Alex Knost is one of the most influential surfers these days, has ridden the comp. circuit seeing little point in them. So recently he has been doing this thing in Newport Beach and is just happening to be changing the way we all look at surfing.

He is also in the band The Japanese Motors which are very surf/beach cultured sound and based out of Costa Mesa. It also happens that Costa Mesa has this awesome club called Avalon Bar which we hit up last friday.Ye, check it for sure if your in the area.

Japanese Motors - Bummin Out

Japanese Motors - Single Fins And Safety Pins

Beautiful Losers celebrates the spirit behind one of the most influential cultural movements of a generation. In the early 1990’s a loose-knit group of like minded outsiders found common ground at a little NYC storefront gallery. Rooted in the DIY (do-it-yourself) subcultures of skateboarding, surf, punk, hip hop & graffiti, they made art that reflected the lifestyles they led. Developing their craft with almost no influence from the “establishment” art world, this group, and the subcultures they sprang from, have now become a movement that has been transforming pop culture. Starring a selection of artists who are considered leaders within this culture, Beautiful Losers focuses on the telling of personal stories…speaking to themes of what happens when the outside becomes “in” as it explores the creative ethos connecting these artists and today’s youth.

Beautiful Losers was Directed Aaron Rose and Co-Directed by Joshua Leonard. The film features the artists Thomas Campbell, Cheryl Dunn, Shepard Fairey, Harmony Korine, Geoff McFetridge, Barry McGee, Mike Mills, Steven “Espo” Powers, Aaron Rose, Ed Templeton and Deanna Templeton.

Beautiful Losers film trailer from beautifullosersfilm on Vimeo.

For a list of screenings and where to purchase tickets check out the screening section of the Beautiful Losers website

One of the most creative artists I have ever come across has been Roadsworth. Hailing from Toronto/Montreal Canada his work has never failed to impress and make the viewer contemplate their surrounds.

Peter Gibson, a.k.a. Roadsworth could face up to $100,000 in fines for his controversial ’street’ art. He brings urban banalities to life by creating candles out of crosswalks, for example. He makes one stop to reflect, as does all good art. The question is, should his conscientious work be scrutinized and treated as public vandalism? Or should it not be considered in a different light– as poetic activism, and, as art?  

Taken from the National Film Board of Canada. There is a documentary Roadsworth: Crossing the Line being funded by the National Film Board and it is looking to be an amazing story about the artist.

What are your personal thoughts on Street Art? Graffiti? Are they the same or completely different? 

Is Roadsworth an artist? a vandal?

What should a city do when a publicly loved (street)artist is caught? Should his art be buffed? 

There has been instances in the UK where Banksy’s art has been left due to his popularity/fame and general worth of his piece… Banksy’s art is considered by many municipalities to be “tourist attractions”.

Is Roadsworth in a similar situation  as Banksy but a Canadian version? (Banksy hasn’t been caught from my knowledge though).