IA VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: 9/19

I’m creating the most expansive, multifaceted, fulfilling, and expressive work of my life this year and I don’t see any reason this won’t become the status quo for IA Studio. From publishing a zine and manual, sold my first run of collage prints including a 1 of 1 from a group exhibition, currently creating basketball hoop installations from refrigerator doors, led a workshop centered based on my Standards of Excellence applied to leadership and healthy masculinity for young boys in sports. I’m also currently designing a cookbook which has been an amazing experience. It should be available this fall. There are several interviews coming soon highlighting my work and in-depth perspective of how all of that comes to life. The last medium on the way will be my podcast Practice Mode with Greg Plater to complete the ecosystem.

I’M ALSO VERY EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE MY FIRST VIRTUAL WORKSHOP ON SEPTEMBER 19TH FROM 9-11AM PST. ALL OF THE DETAILS ARE ON MY WEBSITE AND INSTAGRAM. MORE INFORMATION / REGISTRATION BELOW.

All of the above is the collective expression of masked creativity that had been waiting to be expressed (also marinating) for around 30 years. There is a resounding sentiment of frustration and confusion around working to be seen in a period where everyone is fighting for opportunity. It’s the chicken or the egg moment that every artist who finds success asks, was the work value the same before or after it became a spectacle for the public? How much did I validate myself before the eyes of thousands became aware of my existence? My thought is that no one else matters beyond the one you see in the mirror. I’m planning on hosting a virtual workshop soon that will feature elements

I’m compelled to push through an extremely tragic time to make this happen. Ahmad Mansur, my closest and longest running mentor, dear friend, chosen family sadly left us earlier this month. This news was devastating and life changing as Ahmad had been the most prominent figure when it came to seeing myself in another person. He and I were introduced in 2016 and had so much in common, one of those things being Long Beach State basketball alumni. I don’t want to write to much here but this is something him and I talked about for years, he gave me his blessing many times. I’ve gone through a lot of loss but this one is as painful as any so please send condolences to his global family and friends. The world lost a savant, intellectual, and beautiful human who I loved like my blood family. Our last text exchange was special, he was an inspiration until the end. Thank you for everything you’ve done I will keep pushing our dream in your honor. I’m going to need some time until I can properly write about this.

Here’s my best and most intimate interview with Ahmad a few years ago. This gave me so much joy, hopefully you can take time to appreciate a memory we shared. Feel free to share the workshop information if you don’t register yourself, this is my little community on the internet. Your support means everything to me, cheers.