Saturday, May 30, 2015

Rough Kids Live at Palmer Tire and Automotive Repair




It was a thrill to photograph LA's own Rough Kids recently at Palmer Tire and Automotive Repair. I've always had my eye on my local repair shop and knew that when the right subject came along I would jump on it before this timeless garage is cleaned up, changed or bought out.

Rough Kids are an amazing band that on first listen, seem familiar right out of the gate. Their punk-pop sensibilities are infectious and the energy they have behind each song is pure passion.

Along with the photo shoot, I filmed them live at Palmer Tire and Automotive Repair and will present it here once their new album comes out later this year.

Julie Green
May 30, 2015

Tsubasa

Ethan

Paul

Luis





Saturday, May 23, 2015

X-Ray Spectacles from The Mask Series

"X-Ray Spectacles No. 1" from The Mask Series

If there is anything that I have learned from creating this mask series, it's that I love using the element of humor in my images to convey my observations about humanity. This selections of images was created using the old paper x-ray spex. This toy gag originally marketed in the 1940's, had the pretend power of being able to see through flesh and clothing. The symbology of these glasses allowed my subject to play with the theme of a lecherous man underdressing you with his eyes!

I first remember seeing an ad for x-ray spex in the back of the comic books I used to collect. Along with the chance to purchase whoopee cushions, the amazing sea-monkeys (which coincidentally were invented by Harold von Braunhut who held 195 patents, one being for the new and improved x-ray specs) and stamps, you could also for only a dollar have x-ray vision.

The optical illusion behind the glasses also floats my boat. The construction of the glasses consisted of a feather sandwiched between 2 cardboard lenses to create the illusion of transparency with an outline around the subject and a solid center core.

X-Ray Spectacles is the 13th set of images from The Mask Series. As always, two limited edition prints are available to purchase through my Etsy store

Here's to seeing beyond that which we initially perceive.

Julie Green
May 23, 2015





"X-Ray Spectacles No. 2" from The Mask Series

"X-Ray Spectacles No. 3" from The Mask Series

"X-Ray Spectacles No. 4" from The Mask Series

"X-Ray Spectacles No. 5" from The Mask Series

"X-Ray Spectacles No. 6" from The Mask Series

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Wig Torture!



There once was a band named Wig Torture who hailed from San Francisco. They were a rock band that played hard, fast and super tight. Cameltoe used to play with them quite regularly and we enjoyed watching Aaron, Ben Geddes and Lev Delany rock out.

I recently caught up with Ben and we chatted about the band. Along with his interview are photographs I took of the band in Lower Haight back in '92, the heyday for rock and roll in San Francisco!

Sweedish,

Julie Green
May 16, 2015



Julie Green: How did Wig Torture form?

Ben Geddes: I was in the band towards the end of high school where we played a lot of cover songs. When it became something real for me was when Aaron and I started playing together with Walt Varo who was replaced by Lev Delany.  This really wasn’t the same band but we kept the name.


JG: What's the story behind the band name?

BG: My friend Martyn used to hold a lamp tassel over his parakeet's head and say it’s the wig torture. You know with bands you just need a name.

JG: Did you guys grow up in the same city?

BG: Aaron and I grew up near each other (in the South Bay) and Lev grew up in Vancouver, BC.

JG: What's the bands discography?

BG: ‘Wig Torture Levels Your Karma’ (45) We recorded another album but it never got released.

JG: How long was the band together for?

BG: Seemed like forever.

JG: Tell us a story about Morty's!

BG: It was one of the first clubs that booked us for decent nights of the week.  Heck, we played with Cameltoe on more than one occasion there.

Lev Delany: I've got a Morty's story. We had finished playing and war breaking down. Benn's girlfriend Monica was tapping on the drums. A large and cranked up Hell's Angel walked over from the bar and informed us that if she didn't stop, he'd break my fingers. I confiscated the sticks. a minute later, she found some more and started tapping again. 

The biker came back and bent her hand back to give emphasis to his request. As he was walking away, Aaron made a brief placatory statement, which the biker interpreted as disrespectful. He grabbed Aaron and jumped to the stage with Aaron underneath, bear swatting at his head all the while. It didn't last long, and Aaron wasn't hurt, but we all packed up and left quickly and quietly. 


JG: Did the band tour the US or Europe?

BG: We toured in the US but mainly the west coast.



JG: What other bands have you been in since Wig Torture?

BG: Natural Fonzie for me – Lev has been in a bunch, Spoto, The Blackouts, and let’s not forget, The AmazingEmbarrasonics.  Aaron’s always been in tons, he was in Men's Club and is now in Hot Lunch.

JG: What was your favorite Wig Torture song?

BG:  I would have to say at the moment it would either be ‘Freak Flag Express’ or ‘Jailhouse Cigar’.