TOOFLY NYC

This past weekend I took a trip to the post office in the city, and found out that the MTN Ecuador Spray Paint launch was only 3 blocks away! It turns out that MTN will now be sold officially in Ecuador in various paint shops. I made that u-turn to check out what the event was all about, and ended up painting for 5hrs! I had no sketch, no camera, just 12 cans of the last colors that remained provided by MTN. I went for it with the classic TF warrior character steez. Shout out to my ecua hommies who helped lock down a wall for me; Sapin, Belu Loops, Dennis from Mugre Sur, Sudamerica peeps, and Blooky. I’m finally putting all the faces and names together to navigate the scene down here.  It’s taken me a while but little by little I’ll be able to build with everyone to try and organize something DOPE. Till then the “Guerillera de Amor” is on the scene, painting and making friends <3

Foto: Daniel Kuntur – Shout out to Vera for letting me use her bike to reach up! Shorty rocks gotta find a way…

Foto: Maria – When we figure out how to rock this women’s production, paint sponsorship, and location we will gather the gfraffiteras so look out!

Foto: Andrés “Sapín” Ramírez – Amigo querido on the scene since we met in 2005!:)

Foto: Rmnoby – Hommie from Guayaquil in chats about a wall in the near future. Cool pic:)

Steep! – I’m a big  fan of his work! When I waited for a wall to come thru I watched him paint with latex and spray . Amazeballs!

T-NAZ – Otavalo – Sweet guy! + very talented with the indigenous portraits of his people. We’re in chats about a possible wall in Otavalo in the next few months. One of my favorite artisan towns!


Blooky – Hommie who lived in Italy for a while, and now is back in the country. Helped lock down wall. Gracias amigo!

Quito ladies by “El Rojo” piece. An artist in town from spain, Dope detail! 

Thanks for the paint! thanks for the interviews!:)

Gracias a Carlos Pereira y el crew de MTN Ecuador! Big ups to the graffiti and street artists who participated in the event. Lot’s of talent here, and now that the paint is officially here and in almost all paint shops we can take our work to the next level!!! It’s a perfect time to be in Ecuador:)

Finally got around to finish one of my latest canvas works entitled “FREEDOM DREAMER” The process started a couple of months ago, but with all the traveling I had to do in NY  for spring and summer it had to put it on hold. There is nothing more I hate then to start a painting, and not finish it in a few days. It takes a long time to get back into the work. I have to slowly find my way back in, and grab hold of the flow I originally had when I started. It’s painstaking, but I did it. ((( Relieved )))  LOVE: the one true source of inspiration, and motivation…

FREEDOM DREAMER, 2013. Acrylic and Spraypaint on Canvas 19.75″ X 27.5″ – For inquiries contact: info@tooflynyc.com

“Paredes del Barrio” is a series of neighborhood walls I am working on during my stay in Ecuador and travels throughout Latin America. There are hundreds of walls to paint in this city, but I feel there is a need to share the stories behind them. Many of these places are special because of their cultural contribution to the community, but are being overlooked and targeted as sites to re-develop for “El Buen Vivir” campaign. Last year we saw how awful the city officials treated LAS MAMITAS DEL MERCADO. A farmers collective market that brought fresh, and organic produce to the neighborhood. They were forced to move from the location they held down for many years in order to make way for a small park with benches. There have been no gatherings at this park or community events. It is a beautifully designed, but deserted area with no access for locals to use creatively. The mercado on the other hand brought the neighborhood together because families shopped for their groceries and gathered to eat authentic Ecuadorian dishes. Why didn’t the city just give the mercado an upgrade and keep the tradition of shopping local? This is why money without care for community building doesn’t work. So with the help of our friend Kuntur; a local community organizer who loves his neighborhood – friends, and youth, will be continue its efforts in creating a visual voice for what is going on to keep these spaces alive.

Behind the walls of our latest project is a beautiful garden owned by a sweet old lady named Doña Teresa. In her day she was a key figure in this barrio, and community organizer like us. I have more to learn of her amazing story, but when she opened the doors to her garden we were in awe of her gem. She has hundreds of plants, herbs, and trees that date back more than 50 years. Something this neighborhood would greatly enjoy as a space to be with nature, read, and learn about. There is a lot of history here. We hope she comes around one of these days, and opens her garden to the community along with a little small coffee shop for the love birds. It takes a bit of work to bridge the age gap, and share our new ideas with older folks on this side of the world. In time we believe they will trust this new generation to help bring life back to their foundations. Visionaries from different times takes time, until then we shall paint!

Decided to keep Kuntur’s stencil “Seguimos En Resistencia” as part of the piece as we continue to resist against money and greed…

Special thanks to our neighborhood locals, and youth that helped us rock this wall. Babe and Ely too! Meeting the neighbors and young people interested in mural work is one of my favorite parts of creating street art in el barrio. Gracias amigos!

El Jardin de Doña Teresa…

It’s amazing what you can do with left over paint scraps in 6 hours!

Now I can walk down el barrio to get my favorite coco ice cream, almuerzo, encebollado and enjoy our new colorful strip! Hoping one day the garden is open and I can add a cafesito to my afternoon barrio stroll…

“Life is all about timing… the unreachable becomes reachable, the unavailable become available, the unattainable… attainable. Have the patience, wait it out It’s all about timing.” – Stacey Charter

  “Tough as Nails: Artwork from the Women of Few & Far Crew”
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 3 rd 2013, 6-10pm
Exhibit: Aug 3 rd - Sept 29 th , 2013
Press Contact: Kelsey Lannin- gallery@ArtPrimoSF.com

Few & Far is a collective of highly creative female graffiti artists from around the  world, working together to promote participation of women in typically male  dominated sub-cultures. They travel the globe connecting women through artistic  and social exchange, showcasing their art on walls and in the streets. “Tough as  Nails” is a representation of their collective belief that all women should feel encouraged to do what they love, despite gender imbalances found throughout society.

Art Primo SF Gallery works to showcase graffiti art in the gritty and subversive spirit out of which the subculture has grown. We strive to make artwork available  both to serious collectors and the general public, with affordable pricing and  public, all-age events. Our top priority is the preservation of anonymity for those  artists working with us who wish to keep their identity private. Art Primo SF Gallery is attached to the Art Primo SF graffiti art supply store, offering the best  selection of high quality street art supplies in the Bay Area. 

Back in the studio, and enjoying my morning ritual. I’m up at the crack of dawn to face my sketchbook and pour out my heart. I’ve been sketching quite a bit in the last year 1/2. The pencil drawings are my favorite because they allow me to use shades and tones to focus in on the emotions of the piece. I recently started using my ink pens again, which helps to “finalize” the work. The graphic lines are great for sharpening the illustration, and possibly adding color. Which means a possible new wall pieces? print series? canvas works? or T-designs? dunno yet…for now I am having fun on paper. I am inspired, and in love again which is all that matters right now…

Every now and then I get an opportunity to work with folks in corporate america and bring a little street energy into their 9-5 office life. It’s a nice break from working outdoors at times because it gives me a chance to sharpen my professional skills with a group of minds that take this stuff super serious. It brings the level of artistry and communication to a whole other stage. There are dozens of meetings that need to happen in order to get something like a “graffiti inspired” piece to break into these places. I’m proud it has been sOOoooo well received. It’s time our work can share space with collections and well known artists in these environments. The installation – inspired by New York City’s graffiti culture now lives in one of todays #1 financial management firms in the world. It’s headquarters located in the heart of Midtown New York City. A contrast from our neighborhood streets and ill urban environments. The dialogue among our worlds continues and that’s what it’s all about!:) A special thank you to project leader Susan who locked down the gig and made the creative process breezy smooth. Shout out to my primo Richie for the artist assistance, and photography documentation. Thx kid! Looking forward to the time lapse video as well from our friends at the office. Can’t wait to see it!!!

Time lapse video coming soon!

No need for projectors, no need for stencils. FREESTYLE BABY! #trueartistry

“WELCOME TO THE NEW WORLD”

Original Krink handstyles…

Thank you Susan! aka graffiti name: Miss Super Woman:) #artbizlife

Toofly, 2013 Midtown NYC

THANK YOU NEW YORK! See ya in the fall:)

Earlier this year during my trip to Peru I met Alejandro Carranza Vela. A local artisan who travels throughout South America  ”parchando” ( setting up shop on the street ) and living a carefree street life. From Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, and heading north this year, Alejandro is an amazing soul. I was impressed with his handmade jewelry works on metal, and thread. It’s amazing what one can do with stones, rocks, and beads. There is a whole tribe of friends like Alejandro who travel and set up shop in plazas. They live on the basics, and spend afternoons under the sun making art, music, and friends. I’m enchanted with this whole bohemian hippie life! ((( Inspired ))) Stay tuned for our 2013 jewelry/art collaboration:)

to check out Alejandro’s work visit his Tumblr page: ARTE.VIDA.CULTURA

Finally all settled in from my travels, and back in studio catching up. I was super happy to get an opportunity to fly back to New York for 2 weeks because I was able to rock my 4th wall at the ADHOC WellingCourt Mural Project. I’ve been invited to take part in this wonderful event since the beginning. I had to find a way to make it happen and show my support. Got a lot of love for the ADHOC team, and the community who pulls together events like this on grassroots levels. Because of them we have great spaces to paint and share our passions for street art. This time around was a little crazy for me though, can’t front! Tiempo was short, and I had to take on a smaller wall in order to complete on time for block party and finalize an installation gig in midtown. Whew! Glad it all worked out. Crazy painting schedules and crazy weather patterns become a juggling act sometimes. A special shout out to my cousin Clef, and friend Alexandra Henry for pulling through to help with ladders, rides, material runs, and to document the process. Happy the sunshine and peeps pulled through for the TooFlowers <3

Photos by @MistaDrumin

Shout out to Alexandra for stopping by to take some of the final flicks of the wall and for the blog post :) Photos by Alexandra Henry ©2013

“CENTER THYSELF” WellingCourt Mural Project. Astoria, Queens NY 2013 “Truth lies within ourselves: it takes no rise from outward things, whatever you may believe. There is an inmost center in us all, where truth abides in fullness and to Know rather consists in opening out a way whence the imprisoned splendor may escape than in effecting entry for light supposed to be without.” - Robert Browning

AD HOC ART EXPANDS ACCLAIMED PUBLIC ART PROJECT COMPRISING OVER 70 INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS SPANNING MORE THAN 50 YEARS PAINTING 100+ SPOTS

70+ artists from around the world painting 100+ spots!

Now it is 4th year, the Welling Court Mural Project began when the community of Welling Court in Queens, New York asked Ad Hoc Art to help them spruce up their neighborhood in 2009. Ad Hoc Art enthusiastically rose to the occasion in May 2010 organizing a project fitting for the diverse and energetic inhabitants. Each year after, Ad Hoc assembled a spectacular crew of legendary and groundbreaking artists spanning more than 50 years of activity to transform the neighborhood into a 24/7 street-level gallery and public art experience.

Renowned artists with deep roots in the movements have created site-specific works for this project. This new array of visual experiences provides fresh contexts for how people working, visiting, and living in this diverse cultural gem of Queens think about and interact with their environment. Bringing art from around the world directly to the heart of this community and NYC, the project has received remarkable support and interest as it grows more vibrant with each wall, artist, and enthusiast that comes on board.

Read more

Before heading off to San Antonio, I had a chance to squeeze in one last wall for the Bushwick Collective through our hommie Col from Wallnuts Crew. Meeting Joe, the collectives organizer was refreshing. His story is deeply rooted in the Old New York, a true local, and a super nice guy making big things happen in Bushwick. We are excited about what he has started here. It feels like a small NY version of what we experience at Art Basel in Miami at the end of the year. I am excited to see how it will unfold over the next few months!!! Read more about Joe’s story and how the Bushwick Collective came about on the New York Times Story a few weeks ago. Joe, thank you for the opportunity to grace these walls and beautify your neighborhood:) See you guys soon! XOXO

THE BUSHWICK COLLECTIVE
OUTDOOR STREET GALLERY – BLOCK PARTY SUNDAY JUNE 2nd 2013!!!
LIVE MUSIC , FOOD TRUCKS, LIVE STREET ART , DJ’s and much more…

Zimad stopped by to say hello:)

Shout out to my BFF for life! ((( I LOVE YOU ))))) Thanks for always being there for me, and for being such an amazing friend all these years. See you in the summer!

Trying something a little different this time around…

Final pics of wall coming soon!
Shout out to hommie COL WALLNUTS for making the wall happen.

IMAGES OF THE WEEK! —-> www.brooklynstreetart.com Photo by Jaime Rojo ©

Check out website for event info! —– > www.contentunderpressure.net

Back from San Antonio and ready to rock these blog posts!

Welcome to the PAINT YARD! Shout out to the entire TPY team who took very good care of us:) XOXO

Ready to rock this wall under the HOT TEXAS sun! Ouch heat…

Thank you IRONLAK! Few& Far Paint Sponsor…

MERLOT! Love this pic chica:)

MEME – Our Few & Far mamasita! Thank you for rounding us up for some hot fun under the sun:) Had a lot of fun on this trip, looking fwd to the next one!

Houston Peeps showing the ladies love <3

HOPS! Keeping us in check, on time, and organized <3 <3 <3

Shout out to the fellas who stopped by wall the and chilled with us under the hot sun. LOGEK, POSE2, MUSE, HEX. Good Times:) XOXO

Gotta love the kids:) Little Rocket and little girls inspired by the ladies painting their neighborhood.

The Amazing REDS! She goes hard wow!

HELLO MY NAME IS:

TOOFLY – Free as free can be…

More wall flicks coming soon!

Content Under Pressure 2013! #thepaintyard San Antonio, TX

It’s a wrap! Time to get home , rest up, and do it all over again. Hello Summer!!! Painting season has begun…

TOOFLY & KANO Toy Signing this Friday! 5.10.13 —-> @Myplasticheart in NYC will be hosting the official return of Bodega! produced by kaNO kid, the new updated design features a swivel head and a clearer body to display the featured artists graphic. MPH will be kicking off the return with a signing in NYC featuring Toofly and kaNO. Due to the limited edition of these pieces (100 of each), myplasticheart will only have a limited quantity for the signing, so get there early!!!!

Shout out to Kano, Sol, and Sarah for the flicks! <3 Check out Kano’s Blog Post Re-Cap here

Love throwies by Clef…

Oh snap look who rolled by…taking it back to Corona COOL C dayz!

Shout out to my cousin Clef for taking flicks:) Looking good kid!

LOVE WARRIOR

“Sticky Stuff” and “Swoosh” LOL!!! XOXO MERES <3 #hommies

MERES X TOOFLY 5Pointz, Queens, NY 2013

SAVE 5POINTZ!!!! —- > https://www.facebook.com/Save5Pointz

Rooftop Legends is coming in June! Got a chance to rock a new wall during my Spring visit with my boy WERDS. We go way back, and painting is a great way to catch up on the good ol’ days. Shout out to Jesse who runs the event and the walls at New Design HS. aka Seward Park. Looking forward to a sunny afternoon with art, music, and vendors. Stay tuned for details!

Join us to celebrate the opening of the 6th anniversary of RooftopLegends with DJ DP ONE of the Heavy Hitters. Opening reception gallery walk on Sunday, June 2, 2013 from 3-7pm on the NDHS Rooftop at 350 Grand Street, New York NY 10002
Fundraiser to benefit NDHS Rooftop Arts $5-$25 suggested entry. No-one will be turned away.. For more information contact jessepais@newdesignhigh.com

Thanks for the collabo time!!! Hasta la proxima <3

TAKING IT BACK TO 1992 #hommiespaintogether

Flicks coming soon!