Happy 2012

Happy New Year Everyone!

2012 is going to be a great year for me; I can feel it in my bones. After much soul searching and long talks with my husband and dear friends. I have made a decision to switch gears in my career and pursue my two greatest passions in life next to Music, Math, Science and Computers. Most people who are close to me know I am also a Painter-Collage Artist and Confection Creator. And this year, I am going to travel down that path.

It was hard to walk away from my job and the people that I really loved. But my quality life and family life seemed to be suffering in a lot. I was not able to catch up on a lot of things that I really enjoyed. And my stress levels were flying off of the charts. I was no longer able to enjoy my 2 hours a day at the gym, due to a hellish commute and I so tired when I got home at night. I could not commit to evening plans, or pick up a paintbrush. Walking my dog even became an extra stress in my life.


In November a dear friend of mine Diane came to my home to give me a massage and visit our loft. She was truly one person who realized I needed a true break, and told me point blank! "Hopey you need to learn to take time for yourself" I have thought about this conservation a lot, mainly because I don't get the chance to see Diane that much. And it was the first time that I heard those words from someone who was a dear friend, but not in my daily circle.

Needless to say Diane's words truly started affecting me, and I knew I needed to do something to make me truly happy and get my creative juices flowing again. I wanted to be able to do something that was truly coming from my heart, and something that I loved doing to a very passionate and artistic way. There was also a commitment I felt I needed to make to my grandparents, as they are the two people that truly helped me become the person I am today.

As I am writing this now, there is a feeling of fear knowing that I am taking a huge risk walking away from my career and jumping into uncharted waters. But I know at the same time this has to be done.

This week I am starting my journey and launching two new online businesses. One will be Devilish Delights LA, my online Dessert Company and the other is Pop Life Arts, and Etsy store where I will be trying to sell my paintings and collage items. I have no ideas what will happen with these ventures and I can only hope for some success to come out of them. But at the end of the day I know in my hearts of heart I am doing to be doing something that will make me happy and relaxed.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Summer Means New Love = A Summer Return of Collage

Not to quote the Beach Boys too hard. But I really feel that this summer is going to be a good one. As last year we did not even have a summer here in Los Angeles. And I was struggling with much of an artist block and was working in a place with very limited space, that really caused me to be very depressed with my work and social life.

But in January of this year. Blaine and I moved to a new loft in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles, it has been quite a refreshing change and I feel much of my creative self has been restored. Knowing this it gives me great hope in making some really great work this summer. I have been producing a small amount of work over this past year. However moving away from collage and diving straight into painting again is starting to feel a little stale like a day old croissant.

Though painting it is such a great passion of mine, and my style is quite unique and makes people feel good. I just feel like a huge part of me is missing and needs from the easel and sink my teeth into a heavy collage projects. I often have plans to go out and start hunting for something to start working on. But Our schedule has not permitted me the time to go on the great treasure hunt for new stuff. So I just go back to painting.

However this summer I feel that with the change in the weather and the good space that we are in now. It's time for me to go out and do a treasure hunt for pieces to collage and move forward with my plans. It means a lot to me to have tons of cut up magazines around me with a glue gun, lacquer, cigarettes, beer, lots of French pop and 60's pop records playing in the background with the sun shining through the french doors of downstairs room of my loft and Lester Bangs wagging his tale while I am up till hours with the night creating things that make me feel full and not so empty inside.

As of today, this will be Powerpop78's summer of collage.

ox

Coachella Takeoff

Up early getting last minute things together and trying to work on the final packing stages. Packing is something I am quite good at and enjoy. However every year we go to Coachella I find myself in a little panic over what to bring. From clothing, jewelry, bath and body products, shoes, household items, pool toys, food, drink and office supplies.

I do feel that since we have a rental place I can do a little over packing. I am sitting here now writing this and suffering from a small panic over what clothes I have packed and whether or not I need to Weigh my options not sure if it's really worth it, but this is just how I am "The Constant Over Thinker"

Julie came over for a drink and a chat last evening, and I even sent her off with cooking chaffers, party supplies and a pinata. I am starting to wonder if I am alone in this feeling and if anyone else worries about this stuff like I do.

powerpop78's Double Take List

1. Do I need to pack more kitchen stuff (the house comes with a stocked kitchen"
2. Maybe I need more pool towels someone make not like the ones there.
3. I think we need more alcohol for the guest (keep in mind I don't drink hard alcohol)
4. If I have face scrub I need to have a toner and if I bring the toner, I have to have eye cream firming solution.
5. Batteries is one long package enough. (well I can always stop at Target)
6. What is someone forgets that. I should just have one on hand (this could mean any item I become fixated on at the time)
7. Film cameras and bags. I have this compulsion to bring them all.
8. I can't let people see me in the same swim suit daily. Is 5 really enough.

All and all with all of this over thinking I manage to forget something it just seems inevitable. I keep telling myself don't worry. However I just can't work this way. But the show must go on and there is still so much to do. I am now just going to to and relax and pack up my car before the counting of the hair ties starts. I just need to relax and this about the great bands that are playing and the friends I get to see.

In some ways I always feel like Coachella is the music business version of The Bill Chill for my generation for dear friends a colleagues. And for myself and the B it's like a great reunion for friends from far and near. I can't wait to get to the desert, crack and Red Stripe, float on a pool raft and get ready to open of my desert abode for 5 night of non stop madness with some of the most talented people I know.

Cheers! and Happy Coachella to all of you!

POWERPOP78 COACHELLA ART PROJECT 2011

I have been working on my schedule for my traveling Coachella art project. And the master plan is now in action. Over those three days of great music, warm sunshine, beautiful people and art. I will be roaming the grounds with my camera and team looking for interesting things and people who will help create and inspire this project.

I am also willing to send people copies of the photos I take. As long as I have contact info. I may also ask you a few questions as well.

COACHELLA ART PROJECT SCHEDULE.

Day 1 Friday April, 15 2011
"ON YOUR FEET"
I will be taking photos of peoples feet on the move and the shoes they are wearing.

Day 2 Saturday April, 16 2011
"WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM"
I will be shooting random festival goers and asking you. Where you are from and what brought you to the festival.

Day 3 Sunday April 17
"WHAT ARE YOU PUTTING IN YOU MOUTH"
Random shots will be taken of people eating, drinking, dancing and doing god know what with things in their mouths.

I will be using all of these items for an upcoming art show I am working on. I am hoping to receive a warm response from people while I am taking these photos.

I look forward to seeing you all there.
Powerpop78

Coachella Fashion Police "We will be watching"

For over the past 12 years, I have been lucky to be part of the Coachella music festival. My husband has had several of the bands bands that he manages play there ever since the very first festival. During the first two years of the festival fashion was never the important of a thing. people came out in shorts, t-shirts, sandals and vintage frocks. Over the years the festival has reached such great heights, that fashion and celebrities became a huge influence on culture of the festival as we know it today.

The years of free and easy dress died with the electroclash movement. Now you find retailers branding swimsuits, shorts, Bags, Sandals, dresses, sun glasses and poser boho fashions as "Coachella Style" I find this quite funny, as one can go on to the Nordstroms website and purchase the Lucky Brand "Coachella Bathing Suit" And then do a search for the rest of your wardrobe for that long weekend.


In the early years, when style came into play with the festival, you saw some really great original styles, much like the ones you would see at Reading to Leads festivals in the UK. But over the years the festival has launched A few major standing styles that have really saturated the polo grounds. I referrer to some these as the YIKES factor, and the other ones are pretty great and original and practical for the desert. Here are some of my dos and don't for Coachella.

1. The Low brow "Bros & Hoes fashion.

Would you really want to bee seen with fools like this!

2. "All I wanted to do was look cool".

This really says a lot

3. The Goths, how I admire them. Staying so true to who they are in that hot weather. And looking smashing.

She looks a little hot, but I bet she is having a good time.

4. I am a Rock Star so I can get away with it. (well maybe)

Har Mar showing is festival side

5. I really wanted to stand out, but I think it was a bit much.

Honey, if you were going for Mod, you got it all wrong!

6. To have good style, you must also have some class.

Great outfit, I give her a ten.

7. I am not here for the party, I am just a music fan.

Cute and comfortable she knows how to do it right!, and you know she has jeans in that big bag she is carrying!

8. Out to Party and Get Fucked!

You know many festival goers are looking for a one night stand, well here you go!

9. Working Class Punk Looking Dashing in the Heat

LCD''s Handsome Fearless Leader James Murphy Dress to Impress.

10. Classic Punk Straight Edge Chic.

Ian MacKaye Wearing his classic DC Punk style works for him every time!

Powerpop78's 70's Thoughts

When I think about growing up in the 70's these are songs that I remember, for good reasons. I think that this list does not totally represent me, however these are songs I will never forgot, memories so ingrained in my head I often find myself singing some of these songs and bursting out in laughter or tears.

I hope you enjoy this list

1) The Ramones – Blitkrieg Bop

2 minutes of sublime noise. Perhaps I like it so much because it has that 60s garage spirit floating through it. Also a band of great presence. They changed the face of Rock music by giving it a gentle tweak.


2) Fórmula V – Eva María
As promised, prime Franco-era bubblegum pop. Formula V.

3) The Who – Amazing Journey

From Tommy, the greatest Rock Opera/Concept album ever written. Amazing Journey tells of a trip to inner space where a young boy escapes his life’s trauma. Awesome drumming by Mr Moon as usual.

4) Lou Reed – Vicious

The whole Transformer album is a joy. A dirty, New York, heroin-addled blow job delivered by Andy Warhol’s most talented man-whore. Oh honey you so vicious…

5) Stiff Little Fingers – Wasted Life
Jake Burns is probably the best vocalist ever. A voice so raw it can scrape the paint off your skirting boards (don’t point your speakers downwards). Here we get pure punk mingled with Northern Irish politics. Fucking A.

6) Hawkwind – Spirit of the Age

Here Hawkwind invent Rap music (probably) after bringing a melding of Moorcockian SF, acid, noise generators and a tenor sax to a boil and adding Bob Calvert’s lyrical genius. If I could I would have included 50 Hawkwind tunes here, but that would break the rules (one song per band only).

7) Blondie – (I’m Always Touched by your) Presence (Dear)

Debbie, Debbie, Debbie… What a perfect little pop song this is.

8) Eater – Outside View

Can’t get this song out of my head. Just a great punk record.

9) Funkadelic – One Nation Under A Groove
George Clinton, Dr Funkenstein from the planet Funk… A radical political agitator bringing revolution to the dance floors of a segregated, racist nation. I’m a late convert to the delights of Funk, this is one of the tracks that sucked me in.

10) Janette – Por Qué Te Vas
The Song title (translation: Why are you leaving?) A great little ballad too. Featured in Carlos Saura’ s great allegorical film ‘Raise Ravens’ about the evils of military dictatorship (the film was released while Franco was still alive. A brave move).

11) Jethro Tull – Jack-In-The-Green

12) Soft Machine – Etika

13) Magazine – Shot By Both Sides

14) David Bowie – Rebel Rebel

15) Bob Marley & The Wailers – Three Little Birds

16) The Stranglers – Ugly

17) Alice Cooper – School’s Out

18) The Sweet – Teenage Rampage

19) Al Green – Let’s Stay Together

20) John Lennon – Imagine

21) The Special AKA – Gangsters

22) The Runaways – Dean and Justice

23) Pink Floyd – Money

24) Thin Lizzy – Whisky in the Jar

25) The New York Dolls – You Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory

26) Patrik Fitzgerald – Trendy

27) Jean Michel Jarre – Equinoxe 4

28) Los Diablos – Acalorado

29) The Jam – In a Strange Town

30) The Angelic Upstarts – Murder of Liddle Towers

31) Uriah Heep – Blind Eye

32) 20/20 – Yellow Pills

33) KC & the Sunshine Band – That’s the Way (I Like It)

34) The Dickies – Paranoid

35) Wishbone Ash – The King Will Come

36) Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band – The Floppy Boot Stomp

37) Television – Venus

38) Kirsty McColl – They Don’t Know

39) The Damned – Smash it up

40) Tubeway Army – Are Friends Electric?

41) Fernando Esteso – La Ramona

42) The Rolling Stones – 100 Years Ago

43) Wizard – See My Baby Jive

44) Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers – American Girl

45) The Notsensibles – I’m in Love With Margaret Thatcher

46) The Undertones – Get Over You

47) Silvio Rodriguez – Ojalá

48) Iggy & the Stooges – I Wanna Be Your Dog

49) Led Zeppelin – Black Dog

50) Steve Hillage – Electrik Gypsies

51) Gil Scott Heron – The Bottle

52) Can – Vitamin C

53) The Ruts – Babylon Burning

54) Spizz Energi – Where’s Captain Kirk?

55) Secret Affair – Time For Action

56) The Buzzcocks – Orgasm Addict

57) Black Sabbath – War Pigs

58) The Hawklords – Psy Power

59) Sham 69 – Borstal Breakout

60) The Pink Fairies – The Pigs of Uranus

61) Saxon – Backs To The Wall

62) Abba – Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight)

63) Tyrannosaurus Rex – Ride A White Swan

64) Devo – Mongoloid

65) Ian Dury & the Blockheads – Reasons to be Cheerful (Part 3)

66) Rush – 2112

67) Ten Pole Tudor – Who Killed Bambi?

68) The Sex Pistols – God Save The Queen

69) Slade – Merry Xmas Everybody

70) Vangelis – Dervish D

71) Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Woodstock

72) Wire – Mannekin

73) The Doors – LA Woman

74) Wayne County & the Electric Chairs – Fuck Off

75) X Ray Spex – Up Bondage Up Yours


76) John Cooper Clarke – Beasley Street

77) Siouxie & the Banshees – Staircase

78) P.I.L. – This Is Not A Love Song

79) Melanie – Ruby Tuesday

80) Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water

81) Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel – Come Up and See Me

82) Gang of Four – At Home He’s a Tourist

83) Hot Chocolate – Everyone’s a Winner

84) Norman Greenbaum – Spirit in the Sky

85) The Adverts – One Chord Wonders

86 Wreckless Eric – Whole Wide World

87) Slaughter & the Dogs – Where Have All the Boot Boys Gone?

88) The Dead Kennedys – Chemical Warfare

89) Triana – Luminosa Mañana

90) The Mekons – Where We You?

91) The Only Ones – Another Girl, Another Planet

92) Motorhead – No Class

93) Lluis Llach – L’Estaca

94) Metal Urbain – Lady Coca Cola

95) Steve Miller Band – Jet Airliner

96) Blue Oyster Cult – (Don’t Fear) The Reaper

97) The Rocky Horror Show – Sweet Transvestite

98) Badfinger – Day After Day

99) Elton John – Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting

100) Throbbing Gristle – Something Came Over Me

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