Designed this while I was on the cruise to Mexico: View Here. Precursor to my Halloween e-card.
Oct 31, 2008
Photo: Gordy, the b-boy
I love photographing the unusual as well as classical themes. I love how calm Gordy is in his pose. . . not to mention his matching shoelaces.
Photo: World Famous Dance Crew, Jazmyne
This photo was taken right in front of the new De Young Museum.
Photo: World Famous Dance Crew, Faye
Faye Boogie photo from World Famous. I love how the pose is so effortless!
Photo: World Famous Dance Crew
From my sessions of attending the Cellspace dance practices, I met some really cool folks, one of whom led me to take this photo--amazing dance crew out of San Diego--World Famous! The photo shoot was located in and around Golden Gate Park. This image in particular was great fun. I saw a huge 9-12" tall fountain in the middle of the concourse, pointed, and said, "that looks really cool--maybe you could get on top of that" as a passing thought, but without hesitation, they climbed up and starting posing. Great models, amazing experience. Check 'em out here
Photo: Aplus
Another photo from Cellspace practice. Here's a photo from b-girl Aplus out of the Sisterz of the Underground dance crew.
Photo: Land's End
I did the touristy thing in Cabo and viewed Land's End. So much beauty, fame and excitement over some silly rocks. . .
Photo: Dia de Los Muertos
Celebration in downtown Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I love the beauty of the Aztec dance and rituals.
Photo: Fisherman and His Catch
What's Mexico without her people? This photo was taken on the beach of Puerto Vallarta. . . right before I gorged on a large green coconut. Yum!
Photo: Mexico
Just got back from an amazing trip to Mexico. This photo was taken in Xihuatanejo (say that 3 times fast!) in front of a small park. I was very inspired by the beauty of the handmade objects and the liberal use of bold colors. So inspiring. . .
Oct 23, 2008
Artwork: Breakers & Boombox
Old school hip hop and my interest in breakdancing (as a spectator) were main influences for this apparel design.
Photo: Dancer at LoveParade
The San Francisco LoveParade is always a great event, complete with lively dancers and incredible electronica tunes.
Oct 2, 2008
Announcement: Shaire Productions Official Site is Live!
Nearly a year has passed since I've started the site design to my personal site: www.shaireproductions.com--a daunting task with a Flash-based 100-page interactive book, Downloads, and Merchandise section. I've always heard that the hardest creative project was designing for yourself--your own brand. To condense who you are in one logo, one site, one image was quite a challenge. The site is a constant work-in-progress, but I'm pretty happy with it. I've become quite involved in Creative Commons licensing, mostly through my encounters with Flickr. It became important to me to provide a space for free art, art resources and photos. As artists, we're influenced by one another. Seeing others' interpretation of what you've created is inspiration in itself because you get to peek into another's creative mind, thereby pushing your own creativity into new arenas. Anyways, check it out!
Sep 24, 2008
Photo: Woman Looking for Cans in SF Chinatown
Being that my grandma lives in Chinatown, I often visit her, and see a bit of the social environment. This old woman was sifting through the trash, looking for cans to recycle, hoping to make a few extra dollars. In Chinatown, the elderly often have limited English abilities, and being too old to work, rely on government assistance and making money in the humblest of ways.
Sep 23, 2008
Sep 17, 2008
Artwork: Tons of Luv Shirt
Luckily, I got my hands on a shirt that was purchased by my buddy, Diana. Through my t-shirt line, "Happy Insanity" at http://www.zazzle.com/shaireproductions*, I've been able to see my designs morph with different t-shirt styles and colors. "Tons of Luv" is an example of this. Originally designed for a dark background shirt, she chose a kid's ringer style shirt, giving it an extra flair. It's pretty fun seeing what others' preferences and how the designs adapt to different visual treatments.
Sep 16, 2008
Photo: Chinese Dragon on a Break
Autumn Moon Festival in SF Chinatown.
This was an cute moment--the group took a mini-break from their dragon hoisting to view an outdoor photo exhibit.
This was an cute moment--the group took a mini-break from their dragon hoisting to view an outdoor photo exhibit.
Photo: J-Boogie Inferno Video Shoot
Evidence of a throwback adventure via Om Records.
Unfortunately, my flash didn't go off on my mini-camera, so the pic is a little blurry. . . at least you could feel the motion of the moment!
Unfortunately, my flash didn't go off on my mini-camera, so the pic is a little blurry. . . at least you could feel the motion of the moment!
Sep 12, 2008
Advertising in the Clouds: Flogos
Once upon a time, plane banners and blimps were the mediums for advertising in the heavens. Today, it's Flogos! Made up of soap foam, this unique company produces logo brand shapes to reach a wide audience. The visual impact is quite appealing, being that we are always looking for shapes in the clouds. The life of a flogo is quite short though--from a few minutes to a few hours.
Sep 5, 2008
Photo: Pure Joy
I went to the Art & Soul Festival in Oakland, where this woman was performing in an African Dance troupe. This was one of my favorite images of the day.
Sep 3, 2008
Fun Site: Paper Critters
Just discovered this fun site by Ruperto Fabito, Jr. as an Academy of Art project called Paper Critters, where you could create your own virtual paper toy with various artistic elements. The vein is pretty similar to the Simpsonize Me and the South Park Generator, but with more customization.
Aug 27, 2008
Photo: Indian Girls
This candid photo was taken at the Oakland Chinatown Street Fest. These beautiful Indian girls were sitting amongst the crowd, patiently waiting their turn to perform.
Aug 21, 2008
Artwork: Wildstyle Graffiti
Art by Sherrie Thai of Shaireproductions.com
This was an experimentation in combining tribal tattoo styles with letterforms. This is a mixed media piece (pen & photoshop). I didn't clean up the linework very much, as I like the rough quality of line. In case you're wondering, it's another homage to "Hip Hop".
This was an experimentation in combining tribal tattoo styles with letterforms. This is a mixed media piece (pen & photoshop). I didn't clean up the linework very much, as I like the rough quality of line. In case you're wondering, it's another homage to "Hip Hop".
Artwork: Gasmask over Nature
. Posted by Sherrie Thai of Shaireproductions.com
I've been interested in masks for a while. Gasmasks in particular always seemed very ominous to me with it's alien-like features and the tubular apparatus. This image was inspired by all the talk of global conservation and global warming (formerly known as the "greehouse effect"). Mixed-media artwork: pen/ink illustration with vector art.
I've been interested in masks for a while. Gasmasks in particular always seemed very ominous to me with it's alien-like features and the tubular apparatus. This image was inspired by all the talk of global conservation and global warming (formerly known as the "greehouse effect"). Mixed-media artwork: pen/ink illustration with vector art.
Artwork: Abstract Faces
Here's another exploration of abstract human forms, inspired by Picasso and Braque's Cubist style. This was created with pen/ink, then scanned, and brought into Photoshop. The background is a granite/sidewalk photo texture that was colorized and retouched.
Aug 19, 2008
Artwork: Anna May Wong & Apparel Line
Another apparel line I'm working on is called "Culture Clash", influenced by social, cultural, and sometimes political symbols. I just started publishing the shirts, so check it out! http://www.zazzle.com/shaireproductions*
I've recently discovered the beauty and grace of Anna May Wong, a forgotten starlet in the MGM tradition. She was the first Asian-American woman who stared in feature films in the 1930s+, but like many minorities of her time, she was forced to play stereotypical roles and was restricted from others because of her race and a tradition in old Hollywood known as "yellow face" (where white actors would play Asian characters through makeup and fake accents, as in the movie, "The Good Earth", or "Charlie Chan"). Anna eventually moved to Europe who favored her with less stereotypical and more narrative roles.
I wanted to pay homage to Anna's character and spirit of tenacity and determination.
Aug 18, 2008
Aug 14, 2008
Inspiring Commercials & Animation
Like the Superbowl, the commercials that run during the Olympics are just as entertaining--with great storytelling and artistic elements. Here are two of my favorites. . .
United Airlines Commercial "Sea Orchestra" by The Black Heart Gang. Wonderful animation. . .
Two b-ball giants: Yao Ming vs. LeBron James in a Coke ad. Fun visual iconography from both American and Chinese cultures without being overly stereotypical and offensive.
United Airlines Commercial "Sea Orchestra" by The Black Heart Gang. Wonderful animation. . .
Two b-ball giants: Yao Ming vs. LeBron James in a Coke ad. Fun visual iconography from both American and Chinese cultures without being overly stereotypical and offensive.
Aug 13, 2008
Artwork: Honeybear
I'm starting the concept designs for a new apparel line called "Happy Insanity", where cuteness gets thrown in a blender. This illustration is syrupy sweet and all things in-between.
Aug 5, 2008
Aug 2, 2008
Artwork: MC=Lyricism + Innovation
Trying to capture the essence of Hip Hop Freestyle Mcing in a simplified equation. This is also meant to be a promo apparel design for ShaireProductions.
Jul 31, 2008
Artwork: Contemplation (Heritage Series)
. Art by Sherrie Thai of ShaireProductions.com
This is the second piece of the Heritage Series I started concerning human atrocities in Asia, particularly the Khmer Rouge--a tribute to my family and to the countless innocent people caught in the crossfire.
The inspiration of this composition was from an old photo (perhaps National Geographic) of an Asian male digging through a pile of bones, looking for the remains of his relatives. What furthered my interest was a photo my friend, Ricky, took while visiting Angkor Wat; it was a simple image of monks looking off into the distance. Merging the two, I came up with this piece. The colors are subdued, with accents on the focal points--the robe and the flames surrounding the bones. The image on the right contains the monotone graphite drawing. I chose not to apply color to the monk's face to give a sense of humanitarian loss--of being a ghost in a world of struggle and hate.
This is the second piece of the Heritage Series I started concerning human atrocities in Asia, particularly the Khmer Rouge--a tribute to my family and to the countless innocent people caught in the crossfire.
The inspiration of this composition was from an old photo (perhaps National Geographic) of an Asian male digging through a pile of bones, looking for the remains of his relatives. What furthered my interest was a photo my friend, Ricky, took while visiting Angkor Wat; it was a simple image of monks looking off into the distance. Merging the two, I came up with this piece. The colors are subdued, with accents on the focal points--the robe and the flames surrounding the bones. The image on the right contains the monotone graphite drawing. I chose not to apply color to the monk's face to give a sense of humanitarian loss--of being a ghost in a world of struggle and hate.
Artwork: Faces and Decor Sketches
After work, I usually catch the train and start adding to my sketchbook. It's a solitary act and a form of meditation. I've been told that it looks pretty intense, so I may extend it to other mediums.
Click on the image to view a larger size. The actual image is 5x7in.
Jul 29, 2008
Artwork: Uncle Sam, Big Brother is Watching You
I've contemplated whether I should post this artwork up. As a commercial graphic designer, you are in a constant space of negotiation, seeking approvals, business etiquette, and customer service. With fine arts, it's based primarily on the artist's intention, so sometimes, when misunderstood, there is more scrutiny. Throwing caution to the wind, here's my two cents. . .
About this piece: I've always been drawn to political and social art, especially propaganda pieces. Regardless of the society and the context, political art is powerful and many are great works of design. The I Want You Poster and George Orwell's theme "Big Brother is Watching You" (1984) inspired this piece.
The intention of this is more social than political. The artwork and message is a reminder that society is not as rosey as it may seem--we have to be aware of ourselves and of the world we live in with respect to those around us. Orwell's words gives the artwork a slightly ominous slant, but just don't take this too seriously. The presence of eyeballs and the ultra-bright red color lightens the subject matter, making it more approachable in a tongue-in-cheek humorous way. I recreated Uncle Sam in my simplified linework style. Originally intending to create an apparel design, this may have a better life as a poster.
Artwork: Tribal Sparrows with Winged Heart
Art by Sherrie Thai of Shaireproductions.com
I happened to be watching the lovely Kat von D's LA Ink when I came up with this. This was also a homage to old school sailor tattoos, particularly those of Ed Hardy.
The artwork was created by hand, then scanned and recreated in Adobe Illustrator.
Jul 27, 2008
Photo: The Crucible Fire Arts Festival
Incredible sights to behold on July 11, 2008. It's very exciting to have a few of my photos published on The Crucible's Festival Photo Recap Page.
Jul 25, 2008
Artwork: End of Summer
Designed by Sherrie Thai of Shaire Productions.
Illustration created in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Illustration created in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Artwork: Blue Dragons
I created this Eastern style dragon over the weekend. My goal is to produce one new illustration a week.
I'm also working on an apparel line. At the moment, it's only in concept until the subject matter and designs are finalized and consolidated. I love experimenting in different techniques and styles, which explains the eclectic nature of my art portfolio. Stay tuned!
Artwork: Crossing Mediums
Once in a while, the different mediums I work in cross paths for varying effects. Here's an example of my photography becoming a resource for a illustration project.
Jul 23, 2008
B-boy Media
I photographed this Iron Monkey dance crew member at The Crucible Fire Arts Festival. Although blurred, I think this photo captures the speed and technicality of break-dance movements. I just purchased a digital Canon XTi camera, so I had a bit of fun experimenting with the slow shutter speed.
Roxrite vs. Lilou-Red Bull BC One 2007 Roxrite has an amazing range of movement that's just incredible to watch. Don't blink!
Roxrite vs. Lilou-Red Bull BC One 2007 Roxrite has an amazing range of movement that's just incredible to watch. Don't blink!
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