Let them make art
A collage for Esquire, an experiment in watercolor and more
If, like me, you’re not based in Germany, you may have missed this one but Esquire Deutschland recently commissioned a collage from me for their Sommer ‘25 issue. Entitled Lass Sie Doch, the article discusses the “Let Them Theory.” which suggests that instead of trying to control what others think or how they react to you, just step away and let them. I second that emotion and this piece is my interpretation of that concept.
This collage was created using images hand cut from vintage magazines that were then dry adhered to paper with a gel medium. The original image is roughly 11 x 14 inches and was completed in March 2025.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a number of German mags over the years (GQ Style, Glamour) but Esquire holds a special place in my heart as I’m still a subscriber to the US version, so I’m honored to play a small part in any issue. Thank you to everyone at Burda Hearst for the continued love and support. The Esquire Sommer 25 issue is out now.
Dapper Fine Art: 12 x 12 show
I was invited to participate in Dapper Fine Art’s latest group exhibition in Philly. As the title suggests, all the artwork in the show will be 12 x 12 inches. Each piece will sell for $250 and the opening is Saturday July 12 from 4-6 pm.
I took this as an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and experiment a bit. It’s been close to 15 years since I last showed any oil paintings and up until a few months ago, I’d never worked in watercolor before. Still learning the medium but I’m enjoying the looseness of it. Stressful yes, but satisfying, I’m excited by the possibilities.
Dapper Fine Art is located at 1613 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19122. The gallery is run by an old friend, Jonathan Slingluff, who previously helmed the Slingluff Gallery in Fishtown where I participated in a number of solo and group shows in the early 2010s. After leaving town for a stint in upstate NY, he’s back in the 215. It’s been good to reconnect.
Radio Redux
I had a great time with Lorenzo Mameli a few weeks ago, spinning tunes on Marker Park Radio and chopping it up on air. For those who missed the live broadcast, dry those peepers because Lorenzo, the legend that he is, upload the whole show onto vimeo. Give it a watch or perhaps just a listen. Pairs well with long drives or sleepless nights.
Upcoming Shows
STOCKTON, NJ: Excited to return to the squared circle (aka Starving Artist Cafe) to swap some acoustic sets with World Heavy Champion “Three Chord Anthony” Porter. No holds barred. First man to make it out of the steel cage will be declared the winner.
6-8 pm. No cover and all ages, Be smart and make a reservation. And the food by master chef / referee Tod “The Mod” is guaranteed to body slam your taste buds.
Fri July 11 / Starving Artists Cafe, Stockton, NJ (MJC solo acoustic show w/ Anthony Porter)
WAYNE, PA: don’t miss The Chill on the Hill: A Celebration of the 1965 Newport Folk Festival (yes, the “Dylan goes electric” one) where I’ll be performing a special 8 song Johnny Cash set as part of the show.
Wed July 16 / The Chill on the Hill - A Celebration of Newport ‘65, East Whiteland, PA (MJC performing a special Johnny Cash set)
Fri July 18 / Bowery Electric, New York, NY Johnny Thunders Birthday Bash w/ Lenny Kaye, Diane Gentile, Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers, Joy Buzzer, Steve Krebs and the Maynard G’s and more
Bookshelf
I picked this up on a whim, shortly after reading (and enjoying) Get Shorty. Riding the Rap was a fun read. I’ve never seen the Justified television series, but I liked the Raylan Givens character as well as Elmore Leonard’s prose so I’ll keep an eye out for more books in this series.
If you’ve got good book recommendations, drop a comment as I’d love to hear to them.
You can also join the party over on Goodreads
Just a quick note:
I appreciate everyone who supports Wake Up, You’re Rambling! so I want you, the reader, and especially my paid subscribers, to know that when writing this newsletter, I don’t use AI. I’m not throwing shade on anyone who uses AI for their publication, nor am I looking to start a debate on its creative merits. But on this platform, good or bad, what you’re reading comes directly from the heart. No ghostwriters here. The voice you are supporting is 100% mine.
Thanks again friends, for loaning me your eyeballs for a few minutes. Until next time...
Cheers,
Mighty Joe Castro