TOOFLY NYC

Hello world! It’s been a minute since I had a chance to post. 202o is a hell of a year, and it’s not over yet. So much got cancelled since March. Luckily I had a blast right before the pandemic started in San Jose, Costa Rica. I was invited to paint at The Meeting of Styles event which cancelled the day I arrived. What an absolute bummer that was, but because I’ve been keeping the ultimate positive attitude on each trip, each experience is better than the last. I wanted to make sure I added the photos, and story on here now that things have chilled a bit. I don’t want to forget what an amazing time I had. Special shout out to my dear friend Mavisu ( photographer ) who made it happen for me +  hosted me in her lovely home. Love and gratitude to the MOS Costa Rica team Mush, Diana, and crew. They did a wonderful job in working with the changes that took place as artists arrived once the pandemic took over our lives.

Another festival where I feel graff/street art mission is on the right path and not trying to gentrify and push their own people out of their communities. Put together by artist like us. The vibe is different, and it feels like one big international street art family. I have been trying to get to Costa Rica for years now and nothing truly panned out. I can’t believe I finally made it! Crazy thankful. I appreciated every minute of it.

I prepared a sketch before trip entitled “Semillas” – I want to continue to introduce nature and indigenous beings into my pieces. I honor nature so much and believe in it’s ultimate powers. The seeds, the plants, the medicinal properties, the health benefits, the way you feel in it, it’s rivers, it’s trees, it’s mountains, it’s animals, everything.

The original location and size of the walls we were going to paint changed, but it was better than not painting at all. I didn’t get a chance to scroll thru the list of artists names on flyer and was pleasantly surprised when I saw the hommie Skore999 from Bogota, Colombia and Caso3 from Panama at the wall. I love it it when that happens! You can see the murals in the neighborhood called Curridabad.

I chose the wall on the corner mainly because I wanted to paint something tall plus stay close to the equipment station, and water/food. We arrived early so we got first dibs on the spots. The heat was brutal so it really helped especially when you have to carry your own scaffold, ladders, and paint. We were on our own once the festival cancelled. No assistants. Skore999 set up next to me and we worked thru some color and nature elements to connect the pieces. This became our first official impromptu collab. From #Atuntaqui in Ecuador, to #LatidoAmericano in Peru, a quick stop in Colombia for #RudaFest, and now #Meeting of Styles in Costa Rica. It’s dope to see friends work evolve year after year. Cheers compa! With 12 cans of paint we made it work.

“Semillas” Toofly, MOS San Jose Costa Rica 2020 / Photo by @LaMavisu

Costa Rica is full of lushy green landscapes, and I wanted to make sure I saw all of that before I left. The city is noisy, messy, and wild like all cities. I didn’t want to stick around for too long it drains me out. The fellas were enjoying themselves bombing, tagging, and painting walls, but I crave my chillax time after I finish painting. I also really like to treat myself and explore other parts of a country. Jaco beach was just 2hrs away so I went!

I hopped on a bus, and booked an airbnb for a few days. Folks recommended I go further because it was prettier but my gut told me to stay close to the airport. My sister kept pushing me to leave because pandemic was getting serious. I had a flight to NY in a few days I didn’t foresee getting stuck for real. My mind couldn’t grasp the idea countries worldwide would close! What were the evil powers up to now? I stayed calm. It was the best thing to do. I’m glad I kept my plans, I don’t like to live life in fear. If things are meant to be they are meant to be period. I have been skeptic of the whole pandemic thing since it started. I rather listen, and follow my intuition then the fear mongering news and corrupt governments who don’t give a shit about any of us anyway. That power lies with you. Make sure you are well and all will be well. It’s not rocket science, use your common sense people. In the end I painted, I laughed, I danced, I drank, I ate good, I chilled, I made new friends, I felt the love, and enjoyed this trip very much. Thank you COSTA RICA <3 — and FUCK YOU COVD19!

Nature has our back, and we are wide awake and quick to catch your lies now more than ever before. We will fight tooth and nail against injustice and for our god given freedom to be happy on this planet. 

invited to participate in the 2019 Talking Walls Mural Art Festival in Charlotte, North Carolina October 16th – 19th.

What a trip! I almost did not make it to the festival in Charlotte NC. I had cancelled, and delayed flights for days that prevented me to get to the states when I was supposed to. American Airlines, United, and Delta were no help they officially suck. Ecuador was going thru an intense protest, and war against a corrupt goverment for 12 days straight. Many of the roads were blocked, and the impotent president had declared a curfew and brought in the military to kill their own people.  The situation was dire for many many days. The resistance was inspiring tho! it was all I can focus on for the days leading up to the trip. My people fought tooth and nail and were victorious! They have a brave heart, and together quite unstoppable. If you want to read more about it just google it. It’s a lot to take in. Eventually I made it, and wanted to make sure I finished a very large wall in a few days time. I found ways to work with the negative, and positive space of a 40 foot wall in the uptown district. I wanted to put my all into this piece because I had just witnessed how my people came together to fight back against greed. It’s causing havoc on our planet, and trying to affect the economic growth in various countries by lying, and stealing. An economic genocide is at hand worldwide, and people are finally tired of it! RESISTENCIA is here, and it’s leading the way on how it’s done in South America. It is inspiring youth, and people of all ages and classes to come together against neoliberaism and imperlialist ideals. I dedicate this piece to the movement and in solidarity with all countries and people who RESIST. ( Fist Up )

Thank you for the invitation Owl and Arko!

 

Thank you to the wonderful assistance and photographers on site!

Photo by @Mattshdr

“Resistencia” Charlotte, NC 2019

@Photos by UncleJut

Mompiche Ecuador 2019! What a dope little road trip to paint, and vacay in August. It’s been a creative month here in Quito ( Arts Month ) There’s a lot happening, especially with creatives from the urban arts community. Regardless of the country’s shitty economy, artists don’t stop. We keep it alive! @Detonarte_ec was independently funded this year due to lack of funds in the arts sector in Ecuador. It makes it hard on artists because it is how we make a living. With a little free time and a few extra bucks a few of us were able to pull thru to rep’ on this important mission. 12 local / international artists, a lot of acrylic paint, and limited color palettes went far this time. We received 10 cans of spray paint ( sad face ) by local paint sponsor @Evans ///  If you planned your piece ahead of time, threw in a few extra cans of your own it worked out. That’s how we did it ya’ll. For the love of NATURE! This year Luiz Auz founder, and curator of Detonarte with the help of locals the event launched. Shout out to Santiago, and friends from @SavetheParadise @SecretGardenMompiche and locals in Mompiche. The municipio helped a bit too, I guess 2 canecas of paint is something? Smh. They set up a stage for a performance that started way too late for anyone to care. All it did was create fights with locals who felt they would lose business. All those people get no props they have no clue what they are doing. It truly takes a village in these parts of the world and unless your on board with some serious care you can suck it. At the end of the day all the love goes to the folks who recognize the value of art, and culture as a tool for social / environmental change. Various eco-hostels hosted many of the artists and crew – thank you! We had healthy organic food, and seafood at different locations that volunteered to feed us – thank you! There was plenty of clean water to refill our water bottles so that we do not cause any more plastic waste – Thank you conscious artists! Our mission: 3 Days to create beautiful murals that inspire, and bring attention to the importance of protecting nature. To take care of it’s plant life, wildlife, oceans, rivers, mangroves, beaches, and rain forests. Thank you Detonarte, and Mompiche for taking this important step in the country we hope the goverment and local mayors of the coast take notes!

As a traveling artist I make sure to take the extra time to explore + learn enough in a short stay to report back. Babe and I made it to Mompiche a few days before festival and the 12 hrs was worth it. A roadtrip here is hard by bus, I recommend getting there directly by car next time. It is probably why this beach is still so pretty compared to the rest on the coast of Ecuador. We got a chance to trek and check out Playa Negra ( Black Beach ) as well as enjoy a nice stroll thru the countryside. Next time we gotta make it to Portete!

Shout out to Morongo for the lovely airbnb stay. Bamboo eco-hostals are the best at the beach. One of the best beach views thus far on my travels. Loooooved it.

My rock. Babe is my personal everythang! 23yrs in enjoying life and growing happy together. Happy Anniversary boo boo!

DAY 1 — Artist Trek thru @savetheparadise  // help these wonderful environmentalists save the rainforest in Mompiche. They are cutting down hundred year old trees, and endangering wildlife for palm oil farms and corn oil farms. Stop supporting products with chemicals that affect these environments and nature in general. We all have work to do, and every little bit of change you can do in your life helps. For more information about the project visit their website. You can donate here —> www.savetheparadise.com

Artists for environmental changes! Get educated, stand for a cause you believe in and make the changes necessary to fight the greedy monsters messing up our planet! You know who they are, just look at the back of the labels. If it’s not natural it’s no bueno.

Paintr

Bless

Dieztro

Huesos de Buda

“Proteje La Naturaleza” ( Protect Nature ) It’s beautiful, it gives and gives, do not hurt her, or try to destroy her. She deserves to thrive and live in harmony with humans. In all honesty she does not need us, we need her to survive and live on this planet a bit longer. There is no planet B!

Heading back to Panama City this May! Received confirmation to participate in the 1st Panama Mural Arts Festival taking place May 20th-May 26th. If your planning on a vacation some where with a little street art action check out this event. I was there in 2014 and got a chance to stroll thru the modern city area and historic center #CascoViejo, visit beaches like #RedFrogBeach, and hang out with friends in #BocasDelToro. This time I will enjoy my time painting and building with the artists. Thank you Panama crew, see you soon.

I’m back from Panama! Ready to rock this re-cap before my trip to NY. What an experience, one of the best one’s yet. Festival’s are not easy, especially in our countries. When you keep a positive attitude through it all it can make a huge difference. My wall took a while to lock in, I lost 3 days in the process but in the end it all worked out. The perfect wall became available and it challenged me to prepare a piece that could work with the structure + time frame I had left. Traveling to paint can be a rollercoaster at first,  not everything will go as planned or smooth but if your patient and trust your gut instinct you’ll be all good. The more I paint in countries like south america, and central america the more I learn to slow down, which makes a huge difference in all it is trying to teach me.

Panama has various indigenous communities one of them is GUNA. Also known as KUNA. They live in the mountains and islands as well as in the city. They make beautiful artisanal molas and bead jewelry. What I found most fascinating is that they own 365 Islands ( Sand Blas ) correctly named called “Guna Yala” They have their own rules, and they handle the tourism once inside their islands. They are independent from the Panamanian Government. That’s what I’m talking about!  Shine light on the people that are all about protecting their land, water, culture, and tradition so that it is not lost.  Indigenous Rights matter.

“Sembrar” Panama City 2019 Barrio Santa Ana Calle 14 y Calle C

During my wait for a wall to come up, I spent time strolling thru the streets, chatting with the community, making new friends, having an ice cold beer, and sketching. Panama is going through a big change, many “centro historicos” in South America are. There is a re-birth about to go down. It is seen, and it is felt by all. As you walk down these streets the architecture of old buildings next to new buildings tells the whole story.  Everything comes back around for a new cycle. The contrast is beautiful, but it is also sad. We all know that street art and art in general is a tool for social change in our communities. It can bring a lot of good to people who need it the most. People who are forgotten, marginalized, oppressed, and poor. We do the work to save lives as well. We painted in the barrio of Santa Ana, it is at the cusp of the tourist sector with fancy restaurants, and shops. Kind of like the edge of Williamsburg back in the day when it was all factories, and now…well you know how it is now. Gentrified. That’s exactly the set-up, and all developers know it. They are jumping in to grab what they can. Little by little it will reach Santa Ana, it is very very close. The poor just like the poor in other major cities will be pushed further away. There is no stopping this trend of urban planning. It is happening everywhere, and the more I travel the more I see the same story played over. We care about these issues, and are caught in the mix of it. As artists of color we have a responsibility to not only beautify communities, raise the moral of people, bring smiles, and most of all spark inspiration to create change and rise up. If people take pride in their neighborhood, they take pride in who they are, and then they take back their streets. They defend what is theirs. We have a right to report back to the world what is happening, the good and the bad. All of this will go on whether we are there or not, but it will happen faster with the attention. I have seen it in Peru, in Ecuador, in Panama, in Mexico, and of course in NY. Our hope is that in the middle of this territory battle that benefits the wealthy, that we report plus plant seeds. Seeds that help others find ways to work with these communities so that their culture is protected. Their traditions and stories kept alive. If it is all gone, and the starbucks move in, it becomes another empty illusion of what folks flock there for in the first place. CULTURA! AMOR! CULTURA! Our countries are “rich in culture” they are not for the soulless “privileged rich” who want to push the less fortunate out for their benefit. You either work with us, or against us. We must protect what is dear and important to us. Our cultures are (((( love )))) realized and what keeps our human spirit alive.

Gracias Santa Ana! Your smiles filled us up. The little things in life matter more.

Gracias Chi-Chi and Bolivar! Flowers and colors go a long way for the many who have little or unfortunate circumstances.

Before I returned to Ecuador, I had a chance to reconnect with friends who have moved to the islands and starting new lives away from the illusion of freedom in a big city. Nature can change that. Happy for them! Love you amiga <3

Thank you Panama Mural Fest! Disem, and Dreps and the whole crew, even your lovely mom and pop. I am proud of you guys. You all worked so hard in all areas of the festival when all odds where against ya. We saw it, we felt it.  It all works out in the end, and I am thankful you took the first step as Latino organizers in the movement. ( Fist Up ) Shout out to all the artists who did amazing pieces. Check out some of the images on —>@BombingScience

Lastly, I want to give a big shout out to @atelierpanama which is a community space run by Angie, and Laura in center of city not far from our walls in barrio Santa Ana. It was a central location for artists to rest, eat, communicate with the group, sketch, and hold all our materials safe. It is also a safe space that helps to save kids lives. Free art classes are given to kids ages 6-12. If these kids were not in the classroom they would be out  in the barrio getting in trouble thru drugs, violence, and worst. I thank them eternally for their role in Panama Mural Fest and in their community space as an example of what is needed. They do it on their own, out of love because they care. We need more of that! Support folks making the world a better place for the generations to come so they can flip the script.

Over, and out. Hasta la proxima hermanos, y hermanas – TOOFLY

It’s a wrap! A new, and wonderful experience to add to my adventures as a traveling artist. This March, I joined the Terrapin team from Australia for a live art performance. My duty was to create over a 100 drawings for “You and Me, and the Space Between” at it’s US premiere at Lincoln Center. A story that touches on issues of migration, immigration, and environmental changes happening in the world. Local artists Christina D. Eskridge ( Narrator) and Toofly ( Digital Artist ) spent three weeks on the production with the team and had a great time.

The island is sinking. Its adults are useless. Time for the kids to save the day!

When the island of Proud Circle springs a leak, it takes the curious mind of a child to save the island, its people, and their ways. From Australia’s most accomplished children’s playwright, Finegan Kruckemeyer, comes this original tale of wonder and invention, brought to life with storytelling, choreographed projections, and live-drawn animation.

Behind the scenes photography by: Dean Stevenson

Directed by: Sam Routledge Writer: Finegan Kruckmeyer

Safe travels Tasmanian friends! Thank you Terrapin, and Thank you Lincoln Center Education.

#Tooflypopup at the next La Carishina event in Quito, Ecuador December 15 & 16 from 11am -7PM. See you there!

Back in the studio. It’s time to re-cap the experience of the Akumal Arts festival! Wow…where do I start?

Based on experience to these massive projects, especially for the 1st time one has to be patient, and organized. The crew did it’s best to accommodate all 70 artists. An ambitious number to manage but when your heart is in it, you have money, man power, and event is in a reasonably sized town everything is possible. Once artists had what they needed it to start their walls, we were rockin’. I think also when you personally prepare in advance it helps you a lot. Your travel, transport, paint list, accommodation details, etc; all small details are important too. Organizers can only do their best when they are being bombarded with a million questions during a festival. I experienced it with our Warmi Paint Festival and I can definitely say it is not easy. As an artist in a festival to be self sufficient as much as possible is in your benefit. The rest eventually falls into place.

I specifically planned on a small wall for this event because #1 HEAT EXHAUSTION. Mexico is hot, and if your wall has no shade your fucked for hours #2 IT’S THEIR 1ST EVENT. You can expect things not to go perfect #3 EQUIPMENT. It is never on time at any festival and with 70 artists there’s no way plenty of ladders / scaffolds will be available. So expect the unexpected and work around it.

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One of my favorite destinations to vacay and paint! I’ve been visiting various parts of Mexico for a good couple of years now, and each trip is better than the next. The country, the people, the food, the culture. I fall more and more in love with it on each trip. I am thankful for the opportunity to paint at the very 1st Akumal Beach Arts Festival this coming November. I plan to paint something beautiful, as well as educational to raise awareness to sea life issues. #ClimateAction is at the forefront of many of our mural projects these days. We need to raise awareness on what is happening in the animals in the oceans and decay in sea life/plant life. As humans we have to get mega strict on using less plastic, and educating ourselves on ways to do less harm to the planet. If each of us do something to change our ways it can help. If your in Cancun on vacation, take that 1hr ride to Akumal and check us out Nov 9,10, 11th. Support the cause, support the festival.

Sketch is ready, flight is booked, and artist lodging is amazing! There is a lot of artists involved, looking forward to meeting them all plus the festival crew.

Need more details? – learn more about the project on their facebook page and articles like Yucatan Times.

@RudaFest in Bogota, Colombia last week was DOOOOOPE! I am very proud of my friend Ledania and Gerardo for teaming up to make this happen. Together with a tight team they put together a very well organized weekend event. The collaboration was on point. Dope location, dope hotel, dope artists, dope place to eat ( Canasto Bistro )  and great place to kick back and enjoy art and drinks LIVE! For community of all ages to enjoy. Various artists participated in this event Eelco from Holland – hella cool dude, Ben Johnston from Canada who made me laugh a ton!, Muretz from Brazil and his ill tattoos and many more like Type of Tape which I really digged’. This was my first time in Bogota which reminded of Quito, Ecuador. Mountains, historic city, modern shops, as well as parts of a nightlife city. Bogota has a ton of graffiti too – more so than I have ever seen anywhere else which is why I think they call it the mecca of graff in Latin America. I saw works on the streets by friends like Guache, Stinkfish, and Skore999. Overall event and my stay was awesome. I wish I could of have squeezed in another wall or two next time! Special shout out to the RudaFest team for the invitation and hospitality. I had a great time painting, and working closely with the staff who helped us on the lyfts, the projections, materials, and transport. Met some great people too that I plan to stay in touch with. Our international arts & culture community keeps growing and our travelz helps to bring us together as a arts family. Thank you COLOMBIA!

My favorite part of our summer trip is spending it on the chillax tip with my love. Arrived early in June and took advantage of the really nice weather before it got nasty hot. Babe loves the ferry, so this summer we caught the one that goes to Rockaway Beach from Wall St for $2.50 and in 1 hr we were there! We got a bunch of olives, bread, and fruits for the ride and then got hella excited for the arepa with jackfruit snack on the boardwalk. There was hardly any one at the beach. It was perfect and just how we like it. Less people, more nature, lovely weather, and good food. Highlight of the trip was to land an unexpected gig and lock in the job details on the beach. Gotta love NY!

Longest trip in NY this summer! Glad it’s over. Fun, work, and play for a month and a 1/2 was long, but the mission was acomplished. Got a lot of stuff done, and had enough time to catch up with my family and friends. Wellingcourt this year was nice, no rain! I usually get rain dates but the weather was perfect. I enjoyed the piece I worked on and the day in total. Especially when hanging with the @StreetHeroines team and my boo. “Freedom Dreamer” from the Love Warrior series is one of my favorite designs. It needed a bit of more work but was unable to make it back in time to add more details. Overall she’s FLY! especially next to @Sinned_NYC

Photo by Joe Conzo 2018

Thank You NY!

Great times in Austin TX this year! Shout out to Blue genie Art Studios, my friend Charles and the gang, and all my Austin ATX peeps who showed love. I had a blast working and hanging out!

 

Back from Austin, TX! What a lovely place it is haven’t been back since 2012. It was super nice to see my friends again especially to take advantage of the trip and create a NEW Mama Sana Mural. There’s a bunch of press online about it, you can read. It’s a pretty interesting story that talks about gentrification, and the power of community.