Toy

(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

I never noticed how much cat toys look like sex toys.

The only difference is cat toys are more expensive.

Upcoming Promo: Press Check

Press sheet © William Anthony

As previously mentioned, a new promo mailer is in the works. Last Tuesday we went down to the printer for the press check. It's been a while since I had done one. Oh how I miss the smell of four color press inks!

I am trying something different with this promo. The photography industry seems to be changing day by day. What worked before isn't always a guarantee now. Simple displays of your work aren't enough anymore. Nowadays, it's all about conveying your personal voice and perspective, not just skill sets. I hope this mailer will satisfy all that. Plus, it's fun.

But I don't want to give away too much.

Philip Lumbang III

(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

A while back I blogged about these cavity-inducing, sweet bears some street artist was putting up all over Los Angeles. I discovered the first on Mill St., right near the studio in the Arts District. After some research, I discovered they were done by artist Philip Lumbang. His web site had his contact e-mail address, so I sent him a message asking him if he'd like to participate in my neighborhood photo project 90021. Not surprisingly, his response was friendly and open to the idea.

So after a few weeks of e-mail and phone exchanges, and a very successful solo show of his work I might add, we set up a time and place for the photoshoot. Knowing he's the type to collaborate (be sure to check out his piece "Bear of the Dead" with Ernesto Yerena) I asked him if he wouldn't mind doing a mural specifically for the shoot. Not surprisingly, his response was friendly and open to the idea.




(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

After securing a permission wall (thanks Yuval!), Phil and I discussed ideas. When I see Phil's street work, the thing that strikes me is how seamlessly it fits into the harsh, gritty environment despite its polar opposite mood. Litter, grime and concrete meets fur, smiles and positivity. And somehow, it works. He's THAT talented. I proposed a concept where the lines between the real world and the land of "Awesome Bears" merges.

We agreed on an idea whereby a sampling of his large, rich cast of characters would be watching him paint them. Even down to the last little raccoon interacting with Phil himself.


(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony


(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

By the time he was wrapping up the mural, I realized the beauty of this phenomenon Phil's created. It's HIM. He is the bears. He is the raccoons, the elephants, the little long-eared rabbit looking for trouble. The best art is always a pure reflection of the artist himself (or herself). Phil is softspoken, laid-back and above all else really, really positive. If you met him in a coffee shop, you'd probably sense that right away. Even without the bears. But he's just one guy and can't be everywhere. But these little critters can. So in a sense, Phil's awesome, positive, laid-back fun attitude is popping up everywhere.

And I bet he's pretty friendly and open to that idea.

Follow Phil on Twitter.


(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

Time-lapse video of the painting/shoot:

Philip Lumbang Paints His Portrait from William Anthony Photography on Vimeo.

Credits
Production Manager: Pamela Sunnarborg
Photo Assistant: Jeff Johnson
Video Producer: Dana Brunetti/Triggerstreet.com
Videographer/Video Editor: Andy McCallie/Triggerstreet.com
Music: "Red Hat" by Ethan Kalar
Special thanks to Yuval Bar-Zemer