Epiphany Magazine - 916 Culture - Issue No.14

THAT LOCAL ART SHOW

Upcoming EvEnts

WHEN: November 5th

11am- 4pm

WHERE: The Chalet Event Center

5450 China Garden Rd, Rocklin, CA

- Free coloring booth with pages made by our artists

- Free earbuds for our sound-sensitive attendees

- Free parking and admission

- Raffle prizes totaling over $2000

Jasmine Eastburn, the Director of That Local Art Show, is a multi-talented individual with a diverse range of titles and designations.

She is an accomplished Artist and Jewelry Designer, a Published Author, and a Photographer. Jasmine’s passion for art began in 2013 when she discovered acrylic pouring and started teaching others.

That Local Art Show opened its doors in March and has quickly become a thriving part of the art community. Originally planned as a twice a year show, it is now scheduled for five times in 2024.

The show aims to provide a haven for budding artists and offers activities such as coloring pages, live DJ performances, and live art demonstrations. As a nonprofit organization, their mission is to promote emerging talents and support their livelihood.

Upcoming events include shows on September 10th and November 5th, with the latter being a holiday show featuring DJ Madsticks as Santa.

Founder of That Local Art Show

Jasmine Eastburn

Defining Beauty

Wendy Villalpando, the owner of Defining Beauty, began her entrepreneurial journey after graduating from California State Univeristy Chico with a degree in Business Management.

In 2012, Wendy opened a fashion boutique store and after gaining valuable experience in the industry, she transitioned to an online boutique and eventually established Defining Beauty in 2015.

Driven by her love for fashion and beauty, Wendy embarked on a mission to revolutionize the industry of permanent cosmetics. She wanted to create a sense of control and beauty in an industry that lacked it. Through research, she discovered the need for permanent makeup services for medical reasons, such as alopecia, cancer, and hormonal imbalance.

Defining Beauty offers a range of services such as: brow, lip, eyeliner tattooing, scalp micro-pigmentation for men experiencing hair loss, areola 3D tattooing for breast cancer survivors, scar camouflaging, beauty services targeting fine lines, and aging skin. Among these services, brow tattooing is the most popular choice among clients.

At Defining Beauty, the mission is to provide clients with natural and realistic permanent cosmetic results. Wendy and her team of artists are highly meticulous and stay updated with the latest techniques in the industry by training with top cosmetic artists from around the world.

The impact of Defining Beauty on its clients’ lives has been profound. Wendy has received overwhelming positive feedback, with many clients expressing how the services have transformed their lives. This feedback serves as a testament to Wendy’s dedication and expertise.

Located at 2220 J Street Suite 1 in Sacramento, Defining Beauty operates Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, and by appointment. With Wendy Villalpando at the helm, Defining Beauty continues to redefine beauty and empower lives through the art of permanent cosmetics.

DEFINING BEAUTY SERVICES:

Brow Tattooing

Lip Tattooing

Eyeliner Tattooing, Scalp Micro-Pigmentation

Areola 3D Tattooing

Scar Camouflaging

Beauty Services

LOCATION:

2220 J Street Suite 1 in Sacramento, CA, 95816

HOURS OF OPERATION:

monday - friday

10 am - 5 pm

CONTACT: 916 - 476 - 5364

Nubia Murillo, was born and raised in Farmersville, CA, a small town in the Central Valley; she is the daughter of two immigrant farm workers and the youngest of five siblings.

Nubia graduated from California State University Chico, and after working in marketing for eight years, she finally dived into entrepreneurship.

Nubia’s passion for entrepreneurship began at a young age; she always had ideas about different businesses she wanted to create. However, it wasn’t until she was presented with a 510-square-foot space in downtown Sacramento that she decided to open Cap City Squeeze.

Cap City Squeeze offers green juices, smoothies, and açaí bowls, providing healthy snack options for people on the go. Nubia’s “why” behind operating Cap City Squeeze is to make healthy choices easier for her community.

“With so many unhealthy, over-processed fast food locations and the rise of food allergies and digestive issues, I wanted something different. I want my customers to enjoy a green juice, smoothie, or açaí bowl and feel good about the choices they make.” Says Nubia.

Nubia Murillo Owner of Cap City Squeeze & Society Bistro

After celebrating her 10th year in business, Nubia is excited to open Society Bistro, which will offer clean and wholesome food options, sustainable fair-trade coffee, and gluten-free and vegan-friendly options.

With so much positive feedback from her loyal customers over the years, Nubia has tremendously impacted the local community. Nubia’s commitment to making healthy choices easier for her customers is truly inspiring. As Nubia says, “I love being able to be that healthy option for people.”

introduction

the SOUL Of Street cULtUre

“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.”

- Jane Jacobs

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of street culture?

Street culture, from our lens, portrays various niche communities that largely contribute to a city’s vibe— street culture is often misunderstood by the masses but still embraced by many.

Street culture encompasses various forms of artistic expression, including graffiti, fashion, music, low riders, skateboarding, and more. These communities come together to create a distinct cultural tapestry that reflects the city’s history, diversity, and individuality.

Street culture and street art serve as a platform for self-expression and creativity.

Street photographers snap everything from cars and graffiti to peculiar people. The photographer’s lens documents the city as it is— telling the story of the surrounding environment and capturing the undeniable truth and beauty that a city has to offer.

Musicians add a rhythmic soundtrack to the urban landscape, capturing the essence of the city through their melodies, beats, and lyrics — they have a way of setting the expectations and tone for the city— like Mac Dre did with the hyphy movement in the bay area.

Through these creative outlets and much more, street culture becomes art, creating a powerful means of expression allowing individuals to share their perspectives and culture.

Street skating

Street Photography Graffiti

Street culture fosters a sense of community and belonging. Take the skateboarding scene, for example; skate parks and city hot spots become meeting grounds where skaters can push their limits, exchange tricks, and have a good time.

These free-spirited skaters bring together large groups of individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for the sport. They start as crews and end up forming lifelong bonds.

Similarly, graffiti crews create a unit moving as one as they bomb walls, trains, and other surfaces— creating a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose amongst one another. By using walls and public spaces as their canvas— graf writers ultimately showcase their styles and messages in unique ways.

Everything from graf writing to street photographers, low riders, and skateboarding is a testament to a city’s diversity and creativity.

Through these raw artistic expressions, a city’s unique identity is forged, leaving an indelible mark on its cultural landscape in healthy and unique ways.

In this issue, you will discover Sacramento’s interconnected ebb and flow of street art through the various niches mentioned above. These subcultures are vital to shaping Sacramento’s creative community and overall vibe.

P art 1 Graffiti

Graf is special because it goes against the system it is the last true freedom of speech. Anybody can go and leave there message on the wall to be heard and just creating things with your bare hands is a wonderful feeling! It’s good for the mind and soul and graffiti is not all about the face of the artist, but about the style, the letters, colors, the funk, and creativity that’s what makes graffiti special.

-OAKSRAMENTO

“Be yourself and Don’t be afraid to take risks. In a World full of carbon copies be the origInal prInt.

- D_tale 3

Sacramento’s First Ever Blasian Unity: A Black and Asian Day of Solidarity

Organized by The Asian American Liberation Network

On a historic Saturday evening, August 5, 2023, the Asian American Liberation Network (AALN) and The Blasian March proudly hosted Sacramento’s first ever Blasian Unity: A Black and Asian Day of Solidarity.

The event, held at the esteemed All City Homes in the heart of Oak Park, brought together a multitude of co-hosting organizations, including Sacramento Filipinx LGBTQIA+, Brown Blossom Rising, Tasty Art, Lavender Lotus, California TRANScends, and the Center for Spiritual Awareness.

The significance of this first annual event lies in its mission to bridge the gap between two prominent movements: Stop Asian Hate and Black Lives Matter. Rohan Zhou-Lee, the visionary behind The Blasian March, recognized the need for sharing stories to foster empathy, humanization, and communication. Inspired by this ideology, the event featured a community-led march, an enlightening speaker panel, and the distribution of free books that delve into the Black and Asian experience.

One poignant highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Darell Richards Solidarity Mural. Darell Richards, a young Black and Hmong individual, tragically lost his life during a mental health crisis with The Sacramento Police Department in 2018, drawing attention to the urgent need for mental health reform. Collaborating closely with Darell’s family, local artists Shawntay Gorman (Taysty Art), Caralie Wegeng (Crafti Babii), and Maki Vue (maki.x.art) crafted a profound mural that serves as a lasting tribute to Darell’s life and a symbol of solidarity.

The event drew an inspiring crowd of local community organizations, leaders, and residents who wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to march together and celebrate the unity between the Black and Asian communities in Sacramento. Blasian Unity proved to be a remarkable testament to the power of empathy, understanding, and the shared pursuit of justice. As the sun set on this momentous evening, the echoes of unity reverberated, leaving a lasting mark on the city of Sacramento and its residents.

Blasian March Founder

Rohan Zhou-Lee

Established in 2020 by Rohan ZhouLee, a person of African-American, Filipino, and Chinese heritage, this organization aims to challenge the misrepresentation of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in mainstream media. Also, focusing on breaking down stereotypes and fostering unity between Black and Asian communities.

Rohan, who identifies as Queer/ Non-Binary and uses the pronouns They/Siya/*t (Ta), is a multi-talented individual based in New York City. As the founder of the Blasian March, Rohan is dedicated to promoting solidarity and unity.

Shawntay Gorman Lead Artist

At the first-ever Black and Asian solidarity event in Sacramento, organized by the Asian American Liberation Network, a powerful mural unveiling took place to honor Darell Richards. Darell, a 19-year-old black and Asian individual, tragically lost his life during a mental illness crisis at the hands of the Sacramento Police Department in 2018.

As the lead artist, a fellow black and Asian individual, and a single mother of a 19-year-old black son, I deeply empathize with Darell’s story and understand the fear this incident brings to our community. It was essential for us to come together and create a meaningful tribute to Darell, showcasing the blend of his Hmong heritage through traditional symbolism and garments, while also expressing love and solidarity for his black side using the colors red, black, and green in the background.

My mural team, consisting of talented artists Maki Vue and Caralie Wegeng, worked tirelessly to ensure that this mural not only honors Darell’s memory but also sends a powerful message of unity and support to our communities. The mural serves as a reminder of the need for justice and change, and we hope it inspires conversations about mental health and police brutality in our society.

In collaboration with Chad at Shop Class in Sacramento, we engineered the mural to be transportable, allowing it to be displayed at different locations. This innovative approach ensures that Darell’s story and the message of solidarity can reach diverse audiences across the city, fostering understanding and promoting dialogue about the pressing issues we face today. Together, through art and ingenuity, we strive to create a lasting impact on our community and beyond.

PART 2 PHOTOGRAPHY

PATTY RAMIREZ

Revving Up the Excitement

judging low competitions

In the world of low-rider shows, the excitement doesn’t stop at the cars. These shows also feature competitions where low-rider experts meticulously judge each car.

These judges use a point system to evaluate the vehicles and ultimately determine the winners. They pay close attention to the authenticity and preservation of the vehicle’s original features, such as the engine, interior, and exterior components. Vintage details like chrome trim, emblems, and accessories are given special consideration.

But that’s not all—in most cases there are 6 categories in which a car will be judged: body, engine, interior, undercarriage, hydraulics, and overall impact. The judges also take into account the level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the “wow” factor that the vehicle generates.

This includes additional modifications like hydraulics, suspension, rims, audio systems, and interior enhancements. The judges want to see how these elements contribute to the car’s overall appeal.

It’s worth mentioning that the judging process may vary slightly from one low rider show to another in California. However, the core principles of evaluating overall appearance, customization, and adherence to category-specific criteria remain consistent.

The low rider shows/competitions in Northern California are a fantastic platform for car enthusiasts to showcase their passion and creativity. Based on a point system, the scoring and judging process ensures that deserving vehicles are given the recognition they deserve. These cars are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and unique features, which are respected and admired by the entire low rider community.

PART 3 The Art of Skating

N-Men

Co-founder Doug Jones

Photo credit: Billl Golding

Rahim RobInson

“I’m a street skater, we use the city and its our canvas. Public spaces from stairs/benches/wheelchair access ramps/ street gaps/ hand rails, we look at those as obstacles and look for any potential trick that could go down at that spot. To dumb that down we don’t skate like Tony Hawk no indoor ramp strictly all city.”

and fueled his determination to level up.

When asked about his favorite memories of skateboarding, Rahim reminisces about his middle school and high school days. The carefree days of skating behind liquor stores late at night, and hanging out at Taco Bell until he and his buddies were eventually kicked out.

These memories epitomize the essence of youth and the passion-driven camaraderie that Rahim and his friends shared as they pursued their passion for skateboarding. Ultimately, they pushed each other to new heights day in and day out.

These days, Rahim skates with a few close friends such as (Charlie)(shyk)(dom)(solo) (Xavier)(Kegs)(Mike)(Troll)(Hai)(cal).

Born in Watsonville, CA, and raised in Sacramento, CA. Rahim Robinson was fortunate to discover his passion for skateboarding in his youth.

Reflecting on his past, Robinson vividly remembers receiving his first skateboard from his father when he was just five years old. He even recalls the type of skateboard—an X games board from Walmart.

As a kid, Robinson was positively influenced by his older cousins and a supportive neighbor who would let him borrow his ramp from time to time, pushing him to pursue skateboarding even more.

At the age of seven, Rahim proudly recounts landing his first successful trick—a front 180. Amusingly, Rahim thought he had invented the trick at the time.

As he progressed in his skateboarding journey, a defining moment occurred during his fourth and fifth-grade years, when playing in games of “skate” with his friends—similar to basketball’s “horse,” —Rahim consistently beat all his opponents.

This led to his friends bringing challengers to his house and betting on his ability to defeat other skateboarders in the neighborhood. Rahim’s consistent success in these competitions solidified his status as a “legit” skateboarder,

When asked about his most significant achievements, Rahim mentioned, “Getting sponsored by the best skate shop in Sacramento. Shout out to PLA Skate shop that was a real validation stamp to my skating. Then my board sponsor Pizza Skateboards and turning Amateur for them was crazy, those 2 things is really hard to do in skating and that’s just the beginning before PRO. Skating has took me to half of the USA, I think I’ve seen over or close to 32 states, its such a blessing.”

Rahim Robinson in his element skating downtown, Sacramento, CA

N-MeN

thE Untold story

In the mid-1970s, a group of raw skateboarders from Sacramento, California, came together to form the N-Men. The visionary leaders behind this innovative skate crew were none other than Doug Jones and John O’Shei.

This crew of revolutionary individuals that made up the N-Men were young men and women ranging from ages 1225. The tight-knit crew would leave an unforgettable mark on the skateboarding world, shaping its culture and revolutionizing Skateboarding in ways they never imagined.

After 11 years in the making, their remarkable story is finally being televised in the documentary film, ‘N-Men: The Untold Story

The Birth of a Revolution

In 1975, Skateboarding was still very young. However, Sacramento was a hotbed for skating. It was in this thriving skate scene that the N-Men came to life. They were comprised of a diverse group of talented skateboarders; the crew quickly gained recognition for their unique style, innovation, and raw passion—they skated everything from empty swimming pools to abandoned warehouses, pipes, and ditches. Nothing was off limits.

“They all met downtown at a place they called “Stoker Hill”, it was a paved embankment under the I-5 freeway between Old Sac and the K Street Mall. They skated all over Sac and NorCal.” Says director James Sweigert.

The N-Men explored every inch of the skate scene in Northern California, constantly pushing the limits of what was possible on a skateboard. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of skateboarding became the catalyst for a new era in the sport.

Shaping Competitive Skateboarding

While their influence on the skateboarding culture cannot be overstated, the N-Men’s impact on competitive skateboarding is equally significant. The young skate crew hosted and organized wild local skateboarding contests that would allow skaters to showcase their skills, creativity, and athleticism.

Eventually, these competitions would birth what we know as today as the X-Games, the premier event in extreme sports. Thanks to thier innovative approach to skateboarding and their relentless pursuit of progression, overtime they would set the stage for the X-Games to become a global phenomenon.

OG founder john o’shei

OG N-MEN DAVID MOORHOUSE

Photo credit: Bill Golding

Photo credit: Bill Golding

M E N

Unearthing Hidden Gems

N‘N-Men: The Untold Story’ features an astonishing collection of never-before-seen footage and photographs that capture the essence of the Northern California skate scene in the mid-70s—largely captured by photographer Bill Golding. Director James Sweigert and company gathered these hidden gems from basements, attics, and garages of photos over a decade to authentically bring this mustsee story to life.

The documentary also includes interviews with professional skateboarders such as Tony Alva, Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero, and many others. These interviews provide valuable insights into the impact and influence of the N-Men on the skateboarding community. Through their personal accounts, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the N-Men’s devotion, determination, and relentless commitment to the sport.

Leaving a legacy

The N-Men Skate Crew’s remarkable journey from a eclectic group of skateboarders in Sacramento to becoming pioneers, trailblazers, and global influencers in skateboarding is finally receiving the recognition it deserves after nearly four decades, thanks to Director James Sweigert and his talented crew.

‘N-Men: The Untold Story’ is a testament to their power of zeal, community, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to defy boundaries.

As we delve into the lives of the N-Men, we are reminded of the profound impact a group of individuals can have on an entire sport, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.

‘N-Men: The Untold Story’ will be shown Friday, Sept 29th, at 7 p.m. at the California Capitol International Film Festival.

OG co-founder doug jones

director JAMES SWEIGERT

Photo credit: Bill Golding

Photo credit: Cesar Jimenez

Kevin Wilhite, a California-based artist, grew up in the picturesque town of Ceres, surrounded by orchards, fields, and the Tuolumne River. His passion for art developed early on, influenced by the popularity of car cruising and custom cars in his teenage years.

Kevin’s diverse art background includes painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography. However, Kevin ultimately found his calling in oil painting after completing his Bachelor’s in Graphic Design from Sacramento State in 2007.

Kevin prefers oil paint because of its weight, texture, and the ability to create different effects and layers with a palette knife. He particularly favors the Gamblin brand of oil paint for its rich pigmentation and excellent mixing properties. When asked about his inspiration for creating art, Kevin attributes it to his vivid imagination and his upbringing in the rural Central Valley.

Kevin’s artwork often features automobiles and trucks, reflecting his childhood fascinations and his imaginative perspective. By studying these objects up close, he aims to evoke a specific feeling and essentially capture the essence of nostalgia.

As a member of the Art Studios, Kevin was granted the opportunity to choose a month for his art show. August became the perfect time to showcase his artwork, featuring a series of paintings inspired by Gunther’s Ice Cream and their tasty sweets. While this may not be his first show, Kevin was thrilled to host this “Sweet on the Eye” art show and was excited to see everyone’s new creations in the gallery space.

“Sweet on the Eye” revolved around the theme of Gunther’s Ice Cream— and its historical significance being the show’s focal point. Kevin showcased a series of paintings illustrating Gunther’s 38 flavors of ice cream cones and having Gunther’s Ice Cream at the Art Studios to keep visitors satisfied and cool on that hot summer Saturday.

The exhibition also featured two other artists, Chris Jonas and Karlowe Waakeen. Kevin met Chris through a mutual friend and Karlowe Waakeen while working at a local restaurant. Impressed by their artwork, Kevin invited them to join the show, adding an extra layer of creativity and diversity to this sweet event.

In closing, Kevin Wilhite leaves us with words of wisdom and an exciting invitation. Stating, “My words of wisdom for upcoming artists are to keep exploring and don’t stop.”

Rainbow Sherbert

Fudge Brownie Mint Chip

Marble Fudge

Birthday CakeFlavor Oil on Canvas

Brittany Turner

It is said that people who love and spend time with animals have a specific version of the gene that produces the love hormone “oxytocin.”It’s important for empathy between humans and boosts social bonding. I believe my writing style stems from my love of animals. Being able to empathize with people from all walks of life.

My writing and creative style is very poetic. This includes building projects and ideas outside of writing, my projects have a poetic infrastructure to them that allows the patronage to have an active experience that can be felt and penetrating.

Generational Receipts

My eyes want to cry but I don’t know why

Or am I denying and fighting the feeling of conviction afflicted by the birth of sin.

Amputated morals

Day in and day out corals about who did what and when Hung up on why, telling myself over and over in Gods time

Time will tell, heal, make you feel alive...

yet in the same amount of time it took to procreated a life

Life was slowly being drained, my thoughts rapped, in a whirl

wind of that faux love that quietly turned into loud hate...

Make it rain on me, cool down the burning sensation in my left ventricle from the overcompensating of my right mind.

Black eye, purple pain, red kisses and blood stains

Keep me alive one more day, I’m willing to fight for my stay, and if I must leave keep my baby safe for me.

To die is to be present with the lord so resurrect me and make me whole for the things ive done I do no more but pain still lingers like a cold sore.

A Sacramento native and animal science major from the university of Hawaii Manoa with a passion for community building and project management.

small bUsinEss ownEr, poEt, and cUltivator

- Brittany Turner