Tiny Iron Fists

To Lulu: David Choe's Munko

Nearly everything art-related in Lulu's room is a gift from the amazing artists who surround us daily. I haven't been good about documenting everything she's received but was recently reminded of the many colorful people who've gifted Lulu presents when crazy art pal David Choe splashed headlines last week for the much speculated $200 million he may bank when Facebook IPO's. Upon hearing the news, I thought, "Good for David!!! I can't wait to see what incredible art he will make with his new found F-YOU money," and then remembered the Munko (his signature whale), Michelle picked up for Lulu awhile back [THANKS, again both of you]!

Get your own Munko Blind Box Figure at Giant Robot for $11.

All Your Dreams Belong to Us!

Lulu standing in front of a D*Face mural in the Meatpacking district.

Outfit: Hand-me-down Diesel jacket, Polarn O. Pyret dress, American Apparel shiny leggings, and adidas superstar 2 CMF shoes.

To Lulu: Paris Versus New York

A few weeks back, this wonderful link was circulating in conversational threads with my design-friendly posse: Paris versus New York: A Tally of Two Cities, hitting a welcomed nerve with our Francophile family. Lulu is half American, half French (although her bloodline is half Vietnamese, half Italian) and we tremendously enjoyed the visual comparisons of two of our favorite, often-visited, destinations.

Realizing we would be visiting Manhattan and staying at The Standard Hotel during Vahram Muratyan's book signing for 'Paris versus New York', we made plans to wait in line and grab a copy. While Lulu and I waited upstairs in our hotel room, my siblings and company patiently waited downstairs in a long snaking line with hordes of fans to celebrate what was once a blog, then exhibits at Colette in Paris and at The Standard New York, and eventually a book we now have in hand!

Before running out of copies, my sister Kaly was able to buy a copy for Lulu. And Vahram was kind enough to sign it to her. Thanks, Vahram, we love your book very much!

Outfit: DPAM top and skirt, hand-me-down leotard, and American Apparel kids shiny leggings.

"DNW 2012" by Davi/ZONGY

Our friend Davi and his family went kite flying on New Year's Day too. Check out his beautiful, calming and poetic family video. What a wonderful way to ring in the New Year!

Happy 2012!

This New Year's Day we participated in the Japanese tradition, Takoage, in which children in Japan fly kites on the first day of the year. Thanks to Lulu's godparents, Theresa and Bod, we were able to head to the beach for a sunset kite flying session. A first for both Lulu and Silvio, fun was had by all. I hope you will join us next year for what looks like a new family tradition.

Happy 2012, dear Tiny Iron Fists readers and supporters! I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Architecture and Offspring

We recently visited the Eames House aka Case Study House #8 with our Parisian family and I shot a few videos of Lulu enjoying the grounds. She was naturally attracted to the swing and ran to it immediately upon entry:

French translation:

Lulu: Look, a swing.
Silvio: Are you happy?
Lulu: Look, a big tree!

Here's Lulu waving a big stick she found in the meadow. She decided to have fun and poke me with it.

Lulu running around the meadow singing her "boobies" song.

And a sweet clip of Lulu laughing with her cousins at the swing.

The Eames House, located in the Pacific Palisades, is a wonderful and magical place for families to visit. There's lots to explore outdoors and the lush meadow brings joy to visitors of all ages. Plan a visit today!

LA - 30th Annual Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade (12.11.11)

The VCA’s 30th Annual Holiday Boat Parade takes place Sunday, December 11 at 4:00 pm.

Interview: Julian Bleecker and "Hello, Skater Girl"

Big bro Julian lives down the street on the Venice side of Dogtown. He's usually flying all over the world speaking at some something-or-nother conference, but lately, I've been seeing him check in on Foursquare at skateparks all over the country. Wasn't he just at the Venice Skate Park yesterday? There he is, documenting the variety of life that is living and breathing down by our oceanside, outdoor, skatepark capturing everybody: locals, tourists, old pros, next gen's top skater and their families. He's even shot us a few times, hanging out.

Julian's always got some awesome project happening and when he told me about Hello, Skater Girl I got really excited. I've always been a fan of the sport. Silvio was the lead artist for the blockbuster videogame, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, Lulu's godfather is a former pro-skater, and much of our community including the one reading this post are life long friends and family from the sport.

It's no secret that I would love for Lulu to be an astronaut-pro-skater someday. She's got her first deck, so really, nothing can stop her, right?! I think the Hello, Skater Girl book would be a great addition to Lulu's bookshelf. I hope you enjoy this interview I put together with my photographer pal:

Tell me, what's this photo book you're working on?

I'm doing a photography book project. The subject is girl skateboarders. I told myself I was doing a book project because that was the easiest thing to wrap my head around. What I really wanted to do was understand skateboarding culture more than I already did, and I basically didn't really understand it at all — so the project was a way get to know what skateboarding was all about.

Why focus on girl skateboarder?

At first I naively convinced myself that no one else was trying to capture and document girl skaters through some sort of visual medium. That was stupid to assume, because of course it's not true. But — if you look at much of the core skateboarding communities and magazines and the big brands, you don't see much photography of girl skaters at all. That's just the way it is and I understand the systemic issues as to why, even if I don't understand why not — the lost opportunities.

That's what drew me to the project because I love creative projects that go against the grain — that do something that "no one" else is doing. And, of course I know that's just a creative start. As soon as you think no one else is doing something you immediately start finding all the people who are doing that thing. The creativity comes in finding a way to do what other people are doing in a unique, individual way. That's much more fun to be amongst a community of similarly motivated folks and find your own style and technique.

Okay, so..how would you describe your style?

It's easier to "see" than describe but — what I'm trying to do is a bit photo-geeky and technical but I try to set up portrait-like photos of this very dynamic, very kinetic sport. I'm shooting for a look that is studio-like — something with big, curated light and the background fall-off you might see in a portrait shoot. I think this is atypical in the canon of skateboarding photography where you often have very big compositions: the big skater/ultra-wide/fisheye look; or the landscape shot with a small skater amidst a big street/urban-concrete setting. I guess I was going for something different just to be different — a wide-ish lens with little distortion; no motion blur; strong visual separation between the skater and the background. That's geeky.

How'd you get into skateboard photography, anyway?

I moved to Venice Beach awhile ago. The town got a skatepark right on the beach a couple of years ago. Going there and shooting was a better way to learn about the history and culture of this place I'm now living in than reading about it or going to town council meetings.

If you're keen to see Hello, Skater Girl get made, check out Julian's Kickstarter or Facebook fan pages! And thanks for your support. Sincerely!

Lulu is a VIP Cookie!

We live in Los Angeles. Land of red carpets, Hollywood glamour, and VIP status. So it's only appropriate that Lulu has been awarded her first VIP card as a two year old. For what? Well... we're great big fans of the ever so charming, Books and Cookies in Ocean Park and happened to shoot some photos they've used a few times. In appreciation for her unofficial modeling work, Lulu's been recognized as a kid Books and Cookies wouldn't mind having around more often.

While Lulu has always been recognized as a VIP in our household, I'm happy for the perks she will receive: a free cookie per visit, free story times, play groups, cookie decorations, discounts on classes and purchases... totally sweet, thanks!

Please Support "Hello, Skater Girl"!

Hello, Skater Girl from Hello, Skater Girl on Vimeo.

I support the skateboarding community, young women, and my big brother Julian who launched this Kickstarter campaign to finish a photobook about women and skateboarding. Kick in some change and help Hello, Skater Girl get published.

More about the project:

"Hello, Skater Girl" is a photo book that captures the spirit, determination and playfulness of girls skateboarding over a year in 2011. It mixes image, illustration and text to document the lives of several skaters doing what they love to do: skate — at competitions, alone and together at parks, backyard pools and favorite skate spots.

Keep an eye out for our exclusive in-depth interview with photographer and tinkerer, Julian Bleecker soon!

Happy Halloween 2011!

And like that, we ventured into the night -- skeletons, owls, bear cubs, fairies, firemen, ladybugs and their adventure-seeking parents. Toc, toc, toc. The kids stood anxiously waiting for homeowners to open up their doors. As doors swung open, the costumed-crusaders rocked side-to-side, waiting for the exact moment to yell, "Trick or treat!" or in Lulu's case, sometimes, "I want candy!" Baskets of sugar were lowered and the kids grabbed and dashed. Yelping a quick "merci" or "thank you" the children happily skipped to the next sweet-treat giving home. We repeated this scenario for approximately four blocks over an hour and then turned home.It was a spooktacular night for hanging with family and friends. For more tricks and treats, check out our Halloween holiday album below:

Brooklyn - powerHouse Kids Halloween Party (10.30.11)

LA - Halloween Youth Carnival (10.29.11)

Halloween Youth Carnival set for October 29th

For a hair-raising good time visit the Halloween Youth Carnival on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard. The Halloween Youth Carnival will include carnival rides, game booths, entertainment, a costume contest, moon bounces, candy and prizes. Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume for an afternoon of fun. Admission to the Halloween Youth Carnival is free.

For more information contact Liz Tran, Recreation Coordinator (323) 848-6535.

Summit - Arts & Crafts at the Jacadi Boutique (10.26.11)

Special Workshop for Kids
Arts & Crafts at the Jacadi Boutique in Summit, NJ

Wednesday, October 26
3:15–4pm / 4:15–5pm
Jacadi Boutique, 487 Springfield Ave, Summit, NJ 07901 [map]

Free!
For parents and children (ages 5–8 yrs)

Space is limited. RSVP by Oct 24.
groustai@fiaf.org / 646 388 6605

Workshop Details

FIAF is delighted to continue its partnership with Jacadi, the iconic French children's apparel brand. As a proud sponsor of FIAF's signature à petits pas French immersion program for toddlers, Jacadi, in conjunction with FIAF, presents the third in a series of customized workshops designed to bring French language and culture to parents and their children at select Jacadi stores in the metropolitan area.

As leaves begin to turn and fall settles in, take your child to an arts & crafts workshop dedicated to autumn in Paris. Children will decorate their own Eiffel Towers using rich fall colors while learning French phrases.

Enjoy 10% savings on all purchases made during the event and receive a complimentary tote.

Pink Pony Princess

Dude, ask anyone. I never would've ever imagined having a pink pony princess for a daughter. But there you have it. Check out the hand wave, kid's got the wrist action on lockdown.

Outfit: Tea Collection shirt, Carter's dress, babyGap tights, Native Corrado shoes.

LA - Pacific Standard Time Family Festival (10.22.11)

Pacific Standard Time Family Festival

Date: Saturday, October 22, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Admission: Free; no reservations required.

Inspired by art in L.A., this daylong festival invites a new generation of local artists to reinterpret the creative legacy of artists featured in the Pacific Standard Time initiative. Discover special performances and unexpected installations by Machine Project, Kim Ye, and other local artists, make your own mail art, help to recreate a version of Di Suvero's Peace Tower with Becca Lofchie, and so much more at this only-in-Los Angeles event!

This event is part of Pacific Standard Time at the Getty Center.

Free Shuttles to Pacific Standard Time Westside Museums

Thanks to Santa Monicas Big Blue Bus and the City of Santa Monica, free shuttles will connect a series of Santa Monica/Westside Pacific Standard Time institutions on Saturday October 22. Travel doorstep to doorstep along several itineraries devoted to Pacific Standard Time. Learn more about the Westside Focus Weekend or download the shuttle schedule.

Noteworthy Birth Announcement: Yuri!

When our friends Ig and Louise's son Yuri was born, he got the royal write up. His name was painted across São Paulo by fellow superstar artists Os Gêmeos and Ise. What a colorful introduction to the world.

Welcome Yuri, you are so loved! Your family in California can't wait to meet you!

LA - Abbot Kinney Festival (09.25.11)

 
More info here.

Kitties!

My LA-based family has rescued five four-week old kittens and are hoping to find them loving homes. If you're interested in saving a life, please leave a comment and repost, retweet or forward to anyone who might be interested, THANKS!

UPDATE: We have found homes for all the kitties, thank you for your support!

"Too Pretty To Do Homework" Projects an Ugly Message

Dear J.C. Penney,

Seriously, what the fuck were you thinking when you approved this back-to-school girl's tee? As if it weren't hard enough to encourage more young women into the fields of math and science, you've gotta go and rub salt into the wound with this description, "Who has time for homework when there's a new Justin Bieber album out? She'll love this tee that's just as cute and sassy as she is."

Umm. That's not the kind of sassy I grew up with and definitely not the kind of message I want to teach Lulu. Thanks to an internet campaign and online uproar, you had to pull the shirt from your online catalog and issue an apology to your customers.

Please. Watch what you say. Everyone is listening.

xosourisxo

New Yorkers... Come Out to Play'ay!

After dinner at Blue Ribbon in SoHo, we stopped by Vesuvio Playground so Lulu could run herself silly. She had a wonderful time climbing, running, and pushing carts. There are few things more exciting for Lulu than to be able to explore and have a strange, big-ass park to herself. It was a special treat considering how many people must visit this same park during the day.

Outfit: DPAM top, Pumpkin Patch shorts, and Native Corrado shoes.

Chessmen (and Lulu)

We organized a New York City potluck with my Manhattan creative cabal (and anyone brave enough to turn up for a dinner pre-Hurricane Irene). The kids were happy to have friends to play with and if you can believe it, nearly all of them ended up in the master bedroom at some point for a game of chess. The oldest boy was nine and Lulu, the youngest, is two.

I kind of couldn't believe that this was the game of choice having just seen the crew tear up the living room in a tornado of activity only five minutes before. But there they were playing chess. Until...

My little genius decided it'd be more fun to place a Chessman on a napkin and wave it around the board. The boys were mesmerized, but not pleased. Ah well. At least they let her hang with them!

Outfit: Underwear (a gift from Paris)

Santa Clarita - Pool Safety Expo (08.27.11)

LA - Milk + Bookies Party (08.24.11)

Milk + Bookies Party
Hosted by Simon Alexander
 
Wednesday, August 24
2:00 - 4:00 p.m. All Ages

Please join us for what promises to be a very special event as we team up with Milk + Bookies to donate books to underprivileged children. Milk + Bookies is a nationwide charitable organization that teaches young children how great it feels to give back to the less fortunate among us while celebrating the love of good books. At Milk + Bookies events, boys and girls can select, purchase, and inscribe books that are then donated to other children who have very few or no books of their own. The books purchased at the August 24th event will be donated to the Children's Book Recycling Center which services many Los Angeles organizations including Operation School Bell and Edelman Children's Court.

Children's Book World | 10580 1/2 W. Pico Blvd | Los Angeles | CA | 90064

NeeNee Men to the Rescue! AKA Don't Let Your Kids Hold Your Car Keys!

This morning, Lulu did something I didn't know she was capable of -- she locked herself into our car while strapped into her car seat. It took four firemen to get her out. This is what happened:

Silvio, Lulu and I were in Hollywood visiting friends at adidas' Los Angeles HQ. We parked a half block down from them and as I strapped Lulu into her car seat, Silvio waited outside. I gave her my keys while I buckled her in. This is something we've done hundreds of times. Lulu jiggles my keys and then hands them to me when I get in the front seat. Today's routine started off the same, except this time when I closed the door to walk around to my door, Lulu hit the "lock door" button on my remote key, instantly locking herself inside our car with the windows rolled up.

I immediately looked for my phone which was inside my bag, which was on the front passenger seat. I cupped my hands to the window and shouted to Lulu through the glass to "double click the top arrow button" on my key. She looked at me and laughed. I repeated myself several times and she kept laughing. She thought we were playing a game. A game that was making my stomach turn with every passing request. It was an impossible ask. Lulu couldn't physically double tap the top key to unlock our door. While locking our car was easy, unlocking it actually took more physical effort and coordination. A few minutes in, Lulu dropped the keys on the back seat, next to her car seat.

Luckily Silvio was with me and had his cellphone. I told him to call Mercury Insurance to get their AAA-service people to come out and help us. He wasn't able to navigate the prompts and the call proved unhelpful. I started to panic knowing that it was starting to heat up inside the car.

I ran into the restaurant behind us and asked the Stout Burgers & Beers staff for help calling either AAA or Mercury Insurance. One of their staff members graciously handed me his phone, already dialed to AAA. I started to sweat -- pacing back and forth as I nervously tried to navigate my way through endless prompts. I wasn't getting through to anyone. At the same time, another staff member decided to call 911 because the firehouse was up the street and they'd definitely be able to help us out.

Engine 27 turned up in about three minutes (they were fast). Four firemen jumped out and proceeded to layout out all their "break-into-cars" materials consisting of wedges, crowbars, wrenches, long metal bars, etc.

At that point, the Chief Fireman In Charge introduced himself to me and explained that they would help me  but, 1. BMW's were notoriously hard to break into and 2. if they received another emergency call, they'd have to leave. He reassured me though that they'd work hard to get Lulu out and that as a last case scenario, they'd break one of our smaller car windows to unlock our doors.

For about five long ass minutes the firemen worked on both sides of my car, trying to push the unlock button on the middle panel (even when pressed the car doors did not unlock because the engine key has to be in the steering column). They also try to jimmy sticks down our windows that weren't opening diddly squat. At this point, Lulu's crying hysterically because she has no idea what's happening and she doesn't know why these big guys are trying to get into the car while we stood outside the windows, helpless.

The firemen then decided to fish out our keys Lulu dropped, and after about three minutes of trying, they successfully squeezed them through a half inch sliver of the rear door they were propping open with bars and a lot of firemen arm strength.

Relief! I pressed the unlock buttons and nothing happened. I pressed again. Again, nothing. So I ran to the driver's side front door and inserted the key in and unlocked the door "manually". Hallelujah! The doors unlocked and I climbed in quickly, unbuckled Lulu, and pulled her out. She was soaking wet and still crying.

With Lulu in my arms outside of the car, she stopped crying as I explained to her that the NeeNee Men helped us get her out. She said to me, "Lulu's back is wet." It was. And so I gave her a drink and we were able to gather ourselves while I profusely thanked the firemen who were packing up to leave. I asked if I needed to fill out any paperwork and they said it wasn't necessary. As they were about to pull away they asked me for the year of my car. I yelled back, "2005!" and they waved and drove off. Lulu then played back the scenario verbally several times with me. "The NeeNee Men helped me! They opened the door. Lulu was scared. Maman was scared."

Engine 27 never made me feel like a dumb ass. Nobody lectured me and nobody said, "Why'd you give your kid your keys?" All they wanted was the same thing I wanted and that was to get Lulu out of our car, safely. The Chief Fireman In Charge tried to keep things light, knowing I was beating myself up enough but also to keep me from panicking further.

I'd like to give a big thank you to the firemen from Engine 27 who helped us today. And I'd also like to give a shout out and thanks to the staff at Stout Burgers & Beers for not hesitating to help us too. You guys are awesome and I've already told everyone to patronize your establishment and eat your kick ass burgers.

Lesson learned: If you have a newish car where everything is electronically controlled, don't give your car keys to your kids to play with, ever. Save yourself from the potential gut-wrenching scenario I had to deal with today. We're lucky we were in an area with options. Next time... well, there isn't going to be a next time!

Authors note: Lulu calls Firemen and Police Officers, "NeeNee Men" because in Europe the sirens sound like this: nee-nee-nee-nee-nee-nee.