Hammer Blog

The early morning ‘mist’ hangs over Beijing, and I am often awake to see it unfold. I travel so often that my body clock is permanently haywire. After I arrive Beijing from traveling abroad I wake up before the sun and am ready for lunch at 6:00am. I don’t fight it, in fact I love to go to sleep whenever I get tired and wake up whenever I wake up, and that is very early. One perk in having this condition is being able to take a short walk to a local restaurant on the edge of 798 art district in the early morning and eat breakfast with the students, construction workers, and businessmen as they go to school and to work. There are no art world people here at this time of the morning.

Outside, clouds of steam pour out of bamboo baskets and stainless drums, oil boils

For 25 years, Homeboy Industries has been serving high-risk, previously incarcerated, and formerly gang-involved individuals looking to change their lives. Located in Downtown Los Angeles, Homeboy Industries’ headquarters is home to social enterprise businesses that provide job training, as well as a multitude of free services to those in need. Homeboy’s social enterprise businesses include Homeboy Bakery, Homegirl Café & Catering, Homeboy Silkscreen & Embroidery, Homeboy/Homegirl Merchandise, Homeboy Farmers Markets and Homeboy Diner at Los Angeles City Hall. You can find Homeboy Chips, Salsas and Salads sold in most Southern California Ralphs stores and if traveling through Los Angeles International Airport, using Terminal Four, feel free to grab a bite at Homeboy Café & Bakery.

Homeboy Industries features artisan sandwiches and salads from Homegirl Cafe, baked goods and decadent pastries from Homeboy Bakery, and a variety of Homeboy/Homegirl merchandise including tote bags, mugs and clothing.

1134 Westwood Boulevard | Los Angeles

IKO IKO is a Los Angeles-based concept gallery focusing on design and its possibilities. IKO IKO’s space features works made for their lines WAKA WAKA and Rowena Sartin. WAKA WAKA is a collection of handmade wood furniture and Rowena Sartin is a limited-run clothing and accessories project exploring distinct construction ideas and fabric.

1024 Westwood Boulevard | Los Angeles CA, 90024









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Arts ReSTORE LA: Westwood is a Hammer curated retail pop-up in Westwood Village running from November 1-24. Local artisans and designers activate empty storefronts and offer handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items for purchase.

Hours: Thursday–Saturday 11AM-8PM | Sundays 11AM–5PM

Iron Curtain Press is a letterpress print shop specializing in custom print jobs, featuring its own line of greeting cards and gifts. They offer workshops in which participants gain hands-on experience on the press and leave with a set of personalized stationery. Iron Curtain Press also features a selection of home goods made in Los Angeles— from wooden planters and ceramics, to handprinted textiles and home decor.

To find out more about their classes, please visit the Iron Curtain Press website.

Upcoming events:

Letterpress Workshop (Thu Nov 14)
Letterpress Workshop (Fri Nov 15)
Letterpress Workshop (Sat Nov 16)
Letterpress Workshop (Sun Nov 17)

10918 Kinross Avenue | Los Angeles CA, 90024













—-
Arts ReSTORE LA: Westwood is a Hammer curated retail pop-up in Westwood Village running from November 1-24. Local artisans and designers activate empty storefronts and offer handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items for purchase.

Hours: Thursday–Saturday 11AM-8PM | Sundays 11AM–5PM

Loyal Dean is a longboard manufacturer based in Los Angeles that applies true craftsmanship and environmental care to the making of every skateboard. Loyal Dean’s innovative process allows them to make an environmentally kind skateboard, made of 100% reclaimed wood that is 100% unique.

1000 Westwood Boulevard | Los Angeles CA, 90024



—-
Arts ReSTORE LA: Westwood is a Hammer curated retail pop-up in Westwood Village running from November 1-24. Local artisans and designers activate empty storefronts and offer handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items for purchase.

Hours: Thursday–Saturday 11AM-8PM | Sundays 11AM–5PM