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Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Taul “Toy Crusher” Waters is a Jacksonville, Florida–based artist whose practice evolved the way street knowledge usually does: illegally, obsessively, and with a sense of humor sharp enough to draw blood. He cut his teeth in graffiti and illustration, learning early how to communicate fast, loud, and without permission. That foundation expanded into graphic design, painting, digital illustration, and blogging—each medium treated as another surface to disrupt, remix, or interrogate. His work balances discipline with defiance, blending professional execution with the residue of alley walls, sketchbooks, and long nights spent refining ideas that refused to behave. Taul draws inspiration from hip hop culture, drum and bass rhythms, science fiction, horror, skateboard graphics, and the kind of absurd life experiences you only understand after surviving them. More recently, his exploration of synthography has pushed his visual language into stranger territory, where machines collaborate in the chaos rather than clean it up. Darkly comical and deliberately confrontational, his work invites viewers to laugh first, think second, and then realize they’ve been implicated the entire time.
Showing posts with label Zach Cregger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zach Cregger. Show all posts

Monday, May 25, 2026

Episode 21: HEL_


We can probably stop using the word "quagmire" at this point...

The story behind this seemingly subtle photo goes like this: 5 young creatives who happened to somehow end up enlisted in the armed forces wind up in a hole in the wall bar in Sicily that happened to be playing Digable Planets as we walked by. We met some young ladies (one of which took this photo) who'd happened to have studied at some school in Massachusetts that I will never remember the name of, so they spoke great English. Long story short, by the end of the night I'd drank a slew of different types of alcohol which ended up in everything I'd eaten that day on the floor on the ship right next to my bed. Alcohol poisoning works the same in every hemisphere, y'all...

...From the Archives!...

FREESTYLES FROM 2000

I might start rocking that gradient effect more often; I actually completely forgot about it. Then was a period of experimentation and taking subject matter beyond the usual threshold. There are quite a few characters on these same pages that I can't post here or this whole operation would turn into an adult situation. You don't really realize how weird you are until your skill catches up enough to where you can illustrate it.

I, for some reason, thought I was an amateur philosopher. Then I read this...

5 SCHOOLS OF PHILOSOPHY THAT DIED OUT
Dive into five philosophical schools that have faded into obscurity but still whisper through the ages.

From Big Think:
"Some of the world’s oldest surviving texts are dedicated to philosophy. In many ways, no school of philosophy ever fully dies, as a good idea can endure over millennia. On the other hand, there are plenty of schools of thought in which nobody seems to claim membership anymore. Here, we look at five schools of thought that died out, and whether we can see any trace of their intellectual legacy today."
>>> READ THE REST HERE <<<

Once you read some of the reasons these philosophies became less popular, you gain a better understanding of just how backwards the world has become. It's one thing to joke about "being born in the wrong era", but to know...


CREATURES, CREATURES, CREATURES!...

RESIDENT EVIL TRAILER

From Bloody Disgusting:

"Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil is infecting theaters this coming September, and the marketing campaign is about to get underway. While we wait for the first official trailer, Sony Pictures has launched the official website for Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil movie this week.

There’s nothing much on the website at this time, but it does reveal the official logo for the film (above) while also confirming that September 18, 2026 remains the release date.

Check out the website here and expect Cregger’s Resident Evil trailer soon."
>>> READ THE REST HERE <<<

Your boy Cregger is on a roll, not gonna lie. Barbarian cut through because of grotesque claustrophobia. WEAPONS hit a nerve because of oddity and unnervingness; this new Resident Evil, though...those creatures are what I anticipate will make the film. There's rumors that the gaming community isn't happy as the representation of the game isn't as accurate as they'd like. To that I'd say: it's a movie. Definitely looking forward to this, though, as I love a good zombie flick - and I'll probably watch it multiple times once it's released.

On top of that, another legendary franchise is cracking heads this year...

EVIL DEAD BURN TRAILER

Frome Warner Brothers Horror:
"Evil Dead Burn unleashes the franchise’s most savage and terrifying ride to date, blazing onto big screens with an all-new chapter of carnage and demonic mayhem. After the loss of her husband, a woman seeks solace with her in-laws in their secluded family home. As one by one they are transformed into Deadites—turning the gathering into a family reunion from hell—she comes to discover that the vows she took in life... live on even in death."
>>> READ THE REST HERE <<<

If I have to mention that they should have never canceled Ash vs Evil Dead...you know what, nevermind. I'm actually happy with the direction they're taking this one; that og gore absurdity is back on the menu. There's also that Evil Dead Rise easter egg that I'm sure you keen lot spotted immediately. I got excited when I heard about this last year and actually didn't believe it would even be fully green-lighted, but here we are. Prepare yourselves.


It's simultaneously crazy and joyous to be alive during such unprecedented times for the horror genre...

A24 PODCAST FEATURING KANE PARSONS & JAMES WAN
From A24:
"Topics covered include:​ Kane's parents keeping him off the internet until age eight, pirating way too much software, the origin of the Backrooms, the purgatories we build for ourselves, meeting your heroes after early virality, building 30,000 sq. ft. of sets on a soundstage, Kane accidentally calling his film a "product" and immediately wanting to flee to the woods, shotlisting an entire feature in Blender, renting out a Vancouver theater to watch 2001: A Space Odyssey during prep, James Wan's hopeful advice for young filmmakers, Renate's spiritual curiosity, control variables, and bringing the family together for the theatrical premiere of Backrooms."
I've said so much about this already - just like millions of others. However I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge - again - how legendary this is for the game. I can already see this becoming a comfort film.

It took me my entire life to learn this...

WHY YOU SHOULD PRETEND TO BE LESS INTELLIGENT THAN YOU ARE

From Academy of Ideas:

"Access 130+ membership videos! ► http://academyofideas.com/members/

Access the transcript and a gallery of the art used - https://academyofideas.com/2026/05/wh...

Substack - https://theacademyofideas.substack.com/
Twitter - / academyofideas
Instagram - / academyofideas
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2dio7KU...
iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...
Visit academyofideas.com for all our content."
>>> VIEW CHANNEL HERE <<<

The fact that I even posted this more than likely catalyzed in most peoples minds this question: "Who does this guy think he is?"...and fair enough. Yet the author of this video didn't intend to insinuate that "most people are stupid, so therefore pretend to be one". Rather I believe the intention is - as it pertains to dealing with particular social dynamics - to refer to one of the 48 Laws of Power: Never Outshine the Master. I'll let them explain it more eloquently in the video, but it definitely makes for an interesting watch.

I learned how to do the Charlseton - at that point in time known as the "Kid & Play" - to It Takes Two...

RIP ROB BASE
From Rolling Stone:
" Rob Base, the rapper who was best known for the hit “It Takes Two,” died on Friday, May 22, after a battle with cancer. He was 59.

News of his death was shared via his official Instagram account. “Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world. Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten,” the statement reads. “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”"
>>> READ THE REST HERE <<<

It Takes Two is hands down one of the most legendary uses of the Think break, the soundtrack to literally every middle school house party - regardless of what side of Jax you grew up on, an instant b-boy classic, and an indicator that something wild is about to happen if you heard it in a movie soundtrack. Don't get it wrong, he had other bangers like Joy & Pain, but it's been said all throughout history - Good Music Unifies People. Salute to Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock, and condolences to his family and friends.
Once again, you may leave my metaphorical presence, but before you do, listen to just how hard this mix by KhanFu goes.

Stay up!

DJ KHANFU - BOOM BAP AND BREAKS 2020 MIX

#philosophy #bigthink #toycrusher #taulwatersuniverse #mechdirective #art #artblog #jacksonville #jacksonvilleflorida #jax #jaxart #jaxartist #duvalcounty #duuuval #horror #jacksonvilleart #jaxartblog #zachcregger #residentevil #evildeadburn #djkhanfu #kaneparsons #jameswan #thebackrooms #a24 #robbase #academyofideas

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Episode 12: Bear Witness


Man, I came back to the blogging universe after all these years just to find out people really hate bloggers and podcasters 😂

Anyway...From The Archives:
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS - 2005

In 2005 I remember working as a commercial painter and playing a bunch of drum and bass shows all over North Florida; drawing these weird things in my sketchbook when I wasn't staying up for days and drinking like a fish. Clearly the subject matter in the photos above are a direct result of this behavior.

Don't ask me why but I still, to this day, scroll through FaceBook occasionally - probably to keep up with just how everyone-owns-a-food-truck weird the world continues to become. However, I'm glad I do because I ran across this piece of very useful and relevant information that you will definitely need to continue living the rest of your lives in relative sanity:

From Strictly Hip Hop:

BLACK THOUGHT & DANGER MOUSE ANNOUNCE FOLLOW UP TO CHEAT CODES


"Exciting news, Black Thought & Danger Mouse just announced what looks like the follow up to my favorite album of 2022 "Cheat Codes", the single is entitled "Up" and will be released tomorrow october 8th, their is a short teaser and also another post with the line "I hold the fury so they fear me.."

DANGER MOUSE & BLACK THOUGHT - UP (feat. RAG 'N' BONE MAN)

I slept on Cheat Codes for a couple years, and I am not proud to type those words on a keyboard. I've always been on Team Black Thought since Organix and have been rooting for Danger Mouse since DANGERDOOM so I shouldn't have waited that long to listen to their collab, but once I did I was never the same. No, seriously I was a few years older. Anyway, the "Up" single is an inspiring piece that has Thought delivering his signature ominous, wack-rapper-killing venom while Mouse is (from what I envisioned) wearing a Phantom of the Opera mask while on the boards. Give it a listen and tell me you're not salivating for the entire album...

For anyone out there who's as old as I am, remember when I posted about those Backrooms videos? They're crazy, right? Well now there's about to be a feature length film and I can't contain the giddy I-just-got-a-bunch-of-vinyl-records joy I'm experiencing right now...

A24 ANNOUNCES THE BACKROOMS FULL LENGTH FILM

First things first...A24 is at the helm. I do believe Kane Pixels - the originator of the concept, if I'm not mistaken - is directing (I could be wrong, I haven't researched this) so I'm hoping that ensures authenticity as far as keeping the integrity of the overall concept. I did see someone comment that "if it's not found footage, I'm out". I whole heartedly agree. Not shooting it in found footage format will take away from the overall ominous creepiness and sense of abandonment that The Backrooms universe is known for. Let's see how it plays out, but in the meantime let's all try not to no-clip into somewhere unknown.

I have so many questions...

WEAPONS TRAILER

I guess my first question is why was there a giant AR-15 in the sky? My second question would be what's the significance of the triangle? There are a slew of others, but this film shines a light on the fact that there are writers out there who are very much capable of original storytelling. Also, thank god for Ring cameras, right? What I really dig about this movie is the I-didn't-see-that-coming factor is on 10 for a good portion of the film. The jump scares are crisp and on time, so you won't get bored at any moment while watching it. Let's see what Zach Cregger comes up with next.

Can honestly say I wasn't expecting this…

From Today:

D’ANGELO HAS DIED AT 51 FROM PANCREATIC CANCER

"D'Angelo, the Grammy winning R&B musician best known for chart-topping hits including "Lady," "Brown Sugar" and “Untitled (How Does It Feel)," has died at age 51 after a private battle with cancer, his family has shared in a statement to TODAY.com.

TODAY.com has confirmed that his cause of death was pancreatic cancer.

“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life … After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025," the family said in a statement."


>>> READ THE REST HERE <<<

D'Angelo's music was the soundtrack for a whole generation of young men wearing Dopeman Nikes trying to ask the pretty foreign exchange girl to the middle school dance. I honestly think most of the young Black men in that generaton got a good portion of their soul from that Brown Sugar album. In all seriousness, the world is losing too many creative legends.

Salute! Rest In Power!

D'ANGELO - BROWN SUGAR


What in the Star Wars is about to happen...

From Living In Florida:

"Been awhile since we've shared one of these, but my pal Beek who works over at NASA reminded me that on Tuesday, December 3rd if you're outdoors anywhere within this circle of opportunity, just look up around 6:48 p.m. EST and you'll see the International Space Station gliding in from the northwest on a path that takes it approximately straight over Tallahassee, Tampa/St. Pete, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.

Clear skies are predicted and it's always a thrill to anticipate the ISS and then see it coming into view -- it will look like a bright star or a bright planet like Venus and on this pass it will be visible for a good five minutes before it wraps around Earth. If you're watching this with kids, let them know that even though it may look small, it's about the width of a football field, that there are several astronauts (real people!) aboard, and they're sailing overhead at an altitude of 250 miles straight up in space (about the distance from Orlando to Miami). It may look slow from here, but they're flying by all of us at 17,500 mph -- or five miles per second!

If that doesn't get them hooked on space travel, take 'em to Kennedy Space Center. That should do it."


>>> READ THE REST HERE <<<

I could just be ignorant in guessing that this is probably an occasional thing that happens and this is just the first time I'm hearing about it. It's highly likely. However, I kinda find it disturbing that the International Space Station would ever be close enough for us to see without visual aid. I mean, it's not the same thing as being able to see where your car is parked.

I'm going to go ahead and warn y'all now, this is not an interview for the faint of heart or easily offended...

PHILIP K DICK FULL INTERVIEW (RESTORED AND REMASTERED) | Childhood, trauma, drugs, and VALIS.


From Write Like A Legend:

"Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the genius of Philip K. Dick with this meticulously restored and remastered interview. Gain unparalleled insights into his formative years, confront the depths of traumatic experiences that shaped his unique perspective, and accompany him on mind-altering journeys that inspired his groundbreaking works. Unravel the intricate threads of the VALIS enigma, a central theme in Dick's thought-provoking narratives. Join us in this immersive exploration, rediscovering the profound intellect and captivating storytelling of the legendary science fiction author."

Major influence alert! When I stumbled upon this interview I made it a point to listen to it from start to finish. I don't want to fan-boy out and say too much, so I'll let y'all listen and let it marinate. Until next time!

DR. OCTAGON - BEAR WITNESS


#toycrusher #taulwatersuniverse #mechdirective #art #artblog #jacksonville #jacksonvilleflorida #jax #jaxart #jaxartist #duvalcounty #duuuval #horror #jacksonvilleart #jaxartblog #blackthought #dangermouse #hiphop #cheatcodes #thebackrooms #kanepixels #a24 #weapons #weaponsmovie #zachcregger #droctagon #koolkeith #ultramagneticmcs #thefrogmage #ragnboneman #dangelo #ISS #internationalspacestation #nasa #philipkdick #valis