One man's trash is another man's 1/4 scale hot rod. Yes, Michael Ulman makes beautiful little things out of trash. Well, not like cartons and cereal boxes, but discarded items all the same. "I look for objects that were destined to some mundane existence and give them new purpose through my sculpture." And we're glad you do. "A frying pan becomes a fender, a vacuum cleaner becomes a sidecar, and a mailbox becomes a hot rod." As well it should.
The only thing that bothers me about Michael's art, is that it seems he could spend all that time, sculpting and assembling, but actually make a bike or car that runs. Am I wrong? What would be better than riding or driving a piece of artwork? Agree with me or not, check out the photos and be blown away. And hey, if you feel so inclined, make an offer. Between 5-20k will get you one for your mantle.
MICHAEL ULMAN
April 27, 2009
Michael Ulman's Sculptures
April 24, 2009
Vintage Skate Ads
70s and 80s skateboarding. Was there a better time for it? I wasn't born in the 70's and I could only walk in the 80's for a few years (fine, a couple more than a few), but I can guess. My first board was a hammer-head, and I think after I used it for a while, I cut it down to make a mini-board. Remember those? If you have a few hours to kill this fine Friday, check out Cal Streets for a whole ton more.
On The Street
Walking back from the bank yesterday, saw this little gem. As if the car itself wasn't good enough... the kayak? Really? I crossed the street, which was out of my way, and got a closer look. In the back... fishing poles? Really? I think the guy or girl driving was lost, because the LA river is too dry to keep a kayak afloat, and too damn ill to provide enough oxygen for fish to survive. All the same, it was like a shooting star. I felt like I was one of the few who were lucky enough to see it.
April 23, 2009
Monograms
As you can tell from the mast head above, I love monograms. So regal, refined, sophisticated. Every time I see a haberdashery, I comment on how one day, I will have enough money to have two dozen shirts custom made, exactly how I want them. And of course, how I want them, includes the addition of an embroidered monogram. Because, honestly, what fine, hand made shirt is complete without a monogram?
Okay, well, I say this but when it comes down to it, the thought of me wearing a shirt with my initials neatly stitched into it makes me laugh. It takes me back to freshman PE, where "Coach" could easily differentiate between the two Nicks, by looking at our chests and reading the bold sharpie letters. "Nick.......M, run a lap!!!" "Coach" Varner was a National Golden Gloves Champion, had a Marine Bulldog tattooed on his calf, and spoke in a raspy grumble due to his larynx being crushed during a bench press mishap. I ran the lap.
Maybe I'll just use them for the titles of blogs. Blogs that go on rambling about nothing in particular... like monograms. Here are some good ones. Makes mine look ridiculous.
ARCHIVE PHOTOS: Polo Players
I don't understand Polo, and that hurts my heart to say. It just seems like one of those things I should understand, the basic fundamentals of Polo, but I don't. Of course, I don't know how to play Lacrosse, rugby, or a handful of other sports in which Ralph has named his brands after. In my High School, Football and Baseball were offered. None of those fancy pants sports. Is there an adult, novice only Polo league in LA County? I'll look into it.
These guys, although playing a highly "posh" and high-brow sport, look tougher than me. Check the first guy. Those are tattoos. Seriously? How badass is he? I bet he didn't understand the rules either, but played the game like he wrote the rulebook, and beat the horseshit out of everyone else. Hats off to you, Capt. Cheape.
April 22, 2009
YES, PLEASE: AEV Jeep J8 MILSPEC
I like American made cars. I really do. It's just that I think American car companies are fairly clueless when it comes to good design. There are exceptions, don't get me wrong. I think there are currently more than one or two production cars coming out of the land of the free I would consider. I'm am merely speaking in broad generalities.
I used to own a Jeep Unlimited Rubicon. It was a 2-door, before they went to the weird 4-door model. I loved it, for the most part. When I bought it, I had to argue with the salesman at the dealership about two VERY important things. 1st, He was trying to get me to purchase an automatic. Now, this is strictly for me, but I happen to think Jeeps, well, Wranglers at least, should come with one transmission option... STANDARD. 2nd, the guy was trying to get me to buy a more expensive hard top. Again, just my opinion, but Jeeps should be offered with one top option...SOFT. I ended up with the Jeep I wanted. It was a standard transmission and soft-top.
I enjoyed my Jeep for a couple years, then something changed. The new body styles came out. I was disgusted. These weren't Jeeps, they were Honda Elements (no offense Brady and Jeremy) with a couple Jeep badges stuck on. The interior was finished off in fancy, shiny plastic and the dash had all sorts of bulbous knobs protruding out. My heart sank more when I touched the front grille... PLASTIC?!?!? Hey, don't get me wrong, it's still a Jeep, and I love 'em, what they stand for and all, but I just couldn't help to feel the image of the rough and rugged military vehicle was falling by the wayside and in it's place were 26" rims and chrome package options.
I thought all hope was lost, and sort of still feel that way as far as Jeep US is concerned, until I had a friend email me, Luke Schmerberg, and tell me about the new AEV JEEP MILSPEC J8. AEV is the same company that brought us the BRUTE CONVERSION KIT. They are now offering the same vehicle Jeep builds for military use, and allowing the public to own. Now, not sure it's all that street legal, but really, who cares? Jeep how Jeep should be. Stripped down and tough as nails. Get more on it here...
WELCOME BACK HOME JEEP.
This is not the AEV model, but it shows the basic look and feel of the it.
