Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Donald Takayama (1943-2012)

 
By Steve Pezman
Takayama
Donald Takayama, Ala Moana, 1961. Photo: Leroy Grannis
Donald passed away this morning, October 22, 2012. Much will be written about him.
Dale Velzy invited him to California to shape when he saw a board that Takayama had made in Waikiki. At 12, Donald came over and made the West Coast his home. Originally living in the South Bay, he later moved south to Oceanside, where he built Hawaiian Pro Designs into his personal statement on the topic of making fine surfboards. He always remained tight with Dale Velzy. When Dale passed, Donald was deeply shaken. Married to Diane, both a wife and business partner, Donald was far from a perfect human. A fun-loving guy, he enjoyed jamming the penny slots and letting them roll. He experienced his travails, many in plain view for us all, yet he was universally loved and respected—a sweet, sweet man who was Hawaiian-style, generous to a fault, giving to those he felt worthy, and, finally, a teacher—the highest attainment of the human condition. His contribution to surfing in general was broad and lasting, not only in what and how to ride, but in what it really meant. Among surfers that he mentored were Joel Tudor and David Nuuhiwa. Dale lovingly called Donald the “little guy” but we all knew that Donald was huge beyond size. He was a rock among pebbles, from a beach that is changing its look and character. Remember him.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Thursday, June 07, 2012

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

What a fun and a successful time it was at the Second Annual Latino Comics Expo. A B-I-G thank you goes out to the Padilla's and to Javier Hernandez for throwing this wonderful event together! Also, thank you to Andrew, Kate, Heather and the rest of the crew at the San Francisco Cartoon Art Museum for allowing this great event happen at CAM!
I am also honored and quite blown-away to have my silly, little comics pages hanging on these hallowed walls.
I can't wait for next year!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Come to the Second Annual Latino Comics Expo at the CAM (Cartoon Art Museum) 655 Mission Street (@ 3rd Street) in San Francisco, CA. 415-CAR-TOON. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, April 19, 2012



As you can see, I've been busy designing and screen printing some T-shirts for my website as well as for some events I will be attending (click on image for closer look). The first one is a print of a Concert Ukulele and the second is a print of an Angry Luchador. Drawn and printed by me in black ink on white 100% organic/bleached tee's. I'm only going to do a limited run of these designs, so get 'em while they last!
(oh, yeah--check back with my website in a few days for prices and sizes)