Name: Asani Charles
Profession: Mother, Wife, Writer & Educator
Birthplace: San Francisco, CA
Some thing/color that defines you: Wow, I’ve had a love affair with Black forever, but am also swayed by blues and reds.
Fav Quote: “I do not see teaching as a handing down of answers but as a group of intellectuals sharing ideas.”- Maya Angelou
Heroes: Mother, Nikki Giovanni, Rita Dove, John Trudell (he wrote me on myspace and I was floored!)
Fav writer: wow, um… Charles Johnson, Gloria Naylor and Sherman Alexie
Qualities you look for in a teacher: Great teachers are not bound to programs or mandates, they look for the best way to meet students’ needs, which is usually some unorthodox method.
The most important thing you teach a student: The most important thing I teach students to do is think for themselves.
What you do to Relax: What? Uh, man. We live in the country, and I just love driving through it to witness what God made. Some times I even get out and walk a bit.
Fav Book: I don’t have one! Okay here’s my top three: Mama Day by Gloria Naylor, Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie, and Oxherding Tale by Charles Johnson
Favorite Song/Movie: lawda mercy, I’m too old to have just one! Um, “Adore” by Prince, and man, favorite movie? You mean what movie I have to watch whenever it comes on? Dang. Okay that would have to be—-PurpleRainColorPurpleSchoolDazeandDanceMeOutside (or anything with super fine Adam Beach!)
Favorite Food: oh here we go. Creole. You can actually bribe me of all my unworldly possessions with a slamming shrimp Po’Boy or a bowl of my mama’s gumbo
Your next Dream/Goal: My Next Dream has always been the same; I want to own an RV and tour the powwow circuit with my family, daring to make money through writing only!
Define Peace: Peace is first hand knowledge that Jesus is real and above that, that He has already paid it all for you.
Message to the Next Generation: Read something other than myspace bulletins and text messages. Each generation usually is better educated than those that precede it, but this is the first time that young people do not know the answers to the following questions:
What DIDN’T happen in 1492?
Who are the Olmecs?
What is Manzanar?
Who arrived in North America in 1619?
Last words?: Consider poetry, it’s good for you!

My mini-bio on Asani Charles:
Asani Charles. Mother, wife, writer, teacher, big sister, friend, and an inspiration. Asani is the most animated person I know. Her charming smile and her way of expressing herself through face, hands and body is truly fascinating. While she draws people to her through expression of movement, her eyes tell us stories. Stories you wished your teacher told you in grade school, instead of all the useless equations they read off a book. Asani defines a true teacher, she gives you the inspiration to learn, and she makes sure you know what you’re talking about when you do speak up. She gives you the time and space to let you think for yourself.
I remember when Asani and her family took me in as family when I was going through a lot during my high school days. She taught me responsibility and showed me what trust and friendship was all about. She believed in me, and my dreams and didn’t give up on me, even till this day.

Asani always knows what to say when you’re in need, and when to say it. She gives you the moment to figure out the path for yourself but always is around to back you up. She is a dancer, a writer, and spoken word artist who expresses her culture and struggles through her art, and continues on what her ancestors brought down to her. She passes along her work to her amazing, talented and beautiful children. They are one big family of love, creativity and success! Whether you find her writings, or catch her speaking, or dancing, Asani Charles will give you her wisdom and experiences in all her teachings. Get ready to think, question, and learn!

More Info/Links: www.myspace.com/asanicharles
http://www. geocities. com/danzakar/AsaniCharles. html

Posted November 27, 2008 at 09:42pm by miwaLyric
Miwa Kayama 2008© All Rights Reserved

Name: Poetic Stimulator (Poetic S)
Profession: Poet Student Organizer
Birthplace: Santa Monica, California
Some thing that defines you: Venice Beach
Heroes: My Momma, Grandma, Sista Souljah, Angela Davis, Nikki G., Malcom X
Favorite Color: Yellow
What you do to Relax: I go to Big Sur and enjoy the scenery. My new thing is B-girlin’/dancing.
Favorite Song: “Real Black Girls” by Dead Prez
Favorite Movie: Now and Then
Favorite Food: Homemade Mac+Cheese
Your next Dream/Goal: To graduate college, start an arts school for kids.
Define Peace: The feeling of coming out of a Sweat Lodge.
Message to the Next Generation: Follow your heart! Don’t get stuck in a false reality. Read the Autobiography of Malcom X and change the world!
Last words?: Take one day at a time, keep on movin!

My mini-bio on Poetic Stimulator (Poetic S.):
Since March is Women’s Month (although we should celebrate womanhood EVERYDAY!), this Queen, Miss Poetic Stimulator will be gracing the covers on my site today! Poetic S. asked me to be in her documentary on Women in Hip Hop, and so as she filmed me and interviewed me, I interviewed her and snapped some photos as well. First, I was surprised to find someone other than me that loves elephants, and second she is another talented strong independent female trying to make a difference in this world through music, poetry, film and arts. It’s almost rare for me to meet women in hip hop, who also does a million other things like myself to make a difference and to spread truth, and I was happy to finally meet someone who is actually doing the walk not just talking about it. She defines women in hip hop and all aspects, from arts to dance, and every woman who struggles on a daily basis but survives through, ten times the strength than when she started. We talked about several things, and we agreed that women are amazing creatures because after interviewing me and other women, she states that with men it’s always a competition or many of them rap the same. But with women, she states everyone has their own style and uniqueness, and women come together to help each other out because we all know how hard it is being women, and minority in the hip hop world. It’s a beautiful thing.

She is a spoken word artist, who dreams of one day opening a school for children. We had a lot of similarities and our dreams combined, made it look easy to make a change in this crazy world. Poetic Stimulator speaks and represents the female race, and her upcoming documentary “LA 2 DA BAY Womyn Makin their Way,” is a film that all women and even men can relate to. Stating that 2008 is the year for women in hip hop, she is definitely doing more than her part to make that happen. She continues to inspire all the women she worked with, and continue to shine the light on all the women that is making things happen. I promise you that you will be seeing more of Poetic Stimulator, whether it’s at your spoken word joint, or the teacher for your art class, the b-girl battling it off in the circle at hip hop summit, or the film maker walking down the red carpet for her movie premiers. She is all of LA to the Bay, Woman making her Way! Love and Respect to my sister, Poetic Stimulator!

More Info/Links: www.myspace.com/la2baywomyn

Posted March 19, 2008 at 09:22pm by miwaLyric
Miwa Kayama 2008© All Rights Reserved

Name: Far East Movement (FM)
How the group was formed: High School friends freestyling on the weekends.
What the group is about: Our perspective as Asian Americans. An expansion, meaning defined for our music rather than being Asian, and for this movement to create a place for Asians to be “normal” in the industry and the world.
Heroes: Friends and people in the community. We watch them grow, and it’s an inspiration for the rest of us, plus the community and our friends are who have brought us to where we are now.
What you do to Relax: Kev Nish: myspace. J-Splif: play ball and watch T.V. Prohgress: watch T.V.
Favorite Food: J-Splif: Mexican Food (King Taco), Korean Food. Prohgress: My mom’s Korean Food! Kev Nish: Sushi, well let me get specific, Yellowtail Sashimi.
What makes your group unique?: Besides the fact that we’re 3 Asian kids, is be normal, and our shows are unique.
Upcoming Goals/Plans: Finish album, release couple videos, more shows, and a upcoming campaign for Michael Jackson, stay tuned!
Define Peace: Prohgress: Not having to worry about anything. Kev Nish: I don’t think there’s such thing as peace because we’re never gonna get to where we want to because we’re constantly chasing after something, and not satisfied. But for minimal peace as musicians, is that moment right after we have a good show.
Your favorite Event/Experience: Brazil! (Check the link at- http://youtube.com/watch?v=XZI3Z5-Sypc)
Message to the Next Generation following your footsteps: Don’t give up, work out, don’t let anyone say no. Never judge a book by its cover, stay connected, and keep good connections.
Last words?: Shout out to DJ Virman and our manager Catch! Text 69106 –Low Riding. Check out our new website at www.fmonyourdial.com built by our friends FR*A (Future Rockstars of America).

My mini-bio on Far East Movement:
I had met Far East Movement several times at different events I performed at, but I didn’t really get to know them until they performed at one of the events I organize in downtown Los Angeles. And when I say, get to know, I mean stage presence! If you want to see a performance, this talented trio (plus the great DJ Virman of Power 106) will give you a show! They had the crowd jumping up and down with them as they spit fire verses, stomping the stage. Who would’ve known this unique group would be doing tours world wide, and have songs on blast streaming the radio? Not to say it wasn’t possible, because obviously it is, but with all the doubts of them making it due to being Asian Americans, these kids are breaking barriers and owning it, while creating paths for other upcoming Asian-American artists following their path. With big dreams, new ideas, and projects constantly on the roll, it’s just the beginning for the Far East Movement, as they take their game to a whole new level. Three fingers up!

More Info/Links: www.fmonyourdial.com
www.fareastmovement.com
www.myspace.com/fareastmovement

Posted February 23, 2008 at 06:17pm by miwaLyric
Miwa Kayama 2008© All Rights Reserved

Name: Missa Bendova
Profession: Homemaker, Volunteer for Nippon Project
Birthplace: Orange County, California
Some thing that defines you: Mismatched Socks (they don’t matter, so I don’t pay attention)
Favorite Quote: “…and you’ll see, I’m more than the anime and sushi.” -miwaLyric
Heroes: exist+trance, Necrocircus, Noodles- all female J bands
Favorite Animals: Siberian Tigers! Siberian Huskies!
What you do to Relax: Listen to music, walk in a park
Favorite Book: The Earth’s Children series by Jean M. Avel
Favorite Song: DISABLED COMPLEXES by Dir en Grey
Favorite Movie: Anime
Favorite Food: Fruit
Your next Dream/Goal: More Japanese bands touring the World!
Define Peace: Listening to music from around the world, and seeing that it carries the same message.
A little about Missa:My interest in Japanese music actually started when I was really young (like… 9?) and saw a special on TV about taiko. That was it for me, I fell in love right then and there. Upon researching taiko, I discovered my second favorite traditional instrument: shamisen. Taiko and shamisen led to me discovering how beautiful the language is and how wonderful the music can be. I still don’t see what the big deal is over sakura and sushi though.

I started doing work for Nippon Project (based in Europe) in November 2006. I didn’t officially join the non-profit organization until February 2007. I originally joined because I was doing the work anyway for my then best friend/roommate. I kept on doing it because I loved sharing the knowledge of, and hopefully love for, Japanese music with people around the world. Because of organizations like Nippon Project, bands in Japan are discovering just how big the fanbase is overseas, and are holding more and more shows/concerts outside of Japan. In the end, everyone involved benefits.
Message to the Next Generation: Don’t give up, keep your head up and keep plugging along. Remember karma and be the best person you can be.
Last words?: Mew? >^_^< NipponProject.com

My mini-bio on Missa Bendova:
Missa found me on my website, and asked me for an interview. We set one up and I met Missa, someone who is passionate about musicians, and commits her time and energy to helping musicians be heard worldwide. Her style is unique and cute, and she defines originality. I asked her if I can interview her as well, and on went our new style of interviewing (of each other). Missa is one of a million talented writers who help spread the word about music, art and entertainment including everything else that goes on in the world. This dedicated writer is helping blow up positive musicians one song at a time, while expressing herself. Keep writing Missa!

Posted February 18, 2008 at 12:47pm by miwaLyric
Miwa Kayama 2008© All Rights Reserved

Name: Miki Kayama
Profession: Artist
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Some thing that defines you: Polkadots
Favorite Quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” ”Hito wa hito, jibun wa jibun” (means: People are people, you are you, in Japanese)
Heroes: Charlie Chaplin, Al Bundy, and Kojima Yoshio.
Favorite Artists: Frida Kahlo, David Hockney, Egon Schiele, Paul Cezane
What you do to Relax: Drink Water
Favorite Book: The 3 Muskateers
Favorite Song: “Flake” by Jack Johnson, “Creep” by Radiohead, and “Santaria” by Sublime
Favorite Movie: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Amelie, Being John Malcovich, and Juno (maybe cause I just watched it thought)
Favorite Food: Chocolate Chip Cookies- the chewy ones!
Your next Dream/Goal: Find my purpose.
Define Peace: Happiness and Love
Message to the Next Generation: Be honest and be proud of it, and Clean the World!
Favorite Plant: Cactus
Favorite Flower: Daisy, Tulips and Yellow Roses
Favorite Animals: Chappy the Shiba Dog & dogs in general
What places would you like to visit?: Spain, France, Italy, England, Hawaii, New York, Okinawa, Hokkaido
Materials Used:Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop, Sketchpad, Acrylic Paint, Permanent Markers
Last words?: Clean the World! Check out my dog and shirts at myspace.com/chappykayama and my art page at myspace.com/artlover503

My mini-bio on Miki Kayama:
If anyone should write a bio of Miki, it should be me. Not that I know everything of her, but I can show you the simple steps of her deep life on how she came to where she is today. The little sister that I grew up with, who I always felt the need to protect and care for, is definitely all grown up. As far back as I can remember, while I was banging on keys and singing tunes off key, or running to her (while she rolled her eyes) to read her my newest poetry piece, she was doodling. Always a pencil or crayon in her hands drawing. That’s the first thing I remember when I think of Miki and her childhood. Still a doodler, Miki have taken her talents to a new level. With the help of technology, she formed her work of art into a design, and now everyone’s wearing it on their tee shirts! The previous interview of our dog Chappy is what influenced her designs. Chappy was given several nicknames by us and now it’s paying for her food, who would’ve ever known!? Miki continues to paint, draw and doodle as she thinks of new designs and keeps up with the mass messages from the different people who are interested in the Chappy the Shiba Dog project, along with all her art work posted up at myspace.com/artlover503. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that my dear sister Miki is about to hit worldwide with her talents that she kept hidden for so long, it’s her time to shine!

Posted February 13, 2008 at 09:47pm by miwaLyric
Miwa Kayama 2008© All Rights Reserved

Name: Chappy Kayama
Profession: Model, Healer
Birthplace: Lomita, CA
Age: 13 years
An Item that defines you: My toys
Favorite Quote: “I’m hungry”
Heroes: Dogs that rescue people
What you do to Relax: Go for a walk, eat sleep
Favorite T.V. Show: Dog Food Commercials
Favorite Food: Cucumbers (not so much anymore cause my teeth are not too good), Chicken, and Fish Sausages, yum!
Your next Dream/Goal: Sell more shirts with my face on it
Last Words?: Shibas Rock!

My mini-bio on Chappy:
Chappy Kayama, is a small Shiba dog, born in Lomita, CA. With two siblings, Chappy is the youngest. Chappy is known for being hyper and jumpy all the time. She is a healer of anxiety, and continues to touch young children (and people’s) lives. With a T-shirt line created by her mommy, Miki, she is the next top model. She likes to eat and go for a walk. She sleeps all day.

Posted February 6, 2008 at 6:33pm by miwaLyric
Miwa Kayama 2008© All Rights Reserved

Name: Takashi Munoz
Profession: Fighter
Birthplace: I was born in the great city of Angels
Age: 19 years
An Item that defines you: Gloves
Favorite Quote: “FIGHT LIFE”
Heroes: My DAD!!!
Favorite Fighter: Peter Aerts and Mirko CroCop
Favorite Techniques: Leg Kick, Rib Kick, and Punch to the Stomach
How much time do you spend training?: The most I have done was 8 hours, it was because I had free time, but now it’s down, between 4 to 6 hours a day because of work and school.
What you do to Relax: I chill with friends, play games at home and the best thing is sleep! Haha, just training too hard plus work and school.
Favorite Movie: “300” It has the best fighting, it shows a lot of how real warriors should be. I wish I can be like that, which I am, but I don’t want to accept defeat.
Favorite Food: I love to eat anything!!!! Believe me.
Your next Dream/Goal: Of course World Champion in fighting
Message to the Next Generation training to become a fighter: You can’t back out, and don’t be a fake because fighting is not for everyone. So if you want to do it, be really careful, and think about it. Honestly, I don’t like fake fighters.
Message to your Rivals/Opponents that you will fight in the future: Don’t worry, I’m still going to be fighting and I will win even if it takes a while. Hahaha
Last words?: You have to fight to get through life and fighting IS our life. We all have to fight.

My mini-bio on Takashi Munoz:
I came across Takashi when I was working at a spot in Los Angeles. He used to come around the venue and didn’t know why until I joined the Kyokushin Karate class on the third floor. He would come almost every day for training along with going to school and training at the boxing gym as well. At times he would train me, and being as young as he was (and still is), he was very mature and focused on the art of fighting. He is very disciplined, and quick with his techniques. Aside from fighting there would be times when we hung out and talked as he spoke of his dreams of becoming a champion. He has so much passion, and dedication; it’s only obvious he’s moving forward to becoming a world champ. Trying to balance school, work and his dreams in fighting, Takashi keeps his head on straight to become a better fighter, and a person in whole. He knows what hard work and discipline is as he knows respect, and with all his training, and skills, this humble 19 year old is about to stand on top of the world, so watch out!

Posted January 28, 2008 at 10:27pm by miwaLyric
Miwa Kayama 2008© All Rights Reserved

Name: Stan Malveaux
Profession: Recording/Mixing Engineer, Producer
Birthplace: South Central, Los Angeles
Favorite Quote: “Those that dwell in the past, walk backwards into the future.”
Heroes: God and Nature
What you do to Relax: Go to the Beach, Look at the Stars, Listen to music and watch movies that take me out of my environment, and my body.
Favorite Book: The Bible (and the like), “Kybalion,” “Art of War,” and “Astrological Navigation”
Favorite Song: “Street Life” by the Crusaders and Randy Crawford, “Everything must Change” by Quincy Jones, “Jamaica Funk” by Tom Brown, “This Place Hotel” by Michael Jackson, “If I was your girlfriend” by Dorothy Parker, “Knee Deep” by Parliament, etc.
Favorite Movie: “Emperor’s Club”
Favorite Food: Barbeque (all kinds from here and the Pacific)
Favorite Instrument: Piano and Synthesizer
Favorite Effect: Any effect that helps me enhance the sound and brings the music come alive.
Favorite Drum Programs: Toontrack, Battery
Your next Dream/Goal: Create inventions that will change my family’s life and everyone around.
Define Peace: Knowledge of self, knowledge of Creator, and understanding of both. Plus Love!
Message to the Next Generation: Learn while you can and apply it. Don’t be afraid of anything, and believe that all that is good is for you. Reap what you sow.

My mini-bio on Stan Malveaux:
Where do I start? One little blog and interview cannot cover all that this talented man has done in the music industry, for his family and friends and for the entire world. With his big heart he has accomplished much, saved many lives, and educated new generations to come. Everybody, I introduce to you, one of my teachers and heroes in life, the great Stan Malveaux!
Growing up through struggles, Stan found his love at an early age in music. Always writing, flowing and creating sounds, he was always ready to absorb everything and anything coming his direction. His sincerity, love, passion and dedication, plus professionalism, always created new roads and learning experiences for him. I first met him back in 1998, when I was a part of the group AZIZ, where he helped mix, record and train us. He became one of the most well known mixing and recording engineer in the industry. Stan has recorded and mixed hundreds of songs and albums. Working with artists like Patti LaBelle, Kanye West, Backstreet Boys, MC Ren, MC Lyte, Doobie Brothers, Yazawa Eiikichi, DJ Quik, Eric Benet, Stone Temple Pilots, Steve Gaad, Tweet, and many others, Stan Malveaux is demanded by many musicians in the industry. He is also the executive producer, of my album “the Recipe,” released in 2005, and the entire album is mixed and mastered by him as well.
Today, a recording/mixing engineer of Universal Music Group, and various other Productions and Record Labels, Stan Malveaux is also in the process of establishing his own Company and Production. Flying from here to there, all around the world, Stan is always changing the game and educating those in need, because there is no such word as “can’t” in his definition.

Posted January 21, 2008 at 11:47pm by miwaLyric
Miwa Kayama 2008© All Rights Reserved

Name: Mo Nishida
Profession: “Social Chemist,” Activist & Community Leader (Says me)
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Favorite Color: If I had to choose one, it’d be Red!
Favorite Quote: “Wherever there is oppression, there is existence.”
Heroes: Malcom X, Kazu Iijima, Paul Kochi, Zapata, a lady in the Spanish Revolution- I can’t remember her name, she was a communist. There’s so many people I look up to, can’t thing of them all off the top of my head!
What you do to Relax: Watch Kung-Fu Movies! Go to Furo (sauna type of bath), Argue with my Son!
Favorite Book: “Red Star over China”
Favorite Song: “The Whole World’s Watching” by Chicago (Formally CTA), from the Chicago National Convention. Song was banned after that.
Favorite Food: Tempura, Chicken Teriaki, Sashimi
Favorite Memory: 1971, I went to Japan to participate for the anniversary event of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I saw Children walking around with photographs of dead children that died from the bombings in that school. There was a Temple in the bamboo grove. I can still remember it. I asked the Priest “What am I experiencing? Why all the kids?” He told me it was the horrors of war and the atomic bomb. Since Japan attacked Pearl Harbor to start the war, they felt at fault, but that ain’t the real reason! I know Japan and America was at war about who’s going to rip off China! That’s when I became anti-imperialist for life. I still feel that anger, putting our younger ones at danger and victimizing them for the government’s greedy needs!
Your next Dream/Goal: Establish and expand all the projects I have going on (more than five of them, including Lil’ Tokyo 4 Peace, Asians for Mumia, etc) into a organization. You have to have at least 7 or 8 people to form one.
Define Peace: If there ain’t no Justice there ain’t no peace! Prevalence and Practice of Justice, and I don’t mean White Justice either! Equality, Dignity, Care about for each other, and of course the Earth Mother. Everything this boogee democracy is not!
Message to the Next Generation: Cast away illusions, and prepare for struggle!!! Basically meaning, the background music you hear now is caused by capitalism and imperialism, and there is an automatic addiction to white supremacy, and most of the world is in denial. When I say white I mean the greed, and racism that was started. I know a lot the white brothers and sisters, who have marched with us from day one, but as people of this world, if your people are doing some things that you question, but say that’s wrong, then you make changes. That’s all our responsibility, no matter what color. But if you’re saying, that’s cool, I’m okay with it, then fuck it you’re one of them. Some things in the world are irreplaceable, like the ice sheets that are melting now because of global warming, and when that happens you know someone is going to be injured.

My mini-bio on Mo Nishida:
During my solo career, I was taking about 4 jobs, and I met Mo Nishida at one of them. He was a sweet man who worked on the third floor of our building in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. He would often come to buy coffee at the bakery I was working at during the time. We would say hi and exchange a few words at first, and eventually we talked about my music and all the poetry I write about. He then told me he knows of an event organizer who organizes benefits shows in Los Angeles for Asian-American issues. He also invited me to one of the events he would be speaking at, and said I can come and read some poetry if I like. The first time I stepped in to his event and his world, I was amazed. The activists and veterans at these events were talking about all the issues I always wanted to talk about with people, but never worked because many say I am wasting my time for wanting change. I couldn’t believe it. All the people that paved the way, that struggled for the rights we have today were there in front of me speaking. Mo was so passionate, and he was one of the few people that I knew that was a parent that cussed so much! He was practicing his freedom of speech and no government was going to keep him quiet. I got to know Mo, and eventually he invited me to many events, and also gave me the opportunity to speak and perform at several of the events. He was one of the many Japanese-Americans that were sent to the concentration camps during WW2. Mo hated growing up in this country and always felt that he never wanted children, because this country does not deserve to have one of his kids. One day when he followed his friends to the Black Liberation Movement meetings, he saw there was a whole world that were trying to make change. Then he listened to Malcom, and was inspired, stating Malcom said everything he ever thought of! From that point on, he formed several groups for Asian Americans, and he spoke out, rallied and debated for his people, for the people. Today, Mo is more active than ever, and we meet every third Fridays of the month under the Grandmother/father grapefruit tree for the Lil’ Tokyo 4 Peace monthly vigils in Los Angeles. Come rally with us from 5pm if you’re tired of all the injustice in the world. Come play music, and sing with us, and if you’re driving, Honk for Peace!

More Info on Lil’ Tokyo 4 Peace Vigil & War Protest: Every third Fridays of the month in Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles. On the street of San Pedro, by the alley way of Azusa (under the Grandmother/father grapefruit tree), from 5pm (for aprox one hour). Open to public, we have banners but you can also create and bring your own. See you there!

Posted January 17, 2008 at 06:47pm by miwaLyric
Miwa Kayama 2008© All Rights Reserved

Name: Artist District
Location: Downtown Los Angeles, California
Birth Year: Around 1976

My mini-bio on the Artist District:
I first found the Artist District by accident. I was in for a photo shoot with my old group back in the late 90′s, and I made a wrong turn. I ended up in this secret location filled with art. I was amazed that such a place had existed. I would stop by occasionally to just stroll through, because the vibe of that district is something else. I felt like I was in my own world, where I wasn’t surrounded by busy everyday life and people. I found out later that it was first one part of the wholesale district, which runs down San Pedro now. A lot of artists hung out and rented spots as lofts where they created art. The neighborhood became a district when the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-ARC) moved in, now occupying a historic railroad building. Every building is filled with graffiti (freestyle) art, but the photos of the work I took today may not be there when you visit. Other than all the artist lofts and a few art museums (you have to find them!), there is a vintage clothing shop, a coffee shop, a soul food restaurant, a sushi fusion bar and night club, a steakhouse (which also is a bar and club). Several of the shops are hidden so it’s some what of an adventure to find them. Enjoy your stay!

Location: Off of 4th Street, 3rd Street, Traction and Hewitt in Los Angeles.

Posted January 17, 2008 at 06:47pm by miwaLyric
Miwa Kayama 2008© All Rights Reserved