.

The Phoenix Rising

2012-01-17T07:11:00.000-08:00

January 2012 started off with this mural located in the center of downtown Phoenix.
I was fortunate enough to be chosen out of a group of artists to paint this piece on 1st street between Washington and Adams.

As far as I know, this is the first large scale mural in downtown Phoenix in 25 years. The last large mural was painted by none other than Keith Haring back in the late 80's.

[Photo by Michael Nothum]

[Photo by Michael Nothum]

I think its a big step in the right direction for mural art in downtown Phoenix. With so many blank walls, this piece a breath of life for the downtown vicinity of sky scraper offices and banks

[Photo by Michael Nothum]

[Photo by Michael Nothum]

The politics and media of our cities, county and state seem to do a good job at portraying this as a place of ignorance and racism to the outside world.

This Phoenix bird represents the everyday people who live, work and just try to get by each day with the struggles of just being themselves. Its a symbol of strength that says consciously "RISE ABOVE" or elevate our own minds with knowledge, wisdom, focus and respect. Its meant to be all of us connected to one another, representing unification, beauty and love as a community and people, no matter what our background.

Photos from Rezolution

2012-01-12T06:11:00.000-08:00

photo by Sam Gomez

A few photos of before, during and after the opening for Rezolution at The Hive last month. Successful event all around. Great turn out.

Chip Thomas aka Jetsonorama

Douglas Miles. The process

Thomas Greyeyes

Billboard co-lab w Jetsonorama (Chip Thomas)

2011-12-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

A recent collaborative piece w Jetsonorama(Chip Thomas). This piece is apart of the Rezolution show at The Hive on 16th st.

2011-11-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

Rezolution came about kinda last minute...My friends Steve and Julia at The Hive on 16th st gave me use of the space for December earlier this year, but 2 months ago asked if I would be willing to show with Chip Thomas also known as Jetsonorama.
Chip is a Doctor up in Shonto, Az... a super down to earth dude, Ive been following his work for the last year or so. I was open to the idea, so that sort of steered me into the curating direction of bringing in 5 other talented Artists...Doug Miles, Tom Greyeyes, Dwayne Manuel, Anthony Thosh Collins, and Razelle Benally.

I wanted the theme to reflect what we've come to call "Rez Life". So I chose artists who are not only prolific but can relate to the context of Rez Life. Its also a play on finding Resolutions to the problems of everyday rez life as well as the stereotypes Native People still get portrayed as from outsiders.

Here is my write up on the show along with a pic of Chip's(Jetsonorama) work

R E Z O L U T I O N
7 Artists will converge upon The Hive art space in Phoenix, Arizona on December 16th 2011 for the group show titled Rezolution (Resolution).
Rezolution (spelled with a Z instead of an S), is a focus on 7 artists who have experienced Native American Reservation life first hand and know the historical as well as the daily modern struggles, triumphs, smiles and cries better than anyone else in the so called American Dream Land. A popular term amongst Native people refers to these communities and land areas simply as “The Rez”.
Douglas Miles is an Apache artist from the San Carlos Apache Nation although he has already been recognized internationally and nationally for the last decade and more, Miles has recently gained the attention of the southern California gallery and street style art scenes. Miles brings stark depictions of strength with his stencils and illustrations of contemporary Apache women and warriors, while incorporating elaborate hand written typography that is heavily influenced by inner city “Cholo” writing which has its origins in Los Angeles.
Chip Thomas, a doctor on the Dine(Navajo) Reservation for the last 24 yrs, has recently taken inspiration from international street artists like Blu, JR, Os Gemeos, Gaia, and others by starting his own series of giant wheat paste murals from images that he has photographed and documented since first moving to Shonto, Az in 1987. Although not Navajo himself, Chip has seen a lot of love and support from his community of Shonto Arizona, as well as heavy outside criticism.
In addition to Doug and Chip: Anthony “Thosh” Collins (Photographer), Razelle Benally (Film Maker), Dwayne Manuel (Painter), Tom Greyeyes (Painter) and local Phx muralist Breeze will be participating. All 7 artists know what it means to live on a “Rez”, and have taken their experiences of everyday life, cultural identities and harnessed them into positive creativity through contemporary Photography, Film, Brush Painting, Charcoal, Graffiti Art, Propaganda, Stencils, Wheat Paste, Spray Paint, and more.
In many ways, the tool known as Art is now a modern warrior’s weapon and resource in being a voice for the at times seemingly forgotten original inhabitants. Rezolution is a platform to exhibit various styles and educate the unaware and unknowing populations about contemporary Native life, art work and the missions to break stereotypes and presumptions of what mainstream society portrays and exploits the American Indian as.
The imagery in this show will be truthful, abstract, blunt, surrealistic and ironically foreign to many eyes looking in from the outside.

-Thomas Breeze Marcus

"Moadak" Mural on Roosevelt

2011-10-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

The Original Inhabitants of the valley are my people, The Akimel O'odham(River People), and we are descendants of the HuHuGam(HoHoKam) who also lived in the valley thousands of years before any other culture/civilization. This mural is a tribute to our mountain we call Moadak(Greasy Mtn), which is known as South Mountain to the none O'odham people of the valley.

Moadak or "Greasy Mtn" as its known in our O'odham Niok, is traditionally a sacred mountain in our HimDak (way of life). The story of I'toi or the elder brother, who is the Man inside the Maze, watches over us and in the Akimel O'odham belief, his home is on top of Moadak. The Man in the Maze symbol represents the circle of life, and the decisions we make as we journey through it.

Moadak for the HuHuGam ancestors held secrets and mysterious power, You can find evidence of this by the art the ancestors left behind on the rocks.
Today, South Mtn is a natural preserve and park, along with it still holding importance to us, the Akimel O'odham of Salt River and Gila River.
It is also in the middle of a battle between ADOT, Gila River, and traditionalists from surrounding O'odham communities, because there is a proposal to build a freeway that would go through parts of Gila River and the mountain, but attempts to stop construction and throw out the proposal are underway. The last thing we need is another sacred mountain to Indigenous peoples and land taken away.

505 NM Labor Day 2011

2011-09-14T00:08:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend I made the drive out to Albuquerque New Mexico for "BOMB THE CANVAS 4", a well respected and highly publicized event in Albuquerque. I was fortunate enough to be able to showcase a couple new vinyl pieces from a new series Im working on. Thanks to SUG RTD.

I can't find my photos from the friday evening canvas event. However, the entire holiday weekend was full of non stop wall action throughout the city of "Burque". The ACME wall on Saturday was full with about 50 graffiti artists/writers from around the country including: SUG(ABQ), PERISH(S.FE), KAPER(PHX), KING 157(CA), WANE COD(NYC), CAVS(NYC), PATH(ABQ), BANX(ABQ), TAZER(CO), SLOKE(TX), PERSK(ABQ), DISKO(ABQ), CLOSER(PHX), and SHOCK(S.FE) just to name a few.

A few back and forth trips up to Santa Fe, I was able to paint the other side of this cool little traveling camper that I actually painted one side of last summer during the Santa Fe Market. "Tortuga" as its owner Metta Ravenheart calls it, is hitting the road throughout the western states. Keep an eye out.

This year's trip and painted sides.

The 1st side I painted last year. Look in the archives from last August.

This photo was taken near Laguna Pueblo on the way home. Nothing like NM rains.

Great weather, food, people and good times all around. Looking forward to another 505 trip in the immediate future.

Barrio Cafe/ Calle 16

2011-08-10T22:52:00.000-07:00

A new co-lab on 16th st for me n Lalo Cota.
This time the new piece is in the parking lot of Barrio Cafe-2814 North 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ.
The existing murals behind and around Barrio Cafe are apart of the Calle 16 mural project and painted by other local Phoenician Muralists such as El Moises, Dose, Hugo Medina, Genaro Garcia, Enuf and others.
Lalo was working on two separate murals, one right behind the other, when I came in to work on his large female character with day of the dead themed face paint.

after two nights of work and with the last night working till almost 5am.

A peak at Lalo Cota's other mural in front of the new collaborative.

New Print by Self Help Graphics

2011-07-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

Self Help Graphics is a nationally recognized community arts center with more than 40years of history in East LA.
They have been doing print making, art workshops and many other community based projects since 1970.
I was fortunate enough to fly out to LA recently and have a new print made by SHG's lead printer Joe Alpuche.
SHG has done print work for many artists including El Mac, Shepard Fairey, Mear One, Vyal, Defer K2STN, and Douglas Miles X Apache Skateboards just to name a few.

Special thank you everyone at Self Help Graphics

Edition of 88
Signed and numbered
For more information email: breezephx@gmail.com

Book:Phoenix Canvas

2011-07-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

There are many people in the valley who have an appreciation for public art. Im finding out lately that there are quite a few people who genuinely like and appreciate graffiti on the streets as well. There seems to be a fascination and even an obsession with documenting new and current works including graffiti art, community mural art, etc. and not just by the artists themselves or local authorities(in illegal graffiti cases).

Local gallery owner Weston Henry, recently opened up a funky boutique style gallery just off of roosevelt row called Cade Gallery.
Weston is also a photographer, and as he puts it, "A trip back from Albuquerque motivated me to start shooting" and now Weston has documented and published portions of Phoenix's local public wall art, mural and graffiti movements in this new book titled "Phoenix Canvas".

(Left-Lalo and Myself/ Right-El Mac and Kofie)

It features some of the most recognizable local works of outdoor art, painted by some of Phoenix's finest Artists, Muralists and Graffiti Writers such as El Mac, Sinek, Pablo Luna, El Moises, Dose, Rank, Kel along with crews TAF, CON,EMT and more . It even shows the progression of Lalo and I's mural behind Jobot(formerly HoodRide) and the Lost Leaf, where at some point some dickless fuck wrote over a small part of the mural, which Lalo fixed later by changing the Jesus face to Arizona's most notorious village idiots, Jan Brewer and Joe Arpaio.

Big thanks to Weston for publishing Lalo and I's 5th street mural along with giving Lalo the front cover. If you notice in the background of Lalo's cover piece, you can see of small piece of the Skate Bowl at Desert West Skate Park before Lalo and I painted the entire bowl back in April.

Go to Cade Gallery's online store to purchase a copy of Phoenix Canvas
www.cadegallery.com

Installation July 2011

2011-07-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

A new installation added inside the downstairs of Barsmith in downtown Phoenix.

Im pretty happy with the way it came out. I think it would make for a good backdrop for a body art photo shoot.
Any takers?

=Hoodride X Breeze X Lalo X Pacifico=

2011-06-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

A quick little piece at HoodRide Bike Shop in Central Phx. Sponsored by Pacifico Beer and Creature Ad Agency. These are pics from a small private BBQ we had with the sponsors and a few close downtown friends. Lalo and I did this piece live during the BBQ after sunset. Good times, especially on a Monday night.
Ill post more details about the project later, after Pacifico and Creature's road trip ends in Seattle at the end of the month.

THANKS Derrick and Cindy @ Hoodride, and to Pacifico and Creature Ad Agency.

Nitty Gritty/ 5 & 6 opening

2011-06-02T00:31:00.000-07:00

Friday May 20th marked another milestone in the legacy of the Nitty Gritty art shows.
If I remember correctly the first "Nitty Gritty" was back in the winter of 98', which was hosted by the Tonatierra community center off of 7th St and Mckinley. It was my first experience in being apart of any art exhibit back then. Fast forward 13years later, I am thankful and happy to be apart of the 2011 exhibit which we hosted at 5 & 6 artspace in old town Scottsdale.

Many of the original members showed up as well as original artists from the very 1st show back in the 90s. Armando Rascon, Miles "El Mac" MacGregor, Pablo Luna, Lalo Cota, Keith Knight, Matt Dickson and more all showed support as well as new current works.
Crazy to see guys you grew up and evolved with over the course of a decade and a half, show up and practically pick up right where they left off. A bit nostalgic? Maybe. A little more tamed than original Nitty Gritty shows? Perhaps. But the presence of high caliber art work and the maturity of style certainly illuminated the stark and boring strip of art galleries in old town Scottsdale.

Maybe its because of all the Naturally Gifted, Never Guilty, graffiti influenced, and school of hard knocks "soul" that went into all the work inside 5 & 6 for the Nitty Gritty?

Good people, good art, good times.......

(top: El Mac 01' bottom: "Fyse" 01'?)

(Classic Lalo spray can)

stuntman 21 RAK LOL!

Group shot of some random bums

V.III.I.VII.

2011-05-18T12:28:00.001-07:00

"V.III.I.VII"
The new design just released is based on the idea of taking back and taking over sacred symbols, geometry, and knowledge. For centuries, corrupt organizations have been stealing sacred symbols. One example being the "All seeing eye" or Pyramid with the eye, which is often associated with Conspiracy, Free Masons, NWO etc.
Ancient human ancestors such as the Egyptians, used the symbol to represent the Eye of Horus, which represented protection, power, and health. The Symbol is also found in Buddhism as Buddha's "Eye of the world".

This… is the take over. V.III.I.VII. (5317) Has the pyramid(triangle) with a complex sun(circle) design around it, with a record for an eye.
The wings right below represent the divinity of us as spiritual beings, and the importance of complex thought and creativity. It is also a symbol to represent "inspiration to take flight", meaning we are infinite and boundless, so let us live to our fullest potential.
Last but not least is the "coded language" scripture at the bottom. It represents all ancient scriptures of knowledge and wisdom throughout human history.

bboy Remind/SEC

Bonnie Yuen

Tondra Dene

For those who already know what 5317 is, you know the rabbit hole goes even further. For those who do not, keep your eyes, ears and minds open for more to come.

Many thanks to Bboy Remind, Bonnie Yuen, Tondra Dene, Sam Gomez and Mike Cause.

For shirt info: email breezephx@gmail.com

=DESERT WEST SKATE PARK= LALO x BREEZE

2011-04-12T17:45:00.000-07:00

Heart and Phoenix Bird by Lalo Cota

2 Weeks later. Crazy Weather both hot and cold....

1 giant competition, and clear coat....Finally done.

the deep end

We were only able to complete about 75 percent of the piece before the PHX AM...
These were some shots of the skaters testing out the bowl

During the PHX AM

Air

Boombox by Lalo. Wings by Breeze

Even this little section of concrete got some love at the park.

The last week during March, Lalo and I started the "BOWL" at Desert West Skate Park in the Maryvale section of West Phoenix. That following weekend of April 2nd and 3rd was Cowtown Skateboards annual competition, The PHX AM. We were only able to complete about 3/4 of the bowl and had to take the weekend off for the Comp. I cant believe how hot it was ( 100 degrees +) during the event.

After the jam was over, we went back to work doing final touch ups and painting some additional art around the park. Funny that the following Sat, 1 week after the PHX AM, it was 50degrees and raining.

Overall, a very long couple weeks, but a good couple weeks as well. We got to know some of the local skaters and they couldn't have been more supportive, respectful, and thankful for the new addition that we not only did, but what the City of Phoenix and Cowtown added to the park as far as obstacles.

The skaters' names' who we got to know very well was a young man named Marcus, and an intense brother named Austin, who went by "Monkey".
Monkey had passed away a couple years back, and his ashes were poured inside the bowl's concrete while it was being built.
"Monkey loved skateboarding, it was his whole life" ...."Monkey was a BEAST! And very few could hang" -Desert West Locals x D.a.s.c
After hearing stories from some of the local crew, I could tell the park and Phx skate community lost someone special. I thought about him and the tales I heard while I was painting. SKATE IN PEACE "MONKEY" D.A.S.C.!!!

In the end it was nice to be back on the good ol WEST SIDE.

Special Thanks to Cowtown Skateboards, the City of Phoenix, Desert West Park, the PHX AM and all the local skaters at the "Dirty West"

-Breeze

In between

2011-04-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

Quick Flicks and update.
Here are some photos of recent markings Ive left behind.

First off, a couple weeks ago Bboy Remind of Style Elements Crew along with Closer, put together an all style all creative event which took place at Just Blaze.

Inside J.Blaze/ Installation with painting and boombox.

A fun night in Tempe behind Wet Paint and Cartel. This was apart of the show Sticker Phiends. Vehicle was painted by several artists. Good Times.

And finally, a follow up on the Pravus Gallery indoor mural from the show Indian Ink II last month. Finished product and will be up through the summer. Breeze, Lalo Cota and Doug Miles.

Ok. Cutting it short. Be back with =Desert West Skate Park=

Spring 2011/ Barsmith

2011-03-21T00:38:00.000-07:00

This is a recent project inside the venue/club Barsmith,
located at 130 E. Washington
Downtown Phoenix, Az.
This is a continuous project in which I'll be doing a little more work for in the near future.
Other works by Lalo Cota.
More photos coming as soon as I get a chance.

Barsmith hours are 9pm-2am Wednesday-Thursday-Sunday
9pm-3am on Fridays...
..And 9pm-3am for the night "Solstice Saturdays"

Special thanks to Pete Salaz,Sean Badger, Lalo Cota, and Jess Jordan of Wet Paint Art Supply.

more of Lalo's work coming soon...

Indian Ink Opening/Reception 3/4-3/6

2011-03-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

Photo collage by Sam Gomez/Forever Rising

Photos from the opening 3/4/11 and the reception 3/5/11.
Art Detour weekend is coming March 18th,19th,20th. Round 2 coming soon

D.Miles

Apache X Breeze Co-lab

Melissa Cody, Mike Goodwin, Lalo Cota

Mural in progress. Inside Pravus. D.Miles, Breeze, Lalo

Photo by Ken Richardson

D.Miles/Apache Skateboards Photo by Ken Richardson

In the window
Photo by Ken Richardson

Works by Mellisa Cody Photo by Ken Richardson

Rose Simpson(Sorry Rose, I need a better close up shot)

Lalo Cota

Yatika Fields

Rebekah Miles

Micah Wesley

Exit through the Heard Museum gift shop

Pics from the Unity Run Benefit

2011-03-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

Salt River Az 2-26-11
A special thanks to all who came out. Community Members from Salt River, Tohono O'odham, Gila River, San Carlos Apache, Dine/Navajo Nation.
Also, Apache Skateboards(Douglas Miles Jr and Sr). 7th Army. Rack n Stack. Forever Rising. Dj Element. G Jewelry. Way Cool Hair Salon. BlackFire. Shining Soul. Definition Rare. Darrell D. Djentrification. All the painters, kids, elders, and the cooks!

Doug Miles Jr. Apache Skateboards

"Nox" Tucson/Tohono O'odham Nation

Douglas Miles Sr working. Unek Systems in the house.

O'odham song and dance.

Blackfire

D Miles

"Plastic Antics"

2011-02-28T00:42:00.000-08:00

5&6 Gallery has a new show and a new LOCATION coming soon.
We are moving, but only 100ft north of the old space.

Opening Thursday March 10th 6pm-9pm
Plastic Antics @ 5&6 Gallery
7051 East 5th Ave
Suite E
Scottsdale, Az. 85251
(Behind 5th n Wine on Marshall Way and 5th Ave)

INDIAN INK II SAT March 5th 2011

2011-02-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

INDIAN INK II SAT March 5th 2011
6pm-9pm

Last August, Douglas Miles(Apache Skateboards) curated a gallery show in Santa Fe titled "Indian Ink", and pulled together a group of artists whose works speak heavy with blends of traditional technique, contemporary concepts, and original designs. This March is no different as we bring Indian Ink II to Pravus Gallery in Phoenix Arizona, during the Heard Museum Art Market weekend, and Roosevelt Rows 1st Friday weekend.
The concept is the same. Native American/American Indian/Indigenous (etc etc) Artists whose works will be primarily in black and white. This year Indian Ink brings in two new editions, Mellisa Cody and Lalo Cota, both very fitting to the line up of already diverse Artists whose styles are each individually very distinctive.

PRAVUS GALLERY
501 E Roosevelt Rd
Phoenix, Az
Sat March 5th 2011

5 & 6 Gallery/ New Partnership

2011-01-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

-Starting February 2011, myself along with Lalo Cota, will be the new additions to the 5 & 6 partnership.

Scottsdale has been long over due for the next generation in art galleries. With less than interesting exhibits and or the same repetitive work, many galleries at times (not just in Scottsdale, but everywhere, in all genres of art)have the tendency to become stagnate and boring.

Thankfully the art world shifts its focus quite a bit, and is always looking and making room for the newest and freshest work. But like all things new, it just takes time to sink in, and for the rest of society to catch on if it ever does. A lot of newer(and not limited to) Pop Culture infused surrealism, abstract graffiti, propaganda inspired street art, are just some of the latest styles of work that have been ascending over visual and sociological boundaries, which is the point in creating art anyway right? Well I can say that for most Graffiti at least.

Last spring in old town Scottsdale, a couple new galleries emerged on Marshall Way, across the street from the Bentley Gallery. Squeeze Gallery and 5 & 6.
Some local artists got together to form a collective which would lay the ground work for what is now 5 & 6 Gallery.
Over the last 10months or so, 5 & 6 has gone through a few changes but has persevered and maintained its integrity in presenting quality fine art in a professional manner.

Artists and original gallery partners Joshua Rhodes, Dan Diaz, and Jason Rudolph Pena have done an awesome job to say the least. I was fortunate to participate in two group exhibitions since the summer.
Their dedication has certainly paid off. I am honored to work with other individuals who are equally focused and serious about art.
Art for some is a hobby. For us, its our lively hood... And their is no room and no such thing as failure.

You can be sure that 5&6 has 2011 ready to go and is a few moves ahead on the chessboard.

So now with the new year and latest merge...
5&6 Gallery Joshua Rhodes, Dan Diaz, Lalo Cota, Thomas Breeze Marcus, Jason Rudolph Pena, Adam Dumper.

5 & 6 Gallery presents its first 2011 group exhibit with 17 artists to give you a heart on.

www.5and6artspace.com/
www.facebook.com/pages/5-and-6-Gallery/102907883084919

XVI St

2010-12-09T23:47:00.001-08:00

A walk down this street off of Oak or anywhere from Indian School to about....shit at least Mohave and farther(which is about 5miles down the road going south), you'll find yourself immersed in a rich community. I dont mean rich by monetary standards or fancy buildings and your typical boring Starbucks/Borders/PeiWei bullshit strip mall. Im talking rich in culture, history and diversity.

Like any neighborhood in any city around the world, there are ups and down on this street. There are tags and scrawls by local neighborhood kids all up and down the street. You got families and people of all ethnicities who have been in the area for years, and some who came just in recent years. You'll see Paletas, tire shops, 99cent stores, little restaurants that sell delicious Tortas, Carne Asada burros, and bomb buck 50 happy hour tacos... Kids coming and going to school. Regular blue collar workers. Users and abusers. Homeboys. Panhandlers. Cars with rims and loud stereo systems. There is the occasional liberated homeless guy who can be seen walking by with a 40oz at the end of the day, which he probably copped after doing what little odd job he could find that day that probably paid him just enough to get something to eat and a beer.

People are working, hustling, living and just plain surviving the daily grind that we all go through. And at least 50percent of all the business signs are in Spanish and even a few in other languages...

Welcome to 16th Street.

Being born and raised in Phoenix, I have many memories of 16th street because I basically grew up on it. There are several landmarks, from the Phoenix Indian Hospital, to the Lucky Cue on Mcdowell, even down to the no longer existing original Food City on Mojave, not far from the once "Golden Gate" barrio which no longer exists because of development from the airport. You also have Eastlake park on Jefferson. Ranch Market on Roosevelt(which just opened up in the past few years). Moe Allen Auto Body Shop near Osborn. Hell, even the Phoenix House of Karate near Palm Ln...Im amused and amazed at the same time because its still around after all these years.

My Stepdad tells stories about growing up in the Duppa Villa Projects back in the 60's and 70's. And even my real father spent his last days living near the same neighborhood which borders 16th. I myself went to school just north of the Phoenix Indian Hospital at Madison Park Elementary on Campbell.

In the last 6months, a genuine group of locals who run Barrio Cafe, just off of Thomas rd, have spearheaded a project called the "Calle 16 Mural Project". The idea for the project is to get as many walls as possible painted by local artists, community members and activists etc etc. A big push for the project was not only to inspire and rejuvenate the area between Thomas and Mcdowell(for starters anyway)with artwork, but also out of response to the whole SB1070 controversy, which if you've been paying attention, I do not have to explain anything about.

Lalo and I have been busy with several projects individually and collaboratively. This was one that we were not going to say no to. Steve Helffrich runs an artist workspace on Cypress and 16th st called the "bee's knee's". A mutual friend and artist, Chadwick, had recommended myself to Steve, and I automatically brought in Lalo. We initially discussed painting the mural back in October. It wasnt until this past first friday in December that both Lalo and I had time to donate and the same schedule to link up and Collaborate once more.

We pretty much spent 3 to 4 hours a day on it for 7days. For that week, we got familiar not only with Steve, but with other locals from the neighborhood on Cypress.
Everyday we had mothers walking their kids by the mural. Random people pulling off 16th just to stop and admire the work, in some cases almost causing an accident once or twice. We got to know "Rudy" who lives behind the bee's knee's in a make shift corner in the alley with nothing more than the clothes on his back and a blanket.
The last day we met "Tweety". Tweety isnt very tall, has a thin build, probably mid 40s with jail house tats to the sleeves. A homie who spent 16yrs in the pen, and is now just doing the best he can day to day by working under the table for the tire shop across the street, as well as doing other random odd jobs up and down 16th. He shared with us that he learned to draw portraits while doing time. Although he expressed "I wasted a big chunk of my life away, thats why I aint tryin to fuck up now and just do me". Lalo and I both shared with him that at the very least he was able to attain a passion for art and encouraging him to keep up with it.
He showed his love for it as he stood and watched for a good half hour with nothing but good things to say about our work.

Everyone from the neighborhood that walked or drove by, expressed how much they loved the new mural, and how they hope to see a lot more.

With so much history on this street and with so much personal meaning to myself and my own experiences growing up seeing 16th change and evolve, I couldnt think of another wall or location in the city I would rather do work in. Im looking foward to doing much more with Lalo and others in the future.

At days end...No amount of money can compare to the satisfaction of doing a good job, especially when the people who your painting it for, genuinely appreciate it and embrace it as a new chapter in their daily lives on 16th street.....

Black and White ink drawings

2010-12-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

These prints are from a series of original ink drawings that I made for the group show "Indian Ink" in Santa Fe back in August.

"Be" 8.5x11 Print $30 unframed $60 framed

"Desert People" 8.5x11 Print $30 unframed $60 framed

"Crossover" 8.5x11 Print $30 unframed $60framed

"River People" 8.5x11 Print $30 unframed $60 framed

**$5 shipping and handing fee for out of state residents

Recent Photo shoots

2010-11-29T17:51:00.000-08:00

Photoshoot with Brenda Davis-Bombino(Photographer), Tondra Dene and Penny Benally

Model: Penny Benally

Model: Penny Benally

Model: Tondra Dene. Clothing by Tiffe Fermaint. MUA: Sina Urias. Flowers by Jenn Burden

Model: Tondra Dene. Earrings in this photo by Gjewelry

Model: Tondra Dene

These are the two most recent collaborative shoots Ive worked on. They were actually done earlier in the year. The shoot with Tondra was used as promotional material for the Saturday night "Solstice" at Barsmith in downtown Phoenix, where Tondra is the Hostess for the evening upstairs. Shout out to Pete Salaz for brainstorming and bringing everyone together for the shoot.

The photoshoot with Penny was the 2nd attempt we had done a couple months later. The first trial shoot with Penny was actually right after Tondra's on the same evening. However I was rushed for time and was not able to execute exactly what any of us were hoping for as far as the art went. I made up for it with the 2nd one.

Special thanks to Pete Salaz, Penny Benally, Tondra Dene, Brenda Davis-Bombino, Sina Urias, Tiffe Fermaint, Jenn Burden and Tina Goodson(GJewelry)

-B

Simply the West/ Red Bull n more

2010-11-15T14:27:00.001-08:00

Up next, "Simply The West" at 5 & 6 Gallery, Thursday November 18th 2010 in Scottsdale, Az. I believe this show will be up for a month. Also, a few pics of a recent Red Bull project that Lalo and myself painted on Halloween for a Day of the Dead party that Red Bull sponsored. Coming soon...Indian Ink II March 2010.

Gallery show Nov 18th 2010

Recent commission work.

Red Bull commission

Lalo starting it off

Under the influence

2010-10-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

Conversations come up with other artists and art lovers about who inspires or influences the work I do today. Many times during discussions about famous or influential artists, many people will automatically say Da Vinci or Michaelangelo for the classic renaissance reference, or Dali (surrealism), M.C. Escher, and or Keith Haring, Basquiat, etc for the "graffiti" artist era from the 80's. These are some of the more famous artists in recent years with the exception of Da Vinci and Michaelangelo.
I don't knock people for whom they choose to like, and I can appreciate all of the names I just mentioned above.......But it doesn't mean I like their work. As a matter of fact, I dislike the term "master painter" thats associated with Leonardo Da Vinci and Michaelangelo. I dislike the term because its giving the title of "master painter" to a a selected group or style of painting that automatically cuts out all other styles of art around the world, most of which have been around far longer than that traditional renaissance style. Why are they the master artists? What about the Egyptians or Mayans? Or any Indigenous culture that has been creating something out of nothing for centuries. On to the next artist. I find most of M.C. Escher's work boring. Haring and Basquiat's work were far from the true expression rebellion known as "graffiti" that was truly living and thriving on the subway trains and in and around NYC in the 70s and 80s. For the record I cant stand Basquiat's artwork.

For me, my personal influences have come mainly from people that I have actually known in my life, other painters and graffiti writers. Like I said, I can appreciate well known artists, and there are a few that I could say who's work I genuinely do like and may have had an influence on me.
But to actually interact with artists who are my peers and who Ive known, painted, laughed, cried, argued, ate dinner, shared a drink and just plain out discussed life with...is the most important interaction and influence I could ever experience and attain.
Ive had influences in my life who were my friends....some who stopped and gave up their talent, others who chose a different medium, some who've actually "made" it, and even a couple who've passed on or ended up behind bars.
In the last year I lost a very close friend Mike Carter aka "Base", who was a huge influence on me when I was first starting out doing graf in the early to mid 90's. When he died, apart of me died inside. But Ive kept his memory and legacy going on by continuing to make art, and to make it to the best of my ability, which is one thing I learned from him.
Another close friend, who was also good friends with Base, and who I actually met at the same time is Ishmael. Ishmael and I have remained close after 16 years, and Im thankful he is still here, and that he is still making art. Both him and Mike influenced me so heavily that it was the fire I needed to want to become a better artist.
Today I have many close peers and friends who have been there along the way to influence my work in some way shape or form. Lalo Cota who Ive known for over 10yrs... and who ive been working a lot with in the last couple years. Douglas Miles Ive known for quite sometime as well, has been a heavy influence in a lot of ways other than actual style or medium.
Other people who have come along in my path are very talented individuals such as Mando Rascon, Miles "Mac" MacGregor, Noe "Such" Baez, Oscar Page, Adrian Dominic, Mike 360, Matt Dickson, Pablo Luna, Tato Caraveo, Adam Dumperfoo, Josh Rhodes, Adam Closer Wenger, Banding Hendrix, Tariq Sabur, and a whole lot more.
With such good people and talent around, the inspiration is always there. Seeing artists at different levels and hearing thought process and personal philosophies about numerous subjects is great knowledge shared.
I'm thankful for the path that Ive chosen, and Im also thankful for the experience that Graffiti has gave me, not all good either, but even the bad times I would never take back. Its molded me and helped provide a hard exterior. Any graffiti artist/ writer will tell that graf...is the real art school....school of hard knocks.
To add to this blog Ive posted photos of recent motivation from a studio visit with Miles Macgregor better known as El Mac. About 2 weeks ago, Lalo and myself stopped by to get a sneak preview of the work at Mac's studio before he sent his new work out to NY for an art opening.

Gtown New Mexico/ Window Rock Part 1

2010-09-16T01:05:00.001-07:00

Back in Gtown aka Gallup New Mexico. This time a nice quick roadtrip with Lalo Cota, Closer, and Jenn Burden. We got in Thursday night and Lalo, Myself and Closer painted live at City Light for Dj Abel and Cloudface's night called the Beatbox. The next day we headed to the Juggernaut wall in Gallup. These are some of the process shot along with a couple random and finished shots.

Gtown New Mexico/ Window Rock Part 2

2010-09-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

We headed to Window Rock for the Navajo Nation Fair and an event called Ceremonial Elements hosted by Foundations of Freedom crew along with Cloudface, Randy B, and other guest judges for all the events. Boogie T (Style Elements Crew), We:whum, Ras K Dee of Audiopharmacy from the Bay Area, Marvel, Saba, and myself as a guest judge for a graf/ art contest. There were some technical difficulties in the organizing, and it took a bit for the event to kick off...but when it did there were some good bboy battles, as well as some awesome art created by the participants in the Art contest.
Respect to the winners of all the contests, Triple Threat bboy crew, Def I of Def Rare for the MC battle and extra props for serving 40cal from St Louis who tried to call him out for an extra battle. Also congrats to Lalo for winning the graf/art contest. I didnt see the Dj battle so I forget who they said won?

Def-I and Lalo and myself leaving Gallup with Closer and Burden ahead of us somewhere...

Lalo, Burden and Closer....after eating roasted corn on the way to the event...

Shots from the graf/ art contest....

"Pez" Winner of the graf/art contest.

Bboy battle....

Brotha Def-I serving 40 cal from St Louis. You can look this up in 2 parts on youtube as well...

Fresh Window Rock Sunset...

Homie We:whum aka TomahawkBang catching a House set on the tables out front of the event.

A stop in Flag with the crew on the way back to Phx.

.....and then...we head home to be greeted by an Arizona desert sunset.

Santa Fe New Mexico August 2010

2010-08-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

Ive just returned from a much needed trip with some really good people and fam. Headed to Santa Fe New Mexico with Douglas Miles/ Apache Skateboards and the "A" team, for the Santa Fe Indian Art Market and Skateplotation 2. Douglas Miles had also pulled together the group show "Indian Ink" featuring talented works by selected artists, all of equal caliber and quality.

Got a chance to finally meet my energy driven, talented and down to earth brothas, Yatika Fields(Stillwater OK/ Bklyn NY) and Micah "Werewulf" Wesley(Norman, OK). Yatika has the vision. An all around genuine soul brother, My man holds it down in Brooklyn NY, as well as representing the US in an upcoming live art battle in Spain in Octorber. Micah reminds me of my extended fam and cousins, I love this guy, he makes me miss my family in Oklahoma.

Also I was able to discuss aerosol techniques and just life in general with the talented Rebekah Miles. This young woman is and will be doing great things, so keep an eye out for her and her work. It was also good to see the sister Rose B Simpson, she is such a talent. Thanks for the mask Rose, I'll have it done proper the next time we see each other.

We were fortunate enough to have Georgia, Matt and Isabel Young open up their home and lives to us. I am thankful for the new friends and connections. As a matter of fact I cant wait to visit them again so I can sleep on the porch and enjoy the view.

This was my first experience at Santa Fe Indian Market. In all honesty I saw some great works, and at the same time I saw a lot of work that made no sense and was very boring which made me feel like I could piss and throw up on a wall and make better work. Then again, I know not everyone likes the work that I do either, and Im sure I received some negative reviews, but Im ok with that. I think one of the best quotes I heard over the weekend was from an elder artist from Oregon who said "My work is not for everyone, but I make no apologies...Its what I was given".

It was great to see a full blown skateboard comp in the middle of it all. It brought in a different element and energy that I could tell was needed all around. Things change and evolve. Society and the "spotlight circles" do not stay hot on their own forever. Society cannot deny the youth and those who are up and coming artists and move makers who speak loudly in their individual voice. I make this same connection with Graffiti and Street art. Its undeniable like a force of nature. These forms of expression, they are pouring out from a deep and honest place from within ones heart. Once a person realizes that they are being honest with themselves and being true to their being, then thats when nobody can take that away from them. It becomes apart of us. It becomes something all our own.

In the end, the extended weekend was filled with laughter, hard work, rain storms, cool weather, inspiration, creative minds, movie quotes, inside jokes, haters, huge breakfast sandwiches, red n green chile, great music, beautiful people, genuine people opening up their homes, and even a split lip. Every minute was a blessing.

Thanks to all who made this trip a great one. Douglas Miles, Doug Miles Jr., Bekah Miles, Grace Miles, Razelle Benally, Vanessa, Lynette Haozous, Yatika Fields, Werewulf Micah, Jasmin Rosales, Rose Simpson, Matt and Georgia Young, Metta Ravenheart, Safire Miller, Mike360, Carol Gentry, Waldermar Seranno, Kris Chee, Keith Secola, Doneva Tree, Cloudface, Joshua Rose and anyone else I may have forgotten.

"Indian Ink"

2010-08-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

A write up on this Friday's opening in Santa Fe New Mexico.

"The Native American Art Movement has existed for centuries. The 21st Century movement has manifested the "by any means necessary" work of the following: Micah Werewulf Wesley, Yatika Starr Fields, Thomas "Brez" Marcus, Rose Simpson, Douglas Miles and introducing, Rebekah Miles. Each artist brings the sound, feel and look of a myriad of influences. All are well versed in styles based on (the) street art(s). Work in " Indian Ink " will focus primarily on black and white drawings and designs from these innovative artists. Strong designs, bold graphics, and a monchromatic mash- up of artistic movement dominate their work. In collaboration with famed master printer, Jose Malpuche at Self Help Graphics (East LA), these artists will create a portfolio of signed/numbered limited edition silkscreen works at Self Help Graphics which will become part of a legacy of art " for the people by the people" long championed by Chicano Art's very own resilient and legendary, Self Help Graphics. SHG is an art organization indigenous to the people of East Los Angeles. Not to mention, Self Help Graphics was ground zero for the Chicano Art Movement and explosion. This show will also feature the Volcom Stone Age x Apache Skateboards collaboration. A line of clothing and accessories inspired by the work of Apache Skateboards artist/creator, Douglas Miles in complete close collaboration with Volcom Stone Age. Original designs, ink drawings and Volcom Stone Age products will be featured."

August 2010

2010-08-03T00:35:00.000-07:00

New exhibit "Landmarks" opens at Pravus Gallery downtown Phoenix, Friday August 6th and will run through the end of September.

Also, be sure to check out all new work (black and white) and "Indian Ink", during the Santa Fe Indian Art Market. It is a group show featuring all black and white works by Doug Miles, Rebekah Miles, Yatika Fields, Werewulf Micah, Rose Simpson and myself.

visit
www.brezone.com
www.pravusgallery.com
www.legendssantafe.com

Carly's Bistro Roosevelt Row/Dwntwn Phx

2010-07-03T17:26:00.001-07:00

Busy BUSY summer. Immediately back from a work roadtrip, I started this mural with Lalo Cota, and Pablo Luna down on 2nd Street and Roosevelt. The piece took about a week or so because we only worked on it in the evenings for a couple hours at a time. The main concept is Lalo's idea and style. The painting represents the Az flag in a surrealistic vision of a skeleton arm resembling a dead tree and holding the Sacred Heart with the Phoenix bird flaming out of the heart. Its also compliments a painting inside Carly's behind the bar(If you have been to Carly's then you know the painting). I personally enjoyed being apart of this mural, aside from all the controversy surrounding Arizona right now, it shows the love for the city that myself, Lalo and Pablo have...this is STILL our home. We have been through hell and back creating work in the streets and around the state over the last couple decades. SB1070 can eat a dick.

2010-06-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

Art for the people before and after. Quick shots of days before the opening and closing, as well as shots right before the doors opened. The installation of the fence, phone booth and wall pieces came out great. Unfortunately my mind was in 10 different places at once during the show and I didnt take any shots with people who came through.
Check out Gjewelry's blogspot for shots from the actual show.
Thanks to you if you made it out. This show was A LOT of fun and a great success for all artists involved. Peace.

ART FOR THE PEOPLE 5/7/10

2010-04-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

First Friday May 7th 2010, New works by Brez, Lalo Cota, Ishmael Duenas and Page. Music will be provided by Dj's Element and Emgee. This exhibit will be located at the Braggs Pie Factory art space, 1301 W Grand Ave. Phoenix, Az. Large scale Pieces,Installations, and new print releases. Doors open at 6pm. Closing at 11pm.

If you are unable to make the opening reception, we will be having a closing reception on Friday, May 21st 2010 from 7pm-10pm

Interview Spring 2010

2010-03-31T22:35:00.000-07:00

Recently I was interviewed by Lynx News Arizona, a publication out of Paradise Valley Community College.

I forget how much interviews have to be edited and cut short sometimes.
Im going to leave the link here, but Im also going to add the questions and answers that I wish had been published.

http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/puma/puma-new/spring_2010/Grafitti_art.html

The extended interview that didnt get published:

LYNX NEWS- What is graffiti to you?

BREZ-Graffiti has so many different levels that balance it out. From
ugly to the beautiful, depending on the audience and how they filter it. Graffiti is creativity, but it is also a tool to express a deeper emotion and connection to the universe. Human beings all over the world have been doing creative expression since the first signs of human consciousness. Somewhere it is encoded in our DNA to want to draw or scribble or leave behind something to say that we are here, we exist or are existing now.
It will always be the last frontier for visual expression. It is like an untamed and wild animal.

LYNX NEWS-Do you appreciate all graffiti?

BREZ-I do appreciate all forms of graffiti because I believe there is a time and place for everything, and I think that society needs the balance of beauty and chaos. I have experienced so many positive and negative experiences from graffiti but it has helped mold me into the person I am today. I know the extreme passion and dedication that gets put into risking one’s life and freedom to express their soul on a different level than most. What it boils down to is true freedom as a creative being existing in the universe.

LYNX NEWS- What is your favorite medium for creating your art?

BREZ- Right now I am getting use to acrylics again. I do work in several mediums and mixed media as well. But my preference is Aerosol and creating large scale mural works.

LYNX NEWS- How do you feel about the fact that for the most part, aside from walls dedicated to the art, graffiti is considered a crime?

BREZ-It’s interesting that we apparently live in the land of “free”, and that the 1st amendment is “freedom of speech”, yet coming from my view point as a Native American, and knowing that this country was built on the blood of my ancestors, calling my people savages and Neanderthals for living in a certain union with the earth and environment, then trying to eradicate cultures and languages through genocide. Their justice system is going to charge a person with a Felony for PAINTING, while far more severe crimes are being committed and people are getting away with them? I look at it as, my people didn’t ask for any of this especially the current justice system, nor do people in our modern society ask for certain walls and building structures to be built in their neighborhoods, those walls and structures are built based on corporate and governing systems, not the people. So its fucking retarded that those who wish to control society the way want, charge people with criminal damage for doing a natural human thing that is as old as time. That's where the frontline to our battle lies. The true fight for freedom, the fight to exist. Remember the old saying, when someone points the finger at someone else, they don’t realize that they have 3 fingers pointing back at themselves. "Our Existance IS our Resistance."

LYNX NEWS- Do you feel that graffiti has recently become more widely accepted? why or why not?

BREZ- Graffiti Art is definitely becoming a lot more popular and appealing to the newer generations all over the world. In other countries it is accepted a lot more than it is in the U.S. I’ve taught middle school art programs for the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and I found out that a good majority of my students appreciated and are fascinated by Graffiti and Aerosol Art. Those are the kids who in 15 or 20 years will be doctors and lawyers, and will be buying and collecting high end graffiti inspired art to hang on their walls.

LYNX NEWS- What style of graff art most appeals to you? explain?

BREZ-That’s a hard question because I have love for all styles, because at one point in time I’ve experimented with a wide range of style and technique and have been influenced by so many different artists in one way or another. It’s the same as asking what my favorite color is, there is no such thing really. I love it all. Diversity is what makes the world and walls beautiful in my eyes.

NEW COLLABORATIVE PRINT MARCH 2010

2010-03-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

This month Tyson Powless of Un3ek Sy5tems and I have worked together to create this new image of Geronimo holding an Ak-47, with a sunburst halo around Geronimo and the assault rifle. The title of the image is "Sacred Soldiers". It symbolizes the intensity that so many people poses deep down in their soul and bones. It also is a tribute to those who have gone on, who at one point in their lives, were fighting for their land and people. As Indigenous peoples(all over the world), we are all proud of where we come from, and at the same time we still defend and fight for our people, and cultural identity, and right to exist in so many forms. -"Our Existence is our Resistance"

Silk screen prints. Hand printed black ink on white Stonehenge archival paper. 22" x 30".
Series of 24. Each one is signed and numbered by both artists. $60 each unframed.
***For additional pricing info on framing and out of state shipping please email housebroken285@yahoo.com***

A limited number of black ink on white T's are available also. $20 each. $5 for shipping and handling

New Brez and Lalo piece

2010-02-20T16:10:00.000-08:00

2010. Its been a good start to the new year, things are moving along nicely.
This past Valentines day myself and Lalo went over to our friend Mike Cause of Drunken Immortals house to paint this commission piece in his backyard. Mike had this dooope little HD cam and set the timelapse mode on and recorded the process. There is no fancy editing or anything like that, its pretty raw with only a few small edits and some music. I spent the afternoon having some INSANE Sangria, grilled carne asada, and painting n hanging out with Lalo, Leilani, Mike and his wife Tara and Zach n Sol.
Enjoy the vid. Be on the look out for a new large wall project by myself and Lalo coming soon....

Closing out and bringing in the new year.

2009-12-21T00:40:00.000-08:00

Its official. Its the winter solstice today and a new year has begun. Closing out 2009, my friend Lalo Cota and I painted this mural downtown in the Roosevelt arts district. Lalo and I have collaborated on many canvas pieces but this is the first of many wall projects that him and I have done. This piece is located behind Modified Art, theLost Leaf and Hoodride off of Roosevelt between 4th and 5th St.

Im gearing up for a 3 day in studio session at the Heard Museum next week.
Should be interesting. I grew up seeing my grandmother and uncle working alot with the Heard. Im suprised they asked me to be apart of next weeks open studio event.
If you know me and my work, then you know my work obviously doesnt fit the "traditional" standards by any stretch. Many thanks to Darian and Jen at the Heard.
Ive been turned down by many "NATIVE" art events as well as tribal and corporate politics on the rez. In the end I dont care what "those" people sitting behind a desk think. The best compliment I got this year was from an elder in SR who has known me for a long time but not my artwork. He saw me painting this 4'x8' wildstyle line piece and then said..."Looks like baskets".
Now that...is what really matters. The people....Hemdak Hekihu Hemu Im B I-ha'ap Hemako O'odham

No Hybernation

2009-12-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

December. The last month of the year in the Gregorian calendar and also the last month of the year in universal calendar. Winter solstice is a couple weeks away. People are getting ready for Xmas, beating their brains out over the holidays. This recent piece is called "no hybernation". Obviously the winter season is creeping in and in some areas is full blown. The addicted souls who paint and cant stop...this is for them(for us). Cant stop, wont stop. No sleep.

"Aud remix" Print

2009-11-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

New limited edition print available. This is a premade poster that I incoporated line work into. Thanks to a friend for providing the poster and idea.

The print is approx 12"x18" printed on canvas paper. There are 24 available signed and numbered on front and back.
Shipping is also available.
$50 Each.

Email: housebroken285@yahoo.com

Tree Shirt series

2009-11-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

A preview of the new limited edition tree series. I wanted to wait until I got a proper photoshoot done to promote, but word travels fast and so do the inquiries.

LIMITED NUMBER OF SHIRTS
SHIRT INFO: Black on White T. sizes M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Light Purple(yes its purple) on Black T. Sizes, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Light Purple on Charcoal T. Limited sizes XL and XXL only.
$20 each.
"BREZ" tag on the backs of the White T's only.

email: housebroken285@yahoo.com

Fall 09

2009-11-19T11:31:00.000-08:00

A quick peek and BeOne Photography featuring Bboy Closer Mellow Drama Crew up above. The middle piece was a commission for a local condo development company in Tempe Az. Finally the bottom piece is on the side of Phoenician Health Group in Phoenix. Thanks Dr. Majidi.

2009-11-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

Its Nov. Im making it a point to use this blogspot alot more. There are alot of new things in the works for the upcoming months. The flier above is from a show that I had recently on Roosevelt row. It was a collaborative event also featuring Cloudface from New Mexico as well as Closer and PhxEye. The top piece is from a larger production that I worked on with fellow artists Page, Serk, Stoec, Aphen, Bisc, Ekose, and Kepto. Its been a rollercoaster ride these past couple months.
Love and respect to my friend Michael "Base" Carter who was tragically taken from us recently. You are forever painted on the walls of our heart and soul. I miss you Mike, you motivated me then and you motivate me NOW.

End of Summer/ I am art projects(photos)

2009-09-08T23:25:00.000-07:00

Its been a long, warm summer as usual. I havent had much time to update in the last couple months so here it goes. It was usual business for the month of June. July started with a really dope trip up to Gallup, New Mexico and Window Rock, Az. I participated in the "I AM ART" project along side with other creative peoples who were there to make a difference in young peoples lives. I cant truly explain the feeling or how great the energy was the entire trip. I got to share knowledge about art with young kids, help paint a community mural, have an art show in Gallup...and even got to paint with longtime friend Page who happend to be in NM at the same time. Many thanks to FOF crew, Cloudface, R.Boogie, DEF-RARE(Wake n Def-I), Dj YoungNative, Kim Smith, Kelly Hubbell, Abnr, Roel, Duga, Bboy Hobbess, Marcus Lovato and many others.

New Vid

2009-05-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

Here it is, the finished product. This film represents the balance of past, present and future. It shows the contrast of ancestors and traditional culture, to the contemporary survival in a modern society and the freedom of self expression...Something that is as old as time.
Indigenous people of all cultures have expressed themselves since the start of human consciousness...through creating with their hands...painting, building, writing, dancing, making music and so on. The purest and most true form of "being", existing, living and loving life by celebrating and expressing through creativity. Being true to ourselves, our past.

Spring Beginings

2009-03-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

This past month spring has arrived. With the new season, alot of new projects.
I recently linked up with Lady Rise and her son Elezar, and my sister for a day of painting and Filming for the upcoming short promo vid in downtown PHX. It was a good day for networking and sharing ideas. Friend and Photographer Sam Gomez stopped in to shoot, along with my old friend Mando Rascon who randomly stopped by, always to good to see him. Even fellow artist and friend The Mac dropped in and we all shared ideas and frustrations. Its always good to be reminded that we arent alone, and that we are pushing fwd at the same time. Determination.

This coming week is Phoenix's First Friday artwalk, and I will be displaying new works alongside Tato at the new UM Gallery on 5th St just south of Roosevelt. Last months grand opening feat DumperFoo and Chadwick was INSANE. Im sure we can expect the same good vibes and amount of people that 1st Friday always brings.

Culture Fresh Boutique will soon be caring the 1st Brez Tshirt designs feat. a classic Brez Tree design for Men and Ladies T's, a wildstyle Heart Design for Ladies T's, and a new Phoenix Bird Design which will be apart of the Phoenician Brand also for Men and Ladies. Once they are released, I know they are going to go fast. No worries tho, we (Myself and Culture Fresh) will be printing more as well as NEW Designs to follow for the upcoming Az Summer.

More body art and photography w Sam Gomez and Models. Oddly enough...we've had at least a 7 or 8 models who are or were scheduled to work on the project...but for whatever reason...only Bonnie Yuen, Orchid Tao, and Mongkieu have come thru on time and on point, and they all just happen to be Asian. haha Oh well.
Be on the look out for more photoshoots and an gallery opening at the end of the year feat all the photography and artwork

Jan/Feb 2009

2009-02-19T19:57:00.000-08:00

2009 Is in full swing, and so far these last two months have been extremely busy. Jan 2nd I shared an opening with fellow artist and friend Lalo Cota @ Grandiose Boutique in Downtown Phoenix. Also for those who dont know, Myself, Lalo, and many other locals have been working with Culture Fresh Boutique which opened last Oct at the AZ Center, also located Downtown Phx.

Sam Gomez, who is a photographer and co-owner of Culture Fresh, has been working with myself and a couple models, executing a few photoshoots involving my art drawn on the models. So far they have been successful and we plan to keep moving forward with several new ideas and projects.

Ive also had the chance to participate in a video shoot in which my own sister who is a film student, has been sweet enough to film and edit some footage of me painting a wall and a van. The final product will be a short timelapsed film of each piece coming to life.

As if that hasnt been enough for the first couple months of 2009, Ive also had the chance recently to paint live at a couple private parties during the NBA allstar game, one hosted by Too Short and the other by Ice T.

If your in the Phoenix area and would like to see work, please check out Culture Fresh Boutique, or The Lost Leaf located in the Roosevelt Arts District(5th St n Roosevelt), or starting next Friday at the Tempe Pita Jungle. You can also email me or check back for more updates.
-B

New Season

2009-02-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

"WELCOME TO THE BLOGSPOT. ITS A NEW DAY, YEAR, AND UPCOMING SEASON. THIS BLOG HAS BEEN CREATED TO GIVE A LITTLE MORE INSIGHT INTO THE ONGOING EVOLUTION OF MY WORK." -BREZ

ABOUT: BORN AND RAISED IN AND AROUND THE CITY OF PHOENIX, BREZ BEGAN DOING ART AS A CHILD. IN 1993, HE FIRST CAME ACROSS GRAFFITI ART. SOON AFTER, BREZ BEGAN EXPERIMENTING AND FORMULATING WITH IDEAS AND TRADITIONAL LETTER STRUCTURES. SOON AFTER THE NEW DECADE, BREZ BEGAN TO EVOLVE THE LETTER STYLES THAT HE WAS WORKING WITH INTO A CONTINUOUS FLOW OF ORGANIC DESIGNS.
TAKING INSPIRATION FROM HIS OWN INDIGENOUS ANCESTORS, HE BEGAN TO CONNECT THE FORMULAS FROM TRADITIONAL HUHUGAM(HOHOKAM) POTTERY, AND INTRICATE AKIMEL AND TOHONO O'ODHAM BASKET DESIGNS INTO HIS OWN THOUGHT PROCESS AND IDEAS FOR CREATING.

TODAY BREZ'S WORK IS STILL EVOLVING, LIKE TREE ROOTS WINDING AND GROWING DEEP WITHIN THE EARTH'S SOIL.
THIS BLOG WILL BE UPDATED ON A REGULAR BASIS, WITH NEW PHOTOS AND INFORMATION ABOUT UPCOMING SHOWS, NEW WORK AND MANY OTHER PROJECTS.