Child Beauty Pageants – Do They Go Too Far

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

The other day I sat down and watched an interesting show on the Oxygen Network.  Usually I don’t watch that station, but this caught my eye; it was a beauty pageant with children between the ages of 4-to 8-years-old.

My eyes were glued to this show, not because of the beauty; instead, the insanity of it all.  Shocked, is the best word to describe how I felt watching this show.  I mean, mothers were spending their life savings to get these girls into these pageants and turning into slave drivers.  I see these flawless children, dolled up in globs of make-up to cover up their imperfections.  Seriously, how many wrinkles can a four-year-old have?

When the child is done with their make-up and hair, they look ten times their age.  The kids are having absolute tantrums because of the mother’s stressful behavior, or they are complete snobs like their parents.

This brings questions to my mind like, is this morally right?  Is this really building self-esteem or is it causing a premature unhealthy ego for the child.  Does this teach these young girls who are in a vulnerable learning age that beauty is everything? Can this cause them to develop eating disorders or worse when they get older?

Those questions that popped into my mind are serious ones.  In today’s society, especially with women, looks and beauty are a major concern for them.  It isn’t uncommon to hear a story where a woman develops an eating disorder because she wants to be skinny and beautiful as the women are in the magazines.  Now, force a child to be beautiful at the influential age of four.  As they grow up and change, they may not have the same looks they did when they won the pageants back when they were little girls.  They may have gained weight or a feature has changed dramatically, at least to them.  When they look in the mirror they may not like what they see, despite the fact they are still absolutely gorgeous.  This is all due to the strict guidelines they had to follow while growing up.

Do these pageants bring out the “witch” in these children?  Well, hearing these mother’s talk to their children, you would swear that everyone else is dirt and their child or recipient of the praise is perfect.  This does not help a child’s demeanor one bit.  It helps with the attitude to make their child feel like they are a winner and be proud, but that message stays in their heads and can easily continue to run even when they aren’t on stage.  That means that sense of “I’m the best” will transpose itself into their school and other social gathering places.  In my opinion, this will do one or two things.  For one, it will turn them into the popular, stuck-up girl on campus that all the other girls want to be and will do anything to be friends with.  Or, it will do the complete opposite and drive people away from them, which can lead to other major mental issues down the line.

So, are these pageants bad for children?  No, not if the parents set a good example for their daughter.  It’s the same with boys and sports. For instance, some coaches take the game way too far, treating their kids like they are multi-million dollar players, hoping  for a win in an important tournament.  Heaven forbid they lose the game, it’s as if they lost the actual World Series.  The point is, any social event, art, or sport is good if you teach your child well.

Parents should look at this as a fun experience, and curb the boasting and attitudes by leaving them on the “stage” or “playing field.”  They should teach good sportsmanship, and how to be kind in the moment of defeat.  If that happens, and is strictly enforced, then these events can be fun and a great learning experience for these children.  Especially with pageants, the parents must instill in their child that they are beautiful and don’t need to change for anyone, regardless of the reason.

As well, parents should not be living their dream of being the beauty queen, or sports star through their child.  I tend to feel that the reason they act so intense with their children competing, is because they are living their dream vicariously.  Parents, that is not fair to your child.  Never force them into beauty pageants or anything competitive if they don’t want to become involved.  If they should lose interest in pageantry or sports, search for something else they are interested in and most importantly, don’t take it as a personal insult.

These events can be a great way to spend time with your child, so make the most of them and keep them fun!  If you do, the experience will be magical, I promise.

Fauxto Shop Deception

Just a few weeks ago a story surfaced, rocking the Internet.  It  involved ’60s supermodel Twiggy and an ad she was in promoting a skin care product.  The ad angered the UK government so greatly, they banned the use of photo manipulation advertisements in their country, citing it to be misleading and false.  The ad was for an Oil of Olay anti-aging cream that removes wrinkles and tightens the skin.  Twiggy was featured on the ad, being in her mid-50s, showing little to no crow’s feet wrinkles around the eyes, wrinkles at the corners of her cheeks or any other signs of aging. Instead, her skin looked radiant and young.  Without makeup to cover some of the lines, Twiggy actually does sport crow’s feet and wrinkles, but it doesn’t truly hinder her looks.

What we found was this ad was photoshopped to the max, giving a completely false result to what this cream does.  It made it look like it worked miracles when really it was a talented photoshop artist that made the product perform better than it actually does.  Unfortunately, people look at these ads and completely believe them which drives them to buy the product with sub-par results.  In defense of the company, everyone has different skin and in some people it may work wonders on even the deepest wrinkles and aging skin, and not touch someone with minor wrinkles at all.

Nevertheless, Twiggy was clearly doctored up in that photograph, so the government decided to do something about it. That brings me to a few critical points: 1. Should the government have the power to censor and ban this kind of thing no matter how blatant it is?  2. Should we really photoshop someone to the point they don’t even look the same?  3.  Is it the people’s fault for believing everything they see?

To point one, especially in the United States, we have the ability to be free and express ourselves.  Europe is not as free as we are; they are socialist in many to all aspects of government, and this is how the government can control the art and how it’s portrayed.  They have complete power over everything, silencing the right to speak freely and promote your art as you deem fit.  If the United States is going in this direction, you can see a serious problem coming our way. Sure we have the Constitution to protect us, but the government has already shown they don’t care what that document says.  In order to have a socialist government, the Constitution would have to be absolved or the government would not have sovereign power to do as they seek fit to control the aspects of our lives.  Is this really what we want?  Do you think the UK has overstepped their bounds?  Sure the ad is misleading, but do they have the right to censor it?

To point number two, the fashion and modeling industry is obsessed with perfection.  Women and men who are already as perfect as can be are doctored up to be extra perfect.  In my opinion, we are human and we all have some flaws, but those flaws are what makes us unique, special and beautiful in our own right.  If you want to remove a mole, pimple, freckle or scar I say go ahead, but to completely photoshop the skin from head to toe making it look plastic, or shrinking someone’s waist size to something they are not, does give off a deceptive persona which can be disappointing when we see these people in person.  It also sets a false standard of beauty that the model doesn’t even have that the rest of the world tries to mimic.  In doing so, they hurt themselves with unnecessary plastic surgery, expensive creams, and unhealthy diets all for the chance to look like the photoshopped model in the magazine.

That leads us to point number three.  With all the knowledge of photoshop being used in the fashion, marketing and promotion industry, it’s almost unimaginable that we would believe these people really look the way they do in the pictures.  I mean come on already, do you really think an anti-aging cream company would put someone on their ad that has less than perfect skin?  No, why even place the ad because nobody would give it a second look.  Since no one looks like that, they have to doctor the photo manipulation. It’s hard to believe some of us are this gullible and nieve to believe this garbage.  The best thing we can do is to say, “I’ll try it and see if the results are the same,” but to run out and expect the same results and get angry when it doesn’t happen is just plain stupid in my opinion.  Air Jordan shoes never made anyone jump like Michael Jordan.  Gatorade never made you perform any better, it just kept you from dehydrating.  So why are beauty creams and cosmetics any different?

It’s terrible that we have to doctor photos to show perfection, when perfection is already achieved with the natural beauty we possess.

Art For Your Head

In 2004, artist Adrian Rasmussen decided to create wearable art.  He wanted something unique and original, and what could be more so than a custom painted hat.

Rasmussen’s art business, Painted Hats, has become popular.  It’s no wonder, as the artist behind the speciality hats is quite talented.  At 27 years old, Rasmussen was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California and has spent many years perfecting his craft by learning and developing different skills.  Rasmussen considers himself to be a mixed media artist who uses a variety of mediums including pens, paints, inks and airbrushing.  To Rasmussen, art is a combination of many different things. Expression, concentration, and relaxation are just a few ways he uses art.  However, the skilled artist also is influenced by color, which to him, ignites emotion.  Rasmussen, in addition, uses the fluidity of lines to express his stream of concentration, and words to encourage different trains of thought.

“Art for me is much more than just the finished product,” explains Rasmussen.  ”It is the process which I use to express myself, therefore the expression is in the doing, and the finished product is the imprint of what I was going through at the time.” Rasmussen further goes on to explain that life itself is his art.  ”I create art out of life.  I find myself exploring personal growth and reflection of this modern world, in contrast with the serenity and knowing, which we all possess.”

 The artist offers many different hat designs on his website.  You can choose from a sinister skull design, or something less severe such as a floral print.  There is something for everyone on Rasmussen’s site.  If you don’t see the design you’d like, simply e-mail your idea to the artist and he will customize your hat any way you want.  All of Rasmussen’s designs are beautifully painted with rich, deep colors.  The airbrushing and intricate detail work on each hat reflects Rasmussen’s amazing artistry.

Rasmussen isn’t the only artist at Painted Hats, however.  He is joined by several other talented designers.  Each hat is labeled with an original art piece as well as a website of the artist who created that particular hat.  Rasmussen says that this greatly benefits each individual artist that provides work for Painted Hats.  ”This way if people really like the hat, then they can learn more about the artist who created it.  The more orders and sales, the more well paid artists we can support,” explains Rasmussen.  This is his ultmate goal-to create well paying jobs for artists, and to support their careers in the arts.

So, if you are looking for a unique gift for someone, or simply want a hat of your own, go to Rasmussen’s website today.  You will not be disappointed in this great collection of art for your head.

 

You can find out more about Adrian Rasmussen and see the collection of hats on his website:  www.paintedhats.com

If you have an idea for a hat, would like a custom size, are interested in artwork that is no longer available, or need a specific project done, please e-mail Rasmussen at:  contact@adrianrasmussen.com

Prices for custom hats range from $25 to $50.

If you are a store owner and would like hats for your store, they are available for wholesale.  Please contact Rasmussen for more information.

In addition to the hats on Rasmussen’s website, he is also beginning to paint fedoras.  Contact Rasmussen for more information.

Miss California Decrowned

It was only a few months ago that Miss America Pageant took place causing a stir of controversy. The fore runner Miss California was one of the contestants that we all figured would win this year, until she was railroaded by the gay judge sitting on the panel. It was a simple question “Do you believe in gay marriage.” She simply stated “no, she believes a marriage is defined by the Bible as a man and woman.” That comment sent that judge into one huge tirade, he called her just about everything but a woman. That comment would not only cause her the grief of her life, but also the Miss America crown.

America was dumbfounded how she was treated, they were dumbfounded that someone would even ask a question like that; not to mention that her belief’s cost her the crown. Following the padget Miss California took a lot of media heat in this liberal pro gay country. She was so upset that she actually turned to a cause, now dear to her heart, fighting for the true definition of gay marriage across the USA.

With her choice of beliefs, and her well known charm from being Miss California, we all knew someone would try to dig up some dirt on her, and of course they did. They found some risque photos of Miss California, which then brought her Miss California crown up for scrutiny. Donald Trump, the owner of Miss America, Inc. decided to keep her as Miss California, despite the fact that all of the liberal America wanted her tossed. The heat was on and the Donald, I personally feel, was pressured beyond pressure to de-crown Miss California.

That day has come, now all the gay Americans can rejoice that she is no longer Miss California and will never be Miss America because of her belief, what she feels is true to her heart. Though it wasn’t the gay controversy that had her tossed, she missed a Miss America function. Normally overlooked unless you do it over and over, this was Trump’s way to toss her from her crown, now it can’t come back to him that he de-crowned her for her belief, he de-crowned her for her lack of participation; which is her duty in her position.  Donald has now made everyone happy and relieved the heat off his back.

All this did was get Donald Trump off the hook from all the negative press and countless demands to remove her. I applaud Trump for sticking to his guns and not de-crowning her for her belief; honestly I think Donald feels the same way. However, it shows me that even Mr. Apprentice has his limits and anxiously waited for her to mess up so he could remove the stress from his life for something less controversial than her belief. In the end we all know what brought this on.

I just hope that a gay Miss American contestant never has to be in the same position with the same question. If she does, she should get the exact same treatment Miss California did.

In the words of the Donald… Miss California “YOUR FIRED.”

John Tootabeanie- Capturing Graffiti

What I love about art is how diverse it can be; the possibilities of expression are endless. Just recently we came across a new form of art that rocked me out of my chair.  The concept of John Tootabeanie’s art made me chuckle, but so very intrigued at the same time.  His idea was to take the graffiti off the walls of bathroom stalls, college campuses, libraries, school desks or anywhere he could find a great saying or drawing and turn it into wearable art that makes a great fashion statement.  You’re sure to turn heads with his clothing line!

When I first read his e-mail about what he did, I was thinking how crazy it all sounded. I immediately went to his web site to see what he could possibly be portraying through his unique art.  When I got to the store, I was amazed to see the stuff we can only see when we’re “indisposed.”  The concept is great; I mean who isn’t fascinated by the writings on the wall in public restrooms? Is there one person that can honestly say when they are in these places and see this graffiti on the wall, they don’t read at least one?  It’s just human nature to do so, even if it is vulgar.  So Tootabeanie takes these sayings and drawings we all laugh at and have to read, and makes them into a shirt… GENIUS.

I admit, there have been a few times I been in a restroom or in some bar and saw something written and said, “Man, that would make a great shirt.”  Now I found someone who went the extra step and actually did that.

This goes to show how awesome the creative mind can go and how the possibilities arise if you just take the time to smell the opportunities that lie right under our noses.  What’s great about this is that Tootabeanie’s art is interactive; if you see something on the walls that just makes you laugh or is so gross you have to share it, now you can.  All you have to do is photograph it and submit it to him via his web site. How great is that?

Now, aspiring artists take note of this: Inspiration is everywhere, you just have to keep an open eye.  Tootabeanie here is surely a good role model for that with his creative outlet.  His work shows you that art is all around us, and how it affects us is what makes it so powerful.  His work is not unique because it’s found everywhere, but how he takes the simple writings and graphics and contorts them into his own concept making a unique fashion design, is down right masterful.

Tootabeanie’s concept also makes a rad fashion statement, placing him into a few art categories making this even more special.  I remember back in the 1980s how cool it was to wear shirts with crazy sayings on them.  It’s still popular today, and I have a few sarcastic t-shirts that I wear religiously, especially if they express my personality or if they portray something I find to be “so true.”  I would surely wear these shirts because so much of what I read on the walls portrays my personality or is something that’s “so true.”  There are also people who like stuff that’s so whacked out they must wear it.  Tootabeanie has a shirt that has a drawing of a bread loaf, and a man saying, “Dude, I just pitched a loaf.”  We all know what that means, but it’s portrayed in the terms of bread.  It’s awesome!  Tootabeanie’s shirts are definitely a guy’s choice for fashion, because it’s everything we love to read and we can take it with us when we go and show the world what really lies on the walls of the “MEN’S BATHROOM!”

If you want to check out Tootabeanie’s fashion/artistic world, then check out his web site at www.letterfromjohn.com and tell him The Expressionist sent you.  This is something you will have to see to believe.

Lurking in the Shadows Hides the Misunderstood

Just behind the bustling, commercialized Centro Ybor complex, a hauntingly dark and mysterious looking building stands.  Its medieval exterior resembles an ancient building, complete with Gothic windows and dungeon style doors.  Nearing the magical hour of midnight, a line of black adorned patrons forms outside the Castle’s walls.  The historic building is a Tampa institution; a landmark, if you will.  A group of pale faced, black lipped Goths sit in a group, laughing heartily and playing cards.  Straight faced doormen stamp hands and collect money as the theatrically dressed morose slink inside.  

The Castle, an Ybor night club for those who share a love for all things dark and dreary, opened in October of 1992.  However, on the Castle’s grand opening, it looked nothing like the large, two story Gothic haven it is today.  Instead, it was merely just a small saloon created to house a place where friends could come and visit.  A modest jukebox furnished the music and most first time Castle patrons simply came dressed in black jeans and t-shirts; a far cry from today’s scene at the well known club.  In 2009, the Castle is going strong, perhaps, more so than ever.  Black Levi jeans have been replaced with Victorian style gowns, laced corsets and vampiric cloaks.  There is no longer a jukebox, but instead, two levels of Industrial and Gothic music pumped out by world famous Castle DJs.  

There are five sections inside the Castle in which to wander.  First, there is the Saloon, which is where it all started.  This is still a favorite hot spot for many long time Castle dwellers.  The music is old school Goth, with plenty of nostalgic Depeche Mode and Joy Division classics playing.  The Saloon is also a great place to sample signature Castle drinks and socialize with friends. Beautiful stone and brick lined walls, candles galore and rich, blood red velvet fabrics adorn this room.  Hung tapestries and ornate furniture in the Saloon replicate something you would see in Dracula’s castle.  The best part of this room is the famous bar.  A running moat flows directly through the center of the bar top, giving the scene downstairs even more character.  Just be careful though if you decide to rest your arms or you might get a tad wet.  If fresh air is want you crave, there is an outdoor patio right outside the Saloon.  Wooden benches line the perimeter of the patio while overhead, there is a movie screen.   Hanging down from a large, shady tree is a candle lit chandelier.  A DJ spins tunes here, providing the ultimate outdoor dance floor. In days past, there was also a fire pit out on the Castle’s patio.  On cool crisp nights, Goths could gather around a crackling fire and smoke their clove cigarettes.  A dance around the fire underneath the stars was a magical escape from everyday reality.  The Castle’s main attraction, however, is upstairs in the Main Hall or dance floor.  Wolfsheim’s “The Sparrows and the Nightingales,” a Gothic favorite, blasts out from the speakers, while state of the art lighting flashes over the original oak dance floor, exposing a sea of black.  At the Castle, dance is an art form.  Everyone’s style is unique and expressive.  The club patrons aren’t the only ones you will see dancing.  On three elevated podiums strategically placed around the dance floor, professional Castle dancers entertain the crowds.  Scantily clad female dancers in fish nets and latex, wiggle and gyrate to the heavy beats of hard hitting Industrial and Techno.  If you are more of the wallflower type, no worries, as there are plenty of soft, velvet couches and chairs to cozy up on. Scenes from B-rated horror movies play out on large, overhead screens.  Stained glass, Gothic arched windows don’t allow in much light from the outside world, but there is plenty of glow from flickering candle votives.  There is a boastful 120 feet of bar, the top made up of over 1,000 hand cut Dahl DeVare glass tiles.  The adjacent Red Room is an intimate escape from the loud, pulsating music and crowds of the Main Hall.  The Red Room is exactly that, red.  An intimate setting that allows one to snuggle up to their Gothic sweetheart.  There is always a heady smell of Dragon’s Blood incense and yes, there are more candles.  Finally, there is the Castle’s newest addition, the Dungeon.  Fairly mysterious, the Dungeon is only open for events and private parties.  It is an enticing room full of forbidden desires and temptations.  Luxuriously sinful is a good way to describe the Dungeon. Basically, it’s nirvana for the glamorous dominatrix.  

The Castle’s walls are shrouded in mystery.  Some believe the club has a magical presence.  Once you step inside, you can feel it envelope your soul.  The scent within the Castle is intoxicating.  Patchouli oil, clove cigarettes, smoke from the outside patio fire… ah, heavenly.  It’s a familiar perfume to a Goth.  You know, those dark and shadowy people who wear lots of black yet always seem to have a rainbow of color in their hair.  Goth guys have taught the world that eyeliner and nail polish isn’t just for girls and through their lifestyle, have shown that cemeteries can be like a second home.  After all, these people are suicidal, worship the devil and sleep in coffins.  It’s no wonder the “normal” folks who walk down 7th Avenue in Ybor (“Seventh People,” as Castle patrons call them), gravitate to the opposite side of the street when a Marilyn Manson clone comes walking by.  A simple trip over to the Castle could prove to be total humiliation or harsh ridicule to a Goth.  I mean, why shouldn’t it be?  These morbid weirdos drink blood and are full of hate and dread.  They are death obsessed, depressed club kids who are constantly quoting Edgar Allan Poe’s poetry.  And not all goths are teenagers or young adults with Koolaid pink hair.  Some are married, have families or are middle aged.  ”The Senator,” who is a Castle favorite, is in his 50s and frequents the night club nearly every weekend.  He dresses in women’s lingerie that doesn’t leave much to the imagination.  An outsider to this eccentric lifestyle may question these people’s ethics and perhaps even their sanity.  

Ironically, it may be the “Seventh People” who are the abnormal ones.  Castle patrons are misunderstood.  Most outsiders see Goths and others who stray from the norm, in a negative way.  It is a culture with many attached stereotypes.  ”We are all different.  We are Christians, Atheists, Jewish… but we are not Satanists,” stated an anonymous Goth.  Misconceptions on the Gothic lifestyle involve hurting others and being violent, specifically with Vampirism.  To the contrary, Goths are passive and peaceful and identify most with the Victorian romantic period.  The Gothic culture originated from England and started in the late 1970s.  Most Goths are creative, especially as writers and artists.  Some are skilled in fashion and expressing themselves artistically with their fashion choices.  ”The Senator,” although not someone you would call Gothic, is such an example.  Always dressed to impress in his finest boudoir attire, this well known Castle patron makes his rounds on Friday and Saturday nights. He is recognized by many, adored by most and has intimidated a few.  Upon first glance, “The Senator,” who is known to his friends and Castle staff as Mike, is a bit shocking.  He wears not much more than just a sheer, lacy teddy with a thong. However, there is a lot more to “The Senator” than just a Victoria Secret’s get-up.  Hailing from Long Island, NY, “The Senator” claims that he was actually once shy.  Years ago, he had a girlfriend from New Orleans who liked taking pictures of him.  Inhibited at first, “The Senator” began to change and started liking exhibitionism.  Being naked and having others see him this way didn’t feel wrong or shameful.  It was during Mardi Gras one year that “The Senator” was born.  ”My girlfriend body painted me and dressed me up in frilly lingerie.  I loved cruising into parties and being the center of attention.”  

In 1996, the Castle opened its dance floor upstairs and this caught “The Senator’s” attention.  For the very first time, “The Senator” walked through the Castle’s large, wooden doors.  It was then, that he had found his new home.  ”It’s a place where you’re not judged and people are cool,” stated “The Senator.”  Castle VJ Rob Pittman and Tracey, a Castle bartender and now Rob’s wife, really got “The Senator” into going to the club.  In fact, he would go as often as three to four times a week.

So, where did the nickname, “The Senator,” originate from?  ”There were some incidents in the news at one time regarding some of our elected representatives being involved in sex scandals and such.  Since I am a bit older than most of the crowd, someone hung a tag on me calling me  ’The Senator’ and it stuck.”  Well, maybe this guy isn’t a true senator, but he has been called, “The King of Ybor;” a legend of sorts.  Some people even come to the Castle just to see Ybor’s royalty.  After all, a man’s home is his castle, and home to “The Senator,” is indeed that.  So, how does “The Senator,” or better yet, “The King of Ybor” feel about his fame?  ”There have been lots of wild times, lots of rumors and stories floating around that I can neither confirm or deny.  Suffice to say, that I enjoy being the character that has evolved over the past 12 years and while it’s hard to make it out that much anymore, I still enjoy meeting new people and adding to the ‘legend.’”

Perhaps Castle dwellers shouldn’t be feared or judged.  After all, “The Senator” is one of the friendliest people I have met.  I also believe that the Goth culture is greatly misunderstood.  They live in a culture based in stereotypes which are formed around ignorance and fear.  Despite their icy exteriors, Goths are warm hearted.  They are a diverse and open minded group who simply resist labels and mainstream ideals.  And, maybe, just maybe these heavily powdered, black lipped individuals that are regularly mocked and taunted by the close minded “Seventh People,” are just as “normal” looking as they are at times.  Soccer moms and suit clad husbands by day transform into the elusive and sometimes feared Goth at night.

The Castle and its eccentric guests continue to be a place to stop in and see while in Ybor.  Some visitors to the club travel from New York City, Los Angeles and even European countries.  Going to the Castle is like getting lost in another dimension.  Once inside, reality dissolves and the mundane and stressful lives we lead, somehow vanish.  It’s a place where you can let your alter ego come out and play.  You can dance the night away with the famous Senator.  The Castle is a place where you can always be a kid at heart, just like celebrity patron Peter Pan, otherwise known as Randy Constan.  And yes, he has the whole Neverland get-up, green tights and all.  You can re-enact the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre every February, participate in the annual Zombie party (don’t forget to drench yourself in fake blood before heading in) or join in with the Castle’s beloved Fractured Fairytale Ball. Snow White never looked so grotesque!  There’s sometimes a guy dressed as a Ghostbuster who stands by the front door, selling black roses.  A young woman wearing a fairy costume throws a handful of “magical” glitter on an unsuspecting friend.  At the Castle, it’s Halloween all year long.

The place is indeed magical, uninhibited and highly spirited.  Everyone is always happy, smiling and non-judgmental.  There is love and peace around each corner.  In fact, my friend Michelle even met her future husband here.  The staff becomes like a second family to most of the patrons, making it no surprise the Castle has earned such titles as “Best Dance Club” and “Best Bartenders” in Tampa Bay.

So, next time you find yourself in Ybor’s darkest shadows, do not fear.  In fact, this is the safest, happiest place to be. Instead, it may be the guy in the light blue polo shirt walking down 7th Avenue, in hopes of finding a date, that turns out to be the one to run from.  Who knew preppy could be so terrifying?

 

*The Castle is open Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays/10:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

Each night is a different theme, so keep that in mind before heading off to the club.  

Monday is “80s and Beyond” night

Thursday is “Pop ‘N’ Wave” night

Friday is “Communion After Dark” night featuring Coffin Classics which is old school Goth and Industrial music

Saturday is “No Boundaries” night, a good time for people watching and lots of Industrial/Goth music 

Sunday is “Burn” night for the gay community

 

Feel free to check out the Castle’s website at www.castleybor.com or on their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/theyborcastle

Carla Caison- Work Your Body

Nestled in the modest rural setting of Florida’s Panhandle, lives a woman with high ambitions to someday perform on stage or on film for her audience.  Acting has always been her dream, but it was acting that led Carla Caison into a field she never thought possible, modeling.

If you would have told Caison growing up that she was going to model, she probably would have laughed at you.  She always felt herself to be a tomboy; never a girly-girl who dressed up in clothes and make-up.  Instead, she loved sports and fitness and wore sweats and t-shirts; a far cry from what a model would wear. 

Caison has the skinny, tall body that fashion and scouting agents look for in a model.  She’s beautiful and charismatic which play right into the hearts of the camera.  She got her break in this field while auditioning for an acting part. However, the director wanted her to do some modeling instead.  Caison was taken back a bit by this but decided to give it a try and since then, fell in love with the industry.

It’s a hard industry, filled with rejection and criticism and people trying to make you into something you’re not.  It’s an art, where you are the subject and medium.  The model must set the mood and he/she must play the part to make the work of art speak volumes. It is the model’s movement and  expression that are critical to making people believe what they are trying to convey.  This is very similar to what paints do, except the emotion and mood are set by the mind and hand of the artist who portrays his vision through this medium.

Despite the fact she has encountered rejection and criticism, Caison believes that you should not alter yourself for a part.  In today’s modeling world there are plus size models as well as petite models, conveying beauty is in the person, not the body. You shouldn’t change yourself for a part, you change the part to fit you by finding a gig that represents who you are.  Be true to yourself, Caison emphasizes, because if they don’t like you for you, then it wasn’t meant to be.

Since her modeling career bloomed unexpectedly one fine day, she has found herself in advertisements, magazines and even in the phone book.  Carla Caison is what you call an all around artist, dabbling in many mediums the art world has to offer.  Besides modeling, she paints and acts.

Acting is still a passion for Caison. She is currently doing plays and still auditioning for various acting gigs.  This is probably something Caison will never give up by the excitement she gets in her voice when speaking about acting.  Good for her, I say! You must do what you love and by doing what you love, you have more fun which shows to those around you.

Caison’s advice for aspiring models or actors is to get a good set of head shots, acquire experience through TFP (time for photos) shoots, and to not be afraid to try new things because it gives you a well rounded portfolio.

If you want to get in touch with Caison for booking, contact her through her MySpace page at, www.myspace.com/bookseagie 

Don’t forget to check out her podcast, which is located on our podcast link or simply download it through iTunes.

Fashion Never Dies…It Hibernates!

I remember sitting down at my grandparents’ house and looking through the old photo albums.  It’s something I always treasured. Grandparents are known to have extremely old photographs that are fun to look at; they tell stories of the past.  You’ll see your parents when they were kids, if you can imagine that, and you might even see some embarrassing photographs of yourself.  Those photographs are more than just memories of days past with your family, they are time capsules; moments caught in time that tell more than you may realize.

Just recently I was in Connecticut visiting my grandfather and I got to see some old photos of myself.  Not only were they funny to see, but I was amazed at the “fashion faux pas” I had.  At the time it seemed like the “in thing,” but I realize now how ridiculous I looked.  One picture in particular was taken in 1984. I had this bright red shirt with a little alligator on it. Remember those?  Then I saw some pictures with those incredibly short shorts, the kind that looked like an upside down rounded “w” with the white seams going up the sides. I wouldn’t be caught dead in those today.  I even had some with bell bottoms and those old canvas basketball sneakers.  I found one more recently where I wearing  ”Jams” and Reebok pump sneakers.  Oh, and for the hair critiques, the never ending mullet I sported trying to look like Jesse from Full House.

It made me look at fashion today and realize how this stuff never really goes away; it hibernates or it evolves in some way and rest assured, it will return again.  As I walk down the streets, I see those canvas shoes emerging from the grave.  I see bell bottoms and how they evolved.  They used to be these ugly polyester pants with awful colors and now they are hip and trendy jeans that women wear, better known as the “Flare.” The pants are similar to stretchy jeans but hug women’s curves just right for that unbelievable hour glass look.  I even have seen those ridiculous 80s shirts with stupid sayings on them, you know, the ones that are plain white with a colored short sleeve and neck cuff.  These shirts make you look like a string bean, yet they are re-immerging as a teen favorite.

So, where do you get these items?  For the most part, you don’t see them in the stores anymore.  Sure, Wal-Mart may still have some, or stores such as Bealls Outlet and TJ Maxx.  Honestly, you can find them at Goodwill and Salvation Army stores where people have cleaned out their closets from their collected youth and realized, “I’m too old for this stuff.”  They give it to these stores and today’s younger generation realized they found a gold mine for pennies on the dollar. 

It isn’t just the 80s and 70s fashion that’s returning.  I have seen a lot more of the Flower Child look from the 60s showing its hippy face, and even some fashion trends of the 50s.  WHY?  It’s just fun to pretend and relive the days of old while putting a modern twist to the fashion.  Clothing that’s authentic to this period of American history can’t usually be found in abundance at these thrift stores.  You can, however, find specialty vintage clothing stores that offer fashion from the 1940s to the 1990s.  Some even go into the “true” vintage era and offer clothing from the 1900s to the 1930s, where pomp and circumstance reigned.

These stores exist in most of your backyards around the United States, but you may have to look.  Tampa for one, has lots of places to get these great fashions.  Yesterdaze is one, located on Hillsborough and Florida Avenue.  La France is a staple in Ybor City and further south, St. Petersburg’s Buffalo Gal is full of nostalgia and charm.  Buffalo Gal, like some other vintage clothing stores, even has a photographer on hand to do vintage pin-ups, which can add to the whole shopping experience.  These places are great because they sell authentic clothing and for a very reasonable price.  These clothes make a great fashion statement, and if it’s something you don’t want to wear everyday, it can be used later for a unique Halloween costume.

If you can’t find a vintage clothing store like this, look at tag sales and even in your grandparents’ or  parents’ attics, as you never know what treasures you will find.

As the first part of this decade comes to a close, vintage clothing is a growing trend among women mostly, but men are starting to join suit.  This is a great way to take the past and integrate it with the future, and even put your own personal spin on it to make it your own expression.  Fashion never “really” dies, it lies dormant or evolves into something new and fresh. It is so much fun to watch what’s going to happen next. It could be a fashion for some, or a blast to the past for the rest of us.  Heaven help us if platform shoes, with the goldfish in them, return!  That’s vintage fashion that I hope lies dormant for a very long time. However, the mullet will never die!

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.

Nora Gonzalez – Customized Clothing

Have you ever worked in the clothing design industry before setting out on your own?

Yes, I did work for a fashion designer from Dominican Republic. She had a brand new Fashion company in Boca Raton, Florida and I was in charge of sketching and designing her whole fall collection for the Montreal Runway, Canada in 2001.

What gave you the idea to make clothing like you do?

While working for the above mentioned brand, I was hired to design a commemorative items for the events of September 11th. We discussed the possibility of translating those images to jeans, that is when I started hand painting on denim. After this event I fell in love with denim and the hand painting technique, and right away focused on clothing in this new area of expertise.
 
How long have you been doing this art?

I have been a designer/painter/graphic designer since 1990 but I gave impulse to hand painting after 2001
 
Has it been a rewarding journey thus far?  If so what’s one of your fondest memories on the journey?

It has been a very rewarding experience in terms of creation and new techniques; and also it was very exciting having the chance to meet artists and designers from all over the world. My fondest memory and more recent, has been a trip that I made with my pregnant sister to a show hosted in Tampa. We drove for four hours at night, crossing Florida from east to west, sharing all kinds of experiences, and enjoying the landscape, fauna, birds and wildlife so attractive and typical of our state. I had one of the best weekends ever full of fun, sun and new people, with a touch of support given by my sister that made it a perfect weekend.
 
What kind of clothes do you do the art on?  Is it just for women?

In the beginning I worked only on women’s clothes, mostly youth and teen styles; jeans and jackets are my first chosen products. After a while I incorporated graphic tees for woman and men. I then turned to baby clothing, printed and painted onesies, toddlers shirts; today I’m featuring my new line of bigger and plus sizes. I also work on accesories such as purses, wrist-lets and canvas tote bags, I also paint denim earrings with paisley adornments. I have a small art gallery using the same technique on fabric for canvas.
 
What is your take on art today, how has it impacted your life.

Art is in my daily routine. Sometimes we categorize art as an expression of the artist translated on paper, canvas or clothes, but I believe art is in all we do and there are times when managing certain situations requires a lot of art.
 
How do you keep up with the trends to keep your art fresh and stylish for those who love your work.

I spend hours getting feedback and information of today’s fashion trends from online websites, magazines, shows and conventions. I keep my eyes open on other designers who inspire me and I learn everyday a little bit more.
 
Knowing where you are now, and how you got here, would you change anything or do anything different?

I have more than I expected, I learned more than I expected, and I suffered more too; but I say it with a lot of enthusiasm and thankful for all that I received and done. I wish I had chosen to study fashion design first, before graphic design, because it took me longer to do what I love doing now. Honestly though, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do for sometime after graduating.
 
What is the most satisfying thing for you when you finish a piece of clothing?

When I look at my creations after finishing my pieces I feel proud; mostly I love what I see, and I dream of the person wearing it. Another feeling that blows my mind is knowing that the new owner of my piece could be in any other part of the globe. I felt that with the first t-shirt I sold to a customer in Greece and still gives me the chills! Another interesting story, when I designed a peacock dress for a girl who intended to wear it at her Bridal Shower.  She bought a skirt too with the same motif because she loved the design; to me this was a wonderful feeling, knowing that my dress was going to be in that very important day of her life.
 
What has been your biggest challenge to date?

My biggest challenge has two sides: Budgeting and re-investing money in one side and the distribution of time in the other side.
 
Advertising and marketing, how important are they to your line of work?

This is a very important topic. Since January 2008 I spent many hours and resources getting my name out there and I mean through cyber-space. I advertise in at least 10 websites, forums, fashion pages, shows and events.
 
What’s your view on the appreciation people have with art today, as opposed to when you were younger?

When I was younger I lived in South America, more specifically Argentina, where people love art. Besides the timing, location also makes a big difference. Globally speaking, art after the 70s legacy was very strong in our minds and cultures and now I see it more relaxed, like a light culture of art. On the good side, art now is everywhere, thanks to the Internet; but also due to new disciplines, like art painted or printed on clothing. One of my favorite designers, Roberto Cavalli, makes a piece of art in every outfit. That wasn’t seen in my youngest years, not that I can remember.
 
Your clothing can be done 1 time, for 1 person, that’s it…. who would you choose to have it…. can be anyone?

This is a good question. In our culture today we have many stereo-types, like you have to be a supermodel to wear this or that.  Happily that doesn’t happen with my clothes, you can have any type of body or any measurement as long as you want to wear my pieces. Another good reason is that I work on custom orders too so you will have what you want, no impositions, just the way you like it.
 
Who inspires you do to what you do?
God is my inspiration. He is the first and best designer ever.

If you would like to see Nora’s work, please see any of the links listed below, and feel free to contact her with any idea you would like for a custom piece of clothing.

You can check more pictures of my collection at
www.norakaren.etsy.com
www.nora-handpainted.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24119923@N04/

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