OMOI Store in Philly

Taking a break from nonstop graphic work this past weekend I paid a visit to a little store in center city, tucked away behind the hustle ad bustle of Walnut St. The store OMOI is a small boutique on Pine street carrying street brands such as Hellz Bellz, Uzi, Upper Playground and alot more. I got a quick second to exchange a few words with the owner Liz. She says:

"The store is on its fourth year now, about to see another birthday. I started it after I took a trip to Japan, studyng languages. I became immersed in the culture and since i could not afford to stay and live there I decided to bring them back with me and open a store to share the things that I love."

Japanese brands like Mr. ttt, and Domo have a significant presence within the store along with numerous books, cameras, jewelry and toys. Cool stuff should definately stop by if you're in the area.

OMOI ONLINE • 1608 PINE STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103 • TEL: 215-545-0963
HOURS: TUESDAY - SATURDAY: 11 - 7 • SUNDAY: 12 - 6

MUST BE NICE ARTSHOW JUS INK X KELLISON INTERVIEW

(From left to right: Allison Kerek, Kelly Thorn, Justin Morris)

Siked for my last show of the semester at the now infamous Robinson's Urban Thrift, I wanted the viewers to get to know the awkwardness of Kellison. For this show I pretty much handed over the reigns to them to add their quirky awkward flare to it. I'm just a back-up singer in this convoluted design show. So I sat down with Kellison asking standard questions and getting back strange answers as usual. The design duo composed of Kelly Thorn and Allison Kerek answered accordingly:

How did you guys get started?
At a party in Megan Scanlin's (design friend) living room, this is how the conversation went:
Kelly: "I like how you draw, Allison."
Allison: "I like how you draw, Kelly."
Kelly: "We should draw some stuff together. Whaddya SAY, BUBS!?"
Allison: "Ok what should we be called!?"
Kelly: "How about JusInk?"
Allison: "No that's lame. What else?"
Kelly: "Kallison?"
Allison: "No.. how about Kellison!?"
Kelly: "SOLD!"
they look up to the sky, knowing this would be a monumental moment in their life.
It's just there in the air.


What inspires you?
"Hairy women. Fat men. Sweat. Blood. Boogers. Puke. Warts. Robert Crumb's art. Stinky feet. People at Walmart. Finger Monsters. Justin Morris. Claymation. Wet Hot American Summer. Midgets. Helper Monkeys. Tyler School of Art. Gold. Lil Wayne. Mist. Ghouls. Puppets. Clowns. Babies. Laughter. Farts (pfff). Insane Clown Posse. Our Moms. Momuments. Blizzards. Lizards. Typos. Wallfuls. Finger Nails. France. Hands. Poop. Face Painting. B44. George Lopez. Wrinkles. Winkers. My Cat (Kelly's). Wheelchairs. Top Hats (of the tiny nature). Miracles. Wine. Spirits. Mountains. Goats. The Mountain Goats.

Who are your favorite artists?
Robert Crumb, Kelly Thorn, Allison Kerek, Justin Morris (sometimes), Egon Schiele, Tim Burton, Josh Cochran, Dewey Saunders, Annette, Henry Darger, Eric Hibit, Bob Ross, Carson Ellis, TIm Lahan, Allison's Nephews (Wulff, Max, and Tristan), Heads of State (because they're a TEAM!), AND SO MANY MORE

What new projects are you working on?
We have a special treat for Justin Morris that we will reveal at our show. We are also going to create a claymation movie over the summer. We are a fan of shrinky dink art. We want to make videos. We're going to make two books: a quote book, and Thorny Kerekters. AND MORE. Basically, we have a ton of ideas, aspirations, goals, and dreams, but not enough time right now. This summer we'll be making everything. So much stuff it'll blow ya mind. Magic all up in this bitch.

Where do expect to go from here as a diabolical design duo?
BFF

BIRDS OF PARADISE

Really diggin the color palette and photography by Team JUCO for TOKION magazine in this project entitled Birds of Paradise. A really trendy shoot without trying too hard. A simple combination of great color palette and cool clothing. Def great inspiration for a next project. Really diggin the Mona Lisa tee as well.