Vanity

-noun

1. excessive pride in one's appearance, qualities, abilities, achievements, etc.; character or quality of being vain; conceit

Tag

This project represents a fascination that I have developed with vanity. At what point does pride become excessive? This collection of work began as a conceptual self portrait. As I worked through this project, I started to realize that this is not really a self portrait, rather, an illustration of vanity.

This body of work began with my illustration of the fable, The Fox and the Scorpion, as told by Scarub in the song, It's of My Nature... The premise of the song covers the gambit of this concept, this vanity... it's of my nature.

Several components bring these pieces together to illustrate vanity from my perspective. The use of spray paint in a graffiti-inspired form symbolizes the ill fame that was sought by the early New York graffiti writers. As explained by Eric Felisbret in Graffiti New York, "the objective was not to mark territory, but to dominate it, and, in turn, establish notoriety." Though I initially chose the tag mpulse due to the resemblance that the letters had to my initials: M Hulse, I was certainly satisfied by the way the word describes a facet of my personality. Additionally, the letter M takes the shape of the zodiac sign for Scorpio, which is my astrological sign, and why the story of the Fox and the Scorpion bears so much weight; it is something I can relate to.

I purposely used the tag in excess. This is my art from conception, but I wanted to emphasize this by obnoxiously incorporating my tag. My use of the heavy epoxy resin allows the viewers to see their own reflection in my art, which is my attempt to bring out their vanity.

The collage, The Narcissistic Mermaid, embodies the epitome of this concept. The mermaid admires her reflection in a mirror while the viewers are able to catch a glimpse of their own reflection from the epoxy resin, but my tag, mpulse, scribbled across the canvas creates somewhat of a hindrance. So even though the viewers can see and admire themselves, I was able to interfere. In a similar fashion, I wanted to continue this theme with my breast plate so that the viewers are forced to see their own reflection in a plaster cast from a fragment of my torso.

The imagery used in the collage offers insight into what drove me to work on this project in the first place: music, art, and fashion, mostly from the underground but mixed with a few main stream components... and by immersing the piece with a reflective medium and tagging mpulse, I was able to turn this self portrait into a study of vanity.

And in regard to my initial question, when does pride become excessive? I have not yet reached a conclusion, but I think that Jane Austen says this well; "Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity, to what we would have others think of us."

The Fox and the Scorpion

Breast Plate

Breast Plate (detail)


Pride

(reflection on white canvas with heavy epoxy resin glaze)

Vanity
(reflection on black canvas with heavy epoxy resin glaze)


The Narcissistic Mermaid

Portrait Collage (these images caught my attention...)

When I fell in love with hip hop

I started dating Stephen a month into my first semester at St. Edward's University. He was my original hip hop mentor. The first hip hop show that I witnessed was at a rave that he took me to. I saw Pharcyde perform. Never before had I experienced the energy of a room of hundreds, bobbing their heads simultaneously, arms in the air, pulsating to heavy beats. Everyone was in it together...

Stephen had an admirable hip hop collection and, as his girlfriend, I took full advantage of my opportunity to expand my musical knowledge. He had an extensive library from Kool Kieth to the Mighty Souls of Mischief, Del the Funky Homosapien, Visionaries, Pharcyde, De La Sol... the list goes on. I enjoyed and appreciated this music. But there is a specific moment when my interest in this new found genre transcended into a deep admiration.

During SXSW, random bars in Austin host showcases and it happened that the Back Room, a seedy Tejano pool hall, was host to the Living Legends, an L.A. hip hop crew. We arrived early to ensure our entry to see the Living Legends and had some time to kill so we ventured across the street to Whataburger. At a table near the door sat a guy, acting silly, with a roll of stickers that read "Murs Rules the World." This sticker would later adorn the back of my little blue hatchback that I drove at the time. I fell succumb to his flirtations for a moment; he asked if I would be at the show. I smiled and said that I would see him there. I honestly did not know that he was Murs of the Living Legends, I just thought he was promoting the show. I had been listening to a lot of the Grouch and Mystik Journeymen, but I knew little about the rest of the crew.

We eventually made our way back to the Back Room and to the front of the stage. The night was dragging and the Living Legends were last to go on. I had never seen them before, but I had a feeling that they would be worth waiting for, so I did and my intuition served me well. This was the night that I fell in love with hip hop.

Each of the Living Legends has their own unique style. They got to me. They acknowledged me. They were engaging. They made me feel like they really wanted me at their show. This is significant because I never felt like I totally fit in this culture, appreciating it, but still feeling it out. The Living Legends were relatable artists who, through their rhymes, painted clear pictures of their ideas and passions. I was sold.

While I have my favorites, all of the Living Legends amaze me. I love what they have done together and I love what they do individually. "Making Perfect Sense" and "Fuck the Dumb" by the Grouch and "Black Sands ov Eternia" by Mystic Journeymen, I played these albums on repeat for days at a time. I also relied heavily on the clarity that I found in Scarub's album, "Fact of the Matter." Since those days of my formative hip hop knowledge, these artists have continued to grow innovatively. Their sounds are fresh, their beats are sexy and at their shows, they still let you how appreciative they are that you are there, bobbing your head, waving your arm.

Since I saw Murs at SXSW last March, I had been looking forward to his June 1st show at Emo's. In fact, I used one of my vacation days so that I could stay out late and enjoy the night.

I was fortunate enough to get an interview with him, one of the most instrumental artists that swept me off my feet, into this wonderful world of love, and innovative creativity that is hip hop...

This blog post is titled, "When I fell in love with hip hop" and you happen to play a pretty big role in this passion of mine... it was back when the Living Legends did a lot of work together. What are some of the most positive results that came from being a part of Living Legends?

There is strength in numbers. I think we were able to have a huger impact by having eight to nine dope artists creating this Legendary spectacle at one time. We were also a crew of innovators so if it wasn't being influenced creatively while living and working alongside my brothers, I was definitely guaranteed to be stimulated or inspired by their work ethic or some brilliant new business strategy. It's also encouraging when you see that someone else from your crew succeeds because it let's you know you can as well. Sometimes it can lead to envy but if channeled properly it can fuel you to make your dreams reality as well. And finally it gave/ gives me a standard to uphold. Living Legends has always stood for independence and innovation and I feel we all do our best to never tarnish our good name. As if the name Living Legends isn't enough to live up.

Do you have a favorite project, album, or song that you did as a member of Living Legends?

My favorite stuff is probably the solo music from everyone or the songs we've done together for each other's solo projects. But if I had to pick one song it would be "Nowyouno." It's the first crew song we ever did. It was on a comp entitle "Beats and Lyrics."

My favorite album would be Underworld, which is technically not a Living Legends album, but it was the genesis according to me.

How would you best describe the album Fornever?

A Murs and 9th Wonder album with a very West Coast swing to it.

Would you mind naming three of your biggest influences in hip hop?

Ice Cube, Jay-Z, and E-40

It is apparent that you have been working hard promoting this album, Fornever. When you finish this tour, do you have any new projects that you are going to begin, or do you plan to relax for a while?

I have a punk album with the band, Whole Wheat Bread, from Florida. The album is called Murs and Whole Wheat Bread are the Invincibles.

A more uptempo raunchy 2 LIve Crew meets DJ Quick. It's a collaborative album with producer Terrace Martin called Melrose.

An album with Sick Jaken of Psycho Realm called Lost City and all year long my online comic book with Josh Blaylock called Merch Girl... every chapter includes a new exclusive song based on the content of said chapter. www.merch-girl.com

Next year Varsity Blues 2 and talk of a Living Legends record.

You currently have 30,122 people following you on Twitter, which is significantly more than many of your colleagues. What do you attribute this large following to?
Hard work and God's grace.

It seems like you visit Austin fairly consistently. What are a few things that you appreciate about this city?
I love the food, energy, people and culture. I feel like it's a missing part of Northern California with a southern twist. I've made good friends and even greater memories there.

Listen to Fornever

photo courtesy of http://www.beatsandbombs.com/wp-content/2010/04/murs-fornever

To create one's world in any of the arts takes courage

- Georgia O'Keeffe

Radiator Building - Georgia O'Keeffe

Image courtesy of www.artinfo.com/news/enlarged-image/26529/74687/

I was a freshman in college when I first heard "It's of My Nature" on Scarub's album Fact of the Matter. Scarub's telling of the fable, the Fox and the Scorpion, caught my attention and brought a distinct, surreal picture to my mind... it was only a matter of time before the image would end up on canvas...10 years later.

Click here to listen to "It's of My Nature"

The Fox and the Scorpion - Mpulse

My attempts to write about my art end up reading like a college thesis statement... and there is no reason to subject anyone to that style of writing. But I do feel like my art needs a little explanation. I will follow up on this when I finish the collection that I am working on. So far the only piece that I have completed is the Fox and the Scorpion.

My newest body of work reflects my current interests in urban style and culture but for the most part, my subject matter is largely organic. Georgia O'Keeffe has long been an inspiration of mine. Her suggestive still lives intrigue me, but it's the work that she did when she was my age, in NYC before she moved to the desert, that relates to the art that I am creating now. In the past, I looked for subject matter at the botanical garden or the green belt in Austin. Now, I pay attention to the words scribbled along the South 1st Street bridge.

I included Georgia O'Keeffe's art in this post because she is a major inspiration of mine. She was a beautiful artist who made a catastrophic impact in an artistic world that was ruled by men and she paved the way for women to feel confident producing important art alongside them.

Yellowjackets and Pearls - Mpulse

Jenny's Bird - Mpulse
Sunspots on the Shelton, study - Mpulse

Sunsponts on the Shelton - Georgia OKeeffe

Image courtesy of http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/104031 Red Canna - Georgia O'Keeffe
Image courtesy of http://images.art.com/images/-/Georgia-o-keefe/red-canna-b10048111.jpeg

Georgia O'Keeffe
Image courtesy of http://www.tfaoi.com/cm/3cm/3cm423.jpg

"For an African American guy to be a prep, that's a dichotomy." -Andre 3000

Photo courtesy of http://nwfilmforum.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/andre-3000.jpg

Lately, I have found myself more interested in men's fashion than women's. As an avid reader of fashion magazines, I am more excited to tear into the newest issue of GQ before my go-to magazines, Elle and Vogue. Men's style blogs are on the rise as well, featuring looks that are well tailored, well accessorized, and portray a gentleman's approach to dressing.

This style has seemed to make its way into hip hop culture. The styles of Common, Andre 3000 and Kanye West evoke a sense of confidence and certainty. It seems that more hip hop artists are turning away from baggy jeans and loose fitted shirts and expressing themselves in fitted clothing with clean lines.

Alan Bunao, LA based fashion designer and owner of J Revolution, seems to understand this trend well. He uses laid back fabrics that are tailored with unique details. His cut and sew line consists of long coats and hoodies that, while casual, have a very sartorial aspect and smart details that make them more than just sportswear.

I was introduced to J Revolution by LA based hip-hop artists Scarub and Very of Afro Classics. Scarub wore pieces from J Revolution's cut and sew line throughout the SXSW music festival, so I had the opportunity to see the craftsmanship that Alan puts into his clothes. J Revolution had a vendor booth at the Austin Reggae Fest where I met Alan and talked to him about his take on fashion and hip-hop...

What styles are intriguing to you?
As far as fashion I prefer classic cuts with really intricate details with lining or certain cuts. I am not so crazy about labels but prefer more creative, innovative styles.

Can you name some brands that you really like?
I am usually very influenced by LRG and Obey. My graphic tees are very vector-based [vector graphics is the use of geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves, and shapes or polygon(s), which are all based on mathematical equations, to represent images in computer graphics] similar to Shephard Fairey. He's very vector based and the vibe is very LRG in the sense of reggae influence and hip hop influence.

It seems like hip-hop culture is taking a preppy turn...
It's Kanye's fault!

I have always thought of hip-hop style and prep style as somewhat opposite... but it seems like these styles are meshing together rather well...
I think it's great. As far as hip-hop, I think that hip-hop is opening a whole new realm of fashion where it used to be very baggy jeans and loose fitted shirts, they are getting more into fashion in the sense of looking good and dressing well. Common looks sharp at every Grammy show, you know, and I think that it is amazing; I think it's great.

What are some of your musical influences?
There are plenty of them...

Can you name three?
Let's see... there's Badu... to me it's very like, the Roots, Common, Talib... You know there are so many more to name, but off the top of my head... Andre 3000 is amazing. He is totally fashionable. One of my goals is to make clothes for all of these artists and I want to dress them, whether it's for awards, whether it's for everyday, hang out stuff.

I understand that you have collaborated with Afro Classics. How did this relationship get started?
I went to a free style event that my friend was hosting and I was introduced to Scarub. I gave him my card and he contacted me about a week later and asked how he could get some of my stuff and then we stared having photo shoots...

Had you just begun your cut and sew collection?
It was the beginning of that. I stared the collection earlier this year. I am a totally self-taught sewer that is just eager to figure it out.

What is your favorite style; what do you feel most comfortable wearing?
Jeans, t-shirt and a fresh jacket or sweater and some fresh sneakers.

What kind of jeans are you into?
Taverniti is one of my favorite jeans right now. As far as denim, I am totally loyal and into the Taverniti jeans. That is pretty much all I wear. There is a line that I am really into that I am really inspired by as far as the cut and sewn stuff, it's called Trovata and they're based out of Malibu, California, I think. Their stuff, their detail, color, fit and everything is on point.

The following images literally came straight out of Alan's look book. To see his entire collection, visit http://www.jrevolutionla.com/

Understandably, Shephard Fairey is one of Alan's influences. As an artist and designer, the man is an icon. His Obey Giant image is unavoidable throughout Austin. He successfully caters to an urban audience while adhering to clean, classic fits. To see his full men's line, check out his summer 2010 look book... http://shop.obeyclothing.com/e-lookbook-summer2010.aspx

The Obey Giant image stares at you from any given point in Austin from South Lamar to the drag. This is part of Shephard Fairey's Obey sticker campaign, which he refers to as an experiment in Phenomenology, "the process of letting things manifest themselves." For further explanation of this campaign, read Shephard Fairey's manifesto... http://obeygiant.com/about

A note on men's style blogs:

Street Etiquette is a major inspiration for Suburbane Style. From color, pattern, texture and fit, Travis and JKissi (creators of Street Etiquette) own an impeccable urban style. They are the epitome of a gentleman's approach to hip-hop culture. If you are not already familiar with them, check out their site... http://www.streetetiquette.com/

"Believe it or not, I can actually draw." -Jean Michel Basquiat

Photo courtesy of http://www.prepidemic.com/

Graffiti has long been a fascination of mine. I love color so I would much rather see a wall ordained in bright, bold colors and patterns than the alternative... gray. This is part of what suburbane style is about. Growing up in North Dallas I was surrounded by ranch-style homes that rested upon beautifully manicured, freshly mowed lawns. While lovely as they may look, I have always been drawn toward a more urban, contemporary lifestyle

My art education has also been very traditional. The mediums that I have been trained to use consist of acrylic, oil, graphite, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, high and low fire clays, and various inks. In my four years at St. Edward's University, where I studied studio art, advanced techniques in graffiti was never offered as an elective. I even took a class titled "art in public places" and my professor spent approximately ten minutes discussing Basquiat.

Though often from afar, I have been a follower of urban style, but I never really felt that I had anything to offer to hip hop culture. Until recently, it never occurred to me that, through my art, I could participate in this creative subculture. Last weekend I attended EMERGE at the United States Art Authority where local graffiti artists hung their work on gallery walls. I am studying their techniques and applying them to my current body of work. I am quickly learning spray paint is a tricky medium. These graffiti artists are talented and deserve recognition. There is more graffiti in Austin that will be featured in future posts, but these images are what I have come across most recently.

Slie

Gene Parmesan

Gene Parmesan

Gene Parmesan


Polyheadron of Illumination
by Grand Life Styl
Each side of this piece was created by a different screen printer



These pieces are located on the side of the Delta Millworks building on East 5th street.

On another note...

I was feeling a little blue after SXSW; all of the creative energy that the musicians brought to town had suddenly dissipated. Austin grew quiet and returned to its typical state of laid back. But I was still interested in listening to more music. Fortunately, my brother is a musician. He currently plays keyboard for the Dallas band, Jack County. However, when I was in Dallas recently, I was able to catch a show that he did with Emotion Brown and the Stellar Cosmos.

In her words, Emotion and the Cosmos is soulternative universal music. It's a metaphysical sound lab with a few messages. It may not be forever, but it is now and that matters now. On a physical level, the Cosmos is an ever-evolving sound machine that currently consists of: Aaron Haynes (drums), Wade Campbell (bass), Scott Lee (bass), and Kyndal Roberston and Becky Elias (backup vocals).

Check out more Emotion at EmotionBrown.com

"Music and fashion, it all comes from the same place of creativity." -Gwen Stefani

SXSW 2010 is the feature of suburbane style's inaugural blog post. During this music festival, Austin transforms from a laid back hipster's paradise to a tornado of skinny jeans, plaid shirts, badges and wristbands. Any place that sells alcohol is suddenly a live music venue and your everyday bar becomes unrecognizable.

Amy and I decided that, with so many creatives in town, we would get enough material to put together an amazing post. When I learned that Afro Classics was performing, I had to attempt to get an interview with them. Through following them on Twitter, I learned that they have a penchant for fashion as well, and because this blog focuses on style and culture, it seemed like the perfect fit. I was already planning to see them. I have seen Scarub perform with the Living Legends several times... enough to know how his talent and passion can really get in your soul...

I asked Scarub if he would mind doing an interview and he sweetly obliged. At some point during the eight minute interview with these artists, I began to understand how hard they work, how much passion they put into their craft and how much energy it takes to do what they do. I have utmost respect for their ability to share themselves with audiences, night after night. Their sound is sexy and raw, with heavy bass and a lot of love. I urge you to find this out for yourself at Afro Classics on MySpace.

Afro Classics (Scarub & Very)

When did Afro Classics come together?
Very: We started a long, long time ago. Afro Classics came together as a group I would say, like, around '98/ '99 and we released our first album called Afro Classics in 2001. And you know, we took a long hiatus, obviously. We linked up a few years ago. We have always been making music, but we decided to put out an album a few years ago and we basically picked the best of the best and that's how it came out to the album and the EP that we have.

I saw a few Twitter posts about a photo shoot that you did for J Revolution. Can you tell me about this line and how you are affiliated with it?
Scarub: J Revolution is a clothing line based out of Los Angeles. A good friend of ours, Alan, owns it and basically we met him at an instore and we liked what he was doing, he liked what we were doing and we decided to collaborate. He is a really supportive and really fresh clothing designer; in fact, if it wasn't so cold I would show you the sweatshirt that I am wearing that is designed by him. And he designs clothes as well as t-shirts and is just a homie from L.A.

Who are your musical influences?
Very: Everybody. I cannot say anybody in particular. I think it is like, you know, where we grew up, what we grew up listening to, what we hear, everywhere we go and um, obviously who we make music with. He probably has a different answer.

Scarub: You know, I agree, it is not anyone in particular, it is bits and pieces of damn near everybody that we listen to since we was like, little kids, ya know...

Can you tell me three of your biggest influences?
Scarub: It changes everyday, but um, I would say with me, you know, from Poor Righteous Teachers to Tribe Called Quest to NWA, ya know.

Very: I won't give you names but, I have three new favorite rappers that I just found out about over the last three days, you know what I mean? So that is the perfect example of how it changes.

This is kind of silly, but my favorite song right now is 'Hey Love.'
Scarub: Awesome, that is not silly at all... silly not.

Can you tell me if this song is about a particular woman, or is it more about an ideal?
Scarub: It's about you.

Very: Yeah, it's about you. I think that hip hop means love, ya know and um, a lot of people talk about love, you know, that kind of stuff and it is just a regular song, like, you know trials of being in or out of a relationship like somebody that you want to keep and all artists can feel that... "baby, you always on the road" that kind of stuff, so you know, that's what it sounds like... "I know I be fuckin' up, but damn, you know... I love you girl."

Do you have a favorite fashion accessory or article of clothing?
Very: Both of us, and I will speak to say this... we both have a really bad shoe problem. A really, really bad... it's a problem. I will tell you a story about our shoe problem. Last tour we did, we did not have a lot of space in the car, but we have this favorite state that we go to and this favorite place. I won't even tell you, that is how secretive we are about it, we don't even want to give up our spot. We had so many fuckin' shoes in the car that we could not even see through the back window because we had boxes and boxes of shoes. Like, between three of us we had like, eight pairs of shoes. Like, that is not a lot to a lot of people but we were in a small car, I mean, we had no business getting anymore luggage and we walked into the store and we were like, let's go look around and we walked out with like, five boxes, ya know?

Scarub in J Revolution at Club Deville

www.jrevolutionla.com

Annual Chicharones SXSW Boat Party 2010

It was a cold, breezy day on Lake Travis (too windy for the boat to leave the dock), but the hip hop was worth suffering for. I felt privileged to be in an intimate audience with Afro Classics, Blueprint, Killah Priest, Solliloquists of Sound, Sleep and Josh Martinez, Notion, Greenhouse: Blueprint + iLLogic, and the insects

I had not seen Very before SXSW. He is AMAZING!

Afro Classics is seriously on to something...

Adrian Younge of Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra was, by far, the best dressed man that we saw all weekend.


and Grace is equally fabulous...


This man, DJ Chicken George, seemed to be everywhere during SXSW being involved in so many different events. He surrounds himself with the most undeniably sensual sounds. I would highly recommend checking out the audio mixes that he generously provides on his website... djchickengeorge.com. Radio Jazztronica fills the air with a perfect blend of hip hop, soul, and jazz flavors that will most certainly relax your mind.

...and then seek out his Chicken Soup collection. This music is the soundtrack to my life these days...

DJ Chicken George played at the SXSW HIT+RUN party... a live art, music and film party. This t shirt was printed for me by HIT+RUN screen printers at the party, while I waited... DJ Chicken George has several t shirt designs for both men and women. I also have a brown and gold racer back tank. As far as I know, everything is printed on American Apparel, which is nice because their shirts are universally flattering... and super soft. His merchandise is available on his website as well.

I am not sure what to say about this...