Urban Testing Ground

On Saturday I was either going to A) Get an iPad or B) Get hit in the face with a pillow. What was I thinking?! I swallowed a lot of feathers to get this shot. Hope you enjoy it. Pillow Fight from Joel Kuwahara on Vimeo.

It's been a long, long time since I shot a video for my blog. Part of the reason was work. That's all I've been doing. I set up my own company in 2008, got married and any free time I thought I had quickly evaporated. Well, things have changed. I ditched my DVX100 for a Canon 7D and I'm looking forward to capturing beautiful images of life. Life really is beautiful. Enjoy my first piece on my 7D. Cole's from Joel Kuwahara on Vimeo.

Wow, it's been a long time since I last posted anything. Unfortunately, I've been distracted by side projects. I came across this video today that just inspired me. I wish I came up with idea. 555 KUBIK_ extended version from urbanscreen on Vimeo.

Chicago artist, Sighn, figures it will take about 60 years to hand cut a million of these pieces. And that's exactly what he's set out to do. The first 500 will be sold in 2007 and only 71 are available for $2o a pop.

He made a video of the painstaking process. I think I might pick one up.

Check it out here!

So I'm back, sorry for the super long break. My editing chops feel a bit rusty, but I hope you don't notice.

Dave Conway owns and operates "LittleRadio.com" it started out as a small pirate radio station and has now grown into a major multimedia enterprise. During the summer, Dave opens up his studio to the public and hosts summer block parties and free concerts. On this Sunday afternoon, "Hello Astronaut, Goodbye Television" and "Future Pigeon" performed. What a perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Watch the video here! [1:38 / 9.5MB QT]

Thanks to Brandy Flowers & Mike C. of "Hit & Run" and Dave Conway.

Last weekend I stopped by the Crewest Gallery, LA's first art gallery dedicated to graffiti artists and met with it's owner ManOne. He was working on a mural for the Washington Post and I brought my camera along to document the process.

Check out the video here! [2:48 /16.5 MB QT]

Thanks to Sticky Rick and ManOne!

LA artists Brandy Flower and Mike C. brought their live t-shirt screening event to Geoff Oki's 4th annual T-shirt party this past Thursday. Curious fans as well as devoted T wearers packed the Mountain Bar in Chinatown to get a one-of-a-kind t-shirt made. Screen designs were provided by various LA designers including Brandy, Mike C and Oki.

Check out the video here! [3:11 / 17MB QT]

Thanks to Brandy, Mike and the rest of the HR crew. Also thanks to Geoff Oki.

This week's been a crazy one and I haven't had much time to shoot. But I am in the process of setting up some new interviews. So until then, it may be a little slow on my site. My apologies in advance. But I hope to bring you some new and exciting pieces in the near future.

I'll leave you with this fun little video from JP Tarver who e-mailed me about the "Meeting Of Styles" piece I did last year.

Thanks JP.

Watch the video here! [WMV /:30]

It was around 3AM when I got the call. Emerging LA photographer, Michael Turner, was having a late night photo shoot and I was asked to document it.

Enjoy....

Watch the video here! [1:27 / 9 MB QT]

I know I said no more of the vinyl figures, but since I shot this last week and I left the video posting for this week on my hard drive at work, I had no choice.

David Flores is probably best known for his skateboarding designs but has most recently lent his iconic style to the world of "Dunnies." Some love him, some hate him, some call him "Sam." You decide.

Check out the video here! [1:54 / 11.5 MB QT]