South Dayton, OH September 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

A STYLISH STAYCATION IN CINCINNATI

THE ORGANIZATION PUTTING FASHION TO WORK

TAKING GORGEOUS PHOTOS ON YOUR PHONE

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

SEPTEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Arielle Jordan | arielle.jordan@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Roxann Patrick | roxann.patrick@lifestylepubs.com

September Is for Style STYLISH FOLKS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU. It was no easy feat narrowing down the hottest trends for this fall season, but we tried to highlight some of our favorites.

Inside we’ve got tips on how to style meat, cheese and other scrumptious items for building the charcuterie board of your dreams. We also meet three local artists with unique styles in unique media. I also really loved learning how to take better iPhone photos from local lifestyle influencer Jana Antil.

AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jana Antil, Brooke Lohnes, Ellie Moran, Frank Cassidy, Arielle Jordan CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brooke Genn, Olga Polo, Jana Antil, Brooke Masters, Megan Connolly, Steven Paul, Jason Elam, Laura James, Roxann Patrick

Style is a big theme here (if you couldn’t tell); so if you’re making room for new clothing styles in your closet, be sure to save your discarded items for Clothes That Work, an organization we’ve covered in this issue that helps job seekers with the right clothes (and mind-set) for acing job interviews.

Here’s looking at you!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Arielle Jordan, Publisher

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6

ON THE COVER Red Whale Rentals in

South Dayton Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed

Mount Adams, Cincinnati

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOKE GENN 4

South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

via the US Postal Service to some of the South Dayton areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in South Dayton Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2020

FEATURES 12 The Art of Charcuterie Breaking Down This Popular Style of Food Presentation

16 Stylish Staycation This Cincinnati Interior Designer Is Elevating the Airbnb Scene

20 Working It The Local Organization Making Career Success “En Vogue”

30 Do It for the ‘Gram Tips from a Local Lifestyle

16 20

Influencer on How to Take Gorgeous Instagram Photos

12

30

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Food & Wine

16

Travel Destination

20 Giving Back 26 Culinary Creations 30 DIY 32 Artist’s Palette

300+ networking opportunities

18 incredible vendors

13 phenomenal speakers

A virtual event designed for today’s professional woman.

wibnconference.org

2020 VIRTUAL LE ADERSHIP CONFERENCE • SEP T 23 -25

GOOD TIMES

Reign Realty Ribbon Cutting and Ice Cream Social It was a gorgeous summer day when our partners at Reign Realty Ohio celebrated their ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor John Agenbroad at their new office in historic downtown Springboro. The party was complete with lawn games, a bounce house, a food truck and an ice cream truck.

8

South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

Everything in its place.

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AROUND TOWN

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP’S 18TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNER ANNOUNCED Centerville High School (CHS) senior Abdullah Nasir

has

been

honored

by

A VIRTUAL CONFERENCE FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN PRESENTED BY WIBN The BBB’s Women in Business Networking

Washington

(WiBN) will hold its annual leadership conference,

Township trustees with the township’s 18th

ElevateHER, September 23-25. This year WiBN has

annual Community Service Award. For the third

moved its conference online for a virtual three-day

year, the award includes a $500 scholarship.

event. Learn from dynamic speakers, including

Nasir has contributed his time to five separate

personal resiliency guru Phillitia Charlton; Estelle

CHS clubs. As class secretary he helped coordi-

Gibson, author of Financial Dependency—The

nate last year’s Spirit Chain project, which raised

Invisible Weapon; Rose Lounsbury, author of Less:

$72,500 for local charities—a new school record.

Minimalism for Real; and Robin Brun, life coach

He's also taught science to elementary students

and career consultant for busy women. Network

through Chem Buddies, mentored freshmen

online with over 300 women and connect with

through Elk Connectors and tutored middle

female-owned businesses, as well as over 20 ven-

school students through Study Buddies.

dors. This is a three-day conference, but you have

“Abdullah

is

an

outstanding

young

man

30 days to check out all the speakers and exhibi-

who's made service an integral part of his life,” said

tors, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule.

National Honor Society Advisor Andrew Yuker,

Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting? Contact

noting that outside of school Nasir has logged

Ann Riegle Crichton at (937) 610-2273 or email

more than 700 hours of volunteer service through

acrichton@dayton.bbb.org. Registration pricing

Muslim Youth Outreach (MYO).

and information for participants can be found at

Nasir credits his mother with setting the example

WIBNConference.org. For more than 100 years, the

for his voluntarism. He remembers accompanying

Better Business Bureau has been helping people

her to the mosque during Ramadan, where they

find businesses, brands and charities they can

met with others to assemble food bags and deliver

trust. BBB Dayton/Miami Valley, founded in 1925,

them to people in need. “To me volunteering was

serves Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery,

enjoyable,” he said. “We could make a difference,

Preble, Shelby and northern Warren counties in

while having fun together.” WashingtonTwp.org

Ohio. WIBNConference.org.

ANNOUNCING TWO-WEEK RUN OF "HAMILTON" FOR 2022 Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hiphop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. Hamilton will play two weeks of performances (16 shows) in 2022, at the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. On-sale dates for single tickets and group tickets will be announced at a later date. The best way to guarantee access to tickets for the limited engagement is to purchase season tickets for the

10

full 2020-21 Premier Health Broadway in Dayton

Would you like to get in touch with us? We

lineup, which will begin in January 2021, and renew

would love to hear from you! Contact us at

your season tickets for 2021-22 when the time

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton using the Get In

comes. DaytonLive.org

Touch link and let us know what you think.

South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

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FOOD & WINE

+ Burrata Fresh mozzarella with a sweet cream wrapped inside: that’s burrata. It’s mild and soaks perfectly into bread; top with salt and fresh black pepper to bring out the flavor.

+ Aged Gouda Aged Gouda is a crowd favorite. It has the perfect balance of creaminess (like a cheddar) and dryness (like a parmesan) to be either crumbled or cut on the board.

+ Peaches There’s nothing better than a perfectly ripe peach. They’re a pop of freshness and color to liven up your board, and they pair beautifully with prosciutto.

ARTICLE BROOKE LOHNES PHOTOGRAPHY BROOKE MEARS

The Ar t of Charcuterie

+ Dry Salami Salami is a “go to” for most charcuterie boards. A dry or hard salami has less fat than Genoa or soppressata, making it less

BREAKING DOWN THIS POPULAR STYLE OF FOOD PRESENTATION

12

South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

greasy and easier to style.

+ To m a t o e s Don’t underestimate the power of tomatoes to bring a mild sweetness to your board. Mix orange and red grape tomatoes to add more color.

CHARCUTERIE BOARDS ARE A BIG TREND RIGHT NOW, AND WITH GOOD REASON. They’re a fun way to explore and pair different bites, and a creative (not to mention Instagram worthy) way to present food. While the food elements and styling are important, the company in which you enjoy charcuterie is equally so. It’s about a fall afternoon catching up with old friends over wine or a Thursday night dinner with your out-of-town family. Great memories and conversations are sparked around the board. That’s why I started my business, Dayton Charcuterie Gal. I experienced my first charcuterie board after a wine tasting in Asheville, North Carolina, with my best friend; and I knew I wanted to create more

+ Honey Goat Cheese

experiences like that. We were happy, buzzing

This is one of my favorite

I just remember thinking, “I want to do this with

cheeses right now; it’s sweet,

everyone I know.” So in 2019, I made it my New

spreadable and indulgent. Top

Year’s resolution to get really good at assembling

it with more honey and some

cheese boards, and the rest is history. I’ve hosted

red pepper flakes to add spice.

many workshops and delivered countless boards

and passing bites from our board back and forth.

to some of the best people in Dayton.

My business is a way to share not only food and the craft of charcuterie, but the experiences that follow. Now, more than ever, we could all use some good food and good company; and I’m so grateful for the many opportunities I’ve had to be a part of that.

To learn more about Dayton Charcuterie Gal, visit www.Facebook.com/DYTCharcuterieGal.

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

13

Let Us Know You’re Open!

Advertise with us to make your presence known among the most affluent families in the South Dayton Community.

Arielle Jordan, Publisher 937 . 907 . 0073

•

arielle.jordan@lifestylepubs.com

citylifestyle.com/southdayton

never out of style 2419 Far Hills Ave. Dayton, OH 45419 jaffejewelry.com | 937.461.9450

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MEMORABLE CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

15

TRAVEL DESTINATION

THIS CINCINNATI INTERIOR DESIGNER IS ELEVATING THE AIRBNB SCENE

ST YLISH S TAYC AT I O N ARTICLE ELLIE MORAN | PHOTOGRAPHY OLGA POLO

WITH TRAVEL LIMITED, IT’S GREAT TO HAVE GETAWAY OPTIONS THAT ARE CLOSE TO HOME AND GORGEOUSLY EXECUTED. Enter Michele Campbell, an interior designer and the founder of Red Whale Rentals, a collection of luxury spaces in the heart of the Mount Adams neighborhood of Cincinnati.

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South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

Campbell started by renting out her rustic chic home on Airbnb, but quickly realized that there was a greater demand. Now she owns and rents three properties in Mount Adams, each named after its iconic street: Celestial, Gregory and Overlook. Each house contains two units that can be rented together or separately, the grandest being Overlook, which sleeps 10 and offers panoramic city views.

What really makes Red Whale stand out are the interiors. The spaces are inviting and serene, offering a calming, sanctuary-like feel, with unique, regional design styles. “It’s almost impossible to find spaces like this in the city that evoke the same ambiance that Michele’s unique design style attains,” Red Whale’s marketing manager said. “The Red Whale experience is extremely curated, with an intuitive and intentional style of service.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

17

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)

Campbell often defines her design style as “esoteric,

the city and river that you can find. People often call it a

but beloved by all.” From lighting to linens to artwork and

“mini San Francisco,” in the way that its Victorian homes

even coffee table books, each detail is hand selected and

line beautiful cobblestone streets on a hill that over-

curated by her. She has a passion for creating beautiful

looks downtown. Especially to those who don’t reside in

spaces and extending that to help create lifelong special

Cincinnati full time, it can feel like a true vacation town.

memories in these spaces.

Up on the hill, it is easy to forget that you are even in

It’s no surprise that Red Whale has become the go-to

Ohio. The neighborhood is incredibly charming, with a

for Hollywood A-listers staying in town for movie shoots,

welcoming, community-like feel. It’s walkable and cen-

visiting executives and a lengthy roster of professional

trally located. Though many people check in and stay

athletes, making these properties their temporary “home

on the hill until departure, it’s less than a five-minute

away from home.” However, Red Whale makes for the per-

Uber ride to some of Cincinnati’s top attractions, such

fect local staycation for anyone in the area looking to get

as Great American Ballpark and Paul Brown Stadium,

out of their normal routine for a weekend.

several museums, and the top dining and nightlife

The Mount Adams area, where all three Red Whale

destinations downtown.

rentals are located, is full of unique history. It’s one of

18

Cincinnati’s oldest and most iconic neighborhoods, with

To learn more about Red Whale Rentals, visit

beautiful architecture and arguably the best views of

www.RedWhaleRentals.com.

South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

Mount tion

Adams’

means

the

central

do

see

eat

loca-

The neighborhood boasts two of

The great thing about Mount

neighborhood

Cincinnati’s oldest and most famed

Adams is that there is something

itself is full of things to do. The

parks, Eden Park and Mirror Lake.

for everyone. The Blind Lemon, one

Cincinnati

and

Active travelers will enjoy endless

of the oldest establishments on the

Krohn Conservatory (home to the

walking and running trails adorned

hill, has live music, a charming lit-up

renowned annual butterfly show)

with stunning architecture and

outdoor patio and amazing classic

are both less than a 10-minute

panoramic views of the city from

cocktails. Perfect for date night!

walk from Red Whale’s rentals.

almost any vantage point.

Art

Museum

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

19

GIVING BACK

WORKING IT THE LOCAL ORGANIZATION MAKING CAREER SUCCESS “EN VOGUE”

ARTICLE FRANK CASSIDY | PHOTOGRAPHY MEGAN CONNELLY AND STEVEN PAUL

WORKING IT 20

South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

“IT TAKES SEVEN SECONDS TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION ON A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER .”

MOST OF US DON’T REALLY THINK ABOUT IT, BUT THE GREATEST BARRIER TO EMPLOYMENT OFTEN CAN BE AN INTERVIEW OUTFIT. In 1998, a group of 13 local women realized that they could assist by providing clothing and coaching to help those in need get and keep a job.

Clothes That Work is a nonprofit organization providing professional clothing, image counseling and training for job seekers in the Miami Valley. Additionally the organization conducts educational workshops to improve interview skills and teach appropriate professional behavior, to meet employers’ expectations.

To date Clothes That Work has helped over 30,000 men, women and independent teens. “Clothes That Work started out as women helping women; but in 2005, we also started serving men. Now men are 53% of the clients we serve. We are one of the few places that serves men in this way,” Cindy Garner, executive director, said. She also noted that the organization’s clients are appreciative of the care and service that its volunteers provide. “It takes seven seconds to make an impression on a potential employer. A few years ago, one client attended a job fair for Fuyao. We provided an interview outfit and coaching tips for the interview process. There were 200 people in line the next day; but he’d been coached, had confidence and looked great. So they pulled him out of line and gave him an interview right away, and he got the job! He asked, ‘Why me?’ They said it was because he was the only person who took the time and cared enough about the job to dress for it. That’s why we do what we do!”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

21

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

Clothes That Work is driven by volunteers. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has lost many volunteers.

“We need more volunteers, to continue to make a difference in the lives of our clients and the Miami Valley community,” Garner said.

Right now the organization is looking to fill many volunteer positions, including client coaches, workshop facilitators, inventory managers and boutique sales. Anyone interested can visit the organization’s website (www.ClothesThatWork.org) to learn more.

A program vital to funding and forwarding the Clothes That Work mission—to clothe, educate and empower individuals to prepare them for employment success—is the Men At Work campaign. Men At Work is an online competition featuring local businessmen and community leaders who are raising funds for Clothes That Work.

Twenty-six role models share their stories and their professional images for three weeks, as they campaign for votes at $5 each, which are used as donations to the cause.

To learn more about Clothes That Work, make a financial donation, learn about volunteer opportunities, sign up for a workshop or find a location to drop off donations of gently used interview appropriate clothing—including plus size women’s clothing, ladies’ shoes, ladies’ white blouses, men’s white dress shirts, men’s dress shoes, men’s suits, men’s white undershirts, solid black polos, solid colored scrubs and personal travel size toiletries—please call (937) 222-3778 or visit www.ClothesThatWork.org.

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South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

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South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

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E A T

CULINARY CREATIONS

KEEP YOUR PLATE IN STYLE WITH THESE FOODS THAT WILL HELP YOU LOOK + FEEL GOOD

ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER

P R E T T Y

H E A LT H Y /// CARROTS

EYES

/ / / S W E E T P OTATO E S /// PUMPKIN /// BUTTERNUT SQUASH VITAMIN A IS ESSENTIAL TO PROTECTING THE CORNEAS OF OUR EYES. By taking care of your corneas, you can extend the health of your eyesight and reduce vision loss with age. An easy way to remember what to eat for healthy eyes is to look for orange foods. Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and butternut squash are all high in vitamin A.

26

South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

/// FLAX SEED /// WALNUTS /// CHIA SEEDS /// FISH

H E A LT H Y SKIN Did you know that vitamin A is also imperative for skin health? So while you’re caring for your corneas, you’re also boosting your outer glow. If you want to kick it up a notch, be intentional about eating plenty of foods with omega-3 fatty acids to reduce acne and inflammation and help your skin produce its own collagen.

For your healthy fats, go for flax seed, walnuts, chia seeds, and fish.

/// EGGS /// BROCCOLI

HAIR

/// SPINACH

H E A LT H Y

/// SALMON

For soft, flowing tresses, make sure you’re getting an equal amount of B vitamins in your diet. We naturally get plenty of B-6 because it’s in most grains, but it’s easier to end up with a biotin or B-12 deficiency if you don’t pay attention. Focus on foods like salmon, eggs, spinach, and broccoli for a healthy balance of B vitamins for your hair.

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

27

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South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

FREE

SESSION

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

29

DIY

do it for the

‘gram

ARTICLE JANA ANTIL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A PICTURE IS DEFINITELY WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS. Telling our stories through curated images is a dominant aspect of today’s modern, digital world. I’ve been able to experience this firsthand.

I graduated from The Ohio State University with a journalism degree in 2010, but my first job was outside of the written realm. I needed a creative outlet to practice my craft, so the following year I founded my wellness and lifestyle blog, Happy Wife Healthy Life.

The decision to share my life online led to unique opportunities, including a number of freelance writing gigs, paid partnerships with brands, a business with Beautycounter and a full-time online career. My Instagram account now serves as one of my main business channels.

Speaking of Instagram, you’ve probably noticed that bloggers and influencers take really beautiful, eye-catching photos to share there. These scroll-stopping images are what initially draw in more “likes” and followers; however, these photos aren’t necessarily as complex or difficult to take as you may think! My photos are simply taken with an iPhone. When I am in a picture, either I use a phone stand or my husband takes the pictures for me. (He’s always supportive and a good sport.)

I’ve included the following tips for anyone wanting to create beautiful images for social media and blog use, or for those who simply want to take better pictures for their own personal use. I am completely self-taught, always learning as I go. If I can do it, so can you. Happy snapping!

TIPS FROM A LOCAL LIFESTYLE INFLUENCER ON HOW TO TAKE GORGEOUS INSTAGRAM PHOTOS

Jana Antil is the founder of the blog Happy Wife Healthy Life (www.HappyWifeHealthyLife.com). She lives in Springboro, with her husband and their two children. You can follow her on Instagram at @jana.antil.

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South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

+ TIP 1

+ TIP 2

Eliminate clutter or busy props. Simplicity

often makes for the best image! Shoot in natural light, when possible.

When scrolling social media, what

stops you in your tracks? What makes you connect and

Morning and evening create a softer glow, and midday sun can be more harsh. Play with angles, such as shooting from above.

engage? Take inventory of your favorite accounts. What is it that draws you in? Use as inspiration for creating your own unique brand and images.

+ TIP 4

Everyone has to start some-

where. Be confident as a beginner, and stay open to learning and growing through trial and error. Whether your social media is for business or personal use, make it fun and creative!

+ TIP 3

Lightroom is a free

app for editing images. Adjust light, color and details simply. For a cohesive feed, consider investing in “presets,” which are uploaded to Lightroom and can be purchased for a small fee. It makes creative editing easy.

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

31

making

ARTIST’S PALETTE

THEIR MARK THESE LOCAL ARTISANS APPLY BOLD AND UNIQUE STYLES TO FAMILIAR MEDIA

THE SOUTHWEST REGION OF OHIO MAY NOT BE INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN FOR ARTS AND CULTURE, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN WE DON’T HAVE PLENTY OF IT. I didn’t have to look far to find three local artists who work in three very different media; and I found that their passion, coupled with a style all their own, makes for some truly beautiful work. My favorite part of meeting these artists was learning how they each take familiar media—wood, pastels and photography—and put their own unique mark on them.

Photo by Jason Elam

WOOD matt spitz A former two-time All-American football player at Capital University and 2018 inductee into its Athletics Hall of Fame, Matt Spitz is now the founder, owner and primary builder for The Matthew Tamerisk Collection. For over 10 years, he has evolved as a woodworker, craftsman and functional artist. He has had the privilege to custom build projects for Ohio Wesleyan University, Old Scratch Pizza, Warped Wing Brewing Company and more, as well as several custom residential pieces in the Dayton area.

“When I set out to craft the next piece of The Matthew Tamerisk Collection, my ‘why’ kicks into overdrive,” Spitz said. “I think about how this piece of furniture will help the client elevate their favorite space. I think about how this piece will help our client to cultivate relationships, how businesses or communities will grow closer together because of the bonds that will form around our tables. The same goes for the next generation that will be ushered into the world, gathering for meals, holidays and family celebrations.”

Spitz lives in Springboro with his wife, Kara, two children, Elsie and Jackson, and their German shorthaired pointer, Belle. You can learn more about The Matthew Tamerisk Collection at www.MatthewTameriskCollection.com.

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South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

ARTICLE ARIELLE JORDAN | PHOTOGRAPHY MULTIPLE

Roxann Patrick is a self-professed animal lover, nature devotee, caffeine addict, artist and photographer. “When I was just 5 years old, I knew I wanted to be an artist,” she said. “My dad realized my passion and, when I was in grade school, gave me my first art supplies. He bought me a set of pastels, charcoal sticks and holder, and fine drawing paper.” This foundation began Patrick’s lifetime passion for creating art, which

PASTELS

roxann patrick Photo by Laura James

evolved into a career in graphic design and, in recent years, painting, photography and pottery.

Patrick has used her renewed interest in working with pastels, along with graphite and colored pencils, to paint people and pet portraits. “My goal for each painting is to convey the essence of the subject’s personality and give the portrait ‘life,’” she said. Patrick typically works from photos to do her portraits. She asks her clients to provide several photos of the subject, as each photo contains unique nuances of detail that she uses to complete the piece.

“I begin the portrait with a light outline of the subject and then add color and depth by layering the pastels from light to dark,” she added. “I use my fingers to smudge, blend and smooth the pastels as I work. I apply the most detail to the face and around the eyes, as this is where the portrait really comes alive.”

Roxann Patrick can be reached for inquiries via email, at Roxann@LittleDirtyBirdyFeet.com.

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ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

Laura James is a homecare physical therapist with a passion for photography. “Photography for me is a tribute to life. Fresh air and sunlight on my face are the perfect muses,” she said. James became interested in photography 12 years ago and has always shot digitally; but she has been honing her skills both behind the camera and on the computer, to create unique works of art.

Recently she discovered a new technique utilizing a process called platinum palladium printing, whereby the photo paper is chemically developed with platinum and palladium in a darkroom. “The darkroom exudes a spirituality of color, smell, sound and touch that feels more personal and creates a more personal and deeper connection with my art,” James said.

The platinum palladium process was developed in the late 1800s and requires patience and exactitude, yielding the most stable and durable prints of all photographic processes. Unlike gelatin silver prints, in which the metal is suspended above the paper, the platinum palladium deposits are absorbed in the paper. “The tonality and depth that the platinum palladium process produces are astonishing,” James said.

Although each print is a duplicate (meaning that they are created from the same negative), they are each original, due to the variances of humidity, temperature, coating technique and the age of the chemical affecting the final result. James’ work can be viewed and purchased at the Bellbrook Photo Gallery, located at 15 W. Franklin St., Bellbrook, OH 45305.

Photo by Roxann Patrick

PHOTOGRAPHY

laura james

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South Dayton Lifestyle | September 2020

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