Has Prom Gone Too Far?

May 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It’s the highlight of most high school kids’ educational careers; the day they get to go celebrate 11 and/or 12 years of academic achievement with a dance alongside their peers.  For most high school kids, it’s their version of the Academy Awards.  Who takes who becomes the topic among Juniors and Seniors, and who’s going stag is the gossip that runs in notes passed under the desk -or in more modern times- text messages or Facebook wall posts.

For me, I had no interest in going at all.  Not because I had or didn’t have a date, but because of the social cliques, hypocrisy and politics that come along with the event, and watching what I saw on the news the other night, solidifies my opinion of the prom.

What I saw were teenage girls, mostly in their Junior year, convincing their parents to spend at minimum $3000.00 on designer dresses, plus extra money for facials, manicures, pedicures, designer shoes, hair and transportation.  In the end, these parents paid up to a minimum of $8000.00 for their daughters’ Junior prom!

My jaw fell to the floor hearing this.

I could not believe that a parent would spend $10,000.00 on a Junior prom, which is a car payment or a decent down payment on a home.  I can’t fathom how anyone would pay that kind of money for a school dance with the economy the way it is.  Sure, I love my daughter and would always want the best for her, but at the risk of going broke for a dance, NO!

This behavior does not teach these children good monetary values, and gives in to the notion that they can get whatever they want, whenever they want it.  I know this is a once in a lifetime event, but you can go twice, and some of these girls will.  That means their parents will spend conservatively $16,000.00 for two proms and liberally around $20 to $30,000.00

When the parents were interviewed I got a real sense of the “true meaning” behind their actions. “I always wanted something like this for me when I went to my prom.  I want my daughter to be beautiful and the talk of the prom, so any amount of money it takes to make that happen… then so be it,” stated one mother.

Let’s dissect this, shall we?

“I am going through a midlife crisis, I don’t feel pretty enough and if my daughter is the talk of the prom, they know that she got her good looks from me.  I also don’t want to upset my daughter by not giving her what she wants, so I’d rather be her friend and make her happy,” confided another mom.

You could tell the girls were spoiled and damaged from the bad example their parents were setting when they were interviewed.  One girl said, and I quote, “I feel bad for all the less fortunate girls who don’t get the chance to have the dress and experience I will have at this prom.  It’s a shame that their parents are not well off enough to give their daughters what they deserve.”

Really?

First of all, those girls are very much normal and are not less fortunate.  And if the supposed “more fortunate” teens knew that their parents were taking out second mortgages and taking second jobs to afford these luxuries for them, they might think twice.  In fact, most of the parents that are doing this for their children are making less than $50,000.00 combined income a year.

Now as far as budget, I could see $800.00 conservatively and maybe at most, $1100.00 for a prom.   Limos are expensive, dresses can run in the mid $200.00 range and hair and nails can be pricey.  However, they don’t look any less beautiful because they are not wearing designer clothes and went broke obtaining them.

I don’t see these girls any less happy, nor have I ever seen them having any less fun than the girls that spent $10,000.00 or more on their prom experience.  To me, that says you spent yourself into the hole for nothing.

I realized long ago that clothes do not make you more beautiful.  Neither do jewelry, nails, hair, makeup, accessories, perfume or other enhancements.  What makes someone beautiful is their heart, and someone who appreciates what life gives them and uses it to the fullest.  Beauty comes from being happy with yourself.

I know over the years that America has become a very vain place filled with greed and self love.  I’m ashamed that people are spending beyond their means to please their daughter, as opposed to teaching them the value of a dollar, and the moral that it’s okay to not have everything you want, and yet you can still be happy.

This kind of behavior must stop.  If these parents were able to pay for this without going into debt then it’s acceptable for them to do this kind of thing.  It is fun to splurge on your daughter, but wouldn’t it make more sense to splurge on her wedding?

We must examine our priorities and realize that beauty isn’t everything.  A simple car accident, slip and fall or chemical accident could change that in the blink of an eye.

That’s my opinion.  It’s okay to disagree with me, but realize that if we don’t teach our children the value of a dollar, the true meaning of beauty, and to live within our means, America is guaranteed to be bankrupt in just a few years as it’s already heading there.

Filed Under: Fashion & Design, featured

Hidden Treasures at Cayce’s Home Consignment

May 4, 2011 By 3 Comments

Nestled in northern Land O’ Lakes, stands a shop unlike any other.  It is a place where you are greeted with a warm welcome, free beverages and rooms upon rooms of merchandise, that if you listen closely, will talk to you.  From the moment you walk in the door, you feel like you’re at home and that’s something that takes years to build upon; except this place is only six weeks old.  This little treasure is Cayce’s Home Consignments, and its walls are filled with art that most people typically overlook.

It started when former Hillsborough County teacher, Catherine Borkowski, came across property in northern Land O’ Lakes.  The piece of land somehow called her to it.  Borkowski knew then and there that her dream of being a small business owner could come true.  She also knew in her heart that that small business was going to be the most unique consignment shop in the state of Florida.

The idea came from her ability and need to redecorate her home, and visiting many local consignment shops in the area was where she found the right pieces to make her rooms complete.  That spawned the notion that, “I can do this, if not better… but I can do this”.

She credits the stores beginning to the help of God, and her beloved mother, Carolyne, who funded the dream and Christina Thomas a dear friend and financial advisor who she said with out her guidance, Cayce’s Home Consignment would not be in business today.

At first her mother was a bit skeptical, but upon visiting the property and seeing the incredible vision her daughter had, she knew it was going to be a success.  During the last few weeks in March of 2011, Borkowski opened Cacey’s Home Consignments and runs it now with her husband.

She didn’t name her new venture after herself, like most people would; instead, she decided on a family name. Cayce was chosen, the name of the legendary sleeping prophet Edgar Cayce, also Katherine Borkowski’s great uncle.

It wasn’t long before folks started to notice this new shop, and consigned their goods to her.  Now she has over hundreds of pieces and fifty consignors, with Borkowski’s very first consignor still bringing goods to her regularly.  Upon receiving the first piece from that consignor, Borkowski was told, ”I want you to sell my stuff; this is what God wants me to do.”  So once again, the powers and credit of the shop’s early success stem from God, according to Borkowski.

What makes this place even more unique than your average consignment shop are the themed rooms. “Everyone themes their rooms at home without even realizing it,” says the shop owner, therefore, theming the shop accordingly.  Borkowski wants her customers to experience what they already do at home, and to see the shop in a way that is not only inviting, but breathes creativity.  “I just want everyone of my customers to feel at home,” states Borkowski.

By doing this, the customer can see how different patterns mix and match, as well as woods and textiles.

Each room in Cayce’s Home Consignments has a name, and those names change as new pieces come in and transfer out. The current names of these rooms are:  The Grand Show Room, The Man Cave, Grandmother’s Attic, The French Foyer, The Italian Ren Kitchen, The Rose Room, The Wedding Nook, The Chicken Coop, All Roads Lead to Rome, The Roman Baths and The Asian Persuasion Room.

In addition to having walls and rooms packed with great antiques and nick nacks, Cayce’s Home Consignments also offers free tea parties, a wine and cheese night, and vendor sales.  Borkowski allows anyone who wants to throw a party in her amazing backyard, with trees and a fountain, the ability to do so for free.  Where else can you find something like that?

She also takes her customer service one step further and offers redecoration services.  If you give her free reign, Borkowski will come to your house and redecorate it with a fresh eye.  She lets her creativity flow and creates a room that will stir up conversation for you and your guests, all while making room for your new piece of furniture or accent decorations that you purchased from the store.

“I’ve always been creative, and this allows me to channel that creativity and make something beautiful for my clients,” says the shop owner.

Loyal customer and dear friend of Borkowski, Lynn Angelica states, “It’s the most beautiful place to come and be able to see what you would like your home to look like, because she sets it out so pretty.”

Angelica found this “shop of wonders” one day just by driving down the street and decided to stop in.  Now she’s one of the Cayce’s Home Consignments most loyal customers.

The shop has thrived so well mainly because of  repeat customers, which Borkowski so dearly appreciates.

One of the best aspects I found in the store was the knowledge Borkowski has of the products she sells.  Borkowski took me on a tour and showed me some very interesting things, teaching me about them and explaining why they are so unique.  Most of the shop’s items I had no idea existed, and never would have guessed their function in a million years.  Borkowski provides these informational tid bits free of charge as well.  She still captures the spirit of a teacher and, regardless of what she does, will find  a way to educate her customers.

So come in and explore the great trinkets and furniture, learn their stories and talk with an amazing person who completes the shop’s unusual zen.  You’ll stop in once and keep coming back for more.

You can find out more about Cayce’s Home Consignments by visiting their website at http://caceyshomeconsign.com

Filed Under: articleimg, featured, Interior Design Tagged With:

Today’s Beauty Based on Lies

March 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Jon Benet Ramsey NO PHOTOSHOP

America’s obsession with beauty has grown out of control, fueled mostly by ads and pictures found in magazines. It seems that each magazine is packed full of fashion photos, beauty product reviews and tips, but to make matters worse, they are also full of deception.

These magazines not only target adult women, but also impressionable teens and pre-teens, showing them exactly what “true beauty” shouldook like. The women who look at these magazines then compare themselves to these models and feel anything but adequate to the women in these pictures.

The photographs set the bar of what beauty is, and therefore, the women who feel they don’t match up will do whatever it takes to be as beautiful or even more beautiful than the women in the magazine. This is a tactic beauty product companies have used in order to make a multi-billion dollar industry based on the insecurities of women.

Unfortunately, in most cases, the photos are completely changed to promote attractiveness. The model’s skin is digitally airbrushed, her weight is altered, and the hips and bust are enhanced.

The problem is women are shooting for a standard of beauty that can only be obtained through digital manipulation. To the untrained eye the photos look realistic. Women are led to believe that the products these models endorse really do work. What they fail to realize is, these photos are completely faked.

The question is, does it really matter? Is this really hurting anyone? Unfortunately, yes.

The need to be beautiful has been fueled by false portrayals through these photographs. The goal is to sell these beauty products in order to make money. As a photographer, I see both sides of the equation. I don’t feel there is anything wrong with making money, but I do feel it should be done honestly.

I can see the reasoning from the beauty product companies for doing what they do. If they placed people on their ads with major flaws, no one would buy their products. However, doctoring the photos to an extreme, is just wrong.

I feel that a little touching up on a photo is fine. If you want to reduce some wrinkles, remove acne, or lighten up dark shadows under the eyes, then go right ahead. However, a woman who is over 40 will present some aging, so leave some flawing for a sense of realism.

On the other hand, digitally altering photos to the extent they have, has made women compare themselves to the unrealistic. They think if they are not a size 0 or 1, then they must be fat. And because these older models seen in magazines have absolutely no wrinkles, then female readers feel unattractive with just a few frown lines or crow’s feet.

This can cause severe insecurity among women. To make themselves feel better and more beautiful they will go out and buy these beauty products hoping they can achieve the same results as the models on the ads and in these magazines. When they don’t achieve the same results, which most of them won’t for reasons I will explain later, they are now at risk for more serious problems.

Some women will turn to plastic surgery. There is nothing wrong with plastic surgery except that it won’t last. Breast implants, for one, will need to be checked regularly, and in most cases, replaced after so many years. This is expensive, but once the surgery is completed, these women will have no choice but to spend money keeping the surgery up.

In other cases, women and men will go under the knife to surgically enhance their nose, face, or other extremities they see in magazines. Again, there is nothing wrong with this, except every time you go under the knife you are taking the risk of death and the possibility the surgery will actually become deformed or unsuccessful.

I have read stories and seen television shows on how plastic surgery can go horribly wrong. Sometimes once the surgery is a failure, the end results can’t be fixed which forces these people to live their life with a deformity. The sad part is, they were perfectly fine before they even had the surgery.

If physical features aren’t the problem, then weight becomes the issue.

Every year around summertime I see ads in magazines and on television talking about the dreaded “bikini season.” So, women will tend to diet in order to look their best in their swimsuits

Hoping to lose weight quickly, some women will turn to fasting, crash diets, dangerous dietary supplements, and energy drink consumption in order to boost their metabolism. All of these methods of weight loss can be extremely dangerous especially if you are not under the watch of a doctor.

Some women will virtually kill themselves to fit into that size one dress, because they are constantly being exposed to skinny models on television and in magazines. To these women, thin equals beautiful. In our modern society, there is great pressure to be a certain weight. According to most height to weight charts, 110 pounds for a female who is 5’4″ or taller, is very underweight.

As these people fight for their optimal weight, they may develop severe eating disorders and other health related issues. Some will take to more drastic measures such as stomach stapling and lap bands, which are medically done but can be extremely dangerous.

Again, these individuals are comparing themselves to the greatly enhanced and highly unrealistic photos of celebrities and models.

I’ve been a photographer now since the mid 1980s. I’ve had clients require me to alter photos in order to enhance their appearance. In turn, I have successfully shaved 20 pounds off my subjects. I have removed scars, baldness, wrinkles, pale skin, acne, eye bags, and other flaws. I have taken away “the muffin top,” as they say, creating a more toned stomach

If you’ve never seen these people in person or seen the photos prior to being altered, you’d swear that’s how they look in real life. That’s why most people can walk by a supermodel or celebrity and not even recognize them.

What we also tend to forget is that each of us are made of different gene structures. With our unique set of genes, each one of us tends to age differently, wear our weight and bulk differently, and have different complexions. So no matter what we do to ourselves surgically or regardless of how many beauty products we buy, a person may never be able to achieve the look they want to, just because their genes won’t allow it. Photoshop, on the other hand, has no idea what a gene structure is.

Despite the health risks involved from altered photos, we also face unethical practices.

A few years ago I heard a story about a plastic surgeon who gave breast implants to a girl who was under sixteen. The teen simply wanted to enhance her figure. Her parents allowed it, but they too were obsessed with their bodies and had no qualms about plastic surgery.

This young girl said it was her body, and she could do whatever she wanted with it. She’s right, except she forgot a major piece of the equation that a parent and doctor should have recognized. She was still developing!

The young girl went to a few plastic surgeons and all of them turned her down. Determined to find a doctor, the teenager and her parents kept searching till they found one who had no ethics and just cared about the almighty dollar.

As previously stated, this girl was hardly done developing her cup size. Some young women do not finish developing until they are in college. So what if that happened here? What if this teen grew three cup sizes in addition to the implants and then develops physical and emotional issues down the road?

As long as there is a need to be beautiful and the money to pay for it, there will be a doctor who will throw out morals and ethics to achieve riches.

Where have we gone too far in terms of photo altering? I have two examples that stand out in my head, the first one involving the famous model, Twiggy.

In 2009, an Olay Regenerist advertisement featuring Twiggy, hit the stands and caused quite a stir. The ad showed a flawless Twiggy making the Olay cream look like a miracle cure. Twiggy was 60 when this ad was released, and to the shock of everyone who saw it, she didn’t have a wrinkle present or any other signs of aging…. just flawless and radiant skin.

This ad did not fool the British government however; they banned it from being released in the United Kingdom. They know Twiggy all too well because she is a resident of England. They know and have seen pictures taken of her without her makeup, showing wrinkles and other skin

imperfections. They cited Olay with misleading advertising and forced the removal of the ad from all media outlets.

No matter her age, Twiggy is gorgeous and didn’t need to be touched up to that extent.

In another example, have you ever Googled pictures of JonBenet Ramsey? If you have, you’d probably be shocked from what you see.

At the time of her death, Ramsey was 6-years-old. She was a natural beauty, who was years away from puberty. Still, her photos are completely airbrushed which is not only unnecessary, but makes her look 10 years older than she actually is.

Now, I see a lot of 6-year-olds everywhere. I have yet to see one without radiant glowing skin, or one that is riddled with wrinkles and acne and other major flaws. So why did they have to airbrush Ramsey to the extent she was?

It’s things like this that set a false sense of reality, which is immoral and unethical.

As I said earlier in this passage, I do want to say that I completely support a little touch up here and there. I understand acne and scars and skin imperfections can be embarrassing; however, completely airbrushing a photo and altering a person’s weight and featuresto sell a product is WRONG.

In conclusion, I wish to give out this advice to everyone.

We all have a flaw or two; we’re human after all. We need to use these flaws to bring out our strong points; be proud of them and learn to exploit them in the best way we can. Let’s not be afraid to flaunt our flaws because that’s what makes us unique and gives us the ability to stand out in a crowd.

Don’t worry what anyone else thinks of you; they don’t have to see you each and everyday. Don’t change yourself to please them.

If you are wanting to model or try out for a part, don’t ever take one that forces you to alter yourself, other than hair, because it isn’t worth it. Find someone who will be happy to use you for who you are.

And most importantly, if you want to diet, do so under the guidance of a respected doctor and be sure to exercise and eat properly. Don’t swarm to these dangerous diets and supplements. They may work fast but don’t last. Take the weight off gradually and when your results stop, that is your body telling you it’s enough. Enjoy who you are!

For more on Jason Dowd or Dowd Studios visit http://dowdstudios.com

Filed Under: articleimg, featured, Modeling Tagged With: , ,

Child Beauty Pageants – Do They Go Too Far

August 1, 2010 By 57 Comments

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.

Filed Under: Fashion & Design

Fauxto Shop Deception

December 31, 2009 By Leave a Comment

ori_ab32b41a640bd8Just 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.

Filed Under: Fashion & Design, featured, Modeling Tagged With:

Art For Your Head

July 31, 2009 By Leave a Comment

3672507761_c95db63231_mIn 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.”

 3673314988_957802c20f_mThe 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.

Filed Under: Fashion & Design, featured Tagged With:

Miss California Decrowned

June 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

California_USA_01It 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.”

Filed Under: Modeling Tagged With:

John Tootabeanie- Capturing Graffiti

May 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

loaf_medWhat 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.

homey_medTootabeanie’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.

Filed Under: Clothing Designers, featured Tagged With:

Carla Caison- Work Your Body

January 31, 2009 By 2 Comments

pinkwallsmNestled 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.

bwredsmIt’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.

Filed Under: featured, Modeling Tagged With:

Fashion Never Dies…It Hibernates!

January 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

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!

Filed Under: Fashion & Design Tagged With:
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