Ellington

Here is a piece I recently completed for Coltrane Curtis of Team Epiphany. Curtis, who is the son of one of my favorite musicians John Coltrane gave me the honor of portraying his son Ellington. In the spirit of creative experimentation such as the music of his father John, I decided to blend digital with hand made application. Hope you enjoy. 

Complex: Honorary Degree

Here is a recent project I did with Complex Online Mag for an article they wrote that looks 10 years back at Kanye West's career since his 'College Dropout' album release. The images were created for an animated digital cover. I love technology for this type of stuff! Here is the raw animation by Robert Hribernick. Big thanks to Art Director Brent Rollins! Also I have attached all the sketches worked on including the ones that didn't make the cut. Enjoy!

The Process...

Raj Jayadev: The Power of Community Journalism

Here is an interview with one of my best friends Raj Jayadev. The organization he speaks of in this segment is where I gained the confidence to pursue my career as an artist and more importantly deal with adversities that I experienced in the past.

From KQED: 

"Not all workers in Silicon Valley benefit from stock options and catered lunches. In 2001, Raj Jayadev and his friends founded Silicon Valley De-Bug, a local newsletter meant to give less affluent employees a voice. Today, De-Bug serves as a hub for community organizing and criminal justice reform, as well as a multi-platform media organization. Jayadev joins us as part of our First Person series on the leaders, innovators and others who make the Bay Area unique."

Host: Dave Iverson

Complex Mag Portfolio Review

Complex Mag recently asked me to participate in their online Portfolio Review series.  Here is a link to how that went including brief thoughts I have behind some of my works. Click here to read more: http://www.complex.com/art-design/2013/12/samuel-rodriguez-art-portfolio-review/

Words by Complex: "Samuel Rodriguez's paintings capture the multifaceted identities of his subjects. Instead of portraying an ideal whole, he fractures his compositions to suggest that we are made up of more than just a single belief, history, or culture. Rodriguez touches on themes of race and ethnicity, stressing that in our diversity...Read full article here >>

Artist Sam Rodriguez

Show Recap: Visual Mixtape

VISUAL MIXTAPE

by Sam Rodriguez & Public Meridian.

A compilation of our favorite multinational subjects visually manifested through graphics and custom bracelets.

The Show

Last week I came together with Public Meridian for our debut collaboration to celebrate internationality. This is the first in a series we are beginning on cultural blending and common interests that have been rising on a global level. Musicians were the topic of choice for this first show since they have such a universal impact. The “playlist” was based on our collective likes and what we think is important to our hosts, Cukui. The criteria for this compilation was that it had to have an international and local feel to it.
We hope you enjoy!
-Sam

The Goods

Original Paintings, and a box set that will includes a signed limited edition print and a custom bracelet that illustrates selected musicians. Cukui also made a limited edition tee based on one of my paintings. There are only a few of them left available through Cukui.com.

About Public Meridian

Public Meridian is an independent label from San Francisco that produces custom and limited edition bracelets.

Bjork Box Set: Signed Print & Bracelet (made from Aqua Terra Jasper and Amazonite). Limited to 8 Editions. 

Erykah Badu Box Set: Signed Print & Bracelet (made from Amethyst and Leopard Jasper). Limited to 10 Editions. 

J Boog Box Set: Signed Print & Bracelet (made from Lava Rock, Bayong Wood, & Wood Chips). Limited to 10 Editions.

Mac Dre Box Set: Signed Print & Bracelet (made from Snow Obsidian and Multi Color Stone). Limited to 10 Editions.

Click Images to Enlarge...

First Friday Releases

I am excited to announce that beginning this January 2014 I will be releasing signed Limited Edition Prints on my website every first friday of the month. There will also be special discounts as a thank you to continued supporters who have subscribed to my mailing list. I am also going to be adding a catalogue of available original works including sketches. Prices for originals will be available upon request. I would also like to extend an invitation to any viewers of my site to vote or suggest a piece you would like to see released as a print. How to do this? Simply contact me or comment on images posted to my site, or social media accounts. Thanks for your support!
Subscribe Here>>

Process & Self Discovery

I have finally completed a piece that I am somewhat satisfied with. This was also one of the most transformative ways I have ever worked which included many stages in the process. The result has been very rewarding and I think I am beginning to fine tune my voice as an artist. It started as my usual random sketch which I selected from an instagram post awhile back and then turned into a loose digital mock up which finally became the schematics for a mixed media frenzy that you see here. I guess you can say it went from software to hardware. I think the reason why I am content with this one is because it mixes all of the things I love most in visual art such as graphic design, portraiture, sketching, digital references, 3D architect modeling, patterns, and graffiti marks. I especially loved working with less with paint and more with  the hardware. One thing that stood out about the process was its similarity to cooking in that I needed to prepare the "ingredients" ahead of time which were the cuts and shapes that would later be applied to the final.  I call this piece "Notes" inspired by the different tones in music and mood. This will be the first of many to come. Enjoy and feel free to comment!


Vote YES in the comment box for this to be the next First Friday Release!