Finals, Sketches, and WIPs (Works in Progress)

It's been quite a while!

...However, I've compiled some completed works and others I have yet to finish...and doodles, because they are so [much] more interesting [most of the time]. Click on the images, or open them in new tabs to enlarge.

Sketch, 2008.

I love environments that seem to be too busy- I've yet to find an actual place that feels like this, but once I do..I'll have to stop and draw it..Until then, I live to create spaces that have no sense but convey many ideas.

Global Marshall Plan Illustration, for Tikkun Magazine. Mixed Media on watercolor paper. 2008.

The Global Marshall Plan, also known as the "Strategy of Generosity" is based on:

"reestablish trust and hope among the peoples of the world so that we might begin to reflect and act coherently on ending world poverty in our lifetimes and saving the global environment from the almost certain destruction it faces unless we reverse our policies and give highest priority to protecting the earth. Instead of asking 'what serves the interests of American economic and political geo-power best?' we want a foreign policy that asks 'What best serves all the people on this planet and best serves the survival of the planet itself?' " (Network of Spiritual Progressives)

Untitled. Plaster & Acrylic. 2008

A basic exploration of the color wheel, I loved this project.

Shh, It is Hand-Made. Mixed media on paper. 2008

I love to do labor-intensive, detailed work. I love being focused on one area and detailing until there is no more to work on, ha. Its title is not to demonstrate that it is "photo-realistic" [I don't quite agree with those who say it is], but rather an inside joke between the professor and I with my wonky use of ellipses in regards to the candleholder. Most people can not tell, but the trained eye can easily spot my flaw- however, since the candleholder was hand-made, I gravitated toward that excuse...

Fullerton College, 300 Building. Ink on Vellum. 2008.

As Fullerton College approaches its (75th? 100th?) anniversary providing a great education, I'd like to eventually make a copy of the original and maybe add some color. They might actually take it in, no?

That is all for now, I'll have to scan in some life drawing gestures [always fun] and more doodles.

Until then, The Gomez is out.

La Ultima Despedida (The Final Good-Bye)

Me duele aun el espiritu- déjame decirles que extraño es sentir un dolor tan fuerte por alguien que nunca he visto. Hablo sobre José Medellin y si me hubieran preguntado si algun dia tendria un amigo como el, yo nunca les creeria.

Pero ya me conocen por mi vida loca-- pasaria algo no muy comun.

Empeze mi conversacion con José en principios de Enero y fui absolutamente sorprendida por su inteligencia y humildad- sera que esos 14 años le dejo muchisimo tiempo para arrepentir su crimen.

Si, ya se lo que hizo a las victimas fue espeluznante, pero es igual de desesperante sabiendo que hemos recurrido a la pena de muerte. Esto no es justicia. Me da muchisisma tristeza que Jennifer y Elizabeth nunca les llego la oportunidad de una vida que merecian--y a veces eso me daba mas furia de lo que sufrio José.

Lo bueno es que el esta en un hermoso lugar en donde la gente no lo odia- quiza con unos angeles cantando sobre una cascada majestuosa..la verdad, no se como es el tal lugar ..pero si espero que encontro la paz aunque muchos deseaban su sangre. Mi pobre amigo, tanto que llore por ti, cuanto te extrañara tu familia...

Luchare por ti y por todos que estan [o estaban] en tu situacion para ya no tener muertes innecesarias . Esto podra ser mi ultima oportunidad de iniciar algun cambio...

Jennifer
Elizabeth
José
y desde hace unas horas, Heliberto Chi
Q.E.P.D.

----------------------------------------

I'm still hurt- let me tell you how weird it is feeling such a tremendous loss over someone I've never met. I'm talking about José Medellin-- had you asked me in the past if I'd have a friend like him, I would never believe you.

But I'm known to have crazy things happen to me-- not everyday things.

I began my short but meaningful conversation with José at the beginning of January 2008 and I was absolutely surprised by his utter intelligence and humilty- it could be that those 14 years in prison left him more than enough time to think about his actions.

I know that what he did is horrifying, but it is equally frustrating knowing that we as a society resort to the death penalty as a means to bring closure. This is an injustice. It makes me truly sad knowing that Jennifer and Elizabeth never got the opportunity to live the lives that they deserved and many times that made me even more furious.

The good thing is that he [alongside his victims] are in a beautiful place where he is not bothered by people who hate him or insult him- perhaps with angels chanting over a majestic waterfall..to be honest, I can never know how this place is like, but I do hope that he found peace although many yearned for his blood. My dear friend, how much I did cry for you when I found out, your family will miss you always...

I will fight on your behalf and for everyone else who is [or was] in your situation so that we do not suffer the witnessing of unnecessary deaths. This could be my calling to leave a lasting impact here on Earth, and initiate some much needed change in our society...

Jennifer
Elizabeth
José
and now, Heliberto Chi
Rest in Peace

Of Blood, Nationality, and the Right to Life.

As Jose Medellin's execution for the 1993 rape and murder of two girls [alongside 5 other gang-members] looms over the horizon, tomorrow August 5th is a day of closure for some and a loss for others. Unfortunately, Medellin's high-profile case has made it extremely difficult for a stay of execution [as you can tell I am against the death penalty].

Being in close contact with the inmate, I've become interested in the trial itself and what the media has to portray-and I've come to the same [disillusioned] conclusion:

People are stupid- their arguments for supporting Medellin's death sentence is another excuse to push their racist and anti-immigrant agendas.

I ask that you go to Yahoo!, Google, or whatever and type in Jose Medellin- any Texan webnews will have a story on him-- read as you like but pay attention to the "Citizen's Column" AKA the comments. I read over and over on why "Mexico should work harder to close its borders and keep its people away from the U.S." Dozens of people commented on the inmate's "ILLEGAL" status.

I can't help but to think,"WOW people, think beyond his country of origin, and look at the matter at hand!"

Yet they continue spewing hatred and fear-- I am truly disappointed in the American people, no joke, for actually holding such destructive thoughts.If you're going to argue on something so great as someone else's life, make it smart and relevant, not unsubstantiated and so 18th century.

I Love The French.

At least I know they appreciate the arts.

One of my favorite auteurs of all time, Camus he sums up the importance of the arts' impact:

It reads: Without Freedom, No Art; Art lives only on the restraints it imposes itself and dies of all others.
Ah, glory!

Until then, The Gomez is out.

Forgotten Letters.

"Tragedia"

Writing letters is usually an activity that involves at least two people: the writer and the reader... However, when you write a letter to someone who will never receive it-- that is where the plot gets interesting...

This is a story about an experience I had years ago, when I discovered a beautiful, worn box and I was intrigued to find out the contents within the box [if anything!]

-What I discovered was something very much out of a Hollywood film-

I found these uber-aged envelopes with the most hauntingly beautiful writing I have ever read. These are letters brimming with unrequited love, an eternal sadness, and a search for companionship, signed by a mysterious "La Amante Sofia" ["The Lover, Sofia]. My friend and I located this box on the outskirts of a park, and these letters looked so old, we were afraid of them turning into dust.

So we did the crazy, and decided to resort to some good, old-fashioned detective work and find the author behind these writings.

All but one of the letters were missing an address, so we went to the residence of the address, and sadly, the woman was not living there anymore; however, the current owners DID know the past owners and they planned to contact her about this box. A few days later, we got in contact with the previous owner and found out that she lived like 4 hours away! Thinking this was too good of an opportunity to pass up, my friend and I headed to her place and investigate the origins of these letters!

The look on this woman's face once she took a look into the box was -for lack of a better word- priceless. She just began weeping "My sister, my sister..." and said "Thank you" about a thousand times...

She sat us down for a very long, detailed story about her sister's legacy, who sadly took her life decades ago. These letters further highlight this woman at the deepest corners of despair... again, I have never read anything so beautiful and perfect, although overwhelmingly troubled. She was a person longing her love, leaving it up to one man and his word to return to her but instead finding love in another woman.

"La Amante Sofia" never recovered from this heartache, and began writing for days and days until sometime in between, she stopped writing.

Either out of spite or anger, she refused to sign her letters with her known name, and thus the creation of "Sofia."

I had so many questions, but seeing this nice old woman in tears was just too much and some things are better left as mysteries, no?

Some of her writings deeply affected the way I write everything- even these blogs-- although I'm nowhere near close to the amazing skill this woman had..

Alright, that was just a small story I had to share.

Until then, The Gomez is out.

Art Pieces For Sale.

I've finally decided to let go of two pieces for my college's art exhibit and sale.

I believe that the artwork has to reflect the course material, and since I'm currently taking figure drawing class, I'm submitting [tasteful] nudes to the exhibit.

Tell me what you think :o)

Mujer En Verde 1.0, 2007

La Femme Aux Ailes Bizarres, 2007

Until then, The Gomez is out.

Celebrity Update!

One of my previous posts mentioned that I saw 2 celebrities, well I got their names:

Harland Williams

&

James Woods

I wasn't too excited or anything, I guess it is Los Angeles after all...but I couldn't help but to let out a little gasp, haha.

Alright, until then..you know who is out--- The Gomez.

No-Name Model.

Hello everyone,


Today was an almost unending day- anywho...


I've decided to post another figure drawing.


As always, critiques are always welcome :o)

The full image [above]

Until then, The Gomez is out.

Richard.

This is a drawing I made several weeks ago:

Given the title, the model's name is Richard- so no, there is no new love interest with that name, haha. it felt good really taking my time into really emphasizing the detail in this work.

My two favorite areas in this specific drawing is his torso and his face. I had stumbled across the challenge of adding dimension to the drawing, and before working on this piece, Richard was a black and white mess-- and it didn't occur to me to use the beautiful paper as a means to add depth to the chair.

Ah ha!

He didn't look so flat afterwards-- anywho, my professor really likes it, and so do I..

Any feedback would be great :o)

Until then, The Gomez is out.

Bad movie, Black Friday, Feeding the Homeless.

Thanksgiving felt unbelievably lonely, haha. Although my family was there, it seems as if something is missing- as to what it is, I can't quite say, so maybe afterall nothing is missing?

Blah.

Anywho, on to Black Friday- America's manifestation of its extreme consumer culture packed into 4 a.m. shopping sprees- I would much rather sleep through it all. However, my cousin is a Black Friday virgin, and had never [to my amazement] heard of this fast growing pseudo-tradition. She also had plans of pulling an all-nighter so once we finish the shopping we'd go back to her house and sleep all day-weeeell, I had already pulled an all-nighter the previous night and I was just not up to shopping.
As my cousin went forth with the too-early-for-my-standards shopping, I slept in my friend's car..but I did join the frenzy at Target. People fighting over discount tv's, cameras, running back and forth between aisles, children could've died, people!!

I always seem to underestimate how frustrated I become with the rude, pushy people-- I'm never willing to participate if people are going to be assholes [pardon my language].
So I got my rest for the day yadda yadda and my cousin and I decide to go watch "The Mist." I did not read the novella or anything, but the movie was so tacky. Terrible. I won't expand on it, I guess you should watch it for yourself- the plot was just so out of control.. It is definitely not one of the best horror movies I've seen... no, no, no.

I saw two celebrities of which I did not know the names to either one of the guys, but that is my homework for the next blog, hahaha.

On a positive note, I went to help feed the homeless a very hearty meal, if you ask me- I was getting hungry myself... It's good to help people, you know?
It's that nice, warm, and fuzzy feeling kind-a thing.

Alrighty, I'm going to catch up on my ZzZz's, I am exhausted.

Until then, The Gomez is out.

Happy Turkey Day

Oh, the memories...

I hated making these hand turkeys as a kid, I felt they lacked so much creativity..so I remember tracing my hand like 3 times, I created the SUPER FEATHER'D ULTRA TUR-KAY!

It was ugly, but at least it was unique.

Anywho, I totally digressed from..

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE [to those who celebrate it!]

Round 2, Round 2!

Talking to a very special someone reminded me how much I missed blogging, so yes I am back here for Round 2 [DING DING!]

The whole reason why I began blogging was because I rid myself of the ever consuming myspace habit--- However, zee myspace is back up due to my cousin's relentless quest to have me there again, so yes, it's back, but I'm back here too.

Good stuff to come, now that I'm trying [really] to really focus on my art, and possibly get some feedback from the art community.

That's it for now, I'm at the mercy of the dreadful Thanksgiving dinner.

Ah...

The Gomez is out.

P.S. Wow, I can't believe the stuff I used to write about, I'm all embarassed now that I put my bad writing in the limelight, haha.

It makes for good jokes, I suppose.

Okay okay, I'm really out.

Thank you, really...

[before you guys go bitching, yes I took this from my myspace blog]
________________________________________________

Yes...(thank) you for teaching me to look to my inner self for strength, even when I felt like I had none- to not let people's judgement's get to the best of me- take everyone else's negativity and my own and make it into something productive- these are gifts I would would've not received/learned/what have you if you did not have to drill it in my head...and for that, I thank you.I always enjoyed your company, even if on the phone- whether or not you believe it...it was a thing of beauty really, insisting to sleep on the phone, haha, while you hummed yourself to sleep.At those times I was bogged down, and you brought and picked me up with your silly antics...and for that, I thank you again.I could go on for a bit just thanking you for the little things I observed...
But things are different now...I hear the frustration in your voice, and now things I say are stupid. I feel like I'm the one chasing you for a call, and when you do manage to call, it is 3 am, and you knock out immediately, while I talk to you about something... I'd rather not be called than talking to not be listened to. From the past, I learned to be tuned into language and body gestures...and since distance seems to be a problem, you'd think I wouldn't be able to tell that you lost interest?A while back, you said you weren't like "most guys"..and I thank you for teaching me that that is wrong. You can't just say something and expect me to believe you, for every "other" guy who's said so brought only disappointment.

This is when I truly believe that actions speak louder than any words...

Thank you for reminding me that I do not need to be in a relationship at this time. I have too many roles to be occupied with, and I just need time to finish until I move on. In my opinion, you are not ready either. I wouldn't dare say anything here, but I can always explain later.

So why myspace?Did you honestly think I'd want to do it here? No, of course not.However, I need to get this off my chest, so you may see it-- I can't stand you yelling at me whenever I feel the need to voice my opinions. You've shut me out far too many times, and I force myself to just act like nothing happened- but it's only a matter of time that little hassles amount to a big problem, and sadly it's come. This is not right-- when I feel fearful of telling you anything? This roulette-o-fear is a terror because anything I say could be a bullet that triggers your temper...this is not healthy- for you nor myself.
I've been honest to you, but when I tell you things and you insult me back with jealousy rages and hurtful words? That's like you spitting in my face, and I will not stand that kind of treatment. You said that you were joking, but what if I had pulled a similar "joke" on you? Pfsh, that would've been the end. I've dealt with this problem far too many times to take it any longer.
I'm not just blaming you- no..it is also my fault- I've done/said some stupid things, if I point the finger solely at you is just foolish...
After you abruptly hung up on me because you got angry for lulling myself to sleep, that was the moment I felt like I needed to take action. You said you'd tell me if you didn't want to talk to me- everything you do points in that direction, but you don't say a word...so here I am....and no, this is not for the whole world to see...so if you have anything to say in regards to this...You know what to do.
I won't just shut you out, nor will I totally blow off everything you say-
I wish you the very best of luck in everything you do.

Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story

Openly gay, experimental filmmaker Todd Haynes burst upon the scene two years after his graduation from Brown University with his now-infamous 43-minute cult treasure "Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story" (1987). Seizing upon the inspired gimmick of using Barbie and Ken dolls to sympathetically recount the story of the pop star's death from anorexia, he spent months making miniature dishes, chairs, costumes, Kleenex and Ex-Lax boxes, and Carpenters' records to create the film's intricate, doll-size mise-en-scene. The result was both audacious and accomplished as the dolls seemingly ceased to be dolls leaving the audience weeping for the tragic singer. Unfortunately, Richard Carpenter's enmity for the film (which made him look like a selfish jerk) led to the serving of a "cease and desist" order in 1989, and despite the director's offer "to only show the film in clinics and schools, with all money going to the Karen Carpenter memorial fund for anorexia research," "Superstar" remains buried, one of the few films in modern America that cannot be seen by the general public. Now finally you have a chance to see this piece.

Eight Months...

Eight months exactly to this day...I decided to look at some old posts, and see how much I've changed.

I've got updates too.

Well, you you remember reading way back when, I no longer have feelings for Tom*, nor have I really spoken to him since the end of classes. I saw him once or twice, and his immense love for his super nice girlfriend was something that I could do nothing but admire.

I envy her, I really do. Not for having Tom, but rather the fact that he loves her so much.

I'd love to love like that, and to be loved like that.

Like you, I am rolling my eyes at this moment! ah...

So yeah, Tom is out of my life---everything is just about the same.

"Coeurs Au Chocolat, Quel qu'un?"

Until then, The Gomez is out.

Twenty-Four Hour Lipstick and Whatnot.

Before you head out to purchase your favorite tube of long-lasting lipstick- Buyer Beware.

We all have grown fond of our long-lasting, million-minute lipstick. Resistant to kisses, drinks, foods, et cetera...However, according to a recent study from Doctor Nahid Neman [Mt. Sinai Hospital, Toronto] reports that long-lasting lipstick contains a significant amount of lead.

I do not want to spread false information, but if my understanding is correct, the longer the lipstick lasts, the higher content of lead. Of course, lead in this form causes cancer. Therefore, the higher the lead content, the greater the chance of causing cancer.

You would think that you'd boycott the cheapy, no-name brands, for overlooking such a dangerous substance? Well, I suggest you save yourself some big-time money and start looking for lip stick at your local drug store, for it was the big-name brands that had the highest concentration of lead. The study also suggests that the lead is closely linked to breast cancer.

Some lipstick brands [of which you will recognize] that have lead content are as follows.

1. Yves Saint Laurent- YSL
2. Christian Dior
3. Lancôme
4. Clinique
5. Estée Lauder
6. Shiseido
7. Red Earth [Lip gloss]
8. Chanel [Lip conditioner]

Out of these 8, Yves Saint Laurent's brand was found to have the highest concentration of lead. The things we do and buy to attain picture-perfect looks...

----Beauty Kills----

...and how to find out if your favorite lipstick has lead? Put some lipstick on your hand. Using a gold ring to scratch on the lipstick, if the color starts to turn black, you've got a winner-err.... lead-based lipstick. Sad to say, but if you are as health-conscious as myself and have no desire to get cancer, I highly suggest you throw that lip stick out, find a similar color and apply more often.
I know we sacrifice many things out fo convenience, but when you're overall well-being is at stake? I'd much rather apply the lipstick 10 times a day, rather than deal with cancer in the future.
With that said, it is always up toy ou what you do with your own body.
The Gomez is out.

Letter to the PreZ.

Dear Mr. President,
It is a disgrace that your country faces a moral dispute. I speak for those who have no voice, risking their lives in order to give their loved ones a future they never lived. The new, young children of these immigrants began their lives in a foreign country, completely unaware of their lack of identity. Like them, I've learned your language & history, implemented your values, and learned to love this country- yet we've maintained our unique cultural identity, for your country was founded on the blood and suffering of many different peoples. As children we assumed rights just like everyone else. Early on, we learned that all people are equal, especially in your country. Land of the Free...However, to find at that [no] we are different and lack rights only disheartens us. It angers us how we suddenly lost our identity, and during these few months, we suddenly became inferior criminals. I am unprepared to go through a hiatus in my education, just because your country and its people refuse to accept me. After years of an effortless attempt to fit in a country we call our own, we find ourselves crawling back to associate with a society that seems to turn its back on us. It is indisputable that we always contributed to the well-being and culture of our second homeland.
Centuries ago, your ancestors came to this land full of promises and hope for change. The new generation of immigrants deserve that same desire to succeed.
This country will never live up to is name if you allow such hatred and racism to proliferate your people against those who years [ and might I add, DESERVE] a second chance.
Sincerely,
The New American Immigrant.

Oi, Immigration.

Yea, it definitely is a racist issue. I read in some newspaper that cops would start detaining people according to their appearances. I mean, the odd are in my favor, I don't look Mexican...but how about all the countless American citizen indigenous-looking Mexicans? Must they face countless episodes of po-po intervention?
This is ridiculous.

I am out of here! ...and to France!

...or England...

point being, I am so sick of living in a place where I've no rights whatsoever!!!

Until then, The Gomez is out.

New and Improved [to be continued].

Yes, yes. I know. I have not posted anything up for a while. I have been way too busy to even come up with anything clever. I have yet to come up with something cheesy and thought provoking, so I thought I would post up some not-quite-finished-paintings. One original, and one not-so...I hope ya'll enjoy.

Until then, The Gomez is out.

[My own painting, taken from Caravaggio's great "Flagellation of Christ". 2006]

[detail of my father's portrait. 2006]