artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
1
2 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
1
2 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
s t n e t n o C f o Tab le FEATURES
6 14 20 27 36 42
Jasser Memb
reno
SPOTLIGHT Sticky Ricks
George Labr - Have you s
ada, Sacred Tatto
een him?
Lekit & Leka FASHION - Wa
rdrobe Diva
FASHION - GL
o
s, Las Fashio
nistas
AMURaI SAMU
RaI
S R A L U REG
UTS ONUTS, DON D , S T U N O D EATS m f the mayhe o e l d id m , e utiful nois MUSIC - Bea READS
andez - Susie fern X O B T IS T r R A ichenbacke e R N O R F F A S
46 48 54 55
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
3
4 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
5
Jasser Membreno Jasser Membreno is a Digital Artist and Filmmaker from Los Angeles, CA. His work is surreal from a dark and magical world that is displayed through many mixed mediums. A Character Animation graduate from Cal-Arts in 2008, Jasser has been working on art direction and animation but also independently. Recently he has put work in to his first book entitled “Thoughts/Pensamientos�.
6 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
What are your inspirations, role models, and how do you create? My inspirations come from my everyday life; that on a daily stroll what looks like an everyday thing to someone is far from that for me. My mind is constantly transforming and shaping normal things into fantasy characters, objects that live within fantastical worlds.
I have to create on an artistic level. It’s my way of staying sane. A constant deciphering and observation of people, relationships, technology, culture, tiny bit of politics, class systems, nurture in our human nature and the unknown. I have always aspired to and have been influenced by Salvador Dali. My fantasy and imagination fuel the ultimate images that I can create. I create on a very imaginative level. At times I don’t know what I really intend to illustrate. I start with loose sketches or paint dabs and just let it unfold organically. If I have an image in mind that I want to create I then try to push it to the next level of uniqueness while keeping in mind that every piece has its own soul.
ford to spend hundreds on a piece. So, I decided to make something smaller, tangible and affordable. I’d like everyone to have a chance to take some of my work home with them and have a deeper/intimate experience with it. I want people to absorb the lunacy and surrealist concepts in my work. Also think about the mundane and how quickly things are shifting. This shift could be regarded towards relationships, human contact, virtual life styles, technology infusion and how it’s ruling our lives. For better or worse, it’s ultimately up to the viewer to decide.
Let’s talk about your book. Why did you make it and what do you want people to take away from reading it?
2. Have opening for the “Thoughts”.
I first came up with the idea for my book after having many art shows and realizing that everyone loved my work but not everyone could af-
What are your future goals, upcoming projects and future shows? 1. Publish Thoughts as an Ebook and a coffee table book.
3. Have a children’s book project that I will be starting after “Thoughts” is released. 4. Star surrealist art collective in Downtown Los Angeles. Paint a few murals around downtown.
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
7
8 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
“I want people to absorb the lunacy and surrealist concepts in my work�
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
9
10 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
Personal Website:
ressaj1980.wix.com/jassermembreno Book Website: Instagram: Tumblr: Email:
thoughtsV01.com
instagram.com/jassermembreno
jasserart.tumblr.com
reesaj1980@gmail.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
11
12 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
13
SPOTLIGHT
Q: Evil or Sacred; where
did you come up with that concept?
A: Coming from a Mexican
culture things are looked at differently, especially tattoos, it was for cholos and criminals (laughs). Around 1997 when I was exposed to tattoos, it wasn’t as common and acceptable as it is now; it was more for that individual that wanted to be different in society. Around 2002, I was tattooing at a shop in East L.A. I was doing all kinds of tattoos but mostly I was doing religious tattoos, memorial tattoos as well as evil. So when I opened up my first shop in Lincoln Heights “Evil or Sacred Tattoos” just felt natural because getting tattooed was “evil” to some but the tattoo on the skin was “sacred” to others. 14 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
SPOTLIGHT Q: You live in Boyle
Heights and your shop is in Eagle Rock; what are your thoughts on gentrification?
Q: So you’re an artist
and a tattoo artist; many people don’t know the challenge of being both. Is there one you prefer over the other?
A: I have never worked so hard
to “out-do” myself in my art and craft. Tattooing took over my life and has given me so much, a second chance in life to be someone not just an ex-con. I have had the chance to travel to places I never thought I would set foot in, meet people and friends from around the world; to have a career. People let me do my art on their skin that will be there for life but most of all, I do this for my family, my motivation for everything I do. I’m self-taught in both tattooing and painting; so I never try to stop learning and doing research; I always say I can do better. It’s a lot of work; lost nights working 7 days a week, 12 hour shifts and missing out on social life. If it wasn’t for that I wouldn’t be where I am now. Despite of all that, I have been able to transform my art from being tattoo related to fine art. I have had the chance to exhibit alongside some of Los Angeles’ greatest artists and displaying at the Gene Autry Museum and Ontario Museum of History and Art.
A: I grew up in North East L.A. so I was able to see changes happen in that area. Change is good from what I saw, there was more money put into the area to make it better and more welcoming; it was kept small business. As a business owner I can’t complain. I work for what i have so bringing in more foot traffic is a plus. Now living in Boyle Heights I like the strong cultural presence that is here but the landlords do more harm than the people migrating to the area. I like living in a mixed cultural environment; at the end of the day we need each other for one thing or another.
A: Artificum Art Gallery is
alongside the tattoo shop. If you’re an established artist, a rising artist, or trying to get your foot in the door, I know how it is to try to get into a gallery and put your work out there. So, I started to have art shows to display artwork from the shop and my own when I wasn’t
Q: One thing we love about your space is that you open your space to other artists and host shows for them. What has been one of your best ones to date?
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
15
SPOTLIGHT
16 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
SPOTLIGHT
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
17
SPOTLIGHT
showing at a gallery or trying to get into one. One of the shows I was proud of and really liked was our first one; especially with all the negativity and doubts. We had about 30 artists showing with so much energy, talent in the air and people were having a good time. We had work from some heavy hitters like Frank Romero, Margaret Garcia, and Angie Jones to name a few.
Q: Is there anyone that
influences you in your art work in either style?
A: Some of my influences are
Sailor Jerry, Paul Booth, Phillip Leu, Antonio Mejia, Grime, and Bugs. For painting I wasn’t knowledgeable in “who was who”, till this day, I’m still learning. The main
one was Van Gogh because he’s the one that everyone knows. I started coming across art work from Henry Ausensio, Michael Flohr, and Steven Quartly. When I began showing my art people would say that they saw a little of “this artist” and “that artist” in the painting. So, I would write down the names and research them. I had seen art work from these artists living in L.A. such as Carlos Almaraz, Jose Posada, Margaret Garcia, Bonnie Lambert, and Frank Romero. They must had done something that my mind stored and once I got creative with shapes and color it, just came out
Q: What is the ultimate
goal when it comes to your art work and shop?
18 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
A: Los Angeles is such a cre-
ative and cultural city but it’s so grey, filled up with smog and the electric feeling is almost gone. So unlike tattooing, my paintings
SPOTLIGHT aren’t precise. I create them with color and shapes so your eyes can put everything together to bring out the beauty in it; as it should be. For the shop, I try to mix our artistic ability and tattoo skills to create a unique tattoo for the individual so they leave happy due to our work and customer service.
Q: How do you choose the artists that work in your shop, what is that process like?
A: When choosing an artist for
a shop a lot has to be put in place. Good work ethics and being able to work in a team is a must. They must be open to new ideas and keep learning; they can’t act like a rock star or have a negative attitude. They must have shop experience and a portfolio with customer service skills. They need to be able to draw and be certified by health department. Being an artist is a plus. Skugga, Tattoo Cuit, Fanny Duran, Andy Haynes and an up-and-coming artist, Amy Ortiz; all are also involved in the art world on the side. Everyone is keeping a balance to create.
side the box, and if someone tells you that you can’t do it, don’t give up. Be open to criticism it will only make you better.
Q: Do you have any
events or shows coming up where people can come check you out at?
A: El Entierro, October 25
6:00pm-12:00am 4534 Eagle Rock Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90041
It’s a group Dia de los Muertos show.
Q: Last thoughts on anything?
A: I would like to thank
you for choosing me for an interview and to all the haters throughout the years, thanks, it just made me do better. Thanks to my friends and family for all the support.
Q: Is there any message
To set up appointments or check George Labrada’s work visit: Website: georgelabrada.com
A: My advice if you’re trying to
Instagram: @george_labrada
you’d like to say to any up and coming artists that are reading this right now?
be a tattooer or an artist is that you can achieve whatever you want with discipline, dedication and hard work ethics. Keep doing research and creating, think out-
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
19
20 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
21
22 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
23
24 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
25
26 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
27
28 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
29
30 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
31
32 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
33
Interview by: Trish Ortega
34 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
35
FASHION FASHION
ART! THE MAGAZINE | FASHION
THIS IS LA! FASHION CANNOT RIP [ Written by Eli Z Photography by Ana J Models: Karina Chavez, Noemy Lopez, Lesley Rox ]
About the Stylist:
W
ardrobe Divas is a unique on-line and retail shop which caters to different fashion styles to women of all shapes and sizes. The name Wardrobe Divas means let your style have the attitude. Fashion is a way of art and expression, there are many ways to do this and you are able to change your look as many or few times as you like. A lot can be said by the way you dress, the best for me has been meeting stunning women with a superb sense of style and as soon as we begin to talk they are kind, generous, funny and intelligent. No need to be a real life “Diva” full of attitude, leave that up to your clothes, and you let your inner beauty shine, that is the cherry on top that completes a perfect look.
“A lot can be said by the way you dress..” 36 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
37
FASHION ART! THE MAGAZINE | FASHION
BoHo Chic
38 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
Dedicated to that girl who never seemed to be too stressed about life but enjoyed every second. Quiet, sweet and intelligent but not to be taken for granted. She spent her days in school and her nights working on her craft such as the arts, singing and dancing. Life to this free spirit was but a dream which she lived to the fullest everyday. An LA Boho gal is one that can mix different influences for the perfect look, take some western, some 60s with a dash of nature and you have the ingredients for a magical look no one can mistake or forget.
Urban Temptress The days of clichĂŠ Urban style in which girls had to give their street style a masculine touch are over. To be an alpha female on these LA streets you need that confidence and edge to come from within, and yet still be a force to be feared. Why feared? Once she has her eye on you, there is no resisting the temptation of getting to know this gorgeous beauty. She pulls off her style by patterns, bright colors, lots of accessories and balancing her separates. If she is wearing short length bottoms her top half is covered and vise versa. Not afraid of taking risks, that is where having fashion confidence pays off.
“..patterns, bright colors, lots of accessories..� artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
39
FASHION
ART! THE MAGAZINE | FASHION
Sultry Siren
As they say, the classic never goes out of style. An interesting twist to a classic LA girl is the mystery behind the alluring style that keeps one intrigued, who she is? where she lives? what does she like to do? The beautiful details about this girl’s look is that she takes her time to make sure that everything about her is on point, it is important that she leaves home impressed by the look she put together. It is the little things that make a difference in every aspect of her life and appearance. To re create this flirty but classy look, wear an item with lace details, stockings, heels, accessories, and a touch of color make you the girl that everyone has to stop and take a second look.
40 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
FASHION
About the MUA Team: Liz Conde and Wendy Urena went to the Academy of Make up and Fashion in Encino CA. Their love for makeup and helping others brought them together. Their dream soon turned to reality in October 2013 when they opened the Red Lipstick Makeup Studio. Teresa Miranda is a makeup artist with 7 years experience. She received her makeup certificate in beauty and character at Makeup Design School in Burbank, CA. Teresa partnered with Red Lipstick Makeup Studio in May 2014 where now these three beautiful, strong, independent, business minded women are unstoppable.
About the Hairpieces: Cute by Bupi started about 2 years ago. Veronica started creating sock monkeys and monsters. Shortly after she began to create hairpieces and realized how attracted she was to glamour. She is inspired to create beautiful things, run her boutique and thrive to succeed in what she loves to do. artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
41
FASHION
The
Glamurai Samurai Life in the City can always be pretty. Don’t mind the background as long as you are ready to shine. Do not worry about the weather, you can style regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way. Looking fierce while hanging out on a Saturday afternoon can be fun. These fashionistas slay a plain black look with a pop of color and sequence details keeping it fun, fresh and fabulous. Before the day is over, the dynamic duo switches the vibe from sweet to sass in formal wear. Tough can be pretty, especially when you take care of the ones you care about so that no one harms them. Bring on the haters, optimists and eye rollers as they have nothing on a girl with confidence and strut! 42 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
Photographer: Reves Noirs Photography Make Up: Lety Avina Stylist: Wardrobe Divas Hair: Paige Smith
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
43
44 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
FASHION
Photographer: Reves Noirs Photography Stylist: Wardrobe Divas
Make Up: Lety Avina Hair: Paige Smith artthemagazine.com
| Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
45
EATS
Flour and Sugar bonding inside of Deep Fryer
America’s Crazy
The history of the term “donuts” (doughnuts) has many tales but most are directed to American Culture. From early American settlers to many small shops owned by Cambodian immigrants; these fluffy, fried culinary inspired confectionaries are taken seriously by many owners and enthusiasts worldwide. With different adaptations from cultures all across the world, dunking dough in hot oil tastes like heaven on earth.
Spudnuts Donuts
3001 S. Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 749-0678
A franchise that allows its owners to control its own limitations from being wildly creative to being true to the Spudnuts Recipe: Potato Flour. This particular location is traditional to the recipe so you have the opportunity to truly understand how potato flour differs from your typical flour based donut; they are fluffier and
maintained its crispness longer than an ordinary donut. Open 24 hours a day, these potato pastries can be conveniently in your face any time. *HONORABLE MENTION* Spudnuts Donuts in Canoga Park, CA. They run the social media linked to Spudnuts Donuts (although other franchises will have their own social media) and explore the imagination of donut concoctions with their famous fluffy potato texture as an attempt to make their donuts more “gourmet”. www.SPUDNUTSDONUTS.com TWITTER: @SPUDNUTSDONUTS FACEBOOK: /SPUDNUTSDONUTS INSTAGRAM: @SPUDNUTSDONUTS
Café Dulce
134 Japanese Village Plaza Mall Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 346-9910
Across the street from the DTLA Arts District and in the heart of Little Tokyo, Café Dulce is a quaint shop that is a nice café that serves something I want to call the FashNut (Fashion Donut). These donuts are visually striking and, in theory, are delicious. Bacon and Maple, Cinnamon Toast 46 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
EATS
Crunch on whipped cream, Green Tea and Macadamia Nut; they are all beautiful and great flavor combos. But, if we talk solely about the donuts, I feel the textures of them are a bit too chewy for me. Overall, they have a great atmosphere and friendly service, I would love to return and bring some friends who would really enjoy their style of donut.
you and the experience changes upon every visit but the donut is their signature here. Their traditional is very simple and what you would expect but their Jimmy Eat Swirl is lightly spiced and has a nice texture. BONUS POINTS: They were playing Tupac through their speakers, I’ll be coming back for sure. FACEBOOK: /DONUTFRIEND TWITTER: @DONUTFRIEND INSTAGRAM:@DONUTFRIEND
www.CAFEDULCE.co TWITTER: @CAFEDULCELA FACEBOOK: /CAFEDULCE INSTAGRAM: @CAFEDULCELA
M S Donuts
Donut Friend
5107 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042 (213) 995-6191
These true donut enthusiasts serve a customized confectionary with lots of additions from fillings to toppings for each of their finely tuned donuts. The ordering process is simple: choose a premade combo or customize your own. They offer great things like fresh fruit, jams, spreads, nuts, candies, sauces and much more. The flavors are up to
1353 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (213) 484-0927
Humble donut shops are the heart and soul of Los Angeles. Nearby many venues and art pit-stops, M S Donuts has the classics perfected. Being a lover of fritters and old fashioned donuts, these were perfect here. Both were crisp, not over-sweetened, and almost had a creamy core. Many speak about their overnight Cambodian donut maker who sells donuts late in the night; not only are the donuts super fresh but his personality is refreshing to everyone he speaks with. No glitz, no glamour, no social media; all delicious.
The Donut Man
915 Route 66, Glendora, CA 91740 (626) 335-9111
Iconic. Famous. Historical. The Donut Man is known for his new takes on the concept of donuts. I don’t even think I need to describe these donuts; I just need to say names. Strawberry Donut, Tiger Tails, and Buttermilk Bar: everyone that knows Los Angeles knows these sweet and simple pastries. He uses organic fresh fruit and, despite being a 24 hour operation, still sells out of his strawberry donuts. They have so many nuances that make them different than other shops like the cinnamon donut holes that are dense rather than light, they chocolate dip their organic strawberries, and focus on seasonal ingredients. The Donut Man is legendary. www.THEDONUTMANCA.com TWITTER: @THEDONUTMANCA FACEBOOK: /THE-DONUT-MAN
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
47
48 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
49
50 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
51
52 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
53
READS
54 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
ARTIST BOX
Vomiting Trauma changes a child in countless ways; it alters the developmental growth from a young, innocent child to a strong, healthy woman. Self-loathing her body at the young age of seven, she drew charcoal drawings with a hint of crimson oil paints; her mother, as many mothers, was concerned. However, this was the beginning of a metamorphosis; Susana Fernandez began finding herself through her artwork. Expression through her talents, therapeutically changed how Susana emotionally felt about her physical appearance; her self-im-
on Paper
age grew from embarrassment to transcendence. Studious Susana, despite having the internal desire for artwork, began her fall semester at University of California, San Diego as a Psychology Major but still struggled with her eating disorder. She thought to herself that she was able to rid her own-self with the intellect, studies and sheer willpower. The truth caught up to her, Susana’s health suffered. Her mind gave in, developed heart problems, and she could no longer eat. Any form of nourishment she consumed would be rejected within minutes. Now suffering mental and physical pain, Susana fled to Mexico where she took a summer to begin recovery. “Like a child I had to learn how to eat again and slowly recovered.” Susana was stronger, happier but will battle her eating disorder for the rest of her life. With her new beginning, she took classes at a local community college and as of the summer of 2011, Susana Fernandez graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art. Mouth with Sugar Skull: The feeling that this disease would eventually destroy me and the physical Actively pursuing her pain as my body rejected food that I consumed. strongest passion with
Susie Fernandez; The World Today doesn’t make sense, so why should I Paint Pictures that Do?
her renewed health and stronger than ever, Susana began working at New City Public Schools in Long Beach. Here she can work firsthand with students, an art elective teacher and as an after school instructor for a main focus on art. Still with an interest in psychology, she can recognize the characteristics of children which have developed body issues. Additionally, Susana participates in the National Eating Disorder Association and is an advocate in numerous self-love workshops involving children. Now Susana is pursuing a Masters Degree of Fine Arts at California State University, Long Beach with goals in continuing awareness of eating disorders, supporting and raising funding for the National Eating Disorder Association, continue promoting self-love through artwork and workshops, and hopefully owning a gallery.
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
55
ARTIST BOX
Apple: The two weeks I would starve myself from the nourishment of one apple.
Skeletons in the Background: When I developed heart problems and began physically wasting away.
The Skull: The admiration I have for Frida; we both are self-taught artists that needed to grow stronger despite our health issues and heart breaks. ME and FRIDA: Frida is a huge role model for me so occasionally I place her spirit in things I like. 56 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
ARTIST BOX
“My November”: On one hand it represents me and my loss of innocence but on the other hand, it represents the child I feel I lost through miscarriage. She started to haunt my dreams and since I don’t see her face in my dreams, she is also faceless in the painting. This is a continued series and called “My November” in reference to the month when my child would be born.
Papaya: During my recovery my mother fed me papaya as I began to eat a little at a time, which is believed to be good for the stomach.
The Doll: Representation of my childhood and the dolls that my mother purchased for us.
Trees Blossoming: The nourishment I was receiving from consuming the papaya.
Future Project: Currently working on a fairytale representing childhood embedded with the 7 Deadly Sins and the psychology behind the stories. I have chosen the seven stories that will illustrate women killing a witch that represents sin.
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
57
ARTIST BOX REICHENBACKER SAFFRON
with my parents and illustrating them. As I reached my teens, I was often holed away in my bedroom listening to music and making intense little collages. I never really stopped!
WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED DRAWING/ PAINTING AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START?
Gosh, I’ve been drawing/creating in some form for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a house filled with my father’s wonderful, surrealist paintings. Drawing/making things was always encouraged as a family activity. One of my earliest memories is making storybooks
WERE YOU ENVELOPED IN ART AND SURROUNDED BY ARTISTS WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?
It was hard not to! It was all around me. Our lounge was always overflowing with the most marvelous collection of strange, scary and beautiful books. Inspiring objects were everywhere too. Among the many, was a mannequin fashioned into a lamp by my father. I suspect this led to my lifelong fixation with mannequins and doll parts, (and a fondness for
58 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
[German artist] Hans Bellmer). Growing up, I was particularly obsessed with films and comics. There are far too many to mention but I was especially enamoured with David Lynch’s early films and William Burroughs’ use of the Dadaist cutup technique.
DESCRIBE HOW YOUR STYLE HAS DEVELOPED.
I studied Fine Art at Brighton University. During this time I made a lot of conceptual pieces, working largely in sculpture and photography. As the years have gone by, my work has taken a more aesthetic/narrative form. Instead of focusing on raw self expression, I am more interested in creating a mood that reflects my fascination with early cinema and female saints.
ARTIST BOX
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
I would say it’s most comparable to Art Deco. I use minimal, clean lines, often with block colours. The characters I create, frequently sport hairstyles from that era. My work also features recurrent aspects of religious iconography, particularly halos.
ARE YOU AN INTROVERT OR EXTROVERT?
Gosh, that’s a tricky one. I’d say probably both! I’ve always had a very strong sense of my own identity. I’ve never been afraid to stand out in a crowd and love to spend time with my much adored friends. However, I’m really happy spending long periods alone in my own little world creating things. An introverted extrovert perhaps?!
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
59
ARTIST BOX
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?
Wow there are just too many things! I’m obsessed with the vamps of German Expressionism & early Hollywood. As well Weimar Berlin culture & Mexican folk Art but my all time inspiration is my grandmother. She’s an amazing woman who tells the most wonderful stories. She has always encouraged me to pursue my art and her house is absolutely filled with my creations. 60 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST DRIVING FORCE REGARDING YOUR ART?
I don’t feel like I have much choice really! It’s part of who I am.
CONTACT
www.saffronreichenbacker. co.uk/ Facebook: /Saffron-Reichenbacker/284263195781 Twitter: @SaffronReich
artthemagazine.com | Volume 2 Issue 1 | Art! The Magazine
61
62 Art! The Magazine | Volume 2 Issue 1 | artthemagazine.com