JAN/ FEB 2011

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CommonCr ativ Commoncreativatlanta.com january/ february 2011 Common ground for creative professionals in atlanta

cover photo by jason travis page 54

Featuring +Mitch brown +Jenny Bunny bunns +Jessica cook +Andrew t. Crawford +Gerard Gorman +Emily karcher +Sarah mincher +William Rossoto +Alli royce soble +j trav +more

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CommonCr ativ Commoncreativatlanta.com MARCH 2011 Common ground for creative professionals in atlanta

cover photo by colby blount page 82

Featuring +want us to feature you in our next issue? e-mail info@commoncreativatlanta.com.

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READ ME! 1

online You can view a full screen, virtual magazine online at our site.

Flip through our latest issue on the release day.

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iPad If you have an iPad, you can download the MagCloud application for free and view our magazine along with other independently published titles. Take us with you everywhere you go.

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In Print Times are tough and printing is expensive. But per your requests, you may now purchase a printed copy of your favorite issue directly from our publisher! Visit commoncreativatlanta.com for details :) 3

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BESTHOUSE

CONTEST

We want you to send us photos of your apartment/ house/ condo.

The most uniquely decorated homes will be featured in an upcoming issue of CommonCr ativ.

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e-mail 3-8 photos of your living space to submit@commoncreativatlanta.com by jan. 25. please include your name, neighborhood/ city and the best way to reach you.

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Photo by Colby Blount.

Page 126

/Inside Editor’s Desk DIY HOUSE LIVING NOMAD WRITING PHOTOGRAPHY DRAWING&PAINTING DESIGN 3D FASHION REVIEWS for more, See page 5 3

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Photo by Amelia Alpaugh.

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CommonCr ativ editor in chief

Maria Yanovsky

Managing editor

Kathryn Jonell

promotions director

Sarah Mincher

senior editor

Kristina Dutton

Editor at large

Meredith Pruden

content editor

Caroline Cox

chief copy editor acquisitions editor Senior fashion photographer Creative marketing advisor

Sarah Bakhtiari Muriel Vega Colby Blount Kenneth J. Hughes

Multimedia Editor

Lindsay Oberst

Fashion Editor

Brittany Heaton

Tech advisor

Noel Madali

Contributing graphic designer

Mitch Brown

Contributing artist

Anthony Sims

Contributing Editors

Liz Bot James Cullen Nathan James Elaina Lonidier Josh Nix Ryan Schill Angela Scott Helen Staffard Lauren Stiles

Contributing writers

Nicholas Bryant Mark Grossman Kenneth Lee Dylan Morrison Lindsey Schreve Daniel Singleton Michael Stein Melanie Williams

Contributing photographers

Founders

Amelia Alpaugh Aaron Bennett Zoe Cipolla Robin Cook Photography Caroline Petters Nikki Rochester Kristina Dutton Maria Yanovsky

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CommonCr ativ ATL / NYC

MARIA YANOVSKY Executive Editor

KATHRYN JONELL President

SARAH MINCHER Marketing Director

Page 132 3

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TIARA HINES V/P of Editorial

KENNETH J. HUGHES Creative Marketing

Contact: info@commoncreativatlanta.com. We are a group of talented folks, from students, to professional editors and artists, to publishing veterans. CommonCreativ is an Atlanta-based forum/ blog/ magazine for local professionals. Our media group has many contributors from all over Atlanta and the Southeast. In addition, we have an affiliate site in NYC. To join our staff, please visit our site. Help us build a virtual cultural district.

Want to get the news on CommonCreativ as we publish issues and expand to other cities? Send your name and e-mail address to subscribe@commoncreativatlanta.com. Thanks!

108 contents /07 /EDITOR’S DESK 07 08 10 12

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letter from the editor letters to the editor local photog earns best in show meet our new promotions director

/14 /DIY

14 unique chalkboard figurines

/16 /HOUSE

16 what’s old is new

/16 /LIVING

18 timeless tattoos 26 styrofoam madness 34 groovemuse interview

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/38 /NOMAD

38 dreaming of doha

/48 /WRITING

48 summerheat 52 where do your words live?

/54 /PHOTOGRAPHY

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54 why we love j trav 68 nyc contest winner: alli Royce soble

/78 /DRAWING&PAINTING

78 imagination overload 86 happy geometry 96 fine art painter profile

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/102 /DESIGN

102 graphic design to grab you

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/108 /3D 108 art in the streets

/118 /FASHION 118 124 126 132

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bornfree l5p fashionista’s got vintage fever crazy/ beautiful new fashion guru in town

/142 /REVIEWS

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142 before the rain movie review 144 best artsy ipad apps 146 book for the curious paper artist

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write s u for

it commoncreativatlanta.com could be right for you!

CommonCreativ ATL is now hiring writers and bloggers.

Join in our cause as we make creativity common again ;) HIRING IN BOTH LOCATIONS: NYC AND ATL Find us on Twitter @CommonCreativ and Facebook (CommonCreativ ATL).

To get information on the magazine, contests and other fun stuff, visit commoncreativatlanta.com. (Also, check out commoncreativnyc.com!!)

Send us an e-mail at SUBSCRIBE@commoncreativatlanta.com.

We are a group of talented folks, from professional editors and publishing veterans to local artists and students. Join us!

Contact us at info@commoncreativatlanta.com.

www.Commoncreativatlanta.com 3 CommonCr ativ

EDITOR’S DESK Photo by Kenneth J. Hughes.

There are many impressive profiles in this issue, it’s a must-read for any creative local.

Atlanta’s your town, and these are your neighbors—it’s time to get acquainted.

maria yanovsky EDITOR in chief

stylin’ and profilin’

s Atlantans, we know our city has a lot to offer—we just have to recognize it when it comes!

Creativity thrives in every one of our neighborhoods. Locally owned galleries give emerging creatives an opportunity to shine alongside well-established artists, and, in a similar sense, that’s what we’re striving for at CommonCreativ. This issue is a perfect example of what we’ve been aiming at since day one (which wasn’t too long ago).

In this issue, we’re taking content to the next level. We’re featuring some of Atlanta’s most-recognized artists, but still shining a spotlight on some of the great unknowns.

This issue features some amazing painters, such as Jessica Cook and William Rossoto. We’ve gone off the canvas to feature a tattoo artist that’s truly respectable, Jennifer Young.

Gerard Gorman’s cup doodles are incredibly impressive–and we were lucky enough to snag an interview with him.

Ever see a breathtaking sculpture downtown and wonder who created it?

Wonder no more– we’ve got a feature on Andrew T. Crawford, who likely made at least one of the sculptures you’ve been obsessing over.

There are many impressive profiles in this issue, it’s a must-read for any creative local. Atlanta’s your town, and these are your neighbors—it’s time to get acquainted.

We take creativity to the streets in our

extended fashion section, something that’s new to our name this issue. Our senior fashion photographer, Colby Blount, is sure to impress with not one but two fashion editorials.

Find out how local fashionista, Emily Karcher, has developed her own unique style. And get the inside scoop on a fashion consultant, Ashley James, who’s about to blow up what Atlanta’s fashion stands for. We love fashionistas—they’re taking their art everywhere they go, as walking curators of their own galleries of design!

Sure to please, we’ve started a Nomad section for jet setters! Creativity lies beyond the perimeter and we’ve got traveling contributors ready to report from overseas in every issue.

Art and creativity aren’t just things you do on the weekends or something you leave behind in your daily life. Creativity goes with you everywhere, as something to live and breathe. We know you’ll love this issue, because it’s all about getting to know names and faces of your fellow Atlantans who are not just living the creative life, but also making a living at it.

We at CommonCreativ are so glad you’ve decided to take part in this community with us—as our colleagues, our neighbors and most importantly, our family.

Enjoy.

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A

If you love the cover as much as we do, witness the mastermind behind the photography: Jason Travis.

Read about J Trav, page 54.

You talkin’ to me? Send your comments and questions to info@commoncreativatlanta.com.

Thanks so much for doing the DIY issue. I’m always looking for fun projects to do and just in time for Christmas, you gave me some great gift ideas. I’m sort of broke ever since I got laid off from my job so making presents for all of my friends was the best. Especially for Secret Santa and stuff like that.

And it’s cool that there were options that were really easy, but pretty unique.

Sarah B. Stone Mountain, Ga. You guys sort of forget about painters. I work really hard and have showings all around town, and I’m always

outshined by freaking photographers. I feel like everyone who can afford a nice camera can take the photos that make it in the arts community. I guess I feel like I can do better than most photographers I see. I don’t think I can paint any better than 90 percent of painters in Atlanta. Chill out on the photographer profiles.

Andy C. Atlanta, Ga. I saw online that you guys sell your magazine through a publishing site! That’s really neat. I can see, by looking at the price, that printing is really expensive. It’s cool that you didn’t just release the magazine that way. Although I prefer to read my magazines and books in my hand and I pretty much hate all of the electronic readers out there, I can’t afford to buy every magazine I want.

Thanks for making it available in more ways than one.

Stephanie W. Alpharetta, Ga. Most of the arts publications

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Photo by Kristina Dutton. Opposite page: Artwork by Jon Arge.

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Re: Letters to the editor

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From our Facebook

Words fail me. The new issue is the grandest treatment of my work that has ever been done of it.

I simply cannot ever thank you enough.

Jon Arge (artwork at right) Atlanta, Ga. out there are full of pretentious critics and people who think they are above everyone else.

Your articles are always really positive and supportive. I think you guys actually want to support the arts, and not prove to everyone that you’re better than everyone else. Great.

Zach C. Atlanta, Ga. I loved reading about my buddy Jon Arge in the last issue. I was really excited to see how much publicity he got with the issue. He’s so talented and I’m happy everyone can see it.

David Atlanta, Ga. From our Facebook: Great issue, the articles rocked!

Props to whoever does the layout, it looks great!

Dillon R. Atlanta, Ga.

something that everyone tries to do, but everyone seems to get caught up in other matters.

It’s really refreshing that you really seem to love art. Oh and if I didn’t see a flyer at Urban Outfitters, I would never have caught you. Isn’t it great that those things still work?

Kyle Marietta, Ga.

Issues look awesome. It’s something a little different with a familiar premise, in a good way. You guys are doing

Oh Sorry, Darlin is a great blog! I read it all the time and my friends and I get really excited when I see new stuff on

the site. It’s cool that you guys are partnering up. Are you going to have parties, too?

Kelly P. Atlanta, Ga. I entered the “Beautiful Atl” contest and didn’t win. But I’ll be honest, the winner last issue was awesome. I bet you didn’t expect an entire photo essay, you were probably hoping for a photo. Cool that you guys featured all of those pictures.

George E. Sandy Springs, Ga.

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Photo of Lea Bennett by Aaron Bennett. “Kevin and James, 2010” by Lea Bennett, all rights reserved.

“Kevin and James, 2010” (above) won “Best in Show” at the Humankind competition in New York, N.Y. The mastermind behind the shot, Lea Bennett (right), moved to Atlanta two years ago to study photography at SCAD, and we’re lucky to have her!

EDITOR’S DESK

Nicholas Bryant Contributing writer

Local photog earns best in Show at nyc competition The winners have been announced and Atlanta’s Lea Bennett, with her portrayal of LGBT family life, took home the top honor at New York Photo Festival’s “Humankind” competition. In celebration of her award, we snagged an interview with Bennett right after the winners were announced. Here’s what she had to say: CommonCreativ: Is there a story behind the picture that won, “Kevin and James, 2010”? What was your inspiration for the photo?

Lea Bennett: The photo is from a series called "Love is Family." I photographed LGBT families with children all over Atlanta with a 4x5 - large format camera. My partner and I have a 16-month-old daughter named Alice and this is our family, this is what our love looks like. It has been an honor to document these two mommy and two daddy families and I think it would be difficult to look at these images and not get a sense of genuine love and family. I think "Kevin and James" is so well received because it feels human and over the top at the same time. I find myself making sure everyone knows their daughter is holding

Chanel nail polish. So perfect. This is really their kitchen, this is really their home and their family. I often say I actually hope all of my family portraits feel a little awkward as most family portraits are. I also hope they feel real and simple and relevant.

CC: How do you feel about winning?

LB: I feel great! It was amazing being in Brooklyn for the opening. My partner, the baby and I flew up the day of the show and my parents, brother and his girlfriend and several friends came to the city to meet us there. It was cool to be very anonymous when I got there and be sort of a big deal by the time I left. It was a great time in a really cool space - Powerhouse Arena, DUMBO - Brooklyn. Cool people, cool DJ and I was in great company. Plus, the other images in the show were inspiring.

CC: Do you plan on being a part of any exhibits soon?

LB: I don't have any plans right now but I am open to suggestions. There are amazing art spaces all around Atlanta and I look forward to continuing this body of work, working with more and more families and having a place to showcase my work soon.

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For more work by Lea Bennett, visit leabphotography.com.

EDITOR’S DESK

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Meet our new promotions director Sarah mincher Nathan james Contributing Editor

Sarah Mincher is sort of a big deal.

The brains behind popular Atlanta blog, Sorry, Darlin, and a notoriously fun and spunky DJ, Mincher is always up for meeting new people and finding ways to expand her reach within ATL. Is it really a mystery why we brought her on as our new promotions director? We asked Mincher some random questions picked by the editorial staff and here’s what she had to say!

CommonCreativ: Where can we find you on a Monday at 6 p.m.?

Sarah Mincher: Looking for dinner!

I love going out to eat and Atlanta has no shortage of amazing restaurants! I recently had the pleasure of trying out a new Vietnamese restaurant in East Atlanta called So Ba—I would highly recommend it! It was super tasty, crazy affordable and the perfect East

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Atlanta date spot.

CC: Saturday at 2 a.m.?

SM: I throw a sweet Sorry, Darlin dance party every Saturday at MJQ called “Lollipoppin’” so you can find me there! Plus my favorite DJ in the city (who just happens to be one of my bloggers, crazy huh!) Taradactyl spins the party and kills it every single Saturday! Even if I wasn’t throwing it, I’d be there just for her sets!

CC: What’s your favorite drink and who makes it the best?

SM: I prefer Grey Goose and soda, but I know so many talented bartenders I couldn’t possibly pick one! Ali Sage is one of my favorite Atlanta Bartenders though, you can find her slinging drinks at some of my home bars such as MJQ, El Bar and Graveyard.

CC: When did you start with Sorry, Darlin and what’s your favorite thing

about it?

SM: I launched SorryDarlin.com in February 2009 and then threw our first event that following July. My favorite thing? Honestly, I love everything about the brand and our events so much, its my entire life. It’s pretty much the only thing I talk or think about all day long. But I do especially love it when people come up to me after a party and tell me what a great time they had. Just knowing I was able to make a positive impact (even in a small capacity) in someone’s life makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

CC: What is one thing you’ll never wear?

SM: I’m scared to name anything because I will most likely end up wearing it to a party in five years!

Oh wait! Ugg boots. Yes, I would never wear Uggs to a party or anywhere else.

If they look like house slippers, keep them in the house!

CC: What is something you’d literally cry if you thought you had lost?

SM: My favorite leather jacket—I have around five right now but there is definitely a favored front runner. I thought someone stole it once and went kind of crazy. Turns out the girl just took the wrong jacket home, but I suffered a miniheart attack.

CC: Purse of choice?

SM: Well I have the classic, black, quilted Chanel handbag that goes with everything and makes me feel like a classy lady, but lately I’m much more of a “big bag” kind of girl. I have so much stuff with me all the time: a clutch or tiny handbag just isn’t gonna cut it!

CC: Where are you on a rainy day?

SM: Probably where I am on most afternoons: in my apartment, on my computer. Drinking coffee, listening to music and maybe wearing a cat costume. You never know. It can get a little crazy.

CC: Where do you go to get away from it all?

SM: My parents’ beautiful house out in the country. I go there pretty much every Sunday for a nice home-cooked meal, “mom talk” and their 600+ television channels. I don’t let myself have cable because it would kill my productivity, but I figure once a week is okay! I just can’t say no to Bravo anything.

CC: Where do you go to be in the middle of it all?

SM: Oh that’s easy- I just host a party! That’s like someone paying you to be in the middle of everything, which is where I want to be! I love people, I love entertaining- what can I say?

CC: What’s the most creative thing about you?

SM: I’m always writing out little sketch routines/ songs/ standup acts based on weird party experiences and such- someday I want to launch my own scripted show a la “Flight of the Concords” or “The Mighty Boosh”-style, even if it’s just a local project I launch online. I make myself laugh just thinking about it.

CC: What do you get teased about?

SM: Probably how long it takes me to get ready! I need hours and have to get ready in this really specific, slightly OCD routine or else I feel totally off all night. I didn’t realize how odd it was until my last roommate found it really amusing. I can’t help how silly I am about it, but it’s pretty tease-worthy!

CC: What’s your best memory this year?

SM: Most definitely waking up one morning to a Creative Loafing with my face on the cover slipped under my bedroom door. I don’t think I’ve ever screamed louder in my life, it was such a pure happy moment. I mean, of course it feels good to have a legitimate publication name you “Lust List”-worthy, but more importantly I immediately knew this press would help my business and put me on the radar with Atlanta’s movers and shakers. And I was right, here I am.

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Photo by Zoe Cipolla.

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Sarah Mincher is more than just a pretty face—She’s one of Atlanta’s upand-coming movers and shakers. Mincher has made a name for herself in Atlanta’s creative underground, and we’re happy to see her become a part of CommonCreativ.

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DIY

Photos by Kristina Dutton.

Kristina dutton senior Editor

turn a figural into chalkboard art

what you need Plastic animals from any store Chalkboard paint in a can Paint brush Newspaper (to avoid mess) Chalk

We all know chalkboard paint is one of the best things to hit the shelves of DIY stores everywhere and we’ve got a project where you can finally put that paint to use!

These quirky chalkboard animals are the perfect gift for the person who never seems to need anything.

First things first: Set up your work station. It takes awhile for these little guys to dry so make sure it's out of reach of kids, dog hair and meddlers. Once that's taken care of, you want to ensure your future chalkboard

creature is clean and sanded if needed (You want to avoid a lot of texture on the animal, it makes it difficult to write on, so the smoother the better).

Apply your paint in thin, nondripping coats, allow ample time for drying inbetween coats to achieve the most professional, store-bought look.

Once your critter is painted and good to go, package him up with a cute tag and a few pieces of chalk! It's unique, quirky and super easy to make.

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Photo by Maria Yanovsky. Model: Celia Rice.

At one time, my room had every nook and cranny stuffed with black and white photographs of strangers, non-working rotary phones and ironically kitschy animal figurines. I intended to give off an eclectic, vintage vibe; what resulted just looked like I robbed the Salvation Army and was using the room to store my loot.

Thrift Shops We love Last Chance Thrift Store 2525 N Decatur Road

HOUSE

Decatur, Ga 30030 404.296.1711 lastchancethriftstore.com

America’s Thrift Store

caroline cox content editor

3344 Canton Road

What’s old is new: reduce, reuse and redecorate As a twenty-something recent college grad with a liberal arts degree, I realized a while ago that I should become familiar with thrifting, buying secondhand and revamping what little I already had.

Moving into an apartment about twice the size of my previous one, I knew I had to get creative when it came to decorating. No Pier 1 wicker chair sets and giant MoMA wall prints for me. Armed with a color scheme in mind, inspiration from theselby.com and a lackluster paycheck, I headed to Value Village.

There’s something so rewarding about finding the perfect vintage typewriter or eclectic frame that just doesn’t compare to strip mall shopping. I can’t help but brag about my Time-Life photography books circa 1970 or that mint-condition Christian Dior blazer. The only

problem is that I sometimes don’t know when to stop—incidentally, this is why I don’t let myself go to garage sales often anymore.

At one time, my room had every nook and cranny stuffed with black and white photographs of strangers, non-working rotary phones and ironically kitschy animal figurines. I intended to give off an eclectic, vintage vibe; what resulted just looked like I robbed the Salvation Army and was using the room to store my loot.

I sometimes catch myself envying a friend with the plush fainting couch in custom fabric or the perfect antique armoire. One day, when I’ve got a real house and I’m good and “grown up,” I’m sure I’ll be able to invest in those long-lasting treasures. Until then, just give me a rickety old bookshelf, a hammer and some gold spray paint and I’m good to go.

Marietta, Ga 30066 770.423.0094 americasthrift.com

Best Thrift Store 6315 Spalding Drive, Suite C Norcross, Ga 30092 770.447.0446 bestthriftstore.com

B & R Thrift Store 6650 Roswell Road Atlanta, Ga 30328 404.303.3023

Thrifty Finds 1745 Defoor Place, Suite B Atlanta, Ga 30318 404.254.2800 thriftyfindsatlanta.com

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timeless tattoos Produced by Maria yanovsky & written by mark grossman Photography by robin cook photography make-up by kellyn wiley of pin-up girl cosmetics

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“I don’t really specialize in any one thing. I try to be as versatile as possible.

I feel that tattooing is a service industry, and I want to serve as many as I can to the best of my ability.”

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AFTER

LIVING

BEFORE

Mark grossman contributing writer

off the canvas

M

ind-blowing creativity aligns with utmost professionalism at Timeless Tattoo, one of Atlanta’s top tattoo shops. And Jennifer Young, an artist at Timeless Tattoo, is no exception to these ideals. She’s earned a reputation for being a strong, respected artist with exceptional talent.

Many know Young by another name, Jenny Bunny Bunns. And

all who know her recognize her insane skills above all else.

She started her career four and a half years ago in Carrollton, Ga. She was apprenticed by Craig Foster at Skinwerks Tattoo & Design and then made a bold move to Timeless Tattoo, one of the most established, most respected and reputable shops in Atlanta. We had a chance to get inside of her head to get an idea of what it takes to be, well, great.

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Photos courtesy of Jennifer Young.

“I have been so lucky to have always worked with funny, talented people with stellar work ethics to learn from.�

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TIMELESS TATTOO 2271 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, Ga 30324 404.315.6900 timeless-tattoo.com

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“Especially for first-timers, [getting a tattoo] can be a very scary and intimidating experience, but who you choose as your artist can either ease that nervousness or re-enforce it.”

CommonCreativ: How do you make an impact and express yourself as you tattoo?

Jennifer Young: Tattooing is similar to graphic design, or even hairdressing. Your job is to satisfy the client by helping to fulfill their vision from their mouth to your hand, but to also make sure they make the best choices possible. In doing so, you put a little bit of yourself in your work, even if you’re simply replicating a piece of artwork onto skin. I feel that the accumulation of my experiences, influences and motor memory are the result of my expression.

CC: What’s your best memory as a tattoo artist?

JY: I was working at Skinwerks. Everyone who worked there inadvertantly became addicted to Reese’s Pieces candy for a couple of months. The

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breaking point was when a customer came in asking general questions. All the while, we went from attentive professionals to peanut butter candy monsters fighting over the candy bowl using primitive grunts—all in front of the customer! When we realized what we were doing, we all laughed from shame and decided to break our unhealthy habit. We call it “our dark time.”

Though I’ve only been tattooing for a short time, I’ve already had so many great memories. Most of them were just from being with my co-workers.

I have been so lucky to have always worked with funny, talented people with stellar work ethics to learn from. I never want to forget these memories, so I’ve kept a comic strip blog (found on my Web site, theinkbunnydiaries.com) since I was an

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apprentice. They also come in hard copy form.

CC: How many tattoos do you have? Did you do any of them yourself?

JY: It’s hard to quantify my tattoos. Do you count each session? Do you count each subject matter, or do you count each covered body part as one or many? If you count my back piece and half-sleeves as one each, then I have about eight (since some are just really big). All of them were done by artists other than myself.

CC: Do you prefer black and white or color body art?

JY: I don’t really specialize in any one thing. I try to be as versatile as possible. I feel that tattooing is a service industry, and I want to serve as many as I can to the best of my ability. But I do admit: I love colorwork. I also appreciate the classic look of black and gray (in tattoo terms, it’s not black and white, but rather black and gray) and jump at the chance of doing those pieces.

CC: Any insider tips for first-timers?

JY: Aside from the obvious safety and sanitary checks and looking through portfolios, do your homework in person! Many people start with internet searches, which is great! But it’s also very important to check the shop out in person, and see if they feel comfortable with the people there. Especially for first-timers, it can be a very scary and intimidating experience, but who you choose as your artist can either ease that nervousness or re-inforce it.

CC: What is this cute bunny doodle that we keep seeing? Is it part of your image?

JY: One day during slow season where we have much more down time, I drew this little bunny in Adobe Illustrator. [Some people I work with] saw it and asked what I was going to do with it. I had no idea, so I started drawing everyone at the studio as those round bunnies. It’s one of many little random creations that have resulted from a slow day at work!

MAke sure to visit theinkbunnydiaries.com for more from young

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“After drinking my daily cup of coffee one morning at work, I glanced over at the empty, plain, white Styrofoam cup and thought ‘what a waste.’”

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gorman conquers caffeine

Styrofoam madness Written by Maria yanovsky Photography by gerard gorman

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LIVING

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Maria yanovsky editor in chief

Behind the scenes with the mastermind responsible for the “cup of the day” project “[The blank, styrofoam cup] seemed almost like a blank canvas.”

Feeling a bit creative (and doing Mother Natur a favor) Gorman set out to try his luck at an unfamiliar form of recycling.

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Witness Gerard Gorman. Gorman’s (also known as Gerry Madness) “Cup of the Day” art series has earned him a loyal fanbase, and we can definitely understand where the intrigue comes from. Call it responsible graffiti (something Gorman is very much into) but for this mixed media artist, it’s the perfect medium: a Styrofoam cup. But his doodles are much more than average, as you can see. He renders unbelievable Sharpie art as he conquers his daily morning routine.

There’s no question why his movement boasts a cult following.

“After drinking my daily cup of coffee one morning at work, I glanced over at the empty, plain, white Styrofoam cup and thought ‘What a waste,’” says Gorman. “It seemed almost like a blank canvas.” Feeling a bit creative (and doing Mother Nature a favor) Gorman set out to try his luck at an unfamiliar form of recycling. It was that simple, “I just began to doodle.”

Those doodles became works of art and sought-after commodities within

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It was that simple, “I just began to doodle.”

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Photos courtesy of Gerard Gorman.

FOR MORE CUP ACTION Join the Facebook page and look for his merchanside on Zazzle.com

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“[I create] every weekday morning when I’m finished devouring my cup of coffee,” he says. “I doodle and post the result to [the Facebook page] and at the end of the week I post the weekly line-up.”

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Atlanta’s creative community. “After posting a picture on my Facebook page of what was meant to be a one-time only thing, the response was unreal,” says Gorman. “And so I did another cup the next morning and so on.”

This led to the creation of his popular “Cup of the Day” fan page on Facebook which boasts an impressive 250+ regular fans in its short lifespan.

Gorman calls it “A cup of madness and caffeine mixed with art and joy. A cup that’s consumed by one man and transformed into a work of art.” His charismatic personality and dedication (plus a little down time) has contributed to this interesting habit. “[I create] every weekday morning when I’m

finished devouring my cup of coffee,” he says. “I doodle and post the result to [the Facebook page] and at the end of the week I post the weekly line-up.”

Styrofoam isn’t the only limitation in the “Cup of the Day” project, because after you visit the Facebook page, you’ll be impressed to discover he’s tackled other coffee containers like QT to-go mugs and such. And fortunately for all of us fans, he sells his artwork on mugs and other beverage containers on Zazzle.com.

It’s rare to find someone who has enough creativity in themselves to be able to make create on a daily basis. It’s beyond impressive and we’re excited to see how far this Atlanta creative will take his cups.

“After posting a picture on my Facebook page of what was meant to be a one-time only thing, the response was unreal,” says Gorman. “And so I did another cup the next morning and so on.”

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LIVING Groovemuse, Skip Blankley.

Founder of

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Michael stein Contributing Writer

Interview with the creator of groovemuse

A creative revolution “The idea [behind Groovemuse] was born out of frustration, a passionate frustration that I think burns within all creative minds.”

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I

t usually takes a village to start a revolution, and in Atlanta, many things come and go that might resemble something great. Groovemuse is here to stay, collaborating with local creative forces to put on the annual, highly-anticipated Winter Soultice, along with as other fundraisers, and connect the artistic community in Atlanta. From music to culture, Groovemuse is committed to creativity, and we’re fortunate to have it in our city. We got a taste of what they’re all about in this exclusive chat with the creator, Skip Blankley.

CommonCreativ: How did you come up with the concept behind Groovemuse?

Skip Blankley: The idea was born of frustration, a passionate frustration that I think burns within all creative minds. I was tired of [insert shitty pop band here] ruling the airwaves while I watched some of the most talented musicians on the planet play for 43 people, tops. There was this huge gap between struggling artist and pop sensation and it hurt because it seemed everyone was conditioned to listen to (and pay for) crap. I understood where

this conditioning was coming from and I also noticed, along with everyone else, that they were losing their grip on the industry.

Then, the industry was starting to shift in favor of the independent artist and I was in love with this new model! I got excited about music again, I was able to find incredible music from all over the world in just a few clicks! So I wanted this idea of creativity spreading like wildfire to work for musicians as well as for painters, photographers, designers etc. Then I wanted to build a facility that allowed all of the above to come together, collaborate and create. After all, every band needs photos, a website, and an artistic direction. I wanted to build a facility for all things creative to take place, I wanted a recording studio, a live venue, computer labs, art studios, video labs, a coffee shop, etc. It would be “the place” for artists to let their creative minds run wild with everything they needed at their disposal.

I realized I would not be able to do this on my own so I introduced the idea to a couple of roommates and they loved it (it did help that they were both musicians).

So we started pounding out a business plan, scouting properties and thinking about investment opportunities.

While working on all of this I mentioned the idea to a couple other friends, they loved it, they told a couple friends and they loved it. Before long we were 10 or so of us meeting every Tuesday night at a friend’s office and

we were going crazy with ideas! It was very exciting to be a part of and I was loving it, for a while.

Then, I started noticing the idea take on a different shape, some of which was in line with the original vision and some of which was not. I was frightened the vision I had was fading and the idea was lost in translation.

So we pulled the plug on the group meeting and things faded, all but one thing: The Winter Soulstice started as a project presented by one of the team’s members, Beth Bachman, and we loved it. She was attending an education workshop that had a project that included creating an event to raise money and awareness for a local non-profit. So here it was, our chance to stop talking and start walking.

CC: Where did Winter Soultice begin and was it successful?

SB: We jumped on the opportunity to organize this event and we all came together with enthusiasm and drive. We knew we wanted the show to benefit a local organization that was involved with the arts so we came across “Let There Be Music” (lettherebemusic.org) and loved what they were doing. We also knew we wanted the show to project our vision so we had live music performances all night and a silent art auction. We wanted to shoot big for the first year so we reached out to the Variety Playhouse and they were kind enough to offer us the venue for far less than they usually charge.

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“I wanted to build a facility that allowed [painters, photographers, designers] to come together, collaborate and create. After all, every band needs photos, a website, and an artistic direction.”

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An image of greatness from The Winter Soulstice main stage 2008. The artist is chris hamer, who painted to the sounds of the band “Picture Me Free.”

The show went well, we did not sell as many tickets as we wanted (roughly 300) but we had a damn blast! We loved every minute of the show! It was so amazing to be in charge of one of the city’s best venues for a night and to showcase some incredible talent and close friends who would otherwise not have had an opportunity to play that stage. We sold most of the art and consider the night a total success!

CC: How did your success at Winter Soultice impact the future of Groovemuse?

SB: It was at the Echo Project in 2007 when I randomly came across who would soon become a very influential aspect of Groovemuse. We were on our way into the venue from the camping when we came across a raffle ticket booth and everyone I was with decided to buy a few. I did not have any cash on me so I had a friend buy me one $1 ticket. I filled out the form and went on my merry little way. A couple of hours later I received a phone call from the raffle dude telling me I had won and I was to claim my prize at the Echo Tent. So I made my way over there and was looking over the selection of prizes when I came across a baby blue organic cotton tee shirt that read, “WonderRoot” on the front and “Climate Conscious” on the back. I was intrigued so I asked the person behind the table what “WonderRoot” was, they pointed to another tent and said “go ask ‘em”.

I made my way over and that is where I met Chris Appleton and Witt Wisebram, two super-friendly people that I could tell were thrilled to be a part of this event and to have an opportunity to place themselves in front of tens of thousands of people. I

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asked them what WonderRoot was all about and as they described their ideas and vision I had to bite my tongue to keep from shouting “holy shit! We have almost the exact same idea!” but instead, I let Chris finish and with a huge grin told him that I loved his idea, that I had a very similar one and that we should get together after the festival and grab a coffee. We exchanged information and I made my way back to my impatient friends ready to catch the next show. We did grab coffee, we did talk about our ideas and we did form a lasting relationship between WonderRoot and Groovemuse.

CC: How did you keep momentum up and ambitions high within the group?

SB: Even with the momentum of the first Winter Soulstice behind us, the group was slowly losing interest after we realized the kind of money necessary to build the facility we were looking for (it was just not there). The economy slowed and funding for such a project would have been damn near impossible. So everything just faded until the following fall when we started planning the 2008 Winter Soulstice. We assembled what was left of the crew and organized yet another incredible show, this time at Smith’s Olde Bar. Smith’s turned out to be the perfect venue with a separate room downstairs (the Atlanta Room) for our acoustic performers and silent art auction, while the bands rocked upstairs.

This year the beneficiary was obvious, WonderRoot.

We had established a great relationship with Appleton and the team over there and we were delighted to help them raise money and awareness.

Groovemuse is art, it is design, it is music to my ears. It is the change we want to see in our communities and the world. It is a support beam in the house of creativity, it is piece to a beautiful puzzle and I am thrilled to have so many brilliant minds to share this idea with. As for what the future holds for Groovemuse that remains to be seen, we plan to collaborate with brilliant minds, creative entrepreneurs, talented musicians, painters, sculptors, photographers and everyone that plays a role in the creative movement that is slowly gaining ground around the world. Our role in this movement is not clearly defined, yet our goals remain the same. We want creative minds to succeed and we want artists to be empowered to make a living doing what they love. We want to be the catalyst for all things creative.

CC: How many people are on the team?

SB: That varies but right now the core team members are myself, Beth Bachman and Johnny Marson. We originally had about 10 of us and we have plenty of folks who contribute to the idea and our vision and events.

There are literally over 100 people I would like to thank for their contributions to our events.

CC: How did you choose your audience?

SB: We wanted to create an event that represented our genuine love for all things creative and artistic in hopes that we would attract anyone else that share that same passion.

CC: What is the goal of the Winter Soulstice?

SB: The Winter Soulstice is a fundraiser for WonderRoot’s Creativity for Kids program that helps keep art and music education in the lives of Atlanta’s Youth. The night features music and art from some of the best the city has to offer (soulsticefestival.com).

The Winter Soulstice started as a project presented by one of the team’s members, Beth Bachman, and we loved it. She was attending an education workshop that had a project that included creating an event to raise money and awareness for a local nonprofit. So here it was, our chance to stop talking and start walking.

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It was after meeting Chris of WonderRoot back in 08 I realized how ignorant is was of me to think the idea for Groovemuse was this well-kept secret that would allow for us to dominate the market, a result of the evil business devil that sits on one shoulder but does not get any attention. I realized very shortly after that the idea was taking on many forms all over the world and they were all pieces of the idea spread out across all forms of creativity. There were non-profit models and there were creative minds building studios for all to share, there were warehouses being transformed into art galleries and studios, there were independent labels using various forms of social media to spread the word about their talent. It was incredible! At first I was a little upset that these places and organizations had beat us to it but I quickly realized that the very idea requires this collective movement, whether it starts in someone’s garage or in an old warehouse. The collective creative is a shift that takes place in everyone that wants change, in everyone that is tired of the boring products we are force-fed, and that awareness is necessary for the movement to take place. I realized the idea was the movement, I just happened to be receptive to that wave when it was washing up on the shores of the collective consciousness.

We all felt and still feel it, and it is growing and that excites the shit out of me. The idea has evolved, I have been sitting on the sidelines, watching that evolution unfold. So Groovemuse is just my interpretation of this huge idea, WonderRoot is Chris’ (and his partners) interpretation and there are so many other interpretations out there I would not even know where to start and that is awesome beyond belief.

Jet setter’s guide for the creative nomad

Doha, Qatar

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written and Produced by Kenneth J. hughes Photography by Kenneth J. Hughes

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DREAMING OF DOHA

Previous page: A Dhow and the Doha sunset. above: The Museum of Islamic Art and a Qatar Airways plane overhead.

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NOMAD

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Kenneth J. Hughes Creative Marketing ADVISOR

Sands of artistic opportunity

I

graduated college and left to work in a far away land called Qatar. While my day job was not very artistically driven, the photos I snapped and the people I met helped shape my artistic vision. I know as a photographer and writer, I was inspired by the people I met in Qatar: from hookah at the souq with talented young photographers and athletes, to dinner at the W Hotel with sheikhs and businessmen.

My experiences in Qatar changed my entire view on life, and therefore, anything I write or person I meet will have a different experience because of it. Artists should experience as much of the world as they can to open their mind and their art forms to greater diversity.

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My experiences in Qatar changed my entire view on life, and therefore, anything I write or person I meet will have a different experience because of it. Artists should experience as much of the world as they can to open their mind and their art forms to greater diversity.

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Opportunity

There is no recession in Qatar, and for the photographer looking for a job, or the artist looking for a commission, that means the world. Artists know all too well their services are usually the first cut and art enthusiasts see artistic programming disappear equally as fast.

Flipping through a fashion magazine from Qatar, photos with bylines from aspiring photographers my age and younger litter the pages.

This is what I like to see: there are no well-established industry leaders in Qatar like in New York City or L.A. The country uses industry leaders from abroad and nurtures young talents’ skill and mind at places like Qatar Foundation’s Education City.

With the country’s Museum of Islamic Art and newly opened Arab Museum of Modern Art, art continues to grow in prominence for the nation of Qatar. A bustling economy and an interest in art give rise to the opportunity for artists to flourish.

A bustling economy and an interest in art give rise to the opportunity for artists to flourish.

CONNECTIVITY

The location of Qatar and the events shaping the modernizing peninsula put it literally in the middle. Direct flights to culture hubs all over the world can be made out of the city. Everyone flies all over the world on various vacations and brings back with them a new way of thinking and experiences to share.

International events come to Qatar constantly: Ed Hardy fashion night, Brazil versus Argentina football –that’s soccer for Americansmatch, Doha Tribeca Film Festival, TEDxDoha.

After you survive the scorching summer, there is so much buzz about Doha.

CULTURE

People that have never been to Qatar sometimes claim that it doesn’t have culture but depending on the form of culture in mind, those people can be very wrong. If you are looking for

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palaces from the 1700s, you’re not going to find any, but the Qatari are building magnificent villas and modern skyscrapers to please the architecturally inclined.

Qatari grow up in a modernizing country while grasping on to their traditional values and expats from all over the world work in super air-conditioned offices or out in the industrial areas of the burning desert, all sharing their culture and peacefully interacting.

America might have been a melting pot when it was founded, but in Qatar you will find citizens of every culture to share and interact with.

For the artist and the explorer, this is a country to thrive in. During my time in Qatar, I wasn’t just living firsthand in Qatar, but I was learning about the UK, India and Australia from Brits, Indians and Australians. Sharing ways of thinking and culture helps an artist develop his talent.

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Previous page: The beautiful Doha skyline at west bay.

Above: the qatari flag.

Right: Dhow in the harbor, at night time. below: Kenneth J. Hughes riding through Qatar.

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There is no recession in Qatar, and for the photographer looking for a job, or the artist looking for a commission, that means the world.

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WRITING

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He’s done it again. The author of “Death Vs Eugene Merrimont” shares another story with us, and we’re blown away! This time, Josh Nix is giving us a sneak peek into his upcoming novel. ”It’s basically a shortened version of the first chapter,” he says. And he suggests that as you read it, you listen to the band “Au.” Josh Nix contributing EDITOR

Summerheat

Suddenly, he was awake. Not because his alarm clock had yelled at him, “Hey, wake up, dummy.”

Not because his mother had poked her head in his room and sternly told him that go-getters didn’t sleep until noon after playing Xbox all night. It was because the sun was shining directly into his eyes, because there was no ceiling above him to block it, and he was hot and sweaty, because there was no fan attached to the ceiling that was not there, spinning at high like he’d set it the night before. Usually, despite being on the top floor of his parents’ house, his room was cool, fending off the orange heat of a Georgia summer. But he was not

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in his room. He wasn’t even in his house. Sitting up in his bed, which he was still in, wiping the sleep from his eyes, he reckoned he was nowhere.

His walls: gone. His closet: gone.

His bookshelf: gone. His television: gone. His video games: gone. His computer desk: gone. His computer: gone. His bed: still there, curiously. His car: parked right next to his bed, even more curiously. But his everything else: gone.

He was outside, which was not where he’d fallen asleep, and he was in a grassy field, which he was sure didn’t even exist anywhere near the city he lived in anymore, given all the construction of neighborhoods and

overcrowding of people who mistakenly believed that this was anywhere anyone wanted to live.

There were no vast expanses of grassy hills, cool on his feet and tickling his calves; there were only big box retailers, fast food restaurants, banks, Mexican grocery stores, gas stations, the signs of civilization. He looked all over, in every direction, but civilization seemed to have taken a hike.

The first thing that had occurred to him was that this was a prank, being played on him by one of his friends, until he remembered that he never left the house long enough to make any, except for when he went to work at the bakery. And it went

without saying that Deb, his fifty-four year old coworker and her husband, Carl, didn’t move his bed out of his house in the night, leaving him in a field that, as far as he knew, didn’t even exist.

The second thing that had occurred to him was that this was his parents’ way of telling him he was kicked out of their house. He was twenty-two now, not in school, didn’t pay rent, and didn’t ever go anywhere.

So his parents, newly retired, were a little miffed that their son had yet to leave the nest they themselves so desired to escape. They made absolutely no effort to hide their disdain. Gentle passive-aggressive, “Take your time, figure out what you want to do with your life,” turned into hostile, “Alright, seriously, get your act together. And your things, too. We want you to move out now,” in no time.

He’d given school a shot. He had only ever done okay in high school, managing B’s and C’s for the most part. He spent a year at the local university, struggling to make himself care about sociology and philosophy and math and reading poems in English class, but he just couldn’t (although he had become pretty fond of the work of Pablo Neruda). He didn’t even know what he’d go to school to be. He didn’t want to be anything, just happy and well-rested. But, as his parents often reminded him, you couldn’t make a living lounging around, indulging your mind in movies, books, and video games. They loved to remind him of this, almost as much as they loved to remind him of the fact that he was still living with them.

This must have been their doing, he thought. At

least they had left him his car. But how was he supposed to get his bed back to their house? And where even was he? He looked around, trying to get a sense of his surroundings. In the distance, he caught a familiar sight– the Smoky Mountains. He had always been able to see them from his bedroom window, looking straight ahead, down his driveway, over the trees and rooftops of his neighborhood. He was surprised to see that this was a vantage point he knew well, a view of the mountains he had memorized, gazing dreamily at them and romanticizing them in his head. He’d go there and walk around and love them if there weren’t so many guys riding around on bikes, their junk hanging out of their ridiculous bike shorts. Come to think of it, the view of the mountains wasn’t the only thing he recognized and knew from where he was standing.

There was a tree a short distance away from him, a tall, old, beautiful oak tree. There was something cold in his stomach, and he felt short of breath when he walked up to it, touched it, felt it’s cool bark. It was another feeling he was well-acquainted with. He was filled with dread as he circled around the tree, and found a carving he’d made when he was eight years old: “Evans tree, dont tuch it.”

Oh. So he hadn’t gone anywhere. Just his parents, his house, his neighbors’ houses, the streets, the driveways, the walkways, the in-ground pools, the garden gnomes, all signs that this had once been a busy, maybe snobby, upper middle-class neighborhood. Nothing was here anymore, no people, no

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He was 22 now, not in school, didn’t pay rent, and didn’t ever go anywhere. So his parents, newly retired, were a little miffed that their son had yet to leave the nest they themselves so desired to escape.

They made absolutely no effort to hide their disdain.

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homes, only grass and trees. He gulped.

His forehead was moist. Not from the heat.

He walked over to his car, opening the door. In the driver’s seat, his keys sat on top of an envelope, which sat on top of a small suitcase. He picked them up, put the keys in the ignition, and turned his car on, cranking the a/c high. His hands shaky, he nervously opened the envelope, pulling several pieces of paper out, and his I.D. Everything was still there on his driver’s license; his name, height, weight, eye-color, status as an organ donor, birthday, even address. But his address no longer existed, he was sure of it. He was standing at 417 Sierra Avenue, which was now grass.

Another piece of paper was the small card with his social security number typed on it, yellow and flimsy after twenty-two years. There was a thick, folded paper. His birth certificate. Before this morning, it would have said all the usual things.

The name he’d been given, how much he had weighed when he was five minutes old, length of his body, hair color/eye color, time he was born.

Nothing out of the ordinary about his birth certificate. Now, instead, it read: CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH EVAN LEE GARDNER MALE / SINGLE BIRTH / JANUARY 13 1988 / 11:21 AM Blah, blah, blah FULL NAME OF FATHER: FULL NAME OF MOTHER: The spaces where his mother’s name, his father’s name, mother’s maiden name, all of that, should have been filled out by the doctor’s office when he’d been delivered into this world. But there was noth-

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ing. Just empty spaces on paper.

The last bit of paper inside the envelope was a receipt, with a plain white card taped to it. The card had nothing on the front, though he could from the raised letters that it appeared to be a debit card, and it was in his name. He could feel his heart beating in his head. If he had opened his mouth, he could have heard more clearly than with a stethoscope. He poured over the receipt. Typed in a regular font, the kind you might use for a school report, it read: REFUND (DEPOSITED TO ACCOUNT ENDING IN 8436) ONE MOTHER – $64,000 ONE FATHER – $64,000 ONE GRANDMOTHER -$32,000 TWO GRANDFATHERS – $64,000 ONE AUNT – $28,000 THREE-HUNDRED AND FORTY-SEVEN RECORDS – $5,692.47 TWO-HUNDRED AND THIRTY-ONE BOOKS – $2,553.21 ONE HOUSE – $0.00 SEVEN PAIRS OF JEANS – $201.22 TWELVE SHIRTS – $286.33 THREE PAIRS OF SHOES – $117.03 ONE COMPUTER – $1,120.99 It went on like that, carefully itemizing everything he’d had up until a few hours ago. He was stunned.

After a moment, he began coughing uncontrollably. He realized he’d forgotten to breathe. He held the white debit card up, hoping to be able to read it, the light hitting the raised bumps that made letters and numbers. The last four digits of the card were, of course, 8436. So, if this piece of paper was to be believed, he’d been given a refund for his life. All these things, his parents, his family, his stuff, all had a monetary value attached to it by some mysterious

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Photo courtesy of Josh Nix.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Josh Nix was born yesterday. He's been writing stories of varying quality his entire life. He won the Young Author's Fair in the 5th grade and has never stopped bragging about it. He's currently writing a book called “Everything & You: A Field Guide” and a movie called “My Tiger, My Heart.”

something, and that money had gone onto the white debit card he held in his hands.

There was an inkspot on the back of the receipt, where the black from a Sharpie had bled through the thin paper. There was writing on the back. It read, “Dear Mr. Gardner. Go get ‘em.

Pin: 1454.”

He wasn’t sure what had happened as he lay in bed the night before. His parents had seemingly vanished, taking with them their house and everything inside of it.

Not only that, his entire neighborhood had followed suit. Did his parents exist anymore? Were they in some other city, maybe even some other state, unable to remember the son they’d had for twenty-two years? Was he still in yearbooks from when he was in school? Was the bakery he worked at still there? Did anyone notice he was gone? Did anyone care?

Did he care? Did he want to search all over, trying to find out how and why this had happened to him? Try and get his life back?

Find his parents and make them

remember? He realized, sitting in his car, hands gripping the steering wheel, that he did not.

He opened the suitcase to find two pairs of pants and a few shirts, along with some changes of socks and underwear. He got out of his car and dressed himself, then leaned against the red steel which vibrated slightly from the moving parts and humming engine inside of it. He wondered where he would go, and what he would do.

Now that you don’t exist anymore, he told himself, you can be whatever you want.

He turned his car around and drove where he remembered there were once streets in his neighborhood, leaving the grass bent and matted underneath where his tires tread. He came to where the exit of his neighborhood had once been, and got on the road that had always been there, and probably would always be. He drove until he came to the interstate and realized he’d never taken I-75 north as far as possible. He would do that first, he decided.

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Atlanta can be a haven for our words, just like New York City was for so many great writers. We just have to make it so. Together.

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WRITING

Where do your words live?

I wanted to move to New York. The Big Apple, a haven for media and creativity—with newspapers and magazines launching every day and some even successfully finding their niche. That was my dream after graduation. Atlanta did not have that allure with one widely criticized newspaper and a handful of great magazines. It was difficult to think that I could find a place for my words in a city where print media doesn’t grow naturally. I eventually did, after awkward networking and working for free for more than it should be allowed, but I am grateful for the opportunities more than I can say.

Well, this is all about to change. With social media participation increasing, writers have started finding each other and sharing their stories about being, well, writers. With this, more

workshop groups have sprung up around the city to provide support to those night owls trying to meet deadlines or finish their latest great American novel. Writer workshops can go upwards of $200 and if words are your trade, chances are, you don’t have the funds to have someone critique your stories. Groups such as the Writer’s Exchange at WonderRoot and Kill Your Darlings ATL are encouraging writers to stick around Atlanta and use them as an avenue for brainstorming, critique and camaraderie. And as a result, new publications are being launched more often as we find inspiration in each other.

Atlanta can be a haven for our words, just like New York City was for so many great writers. We just have to make it so. Together.

Atlanta did not have that allure with one widely criticized newspaper and a handful of great magazines. It was difficult to think that I could find a place for my words in a city where print media doesn’t grow naturally.

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MURIEL VEGA Acquisitions editor

Why we <3 j trav Produced by KATHRYN JONELL & written by ELAINA LONIDIER Photography by JASON TRAVIS ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF JASON TRAVIS

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Contents of my pockets The mastermind behind the lens keeps it simple with a wallet, keys and iPhone. “I usually have my planner, camera, Micron pens and a guitar pick in my bag,” says Travis. “I’m actually a pretty minimal guy when it comes to what I have on me, but I’m always interested in what others are carrying.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY

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elaina lonidier contributing editor

Renaissance man Jason Travis (the hipsters call him “J Trav”) is one perpetually busy fellow and what some of us would call a renaissance man—he’s an accomplished illustrator, graphic designer and photographer with a blend of musician and writer in the mix. This artist’s overflowing schedule never seems to stop: Every day brings a new, challenging project and bleeds over into weekend wedding work—a job that most photographers will say is a “paying-your-dues” kind of thing. But we at CommonCreativ think that these “dues” are unnecessary because the man’s got one seriously impressive list of credentials.

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If you were to take a look at Travisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; portfolio, you would be lured into numerous pages of trendy and creative design for everything from portraits and logos to show posters and band web sites.

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Truly unique, the images in the “Persona” series have a mesmerizing human element, something that is captivating and original.

Body of work

If you were to take a look at Travis’ portfolio, you would be lured into numerous pages of trendy and creative design for everything from portraits and logos, to show posters and band Web sites. For instance, Travis has produced album artwork for the very talented Brooke Waggoner. (Oh, did we mention he has a band? Travis’ band, Sealions, have released their first LP, “Strange Veins”).

“persona”

One photo series in particular, entitled “Persona,” caught our eye, and we’re just catching up to a loyal cult following. The series has received attention from such

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publications as The Atlantan (which publishes his work as a monthly feature), USA Today’s Pop Candy and Marie Claire. Truly unique, the images in the “Persona” series have a mesmerizing human element, something that is captivating and original.

This idea of displaying his subjects and their everyday items began with just a handful of shots; the project is showing successful momentum at almost 200 and according to Travis, shows no signs of slowing.

The setup of the shots shows his subjects in a non-contrived setting, juxtaposed with his shot of the neatly organized contents of their bag or purse. Although the items clearly match up with

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Jason Travis is one busy atlantan; heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on fire and if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know him, correct that problem as soon as possible.

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To see more of Jason Travis and his work, visit jtrav.net. the owner, having the separate shots give the viewer the notion that there is a sense of transience to the items but not to the owner. Each shot is different because each person is different; no subject is more beautiful than the previous. Perhaps it’s his approach to his art or his attitude in general, but J Trav has found a way to preserve subjects in such a way that is not only culturally relevant but also pragmatic. We love “Persona” because it’s laid back and intuitive; at the very least, it’s fun and interesting to look at. Be sure to catch the exhibit, “Personified” by Jason Travis, at Puritan Mill through February.

the Well-rounded artist

Travis is not limited to the camera. Although many creatives stop exploring the arts once they’re established in a field (same goes for painters, etc.), Travis keeps busy with illustration and design. He’s truly unstoppable. Travis is scheduled to have select illustrations for sale at MINT Gallery and Beep Beep Gallery. He self-published a book of

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his work, also entitled “Personified,” which is available at blurb.com. He is looking to expand his freelance and editorial contributions and a “Persona”-based project within the next year. He continues to photograph for The Atlantan, Creative Loafing and PurgeATL, a blog that he co-founded that features art, music and culture.

Commercially, Travis has also lent his talents to companies such as Disney, Chik-Fil-A and Coca-Cola.

And if you’re a bride-to-be and happen to be smitten with J Trav’s work (and who wouldn’t be), please note that the man is booked with weddings in not only Atlanta, but in numerous locations in the U.S. and South America. Schedule him while you can.

We have found ourselves asking, “What doesn’t this guy do?” The only answer we can come up with is “sleep.”

Jason Travis is one busy Atlantan; he’s on fire and if you don’t know him, correct that problem as soon as possible. This man of ideas and talent is someone you want to know.

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Be sure to see the “Persona” series at the exhibit, “Personified” by Jason travis, At puritan mill (916 joseph e. lowery boulevard) through february.

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For more jason travis jtrav.net jasontravisphoto.com sealionsmusic.com purgeatl.com

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Above: our favorite pic by one of our editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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new york photo contest

You submitted the best photos from your trip to new york city, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve picked A winner!

1st place: alli royce soble

Honorable mention: lauren anderson

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PHOTOGRAPHY

James Cullen contributing EDITOR

The dreamer

Homegrown creative Alli Royce Soble is one of the most respected members of Atlanta’s creative community. She personifies everything we love about the city—she’s energetic, original and versatile.

Transitioning from a photographer to a painter, and back again, she’s mastered every form of art from acrylic to mixed media. At just 37-years-old, Soble has already earned herself the honor of an unbeatable reputation. And she’s unstoppable.

CommonCreativ: How long has art been a part of your life?

Alli Royce Soble: I have been making art for as long as I could pick up a crayon, so the artistic creativity has always been a part of my being.

My love for photography actually started very young. I remember getting a Kodak disc camera when I was about 10-years-old, and I would take pictures wherever I went.

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Mostly, I would take photos of people.

I still have that camera by the way, as a part of of my collection of vintage cameras!

CC: When did your professional photo career begin?

AS: I guess you could say that I started professionally in 1995. I was 22 and started taking photography classes at Georgia State University. I fell in love with the entire process of shooting, developing and printing. I decided that I wanted to get my Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography, so I took every class to get my degree. In the process, I got turned on to painting while I was taking other classes necessary for the BFA. At first it was difficult to transition, going form 1/60 second shooting to hours and hours of creation on canvas. I took a class with the well-respected and talented Larry Walker, who also is the father of famous artist Kara Walker. He taught me mixed media collage. It allowed me to take used and my personal

All photography courtesy of alli royce soble.

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I have been making art for as long as I could pick up a crayon, so the artistic creativity has always been a part of my being.

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My friends were used to me having a camera around wherever I went, mostly at social events.

I would always document what we were doing. I wanted to capture it all. I had several friends that I would use as models when I wanted to build up my portfolio.

They still are my favorite subjects.

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People like my style of shooting.

It is photojournalistic/ documentarystyle. I absolutely love capturing moments with people. photography to mix together with the paints on canvas. It opened up a whole new world!

I was able to push the envelope on what I loved and make it something I could never just capture as a photographer.

After graduation, I hit the ground running, trying to get involved in as many things as possible. I would be a part of many group shows in both galleries and alternative art spaces, such as Ballroom Studios and Bluemilk. I would hang my art in restaurants, coffeehouses, bars; anything and anywhere to get exposure. I began to create a name for myself, not just as a photographer, but as a painter as well. My friends were used to me having a camera around wherever I went, mostly at social events. I would always document what we were doing. I wanted to capture it all. I had several friends that I would use as models when I wanted to build up my portfolio. They still are my favorite subjects. In fact, one my dear friends Wesley Chenault and co-author Stacy Braukman wrote the book “Gay and Lesbian Atlanta.” Several of my images were used to help define being gay in the ’90s in Atlanta.

CC: What sort of obstacles did you encounter in your photo career?

AS: I took a break from photography after 9/11. I happened to be in NYC on vacation when the towers were attacked. I was stuck there for five days after. I documented what I could while I was down there: the people, the city as far down as I could, the intensity of what we were all dealing with. After a 19-hour train ride home, it finally hit me; I did not cry until the train left the station. Sometimes it is easier to deal with the things that are right in front of you when you are hiding behind the camera. I had a show at The Showcase School (of Photography) displaying my images. It was a moving experience. After that, I strangely put the camera down and picked up a paint brush. I pretty much did abstract acrylic on canvas for the next seven years.

CC: Describe your experience with painting.

AS: As an abstact painter, it was a way to just dive in and

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get lost. I have always been into rich colors and textures.

I got into the work; I would ruin brushes often because slapping and rubbing on the canvas was a part of the process. I have ruined many floors at my studios because of the amount of water I used to create the style I have. It was an interesting transition for me to go from realism as a photographer to abstract as a painter. It was just what I needed to do at the time.

CC: How did you involve yourself within the Atlanta community?

AS: I tried my hand at the city’s neighborhood festivals. I did the Inman Park Festival and the Virginia-Highland Summerfest for about five years. I even got The People Choice Award three years in a row at the Summerfest show. I worked hard and I sold a lot of work. It was a great ride until the economy shifted. It was more and more difficult to do the festivals for me. It is a lot of work and a lot of hours sitting and waiting for someone to buy a piece. I decided to end that journey, and I sold my festival tent and took a break. That was 2008.

I have done my share of weddings over the past 15 years, as well. People like my style of shooting. It is photojournalistic/documentary-style. I absolutely love capturing moments with people.

I have been fortunate to have been able to not only shoot in Atlanta, but I have done three weddings in NYC, as well.

CC: When did you return to photography?

AS: This past year, I decided to pick up the camera again and it never felt better!

I have been shooting more now than I can remember, and living in the digital age, it is easier to shoot more and edit more.

I am back out shooting events socially. I have several friends that are DJs in the city, so I enjoy going to listen to them, but I always have my camera. It is a part of who I am. I seriously feel strange if I do not have it. Oh, and if my battery dies out, it means I am heading out the door, too. All I want to do is take photographs.

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Creativity is a funny thing; it is hard to keep the momentum going sometimes, but that is when you change things up. You try a new process or rearrange your studio.

You have to keep it going.

CC: What other activities are you involved with in and around town?

AS: I have worked in the restaurant industry since 1996. I am one of the bartenders at La Tavola Trattoria in Virginia-Highland and have been there for over 10 years. I started doing food photography for Fifth Group [Restaurants] to use in their advertising. It is a way to bring all my passions together of food, wine and photography. In fact, my goal is to try and do more freelance work for restaurants focusing on their food, their space, their chefs ... the entire package.

CC: What do you use to take photos?

AS: I shoot with two cameras mostly. I have a Canon 7D and my Leica Digital. I use my Leica for night photography because it is small enough to put in my pocket and it shoots such great images.

CC: Do you love art? Is it your passion?

AS: Art has always been a part of me. It is my truest passion and it will always be in my soul. I may switch it up and go from one thing to another every few years, but it is necessary. Sometimes you just need to take a break from one thing and push those creative energies into something else. I will always be creative. Either as a documentary portrait photographer, food photographer, mixed media collage artist or an abstract painter … anything to create.

CC: How would you describe your style?

AS: I think that after looking at my photography and my paintings, there is a connection. Both are rich in color and texture. I definitely have a distinctive style that translates through, and luckily, people recognize my work at a

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glance. It feels really good to hear someone say, “That is an Alli Royce Soble.”

CC: Where do you fit into the scene in Atlanta?

AS: As far as me fitting in with the Atlanta scene, that is a difficult question for me because I really do not know the answer. I have been showing my work, and I have sold hundreds of paintings to many collectors in Atlanta and throughout the states, but I have never been represented by a gallery. I tried many years ago to peddle my work around, but it just did not stick with anyone. Perhaps I just need more time to build and grow. I am still growing and creating. Perhaps it is time to start chatting it up again about being represented. I must say that since working with restaurants, I typically miss openings to shows since they are on Friday nights a lot. I hate missing those moments to connect with people in the community.

I still feel, though, that I am a part of this Atlanta artistic community and have become a respected and recognized artist.

I think I have my place as an Atlanta artist. I have built a following for those that have supported me over the years. I will continue to shoot and paint and do whatever it takes to express myself.

I have been doing this my whole life, and I will do it until the day I die. Creativity is a funny thing; it is hard to keep the momentum going sometimes, but that is when you change things up. You try a new process or rearrange your studio. You have to keep it going. For me, it is just something that happens, it is a feeling. Like when you finish a painting, you just “know” when it is done.

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I will always be creative. Either as a documentary portrait photographer, food photographer, mixed media collage artist or an abstract painter … anything to create.

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DRAWING & PAINTING

crookedhornstudios.com.

I like to dive into the characters and environments I create. To try and develop the story just a little further than the “brief” I am given.

Helen Staffard Contributing editor

imagination overload

Artwork by James Webster.

Fantasy can be one of the most difficult art forms to create, and Atlanta is home to one of the very best! It’s exciting to see the work of James Cory Webster because of how complicated, detailed and original each piece is. We asked Webster to tell us a little about what he does and how he achieves such greatness.

CommonCreativ: How does Atlanta inspire your work?

James Cory Webster: It is the diversity that is the most inspirational part of Atlanta. You can go from Little 5 Points to the Westin on Peachtree, from Bankhead to the Highlands. That mix is what inspires me. It’s like having an endless supply of

imagery all packed into one city, and with such a diverse set, you can pull on a plethora of emotions to infuse in ones artwork.

CC: Do you feel your art fits into a category?

What would you consider your art to represent?

JCW: Considering that most of my art is based in a world that isn’t, I would say that it would be fantasy. All realms of it though, from historical fantasy to post-apocalyptic to adventures on other planets.

My art tends to represent the imagination embedded with whatever emotion I am feeling, which is usually brought on by the assignment. I like to dive into the characters and environments I create. To try and develop the story just a little further than the

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For more on Webster, visit

I like tension, the moment before or after an action has taken place. I like being able to look at a piece of work and feel it moving in a direction with purpose. Kind of like you accidentally opened a door and saw the scene in progress.

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ABOUT THIS PIECE “‘Hippos’ is a piece I painted for my brother. We were looking through a magazine at my parent’s restaurant, he really liked the scene, so I painted it for him as a gift. It was created with watercolor and ink.” “brief ” I am given. This helps me plan a piece with meaning, rather than it “just looking cool.”

For example, if the character is a miner’s daughter who works side-by-side the other employees, putting make-up on her would make her feel like she doesn’t belong in the scene and ultimately the piece wouldn’t have a sense of reality. The reason why people can relate to fantasy is that it has a foot in reality. Without that, the piece doesn’t really reach an audience.

CC: How do you express yourself through your work?

JCW: If I can throw some humor into it, I do.

I tend to laugh a lot, at just about anything.

I find things in this world humorous. I really enjoy the subtle (or sometimes not-so-subtle)

images that make the viewer stagger for a moment and laugh. It could be a business man or technical support agent, if my work can make them laugh just for an instant, then I feel like I have communicated with them on my level.

Another thing I strive to create in my work is the feeling of movement. If I can avoid making an image static, I do. I like tension, the moment before or after an action has taken place. I like being able to look at a piece of work and feel it moving in a direction with purpose. Kind of like you accidentally opened a door and saw the scene in progress.

CC: What’s your favorite medium or style?

JCW: I have three mediums: Oil, Watercolor, Ink, Pencil and Digital. I like to use digital

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ABOUT THIS PIECE “The ‘Dinosaur BBQ’ poster was done for a project in Syracuse, N.Y., and was on display for a full year in downtown Syracuse. The project incorporated Haikus about the city of Syracuse and we, as a class, drew them at random. I was lucky enough to get the one about my favorite BBQ joint. The medium is watercolor and ink on crescent watercolor board. 13x17.” medium like I would with oils or watercolor. I create the sketch on a layer above the background, use layers to do color comps, (which is a huge time saver!) and then paint in the mid-tones, darks and highlights like I would with oils or watercolor.

Mainly, I just like not having to clean up and wash brushes for half an hour after I am done painting.

My style, that is a tricky question. I find that having a few styles to work in is beneficial. If a client wants something to feel more in the “Manga” vein, then being able to draw and paint manga is very helpful. If someone wants a realistic portrait of their Grandfather done in the 19th century alla prima style, then knowing how to paint like John Singer Sargent is a bonus. I started with comics and Manga back in high school. Final Fantasy was a huge inspiration, along with all the other video games I played. My notebooks were littered with FF characters and Dragon Ball Z fight scenes. I went to Syracuse University for En-

gineering, spent a year learning Mech-Engineering and got really bored. I sat in on one Illustration class that a good friend of mine (Jeff Passetti, an amazing illustrator) brought me to. I learned more in five hours of that class then I did all year with Mech-Engineering. That summer I switched majors, and from then on I was trained by an array of wonderful professors. Each Professor had a unique style and medium they painted in. I learned so much from all of them I started taking bits and pieces from each style, melding one technique into another and ended up with what I have now. I guess you could call my style “functional.”

Whatever is needed to get the piece to convey the story, emotion, message, that’s what is utilized.

It also doesn’t feel like work, constantly problem solving with an endless amount of creative tools at your disposal. The nice part about how any artist works is you can always tell if it is that artists work if they put something of themselves into it.

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The reason why people can relate to fantasy is that it has a foot in reality.

Without that, the piece doesn’t really reach an audience.

Moving through the mystery happy geometry: painter masters balance between traditional and modern art

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Moving images William Rossoto’s art makes geography fun. He paints pieces founded on tradition, sparked by reality and created with geometric elements and an abstract vision. The end result is an interesting mixture of corporate and inspired.

Rossoto is not new to art. He’s been painting for over 30 years since experimenting from an early age. His work celebrates life, nature and the skewed way we view things, and he says that each of his creations is a result of an internal creative force that must get out. (And we’re glad it does!)

His portfolio comprises of modern art with a funky use of color and perception. If you compare his early work to his current pieces, you’ll notice that his outlook on life has transitioned from negative to a

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more positive outlook. His ongoing nature and music series has titles such as “Hot Fall,” “Indian Summer” and “Thought Tree.” Polo is his latest inspiration, discovered while making a video for a friend. His polo series takes an elite sport and makes it accessible and relevant to artists.

He creates moving images—and we’re not just talking about emotion.Rossoto’s vibrant use of color, he says, is a symbolic gesture of the constant and continual motion in the physical and metaphysical worlds. He grew up in Sante Fe, N.M., where he said that there are “vivid sunsets of purples, oranges and yellows,” and also “mountainous earth tones which balance out the brilliant blue sky.” All of these tones emerge on his canvas.

Photo courtesy of William Rossoto. Artwork by william rossoto.

DRAWING & PAINTING

E D ITOR ’S D E SK / D IY / HOUS E / L IV ING/ NOM A D / W R IT ING/ PHOTOG RA P H Y/ DRAWI NG & PA I NT I NG / DE S I GN / 3 D/ FA SH I ON / RE V I E WS

Lindsay oberst multimedia editor

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Rossoto’s vibrant use of color, he says, is a symbolic gesture of the constant and continual motion in the physical and metaphysical worlds.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each us can be looking at exactly the same scene or scenario and come away with a completely different reality of what it looks like and what took place.â&#x20AC;?

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“Geometry is in nature, in all things,” he said. “You cannot separate yourself from the physical world’s underlying structures such as in fractal geometry, which tells you that everything is composed of interlocking patterns that repeat infinitely.”

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the physical world’s underlying structures such as in fractal geometry, which tells you that everything is composed of interlocking patterns that repeat infinitely.”

He sees sacred geometry as an expansion of conscious awareness, a timeless understanding of that which is beyond the physical realm.

He shared with CommonCreativ that his next art series will likely be erotic without being excessively provocative. It has not yet been translated into paint on canvas and his pieces usually take around six months to a year to produce. We’re anticipating and can’t wait to see how much his new pieces will shock us! If you’d like to see more of his work, visit his website at www.artswami.com.

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E DI TOR ’S DE SK / DI Y/ HOUSE / L I V I NG / NO M A D/ WRI T I NG / P HOTOG RA P H Y / D R AW ING& PA INT ING/ D E S IGN/ 3 D / FA SHION/ R E V IE W S

In his polo pieces, circles are recognizable around the characters on horseback. To Rossoto, the circles represent windows of individual perception and perspective. “Each of us can be looking at exactly the same scene or scenario and come away with a completely different reality of what it looks like and what took place.”

In each of his works, geometry plays a role. This is certainly due to the fact that he is also an architect who utilizes “sacred geometry,” a principle which involves sacred universal patterns used in the design of everything in our reality.

“Geometry is in nature, in all things,” he said. “You cannot separate yourself from

Artwork by Jessica Cook.

DRAWING & PAINTING

E D ITOR ’S D E SK / D IY / HOUS E / L IV ING/ NOM A D / W R IT ING/ PHOTOG RA P H Y/ DRAWI NG & PA I NT I NG / DE S I GN / 3 D/ FA SH I ON / RE V I E WS

Melanie Williams Contributing WRITER

jet setter brings worldly perspective to the canvas We’re lucky to live in Atlanta, because many great painters call it home, and Jessica Cook is one of the finest. She moved here two years ago from Austin, Tex. and has already attracted a following of art enthusiasts.

Her paintings are breathtaking and dreamy with a hint of mystery, and she’s one of the amazing artists we’ve interviewed for this issue. Read on to find out about her craft, her inspiration and how she’s fitting in with Atlanta’s local artists.

CommonCreativ: What sort of art do you like doing? What medium do you prefer? What are your strengths?

Jessica Cook: Most of my paintings have a figurative element. The faces and gestures of people have always inspired me. I’ve kept small sketchbooks for years and continue to draw people in public places. My still-life subjects often have a human element, too, such as clothing.

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I like both the lush fullness of oil and the flowing quality of watercolor. I paint with oil because of its heavy body; I enjoy scooping it on my brush. I also like the way it looks when it dries. However, watercolor/gouache is a fast medium, and I enjoy the dance with my brush. I’m more experimental in water media; what I learn there informs my oil paintings.

My brushwork is a strength—people comment about the looseness and movement in my paintings.

I stand back from my canvas and often use longhandled brushes so I can dance my brush across the surface more easily. I also spend much time on the design: Before I get into painting, I create lots of compositional sketches. I enjoy organizing and making “sense” of a blank space.

CC: When did you get interested in art? Why did you

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When painting, I often use a variety of tools: house painting brushes, traditional art brushes, palette knives, even my fingers.

The application of paint inspires me as much as the subject.

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get involved?

JC: Since I was a kid, I loved painting and drawing, and my parents encouraged it. I also like to write, and I ended up majoring in English and advertising.

However, even with a variety of jobs and “careers,” I’ve always found my way back to art, even if it’s just in the evenings and weekends.

CC: How did you get so good? What’s your secret?

JC: I draw a lot. I carry around a journal and try to document something everyday, even if it’s just a quick gesture of someone walking. I also have gone to openlife drawing sessions for years, although I think the daily journals improved my drawing skills more than anything else. I took a couple of studio classes in college but didn’t major in art. In my late 20s I began taking art classes and workshops again and was lucky enough to study with a couple of fantastic teachers in Austin, Tex., where I last lived before ATL. CC: What has been your inspiration?

JC: Some of my most successful paintings have been based on my travels to the Netherlands, Belgium and France. I’ve been lucky enough to go to these places several years in a row. The newness of travel is energizing—what the locals may take for granted seems amazing to me.

When painting, I often use a variety of tools: house painting brushes, traditional art brushes, palette knives, even my fingers. The application of paint inspires me as much as the subject.

Other artists—from the “masters” to contemporary— inspire me. Lately, the multi-layered surfaces of digital and collage art inspire me.

CC: How does your work express who you are as a person?

JC: Most of my work documents everyday scenes I’ve witnessed, and my goal is to convey my emotional reaction to a scene rather than just a strict representation.

And currently, I’ve been moving in a new direction.

A commission I’m working on just began with an abstract idea: the pressures of leadership. I had a long conversation with the man who’s commissioning the piece—he had some visual ideas about it, but they were a little “fuzzy,” and I had to intuit his emotions.

Of course my personality will show in this painting, but I hope to convey his feelings about leadership and therefore something more universal.

CC: What do you think of Atlanta’s art scene, and where do you fit in or stand out?

JC: I’ve only been in ATL for two years, so I’m not sure if I fit in yet. Lots of great artists are here in Atlanta. I have developed friendships with several artists via life-drawing sessions and art organizations. I go to museum and gallery shows around town, but I’m eager to learn more.

Visit jessicacook.com to see more from Cook.

DESIGN

E D ITOR ’S D E SK / D IY / HOUS E / L IV ING/ NOM A D / W R IT ING/ PHOTOG RA P H Y/ DRAWI NG & PA I NT I NG / DE S I GN / 3 D/ FA SH I ON / RE V I E WS

For more Mitch Brown, visit manikandesign.com.

“There is something about Atlanta that you love from the very moment you step foot into a spot like EAV or L5P. [They’re] influential hotbeds for creative minds like myself. Being able to have someone or something to bounce ideas off of is a necessity when creating art.“

Dylan Morrison CONTRIbuting writer

Graphic design to grab you Mitch Brown graduated from the University of Arizona in December 2008 and made the bold move to Atlanta a month later. Even though he’s only been here for a short time, we’re happy he’s stayed this long. His graphic design is unmatched, and we at CommonCreativ are excited to see where his work will take him.

From producing, to DJing, to graphic endeavors, Brown has it all down to a science. He’s made posters, flyers, etc. for numerous respectable clients around the ATL (including CommonCreativ), and it’s just the beginning for this budding creative.

CommonCreativ: What do you think

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of ATL’s creative scene?

Mitch Brown: Just like any city, ATL has it’s own creative vibe. Tucson is an artsy desert town with many different outlooks and creative approaches. The art that stems from Arizona is also filled with a lot of Mexican/ Native American sentiments. Atlanta, on the other hand, is a much more urban city with natural aesthetics surrounding it.

There is something about Atlanta that you love from the very moment you step foot into a spot like EAV or L5P. [They’re] influential hotbeds for creative minds like myself. Being able to have someone or something to bounce ideas off of is a necessity when creating art.

This is why movements happen within

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all Designs by Mitch Brown. Portrait courtesy of Mitch Brown.

For more, visit manikandesign.com. Check out his contribution to commoncreativ on page 137.

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I have recently done work for Miller Lite, Bacardi, TNT, 99X and the Atlanta Hawks, plus numerous dance parties around the Southeast.

groups of people and not just one mind. Atlanta has mentally given me a breath of fresh air in an urban environment.

CC: What makes you creative? Tell us about all and any art you do, and how you get your work to others.

MB: Creativity is the one thing that separates an artist from his or her peers. No matter what you do, talent will always surpass. Creativity, to me, is being able to achieve an idea and bring it to life through whichever medium you choose.

Since graduating and moving to Atlanta, I have had the pleasure of meeting many creative minds who allow me to have a balance between all of my passions (DJ/ producer/ graphic designer).

I have been able to make a living for myself through freelance graphic design.

Once I graduated, the market for graphic designers went out the window and opened up a door for many freelance opportunities. I have recently done work for Miller Lite, Bacardi, TNT, 99X and the Atlanta Hawks, plus numerous dance parties around the Southeast.

In the past two years, I have had three art shows which have showcased my painting and graphic design works. (Atlanta Bench; July 2009, WonderRoot Gallery; January 2010, Graveyard Tavern; April - May 2010).

I am currently working on an EP for Party Guy Records, and it’s set to release on all available MP3 download sites, such as iTunes, Juno and Amazon, in February.

This is my debut EP under my moniker, MANIKAN. Since moving to Atlanta, I have been heavily influenced by the U.K. dance scene.

I make a lot of house music influenced by many other genres including U.K. funky/ dubstep/ hip-hop. Producing has been the forefront of my creative process for the last year besides any freelance endeavors I’ve encountered.

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3D

E D ITOR ’S D E SK / D IY / HOUS E / L IV ING/ NOM A D / W R IT ING/ PHOTOG RA P H Y/ DRAWI NG & PA I NT I NG / DE S I GN / 3 D/ FA SH I ON / RE V I E WS

For more Andrew T. Crawford, visit ironisking.com and andrewtcrawford.com. You can also find him on Facebook as Andrew T.

Kathryn jonell managing editor

to the streets Ever been to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens?

Or driven down 10th Street? Then you’ve definitely seen the sculptures of Andrew T. Crawford. He’s big—and we’re not just talking reputation. His sculpture “Lift”, on prominent display at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta at 10th and Peachtree, towers almost 30 feet high.

At the Botanical Gardens, he created the gates that used to grace the opening to the park before its recent makeover; now they stand at the top of the Cascades Garden, and he also created many of the sculptures in the park, as well. But he’s not only filling up Atlanta with his art. He has an exhibition of the garden gates he’s created at the

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State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens—a show that might travel around the country.

His work is also on display at the Huntsville Museum of Art, at the University of Alabama at Huntsville and four pieces are at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia; with all these and commissions in the rest of the country, you can’t miss Andrew T. Crawford!

Crawford builds his spectacular creations through a combination of the core techniques of blacksmithing and fabrication. He forms the metal, shaping it with heat, and then fabricates these pieces into something larger. Each is an exercise in scale, as he starts with a small model

Lift, 2003, forged and fabricated steel, 29’ x 5’ x 5’

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Crawford builds his spectacular creations through a combination of the core techniques of blacksmithing and fabrication. He forms the metal, shaping it with heat, and then fabricates these pieces into something larger.

Clarinet, 2009, forged and fabricated steel with ready-made parts, 25” x 12” x 4”

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below: Flower Gate, forged and fabricated steel, 54’ x 11’ Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta, Ga. Photo: Tim Huber Right: Bull, 2009, forged and fabricated steel, 9’ x 10’ x 4’

He takes inspiration from the ordinary things around him, often juxtaposing practical items and tools with whimsical twists and animal features.

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“The workshop is my sketchbook,” he says. “A lot of artists like to get in a safe place with a sketchbook, but that doesn’t work for me; I’ve never gotten a lot done in a sketchbook. I get a lot done in the shop.”

Above: Pure Americana, 2005, forged and fabricated steel, 13' x 6' x 9' Right: Launch, 2006, fabricated steel and Cypress, 9’ x 3’ x 8’

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Bang!, 2005, bronze, edition of 25, 27.5” x 11” x 7” Photo: Chuck Pittman.

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“It’s very indicative of my process,” he says of this piece, adding that he sees the oil as symbolic of life and how blood keeps the body functioning; he kept the oil-can-withwings on his desk for a long time, up until the day when he finally decided to build it as a large sculpture. of something and finds a way to build it larger. With these smaller models, he can explore what his creation is turning into in a way that is impossible when he gets to the larger stages: at that point, Crawford already knows how every piece fits together.

“The workshop is my sketchbook,” he says.

“A lot of artists like to get in a safe place with a sketchbook, but that doesn’t work for me; I’ve never gotten a lot done in a sketchbook. I get a lot done in the shop.”

His ideas and inspiration grow as he works with the metal and watches it take form.

He takes inspiration from the ordinary things around him, often juxtaposing practical items and tools with whimsical twists and animal features. His sculpture “Pure Americana” was born when he picked up an oil can, an item to be found anyplace where machines with metal parts

need frequent lubrication to continue functioning, and thought it looked somewhat birdlike, so he attached wings to it, turning it from something mechanical into something alive. “It’s very indicative of my process,” he says of this piece, adding that he sees the oil as symbolic of life and how blood keeps the body functioning; he kept the oil-can-with-wings on his desk for a long time, up until the day when he finally decided to build it as a large sculpture.

“Pure Americana” has since traveled all over and is being bought by Brenau University, which will keep it in Georgia in the future.

In addition to his public pieces, Crawford also receives many private commissions for Atlanta residents, giving him the opportunity to develop his style through both art and functionality.

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Silence & Noise Silky Dress Pant, $59; Pins & Needles Asymmetrical Ruffle Blouse, $58; Owl Locket Pendant Necklace, $24; METAL FLOWER CLUSTER HINGE BRACELET, $24; all available at urban outfitters.

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bornfree Photography by Colby Blount Writing by Brittany Heaton

Model | Michaella Asby Stylist | Colby Blount Style Assistant | Katie Clenney

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A white frilly top can bring out the girly side in even the bunchiest tomboys. This sheer number is fabulous with its capped sleeves and its asymmetric ruffles.

Push the envelope with these original bottoms. Wear an oversized tee shirt or tank top untucked with some sneakers for a bit of an urban vibe, or a pair with flip-flops to really ring in the spring.

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FREnch connection “wendy” cotton dress; $198; available at bloomingdale’s; ecote wide paiettes belt; $28; available at urban outfitters.

Here the ruffled sleeves give extra dimension to the dress and add a bit of playfulness on what would otherwise be a common piece. The belt offers a little sparkle and texture making this a truly standout ensemble.

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Karcher’s always looking cute while on the town.

You’re bound to see this beauty roaming Little 5 Points in her best wear.

Photos courtesy of Emily Karcher.

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FASHION

kenneth lee Contributing writer

E

l5P fashionista’s got vintage fever

mily Karcher is one of the most influential fashionistas in Atlanta. The Little 5 Points resident has a style that’s classic and quirky, and she’s always turning heads (She’s tall, stunning and always perfectly put together).

Karcher describes her unique, feminine and always playful style as “Cruella DeVille meets Katy Perry.” And we love her for that.

“I get so much fashion inspiration from working in a vintage store and seeing different eras of fashion,” says Karcher, assistant manager and assistant buyer at Stefan’s Vintage Clothing. “I’m also always stealing ideas from my insanely stylish girlfriends, and finding inspiration from

different movies.”

It’s tough being a standout fashionista in such a big city, but Karcher is inspiring others and making strides for the community— with the locals, she’s most recognizeable (specifically for her style).

“I’m always wearing heels,” she says. “Despite being six-feet tall, I think the higher the heel the better. Somehow an entire outfit looks better when you have heels on.”

“I don’t think I could honestly say there’s anything that I’d never ever wear ... Never say never!” And maybe that’s her secret. Be as bold as you can be and don’t limit your wardrobe by color, style or anything. Take some advice from Karcher, she’s flawless.

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Karcher describes her unique, feminine and always playful style as “Cruella DeVille meets Katy Perry.” And we love her for that.

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Photography by Colby Blount Writing by Brittany Heaton

Crazy/ beautiful.

Model | Laurel Frazer Stylist | Colby Blount Style Assistant | Katie Clenney

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ECOTE FAUX FUR VEST, $98; BDG Boyfriend Flannel Shirt, $38; both available at urban outfitters.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;When it comes to vests this season, stick to a nice, neutralcolored vest with few darker tones to avoid looking like a Bedazzled bear.â&#x20AC;?

Faux fur, a big recurring theme this season from heavy hits from Juicy Couture, to my girl Rachel Zoe's QVC line, to the Gap. When it comes to vests this season, stick to a nice, neutral-colored vest with few darker tones to avoid looking like a Bedazzled bear. The plaid button up s great too.

Simple and oversized is the way to go.

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Is it summer yet? No, but this outfit sure heats things up a bit. The sweetheart neck line on the top is lovely, the zipper down the front gives it just enough edge. The pattern resembles the everpopular peacock print that has had a presence on the runway for a few seasons now. But it has a bit of a twist, not your traditional feather print. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique and playful. The solid black shorts are perfect because they do not compete with the top.

Pins and Needles Zip Front Bodysuit, $39; Urban Renewal Vintage Destroyed Denim Short, $38; Both available at urban outfitters.

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Lindsey Schreve Contributing Writer

tlanta has a budding cultural community, where creativity is flourishing in every aspect. One of Atlanta’s newest revolutions happens to be fashion, with local designers gaining national recognition and new boutiques popping up around every corner.

Ashley James, a 26-year-old fashionista with seven years of experience in visual merchandising, is here to help steer Atlanta into the right direction. Her blog and Web site, JudeATL.com, is sure to push Atlanta toward a permanent spot on the map.

“My goal in Atlanta is to contribute to the establishment of a more respected fashion scene,” says James, fashion stylist and visual merchandiser of JudeATL.com. “My hope is that Atlanta will one day rival the industry of New York and L.A.” “The plan of my blog is to create

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awareness of ‘fashion things’ going on in our city,” she says. “And post things that visually inspire me. I am inspired by numerous things: Menswear, good tailoring, layering.”

James plans to work with local photographers, creative directors and designers to achieve visually appealing images for print media, film, merchandising and her blog.

When asked about what’s inspiring her this season, James said, “One thing that I am inspired by at the moment is selvage denim. I love how it transforms as you wear it. There is something special about breaking in your own creases, fades and lines.”

Make sure you check out her new fashion blog for the latest trends in and around the city.

Photo by Caroline Petters.

There’s a new fashion guru in town A

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“The plan of my blog is to create awareness of ‘fashion things’ going on in our city,” she says. “And post things that visually inspire me.

LEFT: Photo by Nikki Rochester; Model is Trey Moore. below: Photo by Amelia Alpaugh; Model is Ketch.

Photo by Amelia Alpaugh; RIGHT: Photo by Amelia Alpaugh; Model is Michael Pendergrass.

“My goal in Atlanta is to contribute to the establishment of a more respected fashion scene,” says [Ashley] James, fashion stylist and visual merchandiser of JudeATL.com. “My hope is that Atlanta will one day rival the industry of New York and L.A.”

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Limited edition Majestic t-shirts on sale now for

$15

AND track jackets for just $35!

These make great gifts, too. ask your friendly server for details.

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For more deals, follow us on twitter @majesticdiner.

Since 1929

That’s how long the Majestic has been serving up “Food That Pleases” to generations of Atlantans. Our menu offers tastes for any palate 24 hours a day. Come visit us anytime and experience Atlanta’s coolest landmark. majesticdiner.com.

Find us on twitter and facebook ;)

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FOUNDATION STEPPERS THE NEWEST MIX FROM ROB WONDER Adventure into the Sounds of Reggae & Dubstep Album Artwork by Dr. Dax

AVAILABLE AT ROBWONDER.COM & YOUNG BLOOD GALLERY 636 N Highland Ave NE

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Atlanta, GA 30306

www . c o mm o n crea t iv n yc . c o m

Here at CommonCreativ NYC we want to get back to the true meaning of creativity.

The Internet has lowered our expectations.

We expect less, we settle for more and we’re easily distracted by mediocrity. The creativity that used to be so available in The City is becoming harder and harder to find. CommonCreativ NYC will make true, honest creativity common again.

Our exceptional staff will cover everything creative, from art and style to creativity in the education system.

Welcome! We’re glad you could make it.

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REVIEWS

E D ITOR ’S D E SK / D IY / HOUS E / L IV ING/ NOM A D / W R IT ING/ PHOTOG RA P H Y/ DRAWI NG & PA I NT I NG / DE S I GN / 3 D/ FA SH I ON / RE V I E WS

V Artists owe it to themselves to watch this movie – the creative structure sets it apart from similar films, and proves that artistry and style can transform a clichéd message (War is Hell) into a powerful dramatic statement.

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Daniel Singleton Contributing writer

Rewind: Before the rain

iolence permeates Before the Rain. By scrambling the timeline to begin at the middle and end at the beginning, the film implies that violence never ends but only continues. It has always existed, and it will always exist, so don’t try to stop it because you will only hurt yourself.

The film was released in 1994, a few months after Pulp Fiction, another movie that scrambled its timeline to create an undying circle of violence and redemption.

Before the Rain is less famous and less successful than Tarantino’s film – while the nonlinear chronology effectively dramatizes the circularity of bloodshed, the abrupt shifts between locations (Macedonia and London) and characters (silent monks, Albanian terrorists, English journalists, and Serbian expatriates) obfuscate and subdue the film. We don’t recoil from the violence. Instead, we study and analyze it, as scientists more concerned with the cycle than its victims. The characters aren’t friends or family – they are pieces in a puzzle.

Perhaps the detachment is appropriate. Before the Rain deals with sectional violence between Christians, Muslims, Albanians, and Macedonians, who grew up yelling obscenities, murdering each other, and dragging innocents into the mud. In the

Macedonian segments (parts one and three), parents would rather murder their children than see them speak to the Enemy. In the London segment (part two), the hatred destroys more than a dozen innocents who never visited Macedonia. In all three segments, the violence is quick and sudden, but not surprising. The characters were born holding guns. Violence might be sad, but it is also part of their lives, and so they refuse to let grief overpower duty. They mourn their murdered friends by killing the Enemy.

In this context, dispassion is more appropriate than bombast.

It forces us to consider the universality of violence – while Before the Rain occurs in Macedonia, the themes pertain to Iraq, Korea, South America, Africa, and America. And it focuses attention back onto the style. Despite the ugliness of the subject matter, the camerawork and music are beautiful. The nonlinear structure allows characters that die in part one to return in part three, which is a minor miracle in itself.

Artists owe it to themselves to watch this movie – the creative structure sets it apart from similar films, and proves that artistry and style can transform a clichéd message (War is Hell) into a powerful dramatic statement.

Parties. Blogs. Press. Glitter. www.sorrydarlin.com

Artwork by anthony sims

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Calendar (a very handy visual planner) Mail (sync with any account) Dropbox (it’s like a portable desktop and portfolio) Pages (similar to InDesign, good for presentations) Numbers (keep tabs on all of your commissions) AP Stylebook (a must for anyone writing for media)

REVIEWS

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THE NECESSITIES (BOTTOM DOCK ON iPAD)

The best ipad apps for creatives MAria yanovsky editor in chief

We love our iPads (for those lucky enough to have one; for the others, start saving up!) almost as much as we love to splurge in the App Store, and we’re sure you do too! Take those iTunes giftcards you got over the holidays and put them to good use (how could you not?). Here are our top picks for creative iPad apps, old and new: Every photog needs to get the Photoshop application. No, you can’t do every marvelous thing on the iPad that you would with CS5, but it’s fun to brighten up photos and crop on-the-go.

Penultimate is great for doodlers and creative professionals alike because you can use your finger or a Stylus to take notes, instead of fumbling around the keyboard.

CleanWriter is the best writing app that we’ve seen so far. It doesn’t have any unecessary distractions or anything, it’s just for writing. We love it.

HelvetiNote is for all of those design geeks out there who can’t get enough of the timeless font. Now, your notes will all be readable and pleasant. No more OCD freakouts over Comic Sans!

Night Owl is a special web browser designed to ease those tired eyes. We know you’ve been working on that painting all night!

Now, you don’t have to squint to see Facebook, so worry-free Bob can brag about his new commission on Joe’s wall.

Adobe Ideas is a simple app similar to Penultimate. It gives you basic tools needed to take notes with your finger, and also to create some elementary art. Nothing fancy, but fun nonetheless.

MagCloud is an app you need to have. (Not because our magazine is on it or anything ... well, exactly for that reason).

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Browse through many downloadable self-published magazines about everything from art to politics.

Sketchbook Pro is a very detail-oriented app that allows for you to create truly amazing art on-the-go. Definitely the best sketchbook app we’ve found.

Don’t forget your Twitter and Friendly for Facebook apps!

Landscaper is a neat tool for any artist that’s interested in lansdcape architecture, or just curious whether that thing growing in the yard is poisonous. iBird is great for photographers who want to classify those birds they shot (not literally, come on!). With proper classifications, you could possibly submit the photographs for publishing to various nature chronicles. Good for sketching, too.

The Economist, Popular Science Magazine and Entrepreneur Magazine are great apps for anyone interested in keeping up with the news from politics, to design and innovation, to business.

For a little fun with your photos, transform your series into a nesting doll with the Matryoshka app.

(Ignore the cat apps pictured in the screen shot above. You say “crazy cat lady” like it’s a bad thing).

Blogroll apps are great (they cover topics from wine to beauty).

Blogroll Design is our favorite because all of the design blogs you love like Design Sponge are right at your fingertips, all in one app.

POW! Strip Design is our favorite app at the moment. Simply choose a layout, drop in your photos and text, and BAM! You have a beautifully made comic book. (Take it a step further and make it a gift for someone awesome and have your comic published with MagCloud.com. Then download it through the app while you’re downloading CommonCreativ).

READ ME! 3

CommonCr ativ COMMONCREATIVATLANTA.COM NOVEMBER 2010 COMMON GROUND FOR CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS IN ATLANTA AND GROWING!

COVER PHOTO BY CORY MCBURNETT PAGE 46

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COMMONCREATIVATLANTA.COM JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2011 COMMON GROUND FOR CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS IN ATLANTA

COVER PHOTO BY JASON TRAVIS PAGE 54

FEATURING +MITCH BROWN +JENNY BUNNY BUNNS +JESSICA COOK +ANDREW T. CRAWFORD +GERARD GORMAN +EMILY KARCHER +SARAH MINCHER +WILLIAM ROSSOTO +ALLI ROYCE SOBLE +J TRAV +MORE

FEATURING +ELIZABETH JOHNSON +CHRISTOPHER WONG +LAUREN ANDERSON +JEREMY MOON +GARRIN HIRSCHHORN +MATTHEW NICHOLSON +CORY MCBURNETT +MORE

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CommonCr ativ CommonCr ativ COMMONCREATIVATLANTA.COM MARCH 2011 COMMON GROUND FOR CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS IN ATLANTA

COVER PHOTO BY COLBY BLOUNT PAGE 82

FEATURING +WANT US TO FEATURE YOU IN OUR NEXT ISSUE? E-MAIL INFO@COMMONCREATIVATLANTA.COM.

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online You can view a full screen, virtual magazine online at our site.

Flip through our latest issue on the release day.

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iPad If you have an iPad, you can download the MagCloud application for free and view our magazine along with other independently published titles. Take us with you everywhere you go.

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In Print Times are tough and printing is expensive. But per your requests, you may now purchase a printed copy of your favorite issue directly from our publisher! Visit commoncreativatlanta.com for details :) 3

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READ

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Submit artwork of your pets for our upcoming contest!

Send high res images to submit@commoncreativatlanta.com. deadline for submissions is feb. 10. >^..^< 3

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REVIEWS

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A

Martin’s (aka the Black Apple) online Etsy store sells many adorable play things, including her popular paper dolls, which are now available in this sweet little collection of two-dimensional goodness.

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Angela Scott Contributing Writer

for the curious paper artist

s a fan of DIY culture and a collector of everything adorable, I can truly say this has been the best idea of my life. Purchasing this book, that is.

“THE BLACK APPLE’S PAPER DOLL PRIMER: Activities & Amusements for the Curious Paper Artist” is the first book by Emily Martin, one of the most successful Etsy account holders.

Martin’s (aka the Black Apple) online Etsy store sells many adorable play things, including her popular paper dolls, which are now available in this sweet little collection of two-dimensional goodness.

You can choose from a variety of girl and boy dolls, a ton of clothes, even pets and back-

grounds. Complete your dollhouse with some furniture, too.

All of the characters in this book have personalities, like the Alice in Wonderland-inspired doll that comes with a white rabbit or the naval-themed darling who comes with navy blue attire (complete with the cute stripes and all).

Your friends will love you if you make a little dollhouse for them on their birthday!

And gentlemen, this is a great Valentine’s Day gift for your creative lady.

The book contains 32 dolls on cardstock and hundreds of accessories and is perfect for anyone who loves scrapbooking, making greeting cards, frameable pictures, etc. $19.99, Urban Outfitters.

939 PONCE DE LEON AVE, 30306 ATL, Behind El Azteca

Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday Night facebook.com/elbaratl

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