We Imagine Peace Art Festival

For those of you who follow my blog, you're probably wondering where I've been and what I've been up too! Well, here is what has been consuming the last 4 months of my life...WE IMAGINE PEACE

It's been a hectic couple of weeks as my partner host Kira Rose and I pull the final touches together with this amazing festival.

If you're in Southern California area, come down next Saturday June 16th and join us in a celebration of World Peace and Unity expressed through ART, MUSIC, and wonderful FOOD!

For more details or to RSVP please visit the following link: We Imagine Peace Art Festival

Beauty 101

So I know this isn't exactly artsy fartsy, but I LOVE beauty and makeup. I find makeup to be extremely artistic especially the extreme makeup artists, and seeing as I often use makeup in my own artwork I figured I'd share a few of my favorite beauty tips, supplies, accessories, and style throughout this Blog. Hope you all enjoy! :):)


My recent beauty favorites....

A FEW TIPS:

I LOVE PLAYING WITH EYES!

*Eyeshadow is used to create depth around your eyes, and can even make the eye appear larger than it normally would without eyeshadow. Additionally, you can use eyeshadow as blush, eyeliner, to contour, and to fill in your eyebrows. It's also worth mentioning that eye shadow can give you a boost of confidence, brighten up your face, and hide veins on your eyelids – all of which combine to give you a youthful appearance*

Brown eyes really stand out when you use various shades of blue, gray, purple, brown and green. If you have hazel or green eyes, your complimentary colors are various shades of brown, deep plum purple, bronze and green.

Blue eyes look great with various shades of blue, gray, brown, green and red. Of course, you don't have to follow these guidelines because each person will have a different shade of eye color, skin tone and preference.

Matte eyeshadows don't have any form of glitter, shine or shimmer, and are great to use as a basis for different formulas of other eyeshadows.

Matte shadows are also good for covering discoloration on your eyelids. You can look for matte eyeshadows in both cream and pressed powder form.

Satin eyeshadow finishes aren't completely matte, but give you a nice and light shimmer similar to a peal, and can be found in pressed powder, pencil, or liquid forms of eyeshadow.

Shimmer shadows aren't full-on glittery, but are more sparkly than satin, and can sometimes be sheer enough to allow your skin to peek through. Shimmer eyeshadows that are skin-toned are great to use as highlights on your brow bone, cheekbones, cupids bow, and the bridge of your nose. You'll find shimmer finishes in powder, liquid or pigment formulas.

Frost eyeshadows are meant to be full coverage, but the texture will vary from brand to brand. Frost eyeshadow is best for young girls because this formula tends to fall into wrinkles and magnify them. Look for frost eyeshadows in powder or cream shadow formulas.

Inspiration From The Masters

I have been inspired by numerous artists both historic and contemporary, but the three main artists who have impacted my personal perception of photography and Fine Art are Lothar Wolleh, Jerry Uelsmann, and Jackson Pollock.

 Lothar Wolleh had a very unique and individual style in regards to his photo work. He used characteristic square format for his images, and a majority of them had symmetrical composition. Wolleh was an extraordinary commercial photographer, but he is best remembered for his exceptionally creative portraits of famous artists and sculptors. He would photograph the artists and include their work, while incorporating his own creative ideas into each shot. Wolleh compositionally was able to combine and capture both art and documentary. One image I particularly love Wolleh used a slow shutter speed to create a motion blurring effect. This blurring effect gives this idea that the painter he was photographing becomes one with the canvas. He claimed his work was never accidental, and Wolleh knew in advance what he wanted the outcome of every final piece to be. He was a fantasist and perfectionist, and most often his best images were crafted when he created from a distance. I liken myself to Wolleh in regards to being a fantasists and perfectionist. I generally know in advance how I want my images to look, and am always pushing my creativity to the next level. Lothar Wolleh had his own style of photography, and through my photographic experience I hope to gain an independent style as well. Art is constantly evolving I believe that is one reason Wolleh chose artists as his subjects; however he too has helped evolve the Art of photography. Being an artist myself I appreciate the lengths of creativity Wolleh brought to the photographic world.

Jerry Uelsmann is an avant garde mix master in the dark room. Uelsmann is an exceptional printer producing composite photographs with multiple negatives and extended dark room work. Uelsmann uses up to a dozen enlargers at a time to produce his final pieces. His images create surreal landscapes that interweave images of buildings, rocks, trees, and human figures in fantasist and unexpected ways. Ueslmann often said he had a desire “to amaze himself” and to constantly aim for surprise and a feeling of accomplishment knowing that the work came from him. I too have the desire to “amaze myself” there is no better feeling than being able to say I created something truly unique and original. If there is one thing I love most about Uelsmann's work, it is that every photograph is different. He was in every sense of the word a creator. My most recent photograph was inspired by an image of Uelsmann's. I have never printed using more than one negative before, but now that I have I can see the time and energy he spent perfecting every image he manipulated. Each negative needs the right amount of light to acquire proper exposure. In addition, dodging and burning are necessary for blending certain parts of the image together, as well as maintaining the correct levels of contrast within the image. When I view his work the only word that comes to mind is “amazing”. I hope to one day have that same effect on viewers of my photographic works. I want my art to broaden the way people view the world. Ueslmann’s photography is not that of reality, but something pictured in dreams. My art and photography test the idea of reality and often morphs dreams and reality together in unique and unexpected ways.

"When I am in a painting, I'm not aware of what I'm doing. It is only after a sort of 'get acquainted' period that I see what I have been about. I have no fears about making changes, destroying the image, etc. because the painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through. It is only when I lose contact with the painting that the result is a mess. Otherwise there is pure harmony, an easy give and take, and the painting comes out well." –Jackson Pollock

I believe in order to create something special one has to be open to the idea of change, as well as staying focused and in essence “one with the artwork”. I find it incredible the obstacles Jackson Pollock faced as an artist, and his abstract ways of creating something new. Pollock struggled with drawing and technique in the art realm. I liken myself to Pollock because I too struggle with drawing, but use color and line in an abstract expressive way to create emotion and convey a message through my paintings. Line is one my favorite elements of design, and I do not know anyone who expressed line stronger in their art than Jackson Pollock. I have done a number of drip and fluid paintings, and I absolutely love experimenting with them. I also love that he never gave up on his passion for art, and constantly pushed his creativity outside the norm. I know I will paint for the rest of my life, and I hope to somehow influence the world in a positive way. Like Pollock I want my art to express my inner thoughts and emotions, but also demonstrate a love for mankind.

Today, as I peek through the viewfinder I have the tools and basic principles to capture a good image.  I understand the functions of the camera, and how to acquire the correct exposure. I want my images to become more than just “good” images. I strive for challenges and to push my creativity beyond the norm. I love to create abstract expressive paintings, and experiment with different techniques in art. Researching and learning from historic masters  like Uelsmann, Wolleh, and Pollock I have been inspired to take more than just a picture and do more than just paint. I desire to create a new form of art.

Epitome - A Broken Heart

16"x20" Mixed Media( Lipstick, Eyeliner, Charcoal, Nailpolish, Eyeshadow, Lipgloss)

In every piece of artwork I do the materials used symbolize the message/emotions I'm trying to convey. In this particular piece I used makeup because I feel so often times we as women try to hide or cover our insecurities, when in actuality they are what make us unique and truly beautiful.I wanted this piece to speak for itself for all those who have been "heart broken" due to not being accepted for who they truly are.

My best friend has recently gone through a number of bad break ups. I keep telling her to be patient , focus on herself, and everything else (A GOOD MAN) will fall into place. I've learned all this the hard way. I used to be in her shoes. My relationships wouldn't last for more than a few months, sometimes even weeks, I would fall into a depression state, and lose all interest in things I enjoyed. It wasn't until I re-evaluted the way I viewed myself and focused on my creativity and artwork, that I began to feel truly happy again. Unfortunately heartache is a part of life, and something we as individuals must all go through, but it's how we tap into these emotions and use them as learning experiences that help us grow and adapt as humans.  Not only is Epitome - A Broken Heart a representation of the emotions my dear friend has been feeling, but I believe all can relate to the agony of broken heart in some way, shape, or form. For me, this draws me back to memories of sadder days when I felt very much alone, but it also keeps me humble and grateful for the wonderful loved ones I have in my life, and the supportive loving man by my side. My journey of relationships and past love hasn't been easy, but I can honestly say I would not be the strong willed open minded person I am today without such heartache. Be patient, live life, and most importantly don't be afraid to fall in LOVE.

We Imagine Peace - World Peace Project

W.I.P. official logo created by, April Brosemann and Jessica Martin

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other”

- Mother Teresa

            We Imagine Peace is an international organization of artists established by April Brosemann(Me), Kira Rose, and Erik Terrell. The mission of W.I.P. is to spread world peace through a number of different charity fundraising collaboration master pieces, and showcase the contemporary rising talent of artists worldwide. These unique art projects express unity and the idea “We Are One”. We hope to creatively inspire artists to desire and thirst for a brighter future by expressing the way they view the world in an active pursuit for peace, happiness, and a love for all mankind. Our current project is “World Peace”. The showcased artwork will collectively come together to form the shape of Earth emphasizing our theme of World Peace. To pull this off the W.I.P team selected six topics that reflect peace/nonviolence (TOPICS: love, compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, and forgiveness). Artists were to create an art piece that represented one of the six topics. The exhibition showcasing this wonderful group of artists and artwork will be held on June 16^th 2012 at Nicks Taste of Texas in Covina, CA. After the event all the artwork will be auctioned off, and all proceeds will be donated to the Helping Hands Charity, Inc.

Humility in Brown - Bryan Thorpe

            This beautiful artwork by Bryan Thorpe represents the power of touch to encourage an open mind and understanding. This power of touch enables trust and honesty and breaks down boundaries between individuals. The way the hands cradle each other shows a moment of true compassion and humility. We must always remember those less fortunate, and learn to set aside our individual pride. The color brown is reliable and solid because of its earthy tones and abundance in nature. Thorpe has had a rough road battling alcoholism and says, “Humility has been a driving force within my own recovery.”

White Ant in Sea of Blue – Lance Jeschke

            Lance Jeschke’s art bursts with originality. In this painting the ant symbolizes both strength and unity. Ants are truly a humbled creature devoting their life for the greater good of their colony. The fact that the ant is painted in white represents the pureness of his intentions and willingness to serve.  The sea of blue gives the overall art a peaceful and tranquil feeling. Jeschke had this to say about his unique piece of art, “Ants may be some of the lowliest of creatures but actually some of the most important.”

Green Love – Heidi Lancers

Heidi Lancers’ Green Love is a beautiful depiction of love for the world. The metaphorical wish for world peace is stunningly expressed through individual love songs. It is as though these songs of love are being tunefully played through the wish of an innocent girl and will soon hit earth with a global impact. The whimsical movement takes on a windblown natural feel. Green is a cool color that symbolizes nature and the natural world. Green also represents tranquility, good luck, and health, and is known for its calming effects. Every aspect of this one of a kind painting is peaceful and beautiful. Lancers had this to say about her painting, “I went with the subject "Love" in variations of green. I closed my eyes and this image came to me in a flash, so I had to follow through with the concept. The songs are personal favorites of mine but ones I think all can relate too. The color green to me means renewal, regrowth, and purity.”

Tolerance in Hopeful Yellow – Laura J Holman

            Laura J Holman is an exceptionally talented artist. This piece is gorgeously detailed in different variations of yellow. Yellow is primarily a cheerful color, but also is known to heighten feelings of frustration and anger. It is fantastic that Holman played with the idea of using yellow to teach tolerance. Because of the agitation caused by yellow it can be very difficult to focus and concentrate on the color for too long, and it take patience and tolerance to do so. There is also a representation of tolerance for all mankind depicted in the different faces within the flowers. She painted each face a different skin tone addressing the global idea of racial equality. The faces in the flowers draw attention to the beauty of the woman, which symbolizes the true beauty that exists within the soul despite outward appearance.  Holman had this to say about her striking painting, “While the color yellow is probably the least favorite color for any artist to use, I felt it was perfect for expressing the theme. The color yellow exudes optimism and enlightenment while encouraging communication- a key factor in the concept of tolerance... I took liberty here with the actual lei flower so that the faces would work within this particular flower design. I feel the warm colors in this piece along with the woman's riveting stare pull you in and demand your attention-attention to the concept of tolerance.”

Compassion – Patricia Allingham Carlson

            Patricia Carlson has been a huge advocate for W.I.P. by recruiting her artist friends and student artists to get involved with this wonderful creative cause. This beautiful piece she created for the “World Peace” project tells an amazing story about life and love. Compassion is a tribute piece for a young man who lost his life in park. After he passed away his compassionate brother built a memorial in the park that Patricia Carlson later visited and drew inspiration from. This artwork demonstrates the joy of life, and savoring every moment with loved ones, being patient, and taking time to enjoy a ray of sunshine or a cool breeze. In essence this is a representation of being thankful for the beauty and wonderful people that surround you. Carlson had this to say about the young man who passed away, “I learned “Sully” was a wonderful person, a light too bright to stay on earth. I dedicated the painting to Sullivan, for the rocks and park he loved.”

Patience Green – Celie, 13                  Patience Yellow – Madelyn, 13

            Both Celie and Madelyn are only 13 years old and art students of Patricia Allingham Carlson. One thing W.I.P. strongly believes is that art is universal and is for everyone regardless of age, race, sex, or location. These two young budding artists demonstrate a love for nature and peace throughout the world.  Mother Nature brings new life year after year. The world and all things in it have learned with great patience comes great reward. The innocence represented through these artworks has a profound impact, and these two young artists desire to help those in need through their creativity is truly enlightening. Celie says, “Patience is green.” Madelyn says, “Yellow reminds me of patience because it is such a calming color to me. I love yellow.”

Blue Tolerance – Danielle Davis

Danielle Davis is a truly unique and diverse artist. She aims to express conceptual ideals and inspire understanding through numerous abstract ways. Blue Tolerance has a very peaceful, natural, purity vibe. The dark blues contrasting against the white and lighter blues gives this piece dimension and beautiful flowing movement. The way these colors blend, you can almost feel the freshness bounce right off the canvas. This is a very simplistic yet gorgeous representation of Mother Earth. Danielle Davis says, “I create using simple colors, forms, direction & shapes, presenting them in a symbolic manner that examines the way we as people relate to ourselves & the world in our purest senses. My themes are often explained from the point of a direct observer to achieve this, but always abstract to reflect that greater view...the only absolutes are the questions themselves.”

Yellow Love – Angie Jonas

            Angie Jonas is an amazing collage artist. Yellow Love is a very interesting piece that interweaves a story of romance with and love of nature in a very detailed and discrete way. Much like this busy artwork, love can clutter the mind and overwhelm the senses. This piece tends to evoke emotion and bring back memories of a high school crush or love so scattered and innocent; a mixture of emotions that are the ingredients to finding true love. The male and female hand clasped so tightly together demonstrates the bond created between companionships, and a love that cannot be broken through the tribulations of everyday life.  Jonas said this about her collage, “Don't judge love...God has no gender, God is Love, love has no gender. Simple as that!”

           The We Imagine Peace team has worked for months promoting W.I.P. and recruiting artists all over the globe. We have artists involved from across the United States, England, Australia, Ireland, Spain, and many more. We are so fortunate to be able to work with magnificent artists who are willing to share their talents in a hearty pursuit to help those in need. We chose to donate to the Helping Hands Charity Inc. because they promote a similar message to what our project portrays. They are a passionate caring organization who believes in good people helping good people. Parallel to our mission, they aim to provide disadvantage individuals with tools, support, and training necessary to become creative and useful, self-sustaining citizens.  The Helping Hands Charity Inc. says, “We stand for people empowering those in need by giving them a helping hand-up, not just a hand out.” The greatest way to achieve peace is through each other, and there is something special to be said about people coming together for the greater good of humanity. This is exactly what We Imagine Peace aims to do.

“If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.”

-   Lao Tzu

                                           Blue Humility – “There is always                                             

someone/something bigger than us,

we are very small in the universe, but we should

also care about everything around us

and not be selfish” – Jess Harel

Piece Peace – “What a wonderful world we

would have if we could literally "piece peace"

together.” – April Brosemann & Angela Hobby

Tolerance In Brown – “Peace can be promoted by

protecting and respecting our environment,

only then we have respect for other human beings.”

- Isabel NLopes

Sea of Compassion - "Sea of Compassion

is my representation of yellow and compassion

in a seascape form" - Erik Terrell

Tolerance – “I believe tolerance is a starting

point which should eventually disappear in favor

of acceptance. " - Scott Hamilton

I’ll Save You – Vit Raiser “When the power of love

overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace”

– Jimi Hendrix

Green and Yellow for Patience – “A beautiful old ash

tree patiently clinging to life as every remaining moment

of life is a silent blessing to the world.”

-   Alan Withington

Love in Green – “There are certain things in life that

 evoke feelings whether it be staring into the burning embers

of a fire, the smell of bacon in the morning, or the simple lyrics

of a song...  All you need is love, Love is all you need...

when I hear this song it just makes me smile and I know

everything will be alright.” – Kira Rose

To view more artwork by the all the artists involved in this collaboration, or to get updates on our future projects and exhibition opportunities please visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/weimaginepeace

My Creative Journey....

So for this first post I thought I'd share how my artstic endeavors have lead me to become the artist that I am today....

I have been painting and sketching probably since I was able to hold the pencil or brush. I remember at a very young age, I would sit at the kitchen table and doodle all over my coloring books; however, it wasn’t until high school when I took my first art and photography classes that art starting to have real meaning in my life. My sophomore year of high school I took my first photography class. At that time I didn’t known what 35mm or SLR even meant. My love for photography blossomed as I learned new skills and techniques throughout my high school years. As a senior in high school I was in the most advanced photography classes, and even had the opportunity of teaching the beginners. After graduating I moved on to work for a few different local studios, and gained even more experience in the photographic world. One of my favorite photography jobs was as a sports candid photographer. I would travel to all the different high schools in the West Phoenix valley and photograph their sporting events. It was such a thrilling experience to see the energy from the different high school sports teams come to life through my cameras viewfinder. Photography has become a part of who I am. I see bits and pieces of myself reflected in everything I shoot. In my mind if I’m not photographing I’m not living. My photography is a reflection of what I perceive the world to be in the purest form, a diary of my existence.

Painting on the other hand, has been more of a hobby until recently. Painting for me is a representative visual language that’s purpose is to communicate a broader reality, and inspire understanding and connection from the art piece to viewer. My art display in depth ideals and emotion through it's expressionism and aesthetic design elements (line, color, scale, shape, form, space, and texture). I truly believe art has the capability to change lives, and is for everyone. Through art I aim to creatively express the way I view the world, and hope to challenge individuals to thirst for a brighter future.

"To be an artist is to believe in life." - Henry Moore