Maria Villareal - South Chicago Resident

Chicagoland Artist

Maria is a big sister to me. Maria and her husband Roman are two of the most sincere people you'll meet on planet earth.

I'm challenging myself to paint portraits for an upcoming show in August. "Circle of Influence" featuring women who've made a positive impact on my life. She's agreed to pose and I'm very grateful.

Update

Alter by Traz and CISA Crew
Arte Muerte Exhibition @ CISA Gallery 2009

My birthday is in December. It's a month where I reflect on the year, probably, earlier than most do. I think most start reflecting after XMAS when the hooplah is over, wallets empty, and scales read 5 more pounds.

Been my view the last 3 days. A lot of call-offs due to the flu. WASH YOUR HANDS!!!

Severe @ Meeting of Styles Chicago 2009

Spider senses been tingling all week. Spoke with Dzine @ Risk's show at Beverly Arts Center (good work) and confirmed what's been going on with my work. Stated I should put down my beliefs. What I believe/see will not be user friendly.

I truly believe we are all slaves in one form or another. Either way we are all slaves. We've spent so much time and energy convincing ourselves that we are more than that, and we are, but not right now. Just slaves.

I thank Tom Torluemke for his work. As crazy as it looks, it challenges your moral/ethical fibers and forces you to continue the argument of beauty/sexuality/ and freakness.

All Praises due to Allah.

Update

Images from Heartland Graffiti exhibition @ Swope Art Museum, Terra Haute, IN
The exhibit runs through Jan 2nd.

ArtPrize was a no go. There was not a meeting of the minds. Was concerned about lack of insurance + location. This was my proposed installation. I call it "Sadatay"

View of installation for Unusual Suspects exhibit organized by Risk and Bill Weyna. It was a great exhibit.

Nec, Tony, Johnny ... Tattoers part of Inkvasion exhibit @ CISA Gallery

Tommorrow Has Arrived performed @ Reception

Subsurface Outdoor graffiti exhibition was good times. Sacred and Cents always do a great job at making the event "chill". I got up with Omen and Bone from my crew CISA.

Update

Some of my Work during my Alma show @ IUN Gallery for Contemporary Art

What a couple of weeks since my last post! We have an addition to our family. Our niece Krystal will be moving in with us. I'm happy and grateful to Allah (God) for the blessed opportunity.Been prepping for upcoming events.

• Aug 28th: Inkvasion @ CISA Gallery in Hammond, IN
• Labor Day Weekend: Subsuface Outdoor Graffiti Exhibition in Indianapolis, IN
• Sep 23rd thru Oct: Art Prize in Grand Rapids, MI
• October 2nd: Heartland Graffiti @ Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute, IN

I'm still with CISA Galleries. However, Felix "Flex" Maldonado, has assumed the responsibilities of Director/Curator. I'm Asst. Curator. I like it better that way with my schedule.

Our youngest son starts college next week @ Indiana University in Bloomington. We're excited with him. Our oldest continues his pursuit in a degree in Constr. Management @ Purdue-Cal. Our youngest daughter still being creative and our oldest daughter checks in every now and then.

Graffiti

This has been the only piece I've done this year. What's going on?

Normally, I'm on my 5th piece by now. As an older writer with a busy schedule I consider myself active if I've rocked at least 5 walls a year. I'm slipping!