FEAR IN THE 25th CENTURY

Recently, an acquaintance posed a question to me: “With your focus on concept art and the macabre, I am curious what character of fiction has scared you the most?” My answer was immediate: Vorvon, The Space Vampire.

My friend was taken aback. Not many people have heard of him. Vorvon is the central villain in the frightening Episode 14 of the 1980 TV series, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

While the show was generally known for its lighthearted, campy sci-fi tone, this character was the perfect storm of classic horror inspiration. With traits inspired by Bram Stoker's Dracula and imagery inspired by Nosferatu, Vorvon truly embodied fear. He was tall, slender, powerfully confident yet chillingly slow, and sinfully elegant. The actor, Nicholas Horman, became completely immersed in the role, elevating the performance beyond the typical villain-of-the-week.

As a child, I could only watch the episode once; the nightmares were that intense. Even now, the memory of it gives me the creeps. His methods of hunting, breaking down his prey, and manipulating wills were genuinely disturbing to watch. The fact that such a frightening story emerged from such a campy series is what caught me most off guard.

The takeaway? It's okay to be scared. The things that frighten us often make the deepest impression. This Halloween season, I encourage you to revisit a horror movie that once scared you silly. It's a great way to get your blood pumping and properly ring in the spooky holiday.

“I was never scared by monsters, I was much more scared by real people.” - Tim Burton

CABBAGE, EGGS and HALLOWEEN

It’s October, and guess what’s coming? Didn’t even have to guess. Halloween! I loved that day as a young child. The costumes, the candy, the crisp air, the frightful movies, what could be better? Then, well, life happened. As I transitioned from elementary school into middle then high school, Halloween morphed from a celebration into an exercise in evasion. It became all about trying not to get beaned by an egg that was being thrown by other kids. Seriously. I understand the urge for mischief, but let's be real, it quickly became a shitty excuse for the genuinely rotten kids to be, well, rotten. I eventually reached a point where I just dreaded the day. Thankfully, everything changed when I got to college and started my art program. Finding like-minded, creative people and making new friends allowed me to fully reclaim the holiday. It became the fun, spooky, and imaginative event it was always meant to be.

This experience made me wonder: how did throwing eggs even become a Halloween thing? It has surprisingly old roots. “Egg tossing” was once central to a pagan ritual symbolizing the Earth's rebirth, a significance later adopted by Christians to represent the rebirth of Christ at Easter. As a Halloween activity, it mainly took off in the early 20th century. Often called “Cabbage Night” or “Hell Night,” it began as relatively light-hearted, seasonal mischief brought to this country by immigrants from England, Ireland, and Scotland. This usually meant minor vandalism, like egging a house or "toilet papering" a yard. However, starting around the 1950s, the practice slowly but surely evolved into a more aggressive form of vandalism and even minor assault, which many teens started viewing as a twisted "rite of passage." This evolved to other darker forms of pranks and Halloween rituals that celebrate vandalism. Such a shame. That energy could be used so much better.

The takeaway? For starters, avoid getting hit with an egg or anything else, for that matter! But more importantly, if you find yourself dreading a holiday you once loved, remember that you have the power to reinvent it and make it yours again.

“We are the things that others fear.” - Lestat

IT'S NOT KUNG FU!

I was exploring the idea of an Elvis-like crimefighter patrolling the dark streets of the city. Although it might not be the most original concept, delving into it led me on a fascinating deep dive into Elvis Presley’s life and his sacred relationship with karate. It turns out his skill, dedication, and abilities were quite impressive. His journey into martial arts started in 1958 while he was in the military. Coming from a poor and often violent background, he was drawn to the discipline and self-control that this form of self-defense offered. It was a mindset he carried with him, influencing his performances in both movies and live performances not to mention his relationships throughout.

As for teachers, Holy shit, Elvis’s instructors were some of the best in the world, including legends like Ed Parker, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, and Kang Rhee. He even earned recognition from a very young Chuck Norris. His support, patronage, and achievements in martial arts created a lasting legacy, paving the way for the karate culture to explode in our culture, thus paving the way for the martial arts movie boom. 

The takeaway from his story? Two things: find a physical outlet that provides structure and discipline. It’s not just good for the body; it’s good for the mind and the soul. Also, check out Elvis’s music—preferably his live shows on YouTube. The talent and discipline are amazing.

“It's called Karate, man. Only two kinds of people know it, The Chinese and The King" - Dewey Cox

DO THE BATUSI!

Batman Day is upon us. As I was thinking about it and how to possibly blog about it, I got a funny text from my sister about the Batusi! Yes, the Batusi. A play on the name of the Rwandan dance “The Watusi”. A funky, go-go-inspired dance that was an iconic moment from the 1966 Batman TV series. Played by the legend Adam West, Batman made his way onto the dance floor of a groovy nightclub. To impress the kids, he proceeded to unleash his dance signature move: a V-sign with his index and middle fingers, tracing them across his eyes as if he were wearing a mask. It was fun as all can be. There are different stories on its origin, with some sources crediting dance instructor Arthur Murray, West himself claimed to have created it on the fly. I believe it was Adam West because he was on so many drugs back then, only someone high could have come up with this. The dance became an instant classic, a perfect symbol of the show's wonderfully campy and playful spirit, and it has since been lovingly parodied everywhere from The Simpsons to Pulp Fiction.

The takeaway? If Batman can bust out a move on the dance floor, so can you! That being said, Happy Batman Day!

“Have you ever danced with the Devil in the pale moonlight?” – The Joker

SAY HIS NAME!

After a conversation with a friend about how they wanted to watch weird TV content, I mentioned children’s TV morning shows from the late 70s and 80s. They were trippy and quite existential in story and art direction. (I will blog about that subject another time.) This made me think about TV commercials from that era. In many ways, I loved watching them as much as the shows themselves. They can all be found on YouTube. 

However, after discussing it with another friend from my childhood, the TV commercials that baffled me the most were the KOOL-AID spots! Why? The Kool-Aid man was a monster of mayhem! Destruction followed in his deadly charge to quench the thirst of small, annoying children. When kids get thirsty, they invoke his name like a demon lord, then he crashes through the wall and says ‘oh yeah”! And the mothers are smiling and are like “Oh, Kool-Aid, thank God you are here!” With smiles as if they wanted to have sex with him? Really? He just crashed into the house, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in collateral damage. Why are they happy? It was quite frightening and perplexing. 

Kool-Aid was a force of pure chaos. Plain and simple. Why am I making this post? Two reasons. Levity. We really need it now. Also, the television commercials of the ‘70s and ‘80s were ones of creative freedom and weirdness that we probably will never see again. You should check them out.

"Nostalgia is possibly the greatest of the lies that we all tell ourselves" — R.A. Salvatore

SIOUX ON YOU!

Graham Greene has passed away. Who was he? He was a highly respected Canadian First Nations actor who was a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, known for bringing depth and legitimacy to his roles, especially those portraying Indigenous characters. His most notable part was as Kicking Bird in the Oscar-winning film “Dances With Wolves.” For that effort, he received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. There were many reasons to enjoy that particular movie: the cinematography, the emotional story, and the soundtrack. However, for me, I loved the Bona fide depiction of the Lakota Sioux Tribe. Unlike many previous Westerns, which often portrayed Native Americans as one-dimensional villains, Dances With Wolves presents them as a complex, multi-dimensional society with their own language, customs, humor, and traditions. The film made a deliberate effort to incorporate the Lakota language, using subtitles, and even hired Native American actors for the roles, which was groundbreaking at the time.

This genuine portrayal inspired me to explore the incredible history of the Lakota Sioux—how they became such skilled horsemen, how they truly communed with nature, and how they hunted buffalo and used every part of the animal. Nothing was wasted. Such remarkable people. The takeaway: besides that, you should check out Graham Greene's movies. I believe that authenticity sparks curiosity. When art is done well, it tends to open people's minds and hearts. So, let them in.

“It seems every day ends with a miracle here. And whatever God may be, I thank God for this day” John Dunbar

TRAMPS LIKE US MAKE MIXED TAPES

Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run is one of the greatest rock and roll records ever made, and its 50th anniversary is an amazing milestone. For me, it’s an album that has kept me in very good company for years, but its anniversary got me thinking about something more personal: the art of making a great mixtape.

Before streaming and playlists, music was a hunt. Besides the radio, cassette tapes were how I engaged with music for the majority of my youth. To save money, cause I was broke, I would keep a blank tape on hand, ready to hit record whenever the right song came on the radio. I even had one strictly for Bruce Springsteen that I played so much the tape warped. To this day, the playlist order is one I still use on Spotify.

This led me to think about the art of the mixtape. I use the word "art" because that’s exactly what it was. It was a creative act, a calculation of tempo and flow, a deliberate sequence of songs meant to tell a story. You had a finite amount of time on each side of the tape, and you had to make every second count. I loved making them for myself, and I loved making them for others.

There was a unique, tactile aspect to it as well. No one else had that exact tape. It was an original, a physical piece of who you were at that moment. Sharing it wasn't just about sharing music; it was about sharing time and showing someone who you are.

 The takeaway? Go out, make a playlist, even if it’s not on a cassette tape. Share it with a friend or just for yourself. The experience is almost always fun!

"This is my mom's tape. I don't listen to it to remember her. I listen to it to remember me." - Peter Quill

AN INTROVERTED EXTROVERT

That’s me—a classic extroverted introvert. I can be a social butterfly, engaging in conversations and jumping from person to person in a room, thriving off the energy of a crowd. Yet, at my core, I’m an introvert. Unlike true extroverts, this social performance gradually drains my energy. I love connecting with others, but my social capacity has limits. Eventually, I need to retreat to solitude—not because I dislike people, but because my inner self requires quiet to recharge and feel whole again.

I bring this up because, at a recent art crawl at the 14C residency in Jersey City, I noticed a clear difference among the artists in their open studios. The extroverted artists were high-energy and in-your-face—sometimes to the point of being overwhelming. On the other hand, introverted artists appeared uncomfortable and guarded, which made me empathize with them. This experience deepened my understanding of human behavior.

The takeaway: engaging artists about their work can be challenging. Patience is key, especially considering where they fall on the spectrum. When artists can share their work in a way that feels comfortable both for them and for you, the experience becomes truly amazing.

"The world is full of lonely people afraid to make the first move." - Tony Lip, Green Book

AND THERE IT GOES

I’ve been a huge fan of "Sex and the City" for years. The show's characters were unapologetically raw, relatable, and fun, and they perfectly captured the vibrant energy of New York City in the '90s. Even now, over two decades later, it still feels incredibly authentic. This is on my mind because its sequel, "And Just Like That...," is concluding its third season, and I have to admit, it's been a tough watch. The writing isn't as sharp, the new characters and storylines often feel forced, the blatant wealth disparity makes the main characters less relatable, and the obvious character betrayals have been frustrating.

So, why do I still watch it every week? For two main reasons. First, the show still gets New York City right. From the iconic locations to the ever-shifting attitudes and trends, it continues to pull me in. Second, it's brave. "And Just Like That..." has the guts to tackle the real, and often messy, issues that people in their late 40s and 50s face. In many ways, the core challenges haven't changed: finding and holding on to love, dealing with loss and death, and navigating sex and health. Few shows handle these topics with such honesty and grace, and it’s a powerful reminder that life can still be really fun, no matter your age.

The biggest takeaway from all of this? Go watch an episode of "Sex and the City." Or any show or movie that is set in New York. It’s a powerful reminder of why the city is the most magical and wild place in the world.

“This used to be the most exciting city in the world, and now it’s nothing but smoking near a fucking open window. New York is over. O-v-e-r. Over. No one’s fun anymore! Whatever happened to fun? God, I’m so bored I could die.” —Lexi Featherston

THE JURY IS IN

I recently had to fulfill my duty to society as a juror in a civil case. Let’s be honest. No one enjoys jury duty. It’s boring, frustrating, and feels like a waste of time. This time, I realized it wasn’t. To keep it brief and not delve too much into details, the judge cleverly played on my serious attitude about being a dedicated juror. From the very start, it was clear that, based on the case’s merits, the defendants were guilty and just trying to delay the process unnecessarily. This led them to settle the case within minutes. I was glad to play my part in the justice system. It felt satisfying to see them squirm and give in. 

The key takeaway? Approach jury duty with a sense of responsibility, but don’t forget to enjoy the experience. Talk to people, laugh, flirt, load up your devices with reading material, catch up on emails, and make the most of your time. It won’t be wasted unless you waste it.

“What is a Yute?” - Judge Chamberlain Haller

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER & OZZY

So, my love of music/rock and roll has many roots that I can identify. However, when I think of my introduction to Heavy Metal, the song that broke my cherry would have to be Ozzy Osbourne's " Crazy Train. The fast rhythm, the intensity of the guitar, the lyrics, the hook - this could be the perfect song. My introduction to this piece was, in fact, my older brother. He and his friends entered into a Battle of the Bands, and that is one of the songs that they covered. I remember that event very well. Every time they rehearsed it, they nailed it. However, when they took the stage, even though they played well, their onstage presence was noticeably lacking. The singer was dancing moves straight out of Saturday Night Fever—John Travolta to "Crazy Train," seriously? The guitarist was jumping erratically, the bassist showed up in a grimy church suit that reeked, and my brother looked like Han Solo with his vest. This was a Heavy Metal crowd, and while they weren’t booed, the audience clearly wasn’t enthused.

The takeaway from this? Take the time to know your audience. Whether you're crafting a musical performance, an art show, or a presentation, understanding their mindset, preferences, and needs gives you an invaluable edge in engaging them effectively. It is time well spent.

I also talk about this because fuckin Ozzy Osbourne passed away very recently. His death was a long time coming. He was very ill, so I wasn't shocked. However, revisiting his catalog, I, like so many people, can say so much of his music would be in the soundtrack of our lives. He was not perfect; he made his mistakes. That said, he worked hard to make up for them. He lived an amazing life. Crazy, but that’s how it goes. 

“I used to fantasize that Paul McCartney would marry my sister.” Ozzy Osbourne

THEY DID SOMETHING NICE

Years ago, I had a bizarre medical condition that landed me in the hospital for a week. It was a painful experience I never want to go through again. However, as a huge wrestling fan, my sister, through her job, reached out to the WWE (then called WWF/Titan Sports) to ask about having a professional wrestling superstar visit me in the hospital. She wanted it to be a surprise, and it was such a kind gesture. A representative from the company replied via FedEx with a letter explaining that the superstars were very busy and couldn’t fulfill her request. But, as a consolation, there was an envelope folder attached that included personalized autographed studio photos of the WWF Superstars, Hulk Hogan, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, The Junkyard Dog, and Jesse “The Body” Ventura. I was over the moon. I was so excited that my heroes, whom I watched on TV every week, took the time to do something so amazing. It made me feel like they were my friends, and I could hang out with them anytime I wanted.

What made this kind gesture even more special is the extra nice thing they did. They sent me two sets of personalized autographed photographs. One for me and one for my twin brother. According to the rep, it was Hogan and JYD who realized “hey, you can’t give one without giving to the other”. This made it all the more special and a fantastic shared experience for both of us. I will never forget this. 

The sudden passing of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan is why I'm sharing these thoughts. He wasn't just a superstar; he spearheaded the transformation of professional wrestling from obscure and seedy midnight weekend episodes on local television to the massive entertainment juggernaut it is now. His life, a complex blend of achievements, reinventions, and controversies, was truly a journey of highs and lows. The takeaway for me? Even if our heroes turn out to be far less than perfect or in some cases, quite fallen, it's still worth remembering and celebrating the impact they had on us. In a world where many of my generation's icons are passing in greater numbers (which is unbelievable because I am only 27), it feels like that is the right thing to do.

“Whether you like it or not, learn to love it cause it’s the best thing going. Wooo” - Ric Flair

IT'S NOT FREE

Recently, a family member asked me to do some free creative work for them, and I was very happy to help. They were genuinely grateful, and it felt nice. However, that situation made me think about setting boundaries with those who would request such work but are unwilling to pay. Over the years, I’ve had too many instances where friends and family would ask for creative services without offering any sort of compensation. Even more surprising, many act as if somehow, asking me to do a non-paying project is a favor to me, with comments like “think of the exposure,” “you should be grateful I asked,” and “It will only take you 5 minutes.” Such a lack of consideration makes me reluctant to do anything for anyone. The takeaway? Protect your time. Protect your mental health. Protect your integrity. Protect the investment you’ve made in yourself. I would bet that investment was not free.

“Sure, while I design this for you for free, can you wash my toilet for free too? Like you said, it’s easy.”

UP IN THE SKY

It’s Superman, baby! The Man of Steel, directed by James Gunn, starring David Corenswet premieres this weekend. I’m extremely excited. Superman is by far my favorite Superhero. I love this character because he embodies everything we could and should strive to be. The Superman mythos has endured time and time again and continues to resonate with audiences. This incarnation of this movie will be very ambitious. Introducing obscure and beloved characters from the DCU catalog. I am hoping it will be epic. The takeaway? Revisit an old Superman comic or graphic novel. It will remind you of better times and the better times that are still ahead.

“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to preserve and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Christopher Reeve

GUNPOWDER & TANG

The Fourth of July, a day when we celebrate our country by blowing it up. Who am I kidding? I love a good fireworks display. The thunderous sounds, the bright bursts of color lighting up the sky, and the strong smell of gunpowder—it’s the scent of summer from my childhood.

Then I think about it. Gunpowder and its fascinating history. It was discovered by accident in feudal China during the Tang Dynasty, and was used for medicinal purposes as well as fireworks. While I won’t delve deeply into its history here, I encourage you to look it up—you will be surprised by what you find.

It’s amazing to think about how these products, rooted in centuries of history, are still playing a role in our modern celebrations to this day. The takeaway: Take the time to research the origins of the customs and products we enjoy. It adds new meaning and a deeper connection to the experience.

With that in mind, Happy Fourth of July everyone!

"History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul." - Lord Acton

FEEL IT EVEN IF YOU DON’T

This coming weekend is NYC PRIDE. For many years, the anticipation has always felt vibrant and lively. The city comes alive with energy, and everyone seems a little happier—almost as if it marks the unofficial start of summer. Yet, given the current climate and the targeted attacks by a small but vocal few, the celebration doesn’t feel quite the same. This has been disheartening. But then, I think of something unexpected—the TV show Davey and Goliath, a claymation series featuring young Davey Hansen and his talking dog, Goliath. In one episode, Davey struggles to feel the Christmas spirit, weighed down by his own sadness. He overcomes it by focusing on the spirit of giving to others.

However, for Pride, don’t give to others but rather give to yourself. This is more than attending events or supporting the LGBTQ+ community—it’s about showing up for you. So this weekend, shut out the noise. Don’t give the small and the very small-minded the satisfaction. Celebrate who you are, wherever you are, and embrace the pride that is within. If not, then avoid NYC this weekend because the traffic will be epic.

"Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place. So, thank you." —Raymond Holt

MAKING ART GROOVE

Or better yet, making my art move. Over the past year, I’ve explored A.I. animation software to animate my creations. After testing several options, I settled on RunwayML. The app was decent and handled existential themes fairly well, complementing my abstract pieces. However, I found animating my art on it challenging, and the unclear pricing structure added unnecessary frustration.

More recently, Midjourney—the A.I. tool I frequently use—launched its own video generator, which I find far superior. It offers more intuitive prompting, reducing the struggle I previously experienced. Plus, having these tools within the same ecosystem makes the workflow much simpler.

What I love about this technology is its ability to animate photographs, especially old ones of loved ones no longer with us. Witnessing someone you care about, captured long before your time, come alive and move within that moment is nothing short of magical. The takeaway, as I mentioned in a previous blog post, is to use these tools and have fun with them. Use them for the amazing experience they are meant to give.

“Art hurts. Art urges voyages - and it is easier to stay at home.” - Gwendolyn Brooks

MY GOD COMPLEX

I’m genuinely crazy about gods—Greek gods, that is, to be specific. Recently, I submitted a detailed illustration of various characters from Greek mythology for a popular crowdsourcing competition. This task was quite easy for me; I have built up such a vast catalog of great work over the years that I didn’t even think twice about entering. Not to sound egotistical, but honestly, I was not surprised at all that I ended up placing in the competition. After receiving lovely praise and heartfelt congratulations, I was asked, “Why do you love Greek mythology so much?” What’s not to love? The epic stories and captivating characters! Each of them is so incredibly unique, relatable, and deeply human, and they lend themselves easily to endless creative interpretation. The artistic vision can range from vividly human to the absolute abstract. It’s hard to get it wrong. The takeaway? Read some of the classic stories of Greek mythology—even the short ones. Or consider watching a movie adaptation. They will make you smile and provoke a sense of wonder about the ancient world.

“Release The Kraken!” - Zeus

THE POWER OF NO

Recently, a close member of my family found herself in a situation that was designed to make her uncomfortable saying no to someone who asked a particular question. She confidently said no, making it clear that her answer was definite while maintaining her grace. I am incredibly proud of her for that.

This experience got me thinking. In recent years, the phrase “say yes” has been popularized in self-care and self-help contexts, promoting opportunities and possibilities. I genuinely believe in that concept. However, I also feel that this mindset can sometimes lead us into situations that might have been avoided if we had remained true to our instincts.

The takeaway is this: if you don’t feel it, it’s okay to say no. I assure you, the discomfort of saying no is outweighed by the discomfort of saying yes to the wrong thing.

“Don't say maybe if you want to say no” - Paul Coelho

BIRTHDAY CAKE

So, today is my birthday. This marks another year of being 27 again, and as I reflect on past birthdays, I find that my preferences have shifted. These days, I find the most meaning in seclusion and intimate hangouts, much more than in big parties. And when it comes to gifts, I've inherited my dad's trait of not really wanting them – but that's a story for another time! One of my absolute favorite birthday celebrations was the year I made my cake: a watermelon cake! Think watermelon, assorted berries, cool whip, and shredded almonds. It was easy, delicious, healthy, and a total showstopper. Everyone loved it and devoured it. Given that it's a workday and the weather is pretty crummy, I've decided that I am going to recreate that sweet, simple joy today. The takeaway? Even if you don't feel like doing something nice for yourself on your birthday, do something nice for others. You'll be amazed at how good it makes you feel.

“No, no, no can't be. I distinctly remember. Your birthday was last year.” - Donna Murphy - Tangled