtown LA.
A few weeks ago, Krunk hosted the one weekend only Futura “Strategic Synchronicity” before the show headed to London. It was packed and the Belvedere was flowing; they are definitely trying to push their new “luxury reborn” branding. This was Futura’s first solo show and he created the original pieces in the 5 weeks leading up to the opening. The piece’s were insane and definitely qualified as fine art, although the street roots were apparent throughout. Most of the art sold the first night, ranging from $2,000 - $36,000. For more pics and information check out the Madkrunk website, its worth taking a look.
The “5 Deadly Venom Series”
Futura’s Set List
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I recently came across these pics from winter 04. These were a pair of old shoes I used to wear in the rain back in 2004. I had decided they deserved a little color, I liked how clean LA felt for brief moment after a good rain, and graced them with some clouds like I have doodled forever.
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Our buddies, SHARK ATTACK are blowing up right now. They’re playing in Tijuana next weekend to an almost sold out crowd of 3,000 (wild times) and on Aug 23rd at the So Co Music Experience in downtown SD, along with Common and the Black Keys and others. Mike and Pat (Shark Attack) are going to be on the cover of a local music/lifestyle magazine rocking some Ampal fedoras. I snagged this shot…
* straight out of the camera and thats not a bong…
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shaun phillips #95 san diego chargers
a huge presence on and off the field
he can also throw a great party…
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if youre in la this weekend and/or attending the laff (los angeles film festival) you should definitely try to check out “dirty hands: the art and life of david choe” check out the trailer and you’ll want to see the screening.
david choe is an amazing artist with his own trademark style that he translates through graffiti, oil paints, and a variety of mediums. the video has 8 years of footage and starts with his reckless earlier “robin hood” years through his struggle for success, and the life changing experience he had in japanese prison.
it sounds epic
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If you’re ready for a clean summer haircut head down to Lefty’s Barbershop in the East Village or Pacific Beach. Brian recently opened his second spot, on G St. next to Unsteady, and created a great look for the place, from the classic checkerboard linoleum to the beautiful vintage barber chairs.
Brian
Our friend, Reed Decker, who shot our lifestyle campaign, recently showed a series of barbershop related prints during the East Village Artwalk. The show, shot at both Lefty’s locations, looks great and will be up for a for a while. A few of the pics were turned into Jones Soda Labels.
Felipe can be seen there weekly, studying Brian’s cuts, on his extended barber school lunch breaks.
If you need a cut or dare to try a straight razor shave, set up an appointment about a week in advance.
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Over the last 2 years, I’ve definitely developed a taste for Scotch. Maybe I’m getting old, but I find myself sipping on a scotch rocks, more and more when I’m out. I’m not a connoisseur, but I have grown to appreciate single malts.
When Chivas Regal’s marketing team contacted us about Ampal being involved in a party for the rerelease of their Chivas 18 yr Gold Signature scotch it didn’t take long to respond. I guess they thought their scotch went well with “distinguished headwear for gentlemen of leisure.” On 12/13/07 Chivas threw a great event at their pop-up “Chivas Studio” on Wilshire.
This is the delicious Chivas Regal 18 year old Gold Signature Scotch. It is delicious. It was exceptionally smooth and too damn tasty to drink just one…
Thank you for keeping our glasses full.
So Giovanni’s official job title is Chivas Ambassador. Apparently after a rigorous interview process, which included a long week of partying in Vegas, with daily early morning interviews, he and his female cohort got their dream job of a paid year long party. I think its like drinking boot camp, you gotta be able to party all night and then be fresh to promote the brand in the morning.
I had to bring Henrik, who’s been known to like whiskey of the scotch variety, plus he’s like a walking pedestal for our hats. Jacob un/fortunately doesn’t appreciate the brown elixir yet.
Next time you got a little extra cash treat yourself to a bottle of the golden elixir, and enjoy a sipper on the rocks before you go out. Its about the same $ as Johnny Green and you won’t be disappointed.
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I’ve been a big fan of M.I.A. for a while, we launched our fashion show with Paper Planes, and there’s something about her music that just goes so well with summer. After missing her last tour because of a NY trip, there was no way I was missing Mondays show. I figured a show on the Monday night after Coachella at 4th and B, a large venue, wouldn’t be too crowded regardless of who was playing. When I bought my tickets I found out Holy Fuck was opening and knew it was going to be a special show.
Holy Fuck rocked and got the sold out crowd pumped up for…
Million $ Mano and Maya about to start rocking out with Bamboo Banga. In the wake of Kanye’s show, I know the visuals level has been taken to new levels, but MIA’s were rad and flowed really well with the music.
Maya is a lady of her people. She invited everyone up on stage for a song. I guess that caused a lot of trouble at Coachella, but it was nice to see 4th & B was down with it. There were probably about 70 people on stage rocking out.
MIA had rad Sri Lankan Super Hero Rockstar steez
This picture made me laugh, people were frothin on getting soaked.
Million $ Mano
Thanks to Sugu for bringing me on the tour bus to meet everyone.
Naz and Mano holding it down for the M.I.A.
If you get a chance to see MIA or Holy Fuck go see them, their performances surpassed the high expectations I had for the show.
And if you’re in San Diego. the 949 Independence jam has a good lineup and supports a good cause.
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If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo head to Mark Mahoney’s Shamrock Social Club on Sunset strip. Mark is known as being one of, if not the, best black and grey tattoo artists in the country. I’m not going to list all the famous people they’ve tattooed but the back room definitely has some stories.
I grew up with Andrew Farnsley and he’s an become a very talented artist. Working in a shop with some of the best in the industry has rubbed off and Andrew is going to be featured in an upcoming feature in Tattoo Magazine.
Next time you need a tattoo call Cody (310-271-9664) to set up an appointment. Tattoos are forever, make the quality choice and head to Shamrock and get a piece that’ll put a smile on your face every time you see it.
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2 summers ago Veloculture helped me build up my first fixed gear. Sky helped me build up a conversion out of a frame from my grandparents garage and a mix max of cheapest available used parts. Since then they’ve grown in staff and exponentially in # of bikes. They now have an amazing collection of keirin and other track frames (rumored to be the largest in the country) as well as beautiful vintage road bikes. My first bike has had a few minor upgrades and what started a few years ago as physical therapy, has definitely become part of my life. Heres a few pics from around the shop.
I recently built up my second bike from velo, its an amazing 3rensho super export. Its a little beat up, but its got soul. The dings were earned hauling ass around the track in Japan, and I’m sure I’ll add a few unfortunate scratches.
The ride is amazing and so much more nimble than my conversion pictured below. I hope to eventually throw on some black sugino 75’s, and a black headset, but I love my chargers/zissou bike.
I still love my conversion, but it deserves use, so its going to be passed along.
Whether you want something with a little history, a track machine, or just need a new tube, check out Velo Culture Bicycles at 5717 La Jolla Blvd La Jolla, Ca 92037, 858-454-0398. Look out for their own fully lugged steel track frames coming soon. Their website will be up shortly, but you can check out Anthony’s blog for now. (thanks for the first 2 pics)
Plus where else would you have Ines Brunn come by the shop to build up a couple of track bikes and show everyone some tricks.
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