Art Talk

Wow....I can't believe another week has begun! Seriously, the week-end just flew by...

Well, even though Monday has crept up on me in no time, I am totally prepared for my post this evening:)

I've showcased photography, fabulous fashion finds, lovely ceramics, musical madness, jewellery to die for and more......

But tonight, it's time to showcase a visual artist!

So sit back & get yourself comfy, cause I'm about to introduce you to another talented individual.




Meet Ashley McKenzie-Barnes, a talented artist, illustrator and graphic designer who has caught the attention of many, (including director LilX, screenplay writer/actress Trey Anthony, Garvia Bailey of 99.1FM and magazine editors of CREAM, Caribana and SWAY).



1. What city are you based out of?
Toronto


2. How did you get started? And how long have you been an artist/designer?
I actually have been in the arts from a very young age. I used to go to a Creative Arts camp when I was young, and it was my grade 4 teacher who mentioned that I should look into an Art Academy for high school. So I followed that advice and have been really focused on the arts since.
It's been over 10 years that I have been doing visual arts, and over 5 years that I've been doing design.


3. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Everything.
I'm big on beauty and I know that I base my art around it. If I'm moved from a person, picture,
scene, I like to capture it/them. That's why I love doing portraits so much. People love to capture themselves in beautiful photographs and then I enjoy turning it into art and giving them something they can keep for life and is still original to them as well.

"Love of Beauty is taste. The Creation of Beauty is Art."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson.


4. Are you ever uninspired? If so, how do you get over the slump?
Like everything you do, you reach a point were you get "artist block" and yes it can be uninspiring. However, these things do not happen in vain, and it's usually a good sign that there needs to be change somewhere. So every time that happens I take some time to re-invent and think of new creative strategies to get be focus back. That can been a new element to my art, a new project, or even a class to take that will add to my work.
Whatever it is, I use the time to progress and grow.


5. What are you currently working on?
I am currently work on a new series of portraits, commissioned and personal. The Fall issue of Sway, and the building of my studio for beginning of 2010. Stay tuned!


Any advice for newbies starting out?
Always work on what YOU feel passionate about. Don't give away all your energy and passion to others. Work together, that what life is about, but always save some of your talents for yourself too. They have been given to you for a reason.

Continue to strive for your goals!
Ashley.


Feast your eyes on Ashley's talented work!!







Let me direct you to Ashley's website for more wonderful works of art & innovative graphic design. Check out http://www.vividbeautydesigns.com/


1luv

Expo Latino Baby......

Saturday proved to be an amazing day. The weather was fab, (cause the sun was out in full force) and it marked day 2 of the 3 day Latino Festival (Expo Latino). Let me tell you, the Latin community was seriously representing!!!

I enjoyed the music, the vibe, the people, the food, the vendors & the dancing (of course)

Here was my favourite artist of the day. Based in Montreal, here is the talented Dominican singer Rafael-Energía Dominicana (FYI - he could move like nobodys business)





Click this Link to download "Lo que te gusta...."

Here's photos of the very popular "crowd pleasers" - Tekila Mexican Band




Have to give a big shout out to the Asi es Colombia dancers - they were amazing



Huey Dunbar was like a celebrity in the house and put on quite the concert performance


And can't forget about the dancers in the crowd - so fun to watch




Note - Excuse my camera skillz today peeps.....
#1. My "good" camera was with me in body but without a charged battery
#2. Was having too much fun seat dancing to get up and take better shots

I'd say good night y'all but it's 20 after 12 in the AM, so I'll say an early good morning

1luv

Last Night It Was All About The Shoes....Shoes.....Glorious Shoes!

Well peeps....the Little Burgundy Store Opening was off the hook!!!

I haven't posted any "shoe" related style finds on my blog yet, cause I strategically planned for this post to be the first!

Owned by The Aldo Group, Little Burgundy is a "hot" spot for the latest in shoe fashions. Here, you'll feast your eyes on branded footwear, handbags & accessories. I'm talking Juicy Couture, Adidas, Melissa, Puma, Rocket Dog, Steve Madden y'all! By the way, I'm naming just a few, cause there's over 70 brands available in store - crazy!!

So, I promised that I'd take loads of pics and I haven't let you down.

I walked in to this lovely store and seriously? I was in awe, (felt like I died and went straight to shoe heaven)



This is what I like to call "Fierce"










Sneaker Shots







You'll be "Stylin" in the rain with these boots



They've got dope accessories too y'all





And here's the best part!!! Are you ready?? You sittin down??
Not only did I get a sneak peek at the Little Burgundy Store before it's grand opening (which is scheduled for today), but I got a coupon to select one item from the store!!! That's right I got to choose whatever I wanted!!!

It was one of the hardest choices that I've ever had to make lol....

So I had it down to two pairs



I had to go with the boots, cause Fall's around the corner, you know?. Aren't they fierce??


Well I'm out y'all. Can't say this enough, but I'm gonna have to make my way back to Little Burgundy real soon. If there's a store in your area then head on out....if not - Check them out online:)

Tonight I'm In For A Treat!!!

I've been invited to the new store opening for "Little Burgundy", right here in Calgary peeps!!!

That's right Market Mall now has a new addition! I'm pretty excited and wouldn't mind pressing a "fast forward" button - taking me to 6pm right now:)

If you haven't heard the word on Little Burgundy please CLICK HERE to visit their site. Their shoes are off the hook~

I will be sure to take some pics & post them when I get back later tonight!

For more local Calgary news, (just got an email yesterday)......

Danny Kirk is having an opening tonight at "The Gallery". The show is called tRANs and runs from now until October. So, if you're free tonight & not sure what you should do in this city...head on down to 17th Ave. (building # 113-1013) between 8 to 11pm

Danny will be there and all of his work showcased tonight is brand spanking new.


I will try to check out Danny's opening tonight. But if I can't... I'll definitely drop by The Gallery between now & October to see his fabulous work.

FYI - I posted some photos of Danny's previous work @ Market Collective.
Here's a little reminder~

*Smooches*

Fabulous Fashions......(courtesy of Lily L.)

Well y'all I have another interview in store for you today. A couple of months ago, I became Myspace friends with the talented & lovely Lily L.

I checked out her official webiste and instantly fell in love with her designs. They encompass a concept that I truly adore - the mixture of modern & vintage.

Think high-waisted shorts & overalls, jumper dresses & tops........

I am pleased to introduce you to Lily L.........


How did you get started? And how long have you been designing?
Well when I was a lot younger I really enjoyed drawing and coloring outfits, and was very interested in vintage clothing, like knowing the styles of different eras. I didn't know exactly that that was what I wanted to do then, but when I got into high school I took a class in fashion design and loved it! I continued with classes ever scince, and I love what I do!

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get inspired by so many different things. I am in love with antiques/vintage things, so I love going into antique shops and just wondering about! my brain works so creatively and free in places like that. I also am hugely influenced by music. I have to listen to music every day.

Are you ever uninspired? If so, how do you get over the slump?
Oh yes, I definitely can get into creative slumps. sometimes I'll feel like I have to get things done and I set my paints etc. all up and I sit there and I try and try and I just don't like anything I come up with. sometimes the best thing is to just work through it even thought it might be kind of hard. I've done that and then finally on like the 6th or 7th try I do something I love! then, of course there are those times when I just need to get out of the house. being around other people/surroundings can be amazingly inspiring! I tend to like to go out and absorb the inspiring surroundings then go home and put the ideas that have been swirling around in my mind on paper.

Name one fashion piece/item that you can't live without?
Well I tend to dress in a different style from day to day haha. well not exactly, but almost! one day I'll be decked out in full 1960's attire, then the next day I'm in my Comme des Garçons H&M oversized black pull over sweater and black leggings and little ankle booties haha. sometimes I think people I know don't recognize me! haha probably not but, I don't mind how I do that. I really enjoy it. it keeps things interesting. but look at me I'm rambling! haha I would have to say, a good pair of high-waisted jeans, comfy V necks from American Apparel, and a nice pair of black leggings are essential parts of my wardrobe.

Any advice for newbies starting out?
I would say, do a ton of reading up on the industry and take a class in it. I think you get a really good idea of what's involved, how you like it, and what part of the fashion industry you'd enjoy to be a part of the most! that's pretty much what I did and I'm very happy with the path I've chosen.
xoxoLily

photo credit Mary Delany


photo credit CraigClement.com

photo credit Dirk Mai.

Check out LilyL's site for more!!!! (just click on the LilyL.com photo and it takes you directly to her site!)

Happy hump day y'all

Paying Tribute......

I woke up this morning contemplating what I should write about today. Yeah, I think about blogging all the time, (morning, noon & night) lol. I kinda had a vision but it totally changed as the day wore on.....

For starters, I got an email today with a link to American Apparel.
I'm not a "die-hard" fan or anything, but I do like some of their stuff.
So I checked out the link.....

Well it seems that American Apparel is selling a "Bag of Scraps" - consisting of a collection of cuttings from some of their favorite "fun" fabrics from around the American Apparel factory.

I can't explain it, but I felt compelled to get myself a bag, (sure I could find scraps of fabric around the house for free - but for some reason, I thought the 11.00Cdn for a bag of American Apparel scraps?? - was a steal)

So, I caved in and made a purchase. I mean it even comes with a Zine that includes a couple of projects .....

Can't wait to get it. I've got some ideas already.....

Cause now I'm thinking - some fabric belts would be cool or I could use the scraps to make pockets on some existing skirts of mine. (did I mention how much I love skirts with pockets? - well check out some of these photos)


POCKETS! I LOVE THEM......

Here's some inspiration for some future projects.....

Butterfly Floral & Jumper Dress


Fire Engine Truck Pocket Skirt


Gia Scala Skirt


Winds in the Willows - Earthy Skirt
Next up, before I head on out for the night, I've gotta post a video. It's a Tribute to a wicked female artist who lost her life at such a young age.

Yes, y'all I'm talking about the infamous Aaliyah. RIP girl....you'll never be forgotten

1979 - 2001