Support Local Arts Magazine Issue VIII New Edition

Issue VIII

New Edition

Jan-Mar 2015

S.L.A.M. Magazine VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 1

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LetterfromtheEditor s we u s h e r i n 2 0 1 5 w i t h t h e p ro m i s e o f b i g A ger and better things, S.L.A.M. Magazine hath

f i n a l ly c o m e t h ( o r re - c o m e t h , a s t h e c a s e m ay b e ) . H o l d o n t o yo u r h a t s , j u m p i n t h e a i r, t h e n t h row yo u r a s s t o t h e f l o o r, b e c a u s e we a re b a c k .

L i ke a c o f fe e t o t h e f a c e , i t ’s w a ke u p t i m e !

T h i s n ew ye a r b r i n g s d e d i c a t e d d r i ve , o n w a rd i m p e t u s , a n d f re s h fo c u s t o t a ke o n a l l e x t e rn a l s t i mu l i a n d c re a t e — a n d s o m e c r ap py h o l i d ay s o c k s t o o ! S . L . A . M . M a g i s h e re t o re - i nve n t , re p re s e n t , a n d p i t c h a t e n t fo r eve r yo n e a n d a nyo n e w i t h t h e d a r i n g t o t r y, c re a t e , a s s i s t , o r b e c o m e p a r t o f a ny a r t s s c e n e ; w h e t h e r i t b e l o c a l , n a t i o n a l , o r F K N g l o b a l , we a re h e re fo r yo u .

T h i n k A d a m s F a m i ly p a i n t e d by P i c a s s o l i s t e n i n g t o Je f f B u c k l ey, a n d yo u ’re g e t t i n g c l o s e t o w h a t S . L . A . M . M a g a z i n e i s . We ' re yo u r e x t e n d e d f a m i ly, yo u r f r i e n d a n d p e e r, yo u r g re a t e s t f a n , a n d t h e swe e t e s t c r i t i c a l l p re s s e d i n t o b i b l i c a l - l i ke p a g e s o f t r u t h . V i v a l a S . L . A . M . !

L i ke a b u t t e r f ly r i p p i n g fo r t h f ro m a g l a c i a l c o f f i n , we h ave re - e m e r g e d . B re a t h e d e e p.

B a t h e i n o u r s e a o f f u z z y, go o d v i b e s . F re e yo u r s e l f f ro m t h e d ro n e o f t h e eve r y d ay.

We a re o n a j o u r n ey, a l l o f u s . T h i s v i s c e r a l , v i s u a l c o n s t r u c t we c a l l l i fe h a s wo n d e rf u l p l e a s u re s w a i t i n g t o b e d i s c ove re d . We a s s u re e x p o s u re t o a l l t h e e l e m e n t s — e a r t h , w i n d , a n d f i re , b a by ! — a l l p u c ke re d u p i n t o o n e b i g k i s s o n t h e l i p s .

O n a p e r s o n a l n o t e , I ’ m m o re t h a n p l e a s e d t o b e wo r k i n g w i t h s u c h a g re a t t e a m . O u r s u p e r h u m a n c rew o f a r t i s a n s , a r t i s t s , a n d wo rd s m i t h s a l i ke t o o k t h e s e p a g e s , fo r g e d t h e m , a n d i n f u s e d t h e m w i t h i n t e re s t , b re a t h e d i n l i fe a n d c o l o r s . I t ’s g re a t t o b e b a c k !

We l o o k fo r w a rd t o a n o t h e r ye a r o f b e a u t i f u l c h a o s .

Lady Grace S.L.A.M. Magazine VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 3

Contributors Grecelle Rivera “Lady Grace” - Born in the snows of New York and Inspiration and Information for the Creative Mind

Grecelle Rivera David Cornock Michelle “Michi” Chan Erin Cass Jon Neville Taerie Gillan Melissa Merkler Gio Panagiotakis Special thanks to our anonymous contributor, as we could not have done it without you.

raised in the Florida sunshine, Grecelle has since followed her heart’s journey to the mountains and beaches of California. She and her alter ego, "Lady Grace," now spend many nights under the full moons of Koh Samui, Thailand.

They are indubitably passionate and together conspire to inspire the world.

David Cornock - Hailing from the shores of Loch Lomond, Scotland, but now happily a citizen of planet earth, David has managed to call Brazil, China, Australia, and Thailand home. This exposure combined with a caustic wit ensure he is never short of a tale, or ten!

Michelle “Michi” Chan - Her body and mind wander Washington, while her heart resides in Arizona. Michi is a magical amalgam of all the right things.

Her soul is constantly distracted by human interactions and plans of the future to come. Even if her voice should fail, her words always find a way. Michi believes in Magicks and magic and adopts monsters from all walks into her life.

Erin Cass – Designer of S.L.A.M. Originally from Florida, now based in Brooklyn, New York, Erin is a graphic designer who appreciates up and coming artists of all types.

Jon Neville - A Tampa based photographer noted for his work in the field of erotic photography, but equally at home shooting nature. Originally from Ireland, he established JonNeville StudiO in 2001, and with its distinctly dark feel it has gained fame as one of the foremost erotic studios in the Southeast.

In his personal life, he is likely to be found crawling through the Florida wilds shooting scenery, creatures, and anything that the natural world puts in front of his lens.

Taerie Gillan - Taerie Gillan is a Florida girl living in the snowy mountains of Flagstaff, AZ. She is an intuitive life coach who enjoys helping others find the freedom, joy, and self-confidence they are missing.

Letter from the Editor Photo Credit: Sarah Cruz

Melissa Merkler - Melissa B. Merkler lives in on a small farm with her family

© 2015 by Support Local Arts Magazine: S.L.A.M. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

S.L.A.M. is offered free as an online publication and print copies are available for purchase online at artslammag.com. S.L.A.M. is supported by our advertisers. Content submissions are accepted on our website under the Contact Us tab or you can email us directly at ArtSLAMMag@gmail.com We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

Gio Panagiotakis - Out of the cosmic fires of truth, Gio was cast into

in Sanford, Florida. She is a full-time college student, former editor-in-chief of the college newspaper, and is president of the college's office photography club.

In her spare time she enjoys doing crafts, sewing, and riding her motorcycle. He dream job is to be an editor of an art or science magazine where she can use her creativity and education in journalism. Additionally, she owns a small book publishing company that is currently seeking new authors. existence in Salem, Mass. Though there is no official record of his birth in this or any other Godforsaken universe we know of, he owes the government tons of money for school, which makes his existence official and real. He graduated with an English degree and some equally useless minors in Linguistics and Philosophy from UCF in Orlando where he currently still resides.

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Contents Photography

14

Best Social Site for Events and Night Life

6

Clits and Cameras

9

by Neville Ronan

by Neville Ronan

GhostWriter: Johnny McGeorge

by Lady Grace and Michi Chan

12

Tiny Tank of Inspiration

by Taerie Gillan

Music

Coffee & Cocktails

by Lady Grace and Michi Chan

Talent in Toronto

20

Musician with a Mission

22

Mind Morsels

24

by Melissa Merkler

17 26 Theatre Downtown Endures

by Michi Chan

by David Cornock

by Gio Panagitakis

Visual Art

Messin’ up the World

World Renowned Artist: Elling Reitan

28

Illuminated Art by Nate

32

by Anonymous

by Lady Grace and Michi Chan

34

S.L.A.M. Magazine VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 5

USA

Photography

Best Social Site for Events & Nightlife

by Neville Ronan

B

eachmonkey.com is an innovative cross between social networking and photography that is currently active in 100 cities and 50 countries. Based out of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the community specifically focuses on a young demographic that loves nightlife and live events. From that demographic, they draw over 10,000 views per album! Beachmonkey has obviously figured out the recipe to keeping their clients happy through a high-impact marketing forum while giving air to a dynamic and energetic base of end-users. We met up with owner Mike Luczaj and hit him up with some questions to garner some insight on what made his (Beach) monkey business gain such wide traction.

S.L.A.M.: Great to meet you Mike! Perhaps the best place to start this interview is at the beginning. What was your starting point? What led you to develop this platform?

Beachmonkey: We are an open social site for people who love the nightlife, and we use photography as a creative way for people to connect. It started out in 2008 as a simple platform for nightlife and event photography in Louisville, KY. Back then, very few people were taking photos in the clubs and bars, and if they did, the quality was usually very low. After about a year, I moved everything down to Myrtle Beach and slowly started to make the change over to a social platform. Over time, it was a perfect

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niche for us to fill. Photographers needed a platform, venues needed a creative way to attract clients, and people loved to be seen out and about.

S.L.A.M.: Was event photography your initial focus (pardon the pun) or did you experience other photography avenues prior to this?

Beachmonkey: Event photography has always been a passion of mine.

I started out in 2005 with a miserable point shoot camera, taking photos of my friends and venues I liked. In 2007, a magazine offered to get me into Ultra Music Festival (an event I had been going to since 2005) for free if I took photos, and it seemed like a win-win situation.

After that experience of being on stage, in the pit, meeting artists, and feeling the energy, I was hooked!

S.L.A.M.: What are the challenges in this type of photography?

For example, I can imagine lighting properly while maintaining the atmosphere is probably a real issue, but how complex is the whole event photography technique?

Beachmonkey: It is different from any other style of shooting because the lighting is so dynamic. It can change rapidly, and there is a skill to bring in the background lighting to keep the fluid feeling of being in a club present in the photos. If you understand the basic concepts of nightlife photography, the technical aspect isn’t that difficult. The other thing (and usually the most difficult for photographers) is the social part of the equation. You are not a photo-journalist snapping photos with a zoom lens, but an engrained part of the actual scene itself, adding to the overall atmosphere.

I approach everyone in a venue to get a photo of them. I want to establish comfort with me, and later on that night, I build trust with the crowd to take amazing natural moment photos. When you combine the ability to build trust with a group of people and have a solid base of technique, magic happens.

Beachmonkey: That was one of my biggest concerns as more and more photographers wanted to join our team. We developed a massive training manual with videos and a mentorship program to make sure the photographer grows and their quality improves dramatically. Each photographer has to go through this trial/training period not matter how many years they have been a photographer.

Most who have joined our team have said they learned more from us about the technical aspects of photography and the marketing side of the business than in all the years combined of having been a photographer.

S.L.A.M.: Apart from commercial issues of trying to network different businesses together on a single platform like Beachmonkey.com, what were the real challenges that you had to overcome in terms of making the venture a success?

Beachmonkey: With any business, the question of monetization

should always be in the forefront.

You have to make money to pay bills. Many clients are very price adverse, so we have to make sure we can offer unique quality in our photography combined with other marketing solutions. We did a lot of test marketing to come up with the right formula to offer clients, get the photographers more money per shoot, and have the venues patrons flock to the site to join.

S.L.A.M.: Along the way, you must have experienced some kind of failures, whether it was just photographers that didn’t work out or venue issues, but what are the ones that stick in your mind as being bad experiences you have learned from?

Beachmonkey: It would have to be the process of bringing in new photographers for our team. We went through a lot of trial and a much more error before we got it right. However, with each mistake, we learned something new and

S.L.A.M.: You have built a network of photographers in different geographical areas and presumably from different levels of experience and backgrounds.

Is maintaining a consistency in quality an issue? What level of policing or quality control do you find yourself having to engage in?

S.L.A.M. Magazine VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 7

it simple. One subject, one concept. Capture the energy of the event you are shooting. Don’t be afraid to approach people to get permission to take their photo.

S.L.A.M.: And finally, beyond Beachmonkey.com, is there a future vision that you have of areas that you would like to explore for your photography business—some insight that you can share without giving away any trade secrets? applied it to our process.

S.L.A.M.: From an external viewpoint, some of us would regard your venture as being a success, but how do you define success for yourself and Beachmonkey.com?

Beachmonkey: It has been successful insofar as how far we have come with the limited resources at our disposal. Success is for us to be the social site for people who love the nightlife, to have team members and people from every social scene around the world active in the site—so that no matter what happens socially any place on the planet, we at Beachmonkey are there in the middle of it all!

S.L.A.M.: On the road to success, you must also have encountered some funny or quirky moments that make you smile upon reflection. Are there any that you can share with us here at S.L.A.M.?

Beachmonkey: I shoot a lot of Life in Color, the massive paint parties that are thrown throughout the globe. I was in Romania this summer shooting, and I was in charge of their media. Right in the middle of the festival, a local photographer climbed up a speaker and ran right into the middle of the stage. For some reason, he thought climbing onto stage was perfectly alright. I quickly grabbed him before the security guards tackled him, and probably saved his gear from getting crushed in the process. Normally, this would be a night ending offense, but I pulled him aside and, through a translator, gave him some etiquette training.

S.L.A.M.: I can imagine that some S.L.A.M. readers may find themselves trying to photograph an event. Is there any advice that you can throw at them to get the most out of their opportunity?

Beachmonkey: Concentrate on interesting framing, first, by keeping

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Beachmonkey: We are moving beyond just photography and looking into finding other creative ways of connecting the people we shoot with the venues, events, and social scenes of their area. Each social scene is a unique, vibrant entity that we can connect to other social scenes, creating national and eventually a global social scene. No one has ever before tried to capture them all under one roof—but with our project goal, we want to connect the night life of Miami, DC, Cairo, Auckland, Dallas, Istanbul, and beyond all in one spot.

••• The success of the Beachmonkey phenomenon is clearly a derivative of the intuitiveness and innovativeness of its owner. With a growing team of photographers and the desire to stretch into new markets, it won’t be long before revelers worldwide will be flocking to share in Mike’s vision of a global social scene. Whatever form it ends up taking, Beachmonkey will be there catching it all in frame. n

Photography

USA

clits & cameras: the business of erotic photography

by Neville Ronan

T

he world is full of dirty old men with cameras who believe themselves photographers. What separates a shutterbug from an artist, however, is the talent extending beyond the lens.

Artistic photography captures a specific vision and shares with its audience a particular experience.

The erotic aspect of photography stands out among the rest. Even talented photographers may miss this unique enterprise simply by not recognizing its uniqueness.

Five keynotes to consider when taking erotic photography to a business level: • Objectivity • Understanding the end-client • Comfort • Settings • Discretion and confidentiality Objectivity is one of the key differences between an amateur and a professional erotic photographer. Although some may find a thrill in witnessing or performing sexual acts in front of a camera, such actions inevitably distract

from the Lighting-Focus-Angle, which is the guiding principle.

Over my many years in the field, male friends have exclaimed over how awesome it must be to “get women naked,” believing that arousal when confronted with the subject translates to amazing photos. On the contrary, even the slightest sexual interest may take away from the shoot.

I once performed a shoot in a couple's home. On the mantelpiece lay the husband's camera—at least four times more expensive than my own—with which he claimed that he could never get a decent shot of his wife. I put her through her paces in front of my lens, while he watched off to the side. He was practically drooling, his wife having never been captured as such before.

A successful photographer must separate himself from the subject while still understanding it. This mentality is what allows me to deliver beautiful images to my clients, such as to a couple in their mid-seventies weighing over five-hundred pounds between

them. At the end of the day, an erotic photographer's work is less about personal satisfaction than about meeting the clients’ needs.

Focusing on the client is something that either comes naturally or doesn’t.

Understanding the end-client is extremely important to a budding photographer's success in this field, because if the client's needs are not met, poor workmanship is reflected. The male and female psyche look at the same images in very different ways, so even if the job is simply a glamour shoot, a good photographer will want to know and understand who will be “judging” the work. When the phone rings in with clients, every one is different: he is looking to get intimate photographs of his wife; he wants to do a masturbation shoot for his boyfriend; or she has a swinger party coming up that needs a camera up and in it. Immediately, the process of formulating who the end-client is begins. The sexual response level of the client is also important to keep in mind—Will

S.L.A.M. Magazine VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 9

Jon Neville

the client respond well to a close up of penetration or will she shy away? Will specific kinks make the end result more pleasurable? What will allow the client to react better to the photos?

When I started this journey, I tried to understand clients' candid desire levels without ever having met them. I would ask questions like, “How broadminded are you?” or “How far do you want me to go?” I quickly learned that asking

the right questions to calibrate a person is remarkably vital. People imagine themselves to be much more open than they are; “I'm easy” and “I'm willing to try anything” are useless responses when scoping out the nature of a shoot. For example, “I'm willing to try anything” will likely have different meanings dependent on the source (such as between an ex-nun wanting to explore herself and a former porn star who has adorned all the big screens in Copenhagen). On the same note, most humans tend to have difficulties verbalizing their fantasies. This is particularly true if this human has never met the person asking all these personal questions. Typically, people understate what they really want in a session.

My key to mutual understanding was the creation of a comfort scale, available to view on my website. I have new clients choose a number on the scale that best fits their needs. This allows the nature of the shoot to be defined. By utilizing a more clinical approach, the client-photographer dialogue is more complete regarding desires and boundaries.

Client comfort must extend into the shoot. This is a key factor that sorts the men from the boys (so to speak). An environment

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of comfort is an environment of repeat and additional business via word-of-mouth. From the clientele's perspective, comfort is a personal feeling. Developing comforting “tricks” does not tend to work in this business. The more professional a photographer is, the more comfortable the client will be. Leering, inappropriate touching, personal or off-color comments will counter the safe environment that the client needs. Again, the subjects are not getting naked in front of a camera for the satisfaction of the photographer—but for the end-product that the artist and subject create together.

A myriad of horror stories exist from female clients about “bad photographers. “ Female photographers are sought after due to uncomfortable experiences. However, if the photos are for a male, the average female photographer is often at a disadvantage. Male erotic photographers have the natural advantage of understanding the male psyche and capturing the raunchiness that fellow males respond to. For example, I have encountered many escorts who schedule shoots to promote their services; the novices sway toward the soft, pretty pictures, failing to understand that even though she may like pictures of herself in this manner, her clients seek something different.

The serious photographer must accept that many clients feel vulnerable in their nudity and are embarrassed about their sexuality.

A rapport must be established that balances the line of objectivity and comfort, leaving the client relaxed enough to produce the right look/ mood within the pictures.

Setting is another key ele-

ment in the prosperity of subjects.

A professional studio lending a comfortable ambiance for the client is vital. Some erotic shoots are done at clubs, hotels, or client residences, but utilizing a real studio is what defines a proper professional from a simple shutterbug.

Know the clientele. A drop cloth and a couple of lights are not sufficient enough to claim studio status. Neither is the couple in leathers likely to want fluffy pillows on a backdrop. The glamour settings seen in malls may well be sufficient for some, but at JonNeville, we carry a specialized style.

We created a dungeon studio to handle our influx of “boudoir shots for my boyfriend” requests—but, more importantly, because we wanted to remove ourselves from the “regular” market for an edgier niche. Whatever the studio setting “theme” may be, it must work for

the target clientele.

In the business of erotic photography, discretion and confidentiality are placed above all else. To be successful in the world of private erotica, one must be able to keep one's mouth shut and the pictures safe; these are make-or-break considerations.

I have witnessed “photographers” sharing client pictures with friends, even publishing them on as part of their portfolios. However, the vast majority of clients seeking out a professional for this work have an requirement that the images absolutely never see the light of day outside their own domain. A client’s privacy is to be respected at all times, even if a shoot yields “The Masterpiece.”

Professional courtesy demands only the publication of images the photographer holds rights to and would never ask a client to cede

his or her rights for a paid shoot.

When clients search for a professional photographer to take erotic pictures with, they have a right to expect that their image is exactly that: their image. The rights of shoots belong to the privacy of the paying clients. Photographers who do not respect client rights, will invariably fall by the wayside and miss the greater opportunity to serve a market that is both flourishing and challenging. At the end of the day, those “picture takers” are who become the “dirty old men with cameras.” n JonNeville StudiO is one of the foremost photographers in private erotica on the East Coast. Based just outside of Tampa, Florida, they have been shooting erotic images for over fifteen years. Their market is primarily private content erotica for individuals, clubs, escorts, and dancers.

S.L.A.M. Magazine VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 11

Photography

UK

Ghostwriter

by Lady Grace and Michi Chan McGeorge, Johnny (born c. 1977 – c. 2013)

J

ohnny McGeorge, 36, was a transient creature of industrious creativity. He passed away in 2013 on an unnamed street of Mexico while attempting to halt a mugging in process. His brave act earned him a bullet through the chest; no other fatalities occurred.

Friends and family mourn his social status; however, none appeared surprised by his valiant act. For a conversation on life and art, the spirit of Johnny partook in a ghostwritten (literally) rendezvous.

A literature graduate, Johnny became a journalist and, eventually, a

copywriter; photography and design were creative pursuits, not quite careers. He wrote video game concepts (such as the most recent point-and-click adventure, "Hoodwink"), episode scripts, story arcs, and character and level development. As evidence to his range of talents, Johnny won an Effie Award as a social media strategist in 2010 and continued to transfer his innumerable skills into other disciplines, such as copywriting. Lending his talents out to the greater public, Johnny once found himself in Singapore working for The Global Brand Forum. It was a job nobody else wanted: a complicated twelve hours of transcribing branding seminars

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from some of the world’s leading experts. With his newly-earned knowledge, Johnny spent time as a brand consultant; within six months, he delivered enough successful campaigns and strategies to solidify his legitimacy in the field. “Believe, and you shall receive?” he questioned, then thought better of it: “Fake it ‘til you make it.”

He believed in working hard, in integrity and consistency, but his crafty wit, various life episodes, and never-ending skill set expansion was what made him unique in his many fields. He learned from all experiences and did not compromise personal ethics for any job.

Johnny’s personal brand is that of

a self-motivated professional who loves what he does so he may do it with love. He lived with the philosophy that balanced work as life without differentiating between the two. A strong believer in creating and understanding a unique sense of self-worth, Johnny used all his experiences and encounters to learn about himself. He encouraged amateurs to work hard, emphasizing that, “Value doesn't always mean money.” He advised, “Create things you believe in, regardless of whether you're getting paid. If you put your heart and soul into a project, it will generate value. Value becomes worth.”

A multidisciplinary man, Johnny snagged many “dream jobs” in the eyes of others. He worked as luxury travel journalist and pseudo-pornographer, but found that the ideal jobs were not always necessarily the best. His arguably favorite time was spent creating and promoting beanbag brand DOOF, getting paid to travel Asia and jump into beanbags. Having his hands messy with a plethora of skills, Johnny never reached an insurmountable career block. He found he could grow tired of photography and slip into writing, rekindling his love of the other as he grew bored of one. Design having been a constant inspiration in life, Johnny found he could “have the luxury of hating and quitting” his careers regularly only to love them again shortly after.

“Adapt and overcome!” he stressed.

Inspired by many but owing homage to none, Johnny took every day as life experience and a chance to further his professional pursuits.

His ghost wanted to send “big ups” out to Shobe and Mariko.

Rest in peace, Johnny. n S.L.A.M. Magazine VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 13

Tiny Tank of Inspiration

Spring Rayne Paone

by Taerie Gillan

W

hen you first meet Spring, you notice that she is a tiny wisp of a woman. Just 5 feet tall and 100 pounds soaking wet, she is often mistaken for her stepdaughter's sister. She hardly strikes you as the warrior princess that she truly is.

Her story is rarely told because she is so busy living life, moving forward. How did she become a business woman, author, chef and create her own holistic line of supplements? The answer is sheer will and determination, the ability to always move forward.

It's been quite a journey for Mrs. Paone.

I first met Spring in her little metaphysical store smack-dab in the middle of several churches in Sanford, Florida. It took moxie to run a business of that nature in the middle of the Bible belt.

She had just come from the corporate world where she met her charming new husband. There came a point where Spring realized that if she wanted to keep her income, she'd have to go into corporate sales. This was a forced move that she saw no way out of. As many of us do, she clung to the dreaded corporate ladder. When Spring found herself crying daily from the new job, she decided it was time to follow her heart. With the support of her husband, she set out to open

her store.

Spring grew up in a religious family, and a metaphysical store was not what they pictured for their homeschooled daughter. Clearly, very few in her life supported her path, and they were, for the most part, upset by her drastic leap into the metaphysical world. However, Spring did not let opinions keep her stagnant. She used her store to study herbal healing; she learned under a respected herbalist and became his prized student. She learned Reiki and became a well-respected Reiki healer and teacher as well. With the diagnosis of celiac disease and severe adrenal problems, Spring added an in-depth, self-taught knowledge of nutrition to her repertoire long before “gluten-free,” “dairy-free,” and a myriad of other food constraints became commonplace in grocery stores. Having stumbled onto the world before many took such nutritional studies seriously, Spring had to figure many things out for herself. Well-meaning people who had no knowledge of these issues or of what she was going through gave her a very hard time.

Looking back, it seems clear that the Universe was grooming her for the path she would take in life.

Business was not the only thing vying for Spring’s energy; she and her husband wanted a family of their own. Spring hoped that by

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working on the health issues caused by celiac disease, she would also be blessed with a healthy pregnancy; instead, she experienced several devastating tubal pregnancies and miscarriages. She felt that the stress of maintaining her store and caring for her family (her husband and preteen stepdaughter) may have been a factor. Eventually, she sold her store, to the dismay of the community that had come to love her. Finally able to identify what was keeping her from the baby she'd always dreamed of, Spring met a new set of challenges: she had four different types of cancer—all of them heading into later stages.

Staying true to her holistic training, Spring took the bull by the horns and chose to heal herself. Thought is a powerful thing, which she understood; she chose not to tell many of her obstacles, not allowing anyone to see her as “sick.” She hauled the family camper into the mountains of Tennessee, where she stayed alone, to heal.

Using diet, meditation, and herbal medicine—spending her spare time creating holistic supplements (which later became Holistic Naturals)— Spring emerged in two months: cancer-free, buzzing with a new business venture, and excited about the beginnings of her cookbook Eat Conscious & Be Merry. Less than two years later, Spring had rebrand-

USA Top Left: Spring Rayne Paone

Bottom Left: Spring’s cookbook, Eat Conscious and Be Merry!

Spring’s Nutritional line, Holistic Naturals S.L.A.M. Magazine VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 15

ed herself. She was more passionate than ever about helping people understand the role nutrition plays in their health. Spring had finally figured out her path!

She went back to school to become a raw food chef, finishing and publishing her cookbook in the meantime. She also got her supplement line, Holistic Naturals, into stores and on Amazon within less than two years. Spring had blossomed into a new chapter of life.

Still plagued that she couldn't carry a child to full term, Spring sought answers. Unfortunately, medical and holistic practicioners agreed that there was no hope for pregnancy. Heartbroken, Spring did what she always seems to do and continued being of service to others. Regardless of the emotional stress behind watching others have what she was denied, a service she offered was Reiki during labor and deliveries for families, performing this work with joy in her heart.

Overcoming more than what most of us deal with in a lifetime— her traditional upbringing, both mental and physical abuse as well as drug addiction in her youth, the struggle for happiness in her career, a host of health issues, and the heartbreak of being told she would stay barren—nothing could stop this tiny tank of a spirit. In 2012, Eat Conscious & Be Merry published, and sales through Holistic Naturals began to pick up. She attended public speaking events, participated in radio interviews, and received invitations to television shows across the nation. In addition, she spent her spare time enjoying her family and friends—and it was almost everything a woman could want.

As I spoke with Spring for this interview, there were a few un-

derstandable distractions. She and her husband hold five companies between them. They own a big, new home, where all the family parties are thrown. She has a beautiful 18-year-old stepdaughter (who credits Spring with being the major influence in her life) and, as it turns out, a girl can get everything she wants, which Spring has done through sheer determination and will. Along with all the other joys in her life, she has her hands full with the beautiful, healthy baby she dreamed of—Sedona!—the most beautiful baby girl I've ever seen.

Yes, the biggest and best success so far. Spring did indeed concieve and carry to full term, giving birth in May 2014. The envy of all the other moms-to-be, she was doing yoga the night before and was up and around within three days of the unavoidable cesarian. The barely100-pound woman brings to mind a line from A Midsummer Night's Dream, "Though she be but little, she is fierce!"

Finding time with this whirlwind of a woman was challenging. Here's what she had to say when we had a chance for a few questions: S.L.A.M.: Did the challenges help you find your way?

SPRING: Yes, they sure did.You have to find the positive and purpose for the things that happen in life. I refuse to get stuck. Stagnation is where people get really stuck.

Forward motion only!

S.L.A.M.: You had challenges in the past, but there are challenges even when things are great.

What's the difference?

SPRING: Knowing that if I could get through all of those, I can get through anything. Keeping the drive

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and attitude of moving forward only. Using even negative energy as energy to move forward with. These are challenges I deal with from the things I’ve always wanted rather than the things that were happening to me.

S.L.A.M: What message would you like to send other women?

SPRING: Don't give up. Things may not work out exactly as we want, but don't use it as an excuse to get stuck. Instead of getting stuck, maybe you just need to change directions. Question everything in your life. Never stop learning and growing. Don't allow the past hold you back.

••• What's next for Spring? The long-awaited cookbook for kids and families (among other projects) is in the works. Food sensitivities are becoming a very big concern in our country. Families want to learn new, healthier ways to prepare and look at food while still enjoying it.

Between GMOs, increasing health problems in our country, so many kids suffering from food allergies, and the raging battle about vaccines, parents need help. It's a world of old information vs. what's actually happening now. Her projects strive to create a healthier life for our children and ourselves through education. Getting the facts isn't always easy or fun. Sometimes it takes a person who can understand them and make them easy to swallow. This seems to be the essence of Spring Rayne Paone: taking the seemingly difficult and making it enjoyable to swallow.

You can find Spring's books and nutritional line at http://springrayne.com/. n

The Quality of

Company Spirit:

Coffees & Cocktails

by Lady Grace and Michi Chan

W

hether you’re going Down Under or are already bonded to the land of banana benders, take the dive into Brisbane’s liquid gold.

Trent Goodwin of Brisbane, QLD holds two keys to community and joy: his cafe and roastery, Bear Bones Espresso, and The Cobbler, his recently-established whisky and cocktail bar.

Although he dreaded the journey up the corporate ladder, as most of us do, Trent has been able to tackle small business ownership with conviction and determination.

Even with so much on his plate, Trent said that his greatest success in life so far has been walking away from being employed to others and trusting in his passions. Having the courage to quit the normal routine and strike out on his own, he is happy and proud to say that he backed himself to success. Keeping with his personal motto of “always treat others how you wish others to treat you,” people who work with and for Trent strive for quality in service and product above all else.

In his university days, Trent

worked in coffee-related establishments and discovered his passion for caffeine infusions. As he stepped off the beaten road of employee to corporations and employers, his love gave birth to Bear Bones of Brisbane. With a wealth of knowledge accumulated while working for others, Trent built connections and collected resources to achieve his dream of working for himself. Currently partnered with master roaster Rosco Franklin, the team at Bear Bones sources and blends its own coffees. To keep the beans fresh

S.L.A.M. Magazine VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 17

AUSTRALIA

and each experience different, single origin coffees rotate through the store on a weekly basis.

Keeping true to Trent’s personal ethics, Bear Bones prides itself on quality, keeping a professional taste without the corporate flavor. His experiences in various environments served the purpose of letting Trent understand the needs and wants of cafes, teaching him the intricacies of being a quality supplier in the field. Even though Bear Bones has been a roastery for only a year, Trent has fine-tuned his business formula, and the company is already able to offer some of the best coffee and coffee equipment at competitive prices. As a local supplier, he has captivated the scene with the uniqueness that is Bear Bones.

Trent looks forward to the continued expansion of his client 18 | S.L.A.M. Magazine ArtSLAMmag.com

base through quality product and genuine care for the success of other establishments.

Around the same time his cafe took the step into roastery, Trent partnered with Asa Boardman and Martin Lange, taking a step into the world of whisky in 2013. The Cobbler (also of Brisbane) stocks approximately four hundred and fifty whiskies from around the world, including Trent’s favorite, a 30-year-old Balvenie. Already known as one of the best boutique bars in the state of Queensland, the establishment also boasts of delicious cocktails and craft beers. The environment is fun and friendly and awesome stories may be a side effect of evening spent there. Trent shared a night where an attempt to pour beer into an upside-down glass resulted in hilarity and good times at The

Cobbler. Talented bartenders and good company, a fun and professional atmosphere, a classy selection with plenty of variety— what more could anyone want of a place to kick back and speak easy?

Two businesses may sound like a lot of work, but when work is play, the end of the day comes up quick. As somebody who is on the way to fulfilling his dreams, Trent shares, “The best part about working for yourself is you only have yourself to blame if things don’t work out. Not doing well?

Get up and sort it out. The buck stops with you.” The path away from corporations and employers is rough, but when asked how he faces his obstacles, Trent responded, “I like this challenge in life. It gives me a boost of energy,

drive and commitment.” He also made sure to emphasize taking time out of his busy schedule for fishing trips (another great love) and to mix tunes to crank loud while relaxing to a few drinks or a strong (Bear Bones, of course) latte. n

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Music

CANADA

Talent in Toronto

by Melissa Merkler

S

ome people listen to music simply to fill a quiet void, while others consider music a gateway to the soul. Stuart Lam is one of the latter. A selftaught musician who migrated from Guyana, South America to Toronto, Canada, Mr. Lam has a passion for performing songs close to his heart. He plays various genres such as soul, funk, and classic rock with his band Groove Hammer.

Many artists find songs have a way of transporting listeners to another time or place. “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green does just that for Mr. Lam. “I spent a lot of time growing up in my grandparents Grocery and Rum Shop in the countryside. This song blared constantly from the jukebox in the rum shop, so every time I play this song, it takes me back to my childhood,” he said.

Some songs invoke a specific feeling because the lyrics are emotional; other songs might make one get up and move because the beat just won’t let the feet stand still. Mr. Lam said, “My favorite song to perform

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is ‘Shining Star’ by Earth, Wind & Fire.” They were a band he idolized. “They were funky and soulful,” he added. “I love music that makes people get up and dance, and this song just lays the groove. The vocal harmonies just sit on top, like icing on a cake.”

Mr. Lam also spoke of a great joy experienced when performing music. “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder is one of his favorite songs to lose himself in. “It's a simple song based on a riff, but on top of that riff [Stevie Wonder] added this kick-ass horn section that just jells everything together,” he said. Since Groove Hammer is a nine-piece band with a full horn section, performing this song live is definitely a crowd-pleaser. “When the horn section kicks in while we perform this song,” Mr. Lam said, “I get caught up in the groove!”

However, sometimes it’s not the song that brings energy to a performing band—it is the audience. The reaction of a live audience is what lends to the emotional interaction between the musician and his or her instrument. “When they are up and dancing, or even just clapping and dancing in their seats, it gets me more fired up to perform and give them something back via the music,” Mr. Lam said. “The best is watching young children instinctively move to music. It's a basic response to a simple beat.”

When not on stage, Mr. Lam can often be found strumming his first love, the guitar. Although he also plays the keyboard, he said he picks up the guitar when it comes to playing leisurely. “I find the guitar is more percussive and rhythmic when you play it,”

he said, and added, “I love funk, soul, and R&B music; I love the role guitar has had in [these genres].”

The thrill that Mr. Lam said he gets from playing original music is different from any other emotion he experiences while performing. He compared playing his own music to playing a cover song to a parent-child relationship. “You feel like a parent letting his kid out onto the street.You want them to go out there on their own, but you want to protect them at the same time,” he said. “You want to play it, but are fearful of the criticism. Once you play it, though, you watch it flourish.”

Mr. Lam said he never wants to retire from playing and performing. “Music is my passion,” he said, and that is something he will take the grave. “He was funky and loved black music," is what he imagines his band mates would say at his funeral. n

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Music

Musician with a Mission

by Michi Chan

A

t 42, David Briggs of Utah has been playing music for most of his life. Inspired by The Beatles and The Beach Boys at a young age, Mötley Crüe was what drove his child-self to strive for instrumental mastery. A rocker at heart, he draws inspiration from all genres. "If it's good, it's good;

don't care what style it is," the musician shot easily and added, "I've played in pop, blues, country, and rock."

After a successful first gig at the age of 18 (in an under-21 bar), David and his band at the time were invited to play at another local venue. A couple of broken laws and heavy fines later, David and his crew found the closest their town had to an all-ages locale to play at steadily until they all came of age.

In his youth, he cycled through several local bands such as Skit Skat, All Souls Avenue, P.C.P. Berzerker, 2nd Hand Grace, and Supersofar.

At 32, David was part of Broke City, his break out of the local scene.

Together

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with band mates Joel Pack and Rob Moffitt, Broke City signed a record deal with Maverick Records in the 2000s and took part in the Taste of Chaos Tour with bands like As I Lay Dying, Atreyu, Deftones, Thrice, and Thursday.

Sadly, all good things come to an end. Broke City dissolved, to the heartache of fans. Shortly after, David hooked up with his brother Derek, Neil Ohmie, and Bob Hanson to start their newest project, Heartbreak Hangover. Their quickly-garnered local success moved them on to open for major acts like KISS, Skid Row, and Great White.

David said the biggest hurdle he overcame was the decision to focus on his musical career, the day he decided not to have a “legit job,” a normal 9-to-5 type of job.

He shared that it isn’t easy to “let that security of making so-much an hour go.” Elaborating, he said, “I always thought ‘I have to make this much an hour,’ and this and that, and when I quit caring and made the jump—it wasn't that bad.” David spent some time working in medical assembly, then at Mars Music (think big box store like Guitar Center) for about six months before the company went under and he got laid off. Since then, in between gigs, David works at a local mom and pops guitar shop doing all guitar repairs, hot rods, and upgrades and has done

so for about thirteen years. He explained how encouraging his owners have been, especially when he was touring more frequently when he left for a couple months at a time to follow his dream. He added, “Since I work there for trade of instruments, it works out.” At any rate, David let us in on a trade secret. “I make real green money from gigging and freelance shows and repairs. My day job is for musical gear [since I work for instruments]. I own enough stuff to start my own store, but I'm a collector,” he laughed. The musician did caution that it was “hard to make the jump 'cause of bills, rent, life,” but, “you have to kick ass and work hard, but at least I was doing what I love, so the sacrifice of more money for my sanity for doing what I love was worth it. I make a shit load less than I did, but I'm fully happy to wake up now.”

The man knows his worth and works hard and smart. “My motto here is ‘I won’t leave my couch for any less than $100,’ and enough people know that, I guess, that I do well enough to keep working.

I’ve also worked as a guitar tech, so any bands playing that need a good tech, I’m always available.”

He continued, “I've helped out The Used a couple of times. I've helped 30 Seconds to Mars a few times and was on the road with them. I was a main tech guy for Hawthorne Heights one tour.

One of my best friends, Jonni Lightfoot (we played in Skit Skat and got busted with IDs), plays bass for Air Supply, and I've helped them out a couple times.”

Being a little bit superhuman and very much rock-and-roll, David does not let himself get stuck.

“There are always alternatives for things, and I’ve been pretty lucky to have things go smooth. When you’re independent, you just reroute,” he said.

About struggle, however, the talented jack-of-most said, “Every day is struggle. There’s a lot of promoting the band and promoting yourself as a player for freelance. [There’s] a lot of hustle for

USA gigs and letting people and bands know that I’m for hire.”

Take a lesson learned from David: fake it ‘til you make it, work hard, work smart, and never stop hyping the turd, even after it becomes gold. n

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Mind Morsels Entrée he promise: Social stardom, endless friends, selfies fit to grace the walls of Mick Jagger’s man cave, and thousands of self affirming comments daily. It’s 2015 people, and all is up for grabs on the InstaFaceTwittersphere!!!

T

First Course he Realization: 4000 fake people/friends/twits creeping over your every move is not actually fun at all. In fact, it’s pretty bloody stupid. We’ve all had the FB picture fight right?

It’s a right of passage to the virtual community, “You have ruined my real relationship!

Please take me now.” “You did this?” “Was he touching you?”

T

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“Where were you?” “Who were you with?” No one needs to know everyone’s every move every day. This is the death of privacy as we know it and no one gives a damn! If the CIA did what FB did, there would be uproar! Well, at least on Russia Today or Aljazeera!! One rule of thumb for FB friends is that if you have more friends than Hue Heffner has banged play bunnies, your “friends” may as well be pieces of furniture. Sure there is that one hot Guy/Gal in Bora Bora you “chat” with, but wait a minute you are never going to Bora Bora…ever!!

The fact is that the InstaFaceTwitteGram has robbed you of your mojo, your get up and go, and your real life and friends. As attractive as your keyboard can be its not exactly making your panties wet, is it?

Second Course he choice: Jump off the ride, get your life back, stop envying Mr. Peter Perfects every bloody selfie and go outside, maybe even leave the iPhone at home. Here is a thought: maybe even log off of Facebook! There is a time limit on this people that is fast approaching. This social media ride we are all on of computer generated virtual nonsense, has us all so captivated, it is ruining something we will never get back! What happened to good old fashioned conversation, real communication, looking at someone’s face, reading expressions, not just hearing but feeling what they have to say, or seeing a friend is in trouble because you can see their eyes.

If this skips a generation, it’s gone forever! That, my battery powered Humanos will be a sad day indeed and, in my humble opinion, a major shift in what it means to be a person in the 21st century.

T

Dessert tart now! Log off: Turn around and talk to someone, touch someone (preferably not inappropriately), shake a hand, or even flip someone the bird!!!

Anything, except for a, “hey hw r u” on FB! People have killed themselves over this rubbish and it’s only going to get worse.

Mark these words, and remember you read it here first in S.L.A.M. magazine.

S

Peace, love and all that bollocks.

Dave,

The Disgruntled Social Media Superstar SLAM Magazine S.L.A.M. MagazineVIII VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 25

Theatre Downtown Endures Orlando Playhouse

by Gio Panagiotakis I had the chance to sit down at the playhouse bar with one of the founding members of the critically-lauded Theatre Downtown in Orlando.What happened was a series of exploratory monologues mixed with vignettes of dialogue, each beat resulting in some enlightening topic of conversation. Frank displayed a natural and masterful ability to socialize while expositing; he transformed theatre into a character of its own, comprised of psychology, physiology, and sociology, whereas, I played a secondary plot device character. For a couple of hours, Frank was the leading man.

Cast Frank Hilgenberg: A boisterous, stout senior with a cartoonishly white ring of hair around his head. He is on the Board of Directors.

Gio Panagiotakis: A writer for S.L.A.M. Magazine.

Scene A playhouse in Orlando, Florida.

Time The present.

At Rise (LIGHTS UP) (FRANK walks carefully through the dim area and flips a light switch that pops lights on next to the bar, illuminating it and stage props in a narrow hall leading to two nearly-hidden restrooms. Each prop is labeled with paper. FRANK peers down at each label and holds each piece a couple inches from his face as he reads.)

FRANK Let’s see... Tim’s crutch, Marley’s cane, and Cratchett’s lump of coal.

SCENE 1 Setting (We are at a playhouse bar set in a dimly lit theater building. At one end of the bar sits a cash register of 1970s vintage. Covering the walls of the bar and interior of the building are publicity posters and enlarged photographs from show highlights. They are all tagged with embellishments, showcasing the proud word, “Extended!” Upstage from the bar sits the earliest push-button telephone. Downstage from the bar sits a standard pool table with items leaned all around it that were for sale.)

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(FRANK takes the three pieces through a little door in the corner labeled, “Quiet! Green Room.” He enters the bar again with pen and notepad. He jots something down as he looks up at the writer. The S.L.A.M. writer sets down a coffee mug and preps his fingers atop the keys of a laptop. FRANK picks up a broom and sweeps speaking. The writer types notes.)

FRANK What, exactly, are you looking for in this?

GIO I suppose we’re looking for what all good stories have: a developed main character, an underlying theme

Crimes of the Heart, Orlando Playhouse

USA

behind the seemingly random events influencing the growth of said character, and catharsis.

FRANK Well, we’ve been here in this venue for twenty-five years, and Florida Hospital is now terminating our lease; we have to be out by January 31st. However, this is a cherished venue, and with the help of volunteers and thousands of supporters, a 2015 season will happen.

GIO You covered all three there—impressively succinct.

Tell us a little about Frank and his relationship to theatre, if you don’t mind a good flashback.

FRANK Not at all. (beat) I started my theatre career at the University of Wisconsin. I did theatre in high school, too, but the real start of my career was sophomore year in college; that’s when a group of directors, actors, and I started Broom Street Theatre, and it’s still open to this day. All this started because of a little troupe that created avant-garde theatre while countering a university.

FRANK Stuart Gordon, a bunch of other actors, and I went together to Chicago to the 1968 Democratic Convention. We saw what happened there, came back fueled, and we tried to change things in Wisconsin, but with theatre. If you look up Broom Street on Google, you’ll see Gordon’s name. One of the films he’s done is a huge classic cult horror film that’s called Re-Animator. He’s been referred to in Hollywood as “the modern-day Roger Corman.”

GIO How did you “counter the university?”

FRANK Well, we were countering the theatre. I mean, it’s a whole long story about Peter Pan and censorship. It was after several demonstrations in ’68. Peter doesn’t fight pirates; he fights Chicago police. Tiger Lily and the characters called Indians are replaced by Black Panthers who support the Lost Boys against the police. The Panthers, Pan, and the Lost Boys unite against the police in our own metaphorical riot. The original piece is meant to be a political satire. Anyway, that’s how we spun it.

••• GIO Countering a university? Sounds like renegade theatre. Please visit this link to continue reading: http://artslammag. com/misc/theatre-downtown-endures-orlando-playhouse/ Guerilla theatre can’t even touch that.

S.L.A.M. Magazine VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 27

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NORWAY World Renowned Artist CoverArtist

ELLING REITAN

T

his past year, on December 3, 2014, the City of Miami, Florida was host to one of the world’s largest art exhibits. S.L.A.M. Magazine made a special trip to attend the 25th anniversary of Art.Miami so that we could meet with the worldrenowned Norwegian artist, Mr. Elling Reitan. In recent years, Elling has exhibited his work in coveted places such as The Louvre in Paris, Westwood Gallery in New York, Los Angeles Art Fair and a solo exhibition at FineArt Gallery in Oslo. His journey of success and accomplishments started in Trondheim in 1949; since leaving his teaching career in 1992, he developed his personal, unique style. Elling has participated in more than one hundred fifty individual and group exhibitions in Norway and around the world, and his work hangs in private collections in the US, Asia, and Europe. Here is his take on art, life, and some advice for younger

by Anonymous

artists who are still developing.

S.L.A.M.: At what point in your life did you realize the art world was your calling?

first exhibitions and sold pretty well. In 1992, I quit teaching and started my career as a full-time artist.

Elling Reitan: I got my first painting equipment when I was six or seven years old. I have been painting since then. Note: Elling told us later that he sold his first painting (a landscape) at that young age. My goal was to become an artist from that time. However, I took a university education in English and German language with focus on literature. Then I could work as a teacher, which I did for some years.

S.L.A.M.: Tell us about any mentors or heroes in your life.

S.L.A.M.: How old were you, and was there a specific event that changed your life direction?

Elling Reitan: From 1982-87, I practiced with Norwegian painter, Odd Nerdrum, one weekend every month, and also worked as a teacher. In that period I had my

Elling Reitan: Two Norwegian artists were especially important for me in that period: Odd Nerdrum and Jens Johanessen.

Nerdrum was important for his brave, realistic approach, and Johanessen for his use of old Norwegian, traditional handicraft painting in a modern language.

Note: In another conversation, Elling told us he was also influenced by Dali and all of the old masters.

S.L.A.M.: Who is your current favorite artist, and why?

Elling Reitan: Not one, but several artists, have made a big influence on me: Edvard Munch,

S.L.A.M. Magazine VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 29

Odd Nerdrum, Andy Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat, Gerhardt Richter, among others.

S.L.A.M.: What advice would you give to younger artists starting out?

Elling Reitan: Sometimes you might feel tired or discouraged, but never give up. Don't forget, it takes time. Most artists have to walk a long and windy road before they become real artists.

S.L.A.M.: Your CV lists numerous galleries and exhibitions.

Are there any future goals or aspirations that you can share with S.L.A.M. readers?

Elling Reitan: I exhibit at Singapore Bank Art Fair as this is being written. I launched a new project at Art.Miami with Westwood Gallery. It's an object/sculpture project made of epoxy boxes with my images.

S.L.A.M.: Some artists focus on one medium. You are successful in several media including acrylics, water colors, coal drawings, lithographs, color etchings (carborundum), serigraphs with mixed media, and glassware art. Why did you expand into a multiartist?

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Elling Reitan: I became a multiartist for several reasons: It's important to come up with some new ideas now and then and also new works and techniques. It is important for me as an artist; it triggers my creativity, and the public wants to see something new.

An exhibition might seem more interesting, also, when you present works in different techniques. In recent years, an international trend has emerged that many artists present work in different media.

S.L.A.M.: Explain the "stroke pair technique" to our readers.

Elling Reitan: I call them Yin & Yang, from Chinese philosophy.

They are originally two drops of water, black and white; they form a circle. The stroke pair I use as symbols of counterparts, like black/ white, male/female, good/evil, and so on. Together, they make harmony. I use them as a signature/ trademark. I also use them to balance my paintings, to give them harmony. If I make a landscape

S.L.A.M.: Thank you for your time and insights.

••• S.L.A.M. was able to view Elling’s new project in the Westwood Gallery exhibit at Art.Miami. The images inside the clear boxes were clearly recognizable as his work, including his signature stroke pair technique. His talent caused the images to appear to be illuminated without actual internal lights or spot lights. S.L.A.M. was able to meet with Elling for lunch in South Beach the following day and it was a pleasure getting to know him.

He let slip that a bluesy version of him exists, singing Bob Dylan’s "Rainy Day Woman" while jammin’ with his buddies on the internet.

S.L.A.M. found it on Youtube for your amusement at https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=sfATfhlsD7Y.

His interest in sports, in particular, cross country skiing, resulted in an offer to join the Norwegian national team and to later coach the sport. He has also participated in several marathon runs and could possibly be found at the “Elling Reitan Invitational” international golf tournament in Landskrona, Sweden.

The art world nearly lost him to athletics. More than a multiartist, Elling is a multihuman, very likeable, and a veritable gentlemen of the arts. n

ArtMiami Dec 2014

painting, it gives more nerve to the work if the stroke pair is there, but I don't use them only in landscapes.

If I make a big portrait, I might well place them in the forehead.

You are invited to reach out to Elling at his website, https://www.ellingreitan.com where his complete CV is available or on Facebook. More indepth information is available in the following two books written about the artist: Elling Reitan, Mystisk – Filosofisk – Symbolistisk, 2001 in English and Norwegian Den Enigmatiske Engel (The Enigmatic Angel) by Ole Lindboe, 2005 in English and Norwegian S.L.A.M. Magazine VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 31

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USA

Illuminated Art

by Nate

by Lady Grace and Michi Chan

T

he canvases of 28-year-old Nate Lyle transport us to another realm. They invoke a sense of industrial-psychedelia--at once both infinite and definite in lines and dimensions. This native of Biloxi, Mississippi beautifully juxtaposes various techniques, objects, and images to create a tasteful aesthetic that disturbs the pristine table on which it sits. The budding artist caught a moment between work and play to breathe with S.L.A.M. and answer a few questions about himself.

their music may have helped give me my visual sense and perspective.

S.L.A.M.: How long have you been creating?

S.L.A.M.: Where would you love to see your work showcased someday?

Nate Lyle: I've been creating since I was a young kid.

As for canvas painting, I have been using this medium for roughly four years.

S.L.A.M.: What inspired you to become an artist?

Nate Lyle: When I was a kid, I saw some awesome graffiti in Atlanta and was intrigued ever since; one day, I finally said, "I can do that," and began my journey.

S.L.A.M.: Who is your favorite artist, and what do you love about him or her?

Nate Lyle: That's a hard one to answer! Probably "Mr. Totem2." I've followed his work globally for years now.

The visual stimulation from the colors and depth he does is my favorite. My all-around favorite artist would be Ales Bask Hostomsky. He's got his hands in everything; I really admire and dig his work.

S.L.A.M.: Who is you favorite musician, and why?

Nate Lyle: My favorite musicians would have to be my mom and my dad. I grew up seeing them perform, and Dad was always playing the jazz saxophone in the house. Hearing Mom's voice when she sang gave me goose bumps. I didn't pick up their music genre, but

S.L.A.M.: Tell us a little about your favorite dive.

Nate Lyle: The Emerald in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. It always has a creative crowd coming in and out. That's where I had my first painting shown. It's a small bar in the 600 block that just has a vibe like you're at home.

Nate Lyle: 1AM San Franscisco. Those guys show some awesome artists, and I'd be thrilled to have my work shown there. At the end of the day, though, I would love for my creations to be shown to as many people as possible, so the kid that walks by and sees my work is interested enough to say, "How did he do that?" and then goes home and begins his creating journey, too.

S.L.A.M.: What are your future goals as an artist?

Nate Lyle: I would like to continue painting larger pieces. I'm also looking into sharing my techniques and style with somebody at some point—you know, pass the knowledge.

S.L.A.M.: Have you ever wanted to stop creating?

Nate Lyle: I've never wanted to stop creating! I have taken a break and gotten wrapped up in “Life” before, but when I picked up the tools again, I hit the ground running. I definitely made up for lost time.

S.L.A.M.: What was your favorite subject in school, and why?

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Nate Lyle: Definitely physical education. I caught a loophole where I took it for half a school day for one year and did nothing but draw. Three-and-a-half hours of drawing and doing what you want--how can you go wrong?

S.L.A.M.: What are your current struggles with creating art, and how do you overcome them?

Nate Lyle: My current struggle is keeping enough materials in my studio. I tend to accumulate items I find, especially wood, but they get used very quickly, and then I'm back on the hunt for more stuff. Thankfully, I have an awesome connection on recycled wood right now. Another struggle I believe I have is that I find I'm stuck in my surroundings.

I can't seem to reach a larger audience. Maybe this article will help jump-start this effort.

S.L.A.M.: What is your favorite piece from all of your works, and why? When was it created? What inspired this piece? Would you ever sell it?

Nate Lyle: My favorite piece is call "Smile Dreams." It was created the summer of 2014 for a Marriott Hotel art show, here in Pensacola. It was just a random act of creating. The colors and geometric shapes just floated right off the painting. I doubt I would sell that one. It was inspired by a sunny day and a fresh supply of spray paint.

for themselves.

S.L.A.M.: How long do your pieces take to create?

Nate Lyle: On average, it takes three sittings from start to finish. It also depends on the size, but anywhere from one to three days.

S.L.A.M.: Anyone you would like to shout out to?

Nate Lyle: I would like to shout out to "Saint Paint," Derek Donnelly and Zulu Painter, both from St. Petersburg, Florida. Nura Lyze of Roswell, New Mexico. All the artists of Pensacola and Tampa Bay, Florida. Also, the team at Art Primo, Seattle, Washington. Last, but not least, “Lady Grace” Grecelle Rivera, for giving me this awesome opportunity. Thank you, and One Love!

••• These days, Nate can be found in Pensacola, Florida.

Currently supplementing his artistic income working in a grocery store, he strives to make his dreams his profession and not just a creative outlet. Nate reminds us that as long as we are willing to keep our hands dirty, we can never stop creating. n

S.L.A.M.: Are you looking for artist representation?

Nate Lyle: I'm always looking for representation. I always have my eyes and ears open—but if you have anyone in mind, please send them my way!

S.L.A.M.: What is your favorite quote?

Nate Lyle: My favorite quote is a toss up between "Art Before Silence" or "Today Is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life."

S.L.A.M.: Any advice to share with the other local artists like yourself?

Nate Lyle: My advice is pretty simple: Never stop creating. Never compare yourself or your work to anyone. Finally: Let your work and work ethic speak S.L.A.M. Magazine VIII Jan. - March ‘15 | 35

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