Proof of Jeremy Jude Lee's book that I got to contribute to. I edited the forward and named all the chapter titles. It was a pleasure working with one of my homies + photography inspirations on a special project that included so many friends, family and friends we call family.

Book design was done by my OG, the design God, Michael Cobarrubia. Edited as well by Jeremy's wife, Sabrina Wong and additional artwork/sleeve design by SuperSensitiveStudios.

The launch was held at Sort

More photos from the book + launch on my blog :)

I found this book at Value Village for 7 dollars. I had no previous knowledge of Andy Goldsworthy but judging by the cover I thought it looked really interesting! Not only is his work beautiful, the documentation of it is amazing and as a photographer that's something I do appreciate. (sidenote: the visual documentation of someones work I think is very important in terms of understanding the thought and design that goes into things like environmental, industrial and architectural design)

I did more research on Andy Goldsworthy and found a bunch of videos on youtube about his process and work. Above is a link to a 1.5hr documentary! This type of work has become my favourite because of how natural and freestyle'd it is. Just going to a random area and finding whatever materials in the area there are and creating something that can live for a brief moment or slowly disappear with time. It feels so in the moment and very subject to change, which sounds so chaotic to me but I think is the way I would describe the way I work as well. PLEASE check out this documentary when you have the time but if you want a quick glance at some of the work he makes. You can check it HERE

ENJOY

As some of you might know, I recently moved into a new studio space with my brothers at Alterior and Street Dreams Magazine this past February 2022. A space that we've been hoping to find for quite some time.

A living Taste studio is a multi-purpose space that serves as a store-front, production/clothing design, photography studio, personal work space and revolving gallery for various art work and activations.

We've hosted some sweet things in the last year so far which I'll probably try and recap on a future mailer. If you're from Vancouver, please stop by and say what's up when you can. We're at 1739 Venables :)

below are some photos of when the space was completely empty !

We hold a belief that climbing is an intuitive aspect of human nature that connects us to the land. This connection precedes the industry and history that has rendered climbing culturally and financially inaccessible to many. Balancing Acts is a program working to build community through free outdoor rock climbing workshops for groups who have been historically marginalized from the sport.

Our mission is to provide access to equipment, transportation, workshops and community building opportunities through our outdoor bouldering program, with an emphasis on supporting and uplifting 2SLGBTQA+ & Indigenous, Black, POC individuals.

The act of climbing is an individual pursuit nurtured and facilitated through a group’s support; there is a unifying connection people feel when they go climbing together, it can be healing, grounding and should be shared.

I met Cosette through my friend Jules. Who introduced me to Antonio, who then introduced me to the rest of the squad. Sherman, Adrian, DJ, Bronte and Bryan. I think they are some of the most talented and fun people I've met in the last 5 years. They do music, graphics, video, animation, tattoos and more. The driving force to the creativity is led by the musical duo of Bryan and Antonio. When I first met Ant, he rarely talked about making music and it slipped in a conversation one time. I looked him up and found two projects that they had released in high school. I brought it up to him the next time we saw each other and told him I wanted to meet everyone else. I had this idea that I would film a documentary about them making their next album and end it off by all of us going to Astroworld. Then the pandemic hit, like all stories go these days, and those plans were delayed. Hanging out was delayed. Once we were able to safely hang out with each other, I had already chosen that they would be my covid-safe circle. I abandoned the idea of the documentary temporarily and just became friends with them. They've become some of my closest friends in the last 3 years. I've enjoyed watching them go through their processes and figuring out not just art, school but life in general. Honestly seeing a lot of myself when I was there in age in them. I'm grateful to be a part of their lives and to be able to give them advice when asked. I hold them to the utmost regard as creatives and people. I look up to them as much as they say they look up to me. I believe wherever they go with life, music and art, they will succeed. I love these fools.

Here is a music video we made last summer for their single "CERAMIC"

following is a video of them rehearsing a new song coming out, with a new video on the way. Enjoy !!

I can't even begin to explain how much Chad and Pharrell have influenced my life. I'm sure there are a lot of other people who feel the same way. I could go on about these guys but ya'll already know !

Ryan Leslie is a genius not only in music but in so many other things. I can go in a deep dive on Ryan Leslie but might have to save that for another time. The biggest thing I've learned watching Ryan Leslie is engagement. Not taking for granted the interactions we get to have with people who recognize you. No matter what level you're at. There's always someone who understands you and is fucking with you always. I think we take that for granted. This guy knew that if he gave MORE quality time to his loyal but smaller fan base, he would be just as successful as someone who is selling out stadiums. And he is. I think he recognized the people who really enjoy him and really ride for him and focused on them. Because those people were most important.

I don't have a lot of followers on instagram. But I think I have high engagement, even though I don't post a lot. I can say this though, there isn't one person who has DM'd me about advice, photography needs, ask about my process, anything! that I have no answered back in multiple paragraphs and more. Messaging someone for advice, someone you don't know, even if it's online is scary. The people who have made that effort to do that with me, I couldn't be more thankful. To me that's the biggest compliment that there is something I'm doing that you're interested in and what to get to know more. Why wouldn't I give you as much as I can?? I don't know where these people are gonna go. Not that it matters but y'never know. These tiny interactions could go a long way or at least manifest itself into something positive down the line. Even if you don't recognize it. I think it's just a great thing to do for each other. To recognize the people who recognize you.

Forced to be facin' my problems

And I've lost count but it's all 'em.

Yeah I been shook but there ain't no half way in this shit;

Pushin' forward like "all in".

Some are just winners that spring into falling...

'cause it's my season baby! Aki do mean that it's autumn.

My lyrics layered lately. Thermal Palladium, bought 'em.

Confirmed that my lady had bottom. I'm sure that we cozy

when packin' that OZ, I'm talkin' 'bout duck and the cotton.

Thought about workin' with weight. But I'm just workin' away

tryin' to earnin' a way, that's why I been burnin' this way.

People who think that I'm fucked, knowing just only my name.

I'm wishin' that things were the same. I'm missin' my Peggy, her lips.

It's easy to spend than be gettin' a grip; I'm tired of feelin' this shit.

So the T's in the threes for my pain. I just want chips and then dip.

No fame and no follows. No taming impalas; Like throwin' some D's on the whip.

Fuck, do you know who I am? Go ahead, peek me for clips.

One of my favourite videos of all time. Do you ever see a piece of work, as an artist you just wish you made. This video is a real benchmark of something I want to make. Something I strive to achieve in my work to just have a fraction of the feeling I feel watching this video. I am a fan of love. This is it and everything else.

ENJOY.

Another link to mailer that I enjoy. Substack is my new platform that I've been getting into. Lupe is definitely worth a follow :)

12 years ago, a couple friends of mine and myself wanted to make an agency. We had come up with this idea to pitch an app to Nike. Mind you, this was back when the only iphone out was the iphone 3G. This app was geared towards people who play pick-up basketball. You could sign onto the app, pick a court you were gonna play in around your city and see who else is playing there or invite people to play with you. You'd set a time, choose your teams and play your games and by honour system would enter who would win the games. In turn, by interacting with the app it would win you points and prizes that you could take to Nike website or stores to claim little and big prizes. I know, I know, it sounds like so many apps that you've heard of these days. Mind you, this was 12 years ago. Geotagging wasn't even a thing. Nowadays a phone could recognize that were at a basketball court but back then we had to go out to the actual courts and tag it so it could be registered in the app, or on google as actual court haha. Anyway, this app never happened really due to the fact that even nike didn't even know how to make it happen and weren't even thinking of apps at the time. So, anyway, here are some mock-promo videos we made for the rollout of the app. The app was called "SWEEP".

Tier Zero is a strategic design practise. Based in Canada and working internationally, they deliver visual identities and film to transform brands, institutions and individuals.

They also have a studio in Toronto that is available to rent ! Check it out.

TIER ZERO STUDIO