Finished this piece. “THEATER ARTS” it’s almost TOO proper
GIFT by David Flores Opening reception: mural dedication and interview Tomorrow,
Nov. 4th 6-8pm at Azusa Pacific University
701 E. Foothill Blvd Azusa, CA 91702

Hanging and installing for a show at Azusa Pacific University . They gave me pick of the litter on walls for the mural . We chose the theatre building.. it’s huge . We bake in the reflection but it’s getting done . Show is a warm up to a book release we have in the works through the same university Tuesday the 4th at 6pm Azusa pacific gallery 701 e. Foothill road Azusa , ca . 91702 come through !

It is an honor to be included in legendary photographer, Bruce Weber’s new project “L.A. STORIES”. The Calvin and Hobbes mural “If Not Now Then When?” Can be seen in the window of Barneys New York on Madison Ave.

“Because of these photos, I have a lot of new friends in L.A.” -Bruce Weber

For our Fall 2014 campaign, photographer Bruce Weber embarked on a project that turned out to be a true labor of love—capturing 76 Angelenos in their personal spaces all across the city. Aptly titled “L.A. Stories,” the campaign celebrates the diversity of Los Angeles by featuring an array of the city’s residents—from artists to models to grandparents and young students. “I’ve been going to L.A. for so many years now, and I realized by working on these photographs for Barneys that there were so many neighborhoods I never knew existed,” reflects Weber on the remarkable medley of people and places he encountered.

In a similar fashion to the Barneys New York Spring 2014 campaign, Brother, Sisters, Sons & Daughters, Weber photographed many of the participants surrounded by their families and friends. The sense of community within these unique groups of people represents their incredible cultures, histories, and shared futures.

Included in the cast of beautiful dreamers: Cuba Scott, artist and granddaughter of Sir Ridley Scott; Gabby Maiden, a professional snowboarder and skateboarder; James Liddell, a pizza delivery man and aspiring filmmaker; Mary Woronov, a painter, writer, actress, and former member of Andy Warhol’s factory; Patricia Knop, a screenwriter and sculptor; and many more. “L.A. is really about the people, not just about movie stars,” says Weber.

The “L.A. Stories” campaign will be celebrated with an event at the new Beverly Hills flagship in October to benefit Heart of Los Angeles, a longstanding charitable partner which provides underserved youth with exceptional programs, empowering them to develop their potential, pursue their education, and strengthen their communities.

with the 20th anniversary of our Beverly Hills flagship store, Barneys commissioned filmmaker Melodie McDaniel to create a short film about HOLA’s work. Below, enjoy a three-minute trailer of McDaniel’s powerful portrait of the children who have been touched by this extraordinary organization.

-Source: The Window, Barneys New York

After painting a portrait of  American astronomer and astrophysicist Carl Sagan in the Oculus VR offices in California. Artist Teddy Kelly and myself were invited to Dallas to paint the companies new headquarters in Texas.  We busted out some new wall work. This facility like the one in Irvine is an amazing space!. I had a rough idea when flying out about what I was going to paint, I’m stoked on how it came out.

Bold dark lines crisscross through fields of color to highlight the tonal shifts and unique characteristics of his subjects. Similar to the overlap and maze of freeways in Los Angeles, David Flores carves into the flat surface of the wall with his emblematic contours. The piece may feature a scientific hero such as Albert Einstein or a significant artist like Karl Benjamin, either way the scale, design, and handling emphasizes the subject’s individual importance and unique qualities. Hardly a deep political commentary, instead Flores holds a mirror up to pop culture and has become a contemporary saint maker as he appropriates familiar imagery and shifts its purpose.

Public art holds a special place in the history of art in Los Angeles, as it once, in the 1960s and 1970s, was considered the mural capital of the world. The presence of art in the public sphere has a huge impact on the inhabitants of the city and Flores is contributing towards this revival. However, this was never his intent. Flores’ interest in making art accessible started in design and has manifested in collectables, clothing, and prints. A progression that started in skateboarding and now seems to bleed into anything that can hold a graphic, it’s a story that is inspiring since it’s about making art that lives along side us.

Flores began his artistic life as a designer. Shortly after earning his bachelors degree, he received his first break working for Shorty’s, a manufacturer of skateboard equipment. This experience led to his work being featured in the popular magazine Transworld Skateboarding. Originally a movement born out of surfing, the young sport of skateboarding experienced incredible growth in just a few decades, as it gained a mainstream audience through the success of the X-Games and the sport’s celebrities like Tony Hawk.

Despite this success, skating still exists as mainly an individual exercise practiced in the streets, a dualism that Flores attempts to maintain through his murals and commercial work. Foundationally, these experiences were an early taste for making work that folks use as part of their identity, a lesson about the importance of creating imagery that resonates with youth culture.

The jump to murals was a chance encounter by a friend who appreciated Flores’ work. The end result was a huge portrait of James Dean. Once completed, it lit a fire for the possibilities of creating art outdoors and the exposure it allowed as thousands of people engaged it every day. The public reception was also well-received and quickly followed by additional invitations. Seizing each opportunity and embracing the new challenges, each mural continued to broaden Flores’ exposure and audience.

The abundance of portraiture by Flores along with his distinctive style, I believe, is best understood as a celebration. The varying level of importance of each individual is arguable but his or her likenesses are not. The stark contrast created by his contours draws one into the image and is akin to the stain glass masterpieces of the Medieval Era but instead of Biblical narratives, Flores’ heroic portraits are a celebration of culture. His audience is attracted to the work because they can touch and engage it. From taking a photo and posting online to purchasing a product designed by Flores like sunglasses or a skateboard emphasizes that the approachability is key. It may be an image of Johnny Cash, on the outside of the famed Viper Room, or it’s just as likely to see one of Flores’ portraits on the bottom of a skateboard as it flips underneath the athlete’s feet. The stained glass style of painting is simple but memorable, leaving us with who we want these people to be.

Yet it’s Flores’s history in design that paved a path for his take on portraiture. The culmination of subcultures including collectables, skateboarding, mural making, and street wear — David Flores’ work represents a distinct part of culture and the art world that didn’t exist a few decades ago. The explosion and interest in design associated with skating grew from a youth subculture to a mainstream audience that allows Flores to make art that you can wear, play, or contemplate.

-G. James Daichendt

Monterey Station. Pomona, CA
I painted four portraits, spray paint on brick, each standing 12×16 feet at the new
living complex, Monterey Station, in Pomona, CA.

Frida Kahlo, Grace Kelly, Billie Holiday and Amelia Earhart.

Located at: N Garey Ave & E Monterey Ave
Pomona, CA 91767

Photos: Ace Carretero and Olivia Bevilacqua

This series of limited edition prints is available exclusively through Division 1 Bicycles of Austin, Texas.

The series depicts four Bicycle profiles.
The Cinelli Laser, F.Moser, Assos and the Look Mondrian.
Each print is a numbered edition of 33 measuring 20×16 inches in size.
Giclee Print on 310g Velvet-finish, Archival Paper.
Signed and numbers by artist.

Shop Division 1 Bicycle Exclusive prints here.

Painted a portrait of Carl Sagan at the new Oculus VR Headquarters alongside a great group of Artist. Teddy Kelly, Dave Kinsey, Mark Dean Veca, Tim Biskup.

this part floored me. amazing talent, Ishod Wair, i think he skates for Real.