John Tootabeanie- Capturing Graffiti

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

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

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/

PorkChop BubbleGum… What!?

One thing that sets your look apart from others is your hat, be it a sports team, a driving cap, beret, or a clothing logo. If you go to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, you might see Lindsey Walden’s hats getting walked around atop a bunch of twenty-somethings’ heads, and you can’t miss them. We sat down for a chat with her to get the scoop on her company, designs, and passion for making hats for everyone who wants their own look.

How did you come up with the name “Pork Chop Bubble Gum?”
That is the first question anyone always asks me, truthfully. My sister, her husband, and I were sitting around one night, and its when I first decided to start my own company and we were just brainstorming thinking of names and her husband blurted out, “pork chop,” and I blurted out, “bubble gum,” and we both looked at each other and I said, “that kind of goes weird together,” so since then it kind of stuck.

Are the hats you design unisex?
They are unisex, but I do have hats more geared towards guys and some geared more towards women. But I find guys tend to choose the hats that I designed for girls; it just matters if they are more comfortable wearing bright colors like pink and green, chains, and rhinestones, but yeah every hat can be unisex. Anyone can wear them.

How many specific lines do you have? Is there any specific line that seems to be selling more than other ones?
No, not really, I try to go with lines but each one of my hats are different, there really aren’t two hats the same. So I can do like the same print on a hat or put the same netting on a hat but it isn’t going to come out exactly the same, so line-wise I would have to go with “no.” I pretty much make what people are in the mood for, and people can come back later and say, “I like this, gimme this, gimme this and give me this color,” and I can make it happen.

They are basically all custom hats?
Exactly yes.

I know you live in Miami, and it’s filled with stars, have you sold any of your hats to any celebrities or stars of any kind?
Nope not yet. [C'mon, celebs! -ed.]

Have you done any fashion shows? How did it go?
I did a fashion show at Nocturnal in Miami. It went really, really well, the feedback was amazing. I also had a booth at Ultra Music Fest in Miami. I had a booth at Gemini Music Fest in Ft. Lauderdale. And July 3rd, I have space in Miami; and I have two other shows in July: I have Heaven Music Fest (I believe is the 26th), and another in Port St. Lucie, it’s a big house and stuff.

Have you ever decided in the future you may want to do shirts or pants?
Yes, yes, yes! Shirts: this is my next move. I am actually in the process of learning Photoshop and getting a screen printing machine. So yeah, shirts are definitely my next step.

Do you do hats with custom graphics at all, like heat transfers containing drawings you designed?
No, not till I get a screen printing machine. For now it’s just free abstract work. Whatever falls on the hat falls on the hat.

If someone wanted to get a hold of you to buy one of your hats, how would they go about that? What is the pricing on your hats?
Right now I just have MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/porkchopbubblegum) but my website should be done like any day now. The cost of my hats, depending what they are, usually run $24.00 plus $6.00 s/h.

Do you have anything you want to add?
I just hope that everyone can support me; I’m new. I started my business in 2006 when I graduated college. Just now I started to get serious and want to take off with this. Just want to get my name off and I’ll be happy!

If you like what you see here and want to help an aspiring local artist out, head over to her MySpace page and get yourself a new lid. We will update this interview when her website is done and help her out any way we can.