Issue No. 41 by InkSpired Magazine

Art of Lina BLOOD ON Valentina TATTOO ARTIST EVGENIY GORYACHIY

THE DANCE FLOOR

The Art of Lina Valentina

Dana Winsor 14 InkSpired Travels to Iceland

Interview: Kasja McCarthy

Tattoo Friendly Asian Fusion: Karma

Tattoo Artist: Evgeniy Goryachiy

Positive Spin: Anja Ringgren LovĂŠn

Compassion In Action

Blood on the Dance Floor

Editor-in-Chief - Candies Deezy Liu Creative Director - Sean Hartgrove Art Director - David Rossa Piercing Editor - Sean Dowdell European Editor - Ákos Bánfalvi Website Manager - Cameron Cowan Staff Photographers - Radek Photography & Billy Ward Video Services - James Coulter of Moo Dog Productions, LTD.

The Art of Lina Valentina Story: Candies Deezy Liu Photography: Danny Gagliano IG: @made.in.brooklyn Cover: Hassan Kinley Creative Tattooed Model: Dana Winsor Interview: Ákos Bánfalvi Photography: Isaac Madera InkSpired Travels To Iceland Story & Photography: Joseph Findeiss Interview: Kasja McCarthy Interview: Candies Deezy Liu Photography: Radek Hruby

Tattoo Artist: Evgeniy Goryachiy Interview: Ákos Bánfalvi Positive Spin: Anja Ringgren Lovén - Compassion In Action Interview: Kate Monahan Blood On The Dance Floor Story: Candies Deezy Liu Photography: Sean Hartgrove Who’s on the cover Model: Lina Valentina Photography: Hassan Kinley Creative

Tattoo Friendly Asian Fusion: Karma Story: Candies Deezy Liu Photography: Sean Hartgrove Models: Adrian, Erica, Jordan

Advertising info: info@InkSpiredMagazine.com

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Issue No. 41 decoratively dips into Spring with a splash of gold with our cover featuring the stunning New York artist, Lina Valentina. Her edgy artwork possesses distinct elements that are sure to catch your eye. She incorporates notions most of us are obsessed with in one form or another, whether it be pain, darkness, materialism, and even vanity.

This issue houses some of the most profound and dynamic editorial we have ever featured. As we celebrate the evolution of tattoo culture and lifestyle with a new issue, I ask you, “what ‘InkSpires’ you?” Signed, Your Chief Editor- Candies Deezy Liu

Speaking of vanity, Blood On The Dance Floor graces our music and style section. Their form of “vanity” is not at all in a negative way. It is a concept that they have embraced and portrayed to their audience in the form of self-love. This idealism of ourselves encourages the way we express our uniqueness to the outside world. As tattoo culture has become a widespread global phenomenon, our attention turns to “InkSpiration” around the world. InkSpired’s travel and art editor, Joseph Findeiss journeys to Iceland for a beautiful photo essay, capturing his adventures in the Nordic nation. In other international news, we feature Anja Ringgren Lovén, who works in Nigeria to rescue young children who are accused of witchcraft in our Positive Spin section. Her mission work and passion has saved many lives as she continues to generate awareness on this haunting issue in Third World countries.

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InkSpot - What “InkSpires” You? “I am ‘InkSpired’ by my memories, thoughts, and emotions. For me, tattoos are a commemoration of my amazing life.” - Patricia Daniels “Art and music are major sources of ‘InkSpiration’ for me.” - Evan Taylor “I don’t have any tattoos, but I love this magazine and tattoo art. I appreciate the artistic value and self-expression that they represent for the individual that has them.” - Amanda Martin “To me, tattoos represent standing up for what you believe in.” - Jessie Martinez “Every time I see my tattoos, I am reminded of the obstacles I have overcome. Many days, this reminder keeps me going and is a constant source of inspiration.” - Britney Anderson

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LINA VALENTINA Words: Candies Deezy Liu Photography: Danny Gagliano As a kid, Lina Valentina was always sketching and drawing. Though she has had a passion for art in some form or another her entire life, she never thought it would be her career. “Painting is an outlet for my feelings and releasing stress,” Lina says. Two major events in her life caused her to pursue art seriously. When her grandmother passed away, Lina couldn’t leave the country to attend her funeral because she just moved to America. This traumatic event led her to obsessively drawing in a desperate attempt to get her feelings out. She began attending the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) for fashion design, which led her to pick up drawing and art again. With her newfound skills in fashion illustration, she began incorporating them into her paintings. Her attendance at FIT steered her back onto her artistic career path, where she felt she belonged. Ever since, she has been painting. Born in Russia, Lina moved to Spain where she and her family lived for awhile. Almost spontaneously, her family decided to move to America. At fourteen years old, she found herself in a foreign country not knowing how to speak word of the English language. It was an extremely difficult experience that she believes influences aspects of her artwork. However, she attributes the move to making her a stronger person. “Because of this, I’m never afraid of challenges. I feel like that was the most difficult challenge of my life,” she recalls. Lina draws a lot of her inspiration from music, lyrics, and her feelings. “A lot of my artwork is extremely dark, which is funny because I’m so opposite of ‘dark.’ I’m a very bubbly and happy and positive person,” she laughs. “Some of it, I don’t even know where it comes from because it’s so dark in comparison to my personality,” Lina continues. She best describes her artwork as turning lyrics into paintings. Though she is very afraid of death, Lina feels that she is drawn to it and references it in many aspects of her artwork. Lina Valentina created her moniker as an ode to her passed grandmother, whose first name was Valentina. “She was always the biggest believer in me out of my entire family. Once I chose painting as a career, I decided to dedicate my art to her; so, I combined both of our first names,” she says. To see more of her artwork and to purchase, visit: www.LinaValentinaArt.com and check her out on Instagram: @LV__Art.

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Words: Ákos Bánfalvi Photography: Isaac Madera (www.instagram.com/isaac_maderaxx)

Dana Winsor is a full time mother with two beautiful little girls and a professional hairstylist. In addition to being a tattooed model, she is also a part time bartender. She loves all of her jobs, and her hobbies include getting tattooed, as well as spending time and money on her family. She lives by the motto, “life is good… Live, love, laugh.”

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How you were “discovered” and how did your modeling career begin? Well, actually, I don’t consider myself a model but it all kind of began with my boyfriend, Isaac Madera. He is a professional photographer and liked taking photos of me even though I was really shy to begin with. As time has gone on, I am a lot more comfortable in front of the camera but to be honest, my favorite part of photo shoots is to be behind the scenes where I do hair and makeup for the models and shoots that Isaac and I collaborate on together.

“JUST BE YOURSELF, IT’S PRETTIER THAN TRYING TO BE SOMEONE ELSE…” - DANA WINSOR

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So, was it something that just “happened?” Yes, modeling is something that just fell in my lap due to my relationship with my boyfriend. Honestly, I would not have met the people I have or worked with if it wasn’t for my boyfriend and collaborating with him. I’m in love with everything to do with photo shoots and making magic happen. How would you describe your personal style? Where do you pull your inspiration from? I think I am definitely a unique looking person. I don’t really have an inspiration for my style, I just do what I like, dress how I like, and cut my hair how I like. It’s just me.

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best and worst thing about being a model? The best part is meeting a huge array of people. The worst part is other people having huge expectations and the fear of not meeting those expectations. Tattoo trends are bigger than ever. How do you go about choosing your tattoos? I definitely donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get tattoos because of a trend. As I stated before, I do what I like and I like tattoos. I find stuff that I like and I choose where I want them, so I mainly just have a collection.

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Is there anywhere on your body you wouldn’t get tattooed? I have finally made the decision not to tattoo my face due to the fact that my mom begged me not to. So, out of love and respect for the woman who brought me into this world, I opted not to tattoo my face… You’re welcome, mom (Laughs.) Do you think tattoos will continue to get more fashionable over the next few years? I think that it’s right here and now that they are fashionable. In the next couple years they will be completely acceptable everywhere, including job opportunities. How do you stay in shape? Well, I became sober almost three years ago—October 5th, 2014—and I’m in the best shape ever because I don’t drink alcohol and I eat healthy. I also work out at the gym occasionally. What are some key staple pieces a woman should own in her wardrobe? Tons of undies, you can never have too many. What tips would you advise girls wanting to come into modeling at your level? What struggles have you encountered in modeling, and how have you handled it? I say just be yourself, it’s prettier than trying to be someone else… It is super noticeable if you’re too tense, so you have to learn how to relax and find your happy place.

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What are five things you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live without? My two beautiful little girls, my amazing boyfriend, my career as a hairdresser, my friends, and my family. What is something people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about you? Ummm... I grew up Mormon. www.Facebook.com/Dana.Dane.180

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Words & Photography: Joseph Findeiss

Despite the erstwhile reputation as clandestine and isolated, Iceland has become a centerpiece destination in travel rather than a layover for the British Isles and mainland Europe. The formidable landscape, once fabled by Jules Verne, a polestar reserved and revered by adventurers and geologists alike, remains rugged. The Hadean landscape, vivisected by North American and European tectonics and fronted by the Arctic Circle, gives way to spectacular visages of glaciated volcanic mountain ranges accessible by those who refuse to be daunted. Iceland is not simply an asperous playland for the bold, but also a hotbed for youth culture, music and eccentricities.

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Wading and waiting at the Blue Lagoon (Bláa lónið)for the dawdling ten am sunrise. Lavishing in the natural geothermic spring is easy for visitors and the resort offers varying levels of poshness to suit the agenda of their patrons. The amenities (massage, saunas, pampering) were enticing, but nevertheless, this situation was more “getin, getout,” considering the mere six hours of daylight to illuminate our Suðurland drive.

However, I was not about to leave before a couple poolside beverages. Celebratory makeshift mimosas (fresh carrot orange juice and sekt) from the wadeup lagoon bar brighten the morning. The surrounding landscape here is nothing short of surreal. Nestled in a lava field, the bright, supple waters and white silica mud-covered cheeks contrast starkly against craggy moss- covered black rock.

Icelanders are as fond of their heritage as they are of the lore of the island. Quick to spin a yarn for a wide eyed outlander, one might be fortunate enough to find themselves in Grindavík, regaled over a fisherman’s breakfast about the “hidden people” and a company of unlucky, capitalist boatmen. This story did not end well. Rútshellir, two manmade caves carved into a tuft pillar below the Eyjafjöll mountains, an dilapidated sheepcote is the most prominent structure from the roadside. The caves were used to store hay and either housed a smitty or heathen altar. Legend tells that Rútur, an evil troll or evil chieftain was plotted against by the locals (or slaves, depending on who is telling the story) by burrowing a tunnel underneath his bed. While asleep he was run through with spears, effectively rendering him dead. Another version tells of Rútur catching onto the dubious plot and chasing the perpetrators into the hills, slaughtering all.

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At Skógafoss, the low midday sun refracts rainbows. Winter is most foreboding at this latitude. The Icelandic sun is in a perpetual state of setting, barely arcing over the southern horizon, casting an allday “golden hour.” Daylight is a scarce commodity here; dilly dallying is out of the question. An early winter, weeklong road trip totals less than 42 hours of sunshine.

Abandoned fuselage is all that remains of a US Navy Douglas Super DC3, resting on the black sand beach of Sólheimasandur. Traversing the few kilometer detour off the RIng Road is otherworldly in itself and the wreckage is straight out of a post-apocalyptic sci-fi flick.

The wings and tail have long been scavenged for scrap and the brutal, corrosive environment of the Arctic seas has eroded away the body since the plane plowed into its permanent resting place in 1973. Circumstances under which the flight was forced down remains under contention. Whether extreme icing or a faulty fuel tank switch, the wreck sustained zero casualties.

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Serene, sleeping pasturelands of the Suðurland.

The awe-inspiring glacial lagoons of Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón afloat with aquamarine icebergs calved from the great Vatnajökull glacier.

The lagoons hold cold and mute reflections; the occasional surfacing seal or creaking iceberg interrupt the quietude.

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Abandoned and dilapidated farmhouses dot the roadside as I shuttle through the Suðurland. Viking settlements and subsequent Christian occupation are evidenced by cairns and village markers.

Icelandic ponies are especially unique to the island and have two gaits specific to the breed. As if the southern landscape wasn’t idyllic enough already, these stubby horses appear to prance to and fro. Quick to approach any curious passerby, the ponies seem suspiciously friendly and desperately vie amongst each other for your attention.

The southerly view from the mouth of Fjaðrárgljúfur at sunrise. An easy, muddy hike along the rim of the canyon above several waterfalls that feed the river Fjaðrá. A short drive west from Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

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Further west, I arrived at the windÂswept black sand beaches at Vik, flanked by towering basalt cliffs and the craggy sea stacks of Reynisdrangar. More lore ensues.

DyrhoĚ laey promontory juts out over an angry and blackened sea. As the crow flies, a route straight south from this point would not see land until Antarctica.

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A soggy and lonely playing field.

The Golden Circle offers a picturesque drive through Ă&#x17E;ingvellir National Park, the original site of Icelandic Parliament (930 CE) and a World Heritage Site. Just beyond the boundaries of the park is Geysir, an area known for its geothermal activity. Geysir itself has been mostly dormant since 2000, with sporadic eruptions coinciding with seismic activity. Strokkur, on the other hand, erupts feverishly every few minutes.

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A stone’s throw from Geysir is majestic Gullfoss, a two s tage waterfall spilling the Hvítá River into an obscured crevasse, where it seems to disappear into the Earth.

Expressionist cathedral Hallgrímskirkja, conceptualized by State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937 to resemble the predominant basalt cliffs of Iceland’s landscape is one of the tallest structures on the island. Construction began in 1945 and was consecrated in 1986, totaling 41 years of construction. Standing sentinel above Reykjavik, the spire is visible throughout town.

The elevator from the lobby to the observation desk offers a bird’s eye over the bright colored Swiss c halet and Scandinavianstyle architecture and bustling avenues of Reykjavik. I wouldn’t consider this a once in a lifetime trip. I plan to return as often as possible. There’s an odd sense of comfort in the mystery that exists here. Iceland is a magical and strange place to discover for oneself. Over and over and over.

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KASJA McCARTHY Interview: Candies Deezy Liu / Photography: Radek Hruby InkSpired Magazine: How and when did your modeling career begin? Kasja McCarthy: A little over 10 years ago I began by helping a few friends build their portfolios while they learned how to use their cameras. It was really a learning process for everyone. InkSpired Magazine: Do you have any advice for aspiring models? Kasja McCarthy: Be unique. Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to go out of the box and always work with someone you’re comfortable with. InkSpired Magazine: What else do you do? Kasja McCarthy: I’ve been doing body suspension for over 13 years. It’s my little piece of heaven. From private suspensions with family to public shows, conventions, and a few concerts for Jane’s Addiction. I also have been managing Fallen Owl Tattoo in Denver, Colorado for the last 5 years. InkSpired Magazine: What inspired you to start getting tattooed? Kasja McCarthy: As cliche as it sounds, I’ve always known I wanted to get tattooed. The majority of my body has been planned out from a young age and it’s always been about finding the artist who can pull out my ideas and run with them. InkSpired Magazine: Tell us about your favorite tattoo. Kasja McCarthy: I think my favorite tattoo is the band-aid on my knee. It’s perfectly fitting to my clumsy personality. My tummy monster makes me laugh every time I see it so it’s a close second. Though, I get the most compliments on my wings. Even people who dislike tattoos seem to really appreciate my back piece. InkSpired Magazine: Who are your tattoo artists? Are you ready? In Albuquerque, New Mexico: Leo Gonzales at Stay Gold, Mike Giant during his time at Stay Gold, Ben Viamontes and Jason Radcliff at Black List Tattoo, Boy D’Boy at Takeover Ink, and Rob Walters at Ascension Body Mod. In Denver, Colorado: Angell Dominguez, Chris Hamilton and Adam Rose at Fallen Owl Tattoo, and Freddie Arroyo and Sherley Escribano at Unity Tattoo Co. Also: Janie Shannon from Rabbits Den Tattoo Parlor, New Jersey and Sean Hill from Los Angeles. I’ve also had all my body modifications by Steve Truitt at Ascension Body Mod in Albuquerque, NM. InkSpired Magazine: What role do tattoos play in your life? Kasja McCarthy: Tattoos play a huge roll in my life. I work in tattoos and talk tattoos daily. Being in the industry for so long, eventually I noticed that all my friends are covered head to toe and I’m basically surrounded in art. I also realize that getting heavily tattooed comes with good and bad consequences and it becomes a huge part of how people see me and approach me. InkSpired Magazine: What inspires you? Kasja McCarthy: Music, mostly. When I’m feeling creative, music helps pull it out. All of my friends are all endlessly talented and watching them perform, paint, act, dance, tattoo, and create things really inspires me to do the same. InkSpired Magazine: Do you have any people that you are inspired by? Kasja McCarthy: There are so many amazing artists out there. Most of my tattoos are pieces from painting by my favorite artists - Mark Ryden, Michael Hussar, and Chiara Bautista just to name a few. InkSpired Magazine: What is something that many people don’t know about you? Kasja McCarthy: I don’t know, I’m a pretty open book. I speak my mind and keep a close circle so all of my friends already know all my secrets, haha! I think one thing that surprises people is that I love kids and old people. I have a bleeding heart for the elderly and took a few courses for child growth and development while I worked as a day school teacher.

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KARMA Words: Candies Deezy Liu Photography: Sean Hartgrove Nestled in a popular Denver neighborhood, the Broadway Corridor is a trendy asian fusion restaurant with an enticing menu. Karma Asian features staples from all over Asia, from Korean Kalbi to Vietnamese Pho, Thai Curries to Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp. With an exciting fresh spin on traditional asian fare combined with bold, vibrant, feisty flavors, Karmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dishes are sure to please. The tattoo friendly joint features happy hour every day from 3-6 PM, with $3 tapas, $6 Sesame Chicken or Tofu and Chicken or Tofu Pad Thai, as well as beer and sake specials. Karmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eclectic Asian fusion cuisine features a dynamic menu with incredible flavors and generous portions, perfect for sharing. Their Spicy Edamame is the best in town, as well as their friendly customer service. The restaurant itself is in an intimate and cozy setting with Hindu and Buddhist inspired decor. Growing up in restaurants, Peter Hsing, the founder and owner of Karma Asian developed a passion for asian food from an early age. Throughout his life, he traveled to numerous asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Taiwan, gaining knowledge and experience on creating various asian influenced dishes. Open for almost ten years, Karma has become a staple in its popular Denver neighborhood. Living in America for twenty years now, Peter has successfully imported his knowledge and passion for asian fare overseas, bringing a taste of his own influences to the people of Denver. Surrounded by several tattoo studios, such as Think Tank and Certified Customs, it is the perfect place to drop in for a quick lunch or dinner before or after your tattoo appointment. Visit Karma for down to earth asian persuasion that will bring you to the heavens located at: 22 South Broadway Denver, CO 80209 Phone: 303-871-0167 For more information, hours, and to see their menu in full, visit: www. KarmaAsian.com.

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Karma Owner Peter Hsing

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EVGENIY GORYACHIY Interview: Ákos Bánfalvi Poltava, Ukraine born tattoo artist, Evgeniy Goryachiy aka U-Gene started painting when he was a child but he didn’t think about pursuing this career path seriously. He went to Economic University and later opened his own company. Afterwards, he started tattooing 6 years ago and the now Wroclaw, Poland located artist quickly became a master in realistic tattooing. What made you want to become a tattoo artist and how long have you been tattooing? When I went to make my first tattoo, the tattoo artist saw my paintings and said, “you should try tattooing,” so I tried and this is the beginning of a long story. What did your family and friends think about you getting into the business? My mum was really angry. (Laughs.) They didn’t like this idea but I always went about things my way. What was the first tattoo you ever did? Can you tell us about it? My first tattoo was tribal or something like that. Tell us about your shop, Voice of Ink. We opened the tattoo studio, Voice of Ink in Wroclaw, Poland. It’s a great place with great artists. We wanted to have a place where we can feel like a family and where we can develop ourselves. Describe how you go about creating a tattoo from concept to finished design, as well as how you try to put your own unique touch on your tattoos. It’s always something new for me. I create the drawings the day before I tattoo. I always try to make something new and unique so it takes me some time.

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“FOR ME, EVERYTHING IS INTERESTING THAT I MAKE FOR THE FIRST TIME…” – EVGENIY GORYACHIY InkSpiredMagazine.com

How would you describe your style? What tattoo style do you like best? I prefer realistic tattoos. I constantly develop myself and try to do a better and better job, but maybe in the future I’ll change styles, you never know. Do you see tattooing as a job or a way to express your creative side? It’s a way to express my creative side and it’s a big responsibility to permanently put something on someone’s skin. Describe how your role models and any other sources of inspiration have affected your tattoo style. I have a lot of inspirations. I am inspired mainly by famous painters, tattoo artists, photographers, et cetera. Do you have a funny tattoo story? Yes I do, but it’s better if I don’t mention it. (Laughs.) What is the most interesting tattoo you have been asked to do? For me everything is interesting that I make for the first time. Every time I try to make it happen, I would like each project to be unique. What is the most shocking tattoo you have done? I have never done anything shocking. Shocking for me is to make tattoos which you often can see on the internet. I always try to make tattoos I like. In the beginning of this road, I tried do my best but I didn’t have any experience. What do you think a client should expect from you as a tattoo artist and what do you, on the other hand, expect from a client to make a successful tattoo and a good collaboration? A good collaboration is when the client knows my work and trusts me. I only need to know what they want and what they like, but I prepare projects myself with my own style and creativity in mind. Are there any positive sides of being an artist? Yes, I can meet great people along the way, as well as great artists and I can learn from them. It allows me to do what I really want to do in life and that’s the best thing about it. Can I ask if there are any negative parts of your job? There are negative parts to every job but I don’t focus on them. How would you describe the current status of tattoos by the general public in your country? It’s more popular than ten years ago. People nowadays have better knowledge of good and bad tattoos. They also have more interesting ideas for tattoos. Have you noticed any changes in the tattoo industry since you started? Yes, we have better equipment, there are more great artists, and tattoos are associated with art instead of prison. How has the tattooing industry changed, in your opinion, since shows like LA, NY, MIAMI and LONDON INK have been broadcasted to the nation? I think thanks to these TV shows, people understand that tattoos are something individual and artistic www.Facebook.com/ugenetattoo www.Facebook.com/goruachiy www.Facebook.com/voiceofinktattoo Instagram: @evgeniy_goryachiy

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ANJA RINGGREN LOVÉN COMPASSION IN ACTION Words: Kate Monahan Anja Ringgren Lovén, the founder of the African Children’s Aid Education & Development Foundation (ACAEDF) has been working in Nigeria for three years to help fight the battle of the superstition of witchcraft and the children accused of it. Hope is one of the several children Anja has rescued. When she received information of the less than a year old boy abandoned and badly malnourished, she did not hesitate to come to his aid. Hope is now in stable condition due to Anja’s courageous rescue mission. He is but one of the many children Anja has rescued and taken under her wing in the past 3 years since beginning her service work to save, aid, and educate the abandoned, abused, and malnourished children in Nigeria accused of witchcraft. Having multiple children in her care, Anja is dedicated to saving lives and bringing awareness to the world of this great problem that hangs over Nigeria like a dark cloud.

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It’s hard to believe that in this modern day and age, superstitions such as witchcraft and the abuse of those accused still carries on, especially in children. Most think it died out after the Salem Witch Trials in America and those in Europe, but the issue remains strong in many third world countries. We find ourselves wrapped up in current events, such as celebrity gossip or what’s going on in our own community and fail to see what kind of tragedies are happening around the globe. Anja’s work and story illustrate that while we all have our own issues at home, there are still many around the world that desperately need help. In an interview, Anja talks about her service work and aid in helping the neglected and abused children of Nigeria. While it may be disturbing to think of such brutality, the work she has done and continues to do is heartwarming.

Kate Monahan: How would you describe the service work you’re doing in Nigeria? Anja Ringgren Lovén: DINNødhjælps work on the human nature that every child in the world has the right to food and education, and to live a dignified life. Our values consist of showing sheer compassion, care, and love for those who need it the most and through that create confidence. DINNødhjælp also believes that we as a NGO have a responsibility to provide information about the problems in Nigeria regarding the growing superstition, and also to provide education in the local communities in which we operate, and to educate the children we take under our wings. In particular, we have a huge responsibility to the children and thereby the community by showing that we are present, following our projects to the end but also that we hold them accountable to train and develop themselves and make the community a safe environment for the children. When children are being tortured and abused and left alone on the street, it gives a child a lot of terrible trauma they carry around inside. Being rejected by your own family must be the loneliest feeling a child can experience, and I don’t believe that anyone can imagine how that must feel like. Our project aims to ensure that all children in Akwa Ibom State accused of being witches have the opportunity to go to school. Parallel to the orphanage and to get the children to school. Our project is also working to promote the importance of

education. We believe that education is the key in the fight against superstition. We use a lot of our time developing our advocacy work. We believe that it’s our responsibility to meet the villagers and create a platform of communication. We rescue and we give love and support to the vulnerable children accused of witchcraft in Akwa Ibom. But to put an end to superstition, exorcism, and black magic performed by pastors and the so-called witchdoctors, advocacy work must be carried out. Kate Monahan: How did you come to find out about the crisis you’re battling in Nigeria of the children being tormented/ abused due to accusations of witchcraft? Anja Ringgren Lovén: In 2008, I saw a documentary on Danish television that showed how children in Nigeria was being accused of being witches. I was literally in shock because it was something I had never heard about. I cried and cried because it was so horrifying to see children being tortured due to a very old belief, so I decided that if I would ever establish my own NGO our work should be in Nigeria, helping children being accused of witchcraft. Kate Monahan: What drove you to take action and help? Anja Ringgren Lovén: Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated about children in Africa. My mom worked in an elderly home, and my whole childhood, I saw how she took care of old people. My mom always told me that hopefully, all

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human beings will have a good and long life, and that we all have a responsibility to help each other, and most importantly, help those in need. She gave me that sense of taking care of others. She also talked about the African children who were starving. The stories of those African children fascinated me, and combined with that knowledge of the importance of helping people in need, I decided in a very young age that one day I would establish my own NGO so I could travel to Africa to make a difference for the children. Later on in life, I found out that children was not only starving, but also being tortured due to superstition! Kate Monahan: How long have you been working over there to help stop the abuse? Anja Ringgren Lovén: I have worked in Nigeria and helped children in Nigeria for 3 years now. Kate Monahan: How long has the maltreatment of children due to accusations of witchcraft been going on in Nigeria? Anja Ringgren Lovén: It’s very important to explain that superstition is not an “African thing” - it´s not only happening in Africa! And the belief in witchcraft only takes place where people are extremely poor and ignorant. The belief in witchcraft also took place in Europe and the rest of the world during the 1500s and 1600s. In Denmark, we killed more than 2000

women in the 1500s and 1600s, and we burned those women alive because we thought they were witches. But in Denmark and in Europe, we don’t believe in witchcraft anymore. Why? Because we have been educated and enlightened. The belief in witchcraft is because of: POVERTY AND IGNORANCE! So, to say how long it has been going on is difficult because it’s something that has been going on all over the world many years ago. It’s not a new phenomenon. It happens where people don’t have the chance to go to school and be educated. Where people are being indoctrinated by fake pastors and where poverty is very extreme. Kate Monahan: What is the name of your charity and how can others contribute? Anja Ringgren Lovén: The name of my organization is: “DINNødhjælp” and people can donate through my website: www.dinnoedhjaelp.dk. In Nigeria, our name is: African Children’s Aid Education And Development Foundation but we only have one website (the one above). Kate Monahan: How much of a battle has it been going up against the Nigerian government to get this abuse recognized as a serious issue and try to put a stop to it? Anja Ringgren Lovén: We work very closely with the Nigerian government. They have really done a tremendous job trying to get rid of this superstition. In 2010 a new law was passed—”Child’s Right Law”— 62

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making it illegal to accuse a child of being a witch. But just because a law is being passed does not mean that people will follow the law. But the government in our state (Akwa Ibom) is trying hard to stop the belief in witchcraft through advocacy and we work closely with the government. Kate Monahan: Have you faced any personal threats or harm while tackling this issue? Anja Ringgren Lovén: When we go out on rescue mission we always face a lot of danger and threats from the local communities. Most of them are friendly but when it comes to the issue of the belief in witchcraft, they will become very hostile. They don’t want an international organization to come and interfere with their “problems.” Most of them don’t even want us to rescue the children who has run away from abuse and torture. They want to “handle” it themselves. So, we face a lot of danger. Kate Monahan: What would you like to see happen moving forward in your service work and charity? Anja Ringgren Lovén: We work to ensure that all children in Akwa Ibom are free of any kind of abuse due to superstition. Right now, we are building a new and very big children’s home in collaboration with Engineers Without Borders and we will build a health clinic as well. Our project is a long term project and we also work to promote the importance of education. Education is the best weapon to end the superstition.

Kate Monahan: What has been the most touching moment thus far in your time spent fighting to help the maltreated children in Nigeria? Anja Ringgren Lovén: I have been on many rescue missions and I have seen a lot of children who have been tortured. All those moments has been devastating and hard to tackle. The rescue of Hope stands out to be one of the most touching. I became a mother myself only one and a half years ago, so to see Hope, a child almost the same age as my own son was very touching and went straight to my bones. Kate Monahan: What would you describe as your personal mantra/ mission statement for your service work and aid? Anja Ringgren Lovén: This is my utmost personal mission in life: To work on the human nature that every child in the world has the right to food and education, and to live a dignified life. Kate Monahan: What social networks can readers find you on? Anja Ringgren Lovén: Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Anja.Loven and Instagram: @dinnoedhjaelp. Anja’s dedication and cause is a true, shining beacon of hope and love. Few people have the stamina, dedication, and compassion to take on such a task as she has. Anja is a shining example of how one person can make a tremendous impact and difference in the world and lives of others.

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BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR Words: Candies Deezy Liu / Photography: Sean Hartgrove Blood On The Dance Floor (BOTDF) is a duo of mystic goth modernists and musicians consisting of Dahvie Vanity and Jayy Von Monroe. Their dynamic music style has heavy influences in electronica, pop, hip hop, industrial, punk rock, and even heavy metal. They have taken the industrial goth and pop movement by storm with their highly stylized videos that have garnered more than 17 million hits and rabid fans all over the world. As a band that can do almost anything they want musically, they not only maintain their loyal following but are constantly winning over new fans. With growing popularity in a younger crowd’s demographic, the pair aims to inspire in a lot of their lyrics, something that people of all ages can relate to. Incorporating elements of new rock, electronic dance music, and teen angst into their music, BOTDF’s style is just as dynamic as their music. Dahvie and Jayy Von are walking fashion statements that reflect the innovation and constant transformation of the pop goth movement. The founder of BOTDF, Dahvie’s style is inspired by the J-Pop scene, with modern chic goth fashion and makeup. Jayy Von describes his style as more low key, with a lot of

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leather. His style and makeup tends to be more dramatic when he is in his drag alter ego, Dahli Delia, who he says is reminiscent of his older self. “She’s more outgoing and likes attention, which isn’t really like me,” he says. With very differing styles, Dahvie and Jayy Von prefer not to limit their style into one category or genre, as with their music. Heavily involved with the development of their own fashion, Dahvie created Death by Vanity, a “genderless” clothing line based off the band’s lifestyles made with both men and women in mind. It is a celebration of simultaneous masculinity and femininity. “We are strong believers in that androgyny is ideal beauty,” Jayy Von describes. In addition to their intense music and fashion, BOTDF is also known for their dramatic makeup. It’s something that has helped in capturing the attention of their audience, and definitely a form of self-expression on multiple levels that really sets the band apart. Theatrical makeup line, Ben Nye and Sugarpill are a few of their favorite cosmetic brands as they aim for a highly airbrushed and almost cartoony image. Through their music, fashion, and makeup, the personas of the BOTDF duo have successfully become a fantasy like trance for their followers. BOTDF not only influences listeners through their music, but in their innovative style as well. Any transformation that their music and style endures, their fans follow suit. People find themselves connecting with the two for different reasons. Their loyal following is undying, with many fans professing that the band has saved their lives. To stay updated on tour dates and the band’s unique style, follow Blood On The Dance Floor at: www.Facebook.com/BloodOnTheDanceFloor Instagram: @TheDahvieVanity Instagram: @JayyVonHatesIt Twitter: @BOTDFMusic

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