Tag Archives: art

Philanthropy – Is This What You are Missing?

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Remember the time you lent a helping hand: opened a door, helped someone move, volunteered at an event? Afterwards I am assuming you had a feeling of empowerment, fulfillment, and the desire to lend another hand…

Why not revert back to those feelings to stretch yourself further in 2013? Instead of the typical ‘eat better and work out more’ resolution that tends to last a few weeks, go beyond an internal resolution and reach out to someone who is more in need.

Join me on February 2nd at the Mason Inn in Washington DC for the ‘give your heART to a child‘ fundraiser for the nonprofit, Family & Youth Initiative (DCFYI), which discovers permanent families for young adults in foster care in the DC area. I have organized this event because I know that without a stable family during my childhood, I would not have the emotional, spiritual, intellectual (I could go on forever) foundation for my future. A permanent home is something that a child wants, and more importantly, DESERVES.

DCFYI Fundraiser

The fundraiser is not just any other ordinary night. I have invited two former NFL players to speak and perform on behalf of the children, two additional singers to perform live, a jewelry designer, urban fashion designer, two graffiti artists (one of which will paint live on an awesome spinning canvas), and a chocolatier. If that isn’t enough, we also have an open bar and appetizers available.

This event happens to take place right before Valentine’s Day so it is a perfect opportunity to purchase a unique present from a well-known local DC artist, which will help the local art community and the foster children in need. Step up your game in 2013 and start your year by having a blast at the Mason Inn for a fantastic cause!

Purchase tickets at the bottom of DCFYI’s webpage or make a donation here.

(If you can’t attend my event or don’t have the money right now to donate – I challenge you to go out and volunteer at a nonprofit in your own neighborhood. I guarantee it will give you the lift you need and truly make a difference in someone else’s life.)

The Other Side of NYC

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I had the opportunity to visit my brother in NYC for the weekend.  With the intention of not scheduling a million things ahead of time, I had the chance to walk around at my own pace and marvel at the city’s greatness. 

Graffiti is an amazing form of installation art – created right on the city walls for all to see.  While some see it as a destruction of property, I welcome it as an ever-changing canvas for artists (hopefully without being offensive).  Below are the unfiltered pictures I took of the city’s graffiti and other amazing architectural designs as I walked the High Line and the various neighborhoods of NYC on Saturday.  I realized that the graffiti was unnoticeable to most while they hurried to their next destination, so I decided to capture the city for them from a different angle as I knew it would be different tomorrow.

What Are Your Toys Really Up To?

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I am almost positive that somewhere in my subconscious there is a deep-rooted will to never grow up.  What is it about toys that bring me back to an obsession with childhood…the freedom and playfulness we oftentimes lose sight of…

I am completely in love with how Marcos Minuchin invents an outside life for toys in his photography.  He is very witty – using action figures to capture humorous scenarios in his creation of The Secret Life of Toys. 

I discovered his artwork on Fab, and each time I find cool and unique contemporary art I feel like I have won the jackpot.  I guarantee his photography will make you laugh.  I don’t know about you, but I plan on purchasing a few of these to remind me to always remain young.

Below are some images from his website…

DC Graffiti Art

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I have an affinity for graffiti.  If you know me well, you will notice I have very few belongings that do not include a paint splash here or there.  When visiting a new city I tend to return with more images of graffiti sprayed on the architecture than of the beautiful surrounding landscapes.  There is something about the spontaneity and freedom of the pieces.  The artists work at such fast speeds that an onlooker would think they have a disregard for the outcomes of the designs, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.  Graffiti artists perfect their art form and can work at quick speeds while maintaining an astonishing eye for detail.

I have had the pleasure of working with DC artist Rajan Sedalia.  He is an unbelievably genuine and modest person who shares my love for graffiti.  He is somewhat of a Renaissance man studying art and industrial design and using his education to blend the boundaries of art, design, comics, and graffiti.  His work is created on any canvas (jackets, shoes, walls, furniture, etc.) except for public buildings, but that is the beauty of graffiti – it can be found anywhere.

About a year and a half ago I wrote him a very candid email explaining how I was in love with his work on artjar.com, how I wanted to get involved, how cool he was, etc., and he graciously let me assist with some of his events and shows.  Always experimenting with his art form to take it to the next level he asked if he could mark up some heels for me to wear around.  The first night I wore them I got countless comments from strangers asking where I got them, how could they get a pair…I never wanted to take them off.  Rajan would never brag about his work or the numerous awards he has won, but believe me when I say that anything he creates is phenomenal.  I encourage you to reach out to him and ask for some custom work…he is more than willing to come up with something personal you or a friend will love.

When I spoke to him about how he became such a talented artist he replied, “I just kept at it. Even when it doesn’t seem like it’s going to work. I kept an open mind and looked for positives in bleak situations. Then, the goodness eventually shines through.”

Put simply, Rajan is down-to-earth and always willing to help out the DC community.  We are working together to throw a fundraiser for foster teens in the area, and I couldn’t be more excited to use his art for a good cause.  If you need the details just ask - it will be a fantastic night of live graffiti painting, appetizers/drinks, and an evening full of music with a talented DJ to raise funds for DC Family and Youth Initiative!

The images below are a very small sample of his work.  If you do decide to purchase one of his pieces, keep it close by…the spotlight is rapidly coming his way.

Rajan is an individual who tackles his dreams every day.  I am going to take a page out of his book and finally pursue mine.

It Is All About Perspective

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I was recently talking with a friend about how quickly life was passing us by.  Wasn’t it just yesterday that I was ecstatic for my first day of college?  After thoroughly bumming ourselves out that we were no longer in our glory days, I read a quote that completely changed my perspective: 

“Do not regret getting older, it is a privilege denied to many.” – Anonymous

Quotes always seem to have impeccable timing.  They are oftentimes so insightful that I regret how I reacted to my previous situation.  Perspective is key in life.  The glass half empty versus glass half full argument – it determines whether you remain parched or finally quench your thirst. 

The other night my roommate laid out all the paint sample cards she had leftover from Home Depot to create a collage for the living room wall.  “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”  Again: perspective.  Artists not only paint different perspectives on canvas, but they also look at the world in a unique way.  They have the ingenuity to ask a local newspaper for extra scrap paper/cardboard so they can continue to create amazing works of art.

My father was gifted with the brilliant ability to see life from this unique angle.  In witnessing my determination to pursue video production, he asked me if I realized what a film truly was.  He then went on to enlighten me that a video is just a play/musical/opera from a different perspective.  Instead of moving the actors around on stage, you have the ability to move the camera audience.  Video has the unique ability to see life from any perspective whether it is a view from the helmet of a skydiver, an underwater angle, or a normal street shot.  The video below shows life from the perspective of a hula hoop.  Very inventive filming, but a quick warning…you may get dizzy.