P E O P L E . P L AC E S. S H A R E D S PAC E S.
JESSICA NABONGO • ALXVNDRA • KACY JOHNSON • THE FARMER’S HAND SY DNEY G. JA MES, R A SH AUN RUCK ER , T Y LONN J. SAW Y ER EDWARD MADDOX • EVAN D’ARPINO • THE SCOTT AT BRUSH PARK MIKE ELLISON • PATRICIA LAY-DORSEY
is ue N˚6 J U L Y
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TRAVEL
CATCH ME
JESSICA NABONGO in Columbia.
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FASHION
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SPIRAL BOUND
Introducing ALXVNDRA by accessories and clothing designer ALEXANDRA KENNEDY as she brings seduction and simplicity to Detroit’s expanding fashion landscape. PHOTOGRAPHY: B R E N D A N B R U L O N TEXT: M A L I S S A M A R T I N
(FASHION),
CAITLIN
ONODI
(STILLS)
Models Chloe Ells, Joe Humphreys, Cruce Grammatico, and Sarah O'Donnell in ALXVNDRA FW17 COLLECTION which includes Black Bull Denim Zipsuit, crotch pants, mock turtlenecks, and mesh tee’s, fringe jacket, and socks.
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PHOTOGRAPHY
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Violeta
Spirit. Human. Black Woman.
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Ashley
Looking at my body from a point of view I had never really seen before was frightening. My first thoughts were of shame and frustration. Shame because it was almost as if I were another woman judging myself. Frustration because I don’t think I’ve ever been completely happy with my body as it is. Then there was an overwhelming feeling of freedom, acceptance, and peace for the woman I am. Women carry so much weight, metaphorically, on our shoulders and backs and this portrait gives me great pride to be among a gender so strong. It took a moment, but I was liberated in a way, by looking at myself from behind.
Emily
an unnerving path of search and recovery... i refuse to be silent and "sit pretty" my body is mine and my strength finds light thru solace i'm a queer, butch, curvy woman and i harness beauty
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Brianna
In this moment I was feeling insecure—"Is this angle flattering? " "What if I don't like the photo? " "What is the photographer thinking? " "Am I doing enough? Being enough? Why can't I do it all?" But when I look at this picture, even though my mind was racing and jagged in thought, even though I was feeling anxious and my back was tight, I see a mellower side of myself. I see stillness. I see tenderness. It’s a reminder to me that life is full of contrast—of joy and sorrow, bravery and fear, confidence and insecurity. That anger and laughter and comfort and heartache are normal. That it's about learning—over and over and over again—how to stand still, as I am here, and embrace it all. It's about learning how to stand or sit or lie, maybe even curl up and cry, with what is and work with it, not against it. For when I accept my darkness and make an effort to understand it, it ends up giving me light. This, to me, is the most beautiful paradox in life.
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BUSINESS
Natura Grown KIKI LOUYA and ROHANI FOULKES, ensure
dinner tables are filled with Michigan-made food, beverage, and conversation at their Corktown artisanal pantry and grocer where neighbors and families are welcome, THE FARMER’S HAND. PHOTOGRAPHY: L I S A TEXT: L A U R E N J .
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SPINDLER WILLIAMS
lly CONNECTING people to the source of the food and products they consume.
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PHOTO: EDWARD MADDOX
T Edward Maddox BOXING in his Troy, Michigan townhome. above: Maddox pictured with his WIFE AND THREE DAUGHTERS .
he dictionary defines the word cancer as a malignant and invasive growth, or as an evil condition or thing that spreads destructively. Cancer is a word that for many instills an overwhelming sense of fear. The disease is an abrasive reminder of our mortality that brings about a vast amount of grief for all parties involved. It was in 2002 when Detroit native, professor, and self-taught home cook Edward Maddox was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that attacks the lymphatic system. At only 19 years old, a young man who was once a dedicated boxer and football player was forced to trade the time he spent training on the Westside of Detroit at Kronk Gym for treatment at Karmanos Cancer Center. However, through prayer Maddox’s cancer has been transformed into a source of inspiration. Cancer has become the fuel that drives him to excel in life while encouraging him to make daily choices that allow him to thrive within his healthy living lifestyle. Fear plays only a small role in this victorious story. Here, faith, mindfulness, and positivity prevail. “I had this realization about how so much is outside of our control as individuals. Interestingly I also understood how much was within our control, and that was something that I think would come full circle after going through all of the treatments.” As Maddox contemplated the space between being where he was and gradually slipping into the past, he decided to greet God with gratitude. He sat alone in his room on the Eastside of Detroit and silently reflected upon his thoughts. Suddenly it occurred to him that he had never truly been able to see past the age of 19. He had never been able to clearly visualize what his future
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ART
Trilogy Artists SYDNEY G. JAMES, RASHAUN RUCKER , and TYLONN J. SAWYER share an intimate conversation about friendship, passion for art, and social responsibility. PHOTOGRAPHY: B R A D Z I E G L E R TEXT: M A L I S S A M A R T I N
SYDNEY G. JAMES , RASHAUN RUCKER , and TYLONN J. SAWYER
at Lisa Spindler's downtown Detroit studio
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PHOTOGRAPHER’S PORTFOLIO
GALENA
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NUCLEATION
ARCHITECTURE
ALL ABOUT CREATION: THE SCOTT AT BRUSH PARK
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Remarkable sophistication, comfort, convenience, and excitement welcome you home at THE SCOTT apartments in Detroit’s historic Brush Park. PHOTOGRAPHY: L I S A S P I N D L E R TEXT: A S H L E Y K . P A R K S
The Scott at Brush Park, built by Detroit-based SACHSE CONSTRUCTION , with views from The Scott's second-floor lounge looking to the outdoor kitchen on the pool deck.
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MUSIC
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS Covered in the fabric of music, art, and culture, MIKE ELLISON connects with audiences around the globe to deliver messages that are transformative, stimulating, and powerful. TEXT: R O N
GRANT
Live performance with MIKE ELLISON in Kigali, Rwanda. Photo by Gael Vande.
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PATRICIA LAY-DORSEY in her Grosse Pointe, Michigan home.
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ACTIVISM
Photographer. Grandma Techno. Social Activist.
PATRICIA LAY-DORSEY
is the jack of all trades, who shares her love for telling stories through different mediums of art. PHOTOGRAPHY: H E A T H E R N A S H TEXT: S Y D N E Y J O H N S O N
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Ink drawing and photographic composite from Muslim Ban Protest titled, “PATRIOTIC AMERICANS.”
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“Photography allows me to engage with people in deep and intimate ways. No one is a stranger. When I look through the lens, I see the wonder of each individual, each moment. Barriers break down and time no longer exists. The photos themselves are not important; it is all about that split second when my subject and I become one. Even self-portraits can connect us to ourselves.� PATRICIA
L AY-D O R S E Y
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