#rutheniumdesign

[rutheniumdesign]

WE'LL ALL FLOAT ON

Yes, this card was inspired by Modest Mouse. The catchy chorus, the quirky video, all of this reminds me of a time when life was slightly easier. 

This photo was taken at a weird underground party in Bushwick, New York. It was taken either late November or early December, so it was freezing outside. I had just wrapped a feature film in Upstate New York, and this was a party that made everyone come hang out in NYC. I was with my friend Andy and Alejandro. I think Alejandro had some friends in town as well.

These balloons were part of the dance floor decor in the basement. There was a rotating stage of DJs and bands and the neon lazers were there during every single gig. This was my first Bushwick art/ house party and it certainly was one of the strangest. I took only a few photos from this night, and this balloon situation was one of them. The others that I had with me and the installation art, I was cherry red and intoxicated. 

After working on a tiresome feature, it was amazing to let loose with my fellow filmmakers. At the time, I think I had a minor crush on Alejandro, but given that we were all back to life in NYC, it was a night to move on and float on. This greeting card to me is about moving forward, moving up and taking breaths and enjoying moments along the way.

I might have just confessed about my crush on Ale-Ale-Alejandro, but he's such an incredible guy that he deserves all the attention in the world.

You can buy the WE'LL ALL FLOAT ON card here.

xxR

[rutheniumdesign]

WHATEVER, I'M A FOODIE

So, I'm Asian. And there are many blogs and memes about Asian people always taking photos of their food. I don't know what it is... perhaps most asian parents deprive their asian children of delicious food and consuming gourmet and beautiful food represents a notable landmark in our lives. I don't know. I'm a foodie, and sometimes, the food is a piece of artwork and that's why I take photos of my food.

This is the pork belly dish at Clyde Common in Portland, Oregon. The Portland foodie scene has grown significantly, and I truly believe Clyde Common was one of the first restaurants to have that high-end gourmet foodie feel. It sits on the first floor of the Ace Hotel downtown and amongst the old architecture and grimy feel of Davies St. Clyde Common is modern, clean and absolutely delicious.

I was dining with my good friend Kate at the time. It was a random trip home and it was absolutely essential we indulged in a good mimosa driven brunch. At this particular brunch, I saw an old friend, Carlos working the bar. I had made movies with him in high school and we were collaborators at a very young age. It was such a great coincidence and one of the reasons that I love visiting home: you always run into the most unexpected people at the most random places. 

Since this brunch, Kate and I have had other foodie adventures around town (Screendoor being another favorite) and Carlos has moved to Los Angeles to bask in the sun as well. He works at Joan's on Third, which is one of the BEST DELIS/BAKERIES in all of Los Angeles. He made me a mean mocha last time I went to see him. 

I'm a proud foodie, and I take photos of them. I encourage others to do the same. In the end, it's not about the actual food, it's about the story and the situation around that particular meal. Don't be ashamed everyone, foodie pic the shit out of your meal.

You can buy the WHATEVER, I'M A FOODIE card here.

xxR