Love Nu Art Magazine September/October 2010

NU LOVE

Steven D. Hill

FOCUSING ON MAJOR ART

ART

60+ Pages of Exclusive

Sept. Oct2010 Oct.2010 ISSUE 2 VOL. 1 www.lovenuart.com

Photography

International Fashion

Photographer

SHY SIREN

Handcrafted Jewelry

Designs by: Sara K. Schwittek

Circa24

Contemporary Islan d Style Clothing Designer Asanyah Davidson

NU LOVE

Steven D. Hill

FOCUSING ON MAJOR ART

ART

60+ Pages of Exclusive

Sept. Oct.2010 ISSUE 2 VOL. 1 www.lovenuart.com

Photography

International Fashion

Photographer

SHY SIREN

Handcrafted Jewelry

Designs by: Sara K. Schwittek

Circa24

Contemporary Islan d Style Clothing Designer Asanyah Davidson

FOCUSING ON MAJOR ART

ART NU LOVE Sept. Oct.2010 ISSUE 2 VOL. 1 www.lovenuart.com

60+ Pages of Exclusive Photography

Steven D. Hill

International Fashion

Photographer

SHY SIREN

Handcrafted Jewelry

Designs by: Sara K. Schwittek

Circa24

Contemporary Islan d Style Clothing Designer Asanyah Davidson

Advertising

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Love Nu Art Sept/October 2010

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LOVE NU ART focusing on Major

Art

Publisher

Audria Arnold a.arnold@lovenuart.com

Graphic Artist

Dana James d.james@lovenuart.com

Senior Photographer Audria Arnold a.arnold@lovenuart.com

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DeJuano Johnson d.johnson@lovenuart.com

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LOVE NU ART MAGAZINE makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited

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Love Nu Art Sept/October 2010

LOVE NU ART focusing on Major

Art

Editor in Chief

Ryan Zuber r.zuber@lovenuart.com

Assistant Editor in Chief Ramon Tyrone Jones r.jones@lovenuart.com

Fashion Editor

Kimberly Brown k.brown@lovenuart.com

Arts/Entertainment Editor Markesha Woods m.woods@lovenuart.com

Music Editor

Phillip Faulkner p.faulkner@lovenuart.com

Contributors and Supporters Sara Schwittek, Yahkhahnahn Gibson, Asanyah Davidson, Kia Lola Photography, Steven D. Hill., Jason Zilk AND Z_Digital , Jonathan Hubbard, Ashley Rose Meier, Tree Kee, Tramaine Ray, asmine Thomas, Stephaine Tolston, Loretta Owens, Amy Harwell, Phuong, Addicted to Minus, Steven D. Hill and models.

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LOVE NU ART

Sept./ Oct. 2010

issue 2 VOL.1

contents art14

fashion46

Shy Siren page 15

One-of-a-kind hand-crafted designs by creative genius Sara Schwittek.

woodstar's poetic potpourri page 14

Asanyah Davidson page 36 Purpose and culuture finds its way into the fashion and life of Asanyah Davidson.

Yahkhahnahn Gibson page 30 Art merges with activism in the world of poet and visionary Yahkhahnahn Gibson.

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Love Nu Art Sept/Octobert 2010

Chained tight page 50 Fashion editorial with fitted dresses, and chained necklaces.

exclusive58

cover story 88 Kia Lola page 64

Exclusive collection of photography by Kia Lola Photography.

music84

Big k.r.i.t page 84

A new era of hip hop emerges with Def Jam’s latest addition Big K.R.I.T.

Steven d. hill Everything is major with talented international photographer Steven D. Hill.

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LOVE NU ART Sept./ Oct. 2010

issue 2 VOL.1

from THE Publisher Greetings, Love Nu Art Magazine readers. Welcome to the second edition of Love Nu Art Magazine. I am so thrilled about this issue, simply because I was able to find valuable talent outside of Memphis, TN. This issue is full of fashion and excitement. September is always expected to be big on fashion and full of new trends. This issue of Love Nu Art Magazine is over 150 pages, and it’s fully loaded with talent. The reason I decided to feature Steven. D. Hill this issue is because he inspires me, from his great photo shoot concepts to the way he produces his images always brings a smile to my face. I would love to tell you more, but you must indulge, so turn the page and make sure you give us your feed back!

Audria “Nubia” Arnold Publisher a.arnold@lovenuart.com

from THE Music EDITOR Here we are with the second edition of Love Nu Art Magazine. One of the most important things for any artist is to continually find inspiration to create. Inside this issue we have enough talent, art, stories, philosophies and motivation to inspire any artist to become the best they can be. This issue features the unique photography of Steven D. Hill, the music of Big K.R.I.T., the cultural fashion of Asanyah Davidson, and more. I hope that the artists and readers of Love Nu Art can channel this inspiration to grow and prosper as we grow and prosper.

Phillip “Phill Free” Faulkner Music Editor p.faulkner@lovenuart.com

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Love Nu Art Sept/October 2010

(L to R) Nubia, Jamond Bullock and model Anastasia Wiseman pose inside the Art Village Gallery.

Nubia and Kimberly Brown, Love Nu Art Mag’s makeup stylist and fashion editor.r. r

Jamond mond painti painting ng

Nubia taking shots of Jamond’s subject for his live painting painting

ART SHY SIREN

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WOODSTAR POETIC POTPOURRI

Art

Jason Zilk AND Z_Digital The Man and His Vision

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Peace, Blessings, and Eternal Happiness An Interview with Yahkhahnahn

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Jonathan Hubbard

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Love Nu Art Sept/October 2010

ART

SHY SIREN HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY DESIGNER

www.lovenuart.com

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ART LNA: Tell our readers a little about yourself?

SS: I’m in love with color and making things. I sometimes can’t believe that my job is to play with beautiful gems, create little wearable pieces of art, and then send them all over this big planet to make other people happy. That’s a dream job. I feel incredibly fortunate.

I give a lot of consideration to the materials, textures, colors, and the way light reflects or passes through each one of my jewelry designs. My main collections are “Vintage Chic”, my vintage-inspired, romantic and botanical jewelry line, and “Modern Geometry”, my more contemporary line, compromised of a lot of crystal, gemstones and oxidized sterling silver.

As far as my design and background…After I graduated from Cornell University’s College of Architecture, I ventured to New York City to work in the architecture industry. I lived in NYC for over 10 years and loved every dirty, noisy, energyinduced moment.

Way back In 1998, I left the architecture profession to launch Four Eyes Productions, a web design & development studio, with my husband Michael. Today, twelve years later, we still run Four Eyes together. He heads up programming, and I manage the business end of Four Eyes, and still dabble in the design aspects of many of the web sites.

I currently live in Charlotte, NC. LNA: Your business name is Shy Siren. How did you come up with that name and what does it mean?

SS: There were two sides to coming up with the Shy Siren brand name: creative and practical.

Creatively… In some ways, I hope that each woman can feel a little bit of both in their lives: the sweet and shy, the sexy and beautiful. That is my hope with the name “Shy Siren” and the design of my jewelry pieces.

Then the practical, technical and very boring reason behind the name Shy Siren is that I knew it was important to have a unique name with a short website address. That was one of the main deciding factors; finding a combination of two short words with an unregistered domain name! Since selling online was going to be the major venue, that was going to be critical.

Hence, Shy Siren!

LNA: You have a lot of interesting pieces of Jewelry in your collections. What are the inspirations behind your “Vintage Chic” and “Modern Geometry” collections?

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Love Nu Art Sept/October 2010

ART SS: This dichotomy of the sweet and the sexy is how I bridge the two very different collections. The Vintage Chic pieces are decidedly more romantic. The Modern Geometric pieces are more urban and architectural. However, I hope that both styles are elegant and timeless.

Just like the Shy and the Siren, I find a bit of my own dichotomy in these two lines. I grew up in rural Vermont and hold my memories of my simple, playful and rural life there in blissful regard. This is balanced by my background in architecture and the decade spent living in New York City. Both experiences are so close to my heart. I feel very sentimental about both places and sometimes wonder how one person can feel such strong unity to these opposite worlds.

LNA: I know you have a lot of different styles, but which style is the most difficult to create, and why?

SS: I don’t have any styles that are more or less difficult than other styles. It really depends on each individual piece.

Sometimes a design can be entirely obvious to me. Sometimes even the simplest piece may have been a struggle, since I’m usually trying to make things more difficult than they really need to be (at least that’s what my husband says).

I’m really working on how to “let go” and learn to be more free with my designs. I tend to be a perfectionist and dwell on every detail and investigate every option. Sometimes it comes down to a matter of business efficiency. I need to learn to make decisions faster, and be more confident with my gut-instinct.

LNA: You have a twin sister named Amy that makes handmade fabric handbags, wristlets, totes and belts. How did the both of you have the same interest in creating handmade gifts?

SS: I adore my sister Amy. She’s got a whole story of her own.

She was an officer in the Marine Corp before she started Belle Bags. Can you believe it? We started our respective business within a few months of each other back in 2003.

for her to do. She poured her heart and time into making us something we could wear and use. She let us pick out the fabric, the patterns, the ribbons and buttons. I am sure we were very unappreciative of her creative efforts.

Somehow, despite that under-appreciation, my sister and I discovered our own creativity in our respective crafts. I know my sister’s daughter goes into fabric shops with the same dread we used to. My mother takes some small joy in that payback.

LNA: You have written a book called Perfect Match: Earring Designs for Every Occasion, and it has sold over 27,000 copies in 2008. How does that feel and do you plan to create another book, like a part 2?

SS: I am the kind of person who has trouble turning down opportunities that are presented to me. I was fortunate enough to have the publisher approach me about authoring a book based on my jewelry designs. I didn’t know a thing about what was involved with the development and production of a book, but I knew I wanted to take on the challenge.

It delivered. It was unbelievably difficult to come up with 40 projects that seemed distinct enough, simple enough, complex enough for a wide variety of readers, ages and skill levels. Each project had to be created in six steps or less. I think that was one of the most challenging parts; how to keep it simple.

I also had to learn where to give in. After giving my heart and soul to the writing of the book, and designing all the projects and techniques section, I was surprised to learn that I had no say on the title of the book, the photography style, or even the book cover (something very hard for me as a graphic designer!). It was very interesting to learn where the lines were drawn between author and publisher. They really had the marketing of the book in mind; not always in line with my own personal aesthetic. I think it ended up to be a collaboration that worked for both our of our interests. I hope it’s a helpful book to many who are interested in getting started in making their own jewelry, or are just looking for some inspiration or a few new techniques.

My sister and I don’t have this romantic story about growing up sewing or making crafts. We both discovered these interests a little later in life, after college. I do think that seed was planted very early on however.

At this time, I don’t have plans for a second book. I feel content with just one book. I wanted the experience, I had the experience. I feel OK to let that go. But I never say never...

I have so many memories of waiting, waiting, waiting for my Mom to finish sifting through all the pattern books at the local fabric shop. My sister and I would hide in the display rounders that held the bolts of fabric.

LNA: You and your husband are owners of a company called Four Eyes Productions. How did that business come about and what’s the inspiration behind that business? He also created your website and it is so nice. Did you help with the creation of it?

My Mom made all of our clothes when we were growing up.

In retrospect, I think that was such an incredibly loving thing www.lovenuart.com

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Love Nu Art Sept/October 2010

ART SS: My husband and I met on an online dating site 13 years ago. We were both living in NYC at the time and we hit it off right away. We felt very compelled to do something with this new “World of the Wide Web”. Within a few months, we both decided to quit our jobs to start a website design company. It was very pre-dot-bomb of us in hindsight. We started Four Eyes in our tiny living room and quickly grew into an office space in less than a year. Here it is 12 years later, and we’re still running this joint, after the dot-bomb, 9/11, a recession and even a greater recession. Michael is the ‘Four Eyes’—he was so cute and nerdy in his super-thick glasses. Now, with better technology, he has thinner, sleeker glasses, but he’s still my geekie “Four Eyes”.

I owe much of the success of my website to Michael. He is always looking to add a new features to the site, develop an easier way for me to manage the business end of my sales, accounting, or customers, and to make my website more search-engine friendly. He’s always customizing the database or programming a new report. I know it’s his way of showing support of my business, since he’s not too handy with the chain-nose pliers.

I do all the front-end design of the ShySiren.com website, including the logo design, web interface design and photography. I also design all the packaging and print materials. Art Director and Business Manager are my roles at Four Eyes as well.

Although I don’t use it in the more traditional sense, I feel very grateful for my background in architecture. Having formal education in this field gave me access to solving problems in a logical, sensitive and aesthetic way. This thought process can be applied to buildings, websites, jewelry, photography and every sort of design.

I love my careers. I am challenged each and every day to keep creating, to keep thinking deeper “how can this be better”, and to be more efficient.

LNA: Can your jewelry be purchased anywhere else other than your website?

SS: My jewelry is available at my main website at http://www.ShySiren.com and at the ShySiren shop on Etsy: http://ShySiren. etsy.com.

LNA: What kind of projects are you working on?

SS: At the moment, I’m working out the final pieces of my fall line at Shy Siren. Fortunately as a one-person company, I have a lot of flexibility and spriteness. Some weeks I have the ability to concentrate on designing lots of new styles, but other weeks I have time for only one or two additions. As much as I hesitate to let go of these warm summer months, I’m also keeping my head toward the Holidays, both in terms of winter designs and preparing for the busiest season of the year.

LNA:: How do we keep in contact with you?

SS: Please come visit me at http://www.ShySiren.com. I’m also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ShySiren and twitter: www.twitter.com/ShySiren. I’d love to hear from you.

If you’re interested in learning more about the craft of making jewelry, please check out my book website at http://www.PerfectMatchEarrings.com.

Nubia: I’d love to offer your readers a special discount: 15% off any order with code “NuArt” until 12/31/2010.

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Love Nu Art Sept/October 2010

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woodstar's POETIC POTPOURRI Welcome to Poetic Potpourri where the attention is focused on the written word. This is spot is reserved for poets all across the globe who desire to share their works. Each issue some of the most prolific poetry will be showcased on these pages. If you have a poem that you are interested in having featured in an upcoming issue, please email woodstar@lovenuart.com for submission requirements.

More Than Skin I stand before you naked Where do I begin You are more than your skin More intoxicating than a tall glass of gin More refreshing than spring water from Mt Fuji Your daddy’s daughter The beat of your mother’s heart The fire in my eye that will never lose it’s spark More than your disarming smile More than your sultry curves that swerve like the Nile Versatile Jazzy when you wanna be Classy lady you’re always gonna be Spiritual inner fortitude that keeps your demeanor graceful Respect for self keeps your conversation and presentation always tasteful I can see your open ears to the wisdom of our Beautifully Seasoned Queens Woman of my wishful yesterdays Woman of my dreams The woman for my team You’ve got home team advantage Because I could see myself coming home to you on the daily...

Poet: Lokeys A.K.A Spoken Heart Home City: Virginia Beach, currently residing in Atlanta Contact: iamspokenheart@gmail.com

FOR YOU This, was for you everything I did, was for you The Valentine’s day card only meant something, because I made it, for you No, it wasn’t an expensive ring, but you said it was pretty, so I got it, for you It was your favorite song, so I played it, for you You asked why I always looked mean, so I smiled, for you; and when you were hurt, I cried, for you; and when you told a joke, I laughed for you You needed space, I backed up, for you Now you’re gone and I wish, for you Mind flooded now, because every is for you 22 Love Nu thought Art Sept/October 2010 So now I try to convince myself:

move on, mike, she’s not for you Poet: Mike Smith aka SounzCrayzee Home City: New York City, Harlem Contact: sounzcrayzee@gmail.com

Plea to the Universe I wanna see World I wanna do it all I’ll do whatever it takes No matter how big or small I wanna dance I wanna sing And see what else the world can bring I wanna act I wanna write I want my time in the lime light I wanna Perform my Fucking heart out Dedicate to life of no regret I wanna Model and pave a new route for the ones like me who have a bet A bet with Self A bet with Gods A bet with Universe against all odds I wanna wake up in Japan End my day in Europe I wanna look back on where I began and show everyone there is hope Ill do whatever I have to Because it’s the world I wanna see I wanna inspire to be inspired And see myself on TV Poet: Jad Davis Hometown: Memphis, TN Contact: jad.davis@live.com

X and X Chromosomes My X and Y Chromosomes cannot do without your X and X Chromosomes.

Honestly, without you I am incomplete, miserable Life without you is lonesome and impossible for me to imagine!

I’m attracted to your Spirituality, personality, femininity, your honesty, fidelity, and your anatomy.

Oh, mind me!

I love your soft voice, thanks for choosing me

ART You made a wonderful choice.

I love the way your body feels under me, on top of me, next to me, and all over me.

Your eyes they overwhelm me.

Your smile brings joy to my heart.

Your fears are tears to my eyes.

We feel the same pain, Damn emotions!

I love your X and X Chromosomes.

You give me reason to live, You strengthen me when I am weak.

You give me words when I cannot speak!

Your X-tra caressing is what I am missing.

You have charisma, intimate intellect.

You have talent beyond comprehension, Childbearing capabilities, nourishment.

You have Unlimited love, Commitment.

You have X, X, X-tra intuition and Wisdom far beyond number.

You are, Woman. You are Human, a reflection of Man! From me you came, Woe, Man! X and X Chromosomes, you are woman.

I cannot do without you as my seed nor I would exist!

I give reverence, to your Womb.

From it came Priests, Kings, Prophets, Princes, great Warriors &Messiahs!

Moreover, I will never forget Queen Mother, Eve. You are Kavah-the Mother of all, Human Life!

From Eve came many Queens, Princesses, Prophetesses, and Virtuous Women.

It is through your Womb X-X that our doctors, lawyers, teachers and next Messiahs will come Poet: Yahkhahnahn Current City: St. Louis, Mo. Contact: www.spokewordinner-tainment.com

Lost Girl Revolution (The Shortened Version) I have forgotten what title your creator gave you, but now the people call you revolution The color of your eyes evades me but I do know that you once sucked melanin to stay alive Smith forged from my earth core it’s no wonder you were soiled when I birthed you from the darkest parts of my soul You were dirty, and grimy precious and polluted with hope, and dreams and futures untold Broken from the burnt bushes of sometime past you were a branch waiting to be carved into a fiery torch Gorgeous in your grit and filth, you played in my heart Abandoning abandon Escaping reality Your smile, I remember was wickedly contagious especially at late night meetings away from listening ears When I held you close to my bosom you felt solid, attached and hinged to the bones of me, you were my high you were my thighs, my sky

I walked, no I marched against our stereotypes On that one night, when the plans were laid And everything was in place I got a call from you, you said be patient, I just had a dream that change was gonna come Remember that conversation revolution?.....

Change never came to join our unholy war and neither did you I waited in anticipation, looking continuously over my back I fought bravely You would’ve been so proud of me, Revolution!

Poet: Albert (AT Chill) Akpotu Home City: Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria Contact: atchillthepoet@yahoo.com

Please note: All poems featured are in the approved format submitted by their respective writers. All poems are printed by permission of the artists who penned them and under copyright of their individual writers. Love Nu Art is not responsible for usage of the varied language, ideations, or expressions presented in the poems featured. The perspectives taken in poems featured in this section do not reflect those of Woodstar, Love Nu Art, or Love Nu Art Staff.

ART

Jason Zilk & Z Digital The Man and His Vision By: Markesha (Woodstar) Woods

Jason Zilk is the man behind Z Digital.

Also referred to as “Z” he is a self proclaimed shy guy. Jason who hails in Des Moines, Iowa with his wife and children, is an artist who uses cameras and lenses as his tickets into the worlds of others.

LNA: Jason Zilk. Z Digital. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me today. Start off by telling us about Z Digital. What was the motivation behind the start up?

Z: Markesha thanks for asking and its my pleasure. Z Digital started out in 2004 being just a video production company but it kind of feels like it may be turning into an alter ego. I have been interested in video since High school. I purchased my first video camera over 20 years ago at age 16 with money I made from bussing tables, lawn care, snow removal and other odd jobs. It was always a

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hobby for me. I spent a lot of my time in high school working to be able to do, what I did not know then, was my artistic expression. Towards the end of college I made a very personal film about the relationship with my daughter. That made me not want to pick up my camera any more. I associated some rough times with that video footage and it became painful for me to pick up. I thought it may be my fair well piece. Spending some time away from it I realized something was missing from my life. I don’t remember the exact event but it may have been when I was watching a neighbor. They did not speak English and I don’t speak Spanish but I asked them if I could video tape their little girl’s party. They were delighted and it reminded me how good it felt to be behind the camera. I started a cleaning business to earn money to start my video business. Technology was changing and I wanted to take my time and not spend my limited resources on the wrong stuff. I believe that If you are going to spend one third of your life working it should be doing something you enjoy. One of my mantras is “Do something you love and if you do it well enough that people will pay you to do it.”

LNA: What about the people who admire your work but could not afford to pay you for it?

Z: I came up with a plan. I would provide video services for people who normally could not afford them. Because I was small I could be flexible and keep my over head low yet still provide a quality product. I started videotaping events, videos for local artist, and commercials for other

Love Nu Art Sept/October 2010

ART local businesses. I provided many different services from developing concepts to finished DVD. I think my customers know that I really care about their interests. I think about what they are really wanting to do with the video. I don’t add a bunch of hype, and I try to be as honest with them about what they can really expect from the video. The trust that I cultivate translates into putting people at ease in front of the camera.

LNA: What are some of your goals for your company? How do you gauge if they have been met?

Z: My initial goal was to create a music video as good as the worst music video on BET, and to be able to create a commercial that was at least as good as many of the things produced by the local cable company. Within the first few months of officially being in business I had achieved both of those goals. Another more experienced video director asked me why I was not looking at the better music videos and national commercials, and striving to create something on par with them. After a little thought I decided it was time to raise the bar. I look at my video work as a long term investment.

It’s something that you work on constantly and often to improve.

LNA: So do you consider yourself to be a videographer, photographer, or photo journalist?

Z: I think I’m a videographer first. That is where most of my passion lies. I get great satisfaction when I see how the combination of sounds, and moving images can trigger some form of emotional response. That being said, I think the still image has a special kind of magic too by being able to capture a moment. It gives me a way to say, “hey stop for a moment, I want to show you something that you may not have noticed.” Good images also have a way of staying with a person longer than the 30 images that flash by every sec in video.

If I was trying to sound clever I would have to call myself a preserver of memories and creator of emotions. They are different things but probably a big reason for my passion.

Photography is something I just recently started developing more. I always consid-

ered my wife the better photographer so I did not focus on that area as much. The more time I spend with it, the more I like it. And I’m starting to get pretty good at it too. It’s a pretty natural progression for me. Someday I may be officially adding that to the regular Z Digital services.

LNA: Talk about the passion that drives your videography/photography.

Z: Not sure if this is answering the question that you posed, but I am very goal oriented. I’m not sure if I am process or progress driven. I find out what I want then break down the steps into manageable things that I can actually do.

There are a lot of things that I would like to do now that I can’t, but there are a few things that I would like to do that I can never do. I am generally happy because as long as I am getting better I am making progress. I use this attitude in most of the things I do. My wife definitely knows I’m not the best husband in the world. I don’t even want to be that person. My goal is to be a little better husband each year. I think if you always strive for perfection it can stop progress or prevent even taking the steps to start.

Progression that’s what excites me. It’s like a video game. Once you beat it, what’s the point of playing it again? It’s time to get something new to start working on. I love the journey. The destination is just an excuse for the journey.

So after all that, videography and photography are both things that are simple to start, but the more you do them, the more you realize how complex they really are. There is so many ways to grow and improve. Or maybe it’s the problems that video created that I liked solving. I first taught myself to edit video using two VCRs and later an audio mixer. It was very tedious but I still like seeing some of my first works, knowing how much went into it. Being a poor kid it took a lot of my resources to be able to do anything related to video. So there was always a great deal of respect for the limited equipment. Some of my early memories about photography were that my grandmother had a dark room in her basement. I don’t remember her using it a lot but a couple of times she let me watch her develop some photos. I was little so it seemed kind of boring to me. Watching the magic of the Polaroid was much more fun. The

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ART first time I remember having a true fascination with photography was when she used me for her subject one day. My grandmother was taking a class and her assignment had to do with capturing a silhouette. She said she needed me to be her model and we drove up to a bridge in the afternoon. She explained that I had to stand in a certain place and she had to be on a certain side of me and when the photo came out I would be a shadow. That made no sense to me. How would I be a shadow when she was taking my picture during the day in the sunlight. She said it had something to do with the direction of the light. I knew it would not work. She got back home developed the photos and I was right. It did not work. The next day we went out again a little later in the afternoon when the sun was a little lower and I still thought it was a crazy idea, but it did work and I was amazed. I have never seen light the same way. When I got my senior photos done I requested one of my photos to be done in silhouette. The photographer said that he had never had anyone ask for that before in a senior photo. At the time I thought it was a unique way to express myself. After I reflect on this story, I think it may have been an unknowing tribute to my grandmother. Wow! That just made me cry. Thank you grandma rest in peace.

LNA: I noticed that you do not have an official site for Z Digital. Is that on purpose?

Z: That is a very good question Markesha, I have not directly pondered that. I think the truth is I still feel like I’m in my development stages. Here come the excuses...I had not totally decided what face to show. I was torn between doing the low budget stuff that most people could afford and wanting to wait to have perfect portfolio.

Z_Digital is a kind of personal thing and I’m a very private person. I kind of wanted to keep my anonymity. I did not want to take on too much business. I did not want to spend a lot of my time responding to chit chat with people who really did not know what they wanted to do. I spend a lot of effort trying to understand client’s needs and did not want to spread myself too thin with people who would not appreciate the work. Some of the things I have done and been very proud of may have cost only a few hundred bucks, and I did not feel like saying “its very good considering it was done in one day for less than $300.00.” When you are putting your stuff on the net as a professional you just want it to look good. People are used to seeing commercials that cost 100k and above.

I do not like communicating with people I do not know.

LNA: Exclusivity being of utmost importance to you, how do you decide who or what you choose to shoot?

Z: Intentions are important to me. If I feel someone is trying to be exploitative, I’m not interested. If they want to try to monopolize all my time and not be willing to put in some work too, don’t call me. If you don’t have any money to spend, don’t try to make a “bling bling” out of cardboard. I think many businesses go with that approach. You make a product and sell it as often and to whoever you can just to make a profit. That does not work well for me. When I did jobs just for the money I felt it tainted my gift. I want to work with clients who have something invested in the projects. I am not a wham bam thank you type of person. I invest a lot of myself into my projects and photos.

I think it’s like a painter who would rather give away a piece of his/ her work to someone who appreciated the piece, rather than sell it to the highest bidder who they knew would never even look at it again after they bought it. Unfortunately I can not give it all away and stay in the business, so I do need clients who understand both.

If I thought about my business like sex it would be easy to sum up being choosey about who you share your love with or you may end up getting burnt.

LNA: Being that taking on different personalities in your art is indicative of your style, please tell me about some of your many forms.

Z: Wow Lets come back to that one.

LNA: I will not forget. I will be coming back to that question Z. Z: Hmmmm. It could be that I’m in the adolescent stages of my artistic development so I’m always trying on different things, or it could be because I have chosen not to approach my work like an assembly line. If I am doing video stuff strictly for me I am either just experimenting with a technical idea or exploring and expressing an emotion or moment. Those are all different things for me.

If it’s work for someone else it is really more about finding what they need and everyone is different.

LNA: You are a self proclaimed “shy guy”. Have you always been that way?

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ART Z: I like to watch things. Honestly I am probably more interested in where the light in your eyes is coming from than what you think about the weather or who is going to get drafted by the NBA. I hate chit chat for the sake of being fearful of silence. If you have something special to say tell me about it. I don’t want you to tell me the same thing you just heard three other people say in the past hour. I just don’t like all the pre-written scripts we go through when we meet someone new.

I’m also a little skeptical of new people. I don’t like a lot of negativity or phoniness in my environment. Unless I feel a strange urge that I should meet you, I probably will not provide anything more than a smile or nod.

I think a more honest definition of myself is “intimate guy,” but that just sounds strange. So I proclaim shy. If you get me talking one on one I’ll go for hours.

LNA: Des Moines is full of beautiful and natural backdrops. Are there any places that you have found that you enjoy drawing inspiration from?

Z: I think I get most of my inspiration from the individual more than a location. I am always keeping my eyes open for places to shoot, but so much of that is determined by the time of day. If I am going to a certain location it’s probably because I think it’s a place the subject will feel comfortable or excited at. Often if you stop and look at the place you are in right now you can often find something to work with.

LNA: Are there any struggles that you can elaborate on that acted as catalysts towards progression?

Z: One of important things in the human experience is the ability to communicate with each other and be able to express ideas. I have always been pretty creative. There is one thing that stifled my creativity, or at least the expression of it, especially when it came to school. I have a learning disability. It affects my hand writing and my spelling. I probably spell below a 4th grade level. When I would write in school I often would find myself selecting the words that I wanted to use from words that I thought I could spell. I would think very quickly, but could not put the ideas down fast enough. It is hard to be creative when you have to stop every third word and search through a dictionary. What most people could write in 15 minutes would probably take me an hour to put down on paper.

My teachers would read my papers and tell me I had great content but proceed to give me a bad grade because of all the spelling errors.

This encouraged my hand writing to become messy. When I wrote sloppy I would have less taken off for spelling because they were not sure if it was spelled right or not.

I thought about things from a teacher’s side of things. I figured it would get boring reading all those assignments. I was able to present some of my assignments in a unique way with video. Back then few people had video cameras and I think I was the only kid to have one in the school so it became a treat for everyone. Since I did not use titles back then it also meant nothing taken off for spelling.

LNA: So I hear you were making televisions as a child?

Z: YES!!! When I was little we did not have very much money. The picture tube blew on our used TV and it was several months before it would be fixed. I loved TV, but since I could not watch it I spent hours with a self-made slide projector. Really it was a cereal box with a hole cut out of it. I would then take strips of paper and draw out my own shows playing it one frame at a time to entertain myself. That may have been the true beginning of Z Digital, back when I was 6. I thought about taking my show on the road and charging people to watch my “movies” but I decided it was not quite time yet to start showing the world.

LNA: How can people view some of your work?

Z: My most professional looking stuff is mostly on other people’s finished DVDs. I did get past my shyness enough to set up a MySpace page under Z Digital. I enjoy live music and there are some talented people here in Des Moines If you would like to see some of my out-of-the-trunk style one-camera stuff you can find it on YouTube if you look for zdigital515. This page was set up initially as a way to cross market Z_Digital and the local music scene in Des Moines. If you want to see some of what’s behind the curtain of Jason Zilk you can find it displayed on YouTube if you search madog927. Other than that you would have to get to know me personally before I showed much more. Many of my photos can be found on Facebook under Jason Zilk. I often see my photos being used for peoples profile pics. As soon as I take the photo I know it will end up on Facebook.

LNA: You stated that you were in progression, and that you are continually evolving. What do you see as the future of Z Digital?

Z: I believe that Z Digital will continue to develop a loyal base of lifelong customers. Some will be very influential and many will not be known outside their small circles. I think it will probably continue to strengthen its foundation by understanding the true purpose for the company over the next 6 years. After that time I expect a large surge in activity. I’m not sure if the company will end up becoming a large multi-department production company, or remain primarily a one-person-with-a-lot-of-heart operation. ”

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Peace, Blessings, and Eternal Happiness An Interview with Yahkhahnahn By: Markesha (Woodstar) Woods

Yahkhahnahn Gibson is a man that wears many hats. Poet, publisher, father, and visionary are just a few of the titles he holds. Yah, as he is called by many, is truly a made man. Growing up in the shadows of violence and consumption, he was determined to rise above statistics and the diminished expectations of others. At the age of 14 Yah taught himself to read and write. It was at that time that his journey towards self actualization began. He has since birthed several community based organizations, many geared towards reaching our youth, bettering our communities, and putting an end to genocidal violence. Below is our interview with the man himself.

LNA: Hello Yahkhahnahn. Thank you for taking time to speak with us. Yahkhahnahn is a very interesting name. Would you talk a little bit about how you got that name?

Yah: First, I’d like to start off by saying “Peace, Blessings, and Eternal Happiness to Everyone!” I am deeply humbled by this interview experience, and I thank the Divine creator for allowing our Spirits to connect. As for my name...Yahkhahnahn means God is compassionate and merciful. When I was 18 years old my spiritual journey began. I began studying more cultures, religions, languages, studying the Holy Bible and other ancient and Holy books. Finally, after embracing the Hebraic Faith the name Yahkhahnahn was bestowed upon me by my Spiritual Leader and Mentor.

LNA: You are gifted to be multilingual. Talk about the languages that you speak and how that diversity is used to forward your visions.

Yah: I have a love for languages and other ethnic cultures and that diversity keeps me grounded. It eludes me forward with my vision of helping humanity.

LNA: I notice you failed to talk about the different languages that you speak. Was that an oversight?

Yah: Yes I did that on purpose. I would rather those who I have the opportunity to interact with to experience those sides of me firsthand.

LNA: I overstand. So, tell me about Spoken Word Inner-Tainment Publishing/Poetry Chapter (SWIP).

Yah: What would you like to know? We are a Publishing Company, a Poetry Chapter, and a Non-for-profit organization promoting the L.A.W (Literacy, Arts, & Words). For example, we are positively and spiritually uplifting literature with a focus on raising literacy in our youth.

LNA: Speaking of visions, as the man behind SWIP and many other programs in conjunction with SWIP, please discuss how the vision was realized.

Yah: I think as with everything, it was merely a thought. That thought became a reality & that reality gave birth to a better way, and a better world. It was placed on my heart, after receiving an inferior education, to give hope to the people. That reality was creating a new environment where our youth could learn to read, write, spell, use adequate pronunciation, and reflect their true nature of intellectualism and as social beings.

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ART LNA: I know we have recently had the chance to talk some one on one about the Stop the Violence Movement that you have forged. What are some things that you and your organization are doing to combat violence?

Yah: We began releasing Stop the Violence Album projects encouraging others against violence and the first one turned out great! We got responses from other artists both nationally and internationally. We wanted to further impact the world positively. Our goal is to have at least one artist represented from all 50 states, and then Africa, Europe, and the world over saying and practicing the same thing. “Stop The Violence!” We constantly promote this with our Non-Violent Marches/Rallies. We are constantly implementing new programs for our youth throughout the St. Louis, Metropolitan, and East St. Louis areas.

LNA: Tell me more about the Stop the Violence CD that you are completing now. When can we expect it to be out?

Yah: The first STV album was released May-June 2010. We hope to release another one August-Sept. 2010.

LNA: Is there anyone that you would personally like to be a part of the Stop the Violence CD projects in the future?

Yah: Sure. Positive people doing positive things. Again, our goal is to have at least one artist represented from all 50 states, then Africa, Europe, and the world.

LNA: I saw on your website that you also have The Healthy Living Program LLC. How is that being intertwined with what you are doing with SWIP? Yah: We are televising all of our shows weekly for more exposure. We are driving home the importance of healthy eating, healthy living, healthy lifestyles, healthy literacy, and healthy relationships.

LNA: Your open mic show on BlogTalkRadio appears to be quite the forum for artists. Explain how spoken word artists can appear on the show.

Yah: Thanks Queen! We have created an avenue where artists around the world can have their voice and works exposed for free. It just takes a few minutes for the artists to call in to our live weekly radio shows, and the rest is history in the making.

LNA: Who are some of your favorite artists (poets or otherwise) and why?

Yah: Maya Angelou, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, The Last Poets, Tshombe, Sun of Man, Jessica Care Moore, Eugene B. Redmon, and the list goes on. I enjoy them all for various reasons.

LNA: Is there anything else that you want to share with our readers about SWIP, The Healthy Living Program LLC, HLP Fitness, or Yahkhahnahn the man?

Yah: With regards to SWIP we are looking for new Members, and Members At Large and we’re currently accepting applications. The Healthy Living Program LLC gave birth to HLP Fitness, and SWIP Poetry Chapter. HLP Fitness is our Freelance Organization, and provides health, fitness, and nutrition to youth and adults alike.

For more information about SWIP or any of its programs, please refer to the website, www.spokenword-innertainment. com. Yahkhahnahn can be contacted through the website as well. www.lovenuart.com

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Jonathan Hubbard By: Audria “Nubia” Arnold

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LNA: Tell our readers a little about yourself?

JH: I live and work in London. I started out as a graphic designer working for clients primarily within the Music industry before I moved into photography. I like to think I know a little about a lot, as opposed to a lot about a little. This may mean I will never be the most competent at anything, but it does mean I get to enjoy a little of everything. Enough to blag my way through the odd tricky situation or two!

LNA: I notice that your creative fields are retouching and photography. What is the process that you take when you begin a project?

JH: I like to consider projects that will involve the integration of retouching. I prefer to create the scene rather than just find it. This for me makes it both unique and more of an achievement.

LNA: Your portfolio does not have any actual people as subjects, do you photograph people?

JH: Occasionally I photograph people, but I prefer to conceal their face or de-personalize them in some way that reverts them into being just another object.

LNA: When you begin a collection of photos, how long does it take to retouch?

JH: It depends on the concept behind the collection and how well I planned for the integration of all elements before shooting. If the collection of photos requires heavy image composites, then it’s the best part of my weekend gone. If however its just increasing the atmosphere or correcting color, today’s software can have it sorted in a flash!

LNA: As a photographer, what is your biggest challenge JH: For me the biggest challenge is managing to recreate the crazy idea that works so well in your head into a photograph, especially if you’re on a budget!

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LNA: You have a collection of photos called Mannequins. What was your inspirations behind those photos and how long did it take?

JH: The concept took its inspiration from a dark period when my best friend died from a sudden head injury. I looked at the idea of self reflection, how I was feeling and the words I couldn’t say, then concentrated on combining this with the fragility of the incident. The shoot took two days and the retouching a further day.

LNA: What kind of software programs do you use to create your photographs?

JH: The standard software. Photoshop for any compositional work. Lightroom has played a large part in my work flow for images requiring only minor alterations. I’ve also started using 3d software in an attempt to keep the budget down for some of the more ‘unconventional’ ideas I keep locked away.

LNA: What kind of projects are you working on?

JH: I have sketch book after sketch book filled with projects, most are financially impractical or logistically challenged, but I’m glad there in there. Inspiration can flash past as quick as a dream can fade, so jotting them down whenever and wherever is a must. I’m currently working on a series called ‘Super hero Suicides,’ depicting the relativity of problems faced by all of us.

LNA: Where can your photographs be purchased?

JH: Limited edition prints can be purchased direct from my website or by contacting me directly.

LNA: How do we keep in contact with you?

JH: My website has all relevant contact details www.jonathanhubbard.com

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FASHION

Asanyah Davidson

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Asanyah Davidson By: Phillip “Phillfree” Faulkner

When it comes to Caribbean fashion it’s hard not to think of the work of designer, Asanyah Davidson. The Jamaica native has found a way to infuse Jamaican culture into creative fashion. In addition to her remarkable art, she is also a remarkable woman.

She was born in Clarendon, Jamaica and spent the first seven years of her life there before moving to the states at seven. Since then she has gone on to live in California, Florida, Tennessee, New York, Italy, England, and back to Florida.

She told Love Nu Art, “I love to travel and think for you to really appreciate other cultures and your own, you have to travel.” For those who may not have been exposed to all of these places she gives that culture to them in the form of her products.

One might have assumed that her progress and success was a result of her training from Design and Architecture Senior High School in Miami, or the degrees in Fashion Design and International Trade and Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, or even her Masters from Central Saint Martin’s in London, England. But the truth of the matter is that this path was initiated by what Asanyah calls “a solid character foundation.” “I have been raised around strong women who raised equally strong children,” she stated. She feels this allowed her to take advantage of opportunities that may have otherwise been overlooked for being too hard or too scary to take on. “I don’t think I would have traveled as much if I hadn’t developed my confidence at an early age in those first years back in Jamaica,” she said. “I’ve always been thankful for that.”

These early beginnings meant so much that she named her clothing label Circa 24. The name was created partially from her belief that all things come full circle, or “Circa”, but also in remembrance of her “Granma Vin” who was born in the year 1924. “I have to celebrate her life,” she said. “She had a lot of influence on everyone that knew her. So much energy in all that she did. She is my inspiration.”

With the foundation laid, Asanyah began the development her designs. “I try to first make sure I’m incorporating materials that feel native to Jamaican culture,” she said. She said that every graphic you see on the Circa Rocus bags and the Circa apparel have to do with Jamaican culture past and present. Even the names of the bags relate to Patois and the instance in which they use certain phrases. For example, there is the “Suss” Sac. “Suss” is a word Jamaicans use to refer to gossip or talk. The graphics on the side is “Linga Longa”, meaning to chill, stay a while, sit down and catch up yourself. The material for the Rocus collection is burlap, or Croquos material, as Jamaicans call it. The name Rocus refers to the material and the desire to start a Rocus with the bags.

Each bag also comes with a vision and a purpose. She told Love Nu Art, “I’m a practical woman. I want a bag that functions for the woman on the move and can take some hits.” She said she likes things that have different levels of meaning.

The first though is functionality, then does it work with current trends and finally will the graphics stand out, but not overpower. When speaking on the red Linga Longa “Hampa” Carry All she said, “It’s meant for those ladies that wear a lot of neutrals and want their bag to speak for them.” Even customers who aren’t normally bold with their color choices love the red because it draws the eye. She said it gave her a vision of a woman sitting at a café on a nice afternoon in a simple summer dress, Channel shades, and her Red Hampa bag on the chair next to her.

She doesn’t take all of the credit for the visions and designs. She gives thanks to Margret Holness, her co-owner and co-designer for the Rocus Bag Collection. Margret helps to make sure the graphics are done in a contemporary way for the bags to have meaning for both Jamaican and non-Jamaican alike.

Asanyah looks forward to her next collection of bags that will be in canvas and wood. They will be ready for Spring 2011. They will debut with Circa24 Swim. “I’m so excited,” she exclaimed. “Right now I’m designing and meeting with more artisans and constantly sketching and trying to perfect the small details,” she told Love Nu Art. She is also hoping to expand in the Spring to international sales. When asked if she could give any celebrity one of her bags, who would it be, she said,”Sanaa Lathan. She’s amazing and I don’t think there is another actress like her.”

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fashion Dress: BCBG Shoes: BeBe Bracelet, Necklace & Earrings:Target Ring & Hair Broaches provided by Urban Chocolate

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fashion Dress: Gianni Bini Shoes: Aldo Earrings: D’Lux Ring and Bracelet: Target

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Photographer: Audria “Nubia”Arnold Stylist: Kimberly Brown MUA: Benjamin Coleman III Models: Jasmine Thomas, Stephaine Tolston, & Loretta Owens

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KIA LOLA PHOTOGRAPHY Model: Addicted to Minus

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KIA LOLA PHOTOGRAPHY Models: Rose Macabre and Jad Davis

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Big k.r.i.t

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Big k.r.i.t By: Phillip “Phillfree” Faulkner

Every so often there’s an epoch, where someone or something comes along and changes the atmosphere of music as we know it. During a period when the masses of music fans were enduring the bombardment of assembly line sound, simple lyrics and redundant topics, a “breath of fresh air” emerged in the form of Big K.R.I.T. Seemingly out of nowhere, this messianic rapper came along armed with a soulful sound in one hand and the voice of the struggle in the other, to carry out his role in the renewal of hip hop. And to even more surprise….he’s from the South! Mississippi to be exact!

Big K.R.I.T, meaning a King Remembered In Time, undoubtedly will be just this. His latest mixtape, entitled K.R.I.T Wuz Here, is like the writing on the wall announcing that a change is coming and a man is here to make his mark. Determined to distinguish himself by being himself in a realm of imposters and impersonators, this completely self-produced artist has brought back the soulful music, dynamic energy and social commentary that the industry has been missing. When asked if he felt the industry was ready for him he stated, “It ain’t so much what they ready for but what they need.” And obviously the legendary major label, Def Jam, agreed when they signed the new front-runner for Southern Hip Hop. The life of a king is not always easy, and Big K.R.I.T. has faced his share of challenges and struggles during his quest for success. His hometown of Meridian, MS is not exactly the ideal place to be if you want a successful career as a rap artist. He’s not shy about saying that, although many people are familiar with David Banner, Mississippi has not had a true run in the music industry.

The music industry often looked over Mississippi, as if it had nothing more to offer. But greatness will not be denied. So with the support of his family, and a whole state behind him, the “Hometown Hero” Big K.R.I.T. packed up and moved to Atlanta to continue his higher pursuits. During this process he found himself as an artist, released several mixtapes, continued to collaborate with DJs, and teamed up with Jonny Shipes and Cinematic Music Group. When asked if he ever thought about giving up, without a pause he said, “Yeah!” He said he had to learn and experience a lot. ”Sometimes things don’t progress as quickly as you would like for them too.” These may have just been the elements that gave him the humbleness and understanding to speak in the voice of the people the way he does.

In his moving Al Green sampled song “Something” he is quoted, “I always had this feeling

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that God gave me as a gift, the power to make words fit.” This is evident as he remarkably finds a way to blend words and sound while expressing concern for issues like poverty, unemployment, religious hypocrisy, relationships, and street struggles. His observant, yet non-judgmental, commentary opens up the listener to the life of a stripper, the devastating results of promiscuity, and the situations everyday people face. But it doesn’t stop with his reporting of the world around him. He is just as honest, open and vulnerable about his own personal struggles, relationships and experiences. In his self-reflective “Good Enough” he said, “maybe all the flash wasn’t meant for me, maybe I’m too real for this industry.” He stated, “The reality of the world is that everybody ain’t rich.” You would think the plethora of other pretentious rappers would see this too.

It isn’t uncommon for artist to forget about the people with all of the distractions of the industry, but Big K.R.I.T. stays grounded with the help of family and friends. “I keep good people around me,” he said. It’s obvious family influenced his character and good music influenced his sound.

There is evidence of the music of UGK, Organized Noise, and Eightball and MJG in his sonic demeanor, but he said most recently he’s been taking it back to his roots with the likes of artists Bobby Womack, Leroy Hudson, Curtis Mayfield.

You can hear the soul in beats of this wonder-producer. There aren’t many people who can successfully excel at producing and rapping, but Big K.R.I.T. makes it look easy. The way he chops a sample is reminiscent of a Pete Rock or J Dilla, but the sound that comes out gives you that emotional goose-bumping, head-knock you might get from a Pimp C track. He’s come a long way from the Playstation’s MTV Music Generator to now. He basically works from software but has recently begun incorporating some hardware. He considers himself a crate digger and goes as far as to challenge others to name the samples on his latest release for a $1000 prize. Don’t be mistaken into thinking he’s all samples. He expressed excitement about having the opportunity to bring in live instrumentation to his music. He say he just wants to “make music you can feel” and “music that is timeless.”

Making timeless music and being remembered in time often means not having much to spare. Since his signing with Def Jam, his workload and opportunities for collaboration have greatly increased. He was already collaborated on several projects with label mate and fellow Southern Hip Hopper, Currency, as well as other artist like Wiz Khalifa, Devin the Dude, and Big Sant (the other half of his group the Alumni). He’s been promoting, performing, producing, collaborating, working on his own projects and more. There is much more to come of Big K.R.I.T. and there are a large number of people looking forward to it.

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Steven D. hill 88 Everything is major with steven d. hill

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Steven D. hill Everything is major with steven d. hill By: Phillip “Phillfree” Faulkner Everything is major when it comes to accomplished photographer, graphic artist and make-up artist Steven D. Hill. By applying the perfect combination of vision, talent, and dedication he has become internationally recognized in his field. He is known for his innovation, exceptional quality, and the care and thought put into every piece of his work. It doesn’t take much to see that he has an innate gift for creating beauty.

The Dallas, TX based artist received his initial training from El Centro Community College in 2006 where he studied Interactive Media Development, as well as Fashion Design and Make-Up for the Stage. “I started off creating graphics way before I decided to become a photographer,” he stated. And this gave him somewhat of a competitive edge by understanding the tools of Photoshop, and the knowledge to retouch photos and create using typography.

His skill in make-up was develop several years later, which proved to be a helpful by allowing him to do for self and express his visions as he saw it.

As his talent and skills began to harmonize with his ambition and vision, he began to live up to the meaning of SOOAK Photography, “Steven One Of A Kind.” He now uses his own name, but nevertheless the “one-man-shop” continues to embody that uniqueness. With the effective use of the internet and word of mouth, Steven D. Hill branded himself and gained the respect of his peers. “The foundation of fashion, pop culture, and media combined” is the phrase he uses to describe his art. With his growth came a logo change to a heart, which symbolizes the spiritual, emotional, moral and intellectual core of a human being. “My work speaks highly of me as a person. So with all this said, the logo clearly states that I truly put my all into my work.

It’s my way of life!”

Not many artists can say they work with a living canvas, but this artist uses his subjects as the foundation to tell a story. One of the main characters of this story is bold color. He expressed,

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“Bold colors are a main focus when it comes to photographs.” “I feel the viewer gets a better understanding of the mood,” he added. Those “intense” and “concentrated” colors he uses are what make it memorable. If color is the main character, weird poses would have to be the co-star. “The weirdest pose can make a photograph even more appealing,” he affirmed.

He feels the poses speak for the model in the universal tongue of body language. The model doesn’t have to say anything but you feel or sense something through the image.

Being as good as he is at what he does allows him to create projects that will go one to be timeless and work with other exceptional professionals. One of the few make-up artists he entrusts is Traci Moore. “Working with Traci Moore is amazing!” “The both of us together are pure intelligence,” he exclaimed. The only other way he could explain it was “creative energy like no other!” When you are as talented as he is timeless projects spawn from random ideas as did his Revamp collection. But he didn’t stop there.

He has been featured in international magazines, created web shows, and more. “Getting published internationally is good and at the same time it shows that you are recognized, not only in your own country, but outside of it,” he said. Little did he know he would be able to read the magazine since it was written in French. All of this happened in 2009 after he received an email from the editor of the publication. The new web show he created continued to attract attention and brand him, although he refuses to take credit for the idea.

Currently Steven D. Hill is continues to work on getting published, showing at galleries, gaining major clients and creating a path for his type of work. He told Love Nu Art, “The world needs to see a glimpse of the future. My photos practically declare this is what could be!”

He told Love Nu Art that there are some ideas and secrets you don’t share, but advise upcoming photographers to “have a purpose and know your vision.” He added, “Create what you feel and share with the world. If it’s good people will love it!”

Anyone seeking more info on Steven D. Hill can go to www.stevendhill.net or look for him on Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook.

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