Eddie Walker:
Founder, Father, & Husband. Hi, my name is Eddie Walker, & I am 29 years old. I have many titles in my life, husband, father, son, brother, uncle the list goes on. But the title that gives my life clear direction is creator. I’ve brought many visions to life and have manifested many things that are of utmost value to me, but my biggest and dearest creation is my family. I’ve been married for 8 years and have been blessed to have a wonderful life partner that keeps me grounded and yet driven to always go after my dreams while being the best version of myself. My children are my masterpieces and are constantly teaching me that life is meant to be fun and fluid, never taking anything to seriously and to cherish every moment cause nothing is forever.
eddie walker
I started Studio Lab with the intention to serve and collaborate with local entrepreneurs and artists. My service-based business stems from being a creator, and not having convenient access to the equipment and resources I needed. So I started seeking creatives that had the same problem as me and began serving them, and surely I have found my tribe of entrepreneurs that I can have a symbiotic relationship with, that results in win-win collaborations.
The type of services I offer are portrait and product photography. I also offer videography for products, services, and event coverage. Along with photography and videography I aim to create a platform that promotes and supports artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs so if you’re reading this, you are helping support this platform and most importantly today’s creators and tomorrows visionaries, thank you!
If you’d like to connect to discuss a vision you want to bring to life, or be featured in a future issue, or even exchange wisdom and good reads, then contact me! I look forward to connecting with you, peace and love. With good intentions, Eddie Walker
IF YOU’RE READING THIS, YOU ARE HELPING SUPPORT THIS PLATFORM AND MOST IMPORTANTLY TODAY’S CREATORS AND TOMORROW’S VISIONARIES, THANK YOU!
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Creative art influences and nourishes mental and health well being. For thousands of years, people have been using art as a way to release their creativity and express themselves. The concept of art therapy, however, is something that’s been around since 1942, when British artist Adrian Hill found that painting and drawing helped him through his diagnosis of tuberculosis. There are people all around the world who are suffering from low mental health, and a worldwide pandemic surely hasn’t helped matters.
Ashley Deering
Creative arts offer wellbeing benefits Latest neurological studies have shown that taking time to be creative can help to improve your mental health and improve your overall wellbeing. This is great news for people who have been feeling isolated or lonely, as there are many types of creative art you can practice to help improve your mental health and wellbeing. This means anything, from traditional drawing and painting, listening to music, or dancing!
Mindfulness
This may be a term you’ve heard recently, and for good reason, being mindful can help you to stay in the present moment and be grateful for what you have. Doing something like painting allows you the ability to focus on how the paint moves as it’s applied to the canvas, and how the colors blend together. Music is another outlet that you can use to practice mindfulness, maybe you can listen to your favorite song and really tune into the different sounds from various voices or instruments in the band.
Let’s get physical
It’s no secret that moving your body can improve your mood and paired with a creative art such as dance makes this a perfect way to boost your mood. Next time you find yourself feeling like your mental health is suffering, I challenge you to find your favorite dance song, and turn up the volume or put on your headphones and get ready to move! When you allow your body to move to the beat of the music, your body releases more of the feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. These endorphins are proven to have benefits to your mental wellbeing, and all you have to do is move your body. Pairing this with music and the ability to express yourself through the art of dance, will have you feeling even more uplifted.
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Find time to be creative The problem with so many people is they find they do not have time to do creative art. This is something that you may have to make time for and prioritize for your own mental health. Put aside some time each day to do something creative that works for you, even if it means writing a little bit in the evenings to brain dump your thoughts for the day. Creative writing can be an endless escape, as you can create your ideal world and being in control of the story line can be soothing for many people. No matter what stream of creative art interests you most, there is sure to be one that can help you improve your mental health. Search online and you may find some local classes in your area that can get you started with all kinds of art, and even pottery classes.
Venuz
James Shields
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Rachel Kerns
BIG THINGS IN STORE FOR RACHEL! Do you ever wonder what it feels like to actually live on cloud 9? Well just ask happy go lucky Arizona native Rachel Kerns, who is a full-time artist loving every moment of her creative calling, painting sensational murals throughout the Greater Sacramento region. Rachel’s murals are often expressed by her many admirers and supporters as “pastel daydreams of nostalgia.”
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“I never intended for my style to take the form it has today, I just paint things that make me happy again and again. Now it’s my own unique style.” says Rachel. A style that has aged perfectly into what it is today, which Rachel attributes to her childhood days of doing arts and crafts on the beach with her artsy mother and siblings. Now let’s jump back into present and dive right into this interview with Rachel Kerns. Enjoy! Eddie: What was the driving factor that led you to art? Rachel: I made art for fun and a way to ground myself during hard times growing up. I was shy about showing people what I made because it felt so vulnerable. When I moved to Sacramento, I started working at a local paint and sip and started to have friends recommend I put a price tag on some of my art. When it started to get some attention and demand, I just started down the road of creating more and more! Now I can’t stop! What does your creative process look like? Rachel: I like to set the mood. I start with a meal and a coffee. The more smells the better like nag champa or a candle. My studio mate said she always knows when I’m at the studio before she even sees me because the studio smells good from outside. From there it’s good tunes or a podcast and letting myself get lost in whatever I am creating. It feels similar to that point in a good book that you even forget you are even reading, you have drifted away to another place completely- that’s the flow state.
What is something you wish you knew when you first started? Rachel: So much I have learned along the way and the hard way. I wish I would started sooner honestly. Showing my work and offering things for sale. I was so in my head for way too long about what other people would think and ain’t nobody got time for that! What currently motivates you to continue creating? Rachel: I am motivated by other women and people that come from similar struggles as mine that are doing big things for themselves and their community. I want to show people that against all the odds you can not only make it but make it by doing something you love and being good to people along the way. Do you plan on learning any new styles in the near future? Rachel: I am currently in a huge life change, so with that change I am feeling called to all types of mediums and styles! So yes, for sure! Some of the things that are consuming my thoughts right now are: tattooing, screen printing, and metal smith jewelry making. I don’t want to limit my creativity and enjoy making anything and everything.
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Has your art improved the quality of your life? if yes, how so? Rachel: Doing art as my job has given me the privilege to live a lifestyle that I align with. A typical 9-5 work structure I don’t thrive in, and I feel like most people would agree. Working for myself has been such an incredible blessing being able to live a slower more intentional life that I enjoy. What advice would you give someone who is looking to follow in your footsteps as an artist? Rachel: Be persistent and good to people. If it’s something you really want, eventually you will get there. Also, know your worth. There are a lot of people ready to take advantage of a passionate artist just starting out. Besides art what else captures your attention/interests? is it a special cause? or another form of creativity? or something else altogether? Rachel: So many things! I am interested in interior design, wabi sabi, classic cars, feng shui, the idea of moving off the grid and living on a little farm with my own art studio. I am also really passionate about people and community. I feel like we are all on this crazy ride together and more alike than we are different.
What new and upcoming events, projects, and/or products are you releasing? Rachel: These days I have been booking murals faster than ever before and I feel incredibly grateful! This means I have had less time to focus on other projects. Within the next few months, I want to start releasing more limited edition products on top of murals. What impact do you want your art to have on the world? Rachel: This is a big answer to have someone who doesn’t pride herself on writing explain! I hope that what is taken from my art is hope. Continuing to find moments of beauty and inspiration in a world that continues to feel darker and darker.
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Any last words of wisdom for the readers? Rachel: We need people to create right now. Whatever it is that you enjoy making. It’s a ripple effect and we need more of that going on right now. If you see me around town, please say hi :) best of luck to you in everything you do.
“I want to show people that against all the odds you can not only make it but make it by doing something you love and being good to people along the way.” --Rachel Kerns
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Juneteenth is a national holiday commemorating the
emancipation of enslaved African American people, in the United States. Many of us were taught that in 1863, The Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln freed all enslaved people in the United States. Which is partially true. However, in Galveston Texas approximately 250,000 of the last enslaved men, women, and children were still under bondage without any knowledge of their freedom. That’s a whole two and a half years of futile oppression that was endured. There has been some speculation as to why the enslaved people of Galveston were still enslaved nearly 2 and half years after the signing of the emancipation proclamation. Such as the messenger was murdered while in route to Galveston, Texas. Unfortunately, many enslaved people were forbidden to read and write so they had no clue of their freedom. It is said that many plantation owners withheld this information for as long as they could to keep their slaves working.
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It wasn’t until U.S. General Gordon Granger stood on Texas soil and read General Orders No. 3: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” It was on that day, June 19th (Juneteenth) that all melanated people in the United States gained their independence. So as many Americans celebrate July 4th as Independence Day with fireworks and BBQ. Many people of African ancestry celebrate Juneteenth as our Independence Day. On Juneteenth many melanated people eat red foods like watermelon, red velvet cake, cherry pie, etc. As a way to pay homage to our ancestors. The eating of red foods is a representation of our ancestor’s bloodshed, who unwillingly and forcefully gave their life in slavery. So In memory of all the African Ancestors that gave their life in bondage, we celebrate the sacrifices made by acknowledging Juneteenth.
May peace find its way into every last soul on this earth, and may we prosper with love leading the way as we move forward in this country.
Ways you can celebrate Juneteenth. Support black-owned businesses. Engage in some black art and culture. Educate yourself on race relations. Acknowledge and continue to spread the word about Juneteenth. Donate to organizations that support black communities.
“In Galveston Texas approximately 250,000 of the last enslaved men, women, and children were still under bondage without any knowledge of their freedom. ”
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Welcome to the “Spray Area” Visiting Germany, Kenya, Ghana, Maraca, and Columbia, James Shields has traveled the world on epic “spraycations” cultivating and mastering his unique style from country to country. Long before embarking on his “spraycation” saga in 2014, James Shields emerged from Stockton, CA, but spent his youth growing up in Sacramento, CA. From Sacramento James attended Howard University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. He now resides in Oakland, CA, where he is an integral part of the community as an educator to the local youth and a painter/muralist advocate in Oakland, CA. Let’s take an in-depth look at James’s voyage from the very start, to the present moment, and his plans for the future.
James Shields Eddie: What was the driving factor that led you to art?
What drives you to paint/create?
James: The driving factor is that art has always been a gift and passion of mine. I took the opportunity to create it fulltime when I got laid off from my first and only corporate job in New York, 2009. I made the decision to pursue a life that made me happy.
James: It’s a lifestyle. I’m driven by life and constantly improving.
When did you first engage in art?
How has art improved the quality of your life? James: It’s made me a happier person with my life. If I don’t have the freedom to create then I’m depressed.
James: Been drawing all my life. I grew up in church and I always had a paper and pen to draw with it.
Looking back what is something you wish you knew when you first began painting?
Describe your genre of art? What attracted you to that style?
James: That I am an artist and it’s not going to be taken away from me. Just work hard and enjoy every moment as much as possible.
James: My genre of art is dreamy and imaginative. It’s influenced by fantasy, adventure, sci-fi, and spirituality. I paint my emotions as a mechanism to exist. So, in that way I’ve been lead to my style organically. Not so much a choice, but a path I’ve decided to take. What is your creating process? James: My process for creating is to value each phase of my processes. Even though they vary depending on the discipline or medium, I don’t rush through the processes of researching and preparation.
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Are you interested in learning new styles in the future? James: Art is constant evolution. So, I plan to pursue multiple disciplines of visual arts. Other than art what else are you into? James: Anime, history, NBA, health and wellness, and travel.
James Shields
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‘‘I want my coloring books and art to live in people’s homes and be cherished by multiple generations.’’ -- James Shields What is the biggest obstacle/barrier you’ve faced in the art industry? How did you overcome the adversity? James: Biggest barrier has been funding. Also learning how to be a professional. Lots of trial and error. What legacy do you want your art/work to have on the world?
Where can people find you? James: creativeshields.com, creative shields on all social media. How can people support you? James: I’m taking donations for my latest watermelon couch. Anything would be appreciated.
James: I want my coloring books and art to live in people’s homes and be cherished by multiple generations.
James Shields 14
Happily Ashley In the midst of a major breakthrough Ashley Deering is gearing up for takeoff as she paints her path to success. 2022 has been Ashley’s year of growth and achievements, it is truly astounding to witness the support and admiration Ashley’s received. Although Ashley has accomplished so much thus far, her journey hasn’t always filled with sunshine and rainbows. Ashley’s unique brand Depressed Happily, is a testament of her battle with depression and anxiety. She’s displayed and portrayed how mental illness is a part of her but does not define her. Ashley let’s art transmute her adversities; she is able to be free and live without constant worry and anxiety. Ashley is tearing down the walls around the stigmas of mental illness and creating art that “gives you permission to be emotional, to feel sad, happy, angry, everything.” Says Ashley. Read on to connect more with Ashley in this interview.
Ashley Deering
Eddie: What are some interesting facts about yourself that you’d like to share? Ashley: I’m 28 and originally from Modesto. I moved
around a lot and eventually landed in Sacramento, which I consider home. I have one cat named Zoey, who I named after the Sesame Street character. My favorite things to do aside from painting are, cook for friends and find local events to check out.
What was the driving factor that led you to art? Ashley: I have Bipolar II and art helps me stay sane. When I’m manic and can’t sleep because my brain won’t shut off, I paint. When I’m depressed and won’t leave my house, I paint. It’s not just a hobby anymore or a career; painting is a big part of my selfcare. It took a while before I invested in acrylics; I had pencils and watercolors, everything else. Acrylic just seemed super messy and permanent. It is messy, but you can cover anything up. Painting just feels natural.
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When did you first partake in art? How was your first experience? Ashley: My mom’s creative so I’ve been drawing since diapers, but I’ll share my favorite art memory. When I was five, I drew a picture of myself with a black crayon. My mom helped me mail it to the Modesto Bee and about six months later it was published in their Sunday paper. My mom cut out my drawing and laminated it. I still have it hanging on my fridge now. I think that was the moment I realized I liked publishing my art.
Describe your genre of art? Ashley: Surrealist cartoon. Pop art has influenced but surrealism is where my heart’s at. I love to paint from my subconscious and I love bold, solid colors with solid lines. It’s nostalgic, simple, and detailed. I like creating a big message as simply as I can. I do play around with heavy texture acrylic as well with the same idea of simplicity in mind. It’s definitely a more challenging medium.
What does your creative process look like? Ashley: : Sometimes I take the time to clean my space so I don’t feel creatively cluttered and other times I just go for it. I usually put in my earbuds to drown
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out the noise from outside and I always pick music to match my mood. Anything I can do to keep my emotions consistent. Sometimes I do everything right but I’m not in a creative mood and that’s when I typically practice drawing or educate myself on new techniques and art styles. I make space for my creativity however that looks in the moment.
What’s something you wish you knew in the beginning of your journey? Ashley: I don’t know, to be honest. I think I’m still in that learning process. I’ve done a lot of research on how to start a business, chatted with other creatives for tips, and I talk to my therapist about my schedule to make sure I’m not overwhelming myself. I schedule a time to evaluate my goals to make sure I’m on track but still enjoying the process.
What encourages you to continue creating? Ashley: My mental health is the most obvious reason I can think of, but I would also say the opportunities I’ve received have been extremely motivating.
Art is said to be therapeutic, has being an artist improved the quality of your life?
Ashley: Yes! Art has given me purpose and space to be completely
myself without judgment. I can confidently say I would not be here right now without art.
What advice would you give someone who is looking to follow in your footsteps as an artist? Ashley: Find your medium. I tried everything before I found my love of
acrylic. Nothing is more satisfying to me than paint. Once you have that, practice as often as you can. It took me three years to develop a style I liked; give yourself grace if it takes a while to figure that part out for yourself. Focus on why you are creating not on the money you can make. The money will come when you do the work. Learning how to network is one of the best skills you can gain. Hire a career coach if you need it.
What new and upcoming events, projects, and/or products are you releasing? Ashley: I have a lot of things pending contract at the moment, but I
can say I am working on merch and will post more info as I get closer to releasing it all, hopefully by the end of the year.
What impact do you want your art to have on the world? Ashley: I want to expose the way the world treats those of us with mental illness so we can change that. I want my art to give you permission to be emotional, to feel sad, happy, angry, everything. I want to bring the community together with my art and I want to help those who need it most. My goal has been to reach a level of success that I can give back to the community that has given so much to me.
Where can people find you? (ie. socials, websites, etc.) Ashley: I post all of my future events on Instagram, @
depressedhappily, and I am working on updating my website with future events and eventually a store, depressedhappily. com. If you would like to chat about a commission or have an interest in a piece I’ve made please message me any time on Instagram or my email on my website.
Any words of encouragement for the readers? Ashley: Failure is a part of success. You can’t expect yourself to be the best at something you’ve never done or don’t do often. Success is failing and trying again. I hear people say, “I’m not an artist; I can’t paint.” Anyone can learn to paint; you have to be willing to put the time into it.
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DSM-II Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 1978 - Gilbert Baker designs the first ever pride flag as a symbol of pride and hope for the LGBTQ community. March 2, 1982 - Wisconsin becomes the first state to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Pride month is in the air The month of June is a host of many national observances from delicious “goodie” days to humanitarian celebrations. One national observance that is acknowledged throughout the whole month of June is Pride month. Pride month is observed worldwide and commemorates the LGBTQIA+ community for overcoming decades of oppression and hate-crimes. Enter the 60’s and 70’s the era of the counterculture movement, a time of revolting teens, freedom seekers, and carefree nonconformist AKA hippies. On the other side of that coin was the LGBTQIA+ community. Queer and trans people were also revolting and fighting for rights and equality throughout the country beginning a whole decade earlier in the 1950’s. Notable moments that really began to shine light on the homophobia and prejudices of the queer and trans community was the 1959 Cooper Do-nuts riot in Los Angles. The 1966 resistance at Compton Cafeteria in San Francisco, The 1967 Black Cat tavern riot in Los Angles, but the most impactful protest that propelled the LGBTQIA+ efforts forward was the 1969 Stonewall Inn riots that took place in New York. The rebellion took place after the police raided the Stonewall Inn on June 28th. The LGBTQIA+ community formed a rebellion and fought until July 3rd (6 days total). It is this uprising that commemo-
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rates June as Pride month.
December 3, 1996 - Hawaii’s Judge Chang rules that the state does not have a legal right to deprive same-sex couples of the right to marry, making Hawaii the first state to recognize that gay and lesbian couples are entitled to the same privileges as heterosexual married couples.
The Stonewall Inn Uprising was ultimately a catalyst that rallied and unified LGBTQIA+ communities all across the United States. Pushing queer and trans people to seek a more radical and political means of justice and equality leading into the 70’s.
May 17, 2004 - The first legal same-sex marriage in the United States takes place in Massachusetts.
As a result, organized groups such as Radicalesbians, Gay Liberation Front, Gay Activists Alliance, and the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) we’re all established within a few months of the Stonewall Inn rebellion in 1969.
September 20, 2011 - “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is repealed, ending a ban on gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military.
Some amazing historical feats that the LGBTQIA+ community has accomplished over the last 6 decades are: July 1961 - Illinois becomes the first state to decriminalize homosexuality, by repealing their sodomy laws. June 28, 1970 - Community members in New York City march through the local streets to recognize the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall riots. This event is named Christopher Street Liberation Day and is now recognized as the first gay pride parade.
October 28, 2009 - Obama signs the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law.
September 22, 2019 - Billy Porter becomes the first openly gay black man to win the Emmy for best lead actor in a drama series. The amount of progress made for the LGBTQIA+ community leading up to June 2022 is astonishing, but none of these victories has come without blood, turmoil, adversity, and sacrifice. As stated by Elliot Page “This world would be a whole lot better if we just made an effort to be less horrible to one another.”
January 1, 1973 - Maryland becomes the first state to statutorily ban same sex marriage.
Today it is evident that the world is changing for the LGBTQIA+ community, queer and trans people no longer have to hide in fear and shame. A major breakthrough brought about by their own efforts and sacrifices, a true testament of self-worth and self-love.
December 15, 1973 - By a vote of 5,854 to 3,810 the American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in the
“This world would be a whole lot better if we just made an effort to be less horrible to one another.”
- Elliot Page
Venuz’ expressions leaving alluring impressions. Art is created and perceived in a magnitude of ways. The possibilities of art are limitless! The same can be said about the enigmatic Venuz. Venuz is an abstract expressionism artist and paints her canvases with emotions and premonitions from her subconscious mind. The beautiful thing about Venuz’ art is it’s an expression from her psyche, that paints a literal picture of her emotional state in that moment in time. Since her art is abstract by nature, it is also subjective leaving the interpretation of the piece open to the eye of the beholder. In this interview we’ll get some insight of who Venuz is and a deeper look at what her art truly conveys from her deepest essence.
Eddie: What was your first experience with art? Venuz: I have been working on art since before I could remember I have thousands of photos of me with art kits for birthdays and drawings of anime! I’d say I anime was what made me take art even further.
What is your style of art? What made you gravitate to that style of art?
Venuz
Venuz: Abstract expressionism is art from the subconscious mind! So
even tho I may not be able to put my feelings into play if I put my paint brush to the canvas I come out with a master piece either way.
Describe your creative process. Venuz: As crazy as it may sound I place my canvas in front of me & think about what I’m feeling I usually pick the color I’d like to work with first and from there my art creates.
As an artist what moves you to create? Venuz: They say if it’s your calling it won’t stop
calling you! So even on those days where I’m not so motivated I continue to create because it brings me a sense of peace and comfort.
Has your art improved the quality of your life? if yes, how so? Venuz: Art has definitely improved the quality of
my life! It keeps me motivated to go to this 9-5 that more than so stressed me out but when I think back to where I’d like to be in life as a full time artist, I know I need to make certain sacrifices to get there! So definitely art has motivated me in itself more ways than one.
Addicted
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Weight up What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out? Venuz: Keep going! If you think no one’s watching or interested I believe me, they are! And please don’t be so hard on yourself, I promise that arm looks great & they’re hair looked realistic and those colors you blended together look magnificent! Whatever it is show the world your creativity and it will all pay off. What stamp do you want your art to leave on the world? Venuz: I want to show people how to be free with no expectations! Sometimes art doesn’t make sense, but did it make you happy? Did it make you think? Did you create a memory? Where and how can people support you? Venuz: If you’d love to support me, please follow my socials! IG: zzhapeace Twitter :zzhapeace I’d love to bring art into your life!
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Weight up - this represents grounding myself and finding my creativity, red rules your root chakra and is meant to make you feel more secure, yellow rules your sacral chakra and when it’s clear it helps you with your self-esteem & confidence. This piece was special to me because it gave me a breakthrough, I felt like I was a truly an artist after months of feeling discouraged. Addicted - to elevation when creating this artwork, I adventured backwards into a past life of mine when I would abuse the use of drugs/alcohol I did everything under the sun from weed to lsd. I found myself in pure bliss when I’d reach a certain point in my high I wanted to feel that way all the time.. Once I started to drift away from family and friends I noticed I had a problem, so this piece represents me trying to learn how to elevate without the extra help. Celibacy - I was celibate for almost a year, I decided to become celibate because I wanted to teach myself discipline and prove to myself that when I say I’m going to do something I can actually follow through, the tally marks through out your her body represent the mistakes, broken promises, & lies I’ve told myself. The flower represents dedication to myself to own up to my word while the candle represents the purity my soul is searching for in a darkness.. Moral of the story is I owe it to myself to mean what I say & do exactly what I said I was going too.
Celibacy “I want to show people how to be free with no expectations.”
---Venuz
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A unicorn in the music industry.
Ashley Berni
During the height of the pandemic, approximately 200,000 businesses were forced to call it quits according to economist at the Fed. Many businesses closing their doors to the public forever. But not all people let the uncertainty of the pandemic stop them from arriving at their Nirvana. Ashley Berni - a Sacramento Native, saw the COVID-19 pandemic as the perfect opportunity to make a huge life transition and started her own business. Ashley opened her own recording studio during quarantine, called Rosa Mortem located in Sacramento CA. Ashley’s passion for music and producing stems from her very first job working as an audio engineer in the theater field. During Ashley’s time as a theatre tech, she not only gained experience with sound, but she also became a proficient lighting designer. Ashley has taken her skills from the past and is now creating a prosperous future. Joining the rare ranks of women producers. In this interview with Ashley Berni, we’ll get an inside look at who she is and her thoughts on entrepreneurship.
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When producing, I start with the drums/beat first & build from the bottom up. What inspires/pushes you to create?
Eddie: Tell me a little about your yourself.
such a major perspective shift I needed.
Ashley: My name is Ashley Berni, I grew up in the Greater Sacramento Area. My first job was as a theater tech where I was an audio engineer/lighting designer. I did this for a few years before leaving the engineering “field” for retail; then later medical that I pursued for 6-7 years before coming back to audio, this time as an engineer & producer. I also work in Artist Management. I have 2 dogs; my partner is also in the music industry as a producer when home & full time as a Tour Manager.
When did you first partake in entrepreneurship?
What motivated you to become a entrepreneur and forge your own path in the music industry? Ashley: I was stressed out all the time, losing sleep & not in a great place mentally. I’m still stressed out but it’s more of a motivational stress & I feel fulfilled doing what I love every day. It’s more of an adrenaline rush now, I feel like I have the clearest direction I’ve ever had in life. I finally feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be & I feel okay that it doesn’t look exactly like I want it to look like, I feel like it will in time. That alone was
Ashley: I’ve been in Artist Management for the better part of a decade but I always had another job while doing it until mid 2020. Having another job was always a safety net. Since jumping fully in, it has been stressful at times. Being a woman in a largely male dominated industry has made things a bit tough. A lot of folks have questioned my knowledge or chose to go with “more experienced men” they know. I’ve had to learn a lot, still do to this day of the ins & outs of working for yourself. What does your creative process look like? Ashley: I’m fairly routine driven, I thrive off a clean environment so I’ve learned to develop habits into my process. I clean the studio up before locking up so I can walk into a clean space. I do a quick sweep/dust of the space then review emails/inbox messages while I have my coffee/tea. I tend to check out my to do list for the day & just get going typically on the highest priority or simple tasks.
Ashley: Women make up about 5-7% of the industry in audio. I hope that I can continue to pave the way and inspire other femme identifying folks to jump in head first like I have. My partner also motivates me & pushes me to do/ be my best always. He’s killin it in the industry right now, I just want to follow step for step. “I’m proud of you” was never something I really heard growing up or ever really. He tells me this daily; it’s like it’s exactly what I needed to hear. Has pursuing your business improved the overall quality of your life? Ashley: I’m making money again, slowly but surely so I’d say yes lol I also feel better mentally. I’m finally where I feel like I’m supposed to be and it’s like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I feel like I have purpose again and buying groceries isn’t as heartbreaking as it has been. What guidance would you give for someone just started out looking to follow your in footsteps? Ashley: Keep at it! Remember that it takes time to become great at what you do, always work to be better than you were the day before. Learn something everyday! I’ve taken time to make sure I’m learning something everyday. I write every question I have down so that if I can’t think of something to learn, I can find the answers to questions I’ve run into until I’m confident. Be confident in your abilities, you’d be surprised on how much you know as you develop your skills! Collaborate often.
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What new and upcoming events, projects, and/or products are you releasing? Ashley: I have a lot on the books coming up. My first record that I produced independently comes out this summer with the artist I manage, Shunkan (@iamshunkan). I also have a bunch of artists releasing projects this year that I engineered for & also produced on some. I’m working on my own visual ep that should be out at some point this year. It will be a four track cinematic piece that will come with cinematic visuals. It’s a new project I want to release annually to show my producing & creative skills. Where can people find you? Ashley: My website is currently being developed but can be found at rosamortem.com. I’m also on instagram as @as_seen_on_the_ internet where I post a lot of my creative work and everything I do. I also have a page for our studio on instagram as @rosa_mortem. Any final thoughts you would like to add? Ashley: Thank you so much for this! What a great addition to the community you are. I will just repeat “keep at it”, you are always capable and to work with as many people as you can! Collaborate often & learn from others, support each other because there is room for everyone, always. People can support me by following/ sharing my work, by coming in to work with me & sharing with others to come in as well. Thank you, Eddie! Eddie: Your very welcome, and thank you for being a part of this. Your contribution is appreciated, and may you continue to be successful.
“ Women make up about 5-7% of the industry in audio. I hope that I can continue to pave the way and inspire other femme identifying folks to jump in head first like I have. ” -Ashley Berni
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As a Creative Thinketh
The mind of a creative is rather interesting. Where most people are conditioned to think and live within the bounds of a box, like the foundation of the building you’re in, & the room your currently sitting in. The creative knows that the box is the one thing that has be broken down in order for the flood gates of creativity to engulf the minds limitless abyss. The appearance of a creative is rather interesting. Where most people sit comfortably within societies “standards” & “norms” the free-thinking creative tats, pierces, dyes, bleaches, shaves, grows what society tries to control. For a nonconformist, appearance speaks louder than voice ever will, freedom of expression is the side effect of consuming the red pill. Whether it’s lingo, clothes, skin, or hair the creative has found freedom from bullshit and no longer cares. Creative thinkers are free thinkers, people who would rather be up late and create, than be on time to earn a dime. Now don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing ill about a day job or career, most creatives have one until their finally free. It’s just in the mind of a creative salary means slavery. Even with the tempting honey pots of insurance and benefits. The free spirited creative knows that those same honey pots can be imitated and created. To all my nonconformist, creators, and innovators the future belongs to us. The special minds that create and shape reality for the betterment of societies sheepish mentality. So, continue to be different, be aware, but most importantly be yourself.
EDDIE WALKER
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“ Where most people sit comfortably within societies “standards” & “norms” the free-thinking creative tats, pierces, dyes, bleaches, shaves, grows what society tries to control. ’’ There’s someone out there that resonates with your unique work. If your curious to find out who that future supporter is, contact me for more details to have your art, business, and/or services covered in a future issue. Direct Message me on Instagram: @studiolab_media Email me at create@studiolab.tech Be sure to subscribe to get the inside scoop on our upcoming issues visit - www.studiolab.tech Thank you, Eddie Walker