We See It
Magazine
{Vol. 4}
We See It 2012 Advertising / Contribution: weseeitmag@gmail.com Blog: www.weseeitmag.blogspot.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/We-See-It-Magazine Flickr Group: www.flickr.com/groups/1697722@N20/
Contributors Vol 4: Roni Ahn Raj Sandhu Chavaporn Laohapongchava Tanith Rose Christopher Dinottia Lauren Engël Sabrina Melanson Jo Cheung Em Waterfield
Sébastien Larreur Corinne Perry Rebecca Barkley Stephanie Szeto Adriana Tedeschi Alexandra Benetel Tavis Leaf Glover Jesse May Fisher
We See It is an online zine which strives to be a platform for the many wonderful creative artists around the world. We are pretty grass roots around here and regret that we are not in a position to pay contributors for any work. If you would like to submit work, please email us weseeitmag@gmail.com. We See It’s contributors retain sole copyright and ownership of their artworks. Please feel free to contact them directly using links provided regarding their work.
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appy New Year! And a warm welcome to this issue of We See It! We cannot believe time has flown so fast and here we are on Volume 4. We have a treat in store in this issue, its packed full of photography, artists, exclusive fashion editorials and writing! Also, we would like to thank you all for your continued support, without all of you talented artists and avid readers, we wouldn’t have such colourful issues abundant with emotion, creativity and splendour! Since the release of the first issue, we have be inundated with email’s from creatives all over the world. As you know by now, we are the connoisseurs of talent spotting and are so excited to share the outstanding talent we have discovered, all rounded up and presented to you in pretty package called We See It. We believe that behind every Artist and Creative, there is a tale to tell, an individual life being led, an eager heart and a predicatively fascinating creative process. As well as seeing and appreciating their work and skills, we want to bring you a little closer to these talented beings by introducing you to them and their world of work. The way We See It is, every artistically fruitful individual should have the chance to showcase their work to the world and for them to be truly appreciated. We See It strive to bring you the brightest independent artists from around the world, and compact them and their work into one totally tasty piece of reading. We hope you see the beauty & talent, because We See It ! We See It x
Image: Lauren Engël
We See It | Vol 5
Contents 61
Corinne Perry Graphic Artist
69
Central Station Editorial by SĂŠbastien Larreur
77
The Exhibition: Christopher Dinottia
87
Michelle Editorial Raj Sandhu
97
Alexandra Benetel Photographer
Rebecca Barkley Illustrator
105
Paint the Sky Editorial
43
Cherokee Editorial by Adriana Tedeschi
113
Stephanie Szeto Garment Designer
51
Em Waterfield Photographer
121
Tavis Leaf Glover Photographer
59
Polly Mellen: The Fashion Notorious
05 11 21 29
Sabrina Melanson Photographer Fearless Editorial by Roni Ahn - Cover Jo Cheung Illustrator We See It Style Chavaporn Laohapongchava
We See It looks at international street style - by Tanith Rose
35
An in depth look at the life and times of the inspirational fashionista Polly Mellen - by Jesse May Fisher
by Lauren EngĂŤl - Inside Cover
Sabrina Melanson
S
abrina Melanson is our first featured artist for this months issue. A 19 year old student, hailing from Montreal, Canada. A self-portraitist, Sabrina uses film to portray a wide variety of emotion in her work. WSI: We love your work and use of film, how did your journey into photography start? SM: Thank you so much! My journey into photography started about 2 years ago. I was really sick and tired of the way people around me saw the world. I wanted to change their perspectives, remind them of the beauty that is all around. When i picked up my camera, i was able to do that. Changed my life completely. WSI: Your portraits are so emotional and expressive, What is it you love about self portraiture? SM:That’s a good question, and a lot of people ask me why most of my photos are self portraits. Other than the fact that I’ve always wanted to model, I am horrible at giving people directions. It’s so much easier to capture the idea I want by shooting myself, after all, I know myself better than anyone else. WSI: Whats is it about Film you love? What camera do you use? SM: I LOVE film, every single thing about it. I really love the texture and the grain that you can’t get using digital. Right now I use a Zenit, which I love to death!
WSI: Has using social networks helped you as an artist? Why/How? SM: Flickr has helped me the most. It has given me a lot of representation and everyone on Flickr is a constant inspiration. WSI: Do you have any words of wisdom for any newbies to photography? SM: Just go for it, regardless of how shitty you may think your work is. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, truly it is. If it’s something you love to do, don’t ever hesitate to do it.
WSI: What inspires you? SM: Everything! Again, I get a lot of inspiration when surfing online, especially Flickr. SO many talented people on there, and all are so sweet. WSI: Where do you see yourself and your working going in the future? SM: Right now, photography is a hobby more than anything else. I wish, more than anything to be in magazines or have my own book, or be in an art exhibit. But all of this seems so far away. I’m just going to keep doing what I love to do !
Visit Sabrina www.flickr.com/obsesscompulse
Photography: Roni Ahn [www.roniahnphotography.4ormat.com] Model: Anna Pembroke @ Synergy Model Management Make up/hair: Melody Ho | Styling: Vanessa Wong and Roni Ahn
Fearless
Jo Cheung Jo Cheung Jo Cheung J
o Cheung is a 24 year old freelance illustrator living and working in London. A colourful mix of mediums such as digital design and paint and pencil. Jo’s work transports you into a wonderland of fantasy! She’s been freelancing for about three years. “I like drawing images of animals with rosy cheeks as well as the natural environment.” WSI: Did you study Art and Design or are you self taught? How did it all start for you? JC:I studied art foundation at college and it was really at that time I knew I wanted to be an illustrator, mainly because of the creative freedom. After college I went to University of Westminster to study illustration. In those years I developed my style and a professional attitude in terms of learning how to answer briefs.
WSI: You are quite the crafter! Tell us a little about all the products you make a sell ? JC: I’ve been making and selling paper products for a while. I think my illustrations are really versatile as I can apply them onto things like cards, pocket mirrors and badges. I do see myself as a designer and a craft person, this fine line between being an illustrator and a designer is blurring. What’s great about being an illustrator is that you can dip into things like making products for instance. I had the opportunity to sell my things with KiosKiosk, a project set up by Hemingway Designs and Noise Lab. KiosKiosk was a pop-up shop near London Bridge and each day a designer/ artist occupied the space to sell their own products. It was fantastic as it gave me and other designers a chance to run their own business for a short period of time. It was really from that I knew I wanted to continue to make products for sale.
WSI: How long do you typically spend on one piece? JC: Depending on the brief it takes about three to fours hours from start to finish. WSI: Are there any areas of design/ illustration/ printmaking you would like to explore next? JC: If I had the chance to do screen printing onto textile that’d be something I’d love to do. WSI: Well we are pretty sure they would be some seriously cool textiles! Where would you like to see your work go in the future? JC: It would probably to make products for my Etsy Shop and to stock in more shops. I want to do more collaboration with other artists and perhaps do more exhibitions. I’d love to open a pop up shop or a gallery in between all of that!
WSI: What inspires your pieces? JC: Wild life programmes like Frozen Planet (well, any David Attenborough programmes) and wild life photography. Places around London and location drawing in museums. WSI: Has using social networks helped you as an artist? Why/How? JC: Yeah I think so. It’s definitely helped me to reach a wider audience and inform people about who I am and what I do. Probably because there’s a small social network on Twitter for example. It’s fantastic to have that kind of support from other artists and it’s another great way to do collaborations too.
WSI: Do you have advice for readers on getting your work out there and getting it seen ? JC: It’s a balance between getting your portfolio done for your website/ folder but also looking out for submissions to competitions, call outs for illustrations, collaborations, exhibitions etc. I would get in touch with magazines or blogs and ask them if they could do a write up about your work like if you’re doing a new series of work for example. Who knows you might find a commission through it. Well worth signing up to Illustration Mundo for instance or generally an illustration directory (takes some time doing the research and choosing the right one for you.) I’ve found that in the past what I’ve done has led to one thing to another in terms of ‘free’ work. Urgh really hate saying that but only you can make that choice, remember so as long as it’s worth your time and effort then, yeah go for it. Be pro-active about what you do and enjoy it! There’s going to be those days when things get a little bit though but you just have to get on with things. Doesn’t help moaning/ complaining about it! After all, we all have to start somewhere!
Visit Jo
www.jocheung.com/ www.facebook.com/pages/Jo-Cheung-Illustrations/150179412375 www.twitter.com/#!/jocheung
We See It Style: Chavaporn Laohapongchava. By Tanith Rose
[www. rough-dreams-and-ice-cream.blogspot.com]
S
o the christmas and all the cosy festivities are behind us and were in a spanking new year full of promise, possibility and a very exciting new season of trends to get our sartorial imaginations all a flutter. After all, what could be more exciting than apparent impending doom?! (according to the mayans) political revolution is sweeping the world and more importantly an image revolution too. A total overhaul in the perceptions you, me and the rest of this shiny marble we call home have toward one another and the environment around us. This is exhilarating. It is a movement vaster than we can grasp and is resulting in unimaginable changes to how we identify with our image, identity, domains and finally our cultural identity. All of these mighty and minuscule changes combine, the result is a ceremony for the senses. This, for me all boils down to ‘The People’ and produces the thing that has become a growing influence on the elite designers and the catwalks alike.
Street-style or as i like to call it ‘the hoi polloi catwalk’ meaning ‘the commoners’ catwalk which has scrapped and battled its way to the foreground of our subconscious and its here to stay. Its been bubbling to the surface for decades but I truly believe 2012 is our year to shine as culture. Mankind are slowly moving toward an all out revolution. Run by the people for the people with no regard to rules or conformities. So for this revolutionary issue I have chosen a revolutionary representative in the form of the brilliant Chavaporn Laohapongchava. She is a dedicated blogger at www.POboxstyle. blogspot.com and a personal shopper for Topshop Thailand which itself earns some serious fashion credentials! She also has an ass-kicking wardrobe packed full of amazing pieces that are maticulously combined to create a steady stream of iconic and exciting outfits that would be at home at any front row. Here are a few of my favorite looks along with my interview with the lovely Chavaporn..
WSI: Who are your style influences? CL: For me I like Anna Dello Rosso, sea of shoes but for me not only these people that influences my style but also my environment and books are the best influence as well! WSI: Would you describe yourself as a Vintage Vixen, a High Street Honey or a Designer Diva? CL: I think Im a Vintage Vixen because of the mood and tone of the colour that I love to mix with my clothes also with the design. WSI: Where is your favourite lace to shop be it high street, markets or even online? CL: I’ll go for Market! Especially vintage market, i can spend all day all night shopping and buying stuff :-) and high street is my second choice, i can mix them up together and then it will create me a Vintage Vixen hehe! WSI: How would you describe your style in three words? CL: -FUN -LAYERING -VINTAGE WSI: Who is your favorite fashion designer and why? CL: I love McQueen, he created fashion as one of a good art piece, he combined them up perfectly, his strong character and idea with all his design for example the shoes, clutch or even his runway, like what he always said expect the unexpected! And he always did That..bravo!! WSI: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview! One last question - what does fashion/ personal style mean to you? CL: Different people different characteristic so that mean you can tell everyone who you are by what you wear and how you wear it in your own personal style. Moreover, personal style can tell your lifestyle, environment surround you too.
WSI: Chavaporn, tell us about yourself! CL: My name is Chavaporn Laohapongchava or PLOYPOBOXSTYLE.blogspot.com. I’m from Thailand and I’m a Blogger but also a Personal Shopper at Topshop Thailand. And of course, P’s Material Handmade Headband Founder. WSI: Where is your favourite lace to shop be it high street, markets or even online? CL: I’ll go for Market! Especially vintage market, i can spend all day all night shopping and buying stuff :-) and high street is my second choice, i can mix them up together and then it will create me a Vintage Vixen hehe! WSI: How would you describe your style in three words? CL: -FUN -LAYERING -VINTAGE WSI: Who is your favorite fashion designer and why? CL: I love McQueen, he created fashion as one of a good art piece, he combined them up perfectly, his strong character and idea with all his design for example the shoes, clutch or even his runway, like what he always said expect the unexpected! And he always did That..bravo!! WSI: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview! One last question - what does fashion/ personal style mean to you? CL: Different people different characteristic so that mean you can tell everyone who you are by what you wear and how you wear it in your own personal style. Moreover, personal style can tell your lifestyle, environment surround you too.
Visit Chavaporn www.lookbook.nu/ploychavaporn www.iconicbandits.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/pages/PO-BOX-STYLE
Rebecca Barkley R
ebecca Barkley is a fantasy artist, she’s 27 years old living in Victoria, Australia. She grew up in the country but now lives in the suburbs near the beach. Her work is mostly illustrated faeries, mermaids, fairytales and characters from her favourite childhood books and films. “I also branch out into other areas such as graphic design, mural painting and photography.. anything creative really!”
WSI: Have you always been into Illustration?? how did it all start for you? RB: I’ve been drawing since I was very young and knew from an early age that I wanted to be an artist. I practiced and practiced all the time, trying so hard to draw the pictures in my books. One of my favourites is ‘Rainbow Magic’ which has the most beautiful faery scenes in it. The Illustrator (and Author) is Shirley Barber and she soon became my idol, I wanted to draw just like her. Then in 1995 when I was eleven years old I had the amazing opportunity to meet Shirley in person, and she was so impressed with my work that she invited me to her home and studio! It was the most exciting experience, and Shirley gave me heaps of advice and encouragement to continue as an artist and never give up.
Since then I really focused on my art and trying to get my work out there. Picking up volunteer work is a good start, even in primary school I was drawing pictures for posters, colouring in competitions and I even painted my first mural aged twelve. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, even more so when there’s a pretty artwork to go with it. WSI: Wow thats wonderful, meeting your hero! Tell us, whats your medium? Paint, photoshop, pencils? RB: Watercolour and coloured pencils combined are my favourite mediums to use when it comes to painting, I love to blend the colours of the paint, make it drip and add fine details with my pencils at the end to bring it all to life. I’ve been developing my skills in Photoshop and Illustrator for years, but more recently I’ve tried to create really detailed digital art but it’s taking me a while to get the hang of it all. I do enjoy it, but not quite as much as the free flow of a pencil or paint brush. I own a DSLR camera which I bought a couple of years back. It is a new found hobby of mine that I am having so much fun learning about! I have a tendency to jump from one medium to another or try something new and find inspiration.
WSI: We love your fantasy filled images.. - tell us about the Faeries and how they inspire you! RB: Thank you! I’ve loved faeries since forever and I’ll never grow out of drawing them. I believe faeries and fantasy are like a connection between me and my childhood, if I never stop believing then I’ll never really grow up. I think it’s important to have an open mind and an active imagination because without it, life would be too serious. Well, for me anyway. WSI: Where would you like to go with your work in the next few years? RB: I’m just about to finish a Diploma in graphic design, so the plan is to get a job in the design industry so I can be creative for a living (get my foot in the door!) and use my spare time to paint as often as I can. I have heaps of ideas that I didn’t have time to do with all my homework, so I’d like to focus on those as soon as I’m freeee! So over the next few years I’ll hopefully be making art and being creative full time!? (Hard to say though, that’s the plan for now but I do change my mind a lot.) Another solo exhibition is definitely something I’d like to work towards, and I also want to learn and practice more photography. I guess I have no specific ideas for where I want to be with my art, as long as I’m happy and producing art I love I like to ‘go with the flow’ and see where it takes me rather than where I take it so to speak.
WSI: Is it easy to be creative everyday? How do you overcome artists blocks? RB: For me, it’s pretty easy to be creative everyday because I’ve been doing it for so long. If I’m not drawing or painting I could be making jewellery, taking photos, designing logos or tattoos.. the list goes on. But of course like most others I still get artists blocks or lose motivation. To get over it I either pick out a book and flick through (usually several at a time) or look up a new artist I found that I really like and see what they’re up to. Or I’ll look for a new artist to inspire me.. sites like flikr, redbubble etc. there’s thousands of artists to browse through. With the internet at my fingertips it makes new discoveries very easy. And it’s not just illustrators I look up, there’s all sorts of amazing creative people out there using all kinds of mediums. When I come across something interesting I’ll look through an artist’s work (like I said they could be a painter, fashion designer, photographer etc.) and often I’ll come across something that will set off a spark and I suddenly feel I have to draw it/make it or I’ll explode! It could be as anything from the medium they used, their theme, a tea cup, flowing hair or a particular mood. Once I get that spark the cogs in my head start to turn. And if that fails then it’s time to change mediums, and work on something else completely, or take up something new all together! WSI: Has using social media and networks helped you as an artist? RB: Yes! Social networks are fantastic for getting your art out there, being discovered and discovering others. I have received some really positive feedback from people all over the world which is really encouraging, and I’ve written to some amazing artists who are always happy to answer questions and give advice. (Just ask, you’ll see!) Galleries and artists groups are
always very helpful too. I’ve had the opportunity to display my work in group exhibitions, be part of some awesome events including book launches and photo shoots and I’ve met some very inspiring people! One event I am truly honoured to be part of was the ‘Arcadiance Masquerade Ball’ where I organised, managed and curated a small fantasy art exhibition at the event. I learnt so much, met amazing people, (sold a painting!) and most importantly had a heap of fun! I found out about it through an art forum where they were asking for volunteers so I offered my help and became a part of it. I actually did the helped with the exhibition for two of these balls, and I’d willingly do a third! WSI: Finally - Do you have any advice you would share with someone hoping to break into the art world/ study art or even just getting their pieces out there? RB: I have learnt SO much by just surfing the net, there’s so many opportunities out there it amazes me what you can find! Create your own free website or online gallery or blog and you can share your art with the whole world. Use art blogs, forums and use social networking to find opportunities, competitions and connections for artists. Word of warning though, when you enter competitions please please please, make sure you read the fine print! Some can claim to own your work and you don’t want that, you want to keep the rights to your own art! There are also plenty of free sites out there where you can have your art for sale as prints and it won’t cost you a cent. Redbubble, café press and zazzle to name a few, customers can purchase your artwork as a poster or on a tshirt and the site does all the printing and posting, you just sit back and rake in the rewards! The % you earn isn’t very much but if you can get a few sales and your work seen then it’s worth a shot.
Visit Rebecca
www.binspired.me www.binspiredart.wordpress.com/ www.facebook.com/pages/BInspired/167765991504
Cherokee. Photography & Make Up: Adriana Tedeschi. Styling/clothes: Silvana Rosano. Models: Alice Angelica, Chiara Quartararo.
Em Waterfield
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mily Waterfield, though most people just call her ‘Em’, is a 22 year old photographer from Cornwall, New York. She is an expertimental artist whose love affair woth film photography is growing from strenght to strenght.. “My photography is an experimentation process; I take old film cameras, ranging from 35mm, to large format cameras, and find film for them and go out and shoot. I love that I never know how they will come out, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but when it does, I go with it, and am able to get really unique and interesting results. I don’t think this art form could ever get dull for me.” WSI: We LOVE your photography!! how did your journey into photography start? EW: Thank you! I started doing photography probably about 8 years ago when I received a little point and shoot for my birthday. I was initially inspired by the black and white documentary photos of World War II. I started out taking landscape type photos, and entering some local photo shows, but I became really serious about it when I was a sophomore in college. I started switching from digital to film after my fiance convinced me to use an old Nikon FM I had on a shelf in my room and I am glad I did! My interest in film has completely taken off since then, and I’m still learning more about film and cameras everyday. WSI: Your portraits are so emotional and expressive, what is it about faces you love? EW: The faces in my photographs represent pieces of my life. I really pay attention to people and put a lot of effort into getting to know my friends, and people I meet in my life. I feel that by taking photos of these people, I am not only preserving it for myself, but I am capable of portraying to my viewers what my life is about and made of. I love this quote by Aaron Siskind because it is the closest I’ve come to describing what photographing people means to me: “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever...it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” I love photographing people because I never want to forget them. I feel that in some way they affect my life, and contribute to who I am.
WSI: Can you tell the readers a little about all the different cameras and processes you use? EW: Surely, right now I own a TON of film cameras, but I only have about ten in working condition. The type of camera I’ll use depends on what I am shooting. If I am going to a new place and just want to be able to snap off photos while we walk around I’ll grab my Canon AE-1, but if I am going to take serious portraits where I want to show tons of detail, I’ll no doubt use my large format camera: the negative is 4x5 inches, and the possibilities are endless when it comes to detail and composition. As for film, the time of year for me dictates what film I like to use. In the winter, I love using black and white films, and in the summer, Ektar film is the best because of its beautiful super saturated color, as well as Portra, and Rollei Crossbird film. I get my negatives developed at my local camera shop, and then scan them into my computer. I use Photoshop, but only to remove dust spots. Other than that, my photos are pretty much straight out of the camera. WSI: Wow, they sound amazing! Tell us though, has using social networks and media helped you on your journey? EW: The most helpful site I have used thus far has been Flickr. I love logging onto Flickr in the morning and seeing new photos that people have taken. Its a huge inspiration, and not to mention you get to meet people who share a common interest. Flickr also links me to a lot of great photo resources and inspiration as well, such as this magazine! WSI: We are happy we found you there on Flickr! Do you have advice for any newbies who may be thinking of getting into photography? EW: Yes! Start with film first before you do anything else! The thing with starting with digital is that its very easy to just take a photo, its instant gratification. However, if you start out with film, you will really understand the art of photography, and how light is what makes a photo happen. Once you know the mechanics of the camera, you can use any camera, and will also be able to take a better digital photo if that’s what you are ultimately going for.
Plus, its really fun when you get that first roll of film developed, the anticipation of seeing those first photos is something you don’t forget. WSI: What is it about film you love? EW: Film for me is about the quality and look. The colors are richer, and you can almost touch the textures in the photograph. There is something magnificent about being able to hold a negative in your hand knowing there is a special photo contained on the little strip. I like working with my hands, and the processes that go along with film photography allow me to do just that. WSI: What inspires you? EW: The people in my life, and what I see everyday inspire me. Most of my photos are taken in my hometown, which is a very special place to me. Light also inspires me. I think that because I use film cameras and old light meters, I have become hyper aware of light and how it falls on people and things. If the lighting is good then I will grab my camera and shoot off a roll for sure. Sometimes I’m not sure where my inspiration comes from. For example, my inspiration to shoot hands with my large format camera came when I was out cycling, and crashed. The palms of my hands were bleeding and dirty and the idea just popped into my head. You never know when or what will inspire you, you just have to go with it. WSI: Where do you see yourself and your working going in the future? EW: In the future, I hope to have my own photo studio where I can display work like a gallery, and teach photography workshops. I have taught photo workshops in the past, and its really exciting to see how happy kids get when you hand them an old camera. I love getting people interested in film photography because its another way for me to share with others what makes me happy. My friends and I always talk about opening an art gallery somewhere too, so maybe one day that’ll happen as well, you never know!
Visit Em
www.emwaterfield.tumblr.com/ www.emwaterfield.com/ www.flickr.com/photos/emwaterfield
Central Station Photography: SĂŠbastien Larreur Model is Nathalie Wolk @ 3Mmodels and Reklamex Dresses and Jacket by Versace, Bag by Chanel.
Polly Mellen: The Fashion Notorious by Jesse May Fisher [www.thestylenotorious.blogspot.com]
P
olly Allen Mellen is someone you should be familiar with, her name speaks volumes in the fashion industry, her work, collaborations and general adoration and enthusiasm for fashion proves Mellen as one of the most influential and inspirational “fashionista’s” to date. She was born in West Hartford, Connecticut and worked as a nurses aid during the end of the second World War. She made her way to New York City where she worked as a sales assistant at a Store called Lord and Taylor, a friend from the store arranged a meeting for her with Diana Vreeland who was editor of Harper’s Bazarre at the time, she worked under Vreeland as an editor and stylist for many years at Harper’s Bazarre before moving to Vogue to work with Grace Mirabella and Vreeland again. From 1991-1999 Mellen worked as creative director at Allure magazine, however, her most influential years were with Vogue under the tutelage of Vreeland. Mellen arrived into the fashion industry in the late 1950’s when the fashion editor, however vital their contribution, never saw their own name attached to their work. Katherine Hepburn was one of Mellen’s earliest influences, she was a cultural icon and acknowledged as an inspirational figure in peoples changing perception of women over the 20th century. Hepburn’s distinctive elegance and style greatly influenced the young Polly. However Mellens most obvious influence was her mentor Diana Vreeland, she was Vreelands protégé, she taught her all that she knew “from Vreelands rib came Polly Mellen” states the phenomenal photographer Richard Avedon comically conveying their similarities regarding their style of work. Polly Mellen was a breath of fresh air to work with when you understood her wave length, she collaborated with photography genius’s such as Irving Penn, Helmut Newton, Mario Testino, Steven Miesel and famously Richard Avedon.
Mellen and Richard Avedon were life long partners in crime in the fashion industry, they conspired together to tune into the mod youthquake and futurism of the sixties, initially Avedon thought she was too “noisy” to work with but had a change of heart when realised “she was one of the most creative sitting editors I have ever worked with”. Together they produced a spectacular array of amazing photographs including pictures of up and coming models such as their famous shot of nude actress in 1981 Natassja Kinski wearing nothing but an ivory Patricia Von Musulin bracelet and an elegantly wrapped boa constrictor.They had the ability to capture something different and innovative, their abundance of creative chemistry punches boldly through their work portraying elements of politics, culture and history. She concentrated, critiqued and encouraged Avedon; their work blossomed under the influence of each other. Mellen was right on time to dominate the stylistic world of post war United States in the 1960’s and make it her own. With Avedon they photographed the sixteen-year-old Penelope Tree, Mellen states “Dick you have to see her she looks like something from outer space” when describing Tree’s wide eyed features. They shot her with out shoes in a paraphernalia pantsuit with exaggerated feathered eyelashes and then in an Ungaro couture dress with a graphically curving metal neck piece. It is arguably one of the most effective and greatest fashion images of all time. Mellen holds such admiration for Avedon stating “he gave me such a growth of vision, imagination and intellect”. Mellen’s photographs belongs to an exceptional class of fashion documentation that reaches the quality of psycho-sexual-sociopolitical commentary. There is a definite taught intensity between the collaboration
of a great fashion stylist and a great photographer. In the 1970’s Mellen and collaborating photographer Helmut Newton pushed the boundaries of sexual liberation to its limits. The most eye catching and provocative photo shoots that Polly Mellen worked on was Helmut Newtons notorious “Story of Ohhh” it was one of the first depictions of photo-feminism sexuality from a woman’s point of view to enter American mainstream media. Mellen’s favourite shot is one of model Lisa Taylor sitting in a predominantly masculine position in a Calvin Klein dress; meeting the eye of the half dressed naked man, her expression is of frank desire. Mellen describes “The story for me was sex, heat, tease.” Mellen tries to pinpoint, at some level, a truth about the changing times, the vitality, sensuality and complexity of young women at the time. These photographs radically radiate change and portray chic, shock and sex “I like to take things further. Too often stylists do things to please... you loose the magic this way...I was a stronger woman behind the camera than I was in real life”. Mellen felt the most comfortable and in control when behind the camera directing fashion and art. With her signature grey bob and fearless capacity for modernity Mellen occupies a unique and well renowned name for herself in the fashion world, however for reasons of historical convention even her biggest admirers may not realise the great scope of work which she has had the invisible hand. Polly Mellen is known for encouraging and promoting young designers in the fashion industry “she has never lost her enthusiasm in a field where everyone seems so faded” Isaac Mizrali an American TV presenter and fashion designer displays his affection and respect for Mellen. According to Vera Wang “Polly has the most extraordinary ability to adapt to the future”. She also never stops searching for young fresh designers, she takes times to attend fashion shows at strange times in odd places like a warehouse or a boxing ring.
Mellen remains grounded and humorous still to this day, at fashion shows she doesn’t hesitate to express her love for the collections, she cheers and waves her arms about, she is known as the industry cheerleader, quite the opposite to the oversized pair of sunglasses in the front row belonging to a certain editor of vogue. Mellen is now retired in Connecticut with her husband of forty-six years Henry Wigglesworth Mellen, however, her love for fashion is still thriving and she remains firmly in the fashion scene attending fashions events and shows. Over the years Polly Mellen has injected a much needed vibrancy into the sometimes uniform and conservative world of fashion, her passion for her work is evident and her contributions and collaborations are truly something else and for this she should be applauded.
Cori
inne Perry
C
orinne Perry is a 21 year old Artist, originally from Portsmouth now living and studying towards a degree in Birmingham, UK. WSI: You have an interesting artists process, its not just photography, can you tell us a little about it? Your camera(s), the darkroom and the coloring? CP: My work is all analogue and I normally use My Canon AV1 with black and white 35mm film. I like to traditionally Darkroom print and then chose to hand colour my images as I am inspired by the photographic techniques which were commonly used in the 19th Century. I like the connection with my work that you get from being very hands on with the materials you use to create your work the film, printing and colouring. WSI: Your self portraits are so emotional and expressive, what is it about self portraiture that draws you in? CP: I started producing self-portraits about a year ago because I’m very shy and found it hard to work with models and with my work being so much about myself and being so personal to me it feels right that I am in my work and feel that I am the right person to express my own emotions. WSI: What is it about film you love? CP: The thing about film that I love is the look that its gives my work and the connection of being able to handle the materials I use to produce my work.
“My primary body of work has been developed int dium of photography and traditional art by hand
to an exploration of my self, mixing both the med colouring black and white photographic prints�
WSI: Are you studying arts? Whats your chosen subject? CP: I’m currently studying Photography at University. WSI: Do you have advice for any newbies who may be thinking of getting into photography? CP: Photography is wonderful and can be a rewarding experience in which a person can learn so much about themselves. I’m a great believer in if you want to do something you should most defiantly give it a go. Photography is hard work but it’s well worth it and if anyone has the drive and determination then they should defiantly take up the subject. WSI: What inspires you? CP: My work is very dependent on my emotional state as it is very inspired by my own emotions and what is happening in my life, I like to create a sense of beauty even within the most emotionally painful of images. WSI: Where do you see yourself and your working going in the future? CP: I’m not sure about the future yet though I hope I am in the position where I am able to produce my work as I feel that I still have a lot to learn and I want to experiment more with alternative darkroom processes and would like to be in the position where I am able to continue producing my work as my job.
Visit Corinne www.flickr.com/photos/corinneperry/ www.corinneperry.co.uk
The Exhibition
Christopher Dinottia www.chrisdinottia.com
Michelle Photographer - Raj Sandhu, www.rsandhuphoto.com Wardrobe Stylist - Janis Galloway, www.dressmedearly.com Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist - Makeba Ferguson Model - Michelle
Photos 1&2&3 - Shirt, American Apparel. Bow, Swish Vintage. Skirt, Swish Vintage. Photo 4&5 - Dress, Decadence. Gloves, Swish Vintage. Photo 6&7 - Fur, Hudson’s Bay from Swish Vintage. Dress, Decadence. Gloves, Swish Vintage Photo 8&9 - Dress, Decadence
Alexandra Benetel
A
lexandra Benetel is an eighteen year old amateur photographer from Sydney, Australia. Photography has gradually become one of my greatest passions in her life along with music. She considers her work to consist of many dimensions. “Although I believe I am still developing a specific style, it is evident by looking at my work that portraiture is something I’ve resonated with. I’ve experimented by creating conceptual pieces while also producing simple photographs that simply capture a moment the way I saw it first exactly.” WSI: How did your journey into photography start? Your work focuses a lot on concept portraits and self portraiture, please tell us more about it. AB: Photography has always been a part of my life since I was quite little. My family is known for travelling a lot and I was fortunate enough to travel to Europe when I was just ten years old. My brother and I had been given a small disposable camera each, which would be used throughout our trip. There is one specific moment that I remember from my visit to London, England… perhaps two. The first being me running in the wide open space of what seemed to be the centre of the city, outstretching my arms as if to say, “I’m in London”. I had always wanted to do that. The second being me standing in front of a building, contemplating whether I should take the photo right then or to wait for something more significant to pass me later on. I guess looking back on that memory now, I’ve always been one for capturing an interesting composition. But, I have to say that if I were to specifically pick one age where my journey in photography
started, I would have to say that it was when I was fifteen. I had decided to choose Visual Design as one of my Year 8 Electives at school because it had caught my eye when I had read about it in an information booklet. It involved painting, drawing, photography… anything you could think of under the heading of ‘art’. I was so interested in just creating that I had decided that I’d take the course. Turns out that it was one of the best decisions of my life! My teacher was and is quite spontaneous in the classroom with his lessons. He may have something planned but then at the last minute, see something and transform it into a fun and creative lesson. He introduced me to pinhole photography and from then on, I was hooked. One day in class he made us all sign up to Flickr and I am forever thankful to him for that because Flickr has truly changed my life. To go back to why I take so many self portraits, my simple answer would be “because it’s a way for me to portray how I feel”. At the beginning of my ‘photography journey’ I would never show my face in my self portraits. I wasn’t comfortable in front of the camera yet and I felt that with my back turned it created mystery and conveyed the emotion I wanted to achieve well. Gradually, I explored other people’s work and noticed that an emotion could simply be portrayed by capturing someone’s face. I decided to slowly work my way into that and I find that by doing this, it really tells a story. My conceptual work however is a little different. It allows me to become someone else, a character in fact. I love putting myself in someone else’s shoes and capturing that on camera. I love the idea of creating new worlds that are out of this world. That’s always fascinated me and I have a lot of fun with that in the creating process.
WSI: How long do you typically spend editing a photograph? AB: It varies. I’ve mentioned before that I take both simple and conceptual portraits, both having different amounts of editing needing to be done. With my simple portraits they’ll take no more than an hour. When I say no more than an hour I mean that it could take me just ten minutes just to adjust curves and the colour balance or it could take me up to half an hour, which usually means I’m experimenting with new tools. However, with my conceptual work it’s a whole other story. I’m currently in the routine of expanding the frame. This involves a number of photographs being stitched together, which is then followed by many layers of curves, colour balance, gradients… you name it! So I’d say that my conceptual pieces would take anywhere from two hours to even three. Some take me all day! I’m still getting the hang of it you see.
WSI: Has using social networks helped you as an artist? Why/How? AB: Yes!! Social networking has helped me tremendously as an artist. Specifically the site Flickr has played the most significant part in my development as and artist. Before Flickr I didn’t really have a space to share my work. I found that by joining this site, I was not only able to share my work, I was also exposed to other people’s work. These people could be fifty, twenty or even my age! I loved being able to share my work and to also comment on other streams which would lead to my stream being viewed. A community was slowly created and my work was slowly getting noticed. My photograph of New York was chosen to be featured in Russia’s Harper’s Bazaar just because one of the editors had seen it on my photostream. That will forever be one of the proudest moments of my life. I would never have thought that I’d be published in Harper’s Bazaar. Other sites such as Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook have also allowed me to share my work and for me to grow as a photographer due to the feedback I get. The positive comments I receive help push me to develop. Not only this but my love for photography has grown so much since joining the social networking world and when I receive beautiful comments about my photographs and love doing it at the same time? Well, that’s rewarding enough.
WSI: How long does each image take to make? From idea to shooting to editing? AB: Well, I’m not one to plan every single photo. If I have my camera nearby and the sky looks amazing, I’ll take a photo. It’s mostly my surroundings that influence when I take a photo. You’ll find that my simple portraits are created due to beautiful natural light, amazing clouds or simply because a location is just too good to pass up at a particular moment. With my conceptual work I’ll have the idea all set out in my head so that most of the time goes into the editing process. I recently developed the habit of drawing the idea in a little notebook I bought a while back and writing directions such as, “have handing pointing up”, “skirt in the air”. As you can see, some sentences are as simple as this, but at least I know that when I come back to that idea, I’ll know exactly how I want it to look. I’m currently involved in a Summer Project with my friend Eden (‘victor alice photography’ on Flickr ) and it involves us to take a picture every day during Summer. So, at the moment my process takes a whole day! But, when I’m not involved in a project, my process would probably vary from days to a week. If I’ve had the idea for a long time and months later I decide to shoot it, then that’s a long process!
WSI: Photo manipulation has really become popular, any thoughts on why? AB: Photography has come so far over the years and I think photo manipulation is intricate and complicated so I think that interests the younger generation especially. People are so eager to learn new things these days and admiring other artists on Flickr I know that after seeing what they create it pushes me more to develop and ultimately somehow even resemble their amazing creations! I know that when I see such artists on Flickr like Brooke Shaden, Alex Stoddard, Sarah Ann Loreth and Karrah Kobus I am so amazed by their work - which nearly on every occasion involves some sort of photo manipulation - that I want to try it myself. It’s kind of like the trend at the moment in my opinion. It allows people to create something themselves. They are in total control of how the photo is manipulated and I think that’s what a photographer looks for when creating their own work; a stamp, originality. WSI: Your work is colorful and very magical - Is there anything in particular that fuels your creativity as an artist? AB: Thank you! I’m so glad you say that because I mentioned before that I love
creating new and exciting worlds. These worlds involve a cross between reality and a world that I’ve created. In order to do so, I create a magical scene like you describe using a combination of vibrant colours. In regards to what fuels my creativity? My determination to develop my work and to create some sort of style helps me come up with new ideas. Being involved in this project at the moment has helped my creativity. I find myself forcing myself to do something different which ultimately is rewarding in most cases. Looking at other people’s work also inspires me to push myself and my creativity. WSI: Where do you see yourself and your working going in the future? AB: Well, this year I’m going to University to study a Bachelor of Education (Primary). In regards to my photography, I see myself still pursuing that because I’m not the kind of person who can stick to one thing. I want to teach, take photos, make films… everything! I see my work developing, hopefully into a positive and exciting direction! What do I want to be doing in the future? Travelling all over the world, meeting new people, watching a lot of films and hopefully enjoying what I do!
Visit Alexandra www.flickr.com/photos/alexandra-roseliza www.twitter.com/deltalex www.500px.com/deltalex
Paint the Sky - With Stars -
Photography: Lauren EngÍl | Models: Anna Pembroke @ Vivien’s Model Management [Brisbane] Justina Muralyte @ Supermodels [Lithuania] | MUA/Stylist: Mosus Hui
Stephanie Szeto S
tephanie was born and raised in Hong Kong. In her mid-teens she moved to BC Canada and attended a local college where she studied ESL and eventually graduated with a certificate in Business Management. Upon graduation, Stephanie moved to Vancouver and applied to LaSalle College of the Arts and graduated in the Fashion Design Program. “My work can be summarized as a reflection of my personality. Each garment that I create is generally dedicated to a certain moment and that moment carries with it a certain mood or emotion that I’m feeling. My style is more on the elegant and detailed side. I’m more into simplicity than crazy over-the-top. Although I was raised up in a materialistic and modern society, I have a passion for all things vintage and historic.”
beautiful would inspire me to draw. Even things that aren’t seen as beautiful, I would try to make it look beautiful. As I grew older, my interest in the arts also grew. After I have studied fashion design in Vancouver, I found that creating my own brand is the way to express my story. WSI: What do you think inspired your love for fashion? SS: I think what really inspired me was the uniqueness in each persons style. Fashion is a direct representation of my personality and everyone has their own individual style. In fashion, this mentality offers a wide range of design options. This is why I love fashion. WSI: As a young designer, starting out in the industry what were/are some of the challenges you had to over-come?
WSI: Your work is beautiful, structured SS: Creating a brand that is my own can be and feminine - how did it all start?? very hard, especially in the early stages of the career because this brand is what defines SS: First and foremost thank you for the kind me as a designer. But I think the biggest words. I’ve been interested in drawing since challenge is not the inspiration or the ideas I was a child. I remember I started drawing for me. It’s the process to recreate that idea. when I was just 4 years old. My days were Sometimes I’m very flustered and complex spent drawing anything I see around me which can make designing very stressful that was interesting. Anything that looked because its hard to be happy with the design.
WSI: When creating a new collection, how do you like to get inspired? SS: I always get inspired from my old memories. I would look back some old photos and capture the beauty of that moment or whatever mood I’m feeling from this certain moment. Traveling and seeing new experiences and surroundings has also been very inspirational. Like each individual person, each country also has different fashion ideologies. Fashion design has been also a great way for me to express my own moods and emotions. WSI: Do you ever get a creative block and if so how do you overcome it? SS: I find that I design better at night. I would usually listen to some music and try to get inspired. I relax and get comfortable and keep a drawing pad close by. Then I close my eyes and draw whatever I’m thinking in my head. Whether it be a line, circle, twists and knots anything. When the music finishes, I open my eyes and look at what I’ve put on paper. Then I look for a garment within what I’ve scribbled. Again it plays off my emotions of the moment. Anything can be an inspiration. WSI: The first time you sold something to someone who was not a friend or a relative - how did that feel? SS: As I haven’t been in the industry for very long, I haven’t sold any garments but some of my creations are designed as gifts for certain people. Seeing their expressions the moment I hand them something I made is amazing. It tells me that what I’m doing is right. And pushes me to work harder. Fashion to me is not a materialistic business. I do it for the appreciation and the satisfaction.
WSI: From idea to finished piece, what’s the creative process like? SS: The natural process of idea to sketch to materials and then sewing can all have some creativity in it. For an idea, first I will be inspired by an old photo or a moment that I see something interesting, then I try to think outside the box on how I can add my own style to the idea. Then I start to make my sketches. Sketches will be changed throughout the process as new ideas pop into my head. After I get a good start sketch to work with, I try to imagine the garment in specific surroundings. The surroundings will help me plan out what colors to use for the garment and what materials and if the garment needs to be modified for the surrounding. Once I’m happy with my drawing, I can start to look at acquiring the right materials. I usually go shopping for materials but look at for exactly what I want. Sometimes I get a feel of a lot of different fabrics and colors depending on how I’m feeling at that time. Once I get all the materials then I can begin piecing together the garment by draping the mannequin. I never rush the draping part. I like to try experiment with this part. When I’m happy with the look, I will start sewing.
WSI: Thank you Stephanie for chatting to us! One last question, do you have any career advice for up and coming designers who have a dream like yours? SS: Work hard. There are many different parts to the fashion industry and I think experiencing all aspects is very helpful. Don’t fixate yourself on a specific style. Don’t be afraid of failures as these are also great learning experiences and help in your development as a designer. Also continue to practice on your foundation techniques. As these techniques will affect the final outcome of your creation. Your garment has to be something you like. If you don’t like it, you can’t expect others to like it. Fashion is too set in trends. Everyone should really explore his/her own personality and put that towards fashion. Don’t be afraid to mix up your fashion sense. No need to be too serious. Have fun with your clothes. I believe being unique and sticking with your dream is the meaning of life.
Contact Stephanie stephaniesyan@gmail.com
Tavis Leaf Glover T
avis Leaf Glover is a 34 year old, self taught photographer based in Hawaii on the amazing island of Oahu. He’s tried a lot of creative avenues (movie writing, electronic music, graphic design), but nothing is more satisfying to him than photography.
or something that just happened? Is there anything in particular that fuels your creativity as an artist?
TLG: The story telling of my photography is definitely something I set out to achieve. I really admire the work of classical painters, and study their approach “I bought my first DSLR (Canon 7D) in January 2010, to storytelling, and the symbolism they use, but and had no idea how to use it until I studied my butt inspiration for my stories comes at me from all off, and watched countless hours of online tutorials. angles. My most recent project called “Fallen Love I eventually moved from landscape photography Guides Her to the Great Beyond” consists of nine to my first conceptual shoot in November 2010, different story-telling scenes. and have been doing conceptual photography with models and self-portraits ever since.” It’s a magical tale about a woman being guided to the afterlife by her deceased husband, so they can finally WSI: How did your journey into photography start? be reunited. Most ideas from my sketch book can be easily transformed into a picture, but this project TLG: My childhood dream of being a movie director had to be majorly developed, and storyboarded. was closer to becoming true In 1998 when my sister Mychal Sargent made an amazing [http://youtu. Justina helped me buy my first camcorder. After be/1Tc_Zi7yjXc] behind the scenes video that shows that, being heavily influenced by Stanley Kubrick the entire process from sketching, on location, to movies, my friend Eric and I would go out with our the finished product. To this day it is my greatest disposable cameras and digital camcorders to take achievement! A huge thanks goes out to the whole what we called “artistic Kubrick shots”. team (Mychal Sargent-video, Kassy Kanaar-model, This is what started to develop my eye for photography. Jose G. Santamaria-stylist, Erica Elisha-MUAH, I always took photos with my point and shoot, but Spring Clegg-assist). once I bought a serious camera in 2010 and started sharing on Flickr, I started to see a whole new world WSI: Tell us a little about the Series Kolgrim, We of photography. I have to give credit to Miss Aniela are fascinated! and Brooke Shaden for being such huge inspirations for me on Flickr. TLG: Kolgrim is a series about a shameful, lonely man who wanders a post apocalyptic world in WSI: Your photos have a great sense of story telling search for redemption. He wears a mask of shame, about them, is this something you set out to achieve each stick representing someone he has lost due to
a mysterious and destructive event. He continually flashes back to times of happiness when he still had his family, friends, and his loving girlfriend. As his story unravels it reveals how his parents divorce and his verbally abusive father made him push everyone away. The series is close to being completed with maybe 3 or 4 scenes left. Is this story about me, about my personal life? Not at all. It’s just a chance for me to express my feelings towards loss and love, and to show that there are more important things in life than material possessions. It also reflects on how communication is important and how people should express their emotions instead of bottling them up for future regret.
I sketched up a quick concept, grabbed a dress and suit, then headed out. We took a boat ride out to a place called Sand Bar where the water is only a couple of feet deep. With a few rehearsals, about seven takes, a few hours of editing, some critique from Flickr peers, then more editing, I was finally finished. WSI: What is it about photographing people that you love?
TLG: Photographing people is rewarding because I get the chance to capture an emotion while telling a story at the same time. I really love to capture the beauty and passion of women, and it’s more social for WSI: What (if anything) have you learned about me than any landscape photography that I’ve done. yourself through photography? When I’m taking pictures of a model, I’m always trying to capture the natural beauty look because TLG: I’ve learned that I’m a perfectionist in a way. this’s what is most attractive to me. Though, shouldn’t artists have a bit of perfectionism in them? Maybe perfectionism in art can better be WSI: Your work focuses on conceptual defined as an artist who really truly cares about their photography, is it easy to come up without he work and devote every ounce of their free time to concepts? Whats the process of getting the idea of create imagery with only one benefit in mind; to the shoot and making it into a realization? share it. After all, what’s a photo without sharing it with others? With the world? There are more TLG: The concepts are usually easy to come up unpaid photographers (myself included), than paid with, mainly because I just flip through my sketch photographers, so what keeps us going? book when I’m preparing for a shoot. My concepts and ideas come to me at weird times, and naturally. For me, it’s an unknown drive inside, i can’t explain They can’t be forced. This is why I log the ideas in a it. I seriously ask myself sometimes why I put all of sketchbook for later reference. Once I have a model this work in, spend all of this time on photography, lined up, I will develop the concepts around her for what? To share on Flickr and Facebook? Life look and abilities. For in-depth photos consisting would be so much easier if I would work at an of photo composites or difficult lighting situations I ordinary job my whole life and spend more of my will storyboard everything out. time hiking, swimming, surfing, barbecuing, and going out. Instead, my passion for photography WSI: Why do you think photo manipulation has keeps me enslaved to creativity, focused, driven, and become so popular ? humbly fortuneless. TLG: Photo manipulation gives photographers a WSI: What image of yours, so far is your favorite? chance to bring their photos to the next level and Why? express their minds vision. But what I think it really boils down to, for me anyway, is budget. Most TLG: My favorite image would have to be the one manipulations and settings could be accomplished I call “My Life For Yours”. It’s about a woman who in real time if the money was there to support the has a chance to save her husbands life by sacrificing concept. A room full of butterflies, which is replicated her own. She does this, against his will, and she falls all over Flickr, could easily be done with a huge lifelessly to the water. As he rushes for her to stop, budget. Gregory Crewdson’s work is a great example he reaches, but it’s too late. It’s a photo of my Sister of what a huge budget can do for your photos. and her husband on their 15th wedding anniversary.
WSI: Do you have advice for any newbies who may be thinking of getting into photography? WLG: Here’s a quote I made to keep telling myself over and over again: “Do not be discouraged by your inappreciable photos, for these are the stepping-stones to your masterpiece”. When they say photography is a marathon and not a sprint, they are right. It takes time to learn everything, work hard, and get your name out there. Don’t get caught up in the popularity contest on the social media sites. Just stay focused, produce your best work, and keep submitting to sites and sharing it. It’s easy for anyone to be mediocre, but to be remarkable? Now that’s something to strive for! You need to take a risk, make a change, take a chance! These are the actions that build character, create art, find solutions, explore the world! Follow your passion, your dreams, and you WILL find true happiness!
Visit Tavis
www.ipoxstudios.com
We See It
Magazine
We are now accepting submissions for We See It | Vol. 5. Photographers, artists, poets, designers, illustrators, writers and crafters - We Want You! Fashion editorials, collections, stories, we want to showcase your talent! If you have something to include that isnt listed above; please just drop us a mail and we will try to respond. Your Talent, We See It!
Submit or just say hello: weseeitmag@gmail.com