The Brilliance!

HTTP://WWW.THEBRILLIANCE.COM

We’re really internet and we’re really back. A website about things Benjamin , Chuck , Virgil , and various friends & guests think are interesting. Little-to-no specific focus, a bit odd, speling errors, and incredibly culturally relevant.

The opinions/thoughts/ideas/suggestions/comments expressed by those interviewed on THE BRILLIANCE! do not necessarily reflect that of THE BRILLIANCE! or its staff. THE BRILLIANCE! is simply a conduit for the interviewed to share their stories and thoughts. Thank you.

Jason Bass of JB Classics!

We caught up with Mr. Jason Bass of JB Classics out in beautiful San Francisco, California to chat about all things JB. Referred to by many as the "Modern Cobbler", Jason is a one man show that many have tried to match and copy but never quite succeeded. Covered in artwork - locusts, flamingos, guns, Jack the Ripper, watch faces, and more - these shoes fly off shelves and online suppliers in limited runs. Jason also chats up about MOTUG, his recent shoe with Futura, LASE, Obey, and many other NYC graff legends. Check it!

Futura!

I first spoke with Futura via e-mail, then a few days later on the phone. Almost instantly I was taken by his down-to-earth attitude and his interest in talking with me not only about this interview, but just life in general. Family, friends, art, work, basketball...Everything. Not only is Futura a legend and an inspiration, but he is real. He is genuine and honest, and I am proud to have met and interviewed him. He also put me in touch with his son Timothy who runs http://www.13thwitness.com - we decided it would be a great idea to do a father/son thing, so make sure to check out his interview too. So without further ado, THE BRILLIANCE! interview with Futura.

Timothy of 13thWitness!

While talking with Futura about his interview, he brought up his son and asked if I'd seen his site before. I [half-embarassingly] said no, and he said "13thWitness.com." I checked it out and ended up on there for God knows how long...Timothy runs http://www.13thwitness.com which is a photography site documenting his life in Japan and abroad. Not only are his photos intriguing and interesting to see, but he's a really raw talent as a photographer. He's got some great things to say and was really excited to do this interview alongside his pops...Again, the kindness must run in the family because he was quick getting the interview back to me and really nice. Perfect. Check it - Timothy of 13thWitness.

Jest of Alife!

Jest. An owner of what some have called one of the 'god-father' stores/brands in NYC, Alife, takes some time out to answer questions about his graffiti (still carrying a marker punks!), Alife/Rivington Club, industry hype, Levis 501's, Jack on the rocks, how reality TV is out of control and more... Respect where respect is due. Jest is holding it down. Read up.

Wayne of Superfuture®!

We were lucky enough to get an exclusive interview with Wayne Berkowitz of Superfuture® 1/3 of the all-encompassing and all-consumption site for everything cool everywhere in the world. He touches on the beginning of it all, getting approached by 'mega-dot-coms', real jet-setters, his 50 helmut lang shirts, and all those people on Supertalk. Read this.

Josh Kalis of DC Shoes!

Josh Kalis pro skater for DC Shoes. A cool, laid back dude of few words. Benjamin caught up with him to discuss cars, lattes, and out running police helicopters. Read up real quick, wow.

Kareem Black!

John Mayer. Pharrell. Bam Margera. Michael Stipe. Moby. Flava Flav. What do they all have in common? One man: Kareem Black. He has made all these people and more look good through his lens. The man is a genius with a camera, and a very funny, nice dude as well. You need to read this interview in order for your day to be more interesting, and so you know what's up with the hottest photographer on the block.

Henry Lee of ESPN!

(2005) Henry Lee, the art director of ESPN Magazine, talks sports, legos, and spilling beer on an enormous former NFL lineman, as well as what it's like to be creative in the world of magazines and sports. An extremely talented and multi-faceted person, Henry has worked with Spin Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Maxim, Sci Fi Channel, and of course ESPN Magazine. Check it out...!!

Chuck Anderson/NoPattern!

(2005) The interview everyone was waiting/asking for... Chuck Anderson of NoPattern / NP&CO. No boring questions about what programs he uses to create 'those glows' or how he did 'that one thing' for 'that one client'... Just questions and answers. And they are good ones too. Benjamin Gott conducted this interview. Yes sir.

Simon from Concept Shop!

(2005) THE BRILLIANCE caught up with Simon who is 1/2 of the international re-seller giant known as Concept Shop. We asked some of the questions that everyone has always wondered about the Concept Shop and how the whole international re-seller game actually works and he came through with a quite informative interview. You'll have to pardon the slight language barrier. Enjoy.