Art of Robert Liu-Trujillo
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  • Band saw

    Band saw

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    I decided to name these characters “Jeanie” and “Judy”. And In just thought of the many things you could make...

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  • Sam!

    Sam!

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    Here is some artwork from the picture book “Sam!” published in 2019 by Penny Candy Books. I really enjoyed illustrating...

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  • Bobby Hundreds

    Bobby Hundreds

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    If this is your first time seeing this, I started a series of paintings called “Kindred Journey” last year celebrating...

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  • Shine Louise Houston

    Shine Louise Houston

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    This my friends is a porn director and producer! Originally from Long Beach , Shine moved up to San Francisco...

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  • Play that beat

    Play that beat

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    “Play that beat, why don’t you play it for me? Play it! Kick it!” This is an old song from...

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  • East Bay Dragons

    East Bay Dragons

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    I know of the East Bay Dragons from driving or walking by their clubhouse on E-14th st. as a young...

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  • One of a kind, like me

    One of a kind, like me

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    This is an image from the 2016 picture book “One of a kind, like me” written by Laurin Mayeno and...

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  • Dad’s Who Dig

    Dad’s Who Dig

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    This one is for my Dads or fathers who dig, especially my vinyl junkies. I took my son to the...

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  • Ruth Carter

    Ruth Carter

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    Ruth E. Carter was born in 1960 and is from Springfield Massachusetts. In her early days of college she wanted...

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  • 13 Ways of Looking at a Black Boy

    13 Ways of Looking at a Black Boy

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    So I can finally write about and show y’all a bit of the process for my recent piece in the...

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  • Argue – Short story 24

    Argue – Short story 24

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    “They fought all the time before Mama went away. She took care of them and taught them lessons about loving...

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  • Record Store

    Record Store

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    On Sunday Papa and I walked to the record store. I never seen him so happy to go to a store...

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  • Bishop Yvette Flunder

    Bishop Yvette Flunder

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    Proud to share this portrait I painted for a new book about faith and some ground breaking people who work...

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  • The Future is Ours to Build

    The Future is Ours to Build

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    Just got my copy in the mail. This is a poster illustration I just finished for ACLU, which is probably...

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  • Story time

    Story time

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    Hey good peoples, I just finished working on this new one. Hope to make more than one with this style...

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  • Self Care

    Self Care

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    I worked on a series of affirmations several years ago that were one of a kind paintings. Only a few...

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Connect

For commissioned art, freelance proposals, questions, book projects, or collaborative opportunities, please send a message via CONTACT or to: info@robdontstop.com


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RSS Recent Blog Posts

  • SFETSY seller!
  • Freelance chronicles 7- 1000 Sales on Etsy
  • Interview w/ professor Marilisa Jiménez García (Side By Side )
  • Organizing-Video Inspiration
  • Speaking w/ Sol Collective
  • Donating bks for Palestine!
  • Kindred Journey 44 - Jeanyee Wong

@robert_tres

Fam, I first "volunteered" for @sfetsy in 2014 (i Fam, I first "volunteered" for @sfetsy in 2014 (i think-getting old) because I wanted to put in some work and learn how they work, who they are, and if it would be a good place to sell my stuff at. I found out all of that and so much more. SF Etsy is a kind, supportive group of folks who are from all over the Bay Area. I've always had a great time at all their events and its a world class lesson in community and business when you peep how they do what they do. So, find something different and unique by using the #sfEtsy hashtag, go to the shows once they start up again, and support a local business... #sfetsy #community
Yo yo yo yo, I just crossed the 1k sales mark on E Yo yo yo yo, I just crossed the 1k sales mark on Etsy which I'm very proud of. I know sellers who have less than 100 sales and folks with upwards of 20k. But, I plan to make more. Here's some tips and things I did to make it this far. If you're new to selling on Etsy, Shopify, Big Cartel, We Buy Black, or any online commerce site these might be helpful. Especially for younger artists. Thank u community! Go to the “My Blog” link in bio to read the full post (5-10 min read). 📸 by @sunsetshutterbg #maker #artisan #workingartist #merch #artistswhomakemerch #sellingmerch #freelanceartist #kidsbooks #stickers #literacy #ethnicstudies #analogmusic #iusedtotableatevents #iwillagain #mywifehelpedmemakemytablefly thank u to all the folks here who’ve helped me reach this point! Grateful. Are u an artist who makes merch? What do u sell?
Family, I cannot wait for you to read this one. Th Family, I cannot wait for you to read this one. This is my new bilingual picture book written by @mucha_muchacha15 , co written and conceived by the @risehomestories which is working on a bk, podcast, video game, animated short, translated by @carlita_la_chilenita (Dr Carla España) , published by @feministpress and illustrated by me! Hit the “preorder” link in my bio to read more and reserve a copy. If you’re a librarian, teacher, or literacy org holler at me. #evictions #displacement #gentrification #housingrights #alejandriafightsback #laluchadealejandria #artofrobertliutrujillo #picturebooks #kidlit #childrensbooks #kidactivist #kidorganizer #bilingualkids #bilingualteacher #bilingualbooks
New sticker! In between victories and defeats it’s good to take a breath. Shop Link in my bio. This is the third sticker in a recent series meant to remind, encourage, and affirm. To take care of yourself. It’s not selfish, it’s planning, forethought , good for the mental and physical health. Know someone who deserves a break? Send them one or two. #rest #rejuvenation #relaxtime #takecareofyourself #artofrobertliutrujillo #vinylsticker #goldsticker #takeabreak #naptime #selfcareroutine #handlettering #typography #carepackage #encouragement #laptopstickers #hydroflaskstickers #plannerstickers #sketchbookstickers #morerest Do you sleep? Do u decompress? Do you take a moment to reflect?
Kindred Journey 44-Jeanyee Wong This was really Kindred Journey 44-Jeanyee Wong This was really fun for me to research because Jeanyee Wong was a type based artist and I love typography. Jeanyee was born in San Francisco in 1920 to Cantonese parents who then moved to the Bronx in NY when she was a child. She is said to have started drawing on any and everything when she was just 3. She studied Chinese calligraphy at a young age. Then she studied painting and sculpture at The cooper Union from 1938-1941. There she studied woodcut with Fritz Kredel and calligraphy with George Salter. Jeanyee started as an apprentice of Kredel's and began working on her own in 1941. The bulk of her work work has been in book publishing as she worked for Oxford University Press, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, Random House, Little Brown, Crown, Viking, Atheneum, Knopf, so many. She created type treatment, calligraphy, design, and illustration for many there. She also worked in advertising, created certificates, business cards, invitations, letter heads, etc. For many years she worked as a teacher at The New School, Pratt, and others I'm sure. She is known for her design of the "Seventeen magazine, NY Public library, and Mad Magazine logos and her awards from AIGA and UNICEF. But she was also highly regarded among the Society of Scribes as a generous teacher of students. She worked from her early 20s up until her 80s I believe and her calligraphy and artwork is incredible. Excellent! "You're never perfect. You can always do something more and improve" - Jeanyee Wong (1920-2017) Sources: JeanyeeWong.blogspot.com ( Alex Jay), Society of Scribes, Librarything.com #JeanyeeWong #asianartists #calligrapher #aapi #apahm #artofrobertliutrujillo #typography #asianamericanpacificislanderheritagemonth
Hey fam tomorrow I’ll be reading my new bk “Al Hey fam tomorrow I’ll be reading my new bk “Alejandria Fights Back” w/author @mucha_muchacha15 in our first public reading at Carnival in SF. Come thru. Posted @withregram • @mucha_muchacha15 @robert_tres & I will be reading from this new children's book at the Carnaval SF - Our Existence is Resistance Resource Fair & Celebration. We will be giving away some books and hope you and your kids or students will find us at the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District table on Harrison Street and listen to us read the story! This Sunday @ 12:30pm
Kindred Journey 43 - Spie Spie is a OG of the Ba Kindred Journey 43 - Spie Spie is a OG of the Bay Area Graf scene. A king in my opinion. Born and raised in San Francisco during the early 70s, he is from the second generation of writers is Frisco. He began writing on his own first, then he began joining crews. He's one of the illest local style technicians of letters and has always tried new things whether painting wild style pieces, throw ups, or even just his handstyles. He is a representative of several well known Bay crews; TMC, TDK, and Irie Posse. He's also reps FC, a NYC crew. Something that connects him to a long legacy of artists both in and beyond Graf is his use of art to speak truth to power. Being the child of an organizer/activists instilled him with a DIY spirit and awareness that he always shared with the Graff community. In fact, in his career he is known as much for his unique letter styles as he is for speaking out against police terrorism, racism, imperialism, colonialism, and the system that uses these tools to get more money and power. Something I learned is that he was a mediator between writers who had beef. A peacekeeper. He is a citizen of the world traveling to Jamaica, Cuba, Costa Rica, NYC, even Palestine. He's a father, husband, activist, credentialed teacher, and a hilarious guy if you get to hang with him. If you have been impacted or inspired by @agentdecoy or his work please comment w/ a big up, fire emoji, or a memory so he knows how much we all love him. Thank you big brother. If you want to read a little longer version hit the “my blog” link in the bio. Edit: Spie is also one of many helping to keep Mike Dreams name and legacy alive in all of our hearts. Sources: One Track Mind magazine, @mylifeinletterspodcast ,Life, My Mom #spieone #spietdk #spietmc #graffiti #asianamericanartist #aapi #apahm #asianamericanpacificislanderheritagemonth #kindredjourney #artofrobertliutrujillo #chineseamerican
Kindred Journey 42 - Pardon My Hindi I've been s Kindred Journey 42 - Pardon My Hindi I've been seeing this dude's work here and there and its dope! If you're not already familiar with "Pardon My Hindi" aka Chiraag Bhakta. This cat is from Jersey, and his story of growing up in a hotel very much reminded my ok Kelly Yang's MG book "Front Desk". He is known for collaborating with hip hop duo Das Racist, animator Sanjay Patel, Basement Bhangra pioneer DJ Rekha, and jazz musician Vijay Iyer. He he's a graphic designer, street artist (you've seen his stickers), and I'm trying to think of whats a cool way to describe what he does and I cant do it justice. But he has made exhbitis like #whitepeopledoingyoga which seriously and hilariously critiques the columbusing of an OG South Asian culture being appropriated by white folks and capitalism. He did this photo project about Indian families who own and run motels called "Arch Motel", and he currently has a show up in NYC called "This Only" which I highly encourage you to check out. I can't believe I missed his Bay shit , but I will be there at the next one. This dude is hella smart, witty, and on point when it comes to critiquing colonialism and assimilation. And I love how he's a collector who shares some beautiful mixes of Asian and American culture. What it's like to survive the madness that is the US. Nuff respect fellow artist and hip hop head! Follow him here @pardonmyhindi Sources: Saada, Verve Mag, Mother Jones (what an article dude!) #pardonmyhindi #chiraagbhakta #designer #galleryinstallation #streetart #aapi #apahm #asianamericanartist #asianamericanpacificislanderheritagemonth #artofrobertliutrujillo
Trying to balance it. Here's a photo from 2001ish Trying to balance it. Here's a photo from 2001ish in my brother Plinio's backyard, pre fatherhood. This is me. Also, #freepalestine it ain’t a conflict it is genocide, apartheid.
Kindred Journey 41 - Doug Chiang Doug is the vic Kindred Journey 41 - Doug Chiang Doug is the vice president and creative director of Star Wars. He's been working in the film industry for over 30 years and is one hell of an illustrator. You've seen his work. And I was super inspired to see him in the extras or behind the scenes of Star Wars films. Originally from Taiwan (Born in 1962) he grew up in Michigan and made his way to California. He started on "Pee Wee's Playhouse" a show I watched as a kid. His first film as a concept artist was "Back to the Future 2" and he has worked on Ghost, Terminator 2, Forrest Gump, Jumanji, and so many other films. In 1995 when I was just beginning high school he went to work for George Lucas who was developing the prequel Star Wars films. He designed ships, spacecraft, sets, costumes, and characters for the first three films along with Star Wars 7,8,9, Rogue One, Solo, and most recently The Mandalorian. In between SW projects Doug founded his own studio called Ice Blink" which would become Image Movers Digital. He became a published author and has won Aacademy, Bafta, Clio, and now Oscar award. As I mentioned he's now the creative head of all new Star Wars projects from films, amusement park rides, games, etc. And the thing I love most about him besides his ridiculous skill as a painter and illustrator is his ability to keep pushing for the best idea. You can tell he iterates and tries as many directions as possible to get the most out of an idea. It's incredible to watch. And the dude is humble. Hats off to Doug. Follow him @doug_chiang Sources: Lucasfilm, Imdb, Wikipedia, Robota #Apahm #aapi #asianamericanpacificislanderheritagemonth #asianamericanartist #dougchiang #conceptartist #artofrobertliutrujillo #starwars #taiwaneseamerican
Kindred Journey 40 - Asia As a teen obsessed wit Kindred Journey 40 - Asia As a teen obsessed with graffiti I dragged my parents to go snap pics of pieces and throw ups. Asia is one of the artists I'd see. She inspired me not only to be proud but to be stylish. 20 years later I spoke with her thx to @thewilliemaze Born in Japan in the early 70s, she grew up in San Francisco and started writing in 1991. One of her early influences was a young woman who wrote NME who gave her the name "Asia". Later it was King 157, Spie, Giant, and a guy named "Orfn" who was up everywhere in the 90s who inspired her. Crew wise, she was down with VC which included Meut and Duer. She's still down with TDK (Teach Dem Knowledge) and had a crew of sisters called HMP- "Her Mighty Presence". Asia was most active in the Bay between 91-95 before moving to NYC in the late 90s. Although she bombed out there she told me New York was on a whole other level. When I asked her about some of her proudest moments she quickly mentioned the "Tax Dollars Kill" production TDK did with every damn body in the crew. It was in magazines and it got a lot of attention! She also mentioned a mission her and Muet went on to bomb a tank!! A Tank! When asked about advice for young women getting into Graff/art she said "It's hard to do, but be free of judgement by others. Don't be concerned about how they see your work. As long as you enjoy it, that's what matters. Do it for yourself, your soul". Although she doesn't write anymore, she still makes art for herself. She said she was motivated to piece by TDK, but she really loved was to hop buses and go bomb! She didn't document most of her stuff and wasn't thinking of legacy, but she really loved it and had so much fun doing it. If you're reading this and remember "Asia" PLEASE share a word or photo for her to see! Respect to OG Asia! Sources: Interview w/ Asia #asianamericanheritagemonth #asianamericanartist #tdk #aapi #graffitiwriter #artofrobertliutrujillo #bayareahistory #apahm #asiaone
Kindred Journey 39 - Hung Liu Can't remember wher Kindred Journey 39 - Hung Liu Can't remember where i first heard her name but her work has stuck with me for awhile. I shared this with my wife who was a Mills student and was actually a student of hers. she remembers hung saying to use more paint:) Hung was born in China in 1948 and has been painting since the 60s. As she was becoming an adult the cultural revolution happened in China. A revolution in my household growing up, but not necessarily seen with happiness for all. Hung described being forced to work in the fields 1965-72. In between she'd sneak in a drawing, photo, or painting here and there. In the late 70s after Mao's death she got to study in Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts. She was first trained as a muralist and I think thats one of the things that made me gravitate to her work. She tries to bounce to the US, gets into a a San Diego school, waits 4 years for a visa to clear, then in 84 starts her study in the US. She lives and teaches in Texas before coming to the Bay where she gets into the Capp Street Project. 1990 she gets offered a teaching position at Mills College and is still in the town. In her career she has exhibited in solo and group shows since 1978. She has done large public artworks and murals like the one in the Oakland airport. She paints big with juicy drips and her style is a mix of realistic portraiture, and some abstraction. And I dig it. Her use of old photos, calligraphy, found objects, etc. I see workers, everyday life, pain, resistance, freedom to travel, freedom to express, immigrants, preserving history and memory, etc. And it feels like she's just getting started. Check out her work, once you do you get my choice of imagery here. Sources: Summoning Ghosts, Kqed, SF Moma, Hungliu.com #asianamericanheritagemonth #apahm #asianamericanartist #hungliu #artofrobertliutrujillo #watercolor #kindredjourney #chineseamerican
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