I'm half Cuban and half Spanish (as in...from Spain). Most never guess this. You cant really know anyone via an internet profile. People are just too complex to be put in text boxes...yada yada yada...you don't really know anyone very well at first either. I'm not religious, or especially political. This doesn't mean I dont have opinions or preferences. My admittedly limited understanding of things is viewed from a specific philosophical lens which transmits into all facet of life. I have just come to understand certain universal/personal truths that transcend current thoughts on most subjects. Sound pretentious or vague enough for you? Ask me in person!

The world is more beautiful than anyone can truly comprehend. If you get where im going with this good. I don't entirely get it myself. Its as they say, ineffable. As a matter of fact I currently, and mostly only understand this on a cerebral level. I don't as they say "feel it" all of the time. Id rather not comprehend it however but rather feel it more and more. Simply finding that beauty wherever I can find it is all that matters. I catch more glimpses every day.

Some words from someone very wise:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMRrCYPxD0I

I think comedy is a great vehicle too enlightenment...

Hence, I like to joke around and not take things too seriously. I did a bunch of deep soul searching in my younger years and realized that...so back to my point, Im not funny on cue so no I wont say something hysterical at the end of this paragraph. I will say I've developed a pretty good and subtle sense of humor.

Ive been in town for 4 years now. I'm still trying to make new friends and expand my circle. I am an artist, and industrial designer. Just finished getting a joint MFA in Applied Craft and Design between the Oregon Collage of Arts and Crafts and the Pacific Northwest collage of Arts!

My Paintings:

http://www.karlramentol.com/

My Designs and Illustrations:

http://www.coroflot.com/lequendi1

If you'd like to follow me on Instagram look me up @karlramentol

I've been showing my new series Topi Incognitum around town recently. That first photo of me is at one said showing. Im also working on a line of porcelain shade lamps. I love to design objects as much as make art so this project has me very excited.

Just started working out again. Its a every other day regimin akin to a CrossFit program. I'm enjoying the rigorous nature very much. My only intrest is in being more fit and rehabbing an injury. If I look a little better naked well thats an added bonus. I should start running again once my knee heals up. Oh yeah, I hurt my knee riding my bike. How the fuck did I do that?

UPDATE: Im running now and the porcelain lamps are underway.

I'm a pretty good dancer.
Nothing formated (step related) however. I wouldn't mind learning however. There are also other things (e.g. color schemes)
Check out the links above.

I can be quite. At least in larger groups. Its odd how much more comfortable I am with people I know/have things in comen with. I'm observant. Im not shy. Im an Introvert:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar1kEN_ZPNM&feature=youtu.be

One thing I should mention is people never guess my age. I have been mistaken for someone 10 yrs younger for almost as many yrs. Im young at heart and seek others still so.

Books
I was into the Beats and Transcendental stuff back in the day like On the Road, Dharma Bums, anything by Allen Watts. Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki is fundamental. I also found The Fountainhead (Howard Roark is fascinating) strangely visceral and as an Artist close to my heart. The Dao de Jing played a big role in shaping my personality and spirituality. As master Po would say, I try not to resist things but instead bend like a reed. On the design side Cradle to Cradle design was a game changer. I think it was for a lot of people. Dwell is nice to scan through at he grocery store checkout. I love Neil Gaiman, and at one point I was into Japanese and Chinese folktales/literature. Heinland's Stranger in a strange land is a personal favorite. I also like reading philosophers. Less now these days. Also I like to read up on metaphysical subjects as they pertain to mundane mattes. In other words, being grounded has nothing to do with pragmatism. Something else to clarify sometime...

I'm reading A Game of Thrones at the moment. I plan on getting through all of them eventually.

Movies
Just saw The Big Lebowski again recently. That movie is even funner after all these yrs. Ive got to be honest. Movies are perhaps a blind spot on my cultural rear view mirror. I just made that phrase up.

TV
I dig cable TV. Like AMC and HBO shows. Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Hell on Wheels, and The Walking Dead.

Comedy
Paul F Tompkins cracks me up. Ive been listening to more comedy lately. Not so much political satire(although colbert is a genius) or anything too strange like Tim and Eric. I mean they're ok but I like comedy that is a little more "clever" in a traditional way. Children's Hospital is great. Adult Swim is a good "go too".

Blogs
http://www.comedybangbang.com/

This too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hol4h0liWWY&feature=watch-vrec

Music
I live in Portland, of course I like indie rock.

Here is a new favorite album:

http://mydickband.bandcamp.com/album/my-dicks-double-full-length-release

Mostly I don't keep up these days with any particular music genre. I know what i like...I just dont define myself by the music I listen to.

Food
I "was" vegetarian. I don't think its wrong to eat meat. I do however think there are ways of making the food industry better for everyone involved. Processes change. I promote change.

Oh and I like smoothies:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWq8jPIFkMA&feature=relmfu

My eyes, my imagination, a sense of humor, love (as in appreciation of all things...hippy shit), inspiration, the world outside of me.

Things I like. Sometimes things I don't like. The first is best.

Read my journal entry The Tao of Making if you're really curious about what makes me tick. I assure you, it's a fine read.

Hanging out with my roommates. Going to parts unknown.

Well isn't this fun.

First and foremost. You want to have fun. You are a positive and non-judgmental person. You want to get to know me. Want to find someone to explore Portland. Have a compassionate nature. Funny is good but not required. Especially on a first date.

I've acknowledged something recently. I say acknowledged because its something I've known a long time. When we are ready for certain people they appear. Its a big world out there and there is someone for everyone. Yes, I know what your thinking...even them. I don't want to be with anyone who doesn't wish to be with me (I wish the same in return). I'm looking for someone(s) in particular. I don't as of yet know who she/they are. I'll know by the light in their eyes, the contours of their hips, and the laughter in their smile. I'll know because it wont be difficult. I wont have to showboat or worry. I'll just be the ever changing me...mother fuckers.

One more thing. If these are your people:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzxvOgcGLmk

...or find everything about this video/song amaizing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4XD5MTMACg