Back in NY. Finally get a chance to catch up on my flicks! We had a great time in at the 3rd Eye Open Hip Hop Festival in New Bedford, Massachusetts this past weekend. Shout out to Ben Glbarg for hooking us up! Thank youuuuuu:) Event was dope, piece came out fresh, and we had some delicious seafood wow! Now we know where New England clam chowder comes from:)

The official road trip painting crew for 2010: TOOFLY, VIK, YVEY, and SHIRO. Good Times!

DAY 1 3RD EYE OPEN HIP HOP FESTIVAL. “YEAR OF THE WOMAN”

Live Painting 8 X 24 foot wall…

Always happy when Shiro comes to NY for the summer. It gives us an opportunity to catch up on an entire year of projects, relationships and family:) Hommie 4 life right here. Summer is sOOooo busy for all of us trips like make all the difference in our lives. Love you Shiro!

Aight…time to get busy…tweeting away the process…

Photo opps for the the little kidz…

Shout out to Yvey who not only was our designated driver, but held down our booth and took flicks of our pogress. Thanks Yvey!!!

Making progress…taking mad breaks in between…it was HOT!

Love them skater kidz and their funky decks. This deck matches my piece…

mmmm’mmmm my favorite! Love DEL’S FROZEN LEMONADE ahhhhhhhh – yes save. Ice Ice baby!

Time to pull in the shade tactics to preserve our energy…

FINITO! 6-7 hours later…Wow, loved the colors scheme we chose to go with…still loving green and everything in between…that pink neon eye shadow was yummy….I gotta get me more…

VIK is sick with her letters…love it!!!

Shiro’s character was so on point with the event! Tough Love…Rise up Ladies! Sooooo Fly!

Very happy with this collabo, the crew, and the whole event. THE WALL WAS A SUCCESS!!! P.S. We were the only women painting at this event. Yes mam!

Back from the hotel, and refreshed for some final press flicks…

THE TOOFLY CREW did it again baby! They don’t call me an organizer freak for no reason! lol…

Finally ha a chance to take a stroll around the park. This was a huge event, there was so much to see, taste, and take flicks of…

WOW. some of the other artists/live pieces were beautiful! Especially this one…DOPE.

Art was everywhere…T-shirts, Skin, Paper…everywhere…

B-Boyzzzzz doing their thang on the vinyl…

Graffiti Letter Classics…

They def got a hip hop scene up here…without a doubt…

Shout out to all the artists of 3rd Eye Open. Wish I had all your names!

Made it to Jean Grae’s performance…but was beat. All we wanted was some seafood, and a pillow. Zzzzzz…..

DAY 2

Refreshed, and rested. Swam in the pool for a bit, and then hit the road in search of beautiful things, and relaxing views…

There’s nothing like an ice cold beer, or an ice cold ice cream during the summer…OMG 2 scoops! Sherbet….mmmmmm”

fresh breeze and a lake to sooth the soul, and soak our five’s…

Silly on the swing time!

We were having too much fun with the automatic setting on the camera. Lol! We couldn’t stop…

Got super duper lucky during lunch when we passed by a SEAFOOD FESTIVAL! What…OMG cold beers, Fish & Chips, Clam Strips, Lobster Rolls, Fried Shrimp, you name it…we had it:)

It was a beautiful day with the gals…

Before we knew it it was time to hit the road again, and get back to our regularly scheduled program. Pulled out the Brand Nubian album and zoomed out.

Switching it up left and right this year, and heading out of NY to see how folks in other city’s rock HIP HOP FESTIVALS. I miss the days when we used to take trips to the Philly BBOY BBQ to paint, and share a little slice of happiness with the Philly community. Those days are long gone now, but lucky for us the movement has grown and we can now travel to different cities. New landscape, new faces, and new organizers who know how to take care of their artists. Who’s rolling this year? The one and only VIK! – Her letters and pieces are sick. Love her work. Lucky for us they extended the budget and we are happy to announce SHIRO’S on board YAY!!! Yes mam, in NY for just 2 months and I’m dragging her to another city, Lol! Finally gonna get a chance to celebrate music, celebrate art, and most of all celebrate people together:)  NEW BEDFORD, MA see ya soon!!!

3RD EYE OPEN. HIP HOP FESTIVAL. YEAR OF THE WOMAN!

Featuring: JEAN GREY • CLIMBING POETREE  • TIYE PHONEIX
Live Graff Art by; TOOFLY, VIK, & SHIRO,
Buttonwood Park in New Bedford, MA
Saturday, July 17, 2010 // 9am – 8:30pm // FREE FOR EVERYONE!!!
www.3rdeyeunlimited.com

PRESS RELEASE BELOW >>>

On behalf of our non profit organization, 3rd EyE Youth Empowerment, Inc., we’d like to invite you to experience the 11th Annual 3rd EyE Open. The Open is a creative arts festival that brings thousands of diverse people together for one day to celebrate the talent, creativity, leadership, and passion of our young people. The Open is put on by 170 plus youth and young adult volunteers, and has been a safe, dynamic, and positive Hip Hop festival for the past ten years.

“Year of the Woman”

• Jean Grae – as the headlining performer of this event, Jean has toured the world and is a positive inspiration for women, telling stories of her upbringing and sharing her wisdom.
  
• Tiye Phoenix & Climbing Poetree, dynamic female performers.
  
• The Open’s first female graffiti artist, Toofly, a teacher & renowned muralist from New York.
  
• Through collaborations with the YWCA, JoJo’s Angels (local relay for life team) and other non-profits, we will be raising awareness about women’s health issues including breast cancer, diabetes, and dating violence.
  
• A mural painted about women’s contributions to New Bedford’s local history.
  
• In the 3 on 3 basketball tourney, there will be two divisions strictly for girls and young women.
  

Through this project, we aim to inspire young women to do something amazing with their lives and to realize the multitude of positive options they have for creating their own destiny.

Featured Activities:

• Live Performances
  
• Children’s Arts & Crafts
  
• 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament – (divisions for girls and guys)
  
• Green Opportunities Fair
  
• Breakdancing & Popping Competitions – Sign up on the day of the Open. Get there early!
  
• Mural Art – 200 plus feet of art painted live
  
• Youth Amusement Activities
  
• Vendors & Community Exhibitors
  
• Slam Dunk Contest & 3 Point Shootout
  
• FOOD
  
• Skate Jam
  
• 1 on 1 B-girl dance competition
  

ahhh yes it’s officially summer in NYC! It was an excellent holiday weekend. From maracuya batidos with my querida family before their trip back to Florida, to a delicious Ecuadorian BBQ with my BFF’s in Staten Island. There was plenty of delicious grilled etraña, hammock sessions and mosquito smacks to go around. Let’s not forget “a party isn’t a party until you dance!” Dragged my brotha from anotha to LIBATION in the LES { official troopers } and “rocked the house yo!” lol, good times, good times. Got it all in and still managed to chillax with my love love at one of our favorite places in Queens, Long Island City Pier. I guess all that was missing was my iphone which got washed away that morning on the permanent cycle. Woops! probably best anyway…haha!

HAPPY SUMMER 2010!!!

Back home from a relaxing weekend at Mount Tremper Arts in the Catskills, Upstate NY. Every now and then it’s good to take a break from city life and reconnect with nature…

- We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. – Buddha

The night we arrived we made a quick and delicious home cooked meal then hit the firepit outside. Nothing like a little warmth by the fire, some sake and much needed giggles. The next morning we got a chance to soak up some sunshine as the cloudy sky cleared up, and Alice got busy with the charcol to draw. The art of  relaxation was in full effect. It had been a minute since we touched base with nature again, there’s ((( Mind.Body.Soul ))) freedom in all this green!

The Temper Arts community home. Nothing like having a grill and a kitchen with everything you can possibly need to make healthy and home cooked meals. I love chopping up that cilantro in the morning, noon, and night. Mmm’m my favorite herb:)

It’s too early to see the full blown garden and it’s flowers but you can check them out here…took some flicks last year when we discovered this place…

Speaking of discovering, you gotta take the road less traveled and seek new trails! Yes, and we heard the river and we followed the stream down the pebble pond…

determined to find the river…

We made it! The journey is the destination. Our mind really opened up at this spot. We found a beaver damn with some fallen tree trunks by the water, and chillaxed with some dry fruit and nuts. We were talking about all kinds of crazy beautiful things about life. I love moments like that where your thoughts just flow like the water…

About Mount Tremper Arts

Nestled in the Catskill Mountains, just over two hours from New York City, Mount Tremper Arts supports contemporary artists in the creation and presentation of new works of art. Founded by photographer Mathew Pokoik and choreographer Aynsley Vandenbroucke, MTA fosters an environment of creative risk taking and intellectual curiosity. It does this through an integration of performances, exhibitions, artist residencies, educational programming, and informal gatherings.

We love it here!!!

We’re coming back so get ready peeps. 8ppl max crew, all facilities included!:) >>> FALL 2010 – Younity Pow Wow Retreat!

B-Girl Be 2009 Block Party included Mainstage Performances, MCs, Spoken Word, DJs, Dance, Live Mural Painting, Film, Food and an Art Marketplace! Featuring local, national and international artists including aerosol artists Motel7 (Capetown) and Toofly (NYC); MC Eternia with Chesney Snow (Canada), DJ Chela (NYC); spoken word poet Tish Jones; Akira Johnson; Bloody Black Eyes; Ill Chemistry; Black Pearl; and the Twin Cities All-Stars: Katana, Maria Isa, Indigo, Desdamona, performing onstage together for the first time in twin cities hip-hop history!

FINITO! Got my piece done early so I can rock my style’n photography skillz. Here are some of my favorites….

Fall back now you don’t know me!

MC BIG TARA is a B-girl and MC with the Anomolies Crew, Fox Force 5, Shoten Zenjin and the House of HOWL. Born and raised in the Lower Eastside of NYC, she was influenced by the dance and music culture of her neighborhood. She has graced many stages across the country including the Apollo, BB Kings, Lincoln Center and the Manhattan Center and has worked with the Roots, Erykah Badu and LL Cool J to name a few. After receiving a public service award from the New School University, she decided to dedicate her time to helping non-profit organizations further serve marginalized youth. She has been working in community outreach for over 10 years and believes it is crucial to help guide our youth to live absolutely happy and productive lives.

LOVE YOU BIG TARA!!!

These girls were FLY! Their outfits wen’t great with the shoot;) YEAH BABY!!!

WLR…

Amanda Lopez, was also getting her shots in for THE GIRLS GOT KICKS! Photoshoot…

Amy Campion

Little Minniapolis Girls…

My new STEEZ was a hit…

MOTEL 7 ( Capetown ) Welcome!!! I thought I was fast, this girl went all out…

PROPS!

AM going high…

and stencil’n it up…

B-GIRL AIKO! See ya soon in SF;)

AIKO (Aiko Shirakawa) started street dancing at the age of 11 in the parks of San Jose, CA, and performed by the age of 15 with her group, Quick Style, opening up for Ice T in 1983. This began a long list of performances for Quick Style, who opened for many major bands and singers in the Bay Area of California. In 1995 Aiko began to teach street styles to youth in San Jose at the local youth centers and still does to this day. Aiko has been teaching after school programs for the past 7 years for YMCA and Catholic Charities. Over the past 16 years of teaching street dance to the youth, she has been writing a curriculum to add to her classes so that her students can embrace the history of hip-hop and how it can be better than what the media has portrayed it to be. Aiko has taught street styles everywhere in the States, including B-Girl Be 2007 in Minneapolis, MN; Street Science 2008 in Holland; and the film documentary release of All the Ladies Say in New York, NY in 2009 (she is one of the leading Ladies in the film). “Hip-Hop has been there for me and has saved my life; I will be here for Hip-Hop for the rest of mine.” —Aiko

It’s not easy triple threating it, You gotta have a heart, you gotta be original, and you gotta have style! We’re about to set it off…WATCH OUT!

Trinity sold like HOTCAKES!

The new team: MAMA made it! wooohoooo…

SHEVA + RUKUS + RUST

Shout out to CHICAGO who was in the house! Repping hard every year…

Well behaved women seldom make history! >>> Well said!

Shout out to T-Rose! Our wonderful host for the week. Made us some protein shakes, drove us up in the PLAY DATE Cadillac, and overall blessed us with mad love. Thank you T!!!

mmmm dinner time. The chicken curry was slamming! Time to rest, and get some energy for the DeCipher jam…

Photo by B-FRESH >>> More at: CITY PAGES

DJ CHELA on the 1 & 2’s

DeCipher This showcases the very essence of hip-hop dance: the ability to freestyle in the cipher. The 2009 B-Girl Be Block Party After Party with DJs and live drumming as locally and nationally recognized female hip-hop dancers take their turn in the cipher sharing their specific skills and raw energy!

Jen One was killing it! Be a part of instant creation as improvisational elements come together with some of the most talented female breakers, poppers and hip-hop freestyle dancers in the country.

Featuring Aiko, MimotheGreat and Venus Fly Trap Crew; with performances by AnnieUp, B-Girl monArc, Yonci Peaceful Jameson, Alissa Paris, Amy Sackett, Sarah Savengseuksa, B-Girl Seoul Assassin, Kim Sorenson, and Ti-en-T, and Legend ROKAFELLA!

Always inspiring to see these women rock and keep it alive. Budget cuts suck, especially when the organizers that gave life to the HEART & SOUL of B-Girl Be are not longer on board;( You can feel, and see the “DIFFERENCE”. Regardless of some minor mishaps, at the end of the day our community has to keep events like this alive. There’s a new generation that still needs platforms like this to represent, and come together to exchange new ideas. Money or no money true activists will continue to hold it down. I was happy to see some new talent brewing. Electro Funky Flowz baby! I’m diggn’ it!!! We missed our crews from the past B-Girl Be’s specially MELISSA, MARTHA COOPER, NIKA, ARUNA, VENDETTA, ASIA1, LADY CHAMP, MARTHA DIAZ, FAITH47, LADY PINK, QA, FEVER, SHIRO, SILOETTE, and PHEM9. We rocked it ONE LAST TIME, but It wasn’t the same without ya!!! To all the new folks who came thru to represent PROPS! Our hommie Big Tara did great! Motel7, Annie Up, PANDORA wow you blew me away w/ your skillz! DJ Chela, Eternia, Lori from Female Sneaker Fiend, Amanda Lopez w/ the Photo skillz, and many many more…I gotta get folks names right. Shout out to the ladies who had our back during the trip; MELISSA for organizing all the DOPE ladies to represent! AUTUMN for hooking us up w/ the goodies, and T-ROSE for being a wonderful host! THANK YOUUUUUU

Friday September 18th. Intermedia Arts walls at the Twin Cities, in Minniapolis MN. MISSION: Lock down your spot, gather your colors, and sketch in your piece!

Glad I didn’t go crazy with a 20 foot piece like in years past. Wanted to experiment a little with some new designs, hang w/ the crew, and enjoy taking photos…

JEN ONE! We repping NYC this year baby, ready to rock the walls, and hit that linolium

Different sponsor this year…CLASH. Not bad, didn’t mind it. Came w/ good caps too…

My B-Girl hommies 4life! Legend Rokafella, and BIG TARA! Stretching for the SHEro show…
ROKAFELLA
Hip-Hop dancer/choreographer Ana “Rokafella” Garcia was born in Spanish Harlem where she grew up with a strong Latin background. At the age of 16 she began going to clubs and doing back-up dancing for freestyle singers on the local NYC party scene. Her hip-hop dance style became her bread and butter when she began street performing with such crews such as The Transformers, The Breeze Team, and the New York City Float Committee. Rokafella has taught workshops at NYU and Howard as well as neighborhood high schools and community centers. The non-profit company she co-founded with her husband, “Full Circle Prod”, serves the community with educational performances and multimedia urban-themed performances. She is presently producing a documentary based on the challenging lifestyles of female breakdancers featuring b-girls from all over the world. She believes this culture was born to help urban youth get through the ups and downs of life with something to hold on to.

Motel7 from Noraway came thru to represent for the overseas artists…she’s a sweetheart!

Leaving the finish for the BLOCK PARTY!!!

Back from Minniapolis! here’s a few flicks from the gallery exhibition entitled MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT!

Friday 9.17.09

Mama Said Knock U Out!, an upcoming gallery exhibition at Intermedia Arts, will showcase 28 female artists from around the world who use their visual voice to empower, inform and organize. These women are employing Hip Hop culture as a means of expression, connection, education and social and political activism globally.  This group exhibition will include work in video, photography, painting, sculpture, film, and textiles. Nationally recognized photographer and Huffington Post contributor Lauri Lyons (New York) will produce a commissioned installation in the main gallery as part of the exhibit.

KNOW THYSELF – SOLD!!!:( Bummer I always feel sad when my stuff sells, I get so attached…

Amanda Lopez, Love this pic, one of my faves…

MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT: Curated by Michele Spaise and Theresa Sweetland. Exhibit runs August 28-October 23, 2009

B-FRESH!

Artists:
Abeni Garrett, Alice Mizrachi, Amanda Lopez, B Fresh, Catiesha Pierson, Chanel Kennebrew, C-Rocka, Corinne Santiago, Desdamona, Erotica67, Faith 47 & Rowan Pybus, Janelle Olson, Jennifer Rasinski, Jessica Kitzman, Katrina Knutson, Keegan Xavi, LadyKFever, Lauri Lyons, LICHIBAN, Monica Kelly, Motel 7, Niz, Sarah White, Shannon Joyce, Steph 1, Tamiko Mitchel, Tiffany Smith, and TOOFLY!

Excited to get the jam started, and paint!!! B-GIRL BE 2009 Minniapolis, MN Saturday September 19th 12-10pm.

After a long day…we got some chicken wings and took half the crew who arrived to Meillisa’s crib to check out a sneak peak at Rokafellas ” All the Ladies Say” Shout out to Meli who had to jam out to CUBA for the Juanes event we missed you!!! Sending you nothing but love and support!!!

Took a short visit to Florida this weekend to visit my Familia before shit get’s hectic this fall. Happy my aunt Mimi, and Hector took us to this new spot called BLUE SPRINGS STATE PARK . It’s the shit!!! Their website does them no justice. If your ever in Orlando I recommend you check it out. You can BBQ, Snorkel, Canoe, Kayak, Camp, and swim in paradise.

Damn this place is It’s BEAUTIFUL!!! Wish MOM & Jenny came, but they had to work;( Working sucks!

BLUE SPRINGS STATE PARK. The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home (mid-November through March) to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. For centuries, the spring area was home for Native Americans. In 1766 it was visited by Colonial American botanist John Bartram, but it wasn´t until 1856 that it was settled by Louis Thursby and his family. The Thursby house, built in 1872, remains standing. The spring´s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner. Swimming or diving with the manatees is not permitted; this rule is strictly enforced. The river is popular for fishing, canoeing, and boating. The park has plenty of picnic areas and a hiking trail. For overnight stays, air-conditioned cabins, a full-facility campground, and primitive campsites are available.

paradise one trip at a time…

Took me a while to convince the rest of the fam to jump off this tree trunk, but they did it!

no, si, bueno…little cuz, she’s so cute!

I must say, I’m glad I did it but damit my arms hurt that night from rowing! No more canoe shit for me, maybe I’ll kayak next time?

Spending time with family is priceless. Even though it was short it was hella sweet.

I MISS YOU FAMILY!!! Have a safe trip back to Ecuador PAPITO! Nos vemos en el winter;)

Heading to Minniapolis for the B-Girl Be 2009 Event September 17th-20th. Looking forward to chillax with my bgirlzzzzzzz, and get some more painting done, before the end of summmmmmmmmmer….

Intermedia Arts presents B-Girl Be 2009. A Celebration of Women in Hip-Hop
August 28-October 23, 2009

Mama Said Knock U Out!
Opening Reception: Friday, August 28,
6:00-9:00 p.m. with DJ Drea

Mama Said Knock U Out! an upcoming gallery exhibition at Intermedia Arts, will showcase 28 female artists from around the world who use their visual voice to empower, inform and organize. These women are employing hip-hop culture as a means of expression, connection, education and social and political activism globally. This group exhibition will include work in video, photography, painting, sculpture, film, and textiles. Nationally recognized photographer and Huffington Post contributor Lauri Lyons (New York) will produce a world premiere installation in Intermedia Arts’ main gallery as part of the exhibit.

Other artists featured in Mama Said Knock U Out! include: Abeni Garrett, Alice Mizrachi, Amanda Lopez, B Fresh, Catiesha Pierson, Chanel Kennebrew, C-Rocka, Corinne Santiago, Desdamona, Erotica67, Faith 47, Janelle Olson, Jennifer Rasinski, Jessica Kitzman, Katrina Knutson, Keegan Xavi, LadyKFever, Lauri Lyons, LICHIBAN, Monica Kelly, Motel 7, Niz, Sarah White, Shannon Joyce, Stef Skills, Tamiko Mitchel, Tiffany Smith, and TOOFLY.

Mama Said Knock U Out! runs through October 23, 2009 at Intermedia Arts. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday from 12-6PM

The August 28th opening night reception is one of the highlights of Intermedia Arts’ 2009 B-Girl Be Festival, which will bring together national and local hip-hop artists and audiences in Minneapolis for the gallery show, real-time aerosol art mural production, dance and vocal performances, and networking opportunities. Created by Intermedia Arts in 2005, B-Girl Be showcases women’s aesthetic vision and creative leadership in hip-hop. Mama Said Knock U Out! Curated by Michele Spaise and Theresa Sweetland.

The HIGH LINE is finally OPEN!!! Shout out to NY1 news for the heads up this past week. It’s pouring out now, not but earlier today the sun peeked just enough for an afternoon stroll. Monday’s rock because it’s like a Sunday for us. Babe and I get to go on dates! We’re all about it, especially when it involves scenic views like today. As a designated footprint couple we rode our silver limo downtown, and entered at Ganesvoort St to cross the park down to the 20th street exit. The view is DOPE, great for long walks, flicks, lounging, napping, and stealing some wifi on your lunch break. The High Line is a positive glimpse of NYC turning green. We’ve been waiting for stuff like this to finally take shape ( even if it’s not in our own hoods just yet ) I’m a true believer in “leading by example” and SO…I look forward to the day when ALL cities, and hoods go GREEN!

The High Line is located on Manhattan’s West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues. Section 1 of the High Line, which opened to the public on June 9, runs from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street.

The High Line is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

More flicks and Info at the HIGH LINE BLOG

Be sure to check out the IMAGE GALLERIES. They got some ill flick’s with Graff like REVS & COST below…CLASSIC! Wish they preserved our graffiti “LAND MARKS” as well…

HISTORY:
The High Line was built in the 1930s, as part of a massive public-private infrastructure project called the West Side Improvement. It lifted freight traffic 30 feet in the air, removing dangerous trains from the streets of Manhattan’s largest industrial district. No trains have run on the High Line since 1980. Friends of the High Line, a community-based non-profit group, formed in 1999 when the historic structure was under threat of demolition. Friends of the High Line works in partnership with the City of New York to preserve and maintain the structure as an elevated public park