ISSUE #34 SEPT-OCT 2019

SHAINDY EL CAVO ARMAGAN

KAREN PETERSON A UNIQUE FORM

ABSTRACT ART SPEAKING ALOUD

A UNIQUE FORM OF ART INITIATED SINCE 1990

a i z A

MUSIC ART FASHION RULE HER LIFE!

FALL IS HERE! SAYING GOODBYE TO SUMMER NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

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The CREATIVITY issue

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FALL IS HERE! Another beautiful issue featuring a beautiful person, AZIA proves to be that diamond in a rough who underneath the surface is indeed this beautiful person .

Getting close and personal with her only taught us one thing is to never judge a book by its cover. When one is able to use their celebrity power to do some good in the world it needs to be celebrated find out more inside this issue. Moreover, Caribbean carnival is right around the corner, see what designer Desma Bidjou-Kerekes for Amsed BK created and will be showcasing for this year’s annual festivities.

We’ve discovered that without art the world will emotionally die and for this reason we always make sure that we feature visual artists that express themselves through the brush such as El Cavo , Arma an Korkmaz, Shaindy Halpern and Erika Mash.

Talented , creative and expressive all the great qualities of an artist.

With this said we try our best not to disappoint. Thank you so our contributing writers who always dedicate their time to this labor of love. Here is to the 34th issue. Enjoy!

CORHINN BRUNOT Founder and Editor in Chief Follow us on IG @creativmag

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Editor's Letter

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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 NonExistent 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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60 COVER COVER STORY: STORY: Musical Musical AZIA AZIA

Sept - Oct 2019

COVER CREDITS: Costumes Costumes designed designed by by // Desma Desma Bidjou-Kerekes Bidjou-Kerekes for for Amsed Amsed BK BK Band Band// Freaks Freaks Mas Mas Section Section// Calypso Calypso Photographer Photographer// Hugh Hugh Morris Morris Photography Photography Makeup Makeup// Jamila Jamila Smith Smith

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IN THIS ISSUE

POP UP ARTs Up Art 18 Pop Abstract Art by Shaindy Halpern Up Art 20 Pop Abstract Art by Armagan Korkmaz

FEATURED STORIES Spotlight 24 Artist Getting to know El Cavo

by Laura Shirk

Photography 34 Artistic SKY VIEW by Karl. M. Lee Fashion Photography 44 Artistic Active Intimates by Bob J With model Erika Mash

special FEATURE The World of Dance 52 In Forward Motion Physically Integrated

24 52

74

Dance Festival

COVER STORY

60 AZIA An artistic Fashion Presentation by Hugh Harris

fashion feature

Pop Life 48 Pinoy

By Designer Tracy Dizon Photoshoot by Dennis Madigan

SPECIAL EVENTS nyfw

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Kaoutar Chaoui 86 Ziana Photos by Dennis Madigan Yaya Designs 88 Natalia Photos by Dennis Madigan

WRITER S CORNER and Relationships 92 Love "The Pressures from Social Media Posts Might be the Reasons why are Taking Longer to Commit" by Toni Douglas

44

84

in style 94 Traveling Machu Pichu Lost City of Inka

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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 Dennis Madigan Karl Lee Hugh Harris

SPECIAL THANKS TO Andrea Salazar

Reachability

WEB DESIGN

SERVICES www.ccwcnetwork.com 14 | CREATIV | Sept - Oct 2019 | www.creativmag.com

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Pop-Up Art | Shaindy Halpern

IS ALL AROUND US Shaindy ART ART IS IN THE WORLD ITSELF Halpern

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Her name is Shaindy Halpern, a freelance artist living in upstate New York and she’s only seventeen years old. Passionate about art from a young age, she taught herself most of the techniques and just by taking some online art classes. Inspired by the world around her and the nature she’s surrounded with Her style is semi realistic and whimsical. One of her favorite subjects to paint is the ocean. “I love the colors and movement in the waves.” An emerging artist in her own right find out more on www.shaindyhalpernart.com

Photography provided by Artist

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Pop-Up Art | Armagan Korkmaz The Mysteries Eleusis

The Mysteries of Eleusis-3

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Armagan Korkmaz

The Mysteries of Eleusis - 2

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Featured Stories | El Cavo

written by

Laura Shirk

E L C A V O

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S

Sneaking around in the dark, tagging bridges, buildings and trains.

society and explore re-occurring digital, social and political themes.

These late night moves and marks served as El Cavo’s introduction to the art world.

Drawing from his interest in the bright colors and pop culture of the 1980s, El Cavo is relaxed and free with his brush. As a youngster, overloaded with the first signs of modern times, music videos and arcade games helped to shape his mind. An example of how the first decade of your life is an influential time, the neon aesthetic of the 80s had a lasting impact on El Cavo’s artistic style. He briefly reminisces about the pink shirts and turquoise shoes, the move to mainstream of art and advertising – and absorbing it all.

Before long, the excitement of graffiti life turned into a fascination for great painters.

As a youth, the Las Vegas based artist spent hours reading about familiar names, learning about their lives, looking at pictures of their work and analyzing their creative processes.

He admits that he is still trying to figure it out. El Cavo went on to study Fine Art and Creative Writing at Pennsylvania State University and transition to abstract painting, relying heavily on the juxtaposition of words and symbols.

Beyond the bold patterns and crazy designs of the past, El Cavo is inspired by travel and Continuing in this tradition, El Cavo brings to change. Within his short lifetime, he has lived life color and content, blends figures, words around the world, worked in a variety of and symbols by applying enamel and oil fields, observed a range of cultures and paints on canvas. It’s suggested that his experienced the horrors of war. The artist approach to transforming large scale says that these things build character and canvases stems from his days as a graffiti wisdom and not only impact your creativity, artist spraying big words across bigger but also your entire life. surfaces. The artist needs room to move.

When asked about the emotional reaction he “I see my work as a modern looks to generate among his viewers, El Cavo petroglyph. I’m trying to capture a notes, “My aim is to make paintings period of time in paint. I use symbols that are visually appealing, with and words that are relevant to today. content that people are intrigued by A thousand years ago, an artist and connect with, beyond that I’m not painted things relevant to their time, concerned with any specific reaction maybe a deer or the sun, things they the viewer might have. For me, what’s often deified and worshiped. I’m doing important is that there’s a reaction, the same, except I paint the things we not what kind of reaction there is.” worship, like a dollar sign or hashtag – our modern gods,” shares El Cavo.

Described as chaos-fueled, roomcommanding works that open a space for all generations to take a break from their screens and immerse themselves in important messages of change & what it means to be fully connected with one another, El Cavo’s collection is an expression of the things that he observes when he looks around: cellphones, televisions, computers, Internet, social media. With titles such as Eat the Rich and The Hashtag Bourgeoisie, his energetic and vibrant works are influenced by the rise of technology and its effects on modern

Prisoners

6_ x 5_ Enamels and Acrylics

Featured Stories | El Cavo

I Exist

3_ x 5_ Enamels, Oils, Acrylics

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Up next for the artist, the upcoming exhibition: Signs of the Times: Observing Modern America. This October, El Cavo will take over Waterhole Kingdom with what he calls thirty paintings and a sculpture, some video projection, a hundred umbrellas and a lot of color. Encouraging viewers to be present and start a dialogue to propagate ideas of change, Sign of the Times confronts current socio-political issues such as environment, war, class, gender, political positioning, media tactics and the disillusionment of the American Dream.

To learn more about El Cavo, check out his work online: https://www.elcavo.com and follow him on Instagram: @el.cavo

Save The Humans

5_ x 4_ Enamels, Acrylics, Spray Paint

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Featured Stories | El Cavo

aLIvE

Howl

4_ x 5_ Enamels and Acrylics

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Rattle Slew, aka American Anagram

Alpha Bet

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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

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SKY VIEW

Photography | Karl M. Lee

Model: Marium Ali Pink Ball Gown, with Lace Bodice: Victor10188 “Fairy Gnome Hi-Hat”, in Pink Organza: House of GoGé Make-Up and Hair: Nina Ahjahnia Stylist: Rochelle Miller Photographer: Karl M. Lee

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Photography | Karl M. Lee

Model: Marium Ali Pink Ball Gown, with Lace Bodice: Victor10188 “Fairy Gnome Hi-Hat”, in Pink Organza: House of GoGé Make-Up and Hair: Nina Ahjahnia Stylist: Rochelle Miller Photographer: Karl M. Lee

Model: Marium Ali Pink Ball Gown, with Lace Bodice: Victor10188 “Fairy Gnome Hi-Hat”, in Pink Organza: House of GoGé Make-Up and Hair: Nina Ahjahnia Stylist: Rochelle Miller Photographer: Karl M. Lee

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Photography | Karl M. Lee

Model: Marium Ali Floor Length, Black Satin Gown: 2018.Good_Dress Rubber Dome Cap w/ Tails: God96TW Spiked ‘Maleficient’ Shoulder Shrug: Fraise au Loup “Faux Leather & Floral Belting”: House of GoGé Make-Up and Hair: Nina Ahjahnia Stylist: Rochelle Miller Photographer: Karl M. Lee

The lush and beautiful surroundings of Philadelphia’s newest recreational attraction, The Rail Park - sets the tone for the ambiance and clandestine backdrop in the “SkyView” photoshoot.

An experience for both the industrial enthusiast and the timeless romantic; the elevated greenway of The Rail Park, lent to the spectacular 360 degree scenic backdrop of “SkyView”! Posh pink, bold black and gun-metal grey offer some insight to the revolutionary ensembles of this positively electrifying shoot!

With a an unbelievably calm and crystal clear blue sky, one abounding in extraordinarily cottony clouds - seasoned MUA Nina Ahjahnia, initially sets the tone of the shoot with first, a refined and classically clean beauty look – then, puts all other MUA’s on notice with her fiercely chic, dark and gothic face-beat!

At first glance, the viewer is initially captivated by the atmospheric ambiance and beauty – but they ultimately become utterly regaled in the refinement and ‘pure sophistication’ at the various lookout posts of The Rail Park. All of which oversee the stylish “Loft District”, just a few short blocks from a bustling Chinatown. However, with all there is to see at “Rail Park”, the feminine simplicity and brash & explosive audaciousness in the innovative silhouettes of runway and print model, Marium Ali ultimately lends to the symptomatic awe as found in the final shots.

Captured with precision accuracy, fashion photographer Karl M. Lee effortlessly fuses an ultra-modern atmosphere, with that of innovative photography, cutting edge garments and customized collaborative accessories, as presented by on-set stylist and couture clothing & accessory designer, Rochelle Miller for House of GoGé.

Elegance personified, femme fatale fierce and intentionally entertaining, “SkyView” denotes the strength, resilience and timeless individuality, as manifested in every women.

Model: Marium Ali Floor Length, Black Satin Gown: 2018.Good_Dress Rubber Dome Cap w/ Tails: God96TW Spiked ‘Maleficient’ Shoulder Shrug: Fraise au Loup “Faux Leather & Floral Belting”: House of GoGé Make-Up and Hair: Nina Ahjahnia Stylist: Rochelle Miller Photographer: Karl M. Lee

Photography | Karl M. Lee

Model: Marium Ali Floor Length, Black Satin Gown: 2018.Good_Dress Rubber Dome Cap w/ Tails: God96TW Spiked ‘Maleficient’ Shoulder Shrug: Fraise au Loup “Faux Leather & Floral Belting”: House of GoGé Make-Up and Hair: Nina Ahjahnia Stylist: Rochelle Miller Photographer: Karl M. Lee 40 | CREATIV | Sept - Oct 2019 | www.creativmag.com

Model: Marium Ali Floor Length, Black Satin Gown: 2018.Good_Dress Rubber Dome Cap w/ Tails: God96TW Spiked ‘Maleficient’ Shoulder Shrug: Fraise au Loup “Faux Leather & Floral Belting”: House of GoGé Make-Up and Hair: Nina Ahjahnia Stylist: Rochelle Miller Photographer: Karl M. Lee

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READ OUR BLOG CREATIVMAG.COM

Photography | Erika Marsh

Photographer/Bob J Model/ Erika Mash Agency/ MoreThanModeling Designer/ Activ Intimates MUA/ Laurie M at Activ Intimates Hair/ C-J H at Activ Intimates

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Activ Intimates are a luxury loungewear and lingerie brand based in the heat of the Arizona desert. Activ Intimates won Phoenix Emerging Fashion Designer of the Year 2018 when they showcased an array of sexy and provocative intimate wear, as well as their comfortable and versatile loungewear pieces. The thought behind each piece is to empower women of all shapes and sizes, helping them feel and be their sexy true selves!

They are an eco-conscious green brand, and everything from the fabrics they source, to their exquisite lacy items being sewn, takes place within the USA. Their pieces are functional and multi purposeful allowing their customers to wear their items both in the privacy of their bedrooms and on the streets mixing and matching even the lingerie with every day clothing items such as jeans and skirts.

The location of this photoshoot was in the White Sand Dunes of New Mexico on a hot summers day. The simplistic beauty of the location ties with the elegant items made by Activ Intimates' collection.

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Photography | Erika Marsh

Photographer/Bob J Model/ Erika Mash Agency/ MoreThanModeling Designer/ Activ Intimates MUA/ Laurie M at Activ Intimates Hair/ C-J H at Activ Intimates

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Photography | Erika Marsh

Photographer/Bob J Model/ Erika Mash Agency/ MoreThanModeling Designer/ Activ Intimates MUA/ Laurie M at Activ Intimates Hair/ C-J H at Activ Intimates

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Photographer/Bob J Model/ Erika Mash Agency/ MoreThanModeling Designer/ Activ Intimates MUA/ Laurie M at Activ Intimates Hair/ C-J H at Activ Intimates

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Special Feature | Karen Peterson

Movement Like You've Never Seen Before!

Special Feature | Brian Banks

Alice Sheppard and Laurel Lawson arch backwards in their wheelchairs past the point of tipping. Their throats are open and necks released. The only thing that keeps them from falling is Laurel holding Alice's legs as a counter balance. Photo by Noor Eemaan Jaffery; courtesy of Jacob's Pillow.

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Special Feature | Karen Peterson This week, FORWARD MOTION, Miami's International Physically Integrated Dance Festival and Conference will be taking place for a second year on September 25th through the 28th in Miami, and it's one of the first festivals and conferences anywhere in the world showcasing groundbreaking physically integrated dance companies and choreography.

Unfinished_ Photographer Peter Yesley, L-R Jerron Herman & Meredith Fages.

SECOND ANNUAL FORWARD MOTION PHYSICALLY INTEGRATED DANCE FESTIVAL & CONFERENCE COMING TO MIAMI From time to time we come across art and artists that just take our breath away. I’ve always been a fan of ballet. I would be remiss also if I didn’t share with you that as a young girl I had the privilege of experience cultural dance and ballet. Perhaps this is why I have so much appreciation for this form of art that I felt in awe when I discovered the physically impaired were part of an excellent league of performers touring the world and leaving an impact on their audience around the world.

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We had the privilege of getting to know one of its main organizers, Karen Perterson, whose excellent reputation precedes her, Founder, Artistic Director, Choreographer. She trained as a dancer so needless to say that dance was always in her blood, she graduated from the Boston Conservatory, became co-artistic director of Momentum and then started her own organization in 1990.

She received many awards from Miami Dade Department of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs for her physically integrated choreography. Through a conversation with Karen we’ve gotten to know a little bit more about what

CREATIV: I actually read about the organization and I think you're doing something wonderful.

You'll have to forgive me, it's actually the first time that I've ever encountered such unique, extraordinary and inspirational form of art.

KAREN: Thank you.

CREATIV: You'll have to tell me the very first time that you put on your show. Did you think that you would have any obstacles on presenting it to the world, or how did it feel?

KAREN: Well, the first time I created a trio with a woman who had multiple sclerosis and she used a wheelchair. I was interested in collaborations and I was

interested in her story about her life. So she was the inspiration for the dance that I made. And you know, over the time, the past 30 years the dance form disability dance has grown by leaps and bounds throughout the country and throughout the world. So this festival is a sort of an annual festival conference to show where the dance form is at right now.

CREATIV: Your physically challenged dancers don't feel like they are different from any other dancers.

So for me it was really mind boggling and just extraordinary.

Putting on a show like that, for people who let's say have never seen something like that, what message do you want them to take out of it?

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Special Feature | Karen Peterson

_Fairy Tales,_ photographer Stephen Wright, L-R Lauren Russell & Laura Jone

KAREN: Well, often the message is that people and the dancers with disabilities, I mean they train and they work in the studio the same amount of hours as able body dancers. They're both training and they're focused and their participation in the process, even though it's just they have different difficulties, their commitment just to do the same to the dance form.

I mean most, many audience members go away being sort of moved and inspired just to see you know how dance organizations choreography integrated with members of all abilities.

CREATIV: I mean I've taken a few ballet classes when I was a kid but I have to say is grueling. So I can only imagine, you know, what they go through in terms of, you know, rehearsals and stuff like that. So do you feel that you're ready for next week's performance or how are you preparing for this?

KAREN: Well we are ready, I mean the dance were presenting. They've worked on this dance for five

months. We know we've worked with, committed to part time hours. Dancers are on a salary. This is more like a social community group. All the trips that you see are, you know, they're professionally driven, meaning they get paid for rehearses, paid for performance, every dancer that comes to Miami they're getting paid as a professional dance company. But we're all ready, everything's in place.

Totally organized.

CREATIV: Awesome. Awesome. So since you've created such an empire, do you feel that you've reached the apex of your career or do you still think that you still have some creativity left for the world?

KAREN: I need a little break after this. I still feel like there is more for me to say. I mean, I am also interested in sharing the, that I have done past sharing the responsibilities with another person as a choreographer or as a director. And so I would say I yeah, no.

CREATIV: Just the other day I was reading about how you won the best dance company from the Miami New Times. Congratulations, by the way. So how did it feel when you actually won this award?

KAREN: Thank you. Yeah, I did such an accolade. That's very nice, I mean, the good news from there were no accolades and then there has been years when there are bad reviews. The part about it is that just sticking to it for so many years, keeping my focus intact and I just happened to get lucky to deal with a nice group of dancers. So, yeah. Yeah.

CREATIV: That's good. That's good. Now, let's say, you know, you get one of those bad reviews. Do you just shrug your shoulders and say, you know what, it's whatever we're going to keep doing what we're doing. Or do you think that it affected you in any way?

KAREN: Well, I'm at this stage of the game doing and I just keep doing the work and Miami doesn't really have the, Oh, I don't know. Miami doesn’t have a broad all dance community and we are out here working together. We've been trying to put one foot in front of the next day by day. And so the reviews really for me at this point doesn't really make that much difference.

all abilities can work together through the language of movement.

CREATIV: Yes. Yes, exactly. And I'm pretty sure, the little girls and boys that are physically challenged in their young age can look at you and say, you know what, I could actually do this when I grow up.

KAREN: I think in today's world there's more and more opportunities for people with disabilities to expand their horizons physically and intellectually and academically. I mean the passing of the ADA laws in 1990. There's been so many opportunities with people who have disabilities and dance and performance. It's one of them.

CREATIV: You are absolutely right with the advancement of technology these days, we can only improve on that, certainly.

Karen We Thank you so much for allowing us to get to know your craft a little better. I can't wait to see the performance and as we like to say in the and the entertainment world, Break a leg. the featured dance companies for Forward Motion 2: September 25 -28, 2019: Step Change Dance, Kinetic Light, Heidi Latsky Dance, Karen Peterson and Dancers. To get more information about tickets and schedule visit https://www. karenpetersondancers.org/

CREATIV: Got it. Got it. Well, I always like to offer some inspirational words to, let's say, you know, people who read our magazine and to let them feel inspired. So would you like to share an inspirational moment with us?

KAREN: Oh, lets see. An inspirational moment. I can say one. One thing that we do is we'll set up the years to be, we give a survey to the audience members and we asked them to describe the performance in three words and how would you describe the performance? And they list three words and the words are always just so encouraging. And after their thing, because I don't really have a chance to get to speak to the audience members and they come and they see the dance and they leave. But the surveys should be the true indication that people, the audience should walk away being changed in some way. Being inspired about how www.creativmag.com | Sept - Oct 2019 | CREATIV | 57

731 DAYS OF SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS. GET IT DONE!

FIND OUT MORE HERE WWW.CCWCNETWORK.COM

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a i z A Featuring a collection of Caribbean Carnival inspired costumes. Photographed by

Hugh Morris

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AZIA

Cover Story | AZIA

H

ACTRESS SINGER MODEL BOSS!

aitian Trinidadian born was the trigger for us..Ok ok let’s face it, if you haven’t figured it out yet, we love a good come up story! We have to admit discovering AZIA and what she stands for in terms of philanthropy was the main reason we were drawn to her. However should you have never heard of her before let’s dive in her back story shall we?!

Azia appeared as a main cast member in the new BET reality TV series called Hustle in Brooklyn which premiered in 2018. She has appeared in several music videos for other artists like Desiigner and Trey Songz.

She’s left her imprint in the industry as a rapper, model, and even in acting. Born in Queens NY She was raised in Brooklyn, New York City by her Haitian mother and Trinidadian father.

Influenced by Trinidad’s SOCA and Haiti’s Kompa through her parents, wetting her feet in the music industry was a breeze, coming up with her unique sound stemming from Caribbean roots music, adding trap and hip-hop to her music. Her latest single, “Plates with Snakes,” is already gaining a lot of popularity and we couldn’t wait to get close and personal with the star herself:

Q. First and foremost, congratulations on all this success…My very first question to you would be Have you visited Haiti yet or do you plan on visiting soon?

A. Yes i have visited Haiti! I went last year on an influencer trip and it was BOMB! SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PLACE! The site seeing was just more than I could imagine & since I’ve been there it’s been on my mind to figure out how I can give back.

Q. As a multi-talented artist, though with Caribbean roots you’ve embraced Hip Hop not only with music but also with Fashion, how do you think you’ve incorporated your Caribbean background into your art?

A. I think me just being Caribbean it spills over naturally. My mom is haitan & my dad is Trinidadian so to be honest that is already a culture overload lol. So it isn't something I have to be conscious over, it just comes naturally since that's who I am.

Q. We commend you on being a giver to your community, we would love to know a little more about your initiative on Bullying awareness. Is there a backstory? Why have you chosen this particular subject?

A. To be honest, I'm just an empathetic person and the state of the world seems as though we have lost empathy for each other as a whole. It is important to teach the youth how to love, and be kind! How to be a friend, how to be a good stand up person. These things matter in life!

Q. Do you already know which school you are going to visit first while launching “World School Tour” in September?

A. No we are still adding schools daily! So im just excited to start the tour in general! It’s going to be a beautiful experience!

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Costumes designed by / Desma Bidjou-Kerekes for Amsed BK Band/ Freaks Mas Section/ Calypso Photographer/ Hugh Morris Photography Makeup/ Jamila Smith

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Cover Story | AZIA

Costumes designed by / Desma Bidjou-Kerekes for Amsed BK Band/ Freaks Mas Section/ Calypso Photographer/ Hugh Morris Photography Makeup/ Jamila Smith

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Cover Story | AZIA

Costumes designed by / Desma Bidjou-Kerekes for Amsed BK Band/ Freaks Mas Section/ Calypso Photographer/ Hugh Morris Photography Makeup/ Jamila Smith

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Q. After such a fun glamourous photoshoot for the Carnival season we have to know where you plan on celebrating, is it Miami or Brooklyn?

A. Both Miami and Brooklyn! I love carnival season, its a chance to celebrate my beautiful culture in a judgment free zone! What more could I ask for.

Q. With your cosmetics line, music and activism, seems like you’ve only scratched the surface on the subject of reaching your goals, what would you consider your ultimate achievement throughout this journey? Would you say that you’ve reached the apex of your career?

A. Ohhhh no I definitely haven't reached the apex of my career!

My ultimate goal is financial freedom and of course more grammys than Quincy Jones. I'm playing catch up right about now!

Q. Let’s talk about your music a bit, your latest single visually as well as lyrically talks about “Plates with Snakes” what inspired those lyrics?

A. Maaan! to be honest, I just got to a point in life where it’s tiring to work with people who you think are one way to later find out they are another! So plates with snakes is about that, not working with people who are misleading about who they are.

That’s why I have so many snakes in the video, literally we see they are snakes so we know to expect the unexpected; but when dealing with humans the surprise is almost always inevitable.

Q. Everyone dreams one day to meet their idol, is there someone in the industry that you would like to work with that you haven’t worked with before?

A. Absolutely! Hola Hovitio lol! I would have to say Jay Z, Beyonce, Drake & Sade. I would love and be honored to collab with any of these talented bossed up individuals.

Q. You are an inspiration to the generation coming after us, what encouraging words would you have for the youth aspiring to follow into your footsteps?

A. To the youth coming up behind me, I would say stay humble and don't quit! There will be more no’ than yes’ but stay the course! Anything is possible!

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Cover Story | AZIA

Costumes designed by / Desma Bidjou-Kerekes for Amsed BK Band/ Freaks Mas Section/ Calypso Photographer/ Hugh Morris Photography Makeup/ Jamila Smith

Cover Story | AZIA Costumes designed by / Desma Bidjou-Kerekes for Amsed BK Band/ Freaks Mas Section/ Calypso Photographer/ Hugh Morris Photography Makeup/ Jamila Smith

Costumes designed by / Desma Bidjou-Kerekes for Amsed BK Band/ Freaks Mas Section/ Calypso Photographer/ Hugh Morris Photography Makeup/ Jamila Smith

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Fashion Feature | Tracy Dizon

Designer Tracy Dizon closing the summer with a BANG!

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Photography by Dennis Madigan Make up: Verushka Benitez Assistant MUA: Stacey Stephenson Accessories: Farah Abu Models : Jackie Paras Ms.Golden World 2018, Haven Wehrli • Mackenzie Reape • Angelie Bechtler • Maria Rivera • Jennifer Paras • Caroline Paras • Mico Ylagan • Arwen Celis • Amanda Russo Ms. Young Philippines USA 2019

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Special Launch Fashion Events Feature| Cleveland | Tracy Dizon Photography by Dennis Madigan Make up: Verushka Benitez Assistant MUA: Stacey Stephenson Accessories: Farah Abu Models : Jackie Paras Ms.Golden World 2018, Haven Wehrli • Mackenzie Reape • Angelie Bechtler • Maria Rivera • Jennifer Paras • Caroline Paras • Mico Ylagan • Arwen Celis • Amanda Russo Ms. Young Philippines USA 2019

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Photography by Dennis Madigan Make up: Verushka Benitez Assistant MUA: Stacey Stephenson Accessories: Farah Abu Models : Jackie Paras Ms.Golden World 2018, Haven Wehrli • Mackenzie Reape • Angelie Bechtler • Maria Rivera • Jennifer Paras • Caroline Paras • Mico Ylagan • Arwen Celis • Amanda Russo Ms. Young Philippines USA 2019

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Special Fashion Events Feature| B.A.E | TracyTour Dizon Photography by Dennis Madigan Make up: Verushka Benitez Assistant MUA: Stacey Stephenson Accessories: Farah Abu Models : Jackie Paras Ms.Golden World 2018, Haven Wehrli • Mackenzie Reape • Angelie Bechtler • Maria Rivera • Jennifer Paras • Caroline Paras • Mico Ylagan • Arwen Celis • Amanda Russo Ms. Young Philippines USA 2019

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Photography by Dennis Madigan Make up: Verushka Benitez Assistant MUA: Stacey Stephenson Accessories: Farah Abu Models : Jackie Paras Ms.Golden World 2018, Haven Wehrli • Mackenzie Reape • Angelie Bechtler • Maria Rivera • Jennifer Paras • Caroline Paras • Mico Ylagan • Arwen Celis • Amanda Russo Ms. Young Philippines USA 2019

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Fashion Feature | Tracy Dizon

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Photography by Dennis Madigan Make up: Verushka Benitez Assistant MUA: Stacey Stephenson Accessories: Farah Abu Models : Jackie Paras Ms.Golden World 2018, Haven Wehrli • Mackenzie Reape • Angelie Bechtler • Maria Rivera • Jennifer Paras • Caroline Paras • Mico Ylagan • Arwen Celis • Amanda Russo Ms. Young Philippines USA 2019

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Special Events | NYFW

NY FASHION WEEK FALL EDITION

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Special Events | NYFW

ZIANA KAOUTAR CHAOUI Photographed by Dennis Madigan and Donna Danowski

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Special Events | NYFW

NATALIA YAYA DESIGNS Photographed by Dennis Madigan

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SHARING IS CARING SO IT DOESN T HURT SHARING THIS ISSUE WITH ALL MY FELINE FRIENDS ...me..ow

Writer's Corner | Love and Relationships

The Pressures from Social Media Posts Might Be the Reason Why Men Are Taking Longer to Commit

S

ocial media strikes again, and it might not be for good reason!

While social media has a ton of uplifting, funny and educational posts, there are some posts that aren’t very inspiring. The posts I’m referring to are the ones that are putting pressure on men in the single dating pool. These posts sometimes come across as hilarious, as its accompanied by cartoon characters, celebrities or funny-looking men. Then there are others that are so harsh, it makes some single men take a back seat until they feel “ready” to commit.

According to one Behavioral Scientist, “Social media [on relationships] has been linked to higher levels of loneliness, envy, anxiety, depression, narcissism and deceased social skills.”

(Silva, 2018). If that ain’t pressure on a man, I don’t know what is!

A lot of times, some women post memes and quotes in hopes that single men will see, reconsider the benefits to settling down and make a change; however, it’s doing the opposite!

Posting memes that read, “Come correct or don’t step to me at all!” suggest that there’s no room for being normal as a single guy in search of something substantial. In addition to all of the outlandish memes, there are many posts that suggest a single man should be dating and courting like a certain celebrity or public figure (i.e. “If 92 | CREATIV | Sept - Oct 2019 | www.creativmag.com

he’s not coming like Russell Wilson, I don’t want him!”)

Now, none of this is to suggest that men shouldn’t take responsibility for what they want out of dating, whether social media is involved or not. The Internet shouldn’t play a role in a man getting serious and putting aside his bachelor life. However, most men in 2019 who are in the dating pool, frequent social media sites from time-to-time and run across posts that stick a nerve more than it encourages them to approach serious single women.

So, there it is. Those silly posts are aiding in men being more hesitant to commit. When a man’s timeline is flooded with memes that are indirectly demanding him to cough-up money, marry right away and settle down before he’s emotionally ready, it makes him pump the brakes. Besides, if women have to voice their feelings and what they’re looking for through a meme or 200 word-count caption, it’s time to change the script on how to date and communicate… (just saying).

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

Machu Picchu lost city of Inkas The Lost City of Machu Picchu is a mysterious wonder; the Incas built there a city of stone, without the aid of wheels or iron tools. This is the best example of Inca engineering.

They built more than 600 terraces to prevent the city from sliding down the mountain. They designed a water supply system with a length of about 1 km.

GET TO KNOW MORE https://www.machupicchu.org/

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