ISSUE #32 - CREATIV MAY-JUNE 2019

MUSIC IS FOOD FOR THE SOUL KIRKLANDD AND DAN B

THE ELLIES AWARDS A LOOK BACK AT THE LATEST WINNERS

n y a l m i K

WHEN ART CONSUMES THE SOUL

TRAVEL IN STYLE THE TRUTH ABOUT

VACATION HOME RENTALS AND YOUR PRIVACY

DIGITAL ISSUES At your finger tips W W W . C R E A T I V M A G . N E T Visit www.creativmag.net and enjoy our free digital copies today!

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The Editor's Letter ART APPRECIATION issue

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If you didn’t know yet well, we have a great admiration and appreciation for abstract artists. That’s why the 32nd issue is so special, we put all of our focus on art and not fashion this time. We had the privilege of featuring Kimlayn , a young passionate artist who now resides in California yet grew up here in Miami. Her love for people is the source of inspiration for her art.

We also feature the winners of last year’s Ellies Program by Oolite Arts. Never did we expect to feature such wonderful talent. The Ellies program might as well be for the Elite of artists as they are carefully selected to receive grants for the wonderful work they are doing.

This time around we’ve featured musical artists and artistic entrepreneurs who are complete game changers.

We’ve also had the greatest news to share with you, we’ve launched our special edition for May 2019 in Cleveland OH, certainly a great achievement I the past four years and thanks to Berthony Le-Beau we sure will return to this beautiful city where talent has yet to be discovered.

This issue is for the those who certainly appreciate art in its purest form. We appreciate the contribution of all those who wanted to express themselves on our humble platform and can’t wait to see their evolution as artists.

As always we wouldn’t have the pleasure of giving you this issue without our writer and photographers.

Summer is coming and we are excited of what’s to come.

Here is to our 32nd issue. Enjoy!

CORHINN BRUNOT Founder and Editor in Chief Follow us on IG @creativmag 4 | CREATIV | May - Jun 2019 | www.creativmag.com

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PUSH YOURSELF BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE WILL DO IT FOR YOU

CONTRIBUTORS

Victoria Mccoy

Yvonne NOBLES

Toni Douglas Known by most as "Toni". For eleven years, Toni served her community as a high school English teacher and an Instructional Reading Coach for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Currently, Toni is in pursuit of publishing her first book, Controlling Your Crazy While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend. In her spare time, Toni enjoys shopping, traveling and writing. In addition to writing for CREATIV magazine, she serves as the blogger for The Millionheiress Club and Keva J Swimwear. One day, Toni aspires to be an esteemed author and public speaker. For the mini bio on the article: Toni is in pursuit of publishing her first book, Controlling Your Crazy While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend.

Yvonne Nobles is the founder of Climb42. Along with her husband Louis Nobles, with whom she shared her first kiss nearly 35 years ago, this dynamic duo shine as life coaches, lyricists and motivational speakers. To discover the key to unlocking your greatness, follow them on Instagram and visit them online at climb42.com.

Victoria McCoy writer of the SistaMIA Blog and Host of the Social Sista Podcast is the multimedia journalist who strives to creative positive media platforms within her community. The ultimate goal is to connect black creatives to support, aid, and promote the advancement of the urban black community. www.sistamia305.com

Laura shirk Laura is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer known for profiling international artists and retail marketing campaigns. When she's not pretending to know lyrics or dancing in public, she likes to hit the gym, (over)eat and spend time with family and friends. Connect with her on Instagram: @elleeshirk

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COVER COVER STORY: STORY: Queening Queening as as an an artist artist the the story story of of Kimlayn Kimlayn

May-June 2019

COVER CREDITS: Subject: Subject: Kimlayn Kimlayn Photography Photography by

by LaCienda LaCienda Portraits Portraits LLC LLC

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POP UP ARTs

IN THIS ISSUE

Up Art 16 Pop Caution Tape Art by JB Edmond Up Photography 20 Pop Photos by Karl M. Lee

FEATURED STORIES Spotlight 26 Artist The Four Noble Truths by Achot Alexanyan

COVER STORY

30KIMLAYN When ART consumes your soul the

26

story of an artist

special FEATURE

Ellies Creator Awards 42 The Oolite Arts presents The Ellies Creator Awards Grant Program for Artists

of our times 60 Music Returning Hip Hop to its Roots by Laura Shirk

of our times 64 Music Getting to know Dan B by Victoria McCoy

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Community and Entrepreneurship An interview with Danny Agnew of Roots Collective by Victoria McCoy

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Community and

76 Entrepreneurship Dreams becoming reality - ChelRita Designs

and 78 Community Entrepreneurship Agalia Fashion's Debut

SPECIAL EVENTS OH 82 Cleveland, Creativ debuts its special edition in a new city

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WRITER S CORNER Love 88 Self Weathering the Storm by Yvonne Nobles and Relationships 90 Love The Break Up-to-Make Up Method

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by Toni Douglas Traveling in style The Truth About House Rentals and Privacy by Traveling Diva

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THERE ISAWORLD WHEREALL LOCTICIANS UNITE.

w w w . l o c t i c i a n s a c r o s s t h e w o r l d . c o m

Fashion Art... and Everything in between!

Creativevents.info

Editorial Director

Corhinn Brunot

ARTICLES CONTRIBUTORS Toni Douglas Yvonne Nobles Victoria McCoy Laura Shirk

HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Sean Simpson DISTRIBUTED BY Joomag.com magzter.com issuu.com

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTION Karl M. Lee Louis Giraldo Angela Ritchie Small G

SPECIAL THANKS TO Andrea Salazar Berthony Le-Beau

Reachability

WEB DESIGN

SERVICES www.ccwcnetwork.com 14 | CREATIV | May - Jun 2019 | www.creativmag.com

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Louis W. Nobles, Jr. is the co-founder of Climb42. Along with his wife Yvonne Nobles, with whom he first shared true love's kiss nearly 35 years ago, this dynamic duo shine as life coaches, lyricists and motivational speakers. To discover the key to unlocking your greatness, follow them on Instagram and visit them online at climb42.com. With a focus on helping others shatter glass ceilings - both societal and self-imposed - they work tirelessly to propel the masses to reach new heights. Call 561.914.1233 or 803.979.5865 to schedule your next transformative speaking or coaching event.

Pop-Up Art | Caution Tape by JB Edmond

2nd Year Alter ego beauty bar anniversary Avant-Garde photoshoot.

Creative Director: Alter Ego Beauty Bar Louisa Calixte & Valerie Souverain Photographer: Small G Hair: Valerie Souverain Makeup: JB Edmond Dress : (100% tull & caution tape ) Beautè Kettly by JB Edmond

2nd Year Alter ego beauty bar anniversary Avant-Garde photoshoot.

Creative Director: Alter Ego Beauty Bar Louisa Calixte & Valerie Souverain Photographer: Small G Hair: Valerie Souverain Makeup: JB Edmond Dress : (100% tull & caution tape ) Beautè Kettly by JB Edmond

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Be Creativ Join us at www.creativmag.net

Pop-up Photography | Karl M. Lee

STONES AND YARN 20 | CREATIV | May - Jun 2019 | www.creativmag.com

Photographer: Karl M . LEE Model: Danilsa Ortega Mua: Gisela Gomez

It isn't just the image, it's not just the subject, but it is the story. In the process of capturing these images, requirements need to be met, and certain determination, its all built on team work and the drive to get the shot, which moves your adrenaline from the creative ideas that keeps the motivation going. Once you are behind the camera there is nothing else but you and the thought of living in that moment. we are in the moment, we are in the process of something special, we are on a path, a path of no end. Its all about the work, and my creative photographer and talented makeup artist, we were a team come up with some very interesting work. Karl Lee was so open and had the ideas going and used different lens and lighting to get different looks. My makeup artist, Gisela Gomez, was very patient and was also my hairstylist for the day.

Incorporating stones and yarns definitely was different but we already had a vision in mind so we went for it. With the red yarn, I wanted to feel like my space and movement was limited. As for the rime stones, it was almost a fantasy, being the only one in the room, being soft and mystical. The outcome of these shoots were amazing. The photos from the shoot were amazing but the story and process is memorable.. the Yarn Story, The Diamond story each concept different in they own right, and unique in they own right, beauty is beauty, its a feeling of being, being pretty being powerful, controlling all eyes on me, beauty is a beautiful world taking the viewer somewhere special to my special place...welcome to my journey, beauty can be tied up and knoted, and very hard to unravel, thus its being binded, through life up's and downs we still shine bright like diamonds..

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Pop-up KarlThe M. Lee Special Photography Events | Jazz| In Gardens Photographer: Karl M . LEE Model: Danilsa Ortega Mua: Gisela Gomez

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Photographer: Karl M . LEE Model: Danilsa Ortega Mua: Gisela Gomez

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Artist Spotlight | Ashot Alexanyan

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Four Noble Truths In my works, I often synthesize experience, philosophy, and achievements of two large cultures: Eastern and Western.

In "Four Noble Truths", I synthesized the central teaching of Buddhism about four noble truths and modern abstract - expressive Western art.

According to legend, at the age of 35, sitting under a Bodhi tree in a long dive into concentrated reflection, the Buddha gained an understanding of the true nature of reality.

Later, the first teaching that he gave to his first students was precisely the teaching of the four noble truths. This moment, historically, is called the first turn of the wheel of the teaching.

The first noble truth, like everyone else, is very simple: There is Suffering. In the original, suffering is the Sanskrit term Dukkha ( ), which conveys a wider range of meanings. Dukkha means pain, dissatisfaction, anxiety, stress. Dukkha is a fundamental property of being, causing in a person suffering from change, getting unwanted, not getting what you want, pain of loss, illness, old age and death. Buddha urged, first of all, not to hide from this truth, but to face the truth.

The second noble truth is: there is a cause for suffering. Being in deep concentration, the Buddha saw and realized the relativity of the idea of “I� as a real object. he realized himself as a dynamically changing set of psychophysical sensations that cannot be defined as a real and permanent object. hence the root cause of our suffering is ignorance about our true nature and attachment / desire in the pursuit of material and sensual objects, which basically is a race for things that do not exist, since any thing is changeable. this led him to one of the most profound philosophical concepts of all Buddhism.

The idea of the emptiness of the nature of being, which does not mean a nihilistic absence of anything, and means only that all things are interdependent and interdependent. so all is one and one is all.

Ashot Alexanyan, Visual Artist The third noble truth is: There is a cessation of suffering. It implies that, despite the conditioning, a person can overcome suffering, and completely get rid of it. when the Buddha was in a concentrated state, he clearly identified 12 links of mutually multiplying events, which keep people in a series of sufferings. One of the links he defined as the weakest one is ignorance / ignorance. attacking this link, you can break the chain and stop the whirlwind of suffering - Samsara.

The Fourth Noble Truth: Path to the cessation of suffering. The final Noble Truth is the Buddha's prescription for the end of suffering. This is a set of principles called the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path is also called the Middle Way: it avoids both indulgence and severe asceticism, neither of which the Buddha had found helpful in his search for enlightenment.

The eight stages are not to be taken in order, but rather support and reinforce each other: 1. Right understanding 2. Right intension 3. Right speech 4. Right actions 5. Right livelihood 6. Right effort 7. Right mindfulness 8. Right concentration

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Controlling Your Crazy While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend, discusses these everyday truths that women face. Although I’m here to be as authentic as possible in my writing, my book and blog aren’t about my life.

WWW.CONTROLLINGYOURCRAZY.COM

Cover Story | Kimlayn

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TAKING ART TO NEW HEIGHTS

Kimlayn www.creativmag.com | May - Jun 2019 | CREATIV | 31

Cover Story | Kimlayn

Esther

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Kimlayn is very well traveled and her appreciation for her cultural surroundings feed her will to create new art depicting from the music, traditional garments, body modifications accessories and textiles of the city or country she visits. Her intentions are clear, sharing her love of people through her art. We’ve had the privilege to get to know her better and what we found out is quite inspiring.

Enjoy!

1- How do you think that your Caribbean culture has influenced your art? : Growing up in Jamaica instilled a great love of music and people. The colorful mix of cultures in Jamaica is the greatest influence in my art and they become most of the subjects in my work.

In March of This year Kimlayn attended and participated in the @rawartists 10th anniversary .

- Source: Instagram

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Jamaican born, Miami raised and now currently living in Los Angeles. Kimlayn is a multi passionate artist. Her unique art should only be limited to her imagination. Being a multi faceted artists she explores a plethora of mediums. “My desire to draw and paint has always been a key part of my life.. For my visual art pieces, I use acrylic paint, oil pastels, pencil and charcoal. For my apparel and accessories (clutches and bangles): I use wood, silk embroidery thread, canvas, leather, acrylic paint, Swarovski crystals, metal studs and spikes.”

2- With this fusion of art and fashion where do you see yourself leaning more towards the art or the fashion? And if none do you think that what makes you unique?

I view fashion as art. Although I studied fashion, I’m currently leaning more towards developing my visual artwork. I still release limited edition collection of accessories that are all handcrafted.

She pulls her inspiration from her philanthropy and her love of learning about people and their different cultures worldwide. www.creativmag.com | May - Jun 2019 | CREATIV | 33

Cover Story | Kimlayn

SaDe

Somewhere in Gion

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Cover Story |

Kimlayn

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3- How long have you been a RAW artist and how has it help you in your career?

I became a RAW Miami Artist in 2015, where I released my hand painted clutches. After moving to L.A. in 2017, I joined the Downtown LA location to show my visual artwork for the first time.

4- We all know L.A. is the capital of the arts, has moving to L.A. been a business decision or personal decision?

The move to L.A. was a personal decision and settling here has now become a business decision.

5- Have you encountered any obstacles in your rise to stardom?

If so can you give us an example?

I believe I’m still on my way to greatness.

The life of an artist will most definitely come with many obstacles and I’m not immune to any of it. My own mind has been my biggest obstacle to date.

Comparison, self-doubt and the fear of success has kept me from many opportunities. Learning to trust my own instinct and live in my own lane is the fuel that drives my career upwards.

thing. My mind is always overflowing with creative ideas and it wouldn't be fair to myself or my collectors to ignore those ideas.

8- What encouraging words would you have for the youth aspiring to follow into your footsteps?

Believe you deserve to succeed. Love yourself enough to evolve. Embrace the thing that makes you different. Network is your net worth, so get out and meet people. Never be afraid to fail so much that you don't try. Podcasts and audible books about the business of art or self help related contents go a long way when you’re painting or sewing. Be grateful everyday you wake up because you get another chance to leave your mark on the world.

6- What are your future plans entrepreneurial wise?

I plan on creating new pieces for my first solo exhibit in 2020 while simultaneously adding new accessories to my site. I also plan on partnering with a charity to help young artists develop their creative and business skills.

7- Do you even feel you will ever focus on just one aspect of art? i.e Fashion only or Art only?

I don’t think I’ll ever create only one

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Special Events | Funkshion Fashion Week

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Special Feature | The Ellies Creator Awards

Oolite Arts A HOME FOR THE VISUAL ARTS COMMUNITY

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Reinforced Concrete Acrylic Mix Aluminum.

Art by Troy Simmons

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Special Feature | The Ellies Creator Awards

Edouard Duval-Carrie receives the Michael Richards Award photo credit World Red Eye

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Imagine a world with all its components. Now imagine the world without art. It would probably be the most horrifying feeling ever now wouldn’t it?! Well gratefully there are people and organizations dedicated to the preservation and continuation of art and therefore must be celebrated: Oolite Arts.

“Created in 1984 as ArtCenter/South Florida, the organization has changed its name to Oolite Arts to reflect both its roots and mission.

Oolite is a sedimentary rock formed by shells, corals and other organic material coming together. It is the bedrock of Miami, a fundamental part of our ecosystem. Oolite Arts seeks to be the bedrock of the visual arts in Miami. Formed over time, it is composed of residents, alumnae, curators and visitors, coming together to build a community around contemporary art – a fundamental part of our arts ecosystem.”

The Ellies, a program created by Oolite Arts, celebrates and offers a share of $500,000 to local artists.

Presented by Oolite Arts, The Ellies, Miami’s Visual Arts Awards, are one of the city’s most significant funding opportunities for the artists who make the city the booming cultural destination it is today.

Now in its second year, the Ellies are open to all in three categories.: The Ellies Creator Awards, The Ellies Teacher Travel Grant, The Michael Richards Award. The program provides grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 for new works, and $5,000 travel grants for K-12 art teachers. The application, available online now at TheEllies.org.

In addition, one eminent artist receives the Michael Richards Award, an unrestricted $75,000 award along with a commission from Oolite Arts in collaboration with The Bass, Miami Beach’s contemporary art museum, to be shown at the museum. Edouard Duval-Carrie, noted artist and Oolite Arts alumnus, was the inaugural recipient.

“Over the past decade, our artists have built this city’s reputation as a nationally recognized cultural capital. The first year winners of The Ellies demonstrate why,” said Dennis Scholl, CEO of Oolite Arts.

“We hope The Ellies provide them with the resources to significantly advance their work and elevate their artistic practice.”

In 2018, the first year of the Ellies, Oolite Arts awarded funding to a diverse group of 44 visual artists and art teachers, working across a range of mediums and addressing themes from the environment to immigration and more.

Though the application process terminated on May 20th of this year we look forward to seeing who will bring home the price come this fall.

To find out more about the Ellies Program, please visit https://oolitearts.org/ellies/

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Special Feature | The Ellies Creator Awards

WINNERS OF THE 2018 ELLIES PROGRAM

Symone Titania

Grant: $6K Medium: Photography Symone Titania Major is an award winning documentary photographer, choreographer, and poet from the South Miami Dade town of Goulds. NOTES TO MY YOUNGER SELF/ Women’s Photo Documentary exhibit captures the diverse images and personal handwritten narratives of bold and innovative women of Miami-Dade County.

Woosler

Delisfort Grant: $15K Medium: Film Woosler Delisfort is a Documentary photographer his work “This is Little Haiti” is a multimedia exploration of the people, history and culture of Little Haiti, which is both the cultural capital of the Haitian diaspora and one of Miami’s fastest gentrifying neighborhoods.

GeoVanna Gonzalez

Grant: $5K Medium: Social Practice GeoVanna Gonzalez is a Miami-based artist and curator. Her practice explores shifting notions of gender and identity in our environment, and the relationships between the organic and the technological.

Onajide

Shabaka

Troy

Simmons Grant: $5K Medium: Sculpture Troy Simmons is a Miami based artist, currently in residency at the Bakehouse Art Complex in Wynwood’s Art District.

He explores identity and cultural stereotypes through color, form and structure.

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Grant: $8K Medium: Photography Onajide Shabaka has lived in California and Florida where his art practice is connected through historical/biographical themes related to geography that include African diaspora and Native American cultures.

Michelle Lisa Polissaint

Grant: $10K Medium: Performance Michelle Lisa Polissaint is a visual artist & arts organizer based in Miami, Florida. She is currently completing a Master of Arts in Museum Studies & Non-Profit Management at Johns Hopkins University.

As an artist she explores the nature of human interaction through textiles and photographs.

Marcus Blake

Grant: $6K Medium: Public Art Marcus Blake is a Jamaican-born, Miamibased multimedia artist. His work includes poetry, street art, fashion, performance, event coordinating, intricate collages, acrylic on canvas and visual art.

April

Dobbins Grant: $10K Medium: Film April Dobbins is a photographer, writer, and filmmaker. Her documentary film project, Alabamaland, is an ongoing exploration of African-American culture in the rural South.

Johanne

Rahaman

Juana

Valdes Grant: $18K Medium : Installation As a multi-disciplinary artist Juana Valdes’ work traces, recollects, and records her own personal experience of migration. Her artwork is informed by her Afro-Cuban ethnicity and the experience of growing up in America.

Grant: $20K Medium: Photography Johanne Rahaman is a documentary photographer working in both digital and film formats since 2002. Her most recent body of work, an ongoing photographic archive of shifting urban and rural spaces occupied by the Black communities throughout the State of Florida, consists of environmental portraits, landscape, architectural and still life images, underscoring the urgency and importance of recording neighbourhoods that are in a constant state of flux.

Adler

Guerrier Grant: $15K Medium: Film Adler Guerrier, born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, lives and works in Miami, Florida.

Guerrier will create a film that will depict spaces identified with immigrant groups, and explore how people shape them culturally and politically. This examination will offer images of grace and dignity to counter the dominant framing that depicts immigrant spaces as dirty and dangerous.

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Special Feature | The Ellies Creator Awards

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“Moonshine Moanin” is an exploration of the artist’s queer identity as it relates to being raised in the South. The work will consist of public performances inviting viewers to watch the artist perform the personas of female black queer jazz singers from the 1920s and 30s such as Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith, who spoke openly and unapologetically about their queerness in their work.

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Special Feature | The Ellies Creator Awards

dance - in little Haiti Miami

By Woosler Delisfort

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Augmented Sunrise Beneath The Skin - Installation view by GeoVanna Gonzalez

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Special Feature | The Ellies Creator Awards

Alabama Land by April Dobbins “ALABAMALAND” is a feature-length documentary that is an ongoing exploration of African-American land ownership in the rural South. The film examines three black women’s relationships to their family’s 688-acre Alabama farm – a place that has long provided them with solace, free from the discrimination and limitations they face in the outside world.

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Special Feature | The Ellies Creator Awards

Black House by Marcus Blake “MiamiLith� will take slabs of concrete from the demolition of the old Liberty Square housing complex, and have them painted by local artists and erected as megaliths in open spaces around Liberty City. The community will have the opportunity to enter these lots, walk around, and enjoy these eye-catching structures.

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“Rest Ashore� by Juana Valdes is a multichannel installation that re-examines the experience of migration and how it relates to the current global refugee crisis.

Using the Cuban balsero crisis as a starting point, the exhibition examines how these crises are documented in mass media, while creating a new visual vernacular honoring those who died at sea

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Special Feature | The Ellies Creator Awards

Photo of Franky Cruz in the VML Butterfly painting lab at MOCA in North Miami. Photo by Christopher Mejia

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e e r f pr x e s

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P O S I T I V E

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Special Feature | Music of Our Times - Kirklandd

Returning Hip Hop to Its Roots Kirklandd Plays to Change the Game

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Whether on-stage or off-the-clock, Kirklandd is always present, always in-tune with his surroundings.

Expressing a contagious energy and a healthy level of confidence, the emerging artist takes time to genuinely engage with every person that crosses his path. With big plans to change the genre of hip hop, he’s already on his way to gaining national fame and establishing a loyal fan base. Having recently earned a spot playing Australia’s Groovin the Moo (GTM) music festival and extended his nation-wide Impulse Tour, Kirklandd isn’t planning to press pause anytime soon.

Before releasing his latest single, Impulse ft. Zellow, the Australian rapper spent a year refining his sound and creating a musical aesthetic. While adding to his list of travel stories, Kirklandd embraced personal reflection and gained clarity. Returning to further explore themes such as temptation, pained attraction and self-discovery, he shared with listeners an authentic depiction of a relatable experience. Choosing to challenge himself in other ways, with the making of the music video for Impulse, the artist swapped navigating the complexities of past projects for a more minimal approach. While the concept of the video is simple, its color scheme and lighting choreography offers a multisensory experience. Designed to express a sense of realness, the single-take performance signifies the immediacy of acting on your impulse and the emotional rush that follows.

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Originally influenced by Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor, Kirklandd notes that listening to the album completely changed his outlook on music. Following the introduction, the lesson that hip hop music is more than its repeatedly one-dimensional misogynistic and materialistic lyrics, videos and trends. When skillfully crafted and executed, the medium has the ability to be poetic, abstract and transformative. Having uncovered a passion for word play, Kirklandd spent his teenage years writing songs as a silent hobby. With no end game in mind, he found satisfaction in exploring the creative process.

Fast forward to the turning point of his story: a solo backpacking trip across Europe, a chance meeting with a fellow traveler and the realization that he’d invested more time in making music than anything else in his life. In the middle of conversing about his time abroad (and the importance of the trip in shaping his life), Kirklandd breaks for a moment to consider the reason behind his realization. Evidently thankful for the chain of events, he acknowledges the need to encourage the act of reflecting and realizing among others. With a fresh perspective, he returned home to learn that he was more inclined toward a creative path.

Trading seminar classes for studio sessions, Kirklandd remains committed to learning outside of the classroom.

Guided by the plan of action that has proved successful, he continues to hone his skills, build his network and reach out to industry leaders. With a strong work ethic and a desire to break the mold, the rapper is constantly looking for the collaborative angle and initiating working relationships. Seeking to create hip hop music that is more diverse and more accessible to people outside of the genre, he draws musical influence from pop, rock, electronic and soul. Adapting his inner feelings, social encounters and personal experiences to present a stylish form of storytelling, Kirklandd relies on the past to change the present.

written by

LauraShirk

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Special Feature | Music of Our Times - Kirklandd “Through my music, I aim to paint a picture of my generation as one that is hungry to learn more about themselves, nurture selfcare and discover the true lengths of their ambition. I want to move hip hop away from its old image of depicting women in an objectifying light and glorifying materialism, and instead return it to the beautiful intricacies of the craft that were synonymous with the golden age of hip hop.

I want to both preserve and re-imagine this era in my music; capturing the flow and delivery of the golden age and making it enticing to the modern day listener.”

Coming up, Kirklandd’s next single examines mental health, more specifically, one of the most flawed ways to make yourself feel better: by pretending you are on social media. Although sticking with his current musical aesthetic and minimal approach, Kirklandd’s main focus shifts to flow and delivery with the release of this rap-heavy track.

Looking ahead, the Canberra-born artist is excited to represent his hometown on a global scale and develop his role as the first Australian brand ambassador of Global Citizen. With the hip hop scene in the city yet to form a true 62 | CREATIV | May - Jun 2019 | www.creativmag.com

identity, Kirklandd is a leader of the local music community. Described as a mutually supportive group of players, Kirklandd shares: if one of us is winning, we’re all winning.

To listen to Kirklandd, hit up Spotify, iTunes or SoundCloud To learn more about Kirklandd, follow him on Instagram: @iamkirklandd

VISUAL ARTIST HIGHLIGHT

Georgette Huston.

Georgette Huston is a gifted Mississippi native who has been inspired by many different forms of art her entire life. She attended the Art Institute of Atlanta as a Graphic Design major, and constantly works on strengthening her graphic design skills. Finally taking a leap of faith to fulfill a need in her community, in July 2015, Georgette started her very own art based business... Ge'Marie Visuals. Through her business, her main focus is to create art awareness in whatever areas there is none, and to show others the beauty and benefits of tapping into their artistic side.

Georgette works independently from home as a graphic/visual artist. She has created art throughout the Southwest Mississippi region for over 20 years. Her creations range from servicing baby showers, birthday parties, creating for both the Jefferson County and Franklin County School Systems, many different churches, and many independently owned local businesses.

Her most recent accolades include having her art featured in both the December 2016 and January 2017, issues of the NTUNE ONLINE Art Magazine and her piece entitled "Queenin" was on exhibit as apart of the Black Arts Expo sponsored by the Art & Sol Art Gallery of Miami, Florida, in February 2017. She was finally blessed to do the one thing she has wanted to do for many years...develop her own way of teaching art. This was accomplished through her Summer Art Camp which ran July 17th - 21st, 2017. The Ge'Marie Summer Art Camp will now be an annual event with camps offered to children of all ages.

Georgette's motto is: “If You can SEE IT...You Can CREATE it�, because she believes that in art...no two visions are the same, and our lives just like art is what we make of it.

VISUAL ARTIST HIGHLIGHT

Special Feature | Music of Our Times - Dan B

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So much has been said about the influences that empower and lead younger generations. Influencers can change the mindset of a population, but it's been stated that children and adolescents tend to be more susceptible to what’s heard and seen around them. Controlling the narrative has been an active goal for the entertainment industry for decades, but when will the time arrive for change?.

We have seen the most change occurring in the ’80s when Hip-hop emerged on the scene. It was such a compelling wave of young artists who were speaking on their life experiences and making it be heard worldwide.

Since the inception of Hip-hop, it has become a major influence on the younger generation so much so, that it generated a culture and lifestyle. A culture that made a major impact on anyone who decided to follow in its footsteps.

Many artists have been targeted for their lifestyle and lyrics, portrayed as the villains on the daily within the media. We have seen the effect music has on the mind and soul by the increase of drug use, bad social media influence, and even suicide. The question I was able to ask Dan B during our conversation was how he feels his music can be the influence that changes the narrative in music.

Dan B is an artist located in South Florida who is on the scene to create music that connects and digs deep into our minds on identity, life, and love. Being an artist who is highly aware of his surroundings and how it could make people feel, he devotes his time to make sure his craft reflects just that. The fame and money are not a goals he is trying to conquer. Dan B is striving to change the life of a young man or woman who fights the everyday battle of being the person they are told to be.

His creations represent the struggle that our current and future generations will have to go up against, however we must protect its uniqueness.

The young artist devoted his time daily to his craft but understand how important it is to release meaningful music. I enjoyed the fact that he takes the time to craft a single that represents his cause rather than spending endless time in a studio to create a whole body of work that might not be listened to in one sitting. Even though Dan B is not searching for the fame and record deals, I'm sure he lather will come his way in due time. I believe he is growing an honest and true following that will exude love and support. We see the effect that positivity has on our culture, creators like Dan, are emerging on the scene to change the narrative in the music industry.

B n a D

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Special Feature | Community and Entrepreneurship - Danny Agnew

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW Invited to see the location contributors Victoria McCoy and Louis Giraldo venture out to interview Co-Founder of Roots Collective Danny Agnew .

CLICK PLAY>>>

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Special Feature | Community and Entrepreneurship - Danny Agnew We have leaders that have been recognized worldwide but let’s start giving our accolades to those who are working right next door to us who may not have the millions of followers but still bring aid to their community. I’ll start by giving my accolades to Danny Agnew, co-founder of the Roots Collective in Miami, Florida.

Danny Agnew is a black creator who in my opinion is the epitome of black excellence. He has uplifted himself from a troubled past to become a true beacon amongst his peers and within his community. Agnew is a Chicago native who found his way to Florida during the Treyvon Martin murder and trial. Sanford is where Agnew continued to work towards the security of his community and for the youth who are being affected by it. From this experience Agnew wanted to continue to be active in the community but in a way that connects the diaspora through several platforms. He began to cultivate his ideas in the eclectic communities in the city of Miami. What he created was the Roots Collective.

Roots Collective began as a printing company that created designs to represent “The Culture” that quickly grew to a occupy its own retail space in the heart of Liberty City. Agnew also began to work with youth organizations and supporting entrepreneurship by cultivating the Black Marketplace which is a flea market of several businesses held at several locations between Miami-Dade and Broward. Having access to so many resources to produce sucess, Agnew and peers are sticking to the ones that add positivity and awareness to the community, the main ones being art and creativity.

Danny Agnew

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We enjoy a great leader who can influence a multitude. A leader who represents us, one who shows resilience, intelligence and camaraderie. Within our community we don’t embrace too many that we can look up to that possess all these qualities.

Leaders of any community are needed to help influence those who have lost some hope or who just need a push to help better themselves and their environment.

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He understands the significance of culture portrayed in a business because it is a mirror image of the environment it serves. Roots Collective is on the corner of 54th street and7th Avenue, where showcased art from different artists add so much uniqueness to the space. The homegrown feel of the Roots Collective reaches out to any creative or inspired youth looking for a place to showcase their talents.

It’s imperative that we continue to support those, like Agnew, who are collecting experiences and sharing them to build up the community. Danny Agnew is the epitome of “Black Excellence” because he is the brother, the son, and the influencer who represents for the culture in a unapologetic way.

LOCATION: ROOTS COLLECTIVE BLACK HOUSE

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Special Feature | Community and Entrepreneurship -ChelRita Designs

ChelRita Designs Dreams do become reality

Chelsie Gray

Margarita Ortiz

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Growing up I had not only the love of fashion but also the issue of always trying to be skinny and fit like the models you see in magazines and on TV. I didn’t love who I was and ended up having an eating disorder. It wasn’t till I was in high school where I came to terms of who I was and why I love who I am.

It was also the time that I started focusing all my energy on my career and took as much classes that I could to develop my fundamental in being a fashion designer I took 4 years in art, fashion, and I learned as much as I could In the business part of the career. About 15 years ago is when I met my now best friend/ business partner Margarita Ortiz. For her growing up in a world that always found her pretty yet called her to skinny, to curvy, to white, to dark put a bad taste in her mouth. This caused her to develop anxiety and low self esteem that at times made her feel discouraged at moments. She has been modeling since she was 12 years old so for about 18 years but 4 of those years has been with an agency.

During those 18 years modeling has shown her that unless you fit the criteria of the audience your trying out for you will never be important.

So like any young girls growing up we have had our fair share of self-doubt. With our history in fashion and with our image on our self we started ChelRita designs line in hopes of breaking in the industry and creating not only a safe haven but also encourage women, teens, and young girls that no matter size, shape, or the color of your skin that we are beautiful, sexy, and strong individual that can do anything we put our minds too. We at ChelRita designs know that in order to feel good throughout the day and to love who who we are we need to feel it in the clothes we wear. ChelRita designs clothes that fit all body shapes but we are also comfortable. So we choose everything from the way it looks, to what fabric we use, and to how it feels on you. We put our heart and soul in every piece we make. My business partner and I just recently had the amazing opportunity to feature our newest fashion line in New York Fashion Week this past February. My business partner was able to walk the line in it. We have also been featured in the Connecticut Fashion magazine as well as the Joli en Style Magazine. Our journey might seem crazy and surreal at times, but together we want to make a change in the fashion world and to allow women to love who they are one step at a time starting with what they wear. You can check out our journey, follow and share our message at our Facebook and Instagram page: @chelritadesigns or at our website: www.chelrita.com.

Keep smiling and hugs from, ChelRita designs Chelsie Gray and Margarita Ortiz

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Special Feature | Community and Entrepreneurship - Agalia Fashion

Agalia Fashion

Envisioned by Berthony Le-Beau Pierre, Bert for short, was raised in Miramar, Florida had always a flair for art and fashion. His love for the industry brought him to start his career as a model and transcend to a fashion entrepreneur which led him to create his clothing line AGALIA FASHION debuting this year.

ABOUT THE BRAND Agalia (Greek word for Joy/ Peace) online-based Clothing and accessories Company formed as Limited Liability Company under Florida state laws founded in December 2016

THE MISSION Agalia graphic tees and clothing mission is to provide great fashion for all where personality, passion & panache come at a great price Agalia’s graphic tees: where art meets fashion to bring joy, happiness, and style promoting individuality to the masses.

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C E P SVEN E

L A I CTS N W E L O V E A R T I S T I C F R E E D O M

Special Events | Cleveland Launch

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CREATIV LAUNCHES IN CLEVELAND, OHIO Photos By Mariposa - Angela Ritchie

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NORTH COAST COLLEGE HOSTED OUR LAUNCH IN CLEVELAND AND IT WAS FABULOUS!

Special Events |

Photos By Mariposa - Angela Ritchie

Cleveland Launch

do i look like an intellectual cat? ... well i must be... because i read...me..ow

Writer's Corner | Self Love

Weathering the Storm

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When is the last time you were overwhelmed with anxiety and feared you might drown under the weight of all that burdens you? Maybe you're going through stormy weather even now. Since life is fraught with uncertainty it is vital we keep an even keel, ever determined to keep our footing no matter the strength of the wind that may try to knock us down.

If there is too much on your plate, it is vital that you immediately assess what you can get rid of. Perhaps you're so busy jumping from one task to the next you don't even realize the sum total of all your responsibilities, which constantly shift from day to day. What extra duties have you taken on that can either be delegated or dismissed altogether?

Never allow life's trials to bury you under a pile of misery. See yourself as a flower, marked by resplendent beauty and unyielding strength. Each petal speaks to your P.O.W.E.R. - passion, ownership, wisdom, excellence and resilience. These qualities will help you smoothly navigate the rocky terrain of the great unknown, especially when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel.

Your passion for upholding your conviction will ensure you'll come out on top, even when the odds are stacked against you. And when problems arise, ownershipis key to taking charge - while humbly acknowledging the part you may have played in any contributing factors so solutions will flow more smoothly.

Equally important is your inherent wisdom, which serves as a protection against foolhardy attempts to take things into your own hands. Always strive for excellence in completing any item, particularly when it seems like a monumental undertaking. And resilience separates the strong from the weak; even if you stumble, rise proudly, dust yourself off and stand firm.

After all, stunning beauty can be found even in the midst of chaos - it is simply a matter of perspective. Approach your problems with an artist's eye. Really hone in on a specific aspect - ala pointillism: zoom in on just one dot instead of forcing your mind to accept only the big picture.

You'll find it's much easier to tackle one problem at a time than an endless list all at once. And the sense of accomplishment you gain each time you overcome a hurdle will help fuel you through the next crisis right into tranquility.

Yvonne Nobles is the founder of Climb42. Along with her husband Louis Nobles, with whom she shared her first kiss nearly 35 years ago, this dynamic duo shine as life coaches, lyricists and motivational speakers. To discover the key to unlocking your greatness, follow them on Instagram and visit them online at climb42.com.

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Is the Break Up-toMake Up Method Killing Your Current Relationship or is it Rekindling Dull Flames?!

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Writer's Corner |

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For some couples, breaking up every third Thursday of the month brings excitement to their stagnant relationship. They love the drama, the baby come back speeches and the intense love-making that comes with calling it quits and then coming back together in fear of losing one another.

Breaking up for these kinds of couples ignite feelings that reassure why getting together was a great idea.

Then there are other couples who constantly cut ties and later mend them, yet it’s doing serious damage to the love connection that was once existent. These relationships get to be called “toxic” by onlookers and deemed “unhealthy” by the likes of Dr. Phil and Oprah.

So, what is the Break Up-to-Make Up Method really doing for your situation, and is it worth having to endure the game of going back and forth? Let me tell you. For couples who practice this habit of letting go after arguments or unhappiness and then reestablishing their role with another, they experience emotional breakdown, whether they see it or feel it.

Love and Relationships

just to simply get back together and do it all over again, is for the birds! Sure, couples go through things, but if breaking up seems to be the best resolution, then stick with it instead of playing with emotions that could one day spiral out of control.

The truth is, I’ve been down the road of being with someone on Thanksgiving and ending it all before I could even get a Christmas gift! What’s worse, by the new year I was sipping champagne with the same guy I had dumped, and I would do this four more times before the current year ended. It wasn’t the best decision for me nor the guy I was with. To say it was toxic would be a stretch, but it sure wasn’t a relationship I aspired to have when I thought about the perfect love life for me.

Whether you’re in your relationship for the long haul or you’re making a pit stop, decide if constantly holding on and letting go works in your favor. You may feel okay about it now, but it’ll catch up to your future and eventually break you and your partner down.

Emotionally breaking down wears on your security within your relationship and it can even alter your physical appearance if you’re not careful! While having a fuss and then making love afterward may feel like a fun and dirty soap opera, it does more harm than good. Sure, your partner may get to insist that you’re their one-and-only while you melt over the gushiness, but it doesn’t necessarily mean this kind of behavior is a healthy practice.

For those couples who constantly play Tug of War with each other’s heart strings, and still don’t get a resolve or fulfillment once they get back in good, this act really takes a toll on their heart and their self-worth.

Constantly breaking up with your partner

TONI DOUGLAS Toni is in pursuit of obtaining her Doctorate degree in the field of Education while also pursuing her goals of publishing her first book, "What NOT to Do While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend."

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Writer's Corner |

Travel in Style

Vacation Home Rentals: Protecting Your Privacy

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Vacation home rentals have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Sites such as Airbnb, VRBO, and Home Away have made traveling affordably to the most far-flung destinations possible.

Since these are private rental properties, there some inherit risks involved with renting them. Therefore, the need to be vigilant about safety and security is on the rise.

Privacy Violations

Reports are increasing about violations against guests staying at these rental properties. Some of the most widely reported incidents revolve around privacy violations. These alleged violations have stemmed from allegations that some guests have found hidden cameras in numerous devices. Devices that have been compromised were fire alarms, digital alarm clocks, picture frames, and stuffed animals.

Basically, anywhere a small camera can be hidden. Some of these devices were alleged to be actively recording while others were not. So, the question remains, how do you protect yourself from such personal violations? While there is no surefire way to protect yourself from every possible situation, there are some steps you can take to help minimize having privacy violations while staying in your home away from home.

Writer's Corner | Travel in Style

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Protect Yourself A.

According to many security experts, there are a few methods you can use to try and minimize having your privacy violated.

Scanning Radio Frequencies. It’s possible to scan radio frequencies to determine if there is an active hidden camera being using in the home. Radio scanners can easily be found and purchased commercially for as low as $100. Keep in mind that, while effective, these devices can only detect an actively transmitting radio frequency. If the frequency is transmitting in intervals then this device will not be as accurate or beneficial.

B. C.

E.

Physical Inspection. Arguably, a physical inspection is the most challenging of all detections, as it may require access to spaces that are off limits to you. Nonetheless, you can eyeball a room to see if there are extra wires where there shouldn’t be; small holes in walls or other areas where they shouldn’t be; or a double-sided mirror (Put your fingernail to the mirror. There should be a gap between your fingernail and the reflection in the mirror.)

Detecting Lenses. You can detect a hidden camera using the flashlight on your smart phone. It will take time, patience, and using multiple angles to scan a room. Turn off all the lights and draw the curtains so you have complete darkness.

Turn on your phone’s flashlight and sweep the room in slow methodical movements to look for a camera lens. A lens will give a reflective light.

D.

Apps.

There are several camera detection apps that are available for a minimal cost. Check your phone’s app store for these detection apps.

Once downloaded, you wan use them to detect cameras.

Stop and Listen. Many cameras are motion activated. Walking around a quiet room will enable you to hear the quiet click and buzz sound a motion sensor camera may make. You’ll have to listen carefully to dictate the location.

But, where should you look for possible hidden devices?

Areas and Appliances to Investigate You can scan or physically check smoke detectors, mirrors, books, walk décor, clock radios, stuffed animals, digital TVs or TV boxes, wall sockets, house plants, doors and walls. It would also be wise to make note of the location of appliances and other objects within the space. Upon your return to the home, look around to make sure there are no new and unexpected items in the home or items placed in new locations.

While nothing is guaranteed, taking a few steps to protect your privacy and safety while traveling is paramount to having a great trip. Don’t be overly alarmed, but do be conscientious about your safety, security, and privacy. www.creativmag.com | May - Jun 2019 | CREATIV | 95

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