Teddy needs some lovin’

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:05:37 -0700

I suppose someone did Teddy a favor and tried to kill him. Its just too bad Teddy cant die. He seems to now be experiencing the biggest headache of his life... And I assure you, its gonna be a long life! However, his attempts at ending it will never end. Perhaps all he needs is some lovin’ and maybe a good stitching! MMmmm stitching!

Inspirations wicked turns...

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:17:44 -0700

Its funny how inspiration comes at you sometimes. Last weekend, I was sitting with a couple of old friends of mine and my old high school teacher. We ate great Tapas and enjoyed nice wine as we discussed politics, art and reminisced the great art days of high school. We began to talk about all the great artists we have met and the great art we had done during that time. As the topic progressed, we reminisced on certain individuals. My art teacher told us a story of someone who’s current religious background prohibited art (or so he thought) and now began to only draw things that were beautiful in the eyes of god (She didn't say it that way, but thats how I’m wording it). This is where my inspiration came from, for this piece. I thought I should draw something that is really cute and beautiful, but turn it into something I would normally do. LOL... So... Presto, here it is. Its a cute teddy bear! The Teddy has lived such a long life, its been stitched up and re-stuffed so many times throughout his life, now its waiting for death. However, a teddy bear doesn't have a life span. Now, all it wants is someone to put him out of his misery.

Uh-oh... I think the darkness is taking over JQ for the next few weeks. However, this time, the need for me to destroy the world has been diminished. Now I will take out my frustrations on poor Teddy here!

Quote the Raven...

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 11:44:08 -0700

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore--
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
"'Tis some visiter," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door--
Only this and nothing more."
-- Edgar Allen Poe

I had the weirdest experience this weekend... Or I guess I should say the past two weekends I had a weird experience. I suppose the question I should be asking is “What are they putting in beer nowadays?” That is the main question here. I think Sir Edgar Allen Poe sums it up nicely as he descends into madness on a bottle filled with lovely inspiration.

So, here is my story: I was having a blast hanging out at the bars with some friends and having a few drinks. I’m guessing I had one too many as I woke up to a fuzzy morning, sore muscles and and pounding in my head. However, since this beautiful feeling, most call a hangover, was over-taking me, I decided to stay in bed until it was over. But, suddenly there came a tapping, oh so gently rapping, as I lay there napping... Upon my chamber floor! And... I pondered “Tis some visitor and nothing more.” But the tapping became increasingly repetitive as if someone was walking, or running, walking on my chamber floor. “Is it a bird?” I thought. “A bird, tapping on the roof of my abode?” But suddenly there was another tapping, on the roof of my room. It continued for about 5 minutes as I lay and wondered what these footstep sounding sounds actually were. It was as if someone was running in my room, but now in circles, running from my floor to the ceiling of my apartment. It ran in circles for a while... Was it a bird, that called nevermore???

Im starting to think I was Edgar Allen Poe in a past life LOL. Im my dreams, right? Lets hope I don’t become an alcoholic who falls in love with his cousin Lenore and go crazy. Oh what an artist that man was.

There is my story, make of it what you will. Do you think it was supernatural, or just some hallucinogenic side effect of the harmful brain damage that alcohols causes?

Independence

Tue, 6 Jul 2010 19:50:51 -0700

Don’t you just love three day weekends? I had a fantastic Independence day. Exploring the corners of southern california makes JQ want to explore the furthest areas of Earth. The inspiration came from all over, this weekend. From, the sun, the fog, the beautiful people, The Black Eyed Peas, inspiration was everywhere and in everything! Sometimes... cant you feel it? Feel it all happening or feel that you can!? Thats where this little piece here comes in.... It’s inspiration to explore the world. Let Art Persists your immediate living space... Let Art Persist every corner of Earth. Let ART PREVAIL.

Lets make Art Persists start the next art revolution in America.

Remnants of a psycho b*tch

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:39:55 -0700

JQ met with some friends this weekend and reminisced on the journey that is life. We met and chatted on the dreaded psycho bitch, for without her I would have no inspiration, right? Well... That just fueled my fire once again. F*** you psycho bitch... AND that dreaded Evil empire of yours. Here is something for you! I am going to make this into a t-shirt and sell it to anyone who has ever hated their boss! That’s right, you crazy betch. However, thats not the only thing on JQ’s mind at the moment. JQ has become one year older as of next week and I am trying to think of what to do. Do I do what I always do and lock myself in a closet hoping the world ends? Or do I have a nice dinner with a few friends and actually have a fun time? Id like to chose the later... As my bday arrives so does the Bday of Art Persists. Art Persists just turned ONE! OMG can you believe it, how they grow up so fast!

Maybe Ill throw a party for both of us! AP & JQ!

Doesnt that sound like fun?

Oh and about the design you see on here. I might actually turn it into a shirt and sell it. It will have a nice little story attached to it. How nice would that be?

Stay tuned into our weekly blog updates to find out when the shirts come out.

--JQ out!

BunnyBot Shirts

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:30:34 -0700

I told you I loved these BunnyBot a lot! Yes, enough to make them into T-shirts. Log onto Cafepress.com and buy you some shirts! These color shirts (Gray, white and light blue) are 16.99 and a lighter summer shirt (which only comes in one color) is 15.99. Click on the picture to buy.

Im on a Roll!

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:05:03 -0700

OMG i love evil bunny rabbits! I used to kill them as a child (Just kidding PETA), now Im creating them. These evil little minions are the pawns of the Bunny Tribe. Built by the bunny Tribe to do their evil work, without care if they get destroyed. They are first in line, shooting with the barrels in their mouth causing major harm. These cute little critters have no mercy. I call this creation, BunnyBots. If they cant get the job done, then no one can.

California!

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:43:39 -0700

This California native has yet to explore all that the beautiful golden coast has to offer. This past weekend, my friends and I, took a small venture out to where the sun is hot, the minds are open, and the palm trees bounce on giant springs. Yes, boys and girls, Palm Springs! It was JQ’s first time in Palm Springs and I have to say, I HAD A BLAST! There were lots of laying out by the pool, hot tubs, and tanning. The best part about this was that it was all clothing optional!

Our weekend started out on Friday afternoon as a confused JQ ventured into the

An attack on the human race

Sat, 5 Jun 2010 13:48:50 -0700

What a nice thing, holidays are... Don't you think? Memorial day was a nice break. Now that Im back I can show you the next installment in Art Persists graphic art. Yes, thats right today Im not b*tching about things. I got an email from a friend of mine, complaining (?) or maybe he was concerned -- I couldn't tell couldn't. The email was asking if I was going to kill myself because according to him it looked like I had lots of drama in my life. Thats what I get for telling the world the truth about my moodiness. Haha, well Im always gonna say whats on my mind. I cant help it. Its not in my nature to do otherwise. Just to make it clear, there is not drama in my life! OK B.K.

But, lets continue shall we. I could NOT help myself and create another space bunny. This guy here, belongs to the Space Bunny clan. A cyborg bunny race, that hates humans and other bunny clans. His fierce and aggressive nature makes it so that you never see him coming. He attacks from the side and always comes with his pack. Packed, with hidden weapons and a hardy inner shell, this bad boy is tough to destroy. So watch out humans, and space bunnies. This guy here, will come and getcha!

Check out the video I put up a few weeks ago to see how this creation started, and make sure to come back next week and check out the next graphic art inspired by the life and surroundings of good ‘ol JQ.

JQ’s moons, I mean moods.

Mon, 24 May 2010 21:03:16 -0700

I really want to say that my moods are tied to the moon. But, who knows. I’ve been in such a bad mood lately. I dislike everything! It’s ridiculous. I feel like I’m on my man-period. I’ve been feeling inadequate too. What the hell is up with me? You swear some old lady spit in my face and called me ugly or something. However entertaining that may be, that was not the case. I’ve been thinking a lot about my life during the last four years. When I looked back, I really didn’t like what I saw. I saw fake friendships, liars, deceivers and not many good times. Again, that was my moods speaking for me. I like to think i can have a great time anywhere I go. And, for the most part, I think that’s the case. One thing I can’t stand right now is drinking. I get so wild when I drink, that people want me to drink all the time. Thats what happened to an old friend of mine. He didn’t like it when I was sober. So that friendship got boring really fast. Then I was called a sociopath and told that I use everyone. I think what I want right now is to be left alone, to do what I want to do and be who I want to be. I don’t want to do what you tell me or what you expect me to do. I just wanna chill! I like chilling. I went to UC Santa Cruz, a big hippy school. Let me be an urban hippy and let me f*cking CHILL and be mellow man...

Art Persists video rendition

Wed, 19 May 2010 20:40:39 -0700

Check out my video. It’s just a rendition of how I make my art on the computer. Hope you like it. Leave me a comment.

Fortune of the day

Mon, 17 May 2010 17:26:52 -0700

I love asian cuisine. I love it so much I made it a ritual to eat at an asian restaurant at least once a week. My favorite, at the moment, is Vietnamese. I am a Pho-a-holic. I love Pho! It is delicious and amazing and it fills me up to the brink of insanity (which is usually to the point where I feel like my stomach is ruptured and i feel guilty for eating like a monster). Since I’ve been on an Asian diet, I’ve been getting lots of fortune cookies. For a while, they made sense. But, I got this one a couple days ago, that made no sense whatsoever. What the hell does it mean when some random man is coming into my life to share life’s secrets with me??? LOL this is an exaggerated rendition of what it said. But seriously???

I think the world of Fortune Cookies needs new inspiration. Maybe I can write a few for them. That should be fun. I can write things like “When birds crap on your head, the sun will shine.” I think that’s where this is going.

Its Gay Pride weekend in good ‘ol Long Beach Cali. Do I have some stories for you! But you’ll have to wait til next week because right now I’m ranting about random fortune cookies. Perhaps my ADD will decide what I talk about next week. Hopefully, It’s gay pride weekend.

LA tRAFFIC

Mon, 10 May 2010 11:51:31 -0700

I have lived in LA as an adult for the last 4 years or so. I commute to work and back everyday. I have to say, LA drivers FU*KING SUCK! As a psychology major, it just seems like all the people on the road have major issues. I know, I drive on the same road and sometimes I do the same, dumb sh*t they do. However, I try to be care free about the space that we share. For example, I don’t care if there is 50 feet of empty road in front of me. I don’t care to get one car ahead in bumper to bumper traffic. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but even when lanes merge, you kinda have to look so that you don’t hit an oncoming car... I’ve seen people place their hands on their face as to avoid feeling like shit, or not see it coming. I mean, be smart dumb ass LA drivers. You could get killed that way. I usually make eye contact with people on the road and they usually know what Im doing. I don’t know WTF your doing if you don’t have a Goddamn signal on. One day Im gonna hit you and your freaking baby in the car because your’e being a dumb shit.

As someone who has gotten a degree in psychology, my psychological diagnosis of people, when they drive a car is as follows:

... Driving a car, this big, spacious, machine, creates an outer shell for people, literally and physically, and psychologically. This piece of cold metal, protects them as they drive on the road. However, people often feel hurt when someone moves in front of them. They get enraged if you do not let them into your lane. Or they feel the need to act out any bad feelings. Why is that? In my opinion its not only because they feel that it is personal. I cut you off and only you! When you drive a car, you leave you’re rational at home. You are now one with a cold piece of metal. You are now cold, like metal. You almost feel invincible... Which is not the case. Its not personal, get off the f*cking road bad drivers!

The Ultimate Revenge Plan

Mon, 3 May 2010 19:57:08 -0700

I got this email, about a relationship gone horribly wrong. Basically this person is complaining about how horrid the significant other is. I guess i should say, He is not that significant. Don’t worry, I have changed the names and places and altered some facts as to not unveil the true identity of whoever sent me this. The only thing that might give it away is the Illustration I have made. In other words, you might recognize him through the drawing.

The Letter is as follows:

Dear JQ,

Ive been following your illustrations for a few weeks now and I had the urge to email you because, I think i might be of some inspiration to you. Here is a picture of my significant other. However, I really dont like him. I am so tired of all his BS! I really need to break up with him. I guess, im just tired of him and he doesnt seem to get it. We constantly argue. We are on different levels. He has no aspirations, no dreams, no goals. He works at a 7/11 and is pretty happy there and doesnt really want to move up in the world. But, he complains about it all the time. He is really unhappy with his life and wants everything to fall on his lap! I AM SICK AND TIRED OF BEING DRAGGED DOWN BY HIM!.

He is a bad kisser, and every time he opens his mouth, nothing really important comes out. He has nothing to offer me. I really dont want to hear about the weird bum who comes into 7/11 every morning! And he has this new annoying habit if saying “This and this and this and that” in between everything he says. Its SOOOO annoying!

To make matters go from bad to worse, he thinks he’s the decision maker in the relationship. He’s got bad taste in everything! OMG! He whines and tryes very had to manipulate me every chance he gets.

Please do me a favor and make a drawing on his VAPIDNESS!

Thank you so much.

A fan
--J

the earth shatters and parts and we all die

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:04:13 -0700

Woah! So, I seem to have made a full circle when it comes to topics about the end of the world. If you look back a few months ago, I made an entire series on how the world would end. If you look back, you would realize that none of those were about earthquakes. Ok people, so we’ve had a few too many but we haven’t had any in a while. So, lets cut the sh*t and try to relax. Mr. High strung JQ, here is not worried, that means you shouldn’t be. It’s not the end of the world...

Well, let me see it from your side. If the world were to end tomorrow that would mean... No more bills to pay, no more world hunger and violence. No more idiots ruining my day. No more bad drivers. No more DMV chaos. No more problems. Wow, that sounds pretty nice to me. What are you guys complaining about? We all have to die one day. I guess, the message i would love to give you guys is: Now that you think you’re going to die, why not live like its your last day on Earth. Make you’re days memorable. That would definitely be worth surviving for.

Why don’t we all just look at the facts. Volcanic activity and earthquakes go hand in hand. The more pressure gets released the less pressure there is inside the planet and the less the earth shakes. Well... I would love to give you guys more facts, but I’m supposed to be the pessimist here. Don’t turn it around.

LOL, there is nothing to worry about kids. It will all work out in the end.

Love
--JQ

A New Spin on an Old Thing

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:31:41 -0700

With things constantly changing and the downfall of your sh*tty economy. JQ had to step it up a notch and do something else! That something else is this: Presenting, the Bloody Tote Bag! For you, for me, for all. The smaller picture is just so you see the scale of the bag. I love tote bags, They’re cool, they’re stylish, they’re in, and they’re good for the environment. For those of you following my blog from day one... Im still keeping the etsy account (Where my other t-shirts are being sold) but Im give Cafe Press a try. So go check out my store at www.cafepress.com/artpersists and check out the cool items to purchase. Its easier to make, its cheaper to buy. Its a win-win situation. However, I do have to say, etsy will come in handy for the more complicated shirts I plan to make in the not-so-distant future. The tote bag is only a $14.99, which I think is a killer deal.

The two t-shirts below are just examples of other things you will find in my Cafe Press shop. A nice green Art Persists rendition of New Skin, and a baseball, alternative type, which you can get in a few different colors, like brown, black and red. But, if you’re dying for the original colors, theyre still there and on Etsy!

The green New Skin tee, is 16.99 and the other is 17.99. With Cafe Press, I can pass on the savings to you guys!

Click on any of the pictures to get to my shop! and let me know what you think.

Ugly sleep

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:06:01 -0700

YES!!! I’m still bitching about my lack of sleep. However, this time, its not just about my lack of sleep. This time, its about allergy season too. It seems now that Spring is here (Let me just clarify that spring is my favorite time of the year), my face has become a giant allergic reaction. My eyes itch all day long. My nose runs nonstop, and my skin feels itchy too. I dont get it! I used to have allergies when I was a child, but they were gone for about eight years. Now, they’re back with a vengeance.

So let me introduce myself. Hello my name is Black Eye JQ. Im here to tell you my story. I woke up in the morning with the most irritated, itchy eyes ever! I wake up, and walk into the restroom. I brush my teeth and wash my face. It’s early and the alarm clock hasn’t gone on. I go back to bed, but my eyes wont let me sleep. Heaven lies when I scratch my eyes. I rub them for a total of 10 minutes. I go back to sleep and wake up to my alarm ringing.

Ahhhhh, a nice snooze. I proceed into the restroom again and realize I now have black eyes! WTF just happened? Was I attacked by an, eye-punching, ugly-making, JQ-hating ghost!? NOPE, it seems I rubbed my eyes too much and bruised them. Its horrible. I cant believe it. LOL, its not as bad as Im making it seem but this time, my beauty sleep failed me. I can officially tell people that I sleep to become uglier the next day.

Do you have any advice to remove dark circles??
Anything will do!
Help.
I refuse to look like a crack whore for more than a day.

The Biometric Scanner

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:36:25 -0700

Throughout my life I have realized that I am different than most people. That, I accept. However, I have to say, I have an issue with control. I am not a control freak, or controlling at all. The issue lies, when people try to control me. I do not like commitment of any sort. I do not like superiors trying to control me, I do not like controlling people. I DO NOT LIKE BEING CONTROLLED. It just so happens that every time someone or something is trying to control me, the rebellion side of JQ starts to act up. Yes, like a 13 year old. I begin to do everything in my power to go against what they want me to do. Even if I agree with them. It’s always been the case, it will always be the case.

Since, I have to live in a world where there are controlling people and situations, I suppose I just have to take it all with a grain of salt. What is it I'm talking about here? Well, at my new company (saying that feels good), they just installed new biometric clocks. Basically your hand is scanned to identify you. We now clock in via scanner, clock out, and take breaks.

It is really annoying that people are so freaked out about other peoples freedom. Leave me alone people. Let me do what I want to do, because Im just going to do it anyways. I dont need the additional guilt trip of “omg im breaking another rule”. Am I a bad person? NO! I just wanna do whatever I feel like doing. I do not need to be monitored. I do not need people to time me as I walk into the restroom, or if Im 60 seconds late. That’s insane!

I suppose now I have to find a way to bypass these biometric clocks.

It's a New Day!

Mon, 5 Apr 2010 17:01:00 -0700

Here is an attempt to make myself into a cartoon. I don’t think it looks like me, but I tried my best.

Anyway,
This abomination of a piece you see here is about my new mornings. Just a little something that gets in my way of good sleep and a better work experience. I wake up at 6am now. Yes, thats not bad at all, at least not compared to my 5am days of my last job. However, now I have to shave and look good for work. I must shower and make myself pretty. I don’t have time for breakfast any more, so I’ve decided to do the efficient thing and just buy Starbucks Frappaccinos. I just grab one from the fridge and I’m ready to go. However, that does not a breakfast make! I also think the caffein is low in quantity. I need something better, a better boost.

I currently go to sleep at 9pm. Ive been going to sleep at 9pm ever since I can remember. When I wake up in the morning, im still groggy and have to snooze. Sometimes I think I suffer from some kind of sleeping disorder.

After the coffee wears off (it wears off in like an hour or two, I need an IV hooked up to my arm at all times. A caffein IV), my head starts to nod and I start dozing! WTF? I’d love to say things like “I can sleep when Im dead”, or “Just wait ‘til you get home and you can take a nap”! But, that’s impossible. With my many daily activities and my new full time job (I did not work full time at the dreaded evil company. 30 hours was max) I end up winding home around 9pm everyday. How do people get things done with those hours. I need to get to swim practice after work. How can I get my second work out during the day? How can I make my lunch for the next day? How does one sit and have time to enjoy the day? I think Americans work too much. Some may say that we do and thats a good thing.... But I’d like to question it. Is it worth it???

We could have turned out like this guy

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:20:19 -0700

This guy here, is probably the most attractive guy in his species. He’s got two beautiful big eyes, nice long legs, manual dexterity up the ying-yang, and a nice nose. All in all, he would have no problem getting a date. He is absolutely anthropomorphically correct to fit in a world where he would have to talk, eat, sleep, use our brains, and use our hands in many, many ways.

I guess I should tell you that my mind wonders and I sometimes get lost in thought. This time around, I got to thinking about us, the human race. I looked at how we look, in an objective way and realize that a lot of other animals have their eyes on the side of their face, like a rat or rabbit. Manual dexterity comes in weird forms to some animals, and others are not so fortunate. An elephant or octopus can probably do just about anything we can with our hands.

I, then thought, humans could have looked completely different, if evolution would have run a different course. We might have looked just like the guy above, making us look extremely ugly, with our pink skin and our eyes that seem to be too close together, a nose that is way too far out in front of our face and only one pair of arms, with tiny little tentacle like things coming out of our hands (yes, fingers people). Doesn’t that sound gross to you?

I still don’t have a name for him... What do you suggest?

I think his name should be Bob. What do you think?

This time, its ok to drink the punch.

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:20:51 -0700

Considering I’m not working for them any more, I suppose this might be my last entry on the dreaded evil empire. One last stab at the old hag never hurt nobody! Although I’m definitely going to miss ranting about that Psycho Bitch. It’s a lot of fun, and well... its what JQ does best!

I think I should change my life modo to “Don’t do it like C.A.R.S.” They do so many things the wrong way. Why not get it right the first time? WTF people? The list you see above could have gone on and on. I don’t know if other companies like that exist but, it should be shut down. A company should not be run like its in the third world. This is not a dictatorship! One thing I noticed after quitting was the shift in power. I walked into the Psycho Bitch’s office and for some reason, she was intimidated by me. It was almost as if I had the power. The truth is, she just had no power. She couldn’t yell at me, because I wasn't her employee any more, she couldn’t threaten to fire me, because I no longer worked there. Therefore she said nothing and completely ignored me... Only making mere sounds, like a dirty rat, when I walked nearby. She was awkward and uncomfortable, and that made me happy.

Maybe I should have the California Dept of Labor investigate her and see how she likes it. One more cherry on top of her beautiful day! Well... Anyway, today is my first day at the new job, lets see what kind of adventures will come out of this one.

Sadly this might be my last rant about the evil company... So I leave you with these kind words “Art Persists Psycho Bitch!”

What’s the ultimatum, baby?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:58:50 -0700

It’s been a while since I’ve actually ranted about the real things in my life. The disgusting company I work with and the shitty things Psycho Bitch says... Oh wait, no it hasn’t, I rant about that stuff every week. Well, I guess... here is some more ranting. What I’m trying to say is, here is another update on the life of JQ.

Is it god? no, its andy laplegua!

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 18:18:27 -0800

This beautiful image you see here is the one and only Andy LaPlegua from Icon of Coil, or lead singer of Combichrist. Not only is this one of my favorite images so far, but I believe this man is beautiful. He’s great and very provocative. With his harsh lyrics of hard sex, drunken killing sprees and monstrous tales of torture, this Norwegian delight can have all of my babies.

This design is definitely dedicated to Combichrist and the feelings they give me while listening to their music. It pumps me up and makes me wanna f**k sh*t up! Whenever I feel like destroying the world, I know I can always count on good ‘ol Andy to know just how I feel.

If you’re a fan of future pop, industrial, electronic music, this band is a must. They are definitely not boring. They are one of the best bands out there. With multiple side projects, Combichrist is by far in the lead. This band is becoming one of the most well known bands in the industrial underground scene.

Is big brother really watching???

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 15:49:50 -0800

Is big brother really watching??? Honestly... I have no idea. I don’t really care actually. However, I do live with a friend, and his alarm system freaks me out sometimes. Once its off, its got this eye, with a red dot inside of it. It watches me. Or it looks like it is. It probably even follows me around. It’s a motion sensor and whenever I move, the red light turns on. It can sense when someone is in the house. I guess thats what happens when you have a good alarm system. I wonder if they can record through those things. I’ve even suspected he might have hidden cameras within the house. I guess, no more masturbating on strangers couches! LOL Jk... I would never!

Once you turn the alarm on, it starts to beep. It warns you. It says “Get the F**k outta mah house or else!” I rather not test it out. I don’t want to get arrested for being in the house I currently live in.

That wont be good.

Art Persists needs you help!

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:33:40 -0800

I decided to partake in this competition because I thought it would be good for my art. It would challenge me in ways I would not think. It definitely did. It took me a good long week or two to come up with this design. The inspiration was already there as you can see from the caption. But I did kinda bust my ass off for this. So log onto www.tattooedsteel.com or just click on the design above and rate my shizznizz! It is greatly appreciated. Give me a high rating and make sure you tell your friends too. Let Art Persists progress!

The Sexcapades

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:42:36 -0800

Let me ask you a question. What do you think this picture is about? Think about it for a second. Ok, now that you might have an idea, here we go...

This awkward picture here is more of a satire. It says: Be careful what you get yourself into, and make sure you really know what you’re doing. Its also a comment on some of my friends and their many stories they like to share. Not to mention movies we’ve seen that have multiple references to things like this.

“OMG does it burn” was one of the quotes from a popular movie night, once upon a time ago.

So here is some advice: Stories are great to share. You get wisdom that way. Otherwise, say no to alcohol and the alcoholics that do not know what they’re doing (read between the lines here people)! The one thing me, and all of my friends concluded during this great story telling day, is no one likes it in the eye (or in your food for that matter)!

Other than that, I have no comment.... Do you?

#3

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:39:08 -0800

What is it about kids and germs? To be more specific, what is it about special ed kids and getting sick all the damn time!???

This would be my third reason for disliking my job so much. The more the kids I work with get sick, the more I contact whatever they get. I think, its just the way they LOVE to play with dirt or twirl leaves around, or how they have that aversion to water. It’s also the fact that the ones I work with, must be, such a nightmare at home, that they attend school whether they’ve got the plague or not. They’re mothers (any mothers for that matter, even mothers of normal, healthy children) want the kids out of the house everyday. I mean, who wants to pay a babysitter, or a daycare? Who has the time to stay home with a sickly child? Lets just send him to school and hope he gives his sickness to everyone else! In this past school year, which has now been about 6 months in, I have been sick about 5 times. I’ve had two colds and two flu’s. To my surprise, each time I got sick, it was a new strain of infection, meaning my body could not just fight it off easier because I’ve been sick before. I’ve had bronchitis that stemmed from one of the colds as well. What is it about these kids that get me sick all the time. I mean, I really am trying to keep my hands clean. I wash them, about, every half an hour. My hands are starting to get as dry as someone with OCD. In the event I cannot wash my hands for whatever reason, I sanitize them. I alternate between the two. The question here is: Why am I still getting sick from these kids? The answer would be: Its because, they do not know how to cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough. I usually get sneezed on or coughed on, multiple times during the day from multiple kids and its usually when Im talking to them, so i get those germs right on my face! The kid i primarily work with, likes to play with his snot and saliva for a while. When he’s done and satisfied with whatever it is satisfies him about his snotty saliva, he needs a place to wipe his hands clean. Where else is he going to wipe it, but my clothes or bare arms!

I see now, the reasons why Im getting sick. I should show up to work in an entire body suit. Like a spaceman!

Its like working for little germ monsters!

The sick, sad, Jack 'O Lantern

Sun, 7 Feb 2010 10:20:39 -0800

I’ve had a cold, bronchitis, and the flu back to back in the last month. Being sick sucks! It also sucks that I can’t really avoid it. Working with special needs kids means you share germs! That is another negative about my job. Since I’ve been sick, working out and swimming has not been on my agenda. Now that I’m feeling better, I can swim again! IM SO EXCITED! Swimming is such a passion of mine that its hard to stay away from the pool. But, now I can go back... Phew... The wait is over. I was getting bored out of my mind, trying to stay in bed and relax, getting rest and all that boring stuff. Well... The only way I could describe this sickly experience is with this comic. I felt like a retired old Jack ‘O Lantern who was dying and rotting, unable to do what it usually does at its best!

#2

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 16:37:48 -0800

Maybe... I haven’t mentioned how much I despise the company I work for, or have I?

This is reason number two... Working for a company that places you in a classroom setting means we get lots of vacation time. Oh yeah, its all great and all. Especially when we get three weeks off for winter break, one week off for spring break and three months off for summer vacation. The big “BUT” here is... We DO NOT get paid for any of it. We don’t have vacation pay. We don’t have sick days. In fact the benefits we do have are very minimal, it’s no wonder this company sees a big turn over. The job itself is secure because there are plenty of federal reserved money that is given to Special Education and needed services. That money will always be alloted securely. However, Psycho Bitch is such a liar, she will tell us that there is never any money to give us raises and that our job is on the line due to lack of funds. The only reason I know she’s lying is because she constantly goes on and on about how the money will always be secure and therefore have plenty of money for raises and such, so we should be thankful that we are working for her! THAT BITCH... I seem to discover more and more people in the company that hate her rotting guts. For a second there, I thought I was the only one. It seems most of the employees share an unruly hatred towards that human abomination.

Rain, rain, go away!

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:08:56 -0800

Its the weirdest thing to have bad internet reception when it rains. It seems whenever the weather is bad, i cant get online. It can be so frustrating. Especially when I’m trying to update the website. Does my internet provider need sunshine to be happy? I don’t think so. I think it might be the way the huge tree outside my window is pressed against the electrical wires. When the wind and rain kick in, it rocks the cables all over the place. My “landlord” called the internet company and they thought it was fine. So maybe my computer only likes sunshine and rainbows.

Either way... It’s an issue!

The funny thing is, just as I write this I hear a loud, thundering noise outside. It sounded like something BIG had fallen over. I walk out and... BAM! All the cables from the telephone post that are directly connected to my place have crashed right onto my backyard. No internet for me today! Now... I have to search for a place with free wifi. Maybe ill grab some coffee while I’m at it.

Tune in next week for the second reason why my job sucks SOOOOO much!

#1

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:26:45 -0800

The number one reason I dislike my job so much is... Well Im sure you all know this by now, its because of this person you see here! I’m not going to mention names, but this person is the head of our company, she acts as a director you could say, she pays us, and is supposed to [almost] be a mentor, giving us advice when we need it, if our initial supervisors cannot. However, she doesn’t. She spends most of the time trying to make us feel stupid and telling us that we’re going to be fired if we dont do anything she says. Really, anything she says. I once heard her say “If you don’t sit down, I WILL NOT PAY YOU THIS MONTH!” She’s a crazy psycho b*tch. Thats going to be her name from now on, Psycho B*tch.

She prides herself on making others feel stupid, running a company in shitty ways, lacking in communication skills, and her ability to dress like she’s a homeless person. Her quality of life must really lack oomph! I bet you $5, Psycho B*tch is a really unhappy person.

Why do you hate your job?

Art Persists... Amputation!

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:41:45 -0800

Today is brought to you by...

...The letter “A”. “A” is for Amputation.

Yes... I’m still working on this alphabet. I’ve been a little slow on it but it’s coming. Don’t worry guys.

--JQ

Dear Life...

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:57:00 -0800

So.... I work at a school, right? I’ve been on winter break. Its been so great to be on vacation. I never thought having a break from a job would be so amazing. I’ve been utterly happy! I mean, so happy I think I rejuvenated a couple years! You can see the stress lines disappear from my face. IT’S GREAT! Now, I’m left wondering, why am I so happy not working? Oh yeah! Its because I hate my sh*tty job and the ridiculously retrograded company I work for. I thought to myself “Should I quit life? Is life not making me happy?” No its my job, I should quit my job! OMG, thats the answer.

Today is my first day of work, after the winter break, and I’m really not looking forward to it. I do not know how people stay with a job they’re unhappy with. I’ve done it, and let me say it makes you feel like you hate life. So, lets not quit life. Sometimes life isn’t the b*tch in the equation. Sometimes, its your situation. However, now I have to find a way to either deal with it or change my situation. How about both. I was just inspired to do an entire graphic art series on “The top things I Hate About my Job.” Tune in for that every Monday and I will also keep you up to date with the job hunt in this bad economy!

What do you say?

2010

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 21:01:56 -0800

As I continue to play with Illustrator and failing to create more cartoonish art rather than art thats slightly dark... I welcome the new year (YES 2010) by listening to some of my favorite bands and having a blast as they fill my head with amazing endorphins! KMFDM, Portishead, and Amy Winehouse, just a few bands that help me feel amazing as I venture through life!

There is nothing more amazing than feeling the music as you drive or work out, or just relax. Music has always been a big part of my life but for the last couple of years, I was without. However, now I welcome it with open ears and it fills me constantly with its tunes and with happiness!

I hope the new year brings lots of joy to all even if its in the form of listening to your favorite song on the radio.

New years resolutions?

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:01:59 -0800

I always end up breaking my New Year resolutions. Each year I make ‘em! Now, I have decided to keep that word out of my vocabulary during this time of year. As of three years ago, I have not made any resolutions. I have not vowed to lose 20 lbs. I have not told myself that I would be a better person this coming year. I have not tried to be more grateful. I always, no matter what, will break my resolutions if I make them during the New Year celebration.

What I am doing now, is... Well, Im making, so-called, resolutions throughout the year ----well I guess they’re not called resolutions because apparently that word is only used during the New Year.

Art Persists Xmas!

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:43:27 -0800

There is so much I can say about the holidays... But, those comments might get me lynched by the holiday mobs.

Here are the things I can say: The holidays are filled with great music, nice coats and scarfs, and amazing food.

You cant beat the feeling you get from drinking a good glass of Merlot with the family or a significant other. Snow fall is as beautiful as anything I’ve ever seen. And... Decorating xmas trees with great new friends can be more fun than you can imagine!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!

--JQ

Death by Coffee

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:11:07 -0800

Of all the annoying things in the world, there is nothing more annoying than having a fly in your coffee! It seems every time I leave my cup of coffee unattended for a few minutes I return to find a fly in it.

What is it about flies and coffee? They must have an undying love for the beautiful dark liquid. I mean, I LOVE coffee. I guess flies love it more. Apparently they love it so much, they are willing to sacrifice their life for a good taste.

I guess the only good thing about having a fly in your coffee is that there is now one less fly on the planet. Flies themselves are annoying! UGH! How frustrating, now I need a new cup of coffee.

No One Will Ever Survive!

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:28:20 -0800

Everything must come to an end. The entire world must come to an end. The entire population of Earth will die. No one, will ever survive this thing called life! It doesn’t matter if you believe in god, or if you don’t. It doesn’t matter if you believe in angels or not. The one angel that looks upon us all is the angel of death and he is descending on us all, one by one.

As I conclude the End of Days series I leave you pondering on your own death, and life. Have you done what you wanted to do? If death comes for you today... Would you repeat this life and is it worth it?

Its really interesting that the two things we all have in common is the fact that we are all born and we all die. However we don’t like talking about death. This essential part of life, we often leave out, is what makes us all so special. One day we will not exist, and it may be tomorrow. Why not make the best of your life now? Why not live and let live? Why not do what you want and have NO REGRETS!? Why not let the things that bother you roll off your back and stay in a good state of mind for as long as you can?

Lets look back and check on the topics we’ve covered during the End of Days series. We’ve covered nuclear warfare, plagues and epidemics, cataclysmic volcanic eruptions, aliens, hate, global warming, the devil and the 2012 predictions, just to name a few. Some of these may never happen and some might not happen in our lifetime. However, there is no doubt that you and I will one day die and that is something we cannot avoid. There are SO many bad things in this world. There is so much harm being done to individuals. One must not forget. However, we can all make a difference in the world by showing how much we enjoy our life, even with something as simple as a smile (sometimes you don’t even have to smile at someone directly). We are all sensitive to the vibes people give out. You always know when your best friend is in a bad mood and need to be alone (without saying a word). If we try and let people know that, you come in peace, without saying a word, it may change a life and cause a chain reaction.

Even with all of the rapes, murders, suicides, genocides, natural disasters, diseases, accidents, malfunctions and stupidity one has to always remember that this is LIFE, and its happening right now... Not after you lose 20 pounds, not after you get a new car, and not after you get a better job or a new boy friend. Life is happening right now and we should all enjoy it and help others enjoy it before something on the death list makes your life short.

Always remember to live and always remember... Art Persists... The end of time!

The earth crumbles under Hatred!

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 14:43:19 -0800

“I can tell you what they say in space, they say the Earth is too gray.”
----Marilyn Manson

Where should I begin? There is so much hate in this world that I wonder why the people of Earth call themselves humane intelligent life forms. If you could see Earth from space, what would you see? What would a “so-called” alien being see? They would see primates, savages, degenerates, self-loathers, lower life-forms that are only worthy of pure experimentation and biological mutation, exactly how we see the lower life-forms on our planet. They would see a species worth exterminating.

It is very interesting to see the times we live in today. One would assume that in the 6 thousand years that “civilized” man has evolved enormously, one would also evolve mentally. However, that is not the case. Its interesting to see the rise of hate groups, the groups that hate others for their sexuality, their race, their economic status, or their nationality.

Lets have a word about the Nazi’s. Hitler, born of Austrian descent, had dark hair and brown eyes. Yet, he claimed the German people (with blond hair and blue eyes) were the better people of this planet. Today American Nazis try and do the same (unknowing to themselves that a German Nazi would kill an American Nazi because of their nationality). It seems that ignorance plays a major role in hatred. It is also ignorant to believe that another fascist regime cannot be risen causing the destruction of millions (IN THE NAME OF HATE). I recently read an article from NY magazine stating how a group of people on this planet are killing each other. Should we call this ethnic cleansing or just killing?

It fascinates me to see people killing themselves over their belief systems. It makes no sense that, because person Y believes in X, person Y should be killed. There are many small situations I see daily, resembling that formula. A person walking down the street with a weird colored shirt, is discriminated against because that color should not be worn! Its a F**KING COLOR! Another great example of hate is how people identify with their vehicles. They drive on the street protected by a sheet of metal, unknowingly identifying with a cold, lifeless piece of metal or thick fiberglass. If you cut my vehicle off, that means your are trying to INSULT my humanity (or driving ability, oh the horror) and you must NOT BE ALLOWED! I don’t think people ever (yes EVER, E-V-E-R) pay attention to their emotions and what they portray. These emotions that are like pollution, that are released into the world! The worst part of this is that it’s e v e r y w h e r e ! Hate is in most of the comments you see on youtube and in peoples blogs. It’s in the way Anchormen have to be correct all the time. It’s in the way your day HAS to be worse than your coworkers day! It’s in the way love can only be between a man and a woman! The list goes on and on and on and on and on!!!!!

Why would anyone care about such non-sensical things?

As a human on planet Earth, I feel the need to absorb and learn everything I can before I die. This planet is mine to hold and to breath and to eat and to be... Just like it is yours. I can see the physics involved in coloring a blank sheet of paper with a purple crayon, changing the way light affects the paper. I can feel the water falling on me as the rain drips down my skin, physically altering my moods. I can feel what others are feeling and I have the choice to ask if they are okay, or if they need help. I can change the physical world around me! And... I can do all of this without hate! Can you imagine if we could all do this!? Who says you cant. After all... I wasn’t talking about magic!

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor (a brain scientist) once said: “I am holding everyone responsible for the type of energy you bring to me.” She wasn’t making a hippy statement, she was talking about stroke patients, and how many learn better when the people re-teaching their lives pay genuine attention and actually connect with them. This isn’t something only a stroke patient can feel. It’s something we can all feel. It is ridiculous that we are not held responsible for the HATE we bring to the Earth!

When Hate prevails, we all lose!

Unintentional suicide

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:17:56 -0800

Despite the many situations and ideas I’ve touched on, here at Art Persists, It’s hard to imagine that the world might end suddenly. Most of the other ideas are very likely, while others may not be possible, but this one is happening right now. It is 100% true. However, this time around, it will not be sudden. Death will come slowly, and you will definitely see it coming.

I am not taking a political stance as I speak about global warming but I am taking an extremely black and white point of view on death. You are either dead, or not dead, --that seems logical enough, right? As the facts pour in and the historical evidence shows us how fast the Earth is disintegrating, we watch, not in fear, but in denial. In the 70’s scientist realized that green house gases were making the Earth warmer. They anticipated that the effects would begin to take form in the next 1000 years. In the 90’s the scientist reevaluated the current circumstances, through current data, satellite pictures and such, and realized their statement on the next 1000 years was not accurate anymore. There, on the spot, they concluded we have about a generations worth of “good” Earth time before humanity sees the Earth crumble.

Global warming is something that happens slowly. It is not a cataclysmic end to things (which provokes fear in most people causing them to change their ways. Fear and pain is a very big motivator.) However, the effects are being noticed by us, your neighbors, scientist... Some people are noticing that animals are migrating towards other parts of the world. Flowers are not blooming in time any more. If you live in LA (my home), you are probably noticing the infernos that engulf the city yearly are getting bigger.

It’s difficult to imagine ourselves dying off. It’s even harder to individually picture yourself suffocating slowly as you realize we’ve done this to ourselves. It’s not a good thing to think about. But you might want to ask yourself, should we think about it?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:28:45 -0800

“D” is NOT for Delicious this time around. “D” is for Death. Its for the death of the millions of turkeys we sacrifice each year to make this holiday possible. “D” is for the blood that runs on your hands as you eat this bird. “D” is for the family you congregate with during your feast. “D” is for the gluttons and for the one day this sin is okay. “D” is for the aftermath of sleepiness and food coma epidemic that takes place right after our feast. Finally, “D” is for the enormous after party known as BLACK FRIDAY (now that sounds spooky to me).

“D” is for death... and for the one holiday I love the most! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

From your friend JQ at Art Persists.

Technological Takeover!

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:27:11 -0800

If a computer could day dream... What would it think about? Since the birth of the computer, many people think that one day computers might somehow cause our demise. The fear of a technological takeover is all too real. However, the question still lingers: Will computers ever be smarter than humans? The question depends on how you look at it and who is looking at it.

Lets begin by saying humans are the only ones that give power to a computer. You decide if its on, and if its off. You tell it what to do and how to do it. You compute a simple mathematical problem, not because its better at it but because you might be too lazy. But, they cannot make these decisions with out you.

Today, many robotics are being made. The programs they run are simple programs that tell them what to do. Will we ever create a computer that can decide on its own? The answer to this question is: It depends on who’s looking at this question.” The military spends millions of dollars in developing better weapons each year. They have the power to create a killing machine that can destroy target after target. Can the military create a machine that will destroy its targets on its own, without anyone operating it? What would happen when it finishes destroying all of its targets? Will it shut down, or will it keep destroying. A machine like this is capable of making the world its battle field. This is something that scientists and computer engineers are certain will happen someday. We will be able to create machines that can decide on their own (thats the rumor).

A better example of how technology has advanced is the 2006 university project (not actual name). In 2006 the University of California, Santa Cruz discovered how to make the physical world an internet experience. They also discovered how to place microscopic chips in things like soap, shampoo and cloth in order to place these products (in its container or on your skin) on the internet, as an internet landscape. You can now search the web and find person X who is wearing a shirt by vendor Y, via chip Z. The problem here was the right to privacy. The issues that arose during this project made it, almost, impossible for them to launch it as a great new experience. However, the process is now being attempted by other scientists and engineers and will for sure be a part of our realm soon.

Isn’t it amazing!? Its so amazing that one day robots that make their own decisions might not sound like a crazy idea. Once that starts, we might not have control over what happens and who survives.

Unknown Invasion

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:03:58 -0800

There seems to be lots of talk around higher life forms and alien beings in the universe. But, what about the species on our own planet? Should we worry that a species we think is tame might become unruly and ultimately cause our demise? If the basic biological circle of life is “Eat or be Eaten” does that mean we should worry that one day we might wake up to carnivorous cockroaches munching on our legs?

We can stay in deep denial about being on the top of the food chain, but we all know that we are being eaten... eaten alive by bugs, parasites, and most of all... bacteria. Cockroaches are the least of our problems.

However, some might think that roaches might, in fact, be a higher species than man. To begin with roaches have been around longer than man. The millions of years this species has survived has made it an ultimate living and eating machine! They have grown immune to most of our poisons. Have you ever sprayed RAID directly at a cockroach and watched it walk away after a while, like nothings ever happened? I can safely report that RAID is not killing roaches anymore, but they have definitely developed a better smell.

Roaches can adapt at fast paces, can live months without food and weeks without water. It can even survive an entire week without its head.

They can be seen flying in some countries with a wing span of 12 inches! They can outrun any human and have electromagnetic sensors for antennae. Their eyes make them have a 360 degree view of the room and their antennas can sense electromagnetic electricity in the air, which warns them of any incoming predators.

Again, cockroaches are the least of our problems...

Today the amounts of flesh-eating parasites, viruses, fungi, and bacteria make you want to be eaten alive by massive amounts of roaches.

Lets recount a few of those horrific diseases, shall we?

This is how we become food, not in death but in life:
1)Elephantiasis, a parasitic worm that clings to your blood vessel walls and causes your limbs to grow as a result.

2)Loa Loa, A parasitic worm that enters your eye and creates its habitat right below your eyelid, feeding off your flesh.

3)MRSA, a new strain of staff infection that is completely resistant to anti-biotics making this form lethal. It can eat away at your muscle in days.

4)Viruses (all of them), a strain we have yet to beat. To this day we have not found a cure for any of them, not even the common flu. We have just found a way to lessen the severity of its attack.

The list goes on and on...

If the rules of life are eat or be eaten, we’re definitely not doing so well.

Art Persists... Bloodshed

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:08:48 -0800

The new Art Persists Bloodshed design is 100% thin cotton, designed for airflow and comfort. With two colors to chose from, this Bloodshed design will definitely make you stand out and let others know you support the arts. The dollar amount is a fine $20.00!

Just click on any of the pictures to purchase.

2012

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 17:00:03 -0800

What’s the hype all about?

Let’s recall some information about the Mayan calender. This ultimate astronomical piece of ancient history, is remarkable. The calender has shown great potential. It has predicted every solar and lunar eclipse down to the day, to the hour, and to to minute. The Mayans predicted lots of things that eventually came true. All of this was written in their calender.

The most important thing about the calender is that it shows the world has ended four times already. Each time the world has ended, something big has happened. A catastrophe has been associated with each of these ends. For example, a couple of these ends predicted Napoleon and his wars. Another end of the world, which was clearly marked, was the conquerors rapid destruction of the indigenous people of the Americas. These marked the End of an era, or a civilization.

Now we are coming to the end of the last cycle. The calender supposedly stops in the year 2012 on december 21. Many people are speculating that an enormous catastrophe may claim the lives of hundreds of thousands, even millions of people. After all, it wasn’t just the mayans that recorded this date. Many religions across the world speak of horrors to come during this year. It would be ignorant to think that another World War may not begin --or... The violent universe may swallow us alive. Whatever this day holds, many people believe it will not be good.

One more thing... An ending doesn’t have to be about destruction and evil. An ending can represent a door that closes. How does that saying go... “Whenever a door closes, another one opens”?

Hell on Earth!

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:03:03 -0700

Despite the fact that he looks like my ex boyfriend... I think this is one handsome f**king devil! Let me at ‘em!!

This comic here is the one I’m most proud of. Not only because this one was entirely my idea, not a History channel “End of Days” thing, but also because I drew this one entirely, from scratch! Some of the other comics were of drawings I’ve made a while ago that were recently revamped in order to make a new compositions and such. This one also took the longest.

In order to commemorate Halloween, I’ve decided to release this one today! On all Hallows Eve. OOOHHHHHhhhh Spooky!