Happy Cinco De Mayo from our computer to ours. The girls over at our Brand of the Month Element Eden posted this colorful blog today that we just had to re-post! Thanks for the pics ladies… and check out more cool blogs like this one at elementeden.com

Too much color for you? No worries try one of these ultra comfy Cinco De Mayo themed outfits from Element: Shop Element at KillerDana.com

I met Derrick some 10 yrs ago on my island home of Moorea: he was one of those surfers from Hawai’i coming to French Polynesia during summer, when the North Shore was flat, to get as many big blue barrels as possible. Over time, I got to know him a little better: I learned he was a construction worker. I realized he was originally from Ocean beach, CA and that he only moved to Oahu in his twenties. I learned he was colorblind. I also discovered he was an artist. But more important, I realized what a beautiful person he is.

Now, some 10 years after we first met, Derrick Ontiveros makes a living out of his passions: drawing and painting. If that’s not enough to keep you interested, know that he is the man behind the Women’s Haleiwa Pro 2010 Poster…

You were raised in California. Why did you decide one day to move to Hawaii?

When I was 18 I went to Costa Rica. That was my first trip away from home; I instantly fell in love with the tropics and knew that I wanted to live in that kind of environment. Moving to Hawai’i was a no-brainer: great weather, perfect waves… definitely what I was looking for.

Is that when you started painting?

Well, I’ve always drawn with pencil, ink… mostly black and white stuff you know. But yes, because I’m colorblind, I never painted till I moved to Hawai’i: the islands inspired color from me ☺

You’re colorblind but I know you can see some colors. But since you can’t see them all, how do you choose the right ones for each and every painting? I don’t get it.

Like you said, I can see some colors, so at first I approach it like math; like 3 parts blue + 1 part red = purple. Then I just start blending till I feel it is the shade I like. As you can imagine, I could never duplicate a color, so if I start painting a sky for example, I never stop till it’s completed. I’m a perfectionist, and I’ll keep painting till it feels right.

Do you paint every day?

Let’s say I try to produce something daily: either with pencil or paint. I take photos as well… what I do exactly doesn’t really matter, as long as I create something.

How is it like to live as an artist on the North Shore? I mean, how do you get to sell your art?

I got to showcase a few pieces this year at the Wyland Gallery in Haleiwa, for the Triple Crown of Surfing Artist Night, with all the big names. But it’s mostly word of mouth at the moment. Some people would see me painting on the side of the road, stop and ask to buy. People in the community know I draw, so I’ve been asked to do T-shirt designs. I do surfboards for surfers as well … the North Shore is full of them ☺. But I have to admit I’m not a very good seller…

When you look at what you do what are the words the come to your mind?

Peacefulness. Paradise. Where you’d rather be.

What is the piece of art you’re most proud of?

My Haleiwa Pro poster. It was displayed in giant format and they also had it on the Triple Crown official website.

Last question. If you had to describe your personality in just a few words, what would they be?

I’m carefree… and I’m like a mirror: I treat you like you treat me.

-Vainui & Derrick ☺

Contact >> Facebook >> Backyards808

He’s a talented 26-yr-old graphic designer and painter, raised in Tahiti from the age of 3. He started drawing graffiti in high school, which brought him his fair share of problems, but which also led him to go to Paris and France where he studied for 4 years in a school and specialized in visual communication and graphic design. He’s now back in Tahiti, working full time but still finding time to paint and exhibit his art. This week, meet Hell Ton John, a local artist mixing street art, Polynesian culture, tradition and modernity.

The very first thing I liked about you is your « name», Hell Ton John, a subtle mix between a few different things. Want to tell us a few words about it?

John is my first name, but as long as I can remember, all my friends have been calling me « Ton ». So when I was looking for my artist’ name, Hell Ton John came naturally. Hell is for that little bit of rock’n’roll attitude that I have. It’s kind of a fun name I think; it is representative of who I am and also calls for another artist’ name.

Have you been an artist from a very young age, or is it something that came much later?

Like everybody, I started drawing when I was just a kid. The only difference is that I never stopped.

You are now a graphic designer working for major local companies, and I see your creations pretty much everywhere, from soda cans to big ad campaigns. Do you still have time for your art?

I’ve always loved images, and this passion has eventually become my job, which is great. Even though I work on a lot of different projects for local companies, which keep me super duper busy, I still find time for my paintings. It’s the fun part of what I do, you know: I love to play, to experiment with new materials and different colors; that’s why each of my painting is different. In this case, “the medium is the message”, that’s why I’m not really trying to paint something beautiful. Rather, I spend a lot of time researching on what I could do differently, and when I run out of canvas, I use a piece of wood, a wall, anything. But both worlds – my job and my paintings- complement each other pretty well: what I do for fun, I can use for work.

I’ve also seen your art on skateboards, bodyboards, surfboards, and they look incredibly great. Is that something you do on a regular basis or just every once in a while for friends and acquaintances?

I’ve been drawing and painting on boards for a very long time, they are my favorite base of work. I used to do that kind of stuff for my friends only, but you know how it works right? More and more people saw my (art)work – either in the street or in the water – liked it, and wanted me to do their boards as well.

One can definitely see that your art is influenced by street art as well as Polynesian culture. Any other sources of inspiration?

Images. Patterns. Plants. Travels. Music. Pretty much everything that surrounds me actually.

What is the achievement you’re most proud of so far?

My exhibits. The different prizes I’ve earned so far. My independence. But most important, the fact that my images please and entertain your eyes.

Any big project in my mind for your art?

Haaa, tricky. I have too many to name just one…

Words to live by?

They change all the time. The ones I currently like? “Enjoy your cake”.

-Vainui & Ton

Email: htjdesigns@yahoo.com

Facebook.com/pages/HTJ-Designs

I’ve been writing blogs for Killer Dana for more than a year now…. Needless to say, it takes me quite some time. I have first to decide what I want to talk about, and then ask myself if the people would want to read what I want to talk about. Then I have to find the right words, and the right photos to make my blogs not just good, but awesome. I am not quite sure I manage to get there all the time, but I’m doing my best. And what I noticed after all these months of blogging, is that you readers love the photos I send every week. So, with you in mind, I decided to post the most beautiful photos of 2010. This is the first part. Open you eyes and start dreaming…

-Vainui

Every Monday we like to hook you up with free stickers! This week we’re giving you the chance to win some RVCA stickers in return for some of your feedback.

To enter to win stickers please comment below with your thoughts on RVCA’s Artist Network Program (ANP). Have any favorite artists? Own any ANP clothing? Do you enjoy their program? We wanna know it all…

15 winners. Comments picked at random. Notified via email. Contest ends Feb. 7th 2011

SHOP RVCA: KILLERDANA.COM

Down with the Ship is a short film about Derek Dunfee and the events that unfolded after he severely broke two bones in his leg while surfing off Tavarua, Fiji. The film takes you through the following 51/2 months of this life while he recoved and trained for what would win him the XXL Big Wave award in 2008/2009.

Sit back and relax while you’re able to enjoy this 20 min film.

Stay updated with Derek on: DerekDunfee.com.

2010 SurferPoll Worst Wipeout Award Winner
2010 SurferPoll Heavy Water Nominee
2010 California Surf festival Best Short Documentary

Take a peek at this beautifully done video on the RVCA boys in Hawaii. Featuring Danny Fuller, BJ Penn, Makua Rothman, Matt Archbold, Ford Archbold, Kalani David and RVCA artists Kevin Ancell and Kelsey Brookes.

No surfing/kiteboarding/lifestyle story or video this week. Well, almost.

This week, I want to introduce you to someone you probably don’t know. And to be truly honest, except for a few emails we’ve been sending each other, I don’t know her more than you do. Her name is Nina Joyeux. She’s an author, musician and singer whose very first album, Winter Without Snow, was released in Tahiti on December 1st. When I first heard her songs, I thought: “Wow, what a beautiful voice.” But no, beautiful isn’t the right word. Pure. That’s it. She has a voice so pure, it makes you feel her personality right away. Then I carefully listened to her lyrics and realized that my feelings were right. But since I don’t know her personally, I won’t go any further. At least, not until we both find time in our busy schedules to sit down for an interview.

But what I can tell you for now, is that she has quite an interesting (or unusual?) background. Born in Hong Kong in 1978, and of Norwegian nationality, she engaged herself in a pro windsurfing career from 1997 to 2001, and then practiced kiteboarding on a professional level for the following 5 years. Like most athletes, she could have pursued that career a few more years, but instead, she decided to focus on her studies to pass her political science Master Degree at the University of Hawaii, and eventually turned to philosophy and environmental politics.

Nina finally settled down in Tahiti, the home island of her husband (Teiva Joyeux, brother of the late Malik Joyeux) a few years ago, not far from the little village of Teahupo’o. She now teaches yoga classes and surfs the perfect Tahitian reef breaks as much as she can, either with her longboard, shortbard, or SUP.

Nina started playing the guitar in 2005, and after only 6 months, started to write her own songs. Through her lyrics, Nina shares her feelings of love, sadness, melancholy and loneliness, feelings we’ve all been through at some point in our lives, as well as her worries about the world we live in.

Here is her very first video, “True Woman” (footage by the legendary Jack McCoy and photos by the talented Tim McKenna). I hope you like it.

For more songs and photos, you can visit Nina on her Facebook fan page

-Vainui

Start your Monday Funday off right with good vibes from your favorite soul-surfer Dononvan Frankenreiter! Enjoy the video of photos shot by Brian Bielmann with music from Donavan’s latest album, ’Glow’ and then get some free Billabong/Donovan stickers!

To win free stickers, tell us what is going to help motivate you to stay positive for 2011. 25 comments will be chosen at random to win free stickers packs. Winners notified via email. Ends December 13th 2010.

SHOP BILLABONG: KillerDana.com

Having introduced the motorcross boot in the early years of the sport, Alpinestars began it’s legacy of protection and true performance early on. Staying true to its roots our Brand of the Month, Alpinestars is doing their part to help the community as a whole. From outfiting health workers in Africa to helping orphans in Baja Mexico, Alpinestars is truly giving back to the community we love. Take a peek at a quick Q&A we had with the team.

Can you tell us a little bit about your partnership with Riders for Health?

In Africa, millions of people are suffering from easily-preventable diseases because health workers do not have the reliable transportation to reach them. By ensuring that health workers have access to vehicles that never breakdown, Riders for Health is making sure millions of people across Africa receive regular, reliable health care, often for the first time in their lives. Alpinestars promotes the protection of human life, and by outfitting these health workers in protective gear and supporting their mission, we feel confident that this will be achieved

Are there any significant projects you’d like to discuss that involved Riders for Health?

Alpinestars has been an avid supporter of the charity Riders for Health for several years.

Last year, Alpinestars partnered with the band Angels & Airwaves to offer a capsule line of t-shirts with motorcycle influenced designs. The three styles of tees represent an alliance between Alpinestars and Angels & Airwaves, in aid of the charity Riders for Health. Alpinestars worked closely with the band on these designs which convey their love for motorcycles and their support for Riders for Health. A portion of the proceeds from each t-shirt was donated to the charity.

In July 2009, Alpinestars was also an integral part of CELERITAS, an art show uniting motorcycle culture and art. Raising money and awareness for the Riders for Health organization, over seventeen world-class artists contributed beautiful works of art, using motorcycle helmets, Alpinestars’ suits and a Suzuki Hayabusa as canvases. Curated by Nip Tuck’s John Hensley and Linkin Park’s Joe Hahn, CELERITAS (Latin for speed) is was a show that communicated their passion for motorcycle culture as well as fine art and street art. Hahn and Hensley tapped the resources of world-class artists and motorcycle industry leaders to support the efforts of Riders for Health.

In addition to participating as a sponsor, Alpinestars worked in conjunction with artist Dr. Romanelli by providing technical motorcycle apparel as a canvas for his contribution to the show. Using an Alpinestars racing suit, gloves and boots as a template and Mad Max as inspiration, Dr. Romanelli has deconstructed and reinterpreted the motorcycle suit. Works of art themselves, the racing suits of Alpinestars’ own team riders will were also be on display, including those of leathers from Casey Stoner, Ben Spies, Nicky Hayden and Troy Corser.

What other philanthropic driven programs does Alpinestars support?

Alpinestars also works with Wahoo’s on their annual Baja Charity run. This event centers around the orphaned children of Ensenada, Baja, and includes a food/supply caravan and work teams providing manpower for maintenance projects at the orphanage. As the official apparel sponsor, Alpinestars provides clothing to the Rancho Milagro Children’s home, and outfits Wahoo’s Baja truck team on their ride down to Baja as well as outfitting the volunteers at the orphanage. Alpinestars also provides hats and tees to the Rancho Milagro Children’s Home in Ensenada, Mexico.

Big ups to everyone at Alpinestars for their efforts in giving back to our community we call Earth. It’s always a special treat to learn more about a company you already loved.

Shop Alpinestars: KillerDana.com