FLORA || FAUNA Volume 1 Issue 2

F L O R A || F A U N A denver, co

VOLUME 1. ISSUE 2

Constructing a New Era of Design

Jill & Ryan Valentich, owners of

Valentich Bags

give a tour of their new work studio and talk about the progress of their business in the Mile High city.

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CA --> CO

LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Berkeley based perfumer Lauren Blevins visits Denver to promote new fragrance line and to take in what the city has to offer.

Sculptor Phen John Edwards showcases his latest work, “Modified Organism� at RedLine Gallery in RiNo.

in this issue...

I recognize the transformation of a city in full bloom: Denver’s rapidly growing infrastructure in the same season that reflects the growth and renewal that is Spring.

As springtime approaches summer, its once soft and delicate demeanor is either toughened by its surroundings or left behind.

The city of Denver reminds me of this.

Much of the mile high has adapted to its new environment; the gold rush of legal marijuana, the gentrification of hip 20-somethings looking to relocate closer to the mountains while being able to indulge in the city life, complemented by a booming foodie and music scene. The list goes on.

The once small town natives try to keep up as they watch their city grow like a weed (pun intended): fast, unapologetically, annoyingly, but, necessary?

I talk with some Denver entrepreneurs and artists to see their interpretation of this industrialization that is Denver anew. . .

- Carlee

carlee henderson Editor-in-Chief @_flora_fauna_

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CONTENT 2 4

Editor’s Note: Growth in the Mile High The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art gets a facelift and a new home in the “museum district” downtown.

|| FAUNA INTERVIEWS: 14 FLORA Jill and Ryan Valentich of Valentich Bags

Local: 26 5-Day Perfumer Lauren Blevins talks new fragrance, Call of the Vialed

Artist Spotlight: 30 Local Sculptor Phen John

42

Edwards showcases and discusses new work Editor Opinion: Transgender Equality

26

PHOTOGRAPHY AND TEXT BY CARLEE HENDERSON

the

KIRKLAND museum

reimagined

The Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art is a prestigious landmark in Denver, located in the heart of Cap Hill, offering mid-century modern architecture, fine art and design.

Its new home will be located across the street from the Clyfford Still Museum and the Denver Art Museum. Though its final result will be nothing short of fantastic, I find myself drawn to the beauty of its construction, as it represents growth and progress, however unsightly it may seem in its early stages.

F L O R A || F A U N A

PHOTOGRAPHY & INTERVIEW BY CARLEE HENDERSON

INTERVIEWS

TEXT BY JILL VALENTICH

NAME: JILL VALENTICH AGE: 33 CITY: DENVER EDUCATION: UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER THEATRE & FILM, WRITING AND DIRECTING

PROFESSION: BAG SLINGER PET(S): CHLOE THE POODLE

PREVIOUS PAGE: JILL VALENTICH AND HUSBAND RYAN WITH DOG CHLOE THIS PAGE: AN INDUSTRIAL FEEL SURROUNDS NEW STUDIO INSIDE A WAREHOUSE IN SUN VALLEY

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COMPANY:

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU:

We design and build backpacks, duffel bags, aprons, and accessories.

We started out working mostly with cordura, making a lot of bike bags, but as we got older, we started to really love the more classic/refined look of waxed canvas and leather. We’re also in the process of expanding Valentich to include a new line called “Oui Chef”, which will include server, chef, and bartender aprons.

We usually wake up around 7:30 and have a leisurely morning. Over coffee and breakfast we answer emails, place fabric orders, and discuss our goals for the day. We walk the dog and head to the studio. I either work from home or the studio writing emails, editing photos, listing new products, working on our website.

At around 4:00 we begin packing up orders and printing shipping labels.

There’s something different every day and the work never stops, so it’s important to be able to turn it off at a certain time. We keep pretty regular M-F, 9-5 hours. I always try to get a quick workout or yoga class in at the climbing gym, but it doesn’t always happen.

HOW DID THIS PROFESSION COME ABOUT?

We were living in Salt Lake City a few months after we got married. Ryan was working as a hair stylist and doing some art on the side. I was working in a restaurant and getting ready to apply to grad schools. Ryan was tired of the salon industry and decided to try making a messenger bag. We ride our bikes everywhere, so a bag has always been an essential item for us. He bought a home sewing machine from Walmart and started figuring it out. He liked the challenge and the idea of creating something that was functional.

The first bags were nothing to look at. We gave them to friends and started figuring out how to make them better. Even though we look back on those bags and laugh, people liked them. I had heard of Etsy and decided we should open up a shop. That’s when I started dedicating a lot of my time to figuring out the business side of things.

Two years later, Ryan was able to quit his day job and make bags full-time.

Two years ago, we also opened up an Etsy supply shop called Bag Supply Company.

A lot of our material, specifically waxed canvas, is impossible to find in small yardage. We had such a hard time sourcing it that we knew other people must be struggling too. The supply shop has been hugely successful and it’s a lot of fun for us to support other makers as well.

IF YOU WEREN’T AN ENTREPRENEUR, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?

Writing. I am obsessed with short stories and have taken a lot of writing workshops over the last few years.

YOU’VE BEEN ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, WHY DENVER?

I grew up on the east coast and life in Colorado is extremely different.

It’s easier to be active and healthy out here. We’ve moved a ton, living in Boston, Salt Lake City, Park City, Ridgway, Colorado, and even took our studio on the road for 8 months in a tiny remodeled trailer. That was fun, but we realized traveling was not good for our business.

When we considered where we should settle for a few years, Denver came up immediately. We knew the city well and we realized how important it was for us to be able to escape to the mountains or desert to reset. It’s been amazing for our business. It’s a great community to belong to.

FAVORITE PLACES IN DENVER:

The Golden Triangle.

There’s also this little spot off the bike path by the Pepsi plant and the Platte River. There’s a bench facing the river and it’s right in the middle of the industrial part of town.

It’s pretty grimy, but I really love sitting there. Ryan and I have spent many nights there discussing life.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE:

I actually don’t shop a lot, so it’s important for me to find pieces that don’t go out of style. I try to dress classic and comfortable. I ride my bike everywhere, so that definitely limits what I can wear. I’m really enjoying the 90s revival! It brings me back to my youth. I just bought a pair of PONY high tops that I’m obsessed with.

WHAT INFLUENCES YOU: Travel. Camping. The mountains.

The desert. Music.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A FELLOW ENTREPRENEUR WHO IS LOOKING TO START OR EXPAND THEIR BUSINESS?

I believe one of the most important parts of being an entrepreneur or growing a business is action. I hear a lot of people talk about wanting their own business, but not knowing how to do it.

We had absolutely no idea what we were doing when we first started out, but we never let our perceived inabilities stand in our way. I’d also let people know it takes time, more time than you ever thought. Have confidence in your vision and stick it out.

FAVORITE TIME OF DAY:

Dawn and dusk, though I rarely am up in time to see the sun rise. Those two times of day are special to me.

There’s a tangible energy in the air that’s very healing. I love being outside to soak it up.

FAVORITE ARTIST(S): It’s hard for me to pick a favorite.

Recently, I’ve been seeing a lot of shamanistic art, almost reminiscent of cave drawings. I am really into that. I love the use of shapes, patterns, and symbols. Lots of bright colors. There’s a lot of emotion and I love art that tells a story. I am a huge fan of Miranda July, who is a writer, artist, performance artist, and filmmaker. I really admire her work and her ability to work in multiple mediums with ease.

Her short stories are amazing.

ABOVE: Ryan Valentich working in the studio LEFT: Jill Valentich checking emails and processing orders WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 23 YEAR OLD SELF? Relax, it’s all going to work out.

HOW DID YOU FIND THIS STUDIO?

We found the studio on Craigslist. It’s in the Sun Valley neighborhood, which is an industrial part of town. We have a space in a giant warehouse called Prism Workspaces. There are a ton of other artists and makers, which is very inspiring. You can feel that energy.

Our window in the studio overlooks a junkyard with the city in the background. It’s so ugly that it’s beautiful. We’ve always been drawn to the industrial parts of the city. We like a little grime.

“

I believe one of the most important parts of being an entrepreneur or growing a business is action.

�

- Jill Valentich

www.valentichbags.com www.etsy.com/shop/bagsupplycompany instagram: @valentichbags inquiries: valentichbags@gmail.com

CALL of

the

vialed

PHOTOGRAPHY AND INTERVIEW BY CARLEE HENDERSON TEXT BY LAUREN BLEVINS

BERKELEY BASED PERFUMER LAUREN BLEVINS MEETS ME IN DENVER TO TALK SHOP ABOUT HER NEW LINE OF FRAGRANCE, INDULGE IN THE FOODIE SCENE AND RE-CONNECT WITH NATURE.

Tell me about your new company.

Call of the Vialed is an irreverent, unisex parfumerie in California. Founded in Spring 2016, we focus on sustainably-sourced plant essences with historically aromatherapeutic properties. Each scent is hand-blended, and free of synthetics, animal testing, fillers, solvents and parabens.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business?

I write short stories, so my favorite writing advice from Verlyn Klinkenborg applies: Ask yourself what you mean to say. The answer is usually the sentence that needs to be written.

You recently visited Denver for the first time. What was your take on the city?

Denver is sensorial. It’s personality is one of connection to nature, but with deeply hedonistic tendencies.

How did you get into the business of essential oils and high quality parfums?

After I learned modern perfumery at FIDM in Los Angeles, I’d perfume on the side with my stash of oils and aroma compounds when I worked the 9-to-5. developing formulas, packaging, and copywriting in the beauty industry.

When I decided it was time to work for myself as a writer, the natural perfumery was almost an extension of it, and my experience informed a decision to cut the chemicals.

What is your personal favorite parfum/essential oil?

I’m on a real oud kick. Oud is a precious wood extraction that shines regardless of its pairing, so instead of a face-slapping of it, I like it in a blend that reads ambient. The oud in the base of Vialed Flower is addictive.

Where do you see the organic and holistic beauty industry in 5 years?

We’ll be seen less as the vegan commies in the back of the room. Health and longevity is connected to lifestyle, and beauty consumption habits are a part of our lifestyles. Call of the Vialed is the first fragrance brand I know of that declares all ingredients, which I hope catches on.

Do you see yourself owning a store or keeping your business strictly on the web?

Ecommerce that ships directly to our customers is a perfect start for us, but we are looking for some boutiques that might be a good fit!

Where do you find inspiration?

Psychology and irreverence. Like music, scent reinforces aspirations and emotions; each perfume is named after a force of nature, in a way. In the spirit of irreverence, it was important to remove any synthetics and gender binary from the equation. Some perfumers might find that constraining, but, I sleep better.

SHOP CALL OF THE VIALED PRODUCTS: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ CalloftheVialed FOLLOW CALL OF THE VIALED ON INSTAGRAM @callofthevialed FOR INQUIRIES: www.callofthevialed.com

m o d i f i e d o r g a n i s m

INSIDE A SCULPTOR’S MIND

PHOTOGRAPHY, INTERVIEW AND TEXT

BY CARLEE HENDERSON

R

edLine is known for its minimal and modern open layout, so it was a perfect space for CU Denver’s BFA senior exhibition show this year.

As I help myself to the array of gallery reception snacks (fruit, cheese, and a cookie, naturally), I direct my eyes to the various artists’ works on the walls. Each student has a unique style and message to tell, and it’s easy to see how hard each graduate has worked to get to this point.

I turn the corner to continue into the large exhibition and I see it. The piece struck me instantly. Phen John Edwards creation, ”Modified Organism”.

The sculpture is big. The size alone catches you off guard and demands your immediate attention. Looming over the crowd, it’s an incredible mix of mediums which makes me question its meaning.

Its demeanor is stately yet sad as it hangs, connected to an apocalyptic life support system of hoses, wires, radiators and chains.

Onlookers are circling the piece, taking in every detail Edwards has meticulously attended to. As I join the crowd, I recognize the face of this robotic life form, and it’s of its creator; a realization of the artist seeing himself as half man, half machine...

What are your choices in medium?

Phen John Edwards:

I love to work in three dimensions. I work with bronze, steel and stone. This project is just metals. I like the nature of natural material; being able to apply heat and change it, weld it, be additive. The real casting here comes from my own body. The body parts are cast bronze, then they’re welded to steel, other bronze and cast iron.

These two cast iron radiators come from an old whore house on 29th and Larimer that they just tore down; the poison tanks come from a time circa Vietnam.

The hoses are all vintage exhaust hoses. I tracked down a lot of things that are vintage and older to establish a feeling of a post-apocalyptic and futuristic setting. At the same time, I’m also inspired by the steam punk movement and Victorian styles.

Opposite: Edwards symmetrical sculpture from behind, located inside RedLine Gallery in RiNo.

An underlying cryptic and dark manner exemplifies this piece as the tanks themselves figuratively contain poisonous gas.

What does it represent?

The piece is a commentary on robotics and why they’re popular in culture.

I relate to machinery a lot.

As a carver, I usually have an angle grinder in my hand or some kind of power tool. I’m usually covered in dust, wearing goggles and a respirator.

There’s a certain point in my work where I kind of merge into it and feel as if the angle grinder becomes a part of me. I’m able to work with machinery in an odd way. So at first it became a commentary on my process.

That’s when it became a self portrait and I decided to cast myself.

Opposite: Edwards symmetrical sculpture from the front.

Edwards found two poisonous gas tanks circa Vietnam for balance.

Edwards filled the body with wiring, hoses and other miscellaneous metal parts to fill the gaps and create volume.

The symmetry you’ve created brings balance to the piece.

The two radiators and tanks connect to hoses attached to the post-apocalyptic figure.

Does it represents the respiratory system?

I was going for that as he doesn’t have lungs.

The layout is set up like it might be a life support system, a dependency.

I also tried to fill in the missing body forms with wires and other metals to give more dimensions.

Frontal view

What is your degree?

I’m a Sculpture major.

I’m also a fabricator for artist Frank Swanson in Denver.

Have you always been interested in sculpture?

I have. I’ve always been interested and have pursued the visual arts. There’s something about the tactile nature of sculpture. I like to be able to touch things and walk around them, to really experience them in a different manner.

The feet were molded from artist’s own.

Do you plan on working toward a Master’s degree or work after graduation?

I’m pursuing public art as a next endeavor to start getting out more in the public scene. I grew up on a farm in Mississippi, so I like public art because it’s an open access opportunity to everyone.

I’m going to continue to explore a series in robotics, with a female version or some animal counterparts, dogs and whatnot.

At the same time, I would like to start mixing more metal with stone.

The artist and the "Modified Organism�.

regress? or progress? let us not put the toilet on a pedastal, it’s a toilet. besides, duchamp already did and claimed it as sculpture.

stop the discrimination. #transgenderrights #Alllivesmatter

www.carleehenderson.com instagram: @_flora_fauna_ florafaunainterviews.tumblr.com