Some reflective prose on a city of angels
Mi Gente, I am East Coast born and raised. From Miami to NYC, I’ve always appreciated the diversity of the landscape and environments found throughout the latitude I have known all my life. But last week we flew out to the west, my first time ever anywhere farther west than Cincinnati (in the USA, that is) and made our way after many flight delays to Los Angeles, California.
Guao. It is incredible out here.
I am sincerely blown away by the natural beauty that surrounds this city. Mountains, beach, desert, canyons, forests all in a few mile radius. And the museums (the Getty, the Huntington Library and Gardens) are just as incredible. It seems that the design and layout of most of these landmarks and many of the residential (multi-million dollar) structures I’ve seen have taken into consideration their natural surroundings and have tried to honor and respect it in some way.
Also, Disneyland is dope.
And on Angelino’s:
In the few days we’ve been here, our incredible tour guide and good friend has managed to introduce us to so many beautiful new friends. True Buena Gente. I once heard a lecture that impacted me by stating that “true friendships are based on common values.” How true those words have proved these last few days. The Californians (“Angelino’s” I was told for those from LA) that we’ve crossed paths with, because we hold the common ground of common values, we’ve been able to bypass the pleasantries that sometimes prove to be barriers when getting to know new ones and just ease right into a friendship. It’s so refreshing to meet people who you don’t have to doubt their motives and/or intentions.
It’s made me think of how necessary it is to ones overall health to surround yourself with good, genuine people. And not to take for granted those that have been and continue to be good, genuine friends. Makes me think of an ancient Psalm (Psalm 16:3) written by a gent that dealt with many different types of friendships, some refreshing and some toxic, where he mentions that “the majestic ones (or “the excellent”) are the ones in whom is all my delight.”
To cross paths with someone who is “majestic,” someone who displays impressive beauty or dignity in their life course despite difficulties, is a privilege. When we recognize someone like this we have got to hold on to them and glean as much of that majestic-ness as we can so that we can prove to be the same,”majestic” and “a delight,” to others. A refreshment to others. A friend.**
The city of A(rt and other stuff)ngels
Here are some things I’ve done, seen, shopped, and eaten that I’ve loved in my few short days in LA and that will likely be impacting the work I churn out in the coming months:
The Impressionist wing at the Getty; French Art’s Inspiration on Walt Disney exhibit at Huntington Gardens; Kinokuniya stationary store in little Tokyo LA; Wacko/Soap Plant; best shop for unique tshirt in Hollywood; so many tacos; in-n-out burger.
Haven’t had much time to sit and draw but here’s a tiny sketch of Santa Monica I did while scarfing down some fish and chips-
Also, here are two songs that do not share the my same sentiments about Los Angeles:
The Decemeberists- Los Angeles, I’m Yours
Death Cab for Cutie- Why You’d Want to Live Here
We’re still in Cali for another week but now a in Lake Tahoe. I’ll share some on this part of the trip on another dispatch .
Thanks for all that have purchased something on the site these last couple of days. Shipments will be out next week when I get home.
** special shoutout to my dear friend and mentor, Illustrator Oskar Mendez for the hospitality and incredible tour of your home town. One of the funnest days of my life. **
Right on, dudes. Catch ya on the flippity flip.