Monday, June 13, 2011

FUN FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT SUBWAYSURFER


Folks I almost punctured a lung blowing my own horn here, but I wrote this post because I want to be all touchy feely, and do the social media, "get to know me"thing...
All jokes aside, there's are some things about me you may not know, which may prove useful to some of you, so read on.

I will be updating this periodically, so check back for relevant links and updates.

FUN FACTS ABOUT SUBWAYSURFER
1 SUBWAYSURFER IS AN EXPERT
since 2006 I have been answering questions for aspiring artists online at ALL EXPERTS.COM where I answer art related questions on tools, caricature, cartooning, animation, and good old fashion motivational advice.

2 SUBWAYSURFER HAS BEEN A PROFESSIONAL ARTIST SINCE 8YEARS OLD
I illustrated the cover of a book, MOTHER, THESE ARE MY FRIENDS for author Mary Anne Gross. Ms. Gross approached me because I was an outstanding primary school artist who had racked up a bunch of awards, won contests, and had work displayed in the NYC school system. My cover consisted of a picture of me and my family. As soon as it was completed, I held out my eight year old hand, and asked for twenty five dollars. I got that, plus royalties on the book for a year.

3 SUBWAYSURFER WAS A CHILD SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT AT PRATT INSTITUTE

Guess I was a prodigy. This was a weekend scholarship. Fully paid, real art instruction, sitting in class with adults, strange. Oh yeah, I was around eight years old.

4 SUBWAYSURFER IS A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

I've done public speaking since I was 11 years old. I've spoken to hundreds and thousands. I have no fear of crowds, never get stage fright, and can speak to a group as easily as I can on a cellphone. I've spoken on art, religion, martial arts, entrepreneurship,parenting, and other stuff I can't remember...

5 SUBWAYSURFER IS A SPOKEN WORD POET

Spoken word poet is a weird term... Most poems ARE spoken after all....I like to refer to myself as a SPOKEN WORD PERFORMER. I've always been an avid writer and storyteller, and have written thousands of stories, poems and prose over the years. I've recently, in the past two years decided to put these together in more concrete form, and share them. My poetry has always been more personal to me than my visual art, so I had been reluctant to put it on display. I've performed in public, have a blog devoted to the subject, and a few books I'm putting together.

6 SUBWAYSURFER IS AN AUDIO PODCASTER

To date I have well over 100 audio podcasts put together on the subjects of cartooning and caricature, poetry, social media, and social commentator.
Consider Podcasting "audio art" , and for me, a person who loves to talk, the perfect platform. I am endlessly fascinated by events, people, art, etc. And am inquisitive by nature, and love to share. Maybe you've heard me speak on the blog in the caricature quick tip series, that's a small part of the Podcasting bubble.

7 SUBWAYSURFER CAN DANCE

this is NOT just because "I'm Black!" LOL! I've always been in love with movement, and explores modern dance at an early age, eventually falling in love with the so called FUNK STYLES of the 70 s and 80's, robot, popping, ticking stringing, locking, electric boogaloo and whatnot. I'm in love with this dance form called LIQUID, a d for two years did a discipline called five rhythms.

8 SUBWAYSURFER CAN SING

I'm a tenor.I've sung since high school, but really got serious about two years ago. I don't want to do anything with my voice other than use it for worship in church. Where I solo.I inspired my daughter and especially my son to sing, both of whom have toured. My son especially sings " opera like" sacred music in English and Italian. He's also dine musical theatre.

9 SUBWAYSURFER IS FAT

I'm working on losing....it's a long road....especially when wifey cooks so good..

10 SUBWAYSURFER CAN KICK YOUR BUTT

I've studied martial arts since I was eleven years old, starting with Hung Gar Gung Fu. Ive also studied Tai chi, JKD, Goju Ryu, Muay Thai, Savate and Pikiti Tirsha Arnis.
Am I master? I'll never tell. Let's just say I'm not beginner, my love of the martial arts is because of my father, who set me on the road, and caused me to win a free iPad! Find out how, here.
(link is coming)