s
santiago
EYE AM
|Poet| & |Activist|
CHANNELED Chakras of pure potency manitest poetry which touch trees, in turn flourishes the fourth dimension within ink, connecting wave links from spirit to bodily self, embody wealth with every conscious thought inhaled, perpetuating truth, change and otherworldly signs, through pregnant metaphors you will view a beautiful mind.
• T HE E X PE R IE NCE MAGA Z I N E
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THE E XP E RI E N CE MAGAZ I NE • 2 016
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T H E E X PE RIE NCE MAGAZ I NE
S O L AR PL E XU S
TH E E XP E RI E N CE MAGA Z I N E • B AS E
T I M E S PRODUCTIONS
The 12 Jewels of Islam 1. KNOWLEDGE – Knowledge is the science of facts. Knowledge is to know why, and why is why. Knowledge was made to manifest in three parts; looking, listening, and observing. 2. WISDOM – Wisdom is the vehicle in which a wise man lets his knowledge known. 3. UNDERSTANDING – Understanding is to see things as they clearly are and not as they appear to be. God must possess unlimited understanding to properly deal with the many problems of his present day, and world. 4. FREEDOM – Freedom is what the Gods of the universe demand immediately. Freedom is the ability to choose what you want for yourself and your family without interference. 5. JUSTICE – Justice is what we the Black nation deserve and demand. There is no justice for the Blackman here in America. Justice is ones rewards or penalties for ones ways and actions. The Blackman has been severely penalized, and unfairly treated. We have received just a cold shoulder. 6. EQUALITY – Equality is to want for your brother and a-alike as you would want for yourself. Equality is to be equal in everything (knowledge, wisdom, and understanding) with your righteous brothers and sisters. 7. FOOD – Food is the proper nourishment one needs to sustain to exist mentally and physically. 8. CLOTHING – Clothing is the proper protection from a negative environment. 9. SHELTER – Shelter is the kingdom of the Gods. Gods’ kingdom protects his family from the devils of society, thus as a family they can deal with supreme civilization and righteousness. Gods’ kingdom must be strong and he must rule it justly and wisely 10. LOVE – Love is the elevation of understanding. God does not fall in love because he is love. We as a nation must learn to love ourselves before we love someone else. 11. PEACE– Peace is the absence of confusion and the universal greeting among the Gods and the Earths. Peace is the state of tranquility and restfulness. 12. HAPPINESS – Happiness is the mental and inner joy and satisfaction with oneself. Happiness is to know who you are?, why you are?, and what prescribed laws you must carry out as the said person of that ability?.
CROWN Cosmic Conciousness Understanding enlightenment
THIRD EYE Clairvoyance intuition psychic senses
THROAT Communication Creativity Healing
HEART Love Hope compassion
SOLAR PLEXUS energy vitality desire + power SACRAL emotions sexuality intimacy
ROOT survival instinct security grounding
The Experience Magazine VOL. 1 | 2016 Editor / graphic designer || Jay stone Managing editor / PR || Kitty Leigh assistant editor || amanda flowers
CONTRIBUTIONS: NEAH GRAY DEVONNE JACKSON ALLY CORREALE Shaquawn Rauch SAPO DILLA SURAJI JIMOH Julius July YOGI Aundrea Murray
P: 12 ROOT P: 14 MMC P: 22 ELEVATE 3X P: 30 CART LIFE P: 36 SACRAL P: 38 DEEP P: 48 LAYERS P: 56 SAPODILLA P: 62 LOUISIANA WATERS P: 72 ANUWAYOFTHINKING P: 78 SOLAR PLEXUS P: 80 T H R I F T S H O P P: 86 CREATE ALL DAY | CONQUER AT NIGHT
TABLE OF CONENTS
assistant director || TATJANA JOHNSON
THE EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE PRESCRIPTION | CHAKRA | ROOT | BASE
FOCAL POINT OF PROTECTION SURVIVAL COLOR • RED COLOR • RED
COLOR • RED
INCREASES PHYSICAL ENERGY VITALITY STAMINA SPONTANEITY STABILITY PASSION 12
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M.M.C By Amanda Flowers Dephkhan is a visual artist and producer from Oakland, CA. He uses his visuals to stimulate your mind and your heart while his eclectic, yet richly composed beats take you to a world you must simultaneously be led through and create at the same time. The Experience Magazine DRUGS VOL. 1 | Manifest Master Capture | Dephkhan
Having drawn ever since he could remember, Dephkhan always had an affinity for molding things from his mind, creating worlds of his own. Growing up in-taking Mortal Kombat and the acid trip of 90’s Nickelodeon does that to a kid. Using art as his form of release and healing, Khan has seen the potential of the lives he can touch through his creations.
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dephkahn Never ceasing or taking his time for granted, Dephkhan will continue to get more exposure through gallery shows and collaborations with musicians using one of his many electronic resources. Whether it be directing a music video, illustrating your favorite artists new project, or even composing and engineering its melodies, Dephkhan is here to stay, and create worlds this lifetime.
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AF: When I first came across your work, it had me in a dream like daze, what can you say that you want your audience to feel? DK: I pretty much want them to feel that feeling too, I want them to be overtaken by the positive spirit of my art. People should feel what they need to feel, because sometimes art is not known. I don’t even know what I feel sometimes, but I want to inspire people to make their own world. AF: What do you feel was one of your main breaking points into your art vibe?
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DK: I think what got me really going was hearing Taylor Allderdice by Wiz Khalifa, it pretty much got me interested in beats which further digested me into visuals. Also, especially around that time in my life, it helped me make sense of what I was going through
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AF: I notice you dap in all the arts, what do you feel like is your main flow? DK: I feel like my main flow is honestly music, when I create music I feel most at peace with my inner being. There is just this feeling of much more fulfillment. AF: Your focus seems more on the abstract side when you deal with photo and illustrator media, the piece with Siri was really in depth. What does your process consist of when you start to mix the medias? DK: My process is always just to feel it out. I don’t necessarily go into things KNOWING what I will be doing. It normally starts with one initial idea and then it evolves itself naturally
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AF: Your focus seems more on the abstract side when you deal with photo and illustrator media, the piece with Siri was really in depth. What does your process consist of when you start to mix the medias? DK: My process is always just to feel it out. I don’t necessarily go into things KNOWING what I will be doing. It normally starts with one initial idea and then it evolves itself naturally
AF: I heard you’re one of the representatives for Petal’s Creative Agency which is based out of Oakland, ca what’s the take on the that company? DK: Petal’s Creative Agency is something that is needed. Something that people can feel they can link to and GROW from TOGETHER while being in their own separate lanes. AF: You’re work is full of substance and as you know majority of people always want go to the next level in life, where do you see yourself in the next 3 years? DK: In the next three years, I see myself on tour. travelling the world for and with my art. i wouldn’t mind a beautiful lady in the mix by then too... haha.
The Experience Magazine DRUGS VOL. 1 | Manifest Master Capture | Dephkhan
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ELEVATE ELEVATE ELEVATE
By Amanda Flowers
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SIRI may be fresh on the scene, but already possess a mature yet delicate sound. Selfdubbed the ‘trippy princess’, SIRI was born and raised in Oakland, CA, and proudly draws inspiration from her hometown. Her chilling voice rapping over lo-fi ethereal beats will definitely leave you feeling like you’re tripped out in a floating castle for sure.
Now at 18 years old, SIRI has released over a dozen tracks, packed out several shows in the Bay Area, and is working on both a new tape and new visuals coming out this Summer 2016. AF: I love the melody you put in your flow, it sounds so natural and it seems it drives from your authenticity, where do you drive your inspiration from as well as your influences? SR: I get most of my inspiration from the world around me. growing up with a lot of musicality in my family, it taught me to pay attention to all sounds. I guess that’s why most of my music isn’t just one genre. I try to incorporate everything I would want to hear in my own music essentially. Most of my influences would probably be either from the 90s as far as hip hop goes and jazz or brain feeder music as far as my singing goes.
The Experience Magazine DRUGS VOL. 1 |Elevate | SIRI
Growing up influenced by the rich diversity of her community and by the artistry of her own father who was a prolific musician, SIRI started writing and recording her own songs as a way to embrace her differences and express herself freely.
AF: In your bio you state that your father is a mogul in hiphop, so you must’ve seen above average for the typical kid. How do you feel like your youth mold you into the person you are today? SR: My dad is in Souls of Mischief/Hieroglyphics, growing up I never really thought it was as cool as most people make it seem but they have definitely played a huge role in the way music is today. Having a dad thats a rapper made me grow up faster because I learned things from him when he was around which I cherished and eventually helped mold me into the artist i am today. I’ve always grown up being told I can do whatever I put my mind too from both my mother and father and thats what I still live by till this day.
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ELEVATE
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Everyone’s voice is important and once people realize that their opinion does matter they will see how many things they can change by simply manifesting their energy in the right places.
AF: Your style is so pulsating, you actually are one of the main people in the Bay Area who females drive their clothing style from. Are there particular aspects you think about when putting clothing pieces together? SR: When getting dressed I dress how I feel. Growing up I had insecurities we all do but eventually i realized once you can take your insecurities and make them your strong points it’s easier to win. Being yourself is beautiful, no matter what you’re wearing make sure it showcases your inner light. It’s never what you wear but more so how you wear it. AF: Bluffin is my favorite song you put together, how did that blueprint come about? SR: Bluffing came to be when i was riding the train through brooklyn listening to Illmatic by Nas. It’s a funny story because I just got this urge to challenge myself and try and tell a story through my words the way that Nas did on that album. So I went through some beats that my friends sent me and just started writing on the train and when I got back to the Bay I recorded it.
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AF: You’re really vocal about your opinions, have you always been vocal to make a change in our society or was there a situation in your past that caused your voice to be more profound? SR: When I was younger I was somewhat reserved and not really who I wanted to be. As I grew up I started to figure out that theres more to life than impressing people. Everyone’s voice is important and once people realize that their opinion does matter they will see how many things they can change by simply manifesting their energy in the right places.
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AF: I’ve notice you’ve been growing as a well known artist in the Bay Area, what is your main goal to accomplish in the next 5 years and what next moves do you have in play currently?
siri
SR: My goal to accomplish in 5 years is to be traveling the world with my homies making money off whatever it is that makes me happy. I’m only 18 and I still have to figure out everything I want to accomplish but I know that’s definitely what I want to be doing in the future. As far as right now I’m working on my EP which should be coming out in summer. I am also working on visuals that will be released during the summer and I have a couple of shows coming up in the Bay!
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THE EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE PRESCRIPTION
TRUST THE VIBES YOU GET ENERGY DOESN’T LIE.
DRUGS | VOL. 1 29
CARING ABOUT REAL THINGS
Cartlife
By Amanda Flowers
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AF: I love how you express visually through your style, what do you think about when you start the merging of your outfits everyday? CL: Thank you, that compliment is wonderful. My initial thoughts when putting together my outfit starts with what look/style I’m into at the moment. I assemble my pieces thinking of what best captures the style I’m going for. I look for things that complement each other such as fabrics and type or materials necessary for completing a look rather than simply matching or settling with current fads. Thinking outside of the box & incorporating different techniques assist with creating new trends in fashion, so I dress in what I feel I like the most. Overall, my day to day outfits are determined by flow & aesthetics of Cartlifestyle. I want what I wear to represent true feelings of individualism and to define the moments that turn fashion and lifestyle into culture. AF: In your bio you state caring about real things is the meaning of Cartlifeco, where was the transition in your life to turn that idea into a movement for you? Has that always been in your core? CL: Caring About Real Things has always been the message with CartlifeCo. Getting our family and friends familiar with that ideology is what we set out to accomplish. Cartlife is more than just a brand it is a culture. Beginning with the acronym C.A.R.T. (Caring About Real Things) allowed us to incorporate quality fashion into a lifestyle. Forming a reliable foundation & backing of supporters pushed the company from just an idea into a movement representing the love & passion we have for self expression as individuals & finding a way to spread that amongst other people who are here to relate.
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D RUGS | C A RT L IF E | T h e E x p e r i e n c e M a g a z i n e 2 0 1 6
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AF: You were apart of my event, Fresh Tidal, as a vendor. Was that your first time vending, or do you do it often? Where can we catch your brand at? CL: Fresh Tidal was dope to be apart of, we want to thank you again for including CartlifeCo as a participating vendor. We hit the streets as much as possible releasing new drops frequently. You will most likely run into us at your local art gallery accompanied by our limited one of a kind pieces. Currently our store has been doing pop-ups shops and setting up merchandise booths at music events in the bay area. You can also catch us online at our shop Cartlife.Bigcartel.com or instagram.com/CartlifeCo. AF: You said you believe in longevity for your brand, what would you say would be a current goal for you? Where do you see yourself in about three years? CL: I still believe that. A major goal for CartlifeCo is opening a physical storefront. That has been one of the goals since the beginning and we are pretty adamant about achieving that. I would say that in about three years our brand would evolve into a space & a name that is appreciated by the culture it has created for many decades to come.
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THE EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE PRESCRIPTION | CHAKRA | sacral | BASE
FOUNDATION of your emotional self COLOR • ORANGE COLOR • ORANGE
COLOR • ORANGE
STIMULATES CREATIVITY PRODUCTIVITY PLEASURE OPTIMISM ENTHUSIAM EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION 36
SWEET POTATOES MANGOES ORANGES STIMULATES YOUR SACRAL
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D RUGS | D E E P | T h e E x p e r i e n c e M a g a z i n e 2 0 1 6
DONAHUE JOHNSON
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BY JAY STONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SURAJI JIMOH
THE MIND IS A TERRIBLE THINGS TO WASTE | DON’T WORRY ABOUT FITTING IN WHEN YOU’RE CUSTOM MADE
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JS: When we first started chopping it up, you were gaining more notoriety for your incredible work. Since the last time we spoke how has the recognition helped inspire you to keep going hard? DJ: Since the last time we spoke the growth of recognition from different parties has caused me to produce more projects and more work more frequently being that I’m an upcoming artists. I feel as though to stay on top of the art game you must continue to produce work while making sure the quality isn’t lost JS: What drew me into your work was your piece “The Burden.” It got a lot of responses, mostly for how raw and real it is. Many of your pieces follow this same brutally honest element. Speak on your creative process. DJ: I feel like in my work the images are nearly there to capture the viewer’s attention but the words are there to spark the conversation on race relations. The words stem from such artists like Basquiat on how he constantly wrote his thoughts throughout his work the brutally honest words are my opinions or things I feel like the black community don’t all know or acknowledge and should provoke a conversation about.
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JS: How has the ATL art scene been treating you? DJ: It’s alright I’ve gotten into some shows down here in Atlanta including the “city of ink” which went very well in Atlanta though it’s one of those places you can’t wait for discovery you have to go out and get it but through working in Atlanta I’ve met a lot of great artist and other media specialist.
D RUGS | D E E P | T h e E x p e r i e n c e M a g a z i n e 2 0 1 6
THE BURDEN
JS: You have a lot of black pride and it’s very inspiring. Was black liberation something you grew up on? DJ: Somewhat I believe my parents have always been woke individually and I’m from the south so it plays a big part in how I was raised JS: When I first seen your work, I also thought about another illustrator, Emory Douglas. He was the artist behind the Black Panther Newspaper. Would you consider doing the art for black activist groups in the same manner if the opportunity ever presented itself? DJ: Of course besides being an illustrator I’m also an designer I’ve done several projects including logos for a company called the community of Atlanta whose projects I took over for the Kendrick Johnson rally which was about a young black male who was murdered and left for dead in a rolled up cheerleading Matt in Lowndes county. JS: What is the next chapter for Donahue Johnson? DJ: My next chapter is to head back to the roots of fine art such as painting and stepping back from digital paintings but my real goal is to get my mind wrapped on the idea of animation to conquer my next goal which is having my own illustrated show Instagram.com/groovy_ que8/ donahue-johnson-designs.tumblr.com/
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GOD(S)
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ATTRACT What you want by being what you want.
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D RUGS | L AY E RS | The E xpe r i ence M a g a z i ne 2 0 1 6
Kimolee Eryn INTERVIEW BY JAY STONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY Aundrea Murray
LAYE
LAYER MyStoryToLetUKnow
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AMBITIONS OF A WRITER AMBITIONS OF A WRITER AMBITIONS OF A WRITER AMBITIONS OF A WRITER AMBITIONS OF A WRITER AMBITIONS OF A WRITER AMBITIONS OF A WRITER AMBITIONS OF A WRITER
JS: So since we first connected, you’ve been working on a video project titled “T.B.Y.C.” By the looks and premise of it, it looks like it will be a special project to watch for. What is the update on that? And what can folks expect from it? KE: As of right now, we’re about halfway done shooting TBYC. There were some setbacks; weather and scheduling along with some scene add ins. The concept is alive, it has been evolving from the moment the idea came to me so I’m fully expecting to be adding and changing things until it satisfies my most current vision for it. My most basic goal for this project, though, is for it to be a unifying experience for my people, between the poetry, the visuals, and the message; you can expect to feel something.
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I know that there will always be a lot to learn, no matter how much you have already absorbed but there are some core principles to life that even in believing in them, I haven’t had the experience to solidify my understanding of them.
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JS: You are very introspective and it’s a prominent element in your work. Memoirs, while your stories I felt there were parts that many, myself included can relate too. Daughters is also an impressive piece of work. You have a gift to naturally express these thoughts. What is your mindset when creating these collections of poems?
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KE: Thank you! I’m big on self awareness and that’s one thing I aim to project in all of my work. Solitude is really important to me during the writing process, I create zones for myself. Whether it’s reorganizing my room or driving out to a place where the setting is natural and zen. As far as the actual writing, there’s one general question that I keep in mind when I’m writing and that is; “Is this as raw as it gets?” I usually start a collection with the completion
of one poem, usually the theme of it goes in more than one direction so from that, I pick the other directions I want the compilation to cover and go from there. I try to be as raw as possible with my pieces because the release requires my utmost honesty. If I hold back, I’ll feel incomplete. Besides that, life doesn’t candy coat its experiences so giving anything less than everything isn’t doing any favors for the people I hope to reach with my words or myself.
JS: I really loved your mission statement. I believe in deep self-love and empowering yourself. Have you considered mentoring young kids who maybe going through tough times you’ve experienced/still maybe dealing with? KE: 3. I used to think of mentoring quite frequently. I felt like I had a lot of words and experiences to share but the more I grew, the more I realized that the ratio between what I can teach and what I need
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to learn isn’t balanced enough for me to actively try to directly influence anyone. I know that there will always be a lot to learn, no matter how much you have already absorbed but there are some core principles to life that even in believing in them, I haven’t had the experience to solidify my understanding of them. Growing up, I realized that I could do anything as long as I understood how to get it done. In school, math and science were my weakest subjects but when I had teachers who could articulate the what, the how and the why, it became easier for me to work
through. When I get to that level of understanding of these core principles of life, the level where I can break down the what, the how and the why, when asked, then I’ll take on mentoring. Until then, I’ll let my life be an example of trial and error and the desire to get it (subjectively) right. JS: You also delve in painting. What kind of release does that give you? In comparison to writing? KE: Writing, as much as it releases my
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my mental and emotional attachment to my experiences, causes tension of its own. There’s a bit of a lag between conceptualizing a poem or a compilation and putting it on wax. I don’t know if it’s more or less specific to me or if everyone experiences it but even when the thoughts present themselves clearly, something shifts between the moment I think it and the moment I write it down. I credit that to the way my thoughts move. It’s like a river; you see it, you think to get in but with the way the river moves, by the time you do, the part of the river you step in isn’t the part that you saw first. A lot of meaningful things that I intend to capture get lost that way, sometimes it comes back around but it’s never in the same way it came to me the first time. There’s a lot of pressure to write things the way I feel them but with painting, the feeling for me is more in the process than the end result. Painting is mindless to me, not in general but specifically the way I do it. Mindless and thoughtless aren’t one in the same, I certainly put thought into my paintings. The mindlessness of it comes once I have my concept and a vision for the piece. I get lost in whatever the vibe is of the place I’m in at the moment. I don’t have to think when I’m blending colors, it all happens naturally. Painting is my go to when writing gives me a hard time. I like for my body paint projects to provide the same kind of release for me as canvas painting, that’s why I’m particular about who I paint. The energy exchange between my subject and I has to flow freely or else it starts to feel like a task rather than a passion.
in collaborative mixed media projects. It takes longer to produce but the process is beautiful. JS: I can sense that your time is coming. In a few years, where do you see the brand of Kimolee Eryn? KE: Lately I’ve been feeling that way also, it’s terrifying but exciting. It’s still a little crazy thinking of myself as a brand but that’s the dream, essentially. As of right now, I have a list of projects that I want to complete. I’m prepping the next two while wrapping the current. There are so many people that I’ve met who are supporting the movement, wanting to be a part of it in some way and I’m overwhelmed by how amazing they are. In the next few years, I see my brand traveling with me. Not just taking vacations for R&R but networking and building rapport with artists in different cities across the country, putting myself on the radar of different publications whether they’re widely known or just starting out. I want the vision to manifest in such a way that everything I put out is some combination of appealing, confounding, thought provoking, inspiring and positive; that’s the reputation I want to precede me, that’s what I want people to expect from everything my name is on.
KimoleeEryn.com
JS: How to you juggle being a writer, spoken word activist, visual artist and creative consultant? KE: I think the most important thing I learned over the years is to not try to do it all at once. God has blessed with multiple gifts and I like to think that means that it’s possible to use them all. There’s no specific method to fitting it all in. Organization and time management are key components to it but you just have to find your flow and work with it. Initially, I’d do one thing for a while and switch when the creative juices slow down but now, I try to find ways to tie all of my skills together
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THE EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE PHARAOH TIMES ARTIST TO WATCH
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SAPODILLA
JS: We peeped that you’ve taken on writing and have made your mark. Congratulations! What was your beginning stages like? SD: I was born and raised in one of the most culturally diverse meccas of the world, I harnessed a lot of rich, artistic influences from my birthplace of Brooklyn, New York. I bloomed in my writing through journals as I coped with various life experiences regarding hardship, trauma, loss, and the journey through self and discovery. Fueling myself with love and light energy, I strive to carry strong and positive messages of resiliency and healing, speaking through my scope of blackness and womanhood. JS: For the record: What’s Sapodilla? SD: A taste of the tropics, the name Sapodilla represents the favored fruit of my mother. Sweet in nature, the Sapodilla embodies the fertility of the toasty Caribbean soil and joyous spirit of the natives. My writing channels the energy of carnival season after a laborious, yet fruitful harvest. The Sapodilla fruit also holds a few black seeds at its pit. This greatly signifies the black origins of me, as well as the history of the world. Its a reminder to always remain authentic, to the core. The name sapoDILLA is my ode to the great ancestors of The West Indies, Africa, and beyond. It is my imprint upon the present. And, it is my influence alongside the future generations to come. I Am sapoDILLA. JS: Break Life.
down your new book:
Rich Inner
SD: It is a pice of work that has dynamic elements of Femininity, Blackness, and Caribbean culture, Rich Inner Life was energized to
promote a STRONG conscious journey from an UNAPOLOGETIC stance. I stress a necessary LOVE for humanity, all while HONORING the resilient survivor within. JS: What was the inspiration behind this body of work? SD: I’ve always wanted to expand the narrative of growing up Black/Afro-Caribbean in America, particularly being a millennial woman. In college, I studied the social welfare of individuals, families, social groups, neighborhoods, and communities around the world. Adding history to the mix, I began to connect systemic discrimination to daily prejudices, as well as broadening my knowledge in psychology, policy, government, economics, geography, and culture. However, when I began to frame Rich Inner Life, I purposefully detached my writing from any formal educational ties and degree titles. I simply wanted to express. With that, my goal was to allow myself to be 100% HUMAN. Opinions, memories, flaws and all. My format was totally unconventional *laughs*. I simply decided: FUCK rules, structure, and anything designed to stifle one’s creativity. Parameters? What are THOSE?! During the creative process, I HAD to eliminate any and every inhibition to reach a transparent level for the people. This outlet of expression allowed me to pour my thoughts into an a bonafide reality. It was SUCH a liberating feeling to rid myself of labels and attachments and fall into the comfort of my own words. I realized that I’d ultimately possessed the freedom to bring my most real and rawest thoughts to life by letting it all f l o w.
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My
goal with
Rich Inner Life
SAPODILLA
is to get read-
ers to challenge themselves daily, to recognize their personal strengths, to build empa-
RICH INNER LIFE
thy for one another, all while learning and growing through my personal experiences.
I strongly encourage the pursuit of self-actualization through the art of healing. Rich Inner Life was written for mature readers of every demographic, but I exclusively sprinkled #BlackGirlMagic throughout the pages. I wrote RIL for Brown/Black, girls/ women to BREATHE. I
cannot express enough how
truly are!
For
DYNAMIC
we
years on end, society has has
tried to scatter us from our multidimensional greatness.
I say no more. I
wrote
Rich Inner Life
to salute the strug-
gle.
Now is the time to exude the infinite energy of LOVE and LIGHT
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON (Paperback) AND KINDLE (e-Book) amzn.com/1523989831
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sapoDILLAUNLEASHED.com
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Alex Taylor | INTERVIEW BY JAY STONE ARTBYADRAGONFLY
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Louisiana
Waters NOTHING REAL CAN BE THREATNED | NOTHING UNREAL EXISTS
D RUGS | L OUISI A N A W A T E RS | The E xpe r i ence M a g a z i ne 2 0 1 6
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My soul taps into to something higher than myself. It’s a beautiful feeling when creating art
JS: What is the importance of the dragonfly to you? And how does that symbolism reflect in your work? AT: The dragonfly means everything to me. It’s not only how I found myself but my identity as an artist as well. According to myth the dragonfly symbolize change. Change in the perspective of self-realization, maturity growth, and the deeper meaning of life. My artwork is a perfect reflection of my growth and self-realization. This is the message that I wanted to get across to all my viewers. It’s a compelling story on how I came to choose a dragonfly as my trademark. It started out with my first year of college as an art major, when I thought I was ready to be on my own and self-sufficient. My transition from high school to college was difficult because of bad influence’s I had in my life such as a girls, drugs and old high school friends with no ambitions to better themselves. On to things that I clearly should’ve cut ties with after I graduated. I allowed it to put me a cocoon of familiarity and it my clouded judgment. Got me way off track from my dreams and goals I set for myself. I became prideful, too arrogant to admit my mistakes and ask for help even when I so desperately needed it. I lost faith in myself which made me slip into a deep depression. I returned home in my defeated state of mind. The world seem to slowly revolve around me as I sat in my backyard. I saw a dragonfly hovering around my head
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right before it landed right in front of me. I took a closer look at it. The green colored dragonfly stared right back at me and in that moment everything became clear to me.These words came to me “This is not how your story ends, but instead this is a story of your triumph.” My art work reflects moving from that and striving to be the man I was meant to be. Through the creative insignia of a dragonfly I want to inspire to the same JS: What were your early years like? Did you grow up in New Orleans? How did that shape your artistry? AL: Throughout my childhood, I’ve always had a very vivid imagination that kind of stuck with me even until now. I am the second child in a family of five children and have always kept to myself and did my own thing. I have always felt that I see things differently than other kids my age. I actually was born and raised in Miami, FL until my parents decided to move New Orleans, Louisiana. At the age 12, this affected me in a profound way. This is the place where I started to realize my God given talent for art. The move exposed me to all kinds of different cultures and ethnicity of people. This gave me a unique understanding of life; it gave me an interesting perspective on human nature in my artwork.
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JS: What is the art scene like in New Orleans? AL: I could honestly say that out of all the places I have traveled and gone to, this place has more talented people on one city block, then there are in any other place in the world. It’s truly a place where creatives such as myself have an opportunity to make a name for themselves. JS: From what I can see, there is a lot of soul in your pieces. Your work has that feel; almost like one can feel the brush strokes creating what is in your mind. In fact, you have a piece titled “SOL” that perfectly describes that. What is your creative process like?
AL: It’s quite simply but yet complex .My mind get loose in endless thought. Then my heart is taken over with streams of emotion and feeling. My soul taps into to something higher than myself. It’s a beautiful feeling when creating art. It’s where I can truly find peace and understanding. Sometimes with the aid of music, I am able to take simple ideas and images in my head and break them down. I then reconstruct them to help mold my very own composition throughout my creative process .I like to think my work is mostly focused around perception. It’s how I perceive reality around me. I am able to give my artwork its very own personal aesthetic, with every brushstroke that I make. This makes it the very essence my
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JS: What are we to look forward to from you? How do you plan to build upon what you have already established?
AL: I am actually co-hosting my second Art exhibition called Above the Clouds on May 28th along with a fellow artist. It’s an Art showcase that’s features over 20 artist from New Orleans and the surrounding areas. They will be displaying and performing in their respective fields of visual art, music and poetry. The group I am apart of called the “ATC collective” will be planning to curate a pop up show in a few months’ time. We plan on continuing to plan and host art exhibitions all over the New Orleans area until we are a recognizable name in the art world.
work and artistic philosophy shows when I embody myself as a dragonfly. JS: Who are some of your favorite artists? AL : The many artist that I find myself heavily influenced by are mostly the works of abstract expressionists like: Joan Mitchell, Paul Gauguin, Benny Andrews, Basquiat and many others.
Now, pertaining to my artistry as self-taught, I continue to sharpen my craft by working on it each an everyday. I always remind myself to always remain true and expressive in the way feel and perceive my subject matter. In its true essence. I create in hope of one day giving my work its own identity thru expressive imagery and spontaneity. One day I can change the world as we know it while also maintaining a legacy of art work that inspires the next generation of artist to follow. Just like the artists before me.
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instagram.com/artbyadragonfly/ artbyadragonfly.bigcartel
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The Grind Warehouse Art Bash Date: July 30 2016 Saturday Time: Doors open at 5pm Entrance fee: $12 Location: Court Square Studios 21-38 44th road lic 11101 Tickets available at www.thenycgrind.com
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Le’Van Webster
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REBIRTH JS: You are a very prolific artist. Your page is flooded with wonderful pieces of art. What is your creative process like? LW: My creative process involves things I’ve seen in real life or online that inspire me, quotes, emotions, my spiritual perspective and dreams. I keep a dream journal that I write in every morning so I can get into the habit of recalling; a lot of my pieces have been a product of things I’ve seen or remembered while in dream state. It’s cool to look at my art and try to put together what messages my subconscious has been trying to relay to me. JS: When did you realize you wanted to be an artist? LW: I didn’t think that art was truly my gift until last year; I began taking small strides by sketching and water color after a good friend of mine bought me some supplies. Her encouragement really re sparked that passion I’ve always had within me. JS: What is the message behind “ANU CREATIVITY”? LW: The message behind ANU CREATIVITY is rebirth. Two phrases I love to use in my work are “All Things Shall Become ANU” & “Feel The Fear & Do It Anyway”. I started ANU Creativity with the intention to make all things in my life new and get out of my own way.
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JS: When I was assembling the kind of artists I wanted for this issue, I was also putting together the theme. The theme of this issue also speaks to where I am in my life at the moment. You literally fit like a glove; your work goes hand in hand with where I’m heading spiritually. There is a certain element of higher consciousness in your work. How did you reach your level of enlightenment and how does it translate into your work? LW: Being born into a religious family, I always felt like there was a certain element missing. Lots of study, childhood influences, my art and solitude have gotten me to a point where I’m on a journey to reclaim my “right mind”. All the answers I was looking for I’ve found and I’m still evolving. JS: What are some things that inspire you? LW:Wow, trying to list the things that inspire me could go on endlessly. Tropical plants, bright colors, poetry, hot weather, bare skin, dreams, extreme emotions, my personal experiences, the look in someone’s eyes when you give them a gift... Nearly anything heartfelt motivates me to create .
JS: Your “BAS” print, “SOUL CONTROLLER” and “GUIDED” are some of my favorites from your body of work. Which one of your pieces would you say is your favorite? LW: Of all the pieces I’ve made, I have a love for “Heart Space”, “Yemoja” & “CEO,000,000,000”. All of these were made while I was channeling pretty strong emotions and trying to either purge/heal myself.
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JS: 3 – 5 years from now where do you see yourself and your work? LW: For now I see myself maintaining an incredible creative brand that allows me to sustain myself and travel the world. Anu Creativity is more than paintings, its global. I have so many gifts and concepts I have yet to share, it’s just a matter of diligence and momentum.
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THE EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE PRESCRIPTION | CHAKRA | SOLAR PLEXUS | BASE COLOR • YELLOW COLOR • YELLOW
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T H R I F T S H O P | THE EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE instagram.com/ItsOnWithDeVonne
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BY JAY STONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEAH GRAY
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JS: Your work is slept on! There is an abstract but very real aspect to your pieces. It’s a very catchy artistic style. Do you feel that you are where you want to be at this stage in your career? TJ: Thank you! I feel like no artist is truly ever satisfied with the work they have created. Especially for me, I just recently started painting in September (drawing off and on for years) and still feel as though I have a long road ahead, so the answer is simply no I am nowhere close to where I want to be.
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JS: I was really drawn to your “TRUTH” piece? What was the inspiration behind it? TJ: “Truth “honestly was inspired by angry! That became something meaningful and beautiful. My personal meaning of this piece to represent Black Royalty; to help people understand that the Greek crown is a representation of what they tried to steal from us, which is our knowledge, culture and society. WE GIVE BIRTH TO THEIR SOCIETY AND MADE THEM WHAT THEY ARE TODAY! I tried to conveyed that in an abstractive form so others can develop their own thoughts from the piece. JS: One thing I’ve noticed is how much you stress the importance to keep creating. It is something I agree with wholeheartedly. Staying a compulsive creator keeps your mind intact with things your heart is saying. What is your creative process like? TJ: 3- Yes!!! Creativity is the key to a happier life. My creative process exactly starts with cleaning, (It’s weird, I know but I need a clean area or to clean something before a start working) smooth or neo soul music, and oil burning. This process helps me relax my mind (I’m an over thinker) and provides an escape from the outside world. So usually if you are around me doing this process chances are you are either going to be really at peace or really sleepy!
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JS: How has the NYC Art scene treated you in your young career? TJ: I haven’t really been out as much as I would like, due to schooling but it has been pretty cool. I have met a lot of talented artist that influenced my journey. Thanks guys!! JS: Where do you see yourself taking your brand of art? What are some of your ultimate goals? TJ: Honestly I make art because I love it, the mess, the colors, the thought process, I love everything about it! What so funny is that someone recently asked a similar question to me; and my response was “I don’t care if I don’t ever sell one painting. All I want is to look at myself and say I mastered my craft”. But my ultimate goal is to leave a mark on at least one person nothing more or nothing less.
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PHARAOH TIMES PROJECTS LIST JAY STONE: THE EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE 2016 SEASON KITTY LEIGH: REVOLUTIONARY DOG WALKER || OCT 2016 JAY STONE: BLACK MADONNA || MOTHER’S DAY JAY STONE: REBIRTH OF A NATION JAY STONE: AMEN - THE LIVE EXHIBITION|| FALL 2016 JAY STONE: AMEN II
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DRUGS: THE SOCIAL EXPERIMENT || TBA JAY STONE X ANDY REMY : ISIS & THE SUNRISE KINGDOM #2018 pharaohpharaohpharaoh.tumblr.com/
BORN FROM THE
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