Melrose Height Magazine issue 33 preview

MELROSE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE

ED ASNER

THE ACTOR ELLA THOMAS ELECTRIC KARMA AND DR. ELISA STEPHENS INDIA THE COUNTRY ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY NATAS FATIMA FASHION, FASHION, FASHION WITH THE COLOR OF FOOD LOTTA STENSSON

MICHAL “THE ROCK LADY” ISSUE 33

Elisa Stephens

President of the Academy of Art University, San Francisco

Elisa Stephens

, President of the ACADEMY of ART UNIVERSITY in San Francisco since 1992, does not worry about physical competition. She worries about another type of adversity. “We are competing against ignorance,” she states boldly.

The ACADEMY of ART UNIVERSITY in San Francisco is a key player in the Bay Area.

With over 18,000 students, the school offers undergraduate, graduate and certificate degrees in 23 schools that consist of a wide-ranging curriculum with real-world learning models.

This dynamic art school hails from Richard S. Stephens, Elisa’s grandfather who graduated from California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California. Mr. Stephens then served in the Navy where he met Clara Stephens, Elisa’s grandmother, who served as a surgical nurse for Red Cross during WWI. The meeting led to marriage. After serving duties were over, Richard and Clara moved back to the United States. “As I recall, my grandfather was challenged to draw an ellipse and did not feel that he could draw it to perfection. That incident sent him to Paris with my grandmother,” says Elisa.

The Stephens were official residents of Paris and studied with fellow artists to perfect their drawings. But after losing their $50,000 inheritance, which was invested in US Treasury Bonds, in 1929, the couple was forced to retreat to the United States. They arrived back in San Francisco and founded what was called the Academy of Advertising Art, in 1929, in a loft on Kearny Street. Today the school is the most sought after institution by individuals who want to take their lives to the next level. Computers are a big staple in this school as it is a visual tool for the students. Artists need the computer to step up their game.

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Photography by James Wood

MELROSE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE

Dr. Elisa Stephens President, of the Academy of the Art University in San Francisco

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Nate Bernardo, School of Photography

top to bottom: mirkhabib Abzalov, dan dong, School of Jewelry & metal Arts

START YOUR FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN At Academy of Art University

with world-class curriculum available online and in San Francisco, Academy of Art University equips artists and designers for rewarding professional futures. Open to everyone with a passion for art, a desire to grow and a drive to succeed, the Academy guides students to achieve their creative potential. Academy of Art University offers accredited Associates (AA), Bachelors (BA, BFA, B.Arch*) and masters (mA, mFA, m.Arch) degrees, as well as certificate programs and continuing art education. Additionally, Academy of Art University’s pre-college art experience programs offer high school students the opportunity to explore their passion for art and design. Programs are available in 23 exciting areas of art and design: Acting**, Advertising, Animation & Visual effects, Architecture, Art education, Art History, Fashion, Fashion

Journalism, Fashion Styling, Fine Art, Game design, Graphic design, Illustration, Industrial design, Interior Architecture & design, Jewelry & metal Arts, Landscape Architecture, motion Pictures & television, multimedia communications, music Production & Sound design for Visual media, Photography, Visual development and web design & New media.

Academy of Art University’s faculty of working artists and designers offers students valuable insight into the latest industry trends. with feedback and inspiration from instructors, students polish their work and engage in hands-on projects that foster creativity and artistic growth. emulating the environment of real-world companies, classes encourage students to collaborate among disciplines to bring their creative visions to life.

800.544.2787 | www.AcAdemyArt.edU

Sunday Parker, School of Interior Architecture & design

exhibiting fresh, original work from the best emerging talent, Academy of Art University’s Annual Spring Show attracts recruiters from around the country. Students in every major showcase their portfolios and impress creative professionals, hoping to land their dream job. Graduates of the Academy work at companies such as Pixar, crispin Porter + Bogusky, dark Horse comics and Apple among others. the state-of-the-art facilities at Academy of Art University enable students to use the cuttingedge technology of their field, from world-class studio spaces to the latest in digital equipment. with access to industry-standard tools, students turn their ideas into clear and compelling realities. the Academy also offers a network of services to ensure student success, including the Academic resource center, courtesy

Vicken derderian, School of Fashion

Shuttles and more. Setting the benchmark for flexible learning for artists and designers, online programs at Academy of Art University engage students with a hands-on experience. Online students earn accredited degrees through classes that promote interaction with their instructor and fellow students. whether online or in San Francisco, Academy of Art University students graduate with strong foundations in art and design, a compelling portfolio and an individual style, ready to drive future industry trends. to learn more about Academy of Art University or to sign up for a tour, please visit www.academyart.edu or call 800.544.2787 (U.S. only) or 415.274.2200.

Accredited member WASC, NASAD, CIDA (BFA-IAD, MFA-IAD), NAAB (B.ARCH*, M.ARCH) *B.Arch is currently in candidacy status.**Acting degree program is not available online.

Visit www.academyart.edu to learn about total costs, median student loan debt, potential occupations and other information.

MELROSE HEIGHTS PUBLISHER CURTIS WILLIAMS EDITOR IN CHEF

CURTIS WILLIAMS

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MELROSE HEIGHTS PUBLISHING We reserve the right to refuse any advertising for any reason. Publication of an advertisement does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Publisher is not responsible or liable for any claims, misinformation, misprints or typographical errors in any advertisement and assumes no responsibility for omission of copy or for errors beyond the value of the actual space occupied by such errors. Melrose Heights Magazine © 2007

From the desk of the MAGAZINE As publisher ofPublisher Melrose Heights Magazine, my commitment is to offer our loyal readers the very best in Culture, Art, Fashion, Beauty, Fine Living, and most of all- a lot of Love.

In this very special edition we feature the amazing acting career of legend Ed Asner.

We continue to follow the path of Elisa Stephens, President of the Academy of Art University. Swedish fashion designer Lotta Stensson travels to India to produce her international designs. Electric Karma Indian restaurant Los Angeles is soon to go national. We give you a glimpse of India, their culture, travel, beaches, food and the soul of its beautiful people.

Academy of Art University introduces us to a new generation of fashion designers and fashion photographers for the future.

Fatima Marques (Natas Pastries) has just taken over the Melrose Heights Magazine food section with her first article in this issue the “Color of Food”. And to add to this issue is the Barbara Barbara DeVorzon Art Gallery, Michal “ Rock Lady,” Livian Aragao ,the new upcoming actress from Brazil and Melrose Heights Cover Girl, Ella Thomas. This is by far one of my favorite issues, not only for its content, but also for everyone who contributed to making Melrose Heights Magazine a success.

This issue proves that the American dream is still alive. I want to motivate and inspire our community to continue to dream and live each day with love and passion.

Thank you all, Curtis Williams – Publisher Magazine Cover: Photo by Curtis Williams Fashion Stylist: Amanda Jones Make Up by: “TC” Thecia Luisi Hair: Minhao Cha

Photography by Curtis Williams

Ed Asner

Interview for Melrose Heights Magazine Melrose Heights TV 8

photography by ERIC DAHAN

Ed Asner: 84 and Still at It By: Timothy J. Fuller Eighty-four years old and Ed Asner is still ticking. He is starring in the new Disney fea-

ture The Games Maker to be released in 2014 and playing Papa Noel in an upcoming Lifetime telefilm Christmas on the Bayou to air on December 14. And somehow he still manages to take his one-man show on the road playing one of American history’s most eminent presidents. Like Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Mr. Asner is a man of great character, something not just displayed by his laundry list of television, film and Broadway credits, but something that stands out in his facial expressions and his hilariously clever quips. He humorously jokes that he never knew there were any heights in Melrose.

“My nose never started to bleed,” he tells our host.

Seated at his home in Valley Village, LA this past June he answered a few questions for us. Although born in Kansas City, Missouri he was actually raised in Kansas City, Kansas with his mother Lizzie and father Morris David Asner who owned a junkyard business. In his youth he never dared dream of becoming a famous actor, but rather considered that he might just take over his father’s trade, something he describes as manly and productive. He grew up in an area of the city known as the Bottoms, across from a packinghouse and the stockyards where he recalls cattle and goats going to slaughter. Something that didn’t leave an impression on him at the time, but impresses him today. “It’s a mean life,” he relates.

He loved history as a teenager, which is what took him into drama and theatre, but he thought that a life as an archaeologist would be very exciting. Never having volunteered for roles in high school plays, mainly because it was seen as unmanly and too “artsy-fartsy,” he was somehow repeatedly chosen for the male parts. He quips that, “it’s a lot of crap that we’re instilled with in terms of what is manly and what is not. You look at a ballet dancer, you’d give your bottom dollar to have that build, to have that strength.” Also in high school he wrote, produced and acted in a radio show for two years, which may explain his knack for voice roles in Hollywood films like Carl Fredrickson in Pixar’s award-winning animated film Up.

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India: A Culture of Contrasts By: Timothy J. Fuller

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Cascais

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India: A Culture of CITIES

India, the second most populous country in the world and the seventh largest country by area, is home to ancient religions, philosophies and cultures. This vast region is now one of the world’s fastest growing major economies.

The country itself is a perplexing mix of modern and ancient due its colonial heritage. During much of the 18th century, India was ruled under the British East India Company and then taken over by the United Kingdom in the mid 19th century; finally receiving its independence in 1947 due to the efforts of Mahatma Gandhi and his non-violent resistance movement.

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India is home to dozens of languages and yet has no national language. Hindi is used as the official language of government, while English is primarily used in business and administration. This multilingual, multi-ethnic, and enormously eclectic nation is often noted as the spiritual birthplace of some of the world’s most popular religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. It is also known for its biological and geographical diversity, home to the endangered Bengal tiger and the Himalayas, the tallest mountain range on the planet.

Elevador de Santa Justa, Lisbon

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India Foods:

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Barbara DeVorzon Gallery

by Kerry Liu

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photography by CURTIS WILLIAMS

If

you drive up Benedict Canyon and wind through the wavy hills up to Cento Angeli, the home of the DeVorzon Gallery you will be greeted by bougainvilleas that wrap around the terra cotta facade and welcomed by succulent plants and palm trees shading iron sculpture as fluid as moving water within the garden’s horticulture.

This is the feeling of being taken back in time. Inside a setting within a setting known as the DeVorzon Gallery. Upon entering the front doors, you pass “Ambient Trap” by Laddie John Dill, welded and polished aluminum that flows 96 inches along with the visitor down the entry into the main foyer. That is where the smell of vanilla candles welcomes you. The candles are flameless, remote controlled new technology. The old world/new world charm of the gallery is furnished with contemporary art and period pieces, as art buyers are invited to wander and enjoy lunch al fresco on French Faience Quimper, a lemon yellow pottery with Breton figures made over a century ago.

Visitors notice right away that this is no ordinary gallery. Art is uniquely presented. A striking red oil on canvas “Prescenze Rossa” has a gold frame floated with a six inch relief.

That’s another hallmark of DeVorzon Gallery. The unique framing lifts the entire painting

by Fulvia Levi-Bianchi into a unique emotion. Next to it are the translayered and provocative works of renowned artist Emma Ferreira. Framed in steel, they depict dancers floating in glass and bring the viewer further away and into a separate world altogether. As if traveling up the hill didn’t take your breathe away, the art exceeds the expectation. But isn’t that what an art gallery should do?

A recent art buyer enjoyed a demitasse as they viewed “Lirios (Lillies)” by the last of the Spanish royal painters Enrique Senis-Oliver.

His “Kimono Morado” is a wrapped kimono that was painted on linen that is so appropriate in the master bedroom that Barbara DeVorzon has placed it there as the perfect setting for the painting.

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The beautiful entrance to the the gallery is a inviting introduction for all the art filled spaces to come.

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A Cut Above Lotta Stensson

by E.A. Thomas Lotta Stensson’s brand has become synonymous with sumptuous fabrics, artful draping and bohemian elegance. And what strikes one upon first meeting Lotta; is that she herself is as beautiful as the clothes she designs. Curious hazel eyes sparkle from beneath a curtain of blond hair and she would more be mistaken as a customer than as the proprietor. Quick to laugh, her charm and personality are immediately inviting and evidenced throughout the resplendent opulence of her 3rd Street Boutique in Los Angeles.

Hailing originally from Sweden, her love of fashion was nurtured and honed in the design studios of her grandmother and mother who were both noted designers in their own right. “ My upbringing around strong yet colorful and warm females who were fearless and groundbreakers in their field had a major impact on the person I am today.” Her summer breaks were for all intent and purpose an unpaid internship in her family’s factories and boutiques but it was those very years that paved that initial path to her current success.

Moving to New York at the age of eighteen, her creative endeavors led to earning her degree at the prestigious and instantly recognizable Fashion Institute of Technology in New York where upon completion she continued crafting her skills under the tutelage of Seventh Avenue’s most notable designers such as Donna Karan as well as other recognizable brands.

When she finally set off on her own a few short years later her success was all but guaranteed, bolstered by the originality of her collection. She was voted “Best Up and Coming Designer” in 2000 and established herself as the preeminent talent to emerge from the Mercedes Benz fashion week.

Her designs graced the pages of top publications such as ELLE and VOGUE as she continued be the darling of editors and stylists. But a turning point came when Madonna handpicked her collection as the embodiment of the spirit of her Ray of Light album and appeared on the cover of Rolling Stones in Lotta’s design, which at time was a groundbreaking fusion of East Indian and Urban Western.

That cover shoot heralded an evolution in the recognition of the brand as now Hollywood was turning to Lotta for their spotlight moments and it eventually drew her to Los Angeles where she opened her flagship store on the famed Melrose Avenue.

Today she boasts an impressive array of A-list clients; as both Angelina Jolie and Beyonce have been spotted in her collections: with the latter wearing an original Lotta Stensson design to her first fragrance launch. Yet Lotta remains ever humble about her brands global

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Lotta Stensson photography by Michael Hallstrom

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Light the EssenceCurtisofWilliams, LifeJr.

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For internationally renowned artist Curtis Williams, Jr. photography is a relaltionship with light... His book Light the Essence of Life demonstrates his stunning light techniques. curtiswilliamsphotograph.com

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MELROSE HEIGHTS

Victoria Rihm

Make Up By ‘TC’ Thecla Luisi website: is www.makeupbytc.com

MAKE-UP

Makeup artist ‘TC’ Thecla Luisi

TC began developing her eye for composition and color and the hand / eye coordination to sketch, paint, & sculpt.

Hair Stylist by Minhao Cha Stylist by Amanda Jones

photography by CURTIS WILLIAMS

MAKE-UP 26

Make Up By ‘TC’ Thecla Luisi website: is www.makeupbytc.com Hair Stylist by Minhao Cha photography by Curtis Williams Stylist by Amanda Jones

Leana Karin

BEAUTY

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Rendez-vous Flowers Los Angeles - National - International www.rendez-vousflowers.com

BEAUTY

Make Up By ‘TC’ Thecla Luisi website: is www.makeupbytc.com

Hair Stylist by Minhao Cha Stylist by Amanda Jones

photography by Curtis Williams

Lotta Stensson White Ikat Hand-blocked Tabi Silk Scarf, available at www.lottanyc.com Jewelry available at Lotta Stensson Boutique

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ELLA THOMAS

Ella in long blue dress and flower jacket: Lotta Stensson Long Cobalt Blue maxi Dress with pockets paired with Midsummer Hand-blocked Silk Charmeuse Shrug Jacket, available at www.lottanyc.com Jewelry available at Lotta Stensson Boutique Location: DeVorzon Art Gallery

photography by CURTIS WILLIAMS

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Victoria Rihm

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Long pink maxi against red painting: Lotta Stensson Magenta Hand Tie Dye Maxi Poncho in Cotton Silk blend, available at www.lottanyc.com.

Jewelry available at Lotta Stensson Boutique

photography by CURTIS WILLIAMS

Lotta Stensson Brilliant Blue Long Spagetti Maxi dress in Hand Tie Dye silk Charmeuse, available at www.lottanyc.com.

Jewelry available at Lotta Stensson Boutique Location: DeVorzon Art Gallery 33

Inga Lala

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Brown and teal blue maxi, Lotta Stensson Handblocked Maxi Poncho in Copper Brown and Teal silk charmeuse, available at www.lottanyc.com Jewelry available at Lotta Stensson Boutique Location: DeVorzon Art Gallery

photography by CURTIS WILLIAMS

photography by CURTIS WILLIAMS

Lotta Stensson Soft Blue Long Maxi Kaftan in hand batik Silk Tabi worn over a shirred Mini Dress in Black jersey knit, available at www.lottanyc.com.

Jewelry available at Lotta Stenss on Boutique 35

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Lotta Stensson Hand-blocked Mango Massai Silk Charmeuse Shrug jacket worn with Nautical navajo scarf skirt in Silk Tabi, available at www.lottanyc.com.

Location: DeVorzon Art Gallery

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Sahyba

hrilled at the opportunity to bring a taste of her Indian culture to mainstream Pop Music...Emerging Vocal Powerhouse and Songwriter Sahyba...partnered with Creative Director and Liaison...Lynda Lane, to formulate a Dream Team of Producers, writers and Project Experts, “Our Intent” exclaims Lynda Lane, “Is to Produce Universal Hit Records, and captivate audiences with mesmerizing stage performances”.

As a true force of musical nature, Sahyba sings in four languages (Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi and English). She hails from a musical family: her dad plays the tabla and harmonium, her grandfather and uncle are Sikh worship singers, and her brother Prince Saheb, is a gifted producer presently working on her album.

Sahyba continued to sing traditional Bollywood music, and her musical passions soon expanded to Opera and Jazz. Beyonce is one of Sahyba’s inspirations...while inspiring her love for the beats and rhythms of pop and r&b music, and fueled her ambition to become an Artist and Performer. “I’m looking forward to people of all ages, and ethnic backgrounds, to embrace my music...and inspire others to follow their dreams, as I am following mine”.

Website: http://www.sahyba.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sahybaforever For Further information contact: Lynda Lane Creative Consulting and Lia!on Services lyndalane@live.com https://twitter.com/lynlaneliaison

photography by CURTIS WILLIAMS 37

PRINCE SAHEB

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photography by CURTIS WILLIAMS

Saheb

Singh p.k.a Prince Saheb is a music producer signed to Ray J’s Knockout Entertainment Label. Born in New Delhi, India, Prince has been musically inspired by his grandfather and father since childhood. First discovered by the brother of Snoop Dogg, LA Buck the manager of Prince Saheb, has opened many doors. After an introduction to Ray J, at the age of 16, Prince produced the theme song for the show “Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business”. Soon after, Prince Saheb placed a song on Lil Kim’s First Single, “If You Love Me”, which charted #51 on Amazon Charts around the world. His discography includes: Jay Sean, Bobby Brackins, Kurupt, Bohemia (Indian Rapper), Daler Mehndi (Indian Singer), Lil Kim, and many other artist. Prince is the driving force, and facilitator behind his sister “Sahyba’s” career, and stresses the importance of team work while working on Sahyba’s project. When asked the question...”What sets you apart from other producers” Prince confidently responds ”I Make Music...producing all types of genres: Pop, Hip Hop, R&B, Rock, Country, etc.”

Prince Saheb is a force to recognize, making his mark in music, one sound byte at a time. https://twitter.com/ PrinceSaheb

Location: DeVorzon Art Gallery

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Lívian Aragão

A NEW TALENT FROM BRAZIL At the age of 13, Lívian Aragão is already one of the known Brazilian names on television.

Since her early ages, Livian has been in contact with the world of Art. Today, after having played many roles in movies and TV shows, she is sure she wants to follow an artistic career. “I want to be a great actress and touch my audience”.

To do so, she has been preparing herself and studying a lot. Currently, she participates in her British School theater department, and she also attends dancing and singing classes three times a week. Recently, to enhance her career, Livian participated in The Stagedoor Manor Performing Camp, in New York, United States.

Lívian loves Science and English, language which she manages thanks to her enrollment in a bilingual school since kindergarten. Discipline, therefore, is a necessity but not an obligation to this determined girl. After all, her purpose is unique: to do what she likes reconciling it with whatever it takes.

It was on the screen and in some films that many followed her career and growth. Her first appearance on screen was in 1999, when she was only eight months old, in the feature film named “O Trapalhão a Luz Azul”, starring Adriana Esteves, Rodrigo Santoro, Renato Aragão and many others. Lívian feel a great joy when she realizes that was alongside with artists such as these that her career began to be drawn.

Since then, she has been involved in other adventures along with some of the best experts on television and movie making. She has alreadyplayed roles in films such as “O Cupido Trapalhão” (2003), “Didi quer ser Criança” (2005), “Didi, o Caçador de Tesouros” (2006). Besides these roles, she also shared the scene and the responsibility of been the protagonist in two movies with Renato Aragão: “O Cavaleiro Didi e a Princesa Lili” (2006) and “O Guerreiro e a Ninja Lili” (2008). On Globo TV Network, she has had special guest participation in many TV shows and she played the protagonist role in two of Globo TV Network projects: the special telefilm “O Segredo da Princesa Lili” (2007) and the miniseries “Acampamento de Férias” (2009).

Her theater debut was in 2004, in the play “Bem-me-quer, Mal-me-quer”.

Now, she is preparing herself for new challenges and promises that she will be on the screen soon!

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Photography by RodneyRayPhotography.com

Stylist: Jazzie Bella Stylist Assistant: Sarah Lorsch & Jana Schneider

Dress: Felja Jewelry: gold wire cuff. PRB 41 Shoes: Converse

Academy University Academy of of ArtArt University

Gwen Shihyao Lai

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tomorrow’s tomorrow FASHION FASHIONDESIGNERS DESIGNERS

Melissa Avalos

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Academy of Art University

Apinat Satitittayayuda

Academy of Art University Fashion Photographers

Our students who want to become fashion photographers select a balanced esthetic and technical curriculum. The simple theory being, “If you can imagine it, you’d better be able to produce it.”

The photographers take several layers of concept classes to develop the ability to visually express their ideas with strong narrative, narrative that is needed to arrest the attention of the viewer. Each student individually conceives and produces very personal projects. All portfolios created are unique.

tomorrow’s FASHION PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bailey, Heradas-Stone These images are “editorial”, more about attracting attention to a brand, or maybe creating a mystique about the product. The goal of the photographer is to elicit a response and have the image remembered.

Executive Director, School of Photography Academy of Art University James B. Wood

THE COLOR OF FOOD!

by Fatima Marques from Natas Pastries Portuguese CafĂŠ

ONION ( Allium cepa)

Roasted in the oven with its skin, onions have an excellent hepatic regeneration. The syrup of onion can be an excellent natural expectorant. It retains its numerous properties even when cooked. The onion is one of the vegetables most used in our kitchens both in its raw state and in sauce dishes, stews, etc.

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rowing up in Lisbon, Portugal, my parents often would take me and my sister to where they grew up, a little town 3 hours away from the capital. We spent many summers there with grandparents, uncles and aunts and lots of cousins.

They had large farms and cultivated everything that you would find today in a produce isle of any supermarket.

They also had vines to make their own wine, olive tree orchards for olive oil and various kinds of fruit trees for the best jams. Needleless to say that I grew up with a spoiled palate and from a very young age I knew what real food tasted like.

Both me and my sister Paula were taught at this young age how to prepare a meal and we would take turns on who would help out Mom with dinner. Now owning a bakery/restaurant I thank my Mom for everything she taught me then and the passion she inspired in me for quality food.

THE COLOR OF FOOD!

My sister, still in Portugal, after having worked in laboratories in the area of control and food hygiene came to the conclusion that she wanted to grow her own food, for her and her family. She has practiced for over 30 years an ecologically sustainable agriculture, agro - toxics –free, she tells me “One of the teachings of Hippocrates proposes us: “Let your food be your first medicine.” Here are some of the photos from her farm and her take on these colorful vegetables.

TOMATO (Lycopersicum esculentum and Lycopersicon lycopersicum ) The best way to eat tomatoes is raw. It associates well with onion, eggplant, tarragon, parsley, basil, garlic, shallot, lemon, thyme, oregano and cumin, as a starter and deliciously seasoned with olive oil, sea salt and pepper.

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glance back in time makes me wonder, “How did people live such long lives before modern medicine?” I conducted a little research of my own, and found that in China and India, being 100 years old plus active person in certain areas can be the norm. In the America’s however, the average life span is much shorter… between 70 and 80 years old.

With the advanced technology, and science we have access to today, those in the medical field have better insight, and can help us live longer. Not only can we live longer, but, look even younger. This leaves me with one burning question, “what did people do so long ago for longevity?”

I recently had the opportunity to speak with energy expert Michal Mael, the owner of Michal & Company. She is a Nature’s Art décor distributor and specialist. I thought we would be speaking about how she could transform art with rocks, stones or fossils to be usable décor in one’s home. Far beyond what I thought, she shed a whole new light in explaining colors, chakras and the old ways when Shaman were the medicine healers. You see, it was the Shaman who kept the people healthy by using nature as a product. The Shaman understood, and linked energetic flow of the human body with connection to spirit. This concept of energy and using nature to heal goes back more than circa 3000BC to 1000AD. Michal explained that in India they mastered and followed sacred traditions. Specific traditions consisted of Yoga, Buddhism, Tantra, and understanding time, space, energy and spirituality. These traditions became passé during the 2100 century. Today, however, these traditions have been rekindled becoming a grounding force in the practice of wellness.

By learning, shamanistic stone, tantric, and other healing modalities, including the use of Chakras, people are experiencing peace of mind, and connection to self and abundance. These secret methods guide you back into your “soul self”, your truth.

This sacred place is based in your Chakras which are your energy zones of connections to self and your higher power. Clearing and focusing on your Chakras is a critical part of being healthy…spiritually, physically and mentally.

Chakras are targeted points in and around your body that accept and hold energy whether you want them to or not. They are attached to your soul and rule your existence. Chakra points are energy zones that radiate and contract energy vibrations. By learning how to use them, you can heal emotions, medical issues, physical issues and spiritual blockages. Chakras use colors to heal and exist. They are also tuned with stones, having a specific effect based on the color and energy of the stone. The beauty of Nature’s Art and its colors is not only pleasing to the eye, it also helps you live a life you truly want.

Michal says, “There are a few tricks in creating the LIFE you want.” The first step is being open to learning something new and believing that you are an amazing human being. You must be ready to release what no longer serves you. Using Chakra energy, and color healing can help you achieve just that.

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MICHAL “THE ROCK LADY”

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Allan Jeffries Collection of African Art By: Timothy J. Fuller

Yaka Mask, 20th century Democratic Republic of Congoi

Allan Jeffries, owner of Allan Jeffries Framing, has been collecting art since he was 18 years old, but around 13 years ago a person he was doing business with turned out to be a dealer in ethnic art, especially art from Africa. The dealer introduced Marion to a few pieces, which he later purchased, proving the onset of an over two-decade love affair with African art. He recalls with a sense of awe, “it was different than anything I had ever seen.” He considered it a spiritual experience, just being in the midst of this Yoruba motherly figure holding a child. After living with it for one year it became a part of him and inspired him to collect more.

He became more active in collecting African art and currently retains nearly 70 or more pieces. He finds it so fascinating and unique from contemporary art because there’s no name or artist attached to each piece. A member of an African tribe created each figure, be it a mask from the Yombe tribe of North Africa or the Pende tribe of Zaire.

Each piece was intended for spiritual and ceremonial purposes amongst the tribe. The value is all in the beauty of the form and the expression of the figure.

He muses about the earlier collectors around the turn of the 20th century, how Picasso and Matisse actually owned the largest collections in the world. The expressions of the African figures can often be seen in Cuban paintings and the work of other cotemporary artists of that time. These pieces, in fact, resemble something “Picasso himself may have carved.” photography by CURTIS WILLIAMS 50

Bamana Chi Wara Headress, 19th century Mali

WoyoWoyo Mask, 19th19th century Mask, centuryDemocratic DemRepublic of Congo ocratic Republic of Congo

Dan Mask, 19th century Liberia

Ligbi Mask, 19th century Ivory Coast

www.allanmarionafricianartcollection.com

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MELROSE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE