Christian Robinson -Inspiring video

 

Always dug Christian's work, its great to hear some of his story! Check out his site.

If you missed my last posts about an inspiring artist "Zeke Peña" or "Elizabeth Catlett".

UnPeeled reading w/ Bananas

April 23rd I'll be reading for "UnPeeled" for a local children's organization called "BANANAS" who helped me and my family out a bunch when my kids were their youngest. If you're in the Bay, come to Fairyland and hear myself and Angela Dalton will be reading that day. 

For more info check out this link.

Character 162 - My neighbor

 

This is a quick character based on my neighbor who is always out very early walking their dogs and wearing some of the coolest sneakers or sports gear.

Here's a video showing the painting process

The previous character is Spikey

And here is the last character collage

A few details:

Goapele Interview + fav songs

 

Nice interview w/ Goapele of Oakland talking about different points in her career. Brought back some memories and reminded me to peep her newer music.I'll admit I am often impressed by Talib's knowledge of Bay Area music. In this interview she talks about a bunch of stuff and could've listened to even more about her process, family, and future plans.

2001-Even Closer

Red White & Blues is a dope anti-war song she did right after the 9-11 attack in NYC. I remember watching her perform this at Frank Ogawa Plaza. I also love Childhood drama (Herbie hancock remix), Romantic, Too much the same, Things don't exist, and of course the classic from the same album. 

CLOSER! produced by Amp Live of Zion-I.

And some more i love that you might like....

2005- Change it All (also feat her activist roots) , Different w/ Clyde Carson (The Team), and First Love

2008-Don't be Shy is my jam, Milk & Honey

2011- Play, Money

2017- Dreamseeker EP  Cool Breeze

If you dig her and want to hear more soul please check out : Stuff I've been Listening to 17 w/ SOUL

School visit: Alejandria Fights back

 

This is an image from a school visit to a school in Oakland. Organizer Heather Appel (masked and standing in the rear) and myself read to this huge group of students wearing our masks and it is never not fun to share stories like Alejandria Fights Back with kids. 

If you haven't seen the book trailer , check it out here:

If you are a school teacher who would like to get a copy of the book or some resources for it check out the website: www.alejandriafightsback.com/

Decolonizing Children's Bks - Justine Villanueva

 

This is a great talk between Justine Villanueva, the founder of Sawaga River Press and Dr Robyn Magalit Rodriguez founder of the Bulosan center for Filipino Studies. 

Check out Robyn here

And Justine's company here.

Here's another interview w/Justine Villanueva

Latinx Comic Arts Festival 2022

 

Hey fam, I'm excited to be a guest at the 2022 Latinx Comic Arts Festival. I visited Modesto Jr College back in 2018 for the Latino Comics Expo and I was slated to be at the 2020 Latinx Comics Arts Fest but it was shut down due to Covid. Anyways, its back on and I'll be there, so tell your homies in Central Cali to come thru.

The facebook event link is HERE

For more info you can go to the website 

You can see some of the virtual panels here:

Children's portrait 66 - Karen's Nephews

 

Errray, I painted this at the beginning of the year for a woman named Karen. I don't know much about the kids, but they're super cute and mixed babies of course. Check out some of the process below. And if you're interested in getting a kid or family painted, here's the LINK

If you like seeing these, here are a few others:

Children's Portrait 63- Jabreel, Kubwa, & Jahlyl

Children's Portrait 64- Belen's Family

Children's Portrait 55-56- Cinthya's kids

Inspiration board 40

 

You ready to see something cool?! Here are some inspiring folks, things from top to bottom, and left to right:

1. "La Bestia"- Animated short film by Marlijn Van Nuenen, Ram Tamez, Alfredo Gerard Kuttikat

2. Take Back the Block by Chrystal D Giles abt housing

3. Bisa Butler-Incredible quilt artist

4. Claire Wendling- French illustrator

5. Moonchild's new album "Starfruit"

6. SPO/ Slim Pickins Outfitters-Blk owned outdoor store

7. Jason Wilson of Cave of Adullam-martial arts/emotional support

8. Girls Garage- Org teaching young women/ gender expansive building

9. Noni Session of East Bay Permanent Real Estate Coop

10. Zilo-Artist /Vocalist/songwriter

11. Gabby Zapata- Character designer/vis dev artist

12. Organizers against Oakland school closures-Inspiring!!!

13. Swan Song - Sci fi Film starring Mahershala Ali

14. Zeke Peña- Southwest illustrator

15. Dragons in a Bag- Zetta Elliott abt dragons and magic!

16. Columbian Illustrator/comics artist-Lorena Alvarez

Please check out the links and support these folks, things, etc.

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here are a few 

Inspiration board 39 

Inspiration board 38

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.

Who am I? My name is Rob and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube.

You can purchase my book "Art of Rob" here

Inspiring Artist - Zeke Peña

 

Zeke Peña is an incredible artist working in traditional fine art, and digital illustration. I don't remember which piece brought me to his work but I love it. The rich colors, the realism and the exaggeration. I love how his work portrays all types of people and how he tells a story through visuals.

Zeke has worked on a bunch of books! Picture books, comics, and middle grade covers. And I suspect we'll be seeing a lot more illustration and some writing coming from him soon. In addition to book work you can tell he really digs working with the community on art projects that puts their stories first.

Here you can see a video presentation where he talks about some of his work.

If you dig his work go check him out at www.zpvisual.com

And the last inspiring artist I shared was Gabby Zapata and Bisa Butler