Projection is the process of attributing one’s own unacceptable urges to another. For example, if someone continuously bullies and ridicules a peer, the bully might be projecting their own tendencies onto the other person. MAGA and ICE supporters will undoubtedly clutch their pearls that these posters would dare label ICE with such inflammatory language, yet these words are the exact words the Trump administration has used to lie to the public, vilify immigrants, and vilify protesters who stand up against ICE’s pervasive brutality.

MODULAR FREQUENCY opens February 28 at Subliminal Projects! The artworks featured in Modular Frequency are my most recent explorations of distillation and synthesis, combining imagery, symbols, and text woven into geometric compositions. I’m confronted with an overwhelming number of images and messages daily, forcing me to make sense of things and organize my ideas. I embrace this chaotic process of distillation as inspiration to help me navigate the world and create art with intention in response.

I’m honored to be recognized by Sankofa.org alongside fellow honorees Chuck D, Danny Glover, and Dolores Huerta at this charitable event. I’ve been friends with Gina Belafonte for years and seen firsthand how committed she is to the social justice principles that her father embodied. This VIP cultural salon brings artists together in conversation to share the origins of their work and perform the songs that have helped move movements.

Projection is the process of attributing one’s own unacceptable urges to another. For example, if someone continuously bullies and ridicules a peer, the bully might be projecting their own tendencies onto the other person. MAGA and ICE supporters will undoubtedly clutch their pearls that these posters would dare label ICE with such inflammatory language, yet these words are the exact words the Trump administration has used to lie to the public, vilify immigrants, and vilify protesters who stand up against ICE’s pervasive brutality.

My studio will remain open today because we are working diligently on anti-ICE projects, but we stand in solidarity with all those who join the boycott of ICE. Those with compassion and a moral center overpower those who perpetrate brutality if we just use our voices and actions!-Shepard If you can’t strike today, you can follow and support these organizations that are doing amazing work within our community, in Minnesota, and / or nationwide: CHIRLA - The Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights Mad Collective LA Immigrant Defenders Law Center ACLU Nationwide Stand with Minnesota

Two years ago today, Hind Rajab’s dreams were stolen. She dreamed of becoming a doctor—to help people, to heal. She loved the sea. She loved the color pink. She loved her family. She loved to play. She was a child, exactly as children everywhere are: full of tenderness, curiosity, and big dreams for a future she never got to live.

Gun violence and gun related death is a uniquely American problem compared to other nations not in the midst of civil war or war with another country. Gun violence has now surpassed cancer and car accidents as the top killer of American children. Americans have a flawed fantasy that guns make them safer. The statistics say otherwise to an alarming degree, with analysis confirming that introducing a gun into a household makes a gun death by accident, homicide, or suicide six times more likely.

I was honored to work with The New Yorker Magazine on this Bernie Sanders portrait in this week’s issue. Please head to your local newsstand or book store and pick it up to read the great piece by Jill Lepore. Check it out! - Shepard

The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the United States by France and unveiled in 1886 to celebrate the two nations' shared commitment to liberty and democracy. The Statue of Liberty features broken shackles by her feet to symbolize freedom and an end to slavery. Positioned near Ellis Island, it also became a powerful symbol of hope and welcome for millions of immigrants arriving in America.

Happy New Year everyone. This “Spring Forth” print is intended as a reminder that we always have an opportunity for a rebirth, a reset, a new spring to cultivate the things we believe in and most want to see in the world. Spring is a great metaphor, but I’m not waiting until spring to go forth with what I want to create, communicate, and build.

I was heartbroken to hear about the tragic murder of actor, director, and activist Rob Reiner and his wife Michele… both creative and cultural forces in Hollywood and beyond. Rob Reiner directed two of my favorite movies: Spinal Tap (the first movie to make me cry with laughter and get a stomach cramp from laughing too much) and The Princess Bride (which happened to star Andre the Giant).

The crew and I just finished this Lotus Angel mural in W. Palm Beach Florida.  The mural is part of a very cool project that is in progress with several amazing artists. Stay tuned to see more next year! Thanks to Dan Flores, Rob Zagula, and Jon Furlong for the help. Photos by Jon Furlong.-Shepard

Lost & Found is a series of releases pulling from the archives of Obey Giant Art. This week, we are excited to announce the release of a limited number of Cold Chillin screenprints from 2008 in red or blue, which will be available on Thursday, December 11th at 10 AM PT in the Obey Giant Store. A limited number of screenprints will be available as matching numbered sets.

The crew and I just finished this small mural at Factory Town in the Little Haiti district of Miami. The project was curated by my friend Casey from Known Gallery, and I was proud to paint with a great group, including Revok and Risk. The “They Live We Sleep” mural is inspired by several things. My original interest in skulls came from their recurrent presence in skateboard and punk rock iconography of the 80s.

“Peace is Power” is meant to encourage us to strive for health and peace for humanity and the planet that sustains us. Peace is not the absence of disagreement, but the ability to resolve disagreements without violence. Peace takes more thought, more kindness, more diplomacy, and more creativity, but the result is a more powerful investment. The dove is internationally recognized as a symbol of peace, making it ideal as a communication tool.

I was happy to create this special print commemorating the long-awaited return of HOPE Outdoor Gallery in Austin, TX. My wife, Amanda, and I have been ongoing supporters of the project since its inception. I created the original logo and helped launch the HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) campaign back in 2006. We’re excited that the new location will expand upon their rich foundation of art education classes, community events, and more professional development for Austin’s creative community.