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who is blü founder/publisher/photographer nico amortegui nico@blu-magazine.com founder/creative director camila amortegui camila@blu-magazine.com copy editor laine dedmon editor matthew brown contributing writers hannah moore ashley shoemaker lauren powell contributing photographers tigre escobar walker brockington nathaniel pierce justin smith hugo from smile for camera contributing artists benjamin gelnett intern lauren powell sales & marketing charlotte, atlanta, charleston nico amortegui nico@blu-magazine.com ivan caicedo - atlanta ivan@blu-magazine.com cover credits tigre escobar
art 14 ana serrano 18 nestor jr. 22 brandi strickwell 24 melissa meyoko fashion 26 the darkest hour 32 the new crop of town 38 watching diego culture
Blü Magazine is published quarterly in Charlotte, Atlanta and Charleston. There are only limited quantities printed of this magazine. We are an independently run magazine, so please show your support by giving us feedback and advertise so we can stay alive. If you would like to be part of our team or submit work, please visit blu-magazine.com for more information. Blü Magazine’s content may not be reproduced without written permission.
42 eat & play_atlanta 44 kids at heart? 46 cool kids
Issue no.9 January - March 2010
3644 card st. charlotte, nc 28205 www.blu-magazine.com www.myspace.com/bluimage Oh and we're on facebook! Group: blu magazine Twitter: Blu Magazine
please recycle me Photo by Tigre Escobar
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SO YOU THINK YOU HAVE STYLE? SEND US YOUR BEST STREET STYLE PICTURE AND IF WE LIKE YOUR STYLE WE WILL PUBLISH YOU IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF BLÜ. NO NEED TO BE A MODEL, THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO EVERYONE! THE BEST 12 STREET STYLE PICTURES WILL BE SHOWCASED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF BLU. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS MARCH 20, 2009* FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL US AT INFO@BLU-MAGAZINE.COM **IMAGES MUST BE HIGH RESOLUTION**
contributors
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.01 name: walker brockington location: new york city occupation: photographer, www. walkerbrockington.com art direction, www.fer-oz.com what did you contribute to this issue? watching diego what would you change about yourself? fear. at times i fear what others think of my work, but in the end i just remind myself that i am doing this for myself and that i am happiest when i am shooting. at what point were you particularly happy? when i moved to new york what trait do your friends have in common? loyalty and honesty greatest love of your life? family what has been your proudest moment? still to come.... what would you like to be remembered for? being a great friend and partner favorite place to dance, drink and eat? charritos restaurant favorite beer? no beer, malbec wine .02 name: londyn pe location: charlotte, nc (for now) occupation: just graduated with a ba in fashion marketing and management, so still looking (hint-hint). what did you contribute to this issue? i am the "intern", so basically everything. what would you change about yourself? this may sound conceited, but i would not change anything. the way i am defines who i am and where and what i have come from. at what point were you particularly happy? right before my little brother passed away in november. things had been looking down for me and i was just starting to get things back in order.
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what trait do your friends have in common? that would have to be style. a lot of my friends may not dress the exact way i do, but we all share the same sense of style. greatest love of your life? god and my brother, kyle. (r.i.p. kyle) god will always be a presence in my life for i would be nothing without him. and kyle was such a blessing for my family and me. he never got mad and everything he ever wanted to do, he did. kyle will always be my love and inspiration. what has been your proudest moment? graduating college. i had to do eleven weeks of work in two. walking across that stage was the best feeling and accomplishment i have made so far, except when i fell down the stairs leaving the stage... that did not feel too good! what would you like to be remembered for? my heart. although a lot of people know me for my style and hair, i also have such a big heart. i love helping people because i know all of the trials and tribulations that i have been through in my life. seeing someone smile because of something you did to help out is the biggest joy in life. favorite place to dance, drink and eat? dance: my bedroom because i like to pretend i am in video phone with beyoncĂŠ and lady gaga. drink: breakfast club - they have the best drink combinations. eat: this is a hard one because i absolutely love to eat. sushi 101, chipotle, and the mad greek cafĂŠ. favorite beer? eww! i hate beer!! .03 name: ashley shoemaker location: concord, nc occupation: teacher what did you contribute to this issue? an interview with the amazing artist, nestor jr. what would you change about yourself? i wish i weren't such a pushover.
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at what point were you particularly happy? eating the most delicious crepes (stuffed with chocolate ice cream, chocolate syrup, cinnamon, strawberries, bananas, and powdered sugar) with my sister and favorite people in a little surfing town in portugal. what trait do your friends have in common? they love to explore, eat, and laugh. greatest love of your life? spain what has been your proudest moment? running the madrid marathon. what would you like to be remembered for? passion for life and living it to the fullest. favorite place to dance, drink and eat? la feria de abril in sevilla - you can do all three! favorite beer? cruzcampo and smithwick's .04 name: tigre escobar location: madrid, spain occupation: photographer what did you contribute to this issue? the darkest hour what would you change about yourself? better sense of humor. at what point were you particularly happy? when i was in love, in my senior year at the university of miami, 24 years old. good times. what trait do your friends have in common? rockstar wanna-be's. greatest love of your life? maria guadalupe uribe pinto what has been your proudest moment? oh gosh, this questionnaire is really making me nervous. what would you like to be remembered for? one of the greatest contemporary photographers of my generation. favorite place to dance, drink and eat? in madrid, i go to dance indie rock at nell's, i drink tinto de verano in lateral, i eat jamon serrano with tomatos at night. blĂź-magazine.com 13
L.A. native, Ana Serrano is a resourceful artist who makes cardboard and paper come alive. Drawing from her Mexican heritage, Serrano’s 3D works of art are striking and remind us to look inward before looking out. Read on and find out who she’s dreamed of having coffee with! 14 blü-magazine.com
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Cartonlandia 62 x 48 x 54 inches; acrylic, collage, and mixed media on cardboard bl端-magazine.com 15
art Chalino 72 x 25 x 14 inches; cardboard on wooden structure
Do your pieces have a social issue behind them? Some do, but I don’t have a particular agenda. I’m not trying to influence anyone; the work is ultimately just my perspective on an issue, a place or a person. Do you think the public understands the intent of your work? Does it matter to you that they do? I’m not sure if they do, and I’m okay with the public not understanding every aspect of it. What is the idea behind your book Lost in the Festival of Color? Lost in the Festival of Color is an artist book I made my last semester at school. It showcased three major projects I had worked on and it was a place to include all the research, documentation, and process for each one. What and who inspires you? So many things inspire me, photography, traveling, different cultures, patterns, nature, driving around Los Angeles, or other works of art that look nothing like what I would do. I love abstract pieces and large sculptural work. Where do you go for short vacations? I usually go down to Tijuana to visit family, or drive up to the mountains, or camp in the desert.
Who is Ana Serrano? I’m an artist, living in Los Angeles. What attracts you to art? I just love it, I don’t know why, but I’ve always been attracted to it. I love the feeling I get when I see work that I love - it’s such an excitement! It’s the same feeling when an idea pops in my head and I just can’t wait to get it started. When did you start making artwork out of cardboard and paper? I started making work out of cardboard about two years ago, since I found the material to be very accessible and easy to work with, I continued to use it. How long does it take you to create a piece? Cartonlandia took about three months to complete. How is your Mexican background portrayed in your artwork? A lot of the subject matter I use is a direct influence from my Mexican background. I use stories and characters that I’m familiar with and that are unique to Mexican culture, like Chalino. What is the meaning behind “Chalino” and “Cartonlandia”? Chalino is based on Chalino Sanchez, a Mexican folk singer / songwriter who sang about outlaws and drugs. So many of his songs were not played on the radio – he was an underground sensation in Los Angeles. I find him to be an interesting character because he had such an impact on the MexicanAmerican youth of the early 90s in Los Angeles. All of a sudden this youth had a strong sense of pride in their Mexican heritage. Cartonlandia was inspired by the vernacular architecture often found in the slums of third-world countries. It’s a look at class and economy but without the serious undertones these topics tend to have. 16 blü-magazine.com
Favorite museum / gallery in L.A? Hammer Museum and Taylor de Cordoba Gallery. What are some of your favorite bands? So many! Absolute favorites would be My Morning Jacket, Architecture in Helsinki, Manu Chao, Orchestra Baobab, La Sonora Dinamita, and Beirut. I’ve also been playing The Beatles’ When I’m 64 a lot lately. Do you have any crazy dreams? I do have crazy dreams. Most of the time they’re just weird situations with weird people; I once dreamed I was having coffee with Marilyn Manson. Do you have a favorite piece? As of now, I would say Cartonlandia. It was the most fun to make. What’s your favorite food? Sushi, Thai and home-cooked Mexican. If you could do anything, what would it be? I would take a few months off and travel. I’d start in Los Angeles and travel through Mexico, Central America, and South America. What’s next for you? I’m making more work. I’ll have an exhibition at Tropico de Nopal in Los Angeles early next year.
For more information on Ana, visit anaserrano.com
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NESTOR JR. Interview by Ashley Shoemaker
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Brazilian artist, Nestor Jr. is fascinated with unconventional beauty as he once wrote in his own sketch book, “The ugly people cause me some kind of emotion. When I look at them, they become breathtakingly beautiful because they have such a simple beauty and it is such their own that it touches me deeply.” It is this allure that gives life to the olde world, fluid, and often, erotic subjects in his pieces.
Why are you an artist? How could I not be? (Being an) artist mingles with me. I cannot say when or why it began. Your drawings are generally heavily disproportionate; what was your greatest frustration in mastering your technique? What was your greatest moment of joy in doing so? For a long time, maybe 10 years, I searched a lot for the “academic perfection” in my works. They were born to be perfect. Something I never reached. After a while I realized that the perfect things troubled me a little, and so do iconic images of beauty and proportion. It was when I began to deconstruct these bodies, these figures that I started to create a “harmony in disharmony” - to show a beauty in non-beauteous way. I think I was finding the particularities of my work in this search. The women I draw are not thin and beautiful; they are fat and ugly, but there is still a delicacy and sensuality so strong that the “standard beauty” doesn’t matter because the figure acquires a “new beauty”. I really enjoyed your latest series, Café e Aquarela. It was quite stunning. Can you tell a bit about it - what was your inspiration and how did you go about working with coffee as a medium? It is curious because this series came from an unassuming way, as a way to study other materials and return to work with smaller bases. For more than a year I was doing large works, heavily loaded that required a long time to be made. The coffee has always been my "fuel" and there was always a little of it left over at the bottom of the cup. One day I decided to throw it on the paper and I enjoyed the experience. I mixed it with watercolour and the result can be seen in these works. Coffee works as a watercolour. There is no difference… What kind of environment do you like to work in? Currently I share a studio with a friend. I'm pretty happy, but I miss the sea. I miss looking at the sea - my great source of inspiration.
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Do you listen to music while you work? What are a few names of artists or bands that you have felt inspired by lately? Yes I really like music. I listen to many things, but there are some records that always come back like Dorival Caymmi - a singer and composer who has a very strong connection with the sea in his music, which is very close to me. Bossa Nova, Jazz and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) in general. I also listen to Little Joy, Cibelle, Cartola, Medeleine Peyroux, Nina Simone, Billie Holliday, Chat Baker and others. What keeps you going when things get rough in the studio? I worked a long time as an illustrator for fashion and advertising. Lately I have thought that when there is not much work - I mean to make money - it is best to produce a lot. Create a lot. Try a lot. Actually, I'm not worried when things get slow or difficult; I always try to work hard even when I have a tough time. Are you personally drawn to artwork that is more like your own or not at all like your own? There is a similarity in the artwork I like (especially the strangeness); and not just in drawing, but also in areas such as cinema for example. When the work raises questions regarding the breaking of stereotypes or patterns and when sensuality and desire are explored in unconventional ways - it attracts me enough. What artists do you greatly admire? Among many in the visual arts, I especially like Fernando Botero, Frida Kahlo, Cicero Dias, Egon Schiele, Gustave Courbet, Gustav Klimt, Vik Muniz, Ninhol, OsGêmeos, and Virgilio Neto. Which artists/people have influenced your art and how? Gustav Klimt was the first great artist I got to know. I think that his work moved me so and I began to do my utmost to the art.
How have you handled the business side of being an artist? I graduated in Marketing and Advertising. I never worked in advertising, but the academy gave me a basis for valuing my work and selling it. Is it hard putting a price on your work? It used to be more difficult. At times I priced my pieces as if they had been sold at the opening of a show – it was because I would still be very attached to the work. Now I'm a little more conscious that the work is mine forever. It will not be in my hands, but it will always be mine. Describe a typical day before the opening of one of your new exhibitions. Tell us what is going through your heart and head. A day of hard work usually consists of setting up the exhibition. I do set up the exhibition; I hammer and hang the pieces on the wall. There is not much time to think about many other things. You get exhausted at the end of the exhibition, but it is always very good. Have you traveled much? I have traveled less than I would like to. Traveling always fills me with inspiration. Brazil is a very big country and there you find diverse places and rich cultures as it is like visiting several countries in one. I have visited other countries in Latin America in recent years: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile – and all have lovely things. You always meet inspiring people (along the way), it can be a friend you make or simply someone walking around or sitting in a café. Where do you see yourself in five years? Five years is a long time. I have plans for the next 12 months. In 2010, I will be going to France. I'll spend nine months studying there. Then I do not know what will happen... just wait and see. See the rest of Nestor’s portfolio at www.flickr.com/nestorjr We suggest listening to Cibelle’s Green Grass for optimal viewing pleasure!
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BRANDI STRICKLAND Interview by Hannah Moore
Charlotte-based artist, Brandi Strickland, gives us a new look at our universe through her magical and nostalgic pieces. With beliefs like “art is rooted in magic”, it definitely makes her work more mysterious, motivating the viewer to ponder such things as existence. Learn and see more of Strickland’s work from the online store, Paper Whistle at paperwhistle.com.
Describe your artistic background (education, influences): I had a lot of encouragement as a child and always, always enjoyed learning about art. I studied art history and studio art at Queens University of Charlotte, focusing primarily on two-dimensional art. In 2007 I graduated with a BA in Art. Since then, I've kept a part-time day job and have been working on my art as much as possible. Major influences have been family, teachers, Kurt Vonnegut, Bill Hicks, and my favorite artist, Ray Johnson. How has location affected your work and do you plan to stay in Charlotte? I spent my younger childhood in rural North Carolina before I moved to Charlotte. Both places and lifestyles have definitely influenced my work. Growing up in an area with a slow pace and lots of nature gave me the opportunity to spend time on my own. I learned to entertain myself. Being in Charlotte gave me an appreciation for a more urban lifestyle, exposed me to things I probably wouldn't have experienced in the country. I'd like to move soon, to a larger city with more opportunities. My boyfriend and I recently visited Chicago; we're thinking of moving there. It's just time for something different. Your Dark Crystals series was a big departure from earlier work. Where did all the black come from? For a long time I worked on solid white backgrounds. The black was just an inversion, the opposite of what I'd been doing. It wasn't a big thought shift; black is still just a solid background for strong contrast against a scene. I use black to suggest night, space, and the unknown. Talk about the collaborative work you've been doing with the WAFA Collective. WAFA (We Are F*cking Awesome) is a global artist collective that focuses on collaborative works and community. I joined in early 2009 and the whole experience has been very rewarding. The group is small but diverse, and the close-knit atmosphere has allowed me to really get to know the members, and work collaboratively with each of them. Collaborating gives me new eyes, keeps me inspired, and just makes me happy. Summarize your happenings of 2009. What's up for 2010? Last year was busy and full of change. I was lucky to meet lots of great new people and had some incredible opportunities. My boyfriend and I established an online store to sell my prints; it's called Paper Whistle. I had my first international solo show at Preteen Gallery in Hermosillo, Mexico, and also participated in several group shows. My work was printed in some great magazines, and I worked on my first album artwork. I made some big changes with my day job situation and that shift has given me some important freedoms. I've been working on a few projects lately that I'm excited to see fulfilled in the New Year. I have new work that I'm excited to show and Robert and I have great plans for Paper Whistle. WAFA has some exciting new projects up its sleeve too. I'm open to anything and excited to see what the new decade brings. blü-magazine.com 23
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Where does the name Meyoko come from? My grandfather. How long have you been in Germany? Were you born there? I was born in Ecuador and I moved to Paris when I was 18. There I spent seven years and now I am based in Germany (for two years now). Where would you like to live next? I’m not a person that travels a lot. I’ve never visited the States, but I don’t worry, I know the time will come when I start to exhibit my work. There are many places in this world that I would like to live. Unfortunately some of these places rich in flora and fauna are perishing as a result of climate change or conflicts generated by the man.
MEYOKO
Intricate, elaborate, and eccentric are just a minute start when it comes to describing the illustrated works of Meyoko. Currently based in Germany, Meyoko is a worldly soul whose detailed-driven art leaves audiences in awe.
Why did you begin to illustrate? I am not sure when I started, but I think after I moved to France! In Paris I went to art high school and that was when I started taking art seriously, but I never really enjoyed their methods. One day when I moved to Berlin and started practicing what I learned from the books and then I started finding my own language.
The details in your work are amazing. How long does it take you, on average, to complete a piece? Several days. The first instinct is usually the right one, but sometimes working on an illustration is more complex because I pay attention to details. I try to make it as difficult as possible. No matter what time of day, I finish. I noticed the little use of color in your work. Is there a reason behind this? I think it is a state of mind more than anything else. Until now I did not want to add color to my drawings. I think the black and white best reflects my background, my feelings, and how I feel most of the time in this world. Do you have a favorite color? I think it would be red. Red for the Indian Buddhist represents the total neglect for the external aspect and the detachment of the material, which better reflects my personality. In Hidden Place, you used the color yellow. When you do use color, what makes you decide on which to use? Hidden Place is a very complex drawing. When continued on next page
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I drew it I replaced this in my mind with a sepia image that corresponds to a painful time in my life. Verspertine and Nouvelle Vague are my favorite pieces. What is the inspiration behind your pieces? Fashion photography is a huge inspiration for me. I rip pages out of magazines constantly and pin them up all around my studio. It’s definitely a way for me to see these glamorous coiffures that I just don’t see everyday. Are there any artists that you look up to? There are so many artists that influence and inspire me. Figuratively speaking, I admire Rene Magritte, Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, Gustav Klimt, and Lucien Freud. Other favorites are Robert Rauschenberg, Chuck Close, and Egon Shiele. One of my favorite paintings is an oil by Gustav Klimt titled Danaë. What is your favorite piece you have created? I would say The Danae Garden – I really enjoyed it. The above drawing is a world in itself, although the size makes it difficult to see all the details birds, vines, eyes, totems, and flowers. Creatures of all kinds are pouring out of the amorphous mass as a kind feeling of eternal dream. What do you consider your biggest accomplishment to be? When the people appreciate my art. What advice can you give to aspiring artists? Important ideas come from everywhere. If there is one good thing about all this technology, it is that we are able to promote ourselves and communicate with each other. Are there any other forms of art that inspire you such as music, dance, etc? Yes, I think every artist is inspired by other art forms. For me, it is really complex – I can go days without creating - just reflecting all the time and then the inspiration comes to me like a roller coaster. What do you see yourself doing in five years? In the future I see myself exploring different themes even further and just producing a lot more. I definitely don’t make as much work as I should. The ultimate dream for me would be to exhibit my art around the world - Tokyo, New York, San Francisco... I love dreams! Interview by Lauren Powell
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Photography: Tigre Escobar www.tigre-escobar.com
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Stylist: Stefanie del Papa at www.dripbook.com/stefaniedelpapa Make Up: Jordana Rabinowitz Model: Alexandra at Elite Model Management Layout: Ben Gelnett Location - Miami, Fl
Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs Fishnets: Vintage Platforms: Vintage Coach at Rebel Boutique Necklace: Nektar De Stagni Socks: Hot Sox Gloves: Portolano
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Dress: Jean Paul Gaultier Jacket: Joie at Rebel Boutique Necklace: Citrine by the Stones Bracelet: Citrine by the Stones
Cardigan: Marc by Marc Jacobs Skirt: Nektar De Stagni Tights: Wolford Bracelets: Kenneth Jay Lane Heels: Betsey Johnson 30 bl端-magazine.com
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Top: Vintage Armani Collezione at Rebel Boutique Sequin Jacket: Blumarine Skirt: Maison Martin Margiela Tights: Caroline Geys for We Love Colors Heels: Vintage Charles Jourdan Necklace: Citrine by The Stones bl端-magazine.com 31
local talent
THE NEW CROP TOWN
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No need to go to NYC for the latest in fashionable designs, look around and you’ll see plenty of talent right here in our backyard. Meet the local designers that are changing the face – or dress – of the Carolinas and Atl. Shop independents, support your local economy, and become ever so stylish while you do!
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local talent
Yung Ralph
Ashley Reid CHECK OUT CLEWIS REID AT WWW.CLEWISREID.COM
ASHLEY REID
FROM CLEWIS REID
Tell us a little bit about yourself. My name is Ashley Reid. I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. Went to UNC Chapel Hill for undergrad, studied anthropology through which I got to travel to Kenya, Western Samoa, and Indonesia. I moved to London for six months on a work visa, then came back and studied fashion design at SCAD where I earned my MFA. I have lived on Daufuskie Island, SC making jewelry and in Brooklyn, NY interning for Costello Taglipietra, and then moved to Charleston for a job with a local clothing company (that no longer exists). Charleston's been home for close to five years now, and I’m pretty sure it's going to stay that way.
are printed on recycled cereal boxes and labels are organic cotton.
What makes you a different designer from others? I put a lot of thought and concept into my collections. My favorite part of the design process is collecting ideas, images, and inspirations to form my next collection. I guess I would consider myself a purist as a designer. I do not like to buy pre-dyed or printed fabrics that other designers may be using. I use plain, greige goods fabric that I specifically have dyed or printed to suit the concept of the collection. I care greatly about being as close to 100% original as possible. I also made a vow to make responsible decisions in regards to my business having a minimal footprint. The fashion industry is a very polluting industry, so I source eco-friendly and sustainable fabrics, use low impact print and dye methods, and have the garments sewn locally and produced domestically. My business cards
From where do you draw inspiration? All over. I get a lot of inspiration from random observations – someone I see on the street or out somewhere whose style resonates with me. Also, art, films and magazines. Right now I am completely captivated by the sculptural knit designs of Sandra Backlund, and can't seem to get her pieces out of my head. A lot of what I do has a slightly ethnic influence, which comes from my anthropology roots and my travels. In my jewelry, I like to incorporate things like old trade beads, Ethiopian brass, and handmade looking pieces. I like things that retain a sense of craftsmanship and don't look too polished or perfect.
What do you think has been your best design? Each new collection I come out with tends to be my favorite because it represents the most updated, wiser, more evolved version of my ideas and myself. So far, I am happiest with my spring 2010 collection – I like the use of the netting inserts to give the effect of seeing some areas of skin, but in a not in a too revealing way. I also love the color palette and the use of the colors together in an almost clashing, but somehow pleasing kind of way.
Tell us a bit about your design process? Do you freehand it or start on the computer? All freehand. I start with pencil sketches - tons of them. Then I start to evolve the ideas and
edit the sketches. Technical drawings are my least favorite, but they are necessary to convey details. Then I do watercolors of an initial collection that will change once I start doing patterns and samples. When I have the final collection congealed, I do a final illustration of it. I really like the illustration process, and don't see myself using Illustrator for designing unless I end up at a big company where I’d have to. Is design your full time job? No, I also teach three classes per quarter at The Art Institute of Charleston. I love interact with and get energy from the students. I teach in the fashion retail and management program. Next quarter I teach a trend forecasting class and a class called Event Promotion, where the students help me put together a Clewis Reid fashion show for Charleston Fashion Week (in March) – I'm super excited about that one! What are some of your other pastimes? My favorite thing to do is surf. I wish I could winter in Costa Rica so I could surf and be in warm water all year long. In the summer, I am happy here, though there is not a huge or even consistent swell, we have a fun crew that surfs and hangs out at the beach together. At least one surf trip a year has become a necessity, which leads to travel! Favorite restaurant / hangout spot? My favorite restaurant in Charleston is F.I.G. Thai food is a huge obsession, so Basil and Pattaya are favorites. Also, Moe's Crosstown is near my house – it’s a fun, laidback bar with good food. What’s a must-have in your life? Cliché maybe, but my health, family, friends, boyfriend, and my dog. I also can't live without summertime… it’s when I'm most in my element. blü-magazine.com 33
local talent
Cigi Tell us a little bit about yourself: My roots are in Puerto Rico, but my heart is in Charlotte. What made you want to start your own clothing line? Divine intervention and guts. How long have you been designing? Since (re)birth. What makes you a different designer from others? I'm proud to say that my line captures the beauty of everyday people - not models, not celebrities, and not me. What’s a typical day like for you? Not so typical these days, but I do regularly ride my cruiser around town…. and eat my vegetables. Balance is key after all. What do you think has been your best design? I'd say more of a best "project". I call it the ‘public photo shoot’ project. The first one was done last October on the corner of Trade and Tryon in Uptown Charlotte. We invited anyone and everyone to come out and model for THE FLOCK. We shot 58 models in four hours (including walk ups). The results were amazing and I'm looking forward to producing the next one this month. Do you think your city has an impact on your work? Very much so. However, I hope my work will be making more of the impact on the city... Tell us a bit about your design process: I have had the same sketchbook since college. The creative process begins there.
How many designs do you come up with before you know it’s ready? As many as it takes, but I am a big fan of the phrase “never be married to just one idea.” Is design your full time job? Yes, in addition to being a part time mixologist.
CIGI FROM THE FLOCK APPAREL
From where do you draw inspiration? Above and around. If you could design a piece for any one celebrity, who would it be? Celebrities are already famous. There's no challenge in shooting a person who gets paid to look good. But to find beauty in a person that others may overlook or feel are 'average' - now that's much more intriguing. Do you consider yourself a trendsetter? Nope, I'm a rebel. Where do you see yourself in five years? Just enjoying the ride. What are some of your other pastimes? Exploration and discovery. Favorite restaurant / hangout spot? Any corner where I can just sit and watch…. What’s a must-have in your life? Joy and laughter on repeat.
CHECK OUT THE FLOCK AT WWW.THEFLOCKAPPAREL.COM
local talent
Tunde
Tell us a bit about yourself. My name is Tunde. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria and moved to the US in my teens. I now currently reside in Atlanta. What made you want to start your own clothing line? I wouldn't exactly call +FRESH.i.AM+ a clothing line. When I know what to call it, I will def let everyone know. As of right now, we are just documenting Atlanta’s indie culture and creating cool stuff for people to enjoy. What inspired it was a combination of my urge to create, matched with my interest in Atlanta’s indie culture.
TUNDE FROM FRESH I AM
CHECK OUT FRESH I AM AT WWW.FRESHIAM.NET
How long have you been designing? Drawing for as long I can remember, but designing for five years. What makes you a different designer from others? I look at design as a visual communication problem, taking into consideration fashion, the economy, pop culture, and how all that directly correlates with the project. But, there are times where I just spit out visual noise just to see what cool stuff I can make.
me. Learned some life lessons that have made me a better person. From where do you draw inspiration? I draw inspiration from, friends, life, and abstract art. Tell us a bit about your design process? Do you freehand it or start on the computer? I don't have a set process as each project has it's own method of approach. Finding what process works is what makes it interesting. I don't think I found one that I enjoy the most. How many designs do you come up with before you know it’s ready? Well that's a tricky one. It varies from project to project. I might do a design and it's done or I can spend weeks just getting it right. Is design your full time job? Yes Do you consider yourself a trendsetter? I personally don't think so, but a lot of people tell me otherwise. I feel people like what they like and they adopt what I do that makes sense to them.
What’s a typical day like for you? I wake up, say a prayer, check my emails, coffee, check RSS feed, check +FRESH.i.AM+ stats, and then start working.
Where do you see +FRESH.i.AM+ in five years? Design studio / boutique.
What do you think has been your best design? It has to be the one that got me expelled from school. I'm not saying it because I'm proud of what I did, but for what it taught
What’s a must-have in your life? Family.
Favorite restaurant / hangout spot? Club 1610, a.k.a the Dojo - RIP Club 1610.
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local talent Beth Coiner
BETH COINER FROM BEC
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I’m originally from North Carolina. I moved to New York City after college where I majored in Modern Dance. I lived in NYC for 11 years and had a career as a choreographer and performer. I moved to Charleston, SC in 2001. What made you want to start your own jewelry line? I had worked for a jewelry designer in NYC for a few years assisting with production. It was bead stringing and I wanted to learn the art of metal smithing to design original jewelry using raw materials and not mass-produced materials. After moving down south, I went to Penland School of Crafts in NC. Once I had some skills, I started a small collection and began selling my work to boutiques. What’s a typical day like for you? Coffee, dog walking, emailing, and studio time to make jewelry. I have to do a lot of crunching numbers to get estimates for custom jobs. I definitely need to be up to date with material costs because the price of gold is unbelievable right now. I also do a lot of research for product development and potential stores to carry my collections. Right now I’m working with graphic designer, Kevin Taylor on a new blog/ 36 blü-magazine.com
website, which will have e-commerce and a lookbook. I just finished a great photo shoot with Dreamland Images, who photographed all of my collections and custom work for allthingsbec.com. I’ve wanted a website for a long time where my clients can buy my work directly and learn of my processes and sources of inspiration. This is the next step in my growth as a creative entrepreneur. What do you think has been your best design? I designed and produced a snake ring for a client using all of her gold and diamonds from her wedding set. It’s amazing! In my botany collection, I think the cedar leaf is my best seller. I recently made a very cool (men’s) custom link bracelet. I’d like to develop a men’s collection. I think there’s a real need for great jewelry design for men. From where do you draw inspiration? Living in Charleston, my work draws inspiration from nature - it’s what the city has going for it. My earlier work was more industrial because I was influenced by my former urban life. With some of my latest designs, I’m starting to combine both influences. I also draw inspiration from working with clients and what they want from the transformation process of an old heirloom into something new. Custom work is a very intimate exchange between the designer and the client - inspiration in that exchange is bound to happen. Do you think your city has an impact on your work? Yes, Charleston has provided me the luxury of time to develop as an artist. Living in NYC was a hustle all the time just to survive, but I think it had a huge impact on my work. I stayed there into my 30’s, which helped define my aesthetic and artistic choices. The slower pace of Charleston has enabled me to change careers and become an artist working in a new medium.
Tell us a bit about your design process – do you freehand? I’m not much for drawing out my designs. I do have to draw a little in the design process with my custom work. From there, I carve in wax and do a process called lost wax casting. Right now, I’m just doing the wax carving part and sending my mold to a casting house. My goal for this year is to be able to do all of the casting process. I’m raising money to get my own casting equipment through an artist project pledge website called kickstarter.com. I’m really excited about eventually having my studio set up with all of my own equipment. What are some of your favorite materials to work with? I love peach gold. It casts beautifully and has such a gorgeous hue that is complementary to most skin tones. It’s got copper in it, but not as much as pink gold. Where do you see yourself in five years? I want to be living in a bigger city than Charleston and have a storefront/studio. I want my work to be recognized in the fashion world and be hired to design collections for runway shows, collaborating with emerging fashion designers. I want my own designs to not only be jewelry, but to have expanded into accessories for both fashion and home. What are some of your other pastimes or hobbies? I still do dance projects when the opportunity presents itself. I just choreographed and performed a piece at the new HalseyCollege of Charleston’s contemporary art gallery. I performed an installation within the gallery’s Aldwyth Exhibit. Aldwyth is in her seventies and an amazing artist. I drew inspiration from her aesthetic that is so well defined. Dance is more of a glorified hobby for me, but I still love to do challenging projects every now and then. CHECK OUT BEC AT ALLTHINGSBEC.COM
local talent Larry & Georgios
LARRY LUK & GEORGIOS SALIARIS FROM PROCESS Tell us a little bit about yourself: GS - I was born in Greece and then moved to the States when I was five. I've lived in South Carolina for most of my life. I now call Atlanta home and have lived here for the past five years. LL - My parents are immigrants from Hong Kong, so that makes me a first generation ABC (American Born Chinese). I was born and raised in Dallas, TX and have lived in Atlanta for the past 10 years. I'm very proud of the Dirty-Dirty. Take your Yankee cap off when talking to me, Sir! What made you want to start your own clothing line? GS - Larry and I started Epidemik Coalition as a Design Collective at Portfolio Center (our design school) where we screen-printed posters and T-shirts. We produced a line of hand screen-printed limited edition T-shirts and got them into Standard Boutique here in Atlanta. After graduating, it seemed like a natural step forward. LL - Also, we really wanted to wear our own jams! We were tired of seeing people with clothes that reaped NY, LA, etc. We were like, "What about ATL?" How long have you been designing? GS - For about eight years. LL - Six years.
CHECK OUT THE PROCESS AT WWW.WEARETHEPROCESS.COM
From where do you draw inspiration? GS - One of the major influences for the line is the idea of the "End of the Process" or "Apocalypse". That's why you see 2012 in Roman Numerals and the Omega symbol incorporated into the graphics. When we began working on Process, we made a giant mood board for inspiration that contained imagery from Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Herb Lubalin, Paul Rand and Atlanta. LL - We also really enjoy the work of local artists such as Steven Dixey and Dosa Kim. We don't aim to emulate what they do, but seeing their amazing conceptual work really drives us to push our own limits. Tell us a bit about your design process: GS - I usually start by writing down ideas and doing research. Then I do a lot of sketches of a few different ideas. Once I have a direction that I like on paper, I take it to the computer. LL - Oh yea, everything starts on paper. If you ain't sketching, you're going about it wrong! How many designs do you come up with before you know it’s ready? GS - It's different every time I start on a new project. Sometimes you'll get it on the first time around. Other times, it will take you a few tries to get it right.
LL - I could fine tune things forever. It's about hitting that deadline in style! If you could design a piece for any one celebrity, who would it be? GS - Barack Obama. LL - I'd love to design a sports logo / uniforms for a major league franchise. Famous people do not fascinate me; I'm more interested in connecting with people through design. Where do you see the Process in five years? GS - In more boutiques nationwide. We don't want to be known for just graphic shirts, fittedes, and hoodies. We would like to move toward more cut and sew. LL - I'd hope that we'd be in more shops and that we're still having fun creating designs for the brand. Favorite restaurant / hangout spot? GS - The Local and El Bar on Ponce De Leon. LL - If you don't see us at El Bar on a Thursday night, we're either sick, out of town, or deceased. Come out sometime and we'll treat you to a Bear Fight (Jager Bomb & Irish Car Bomb taken back-to-back).
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eat & play
THE GRAVEYARD Photo by Matt Miller
Justin Demartino - Manager Justin Bright - Executive Chef Tara Christensen - Bar Manager Philip Christensen - General Manager / Partner
Justin Bright “A sunny place for shady people” says it all. Graveyard Tavern, in East Atlanta Village serves up delicious ‘entrées to die for’ and throws a sick party to boot. Located in a 1920s-era restored structure, Graveyard’s custom atmosphere is enhanced with cozy den-style furnishings. Check out the menu, weekly specials and parties at graveyard.com.
Philip Christensen
General Manager / Partner
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I’ve been in the industry for over 13 years now. I’ve worked in many of Atlanta’s top restaurants, bars and clubs. Before relocating to Atlanta in 2000, I obtained a Culinary Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, S.C. I decided to return to school and graduated from Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Entrepreneurialism. Any funny story you can tell us about something that has happened to you while at work? You have no idea the things we’ve seen! Come in sometime and we’ll tell you some crazy stories over a few beers. You guys throw some sick parties; of all of them, which ones do you look forward to most? Tough question! We put an enormous amount of effort into Graveyard branded parties. If I had to choose a few, I’d say some of our annual parties - St. Pabst’s Day, Halloween, Slaytanic Xmas and NYE are always insane. Where do you get the ideas about your parties and themes? All of our ideas for parties come internally from our management team of Justin Demartino (Manager), Tara Christensen (Bar Manager), Aaron Allevenosa (in-house promoter) and myself. We lock ourselves in a think tank and brainstorm. It’s a lot of fun bringing all of our creative energy together and I feel it’s evident in our parties! How long have you guys been open? Since the overhaul, new staff, new management team and re-branding, we’ve been going hard for two years. Liquor, wine, or beer? I’m a connoisseur of beer and Grand Mariner. Everything from PBR to Norwegian high-gravity beers (my favorite). My next tattoo is going to be a bottle of Grandma from Only You Tattoo. Your five favorite brands: Process, G Star, Supra, Hot Pink Poo & Graveyard
What are your best drink specials? The Graveyard offers the cheapest drinks in Atlanta. We have your recession conscience budget in mind! What is your best week night? On a weekly basis, my favorite night is Monday for D.B.D.C. (Dive Bar Dance Club) Industry night. You can come back on Tuesday for half-off wings and PBR. Thursday night we have indie DJ’s for Theft of the Dial. Friday is also a crazy night called Filthy & Famous. There’s always something happening on Saturday nights - we leave it open in order to book various events such as Suicide Saturday. We recently launched a new Sunday night coined “Bloody Sundays” in which Chef Bright prepares an amazing Prime Rib for only $9.99! Is there a cover to get in? There is no cover on a regular basis. In your opinion, what's the most important thing in having a successful business? To me, the most important thing in having a successful business is being passionate about what you do. Tell us a little bit about your staff? Since taking over two years ago, I’ve been able to hand-select our management team and our service staff. We’re very proud to say that the Graveyard has the best staff in Atlanta. We’re one big family! Any future plans that you can talk about for the Graveyard? I can’t give away any secrets, but I can say that we offer a product unlike any other in the city. There are many dynamics that make us who we are. I’ve seen many other businesses try to duplicate us - to me, that’s the highest form of flattery. We’re constantly moving forward here at the Graveyard. We are currently working on a sizable new venue that will be open in 2010! There has also been discussion of opening a Graveyard outside of East Atlanta. I would love to see us in Charlotte!
Executive Chef
Tell us your story: I’ve been cooking for 11 years. I play soccer, I produce and DJ electronic music. I have a pit bull named Bodhi; he gets his name from Patrick Swayze’s character in Point Break. How long have you been working at Graveyard: One year. What do you like the most about where you work? I love the staff and the eclectic people that hang out here. I like the freedom I have in the kitchen with the food. After a long day in the kitchen, I like to unwind by joining my friends in the FOH with a game of pool, a cold pint of Fat Tire and a shot of Strega. Is everything on the menu created by you? The majority of the menu is my own creation. There are a few items on the menu that due to customer demand, have become staples. I also prepare daily specials with local ingredients. Monthly beer dinners allow me to construct a four-course menu with ingredients that are exclusive to the beer dinner. What's your favorite dish on the menu? Bourbon molasses chicken with garlic smashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables. The prime rib on Sundays makes the list too! Fish, meat, or chicken? I’m a fan of everything, but sushi is one of my favorite cuisines. Do you feel that your cooking inspires people? I’m not a hero; I’m a Chef. I cook food and if people like it and it makes them smile, then that’s an amazing feeling. I strive every day to inspire people with my craft. Favorite brand of knives and cookware? Hand-made knives from Japan. What's your favorite type of cuisine to make? French. Do you hope to have your own place in the future? It has always been a dream of mine to own my own restaurant. Until then, I intend to stay here and progress with the company. Besides the Graveyard, where else do you like to hang out? The East Atlanta Village is the hottest neighborhood in the city right now. When I’m not working, DJ’ing or in the studio, the EAV has many spots to hang out. What's your favorite restaurant in Atl? You already know the answer…Graveyard. I also really enjoy Top Flr.
HARTS 4THE HOLIDAYS & SONGS FOR KIDS FOUNDATION. 12.12.09 - ATLANTA, GA.
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mydream
is that no child should go to school hungry
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TWO YEARS AND GOING STRONG!
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