Kimberly Rebman- A Haunted “State” Of Paradise

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

Ponce De Leon landed in St. Augustine back in 1513 and founded the “Fountain Of Youth.” It was then that he claimed the land for the great nation of Spain. That piece of land was the entire North American continent. He was the true founder of the Americas, even though Columbus got the credit.  However, De Leon’s discovery would eventually kill him when he came to the Tampa Bay area by Native Americans. Florida, from the time it was founded, would have many conquests throughout its history that would end up bloody. St. Augustine was another place where pirates would pillage the villages, killing all they could reach. From coast to coast this state has seen its share of murders, conquests and wars, so it’s no wonder there are many haunted places in this paradise state. Ponce De Leon’s discovery was the first start to a book, centuries in the making.   If the “Sunshine State” wasn’t so rich in history, Kimberly Rebman would have never been able to write her book,  ”Haunted Florida: A Guide To The Departed Soul Vol. 1.”

Rebman has always been fascinated by the paranormal, and started paranormal investigating to further her need for the truth with our after life; a taboo subject among society, but something she wants to prove exists. In college Rebman started doing some serious investigations, back in 1996, and that is when her book started to come to light.

This female ghost hunter was investigating all around the state of Florida, not just in her home city of Hollywood, FL. It was during her travels that she encountered an intense paranormal experience that left a lasting impression and, in turn,  increased Rebman’s passion for the paranormal. It came at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, FL. She documented her experience at the haunted  hotel and those notes turned into the start of her book.

She wasn’t serious about the book at first until she met Dr. Greg Jenkins in 1999. Together they both wanted to write a book about the paranormal and their findings. Dr. Greg Jenkins was a paranormal expert who showed Rebman the ropes and lent his vast knowledge to her. Unfortunately, they had to part ways and Rebman moved to St. Petersburg, never getting to finish her part of the book. Dr. Jenkins, however, did finish his and Rebman decided to wait no longer.  She would indeed go on to write her own book.

Over the years, Rebman compiled notes from her investigations and travels, deciding to make them into a book for the “Armchair Ghost Hunter;” hence, “Haunted Florida: A Guide To The Departed Soul, Vol. 1″  was born. Rebman wanted the book to be simple reading and well-organized. She categorized the haunted destinations into three sections: North, Central and Southern Florida. Then Rebman organized each story into three details: history, ghost lore and her own personal accounts. Rebman wanted the book to be easy reading so she omitted the scientific terminology  and the hard to read words.  Basically, it was designed so everyone can read and enjoy it. What makes this book so great, is that it gives you a history of your surroundings and can bring readers face to face with ghosts so they don’t have to partake in finding them if they so choose, but get the same experience. It also can be a field guide to those adventurous souls who want to find the damned or trapped souls of today’s past.

Now you probably are saying, how credible is she? Credibility in a case like this is very important. Rebman not only is a writer of ghost lore, but she has years of experience in it too. She has done research on the paranormal since the early 1990s. Rebman, through the years, has visited each and every place she writes about gathering a history on the property, interviewing eye witnesses, writing down some of the ghost lore that bring attention to a haunting, then goes into her own personal investigations. She has studied under some paranormal experts such as Dr. Greg Jenkins and investigated under a Chicago based society run by veteran ghost researcher, Dale Kaczmarek. In 2001, Rebman along with Greg Jenkins and well known paranormal investigator Dr. Andrew Nicols, had a feature written on them in a magazine. The three page spread was about Florida’s up and coming ghost hunters, something Rebman feels to be a huge honor in her life. She also started her own independent ghost society in 2008 called “Haunted Florida: Paranormal Investigators of Central Florida.” Rebman’s group tours around the state, primarily Tampa Bay, searching for what goes bump in the night.

Rebman’s credibility can also be based on the length of time it takes for her to deem a property “haunted.”  Most groups are fairly quick to judge, but Rebman likes to take her time and do her research first. I talked with the ghost hunter and even investigated with her recently which gave me a first hand look at her philosophy. Rebman’s belief is very similar to T.A.P.S. (The Atlantic Paranormal Society). She isn’t going to judge a place “haunted’ without a photo or video of a full apparition, or without a load of EVP, EMF and other scientific data. Orbs can be easily explained and this is something I found her to be stern on, unlike many investigating groups. I can personally vouch for her philosophy and her credibility as I worked with and seen her philosophies in use.

Rebman shows us that ghost hunting is not just for men, as she is a breakthrough leader among the genders. She sets an example for men and women investigators alike, with her beliefs, investigation rules and as a published author in the field.

I encourage you to check out Rebman’s wonderful book.  You can only get it online right now through Barnes and Noble, Amazon or Borders.  The cost on these sites is $13.50. You can even get it at a steal for $11.00 at Authorhouse.com. You can meet Rebman at a book signing in February which we will keep you updated on. To get in touch with Rebman for paranormal advice or help, contact her through her paranormal group at www.floridaghosthunters.org

Cast – Death By Art

In October of 2008 we featured Gambrielle on The Expressionist Magazine and this month we are featuring her very talented husband, Cast.  This is one artist I admire greatly because  his perspective on life and death combines to make some intense art.  Cast’s eye for beauty in what we call “ugly” set him apart from the rest.  His words will amaze you and his work will stun you for an all around jaw dropping experience in this part 2 interview with this artistic family from rural Pennsylvania.

What inspires you in your art?

The death of all things  is generally what I believe, keeps me creating the things that I do. Death is the most disturbing yet enlightening matter I have come to understand and learn more about night after night, allowing me to see things in a different manner than some people I’ve crossed paths with.

What does art mean to you? What impact do you see it has on our world?

Art to me is like a memory and/or feeling frozen in time, like a mosquito in amber, a very still moment that expresses all the motions of life it once held; ultimately displaying death at its finest. Art is an attempt at explaining the unknown matters we encounter in all conditions, that we must go through whether we desire to or not.

Creativity and madness are the eyes of art to me, eyes that have built and destroyed the world we will die in; through the hands of time, through the body and heart of space.

What is your favorite painting and why?

My favorite painting is one that I will paint before my time is done.  You see, I have it in mind and I see it everywhere that I go but the timing isn’t right yet. There are things that must be done before I bring that piece outside of mind, much like when bringing a child into these times of creativity and madness,  the eyes of art.

This last painting of mine will be the mosquito I’ve become, coated in amber only to remain still for the times that are to be. I don’t mind being the mosquito. I actually wish to be placed in the center of a solid glass cube when this heart of mine beats no longer, like the dead things in anatomy and science. I don’t understand why anyone would want to be boxed up and covered in dirt.

Tell me about you, and the artist you want to be?

I observe and dissect all things that surround me and I read when I am not dealing with matters like caring for my son and wife on a daily basis. As for that term “artist,” I never liked the word nor do I wish to become it.  I only care to explore this world as I was meant to, experiencing things with and without this family of mine that will allow me to feel like I am doing something, whether it will be significant or not, ten billion years from now.

When all is said and done and you look back on your life, what do you want to say you accomplished? What do you absolutely not want to say you regret?

If there were a way to have myself as several beings for every year that I’ve survived, I would have twenty- two stages of all that I’ve become thus far.  I would like to accomplish all things they have desired in those stages in this stage or the next, much like the “making your dreams come to life” type of thing. As for regrets, they are for those who stop and look back often and I have far too many things ahead of me to regret anything.

What is your favorite medium and what mediums have you dabbled in as well?

My brains are the mediums I use at all times.  The inks, paints, and other things are only tools to aid me when attempting to express something I may be thinking about or feeling.

Give me some feedback on how your art has touched others lives?

Surprisingly, all things that I have done have impacted several other beings directly and indirectly… from art teachers, to classmates, to the people I know and strangers as well; in a very twisted way, we are all linked to one another.  Hell, I painted my wife before I even knew she existed.  That lead us to fall for each other and ultimately bring a child of our own into this equation. I’ve written about it many times and I’m currently working on gathering all that I have written to share this with; anyone who cares to understand or learn more about this corpse of mine and all that I have been through.

Have you ever had your work shown in galleries, museums, etc? If so, which ones?

I’ve only had my work up on display at school growing up, but having my work in a museum is goal I would like to conquer as I evolve.

What about art makes you happy the most?

In this world art can be just about anything, therefore, my son, wife, and a few important beings are what I would say that impact me the most. There’s something about the word “happy” that makes me weird and uncomfortable… like the phrase and or song, “Happy Birthday.”  It makes no sense; why not scream or sing “date of birth” or “the day you were guaranteed death” instead? I think people have these words and their definitions all screwed up.  It’s no wonder why things are the way they are.

What do you learn from the past masters?

I’ve learned that death is inevitable and that there is no escape and that no matter how many paintings you paint or things that you do and/or say, time itself will devour everything… leading one into madness, madness being a point of no return, a place we are all destined to reach.

Art is more than just creativity, it takes so much more. What do you feel is the discipline in each picture you paint?

In every painting I dissect myself and voice the matters taking place within me through paints, techniques and colors(usually black and all its shades)… transferring a piece of my “soul” into every painting, giving it life and making it a part of me, like Doctor Frankenstein normally would.

When you paint a picture, describe the process from the birth of the idea to the finished product.

The things I do are usually directed by the unseen and unknown matters that surround me; very rarely do I actually plan a painting. Most of the time an image comes to me in a dream, a nightmare, a vision, through everything that has registered itself subconsciously; through the stirred senses and sleep deprivation and even hallucinations at times trigger paintings to bloom. The process itself can be slow and painful or quick and painless, much like the death of someone you may or may not know. Once the image is in mind and the skies are still, I paint on just about anything I can get my hands on without sketching a structure. Once I’m ready, I am focused and I allow nothing to get in the way and the atmosphere becomes similar to that of a doctor performing open heart surgery.  All that is done must be precise, but can get a little messy.

Eventually, the patient/painting will need time to recover but few have been known to die in the process. Those paintings usually meet a fiery end and leave nothing but ashes behind, as a human corpse would after an incineration.

You can find his work, on his MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/gloriousdeath

Courtney Dickenson- A Country Prodigy

Courtney Dickenson has wowed the Country music scene, taking it by storm.  Dickenson quickly became the “Country Music Sweetheart” with her strong vocals, clean music and  great sound.  It’s no wonder she is an award-winning artist.  The marvel part of this story is that Dickenson is only 13 years old.  This musical prodigy  is a regular Leanne Rimes and for her, the stars are the limit.

Dickenson’s parents should be proud of their daughter.  In addition to singing, Dickenson attends a Christian school where she is maintaining a 4.0 GPA.  She is a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), BMI, CMA, GCGMA- Georgia Country Gospel Music Association, NACMAI- North American Country Music Association International, American Kids, and her school’s Beta Club.

Dickenson’s career is only going in a positive direction.   She is currently working in a studio in Los Angeles, California with Jonathan George (JJPZ Talent) and Anthony Mazza  on her new CD.  The CD that Dickenson is compiling is co-written by Mazza and Sharon Vaughn, Stephanie Bentley, Paul Williams, John Rich and by Dickenson herself.   Dickenson is multi-talented as she not only sings the songs, but she writes and composes them as well.

In January 2009, Dickenson will visit Nicaragua on a missionary travel to bring the message of Christ to the mountain villagers in the country.  She will be spreading the message through song, Bible lessons, arts and crafts and puppet shows.  Her father will visit first, digging wells to bring in fresh water to the villages.  Dickenson and her mother will join him in early January.  The family asks that we all pray for the villagers and the families safe return to the states.

Dickenson will be performing soon at Mega Winterfest 2009, with such names as Kelly Pickler and Leanne Rimes who this young country performer will be sharing the stage with.  The show is at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois.  Dickenson is very excited to be a part of such a star-studded line up and to show off her talent in front of artists she respects. 

Even at the tender age of 13, Dickenson has toured around America’s “Deep South” states bringing her talented voice to the people.  She has recently come off a show in Branson, Missouri where she happened to win some awards for her performance.  Dickenson has toured in states such as Tennessee, the Carolinas, New York, Illinois and her home state of Georgia, just to name a few.

When she is not in school or singing, Dickenson enjoys her life as a young adult, doing activities like any teen would. She loves four wheeling, talking on the phone, working on MySpace and hanging out with her friends.  It is nice to see that she is able to separate the working adult world and to still keep up with her youth.

You have to hear this magnificent young woman sing, so check out her songs on her MySpace page, www.myspace.com/courtneymichelle12 and her official web site www.courtneydickenson.com.  Dickenson also gave us a wonderful podcast that you can download using our Multimedia page.  If you want to book this up and coming country sensation, you will need to get a hold of her booking agents.

Local Booking:
Scoley Quincy Entertainment
770-639-5660Nashville Booking Agent:
Liz Gregory Talent
615-885-9513         

 

Sins Of The Father- Fun Through Rock

Don’t let their playful nature or model-like physiques fool you. Deep down these boys were meant to rock and they do just that every time they take the stage.  The band, Sins of the Father, came together in an odd kind of way but the bond was instant and is soaring them to a career they only could dream about.  It started when the drummer, Marinio, met Jarred at his brother Meade’s girlfriend’s house.  The two got to talking and realized they both had a musical background so they decided to play together.  Marinio and Jarred met Chris at Sam Ash and they mentioned they were looking for a guitar player, so he joined on.  The lead singer Meade was later recruited to finish the band.

Their music is unique in itself.   The band has an old-fashioned metal/rock sound but they have added a more modern metal sound to their work as well.  They say they purposely made their music like this because they want to touch everyone with it.  If you like old rock or new metal, you can enjoy their music.  Sins of the Father writes and composes all their own music and they are one band that has never done covers.  An impressive start I must say and bold in nature.  I have found bands to do covers first to get the feel for the lime light, discover their calling, then pursue their own songs.  Honestly, it doesn’t matter now because these guys just rock!   They got there through their heart and soul, and the dedication they put into their project.  Like with anything, you only get out what you put in.

Sins of the Father is dedicated to putting on hard-hitting shows.  The long hair of each of the band members makes for a great spectacle when they head bang during a performance.  The intense vocals from Meade will mesmerize you and his long black hair and dark skin complexion will be sure to capture your soul.  The hard-hitting, head banging guitarists will get you off your seat and make you want to thrash with the band, while the drummer amazes you with his talented beats.  You can find this band at Tampa’s Pegasus Lounge, where they play most of their gigs and have become a fan favorite there. “It’s our home away from home,” Jarred says.  ”We come here all the time even when we’re not playing.”

In December of 2008, the band had their second annual “Toys For Tots” fund drive. They were excited to see it was a bigger turnout this year and was more successful. They do this because Meade and Marinio, growing up in Trinidad, never had programs like Toys For Tots, so they see this as a great opportunity to help out children who won’t get that highly anticipated visit from Santa without a little help. Sins of the Father loves to do shows for charity because it allows them to have fun while giving back to the community or helping a worthy cause.

In 2009, they have already set a bunch of charitable gigs and other tours around the state of Florida and into other states throughout the country.  They are also working on a live album that they hope will be complete within the year.  Sins Of The Father have also been a confirmed band to play in Rocktober Fest ’09!  If you are interested in booking this band in 2009, contact their booking manager Josie, who is with All Souls Unlimited.  They don’t have a web site yet but  it is almost complete so contact them for now through All Souls’ MySpace page,  www.myspace.com/allsoulsunlimited. You can contact Sins of the Father directly at their MySpace, www.myspace.com/thesinsofthefather .

We highly recommend you check this brand new band out.  Their MySpace has a listing of their current shows, so attend one and meet the band.  Let them entertain you with their awesome music and their bubbly personalities.  

Also, check out their podcast where we sat down with the band and let them tell you their story, live, in more detail.  The podcast includes a song from their new collection, “Empty Death.”  It can be found in iTunes by searching Podcasts for The Expressionist Magazine or in our Multimedia page.  Podcasts are free.

Art By Spring- Spring Into Happiness

Art is wonderful because it allows you to express your ideas as you see it, show the world as you see it, and make a statement without ever having to open your mouth. For “Spring of Art” by Spring her message is simply happiness and I can’t think of a better message to tell.

Browsing art on the Internet I came across Spring’s art.  I instantly fell in love with it. Her work isn’t complex and it isn’t realism, but instead abstract in nature with vivid colors and one focused subject, women.  It even has a folk art feel to it.  Spring sees women as strong, beautiful and as nurturers.  Her work portrays happy and strong women who could possibly be your own mother, sister, grandmother, wife or best friend.  Spring’s work has a free-flowing feel to it and is spiritual, which women tend to be.  A free-flowing woman enjoys life, her surroundings, her family and being a free-natured woman.  They enhance the life of those they love and the people around them.

Spring is an acrylic painter with no formal training in art.  She is guided by her heart and her vision.  Her color choices are vivid strong colors, which makes her work jump out at you.  Most of her subjects have no face, giving you the chance to imagine a woman you love in that situation.  She wants her work to make people happy.  Happiness is the start of all success because you must be happy with what you do in order to be successful at it. Success doesn’t just end with a huge prize; you can’t be successful and be miserable.  

The artist is inspired by her mother, who makes her very happy.  She is blessed to have her mother in her life.  That  happy and strong-natured woman she immortalized in her work, very well could be her mother.  ”I made this painting for my mom,” Spring said.  ”I had it framed and made it real nice.  When I gave it to her, she was so happy, she hung it on the wall and tells me that when ever she is blue, she just looks at the painting and it brightens her day.”  That’s what art is all about.  Only when art is loved and appreciated can it truly be happy itself.  With such a positive message and her heart in it to bring therapy to people, Spring is well qualified to be one of the Expressionist’s featured artists because we share the same ideals with her.

You must check out Spring’s amazing work.  She has a few avenues to see her work, but MySpace is the best to view and contact Spring.  The MySpace page is http://www.myspace.com/artbyspring .  Don’t forget, we have a podcast interview with this great artist that can be downloaded on iTunes by clicking the iTunes logo in the multimedia link. You can also search iTunes under “Advance Search- Podcasts- The Expressionist Magazine.”

Courtney Dickenson- Sins Of The Father Podcast

We had a special broadcast for you with a 13 year old country sensation Courtney Dickenson who is an award winning country artist who opens for Leanne Rimes and Kelly Pickler in January, as well as going on missionary work into South America; while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.  The second half of the podcast is a new metal sensation out of Tampa, FL The Sins Of The Father whose strong vocals and guitar riffs make you bang your head while enjoying their old/new style of metal.

Art By Spring Podcast

A fresh acrylic artist out of the Carolinas who paints her emotions into every painting…it’s always happy.  Her ideals will be catchy for all who listen and see her work.  Her simple work is very stunning and beautiful, it focuses on the beauty of women and how strong yet compassionate they are.

Michele Palenik Podcast

Michele Palenik owner of Purple Cloud Studios in Land O Lakes, FL is not only a gifted jeweler and glass fuser; but she is extremely talented with vast knowledge on how to market your art in times of trouble.  Her advice will work if we are in a financial crisis or not.  Listen to her, learn from her and you can be a successful artist no matter what.

The Redheads Podcast

Here is a country singing duo out of Georgia, who took country music and made it a therapy for them and use the gift of their beautiful voices to do the same to everyone that listens.

The Expressionist Interview On Party 95 5 Podcast

Just before Rocktober Fest 2008, Jason Dowd; Co-Owner, of The Expressionist sat down with a live interview at Party 95 5  internet radio.  Listen to the whole interview from start to finish.

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