The Art Shenanigans of Kevin Ang

Fear Refined: Cthulhu Seahorse

2011-10-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

During a late night scribbling session, this lil Sea Monkey eked out of my subconscious out on to the tableau. It seemed most apropo as this is the month for all things spook-tacular.

We all deal with fear in our life. Sometimes we grapple with it in the dead of night and we have various amounts of success with succumbing or overcoming it. In the coming month, I hope to address some common fears we all experience. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to make friends with some of my own in the process.

Lil Monk

2011-10-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when I look at one too many Steve McCurry portraits...

Bingko's got a brand new bag

2011-06-30T23:11:00.001-07:00

Whew! So there's a couple new things that have been in development or are already out in the world.

I have an art show currently hanging at a new micro gallery called The Velcro Gallery in SOMA. It's my very first show (and theirs as well) and I feel truly and deeply blessed to have the opportunity to be doing so in such a fun space. As the name implies, everything is hung with velcro as it's a sound studio by day. Here's more info on the show:
http://www.velcrogallery.com/galleries/

This opportunity lit such a fire under my proverbial bottom, that I decided to start a new website and self publish a book in order to keep that momentum going. You can find my new website here:

As for the book, here's a preview of it as well as a portal to the shop:

A walk in the forest...

2011-06-18T17:24:00.001-07:00

Mr. Weaver I presume...

2011-04-15T02:00:00.000-07:00

This is my first little experiment with ArtStudio via the iPod Touch. It's actually super robust, not to mention I love the smudge tool. This is inspired by almost bumping into a cocoon undergoing construction not so long ago. It's amazing what you can witness when you just slow down.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T15:54:00.000-08:00

For all you lovebirds...

One of these is not like the other...

2011-01-27T02:31:00.000-08:00

I came across an especially nap loving sea elephant this past weekend, and was immediately struck by what a perfectly bottle shaped bundle of lard she was. I was also struck by how much I wanted to snuggle right alongside her.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-18T16:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! from Kevin Ang on Vimeo.

From mum and I to you all this year...
Be well, be joyous, be kind to yourself and others :)

Illuminara

2010-12-23T04:08:00.000-08:00

I attended a Winter Solstice celebration in Muir Woods yesterday. The paths were all lit with illuminara, the canopy echoing with christmas carols, and folk stories were being told around fire pits. At a certain point, the lights ended and I ventured further into the forest where my only guides were my trusty flashlight and intuition. After awhile, I turned off the the flashlight altogether, letting my eyes adjust to the darkness, and for a brief while, experienced what it's like to truly commune with nature. And the best thing that came out of it was that even though I was far afield from the crowd, the sounds of civilization, et al, I never truly felt alone in all that darkness. In fact, I don't believe there really is such a thing. Our bodies trick us, but the spirit knows better.

"True" Grit is a True Classic

2010-12-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

I just saw the latest Coen Bros opus yesterday evening, and I can honestly say it's one of the best westerns I've ever seen. Go do yourself a favor this holiday and enjoy the beautiful Christmas gift that is "True Grit".

The Dude abides again...

Happy Thanksgiving from Hipster Central

2010-11-25T17:48:00.000-08:00

Having Thanksgiving lunch with some workmates the other day, my eyes chanced upon a crew of hipsters milling about with martini glasses in hand, ironic mustaches and all. I could not help but wonder:

Do hipsters know they're hipsters?

La Familia Calacas

2010-11-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

I'm about a week late here with my dedication, but I guess inspiration strikes at will! I've always thought the Day of the Dead was such a healthy and open way to remember those who have passed. The end doesn't have to be all doom and gloom.

So I present you Senora Florita and Senor Skullito in all their glory :)

Tron Night

2010-10-27T04:12:00.001-07:00

Greetings programs!

As a child of the 80's, Tron was one of those seminal films that really inspired me to draw to my heart's content. Few films ignited my imagination quite like that film. It hasn't aged as well as the heart and mind remembers it, but Jeff Bridges is a national and timeless treasure as far as I'm concerned.

On the eve of Tron Night (which should be showing in your local IMAX theatre), here's hoping that lighting strikes twice and that the new film does the same for some bright eyed kid in the audience. In 3D!

Lost in the Moment

2010-09-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

This was inspired by a talk with a good friend this afternoon. His description of a moment he had with his daughter as she fell asleep is moving for me.

Swept Away

2010-07-30T04:41:00.001-07:00

Satellite of Love

2010-07-07T02:17:00.001-07:00

Afrique

2010-06-21T03:39:00.001-07:00

Tuning into the world...

For Thailand...

2010-05-27T23:27:00.000-07:00

Having been lucky enough to travel extensively through Southeast Asia in the last decade, one of the most common sights you come across on the road are scooters, scooters, and more scooters. But what makes it so special is bearing witness to whole families on these two wheelers moving collectively through their days together.

In the aftermath of the protests in Bangkok, I dedicate this drawing to the enduring and very warm spirit of the people.

Help the Aged

2010-05-26T04:03:00.001-07:00

I love the Pulp song that this posting is named after:
Help The Aged by Pulp

Barking at the moon...

2010-04-27T02:46:00.000-07:00

Aesop Reimagined: Fox & Crane

2010-04-12T02:30:00.000-07:00

And now we come to the part of the story where Crane is not so happy with Fox.

If you're curious as to where this came from, I think it's a mix of having watched John Woo's "Red Cliff" (glorious return to form btw) and admiring both clips of Fantastic Mr. Fox and the Mozilla Firefox logo. I do love me some Aesop's Fables!

Happy Chinese New Year with a bit of Heart

2010-02-14T21:33:00.000-08:00

Today, we have ourselves a 2 for 1 special on an astrological and interpersonal level. Here's wishing you a Happy Lunar New Year & a Happy Valentine's!

Ovo in Spades

2010-02-12T18:44:00.000-08:00

Looks like I have the start of a series going here. It must have something to do with the fact that sometimes I just want to run away with the circus.

Oco-cular Voyage

2010-02-08T15:30:00.001-08:00

I had the pleasure of catching the latest and greatest Cirque du Soleil show "Ovo" recently. I also happen to be storyboarding for a pharmaceutical client. I was so enthralled by the human spectacle in the former while being in awe of our inner universe, that I thought what better way to synthesize them but into a sketch of the day.

Happy 2010

2010-01-01T18:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!

This drawing was inspired by a beautiful month long trip to Asia, specifically Bhutan. It has some of the most breathtaking vistas I have ever witnessed along with some of the warmest and kindest people I've come across in my short time on this rock of ours. Prayer flags abound!

Let Go

2009-10-13T12:00:00.001-07:00

This particular illustration came out of the air for me. I really enjoyed letting it come through me.

Purrcasso Numero Dos

2009-10-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

Here's the Best in Show Doggy portion!

Purrcasso Numero Uno

2009-09-01T02:38:00.000-07:00

Here is my first attempt at a piece for the upcoming Purrcasso 2009. What's Purrcasso you may ask?
"Purrcasso is an art and craft auction and gala that benefits the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society in Berkeley, CA. This year the event will be split into two parts: an evening auction of fine art/illustration and a daytime craft fair. This year’s event will be held on November 7, 2009, 7:30-9:30pm and November 8, 2009, 12:00-3:00 pm. Location to be announced shortly."
Purrcasso 2009

I was invited along with a host of other artists to contribute a piece this year. So I hope to have a little family of kitties and puppies by end of week for y'all to pick over. Stay tuned!

Sayang

2009-08-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

Recently, one of my most favorite directors and storytellers, Yasmin Ahmad, passed away from complications due to a stroke. Although little known in the west outside of film festivals, her films always had the uncanny ability to allow an audience see the great connective tissue between us rather than the illusory, fear driven barriers we erect in the name of culture, class, and race.

This drawing is what I felt after seeing her breakout hit, "Sepet" (a Malay slur for slanted eyes), about the cross cultural relationship between a Chinese boy and a Muslim Malay girl. If you can find it, watch it. It's truly a gem.

For those who are wondering, "Sayang" is the affectionate Malay word for darling or sweetheart. For those who may be interested in seeking out the Sepet trilogy, here's one place, as well as a trailer:
http://sensasian.com/product.php/en/V10390H-D/

http://webs-of-significance.blogspot.com/2009/07/sepet-trailer-complete-with-guide-of.html

Ohhh! Chimpanzee That!

2009-07-10T03:50:00.000-07:00

Like their human counterparts, this graduating primate class is a gallery of ne'er-do-wells and do-gooders. Let's hope these growing boys n' gals go far.

A big thanks to my good friend Kitty for helping me brainstorm some monkey-tacular monikers!

Josephine Baker in the year 3000

2009-07-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

I honestly don't know where this started in my wee noggin, but I certainly enjoyed the journey. Josephine Baker in the year 3000, with her friendly neighborhood jellyfish.

Huh?

Have a great Fourth to you Yanks, and a fantastic weekend to my global homies!

Be Still

2009-06-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here's another entry in the "Terrible Yellow Eyes" project.

This is inspired by the scene where Max uses a magic trick to tame the wild things. In my re-imagining, all they need is a little heart to heart.

Emmy Goodness!

2009-06-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

Somehow between gigs and life in general, I've been totally remiss in mentioning that I won an NorCal Emmy earlier last month along with my old compadres from The CW for the Comic Book Hero spot in the brand spanking new category, New Media - Interactivity. Sexy ;)

Here are some pics of the gala night and the OG spot itself.

Comic Book Superhero from Kevin Ang on Vimeo.

Where the Wild Things Are

2009-06-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to contribute to an amazing online project in tribute to the great Maurice Sendak, the author and illustrator for "Where the Wild Things Are". The sheer talent on display at this site is astounding and I consider myself truly honored to be in such good company. Feel free to check out the rest of the work at Terrible Yellow Eyes.

Also, the site will be presented to Maurice on June 10th as it's his birthday, so I may have another one of these in me as a gift ;)

Happy Mum's Day

2009-05-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

My mom happens to be a tango dancing nut, and so I thought she would enjoy a bit of Buenos Aires for this special day.

A Timeless Moonlit Walk

2009-04-23T03:10:00.000-07:00

CNET-ness

2009-04-16T04:12:00.000-07:00

I just came off of a stint at CNET as a motion graphics designer and thought I'd share some examples of my work there. Redballs redballs, wherefore art thou?

TIVO Tech Weekly Open from Kevin Ang on Vimeo.

Digital Living Open from Kevin Ang on Vimeo.

Welcome to Monkey Island son!

2009-04-09T22:54:00.000-07:00

Just Around the corner

2009-03-26T10:35:00.001-07:00

An oldie but goodie

2009-03-19T02:29:00.001-07:00

This is how I'd love to spend a day in the world: Super size yet gentle, wishing on a tree.

Love me some Austin

2009-03-19T02:12:00.000-07:00

It would be entirely too long winded to explain this doodle, but trust that it all makes sense in my warped mind. It started with a trip out to Austin for my birthday, where I literally ate, drank, and danced my way back through. It was an unimaginably fun trip and I miss it already.

If I had to extrapolate a story from this frame, it concerns the misadventures of Marcela and Sammy the Lemur, who come in contact with the curious case of the Holy Cupcake. This is definitely inspired by my own encounter with the spiritual experience that was Hey Cupcake!

Motion Graphics Galore

2008-12-05T02:59:00.001-08:00

In lieu of my website in progress, here is an overview of some of the work I've done in the past few years. Oh, the memories!

Comic Book Superhero from Kevin Ang on Vimeo.

Sarah & No Name After Dark from Kevin Ang on Vimeo.

A Scanner Darkly: Diner Scene from Kevin Ang on Vimeo.

Power Sewing Opening from Kevin Ang on Vimeo.

Current TV ad from Kevin Ang on Vimeo.

Current TV Busby Berkeley Style from Kevin Ang on Vimeo.

Back from the TIFF y'all

2008-09-17T22:00:00.001-07:00

lilelvis
Originally uploaded by bingko

This is how properly chuffed I was when I was in Toronto. I hope you all can visit this lovely city one day. Cosmopolitan, insanely diverse, good ol' Canadian charm and grace, great food, and an all around fun film festival to boot.

This picture was taken in Little India aka Indian Bazaar in front of one of the many clothes stores in the district. It was taken with a handy dandy new Lomography Fisheye 2 Camera. I'll be posting more of these psychedelic charms soon enough, followed by my own capsule reviews.

Touching the Light Fantastic

2008-09-01T15:53:00.001-07:00

For a fellow artist and friend's new bebe, Lily.

Adrift

2008-08-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

What do you think happens next?

Choose your own adventure mateys!

A Proverbial Mother Load

2008-08-26T17:53:00.000-07:00

Although I've been promising myself for bloody ages to revamp my website, there is some part of my brain that has built a vast Mordor like fortress to resist such an act of insurgency. Hence this blog. So what I present before you now is a few months' worth of personal and professional work for your enjoyment.

The following is a series of tarot like cards that I've been working on and off of now for the better part of the year. They have been really enjoyable to work on and although there seems to be a theme, I do see it veering off in several directions, much like a fever dream. I'm posting them in the order that I created them.

(For you digiart types, I drew them all in a wacom tablet with one customized brush.)