Johnnie Kaylor – One Stop Art Shop

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

Its not easy being an musician, its twice as hard being an artist, but Johnnie K does both and makes it look easy. A diversified artist, his passion right now is his music which incorporates a rock and blues mixture.  Currently, The Johnnie K Band is working on some new material that is more instrumental in nature.

One of the things Johnnie Kaylor (of the Johnnie K band) tries to incorporate with his music, is emotion.  One of the hardest things to do for a musician.  Some musicians sit down, play music that is already completed for them and try to make it a number one hit.  With Johnnie this is not the case; with each song he writes and performs its designed to capture an emotion, a feeling that one of his listeners can relate to; and Johnnie prides himself with the ability to do just that.

This band not only performs their own work, but they also write and produce it.  Each of their songs are unique to the band.  “I like to write music to convey a message, an emotion, its not an easy job to do.  Sometimes I have this great melody, but the words come later.  Sometimes the words come first, in which I incorporate the music around those lyrics.  Either way, you just have to wait it out, it takes time.  Since writing is more of a spiritual thing, when it comes it comes, you sometimes just have to wait.    That’s when you truly have a hit on your hands.

His main goal as an artist is to get his music in front of as many people as he possibly can,  and to touch them in the way he wrote and intended the song to; is probably the best accomplishment he can have.  Sure money and fame are high on the list, as it is with any artist or writer, but Johnnie K can accomplish this with the right market and crowd.

The Jonnie K Band is looking to perform not only in the US, but eagerly looking for gigs internationally; places like England, Germany, France, Brussels and other European countries.  “I found a good niche for my work there, people really love and appreciate my music there.”  Hopefully by this time next year he will be touring around Europe wowing the crowds he plays for.

The Johnnie K Band is working to produce his second album, yet to be titled, in addition to his current album “Keep On Pushin.” If you want to hear his music, purchase his songs, or see his gorgeous art work please go to www.johnniek.com  for a complete Johnnie K the musician and artist experience.  You won’t be disappointed.

Loren Marks – New York State Of Mind

About a month or so ago, we got an e mail from a unique artist who said “I would love an article about me, do you think I would fit.”  When I looked at their work, I was amazed, I said yea this is something we can definitely put in our magazine and right away set up an interview with her.  Loren’s work is bright and cheerful, they use all colors of the spectrum making for a very impressive piece of art.  Her paintings can be admired for their beauty and they also tell a story.  From what I see from her work it wonderfully defines her life in New York City, if you want to know what New York life is like, check out Loren’s work!

Describe yourself as an artist.

An excerpt from my Statement best describes:

Making art can lead you to a balanced ecstasy and it can often leave you feeling cursed. I’ve driven myself close to the vibrations of madness with the desire for truth, gripping the idea tighter until I feel myself choking. I then (again) realize the secret. Move from the INSIDE OUT rather than the outside in. This simple yet challenging, ongoing process of recognizing truth is where authenticity is grounded. It’s where the highest choice is made, the only way to make art and…the best way to live.

This way has been carried into the theme of my work.

SACRED ART is the title to my continuing series of paintings and sculptures. They are visions, epiphanies, prayers and objects of ritual which are intended to serve as tools to guide us to the freedom of instinct (the ultimate survival tool). Instinct is too often ignore and this, I believe, breeds sickness on all levels, be it mental, spiritual or physical. No matter who we are, where we come from or whether we realize it or not, we humans inherently desire the same things: to be awake – aware- whole.

What does art mean to you?  How important is it in today’s society?

In it’s depths – a necessary examination of self deception. Art shakes things up – makes us reflect – connects us to each other. We will always need that. Every generation of artists has this task to perform. However in this time in history, I think it’s imperative we connect to ourselves and each other even more.

What has been your hardest hurdle to overcome with your art?

Myself and balancing time between producing desired amount of work and doing the Life thing (bills, rent, chores, family/friends keeping the boyfriend happy etc..).
 
As an artist, sometimes they are diverse in mediums… What is your preferred medium and are there any other mediums you dabble in?

I always work in oils but I like to build things too. I’ve recently been getting more interested in combining the two along the theme of ritualistic tools and doing a series of dioramas. I really like dioramas.

What inspires you when you make a new painting?

It’s usually different ‘medicines’ that help me through something I’m dealing with at the time. Things that keep me going. They can vary anywhere from dreams, authors, animals and plants to death and deja vue’s. Charles Bukowski is one who seems to keep popping up with no sign of stopping.

What is your goal with your work?

My desire is to bust open lies, sanction the holy forgotten, bring the balance between dark and light and to go perhaps beyond there. By combining universal symbols that go with the grain of instinct, I aim to bring an objective view of ourselves and our world. In sharing my personal journey with the viewer, I hope to spark their desire to honor the self. We must give birth to the highest choice. This is when we are truly awake and can live our lives to the fullest. This idea is my wish and driving force.

Do you have any formal training in art, or was it something you just picked up?

I studied painting at Parsons School of Design in NYC for a short while until my money ran out – then continued to explore on my own.
 
What’s your greatest achievement in your art career?

See question #3! It’s amazing to see people stand in front of my work for a long time. Sometimes someone is confused at what they’re looking at but something holds them there…they want to figure it out. Some react intensely. I’ve seen people cry and even angry! It’s a trip to watch the different reactions.

What’s more important in your art, color or subject matter and why?

Both are equally important. Color and images are specifically chosen to convey meaning of artwork. Everything is symbolic. One won’t work to it’s capacity without the other.
 
Do you do any custom work for people?

Yes, I am available for commissions.
 
Do you have work on display at any museums or shows?  If so please let us know where.

My latest work will be showing in METROPOLIS APOCALYPSE at Supreme Trading in Williamsburg, Brooklyn October 9th – October 30th 2008
(see flyer)
 
How can our readers find you or contact you if they want.

While my personal website is being revamped my work can be viewed at:

http://www.myspace.com/lorenmarks
and
http://www.myartspace.com

Sharon Hewett – Nashville’s Newest Gem

When you think of Country music, you think of names like: Travis Tritt, Dolly Parton, Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Johnny Cash, Brooks and Dunn and of course Garth Brooks .  These names are synonymous with the Country music industry, they paved the way to make it what it is today.  Over time those stars have led the way  for a new generation of country that is taking Nashville by storm.  Female artists seem to be the craze; one of those stars is the platinum recording artist, and new Grand Ole Opry inductee Carrie Underwood, but on the same path is another talented young vocalist Sharon Hewett who is also knocking on that door. She credits the great Johnny Cash as her greatest inspiration for country music.

This 21 year old already has the right combination to make it in the country music industry: she was born in the south, she was born into a family who idolize country music giving her a great ear and feel for it, she is recording in the birthplace of country, Nashville, Tennessee; and she looks the part, she’s a young brunette beauty with that captivating look that drives the cowboys nuts and a great smile to boot, which could put her on the cover of any magazine.

Despite those factors which qualify her for the country persona, she also has a remarkably beautiful voice, a true necessity to become a singer. Sharon’s been singing since she was around 6 years old, but started to take it seriously since the age of 16, she credits Renee Grant Williams who gave her an audition and accepted as a student in her Nashville school after she graduated high school. Like most country singers, women especially, I’ve found that their songs can fit into a few different genres.  For Sharon this could also be the case.  Her vocals can easily land her in the country scene, though it would not surprise me to find her music enjoyed by some contemporary rock fans. 

Her ambitions are set high, and she’s completely devoted to making country music her livelihood.  Someday she wants to follow in the footsteps of Carrie Underwood and many other great female country vocalists to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. 

Sharon is about to go back into the recording studio to finish up some more upbeat country songs, to mix with her already recorded ballads, that when combined will make one of the best country music albums to hit the shelves.  She will put Tarpon Springs, Florida on the map for sure.

Whether you want to admit it or not country music is America, it’s America through and through.  No other country in the world produces country music, it started in the deep south and spread throughout America defining this country with the sound; and Sharon is a part of that unique experience melting hearts with her sultry country voice.  Please visit Sharon at her MySpace page www.myspace.com/sharonlhewett (her real website is being made as we speak) and let her know you what you think.

Don’t forget to check out our exclusive interview with Sharon in her hometown of Tarpon Springs through the audio podcast section!!!! We are also proud to announce Sharon is our first ever country artist featured in The Expressionist Magazine!

Sweet Depression – Alternative Fashion

Throughout the 1980s, punk was a style of its own.  It made people uneasy, it made the person stand out but it was generation X’s way to express themselves and revolt as the hippie generation did throughout the 1960s and 70s.  As the 80s moved into the 90s, and a new style of music came out, commonly known as “death metal” and with it brought the punk movement to its demise which made way for a more Gothic trend.  One of the biggest bands that led that movement was Marilyn Manson.

Joleane Santiago was a punk rocker in the 1980s who moved into this Gothic stage but it was not influenced with her music choice per se, but more so an expression of her surroundings.  Joleane was an artist who expressed her emotions on canvas, but preferred to express herself through fashion, she calls it “Sweet Depression.”

She is currently attending a fashion school here in the Tampa Bay area called the International Academy Of Design and Technology. Despite Joleane’s Gothic style of clothing, her designs are exquisite and artistic.  When she designs an article of clothing, its a unique piece, there will never be another one like it.  Her designs incorporate hard and soft objects; which would be the silk or rayon for the fabric mixed with buttons or zippers.  She loves the metallic look with her loose flowing garments.  Joleane also incorporates a Victorian or early 1900s style of clothing into her designs which I just love.

Joleane’s work has been on some runway models but her line is mostly private.  She can now add to her resume that her work will appear in an independent movie coming out in October or November debuting in Tampa called “Falling Unfaithful”  and her work is sported by the rock band Still Life out of Tampa.  She makes gowns for any occasion and loves to make costumes for film and the music industry.

Her designs are not your typical ball gowns or street clothes, they are designed for expression and have a magnificent beauty behind it.  Joleane’s line “Sweet Depression” has made the Gothic look, oh so beautiful and her talent flows when any woman walks down the street with her art.  If you want to see her work, or have her customize you a specific piece; go to her Model Mayhem site www.modelmayhem.com/acidbull.

Still Life – Living The American Dream

As Americans we tend to take our freedoms for granted.  We forget that the 1st Amendment to our Constitution gives us the right to say what we want without censorship or consequences.  We also take for granted that everything we need is right at hand, we can go into a music store and purchase just about any kind of music, from many different bands.  Unfortunately for some, those rights are not present in their society.  That was the case for Still Life

The Venezuelan born band consisting of three beautiful Latin ladies realized they had a dream to become alternative rock band.  They had the musical talents, they had the voices to send them to stardom, but they lacked the market for their music.  In Venezuela, almost all the music is Latin or Latin influenced, this market style would not do well for their band.  They also had the horrible political problems that have plagued their country for many many years.  These ladies decided that nothing will stand in the way of their dreams, and two years ago set fourth on the hardest hurdle they could encounter to make their dreams a reality; they would leave their beloved country and come to America, where their music was marketable, and there would be no political turmoil to stand in their way.

The bands name “Still Life” does not live up to these ladies perseverance at all.  Their lives are anything but still, they have fought to have their dreams come true at any cost.  They are now living the American dream, and not taking it for granted, instead they embrace it, while their fans embrace them and their enchanting vocals. 

I admire this band in so many ways.  Most people don’t do half of what these ladies have done to pursue a dream, yet people expect it to become a reality; these ladies know the value of hard work with dedication and by taking many risks they have achieved success.  I just love their mesmerizing vocals, its something I can easily sit back and drift away too.  I also admire their sound, because its has such a variety from rock to jazz.

Its fun to watch them achieve their success, I watch their MySpace all the time to see more and more shows going up as more and more places realize how talented they are.  They offer a unique and fresh sound that will capture their audience, a key to repeat performances and additional bookings.  You can follow Still Life, get updates on show dates and tours on their MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/stillliferockmusic

Tampa Fire Museum – “Saving” History

Nestled on the corner of Zack and Pierce Street in downtown Tampa stands a building that is the testament to saving lives.  That building was the original Tampa Fire Department, erected sometime in the early 1900s.  The title “Saving History” was chosen for two reasons: one was the fact the people there dedicated their lives to save lives while risking their own; while on the other hand once the fire department moved to another building it also needed saving from a recking ball.

It would have been a shame for this wonderful piece of Tampa’s history to be leveled to a pile of rubble. For instance when it opened they didn’t even use trucks, they had horse drawn carriages that they rode to the fire. Something we would never know had this building been destroyed.  It took a few concerned citizens and the help of the county government to make sure this landmark stayed a part of the downtown heritage. Now its run as a non-profit 501c3 organization.

With five years of work, timeless restoration and running on donated funds the Tampa Fire Museum opened its doors to the public.  Today, you can walk around and see some of the tools the firemen would use, the clothing they wore in the 20s to 60s compared to today.  Go further inside and you can see the “watch out booth”  where a worker would sit inside and listen for dispatches, currently its hooked up to the real 911 call center to replicate what those working the booth would hear.  When you come to the old engine room where the fire engines were stored, you will see one of those classic fire poles the men would frantically slide down upon the call of duty, but also look down at the ground to see the scratch marks of the old horse drawn fire carriages.  The real observer will look at the doors and realize, they are not garage doors at all, they slide open, similar to a stall would for a horse, and in the rear of the engine room you will see a sink, dirty and full of soot, the men used to wash up with after their fire fighting day was over.  It still works and you can wash in the same basin those heroes of yesterday did.

Wander on upstairs to the second floor and see the old bunkers where the men lived waiting for the call of duty; the wood floors were painstakingly restored, but all original, which is now a banquet hall. Downstairs to the back, they have a memorial room to those heroes who died to save the lives and structures of their fellow citizens.

This museum is free to visit but donations are welcome.  They are open Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  They have more artifacts to fill the museum  but they will come as more donations roll in to help offset the costs.  The museum does host birthday parties, banquets and other social events. Its the proud home to the second largest Gasparilla party in Tampa each year too.

This is a great place for the young child dreaming of being a fire-fighter, or someone who may have worked in this building to come remember the good ole days. Its located next door to the current fire rescue station so you can still see the trucks and hear the sirens as they race to save lives. Come experience the history saved to honor those who saved our lives.

720 E. Zack Street
Tampa, FL

CSI- Death Hits The Group

Last season Sara Sidel decided to leave the group after she was the victim of the “Miniature Killer.”  Fortunately for her, the attempt was unsuccessful and she was rescued by her beloved collegues.  Shortly following that cliff hanger, her relationship with Grissom came to light, shocking everyone. 

This season, the group who has been together since the beginning will be split up due to a death!  Warrick, the one Grissom once called the rock of his group, and most likely successor to Grissom upon retirement, will suffer an untimely demise from an attack.  Warrick throughout his tenure on CSI battled gambling addictions, scrutiny from his own partners, and the terrifying attack on Nick Stokes (buried alive) and Sara Sidel (Miniature Killer).  He once led the group in Grissom’s absence, and showed the most potential on the show for advancement.

What will the team do without Warrick?  I know CSI will never be the same nor will Grissom without his right hand man; although he was given to Catherine when his group was split up to punish Grissom.  This death does not come as a surprise to me though, I thought CBS was just going to replace him this year and keep the character, or give him a leave of absence.  This was due to his Cocaine possession he endured when a California trooper found Gary Dourdan passed out in his car.  CBS vowed to not let him back on the show.

This episode will forever change CSI, it will be an epic that will be a must see drama.  The Rock of CSI and Grissom, with his stern fight for justice ends, as his own team must speak for Warrick telling the tale of his demise to bring his killer to justice.  In a special treat, Sara Sidel returns for a one time appearance to bring Warrick’s killer to justice or could she be back permanently ? Watch and see!

This episode airs on CBS October 9, 2008 at 9:00 PM.

Sonicbid- EPK For Bands

If you’re in a band or promoting one, you already know that most places require a press kit before they allow you to book a show.  Press kits are vitally important because they are the voice of your band, a resume in a sense.  Like most resumes most people are intimidated about writing one, mostly because they hate to bragg or because they don’t have a proper format.

Sonicbid.com took the worry out of know the proper format for your EPK.  They give you a template that you can add your information to such as: photos, videos, song lyrics, reviews, discography, radio spins, bio, and just about 50 megs worth of music, plus many more features. 

Whats so interesting about this site is it turns your information into a profile, like a MySpace, that promoters can look through and book you.  Since its electronic, you save money on printing costs and you can email the link to it anywhere, anytime!  You can also go through the site and sign up or apply for bookings being your own agent.

Its a very simple process, that will increase your chances for a possible gig, use it to book your own gigs not offered on the site, and most importantly create a very important document in as little as 30 mins.  Sonicbid does have a free sign-up, but they offer more space and more offers for gigs if you pay a yearly fee, which is only $99.00.  With photos, CD, and printed bio and cover letters, a press kit can easily run you $100.00 or more with just 20.  Over time it would pay for itself.

Dr. Seuss Imaginarium Gallery

When you think of Dr. Seuss you are instantly reminded of those wonderfully rhymed children’s books that utilize words which don’t exist in modern day life.  You can picture that lovable “Cat In The Hat”, and the timeless Christmas cartoon, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.”  These are drawings and stories we grew up with since the 1950s and they define generations of American youth.  Dr. Seuss is American as the American flag, and represents this country as a positive influence on children from toddler to the elementary years.

In St. Augustine, Florida, Cutter and Cutter, opened a gallery dedicated to the timeless Dr. Seuss called “Dr. Seuss The Imaginarium Gallery.” Inside, the walls are decked with many of his great creations from the “Cat In The Hat, Horton Hears A Who, The Grinch That Stole Christmas.” and many other great characters.  You will see some in storyboard form and you will see some paintings of the characters as if they posed for their portrait.  In some cases you will even see the beginning sketches of those great characters.  It’s a child’s paradise, and a reminiscing ground for the adults who remember those stories growing up.

What you may not know is that Dr. Seuss had his own set of prints and paintings he created for his own private use.  Some of them contain these great characters, but you will notice that most of them are a bit more grown up in nature, and may depict a more risque or sexually contented meaning depending on the eye of the viewer.  Some of us who browse the pictures may or may not get a hidden meaning. Dr. Seuss had one painting in particular that depicts what I am saying very well, which is ”Spawning Salmon up the Brook.”  

The picture depicts thousands of amoeba looking particles with round heads and small pointy tails, like a drop of water would look, swimming up this canal.  Obviously salmon don’t go up canals, they travel up brooks in smaller streams.  Salmon are fish, but these look more like the male side of the fruits of love.  Salmon do travel in groups, but not groups of thousands. Both male sperm and salmon they travel up stream, the sperms mission is to fertilize the egg; in the salmons case, to mate.  This picture is brilliantly done, but the hidden meaning inside can be as bold as the “I buried Paul” subliminal message embedded in the Beetles, “Strawberry Fields Forever” song.  Whats great about this is, it may be saying it, it might not.  Surely Paul McCartney wasn’t dead and buried as the “Strawberry Fields Forever” song implied, so that may not be the case here.  That is for you to decide, but you must see the picture to understand what I am saying.

On the clean note of this painting, it could pose and most likely does pose the the following idea. “Seuss purposefully asks questions that he intends the viewers to answer for themselves such as, “Are these Salmon having a final celebration before their journey to the cannery, or have they completely escaped this unsavory predicament.”  That’s what’s so great about art, its up for interpretation, there is no right or wrong answer to what you see or get out of the painting and this one by Seuss brings that ideal with art to the table.

I was highly impressed not only how the gallery presented his work, but the fact that I could see these original pieces by an artist I have adored since childhood in front of my very eyes.  I also love the fact I can purchase his work, and I learned something about the man behind the cat, that I never knew.

One Life To Live – 9-18-08

Buchannan

We all know Jessica turned into Tess after Nash died, and she vowed revenge on her twin sister Natalie and Jarred, and she got it.  She built a sound proof room hidden downstairs in Vicky’s basement where she currently is holding Natalie hostage.  She has attempted to break Jarred up with a note that Tess wrote for Jessica who was forced to sign it.  Upon returning from Columbia, Jarred doesn’t believe the note and went to the police for help. 

Tina, Vicky’s sister found out about the room and is having a very hard time keeping this a seceret. Tess is using Hesser as leverage so her daughter does not get back intwined with that mad mobster, she is also blackmailing her with the jewels of Mendorra that she stole.  I look to see her cracking, because she can’t live with herself as it stands knowing whats happening to her niece Natalie.

Bo Buchannan is now the police commissioner once again.  He has ordered John McBain to look into what got Ramsay killed, and who Todd Manning has stored in his house despite the Mayor’s request to drop the case. 

Clint is using a scheme to get B.E. back from Dorian.  He knows she is loyal and possessive to her family, now that she wants to adopt Langston, he found a relative in Columbia of hers who he is paying to say he wants custody of Langston.  Dorian will be forced to give B.E. back in exchange for Langston.  His girlfriend, Nora is not happy about this at all.  Clint sent Jarred down to Columbia to fetch her uncle and bring him back, which he did successfully, unfortunately Langston’s uncle is a cold blooded murderer.

Upon the arrival of her uncle, Clint’s butler could not stand to live a lie since he too helped Jarred cover up his real identity, he gave Clint his resignation which Clint ripped up to give another chance.

Vega

Their mothers cafe Carlattas burned to the ground, Vicky’s boyfriend is rebuilding it for her.  That is the least of her worries though, because Antonio went down to Mendorra and sprung Talia from the clutches of Jonas and Carl Hesser by staging a gay betrayal of her father and her new husband causing treason.

Hesser escaped jail, and went back to the US where he kidnapped Christian, bringing him to Columbia and is now being portrayed as Langston’s uncle.  He met with Vegas wife who was shocked to see Christian in her husbands jail garb.  Now she decided to help him get back to the US, in exchange he help her find her husband.

Rex And Gigi

Rex finally knows he is the father of Shane, who is not happy with Rex.  He wants his dad, Brody and Gigi to get together.  He knows that Rex is in love with his mother and vice versa so he is standing tough to protect the family he now has.  Brody took Shane and they did a DNA test with Rex’s toothbrush that Adrianna sent to him.  So now Shane thinks Brody is his real dad.

Gigi said she will not lie to Shane anymore and is slowly starting to talk to him about the truth.  How Shane will take this is still unknown, but Rex really wants to be his father.  Brody has played such a mental game with Shane that it could hurt him more than help him.

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