Artist Spotlight: Keisha Hunter “The One”

Photo by Shawn Jantzen

Tell us a bit about yourself….

My name is Hunter aka huntertheone aka Waxing Moon aka Mokah Soulfly. My personalities and I are a singer, emcee, writer, poet, and performer. And I’ll mention that Keisha Hunter holds every position that can be a part of a record label and promotion team in addition to a day job at a company that helps nonprofits with fundraising – so keeping with my 3rd person – she stays busy to say the least.

 

As you have grown within your talent, what inspires you to create?

Life, love, experiences, trials and triumphs. I know it’s pretty cliche’, I feel like at the moment, I’m inspired by the beauty, complexity and simplicity of life and living it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgxwBpK9zoo –

How long have you been producing your craft and why did you begin this form of expression?

I’ve been singing since I can remember, definitely since I was a youngster in church. My grandmother was the church director and every member of my family, naturally, was a member of the choir, so it made since that I grew up loving music. So, I like countless others, began singing in the church and I’ve come into my own over the years since then.

What do you ultimately want to accomplish with your talent?

I want to touch as many people as I can with a message of hope, love, and light. I want to inspire people to elevate their thinking, to realize that on a broader level, we are all one. I feel like the best way to accomplish that is by just being myself and laying myself on the line in my music. I feel like it will open the door for me to speak my mind on subjects that can be illuminated by the music and it’s power of touching into that universal oneness.

http://hunter-theone.bandcamp.com

Outside of your artistry, what other interests do you have?

Recently, I’m a social media junkie. I love the ability to not only connect, to also stay connected. I enjoy reading books about consciousness and enlightenment. Spending time doing nothing or anything with my family is always a plus.

What was your first experience with ArtLoveMagic?

I want to say that my first experience with ArtLoveMagic, ironically enough, was girlShow 2010. I’d just gotten into the swing of diving head first into my art, and I thought it was SO amazing. I was destined to be a part of it, I’m sure.

What web address can one go to to view more of what you do?
http://onefaceentertainment.com
http://facebook.com/HunterMusicLove

How can someone contact you?

hunter@onefaceentertainment.com
http://facebook.com/huntertheone
http://twitter.com/huntertheone
Phone: 682-999-8340

Photo by Nicole Rodriguez at girlShow 2011: Brillance

Artist Spotlight: Elizabeth Fieler

Tell us a bit about yourself….

My name is Elizabeth Fieler and I also go by Lizzybel. Most importantly, I am a mother to two amazing, beautiful, young ladies. I work hard for a living and enjoy playing on my time off. Art is a huge part of every aspect of my life. I specialize in charcoal portraiture and figurative work and hope to transcend my charcoal series of checkered bodies into sculptural work soon.

As you have grown within your talent, what inspires you to create?

Lately, my biggest inspiration has been to see change happening with myself. I enjoy growing, learning and morphing. I’m inspired because I wanna see how far I can push and how much I can pull. I don’t know my future, but I love wondering what it will be. As I create my work, I find myself meditating as I focus. I have time to focus and think, visualize what I need and want for myself and my kids. Art, for me, is therapuetic and rewarding on so many levels in my life. Once I complete a series, and I get to share that with my community, it brings fulfillment on many levels and inspires me to create more and more. Seems to be a positive cycle.

How long have you been producing your craft and why did you begin this form of expression?

On a more specific level, I’ve been working on photo-realistic charcoal pieces for about three years now. I started it because I knew it was a more difficult medium to work with and I wanted to master it. I also fell in love with drawing because I feel it is the root of ALL art. I knew eventually I would figure out exactly what I want it to grow into….. right now, it’s slowly morphing into working with light and shadows.

What do you ultimately want to accomplish with your talent?

Ultimately, I want my children to learn from whatever I do. For them to know that if they do what they are passionate about, they can accomplish whatever they wish for. Yes, it sounds cheesy, but it’s so incredibly true. I also just hope that with my talent, I can make some kind of impact. Maybe it be challenging people’s beliefs, creating new perspectives in people, challenging people to think philosophically, or something of that nature. To know that an impact like that has been made on other people through my art, would be incredible.

Outside of your artistry, what other interests do you have?

I very much enjoy philosophy, theoretical physics, astronomy, reading and wine. Haha, yes, wine.  🙂    I truly enjoy being around friends and family. I like laughing everyday and I like over analyzing things.  🙂

What was your first experience with ArtLoveMagic?

I heard about ArtLoveMagic through a friend and immediately asked for an internship with the organization. I totally wanted to learn all about what they do, how they work and everything else amazing about them! Since then, I have done several shows with ArtLoveMagic and continue to do volunteer work. There is always such amazing, positive energy around this group….

What web address can one go to to view more of what you do?

http://www.lizzybel.com

I also have a show at TCC Northwest Campus, Lakeview Gallery up until November 3rd, 2012.

How can someone contact you?

lizzybel82@gmail.com

Re-Laugh

Female comedians have been a major part of building American culture for the past 100 years. From Lucille Ball hiding eggs in her blouse and attempting to hide horses from her husband to Tina Fey’s abnormal obsession of Star Wars and irrational fear of relationships, countless fans have been roaring with laughter throughout the decades.

There is a special place in my heart for comedians. “Why?” you might ask. Because I’m not funny. I blame it on being homeschooled.

And just like I don’t possess any skills of the humor variety, neither do I possess any skills of the juggling variety. Performance artists juggle three mediums: their words, their bodies, and people, otherwise known as the audience. Slam poets to actors juggle the former two mediums to engross the third in their balancing act. Then comedians come into the game and add an extra ball to the mix by blending their words, body language, and audience all while taking none of it seriously.

I’m not quite sure what they hide up their sleeves, aside from eggs and burrito crumbs, but what they pull out is as good as magic as they transform the dull into delightful, the tedious into tear-wrenching hilarity. We do not need to rewind when it comes to comedians, laughter is timeless as much as the lives that have created it to the lives that have emitted it. Laughter is a medium that any artist may intertwine within their lives, as an inspiration, a additional medium, or even a reprieve from their own mentality or creative blocks. As for myself, comedians have become an inspiration, not for my work, but for my life as a whole. For when I discovered comedians such as Lucille and Tina, for the first time in my life I realized, that after the countless shaking of heads due to my lack of feminine knowledge and the snickers after falling over from merely standing in (kitten) heels, I could work with my tube sock obsession rather than fighting against it. I figure if I didn’t “liz” when laughing too hard or try to turn someone on by eating pizza, I’d be alright, at least.

Artist Spotlight: Breonny Lee

Tell us a bit about yourself….

My name’s Breonny, (or just Bre if that’s too daunting to pronounce.) In a nutshell, I am a 29-year-old photographer and life-enthusiast, currently residing in Dallas with three rambunctious children and one exuberant mutt.

As you have grown within your talent, what inspires you to create?

I am continually inspired by the beauty of the world around us and the people who move in and out of our lives. It is the awe of the dawn and the power of rushing water. It is the way a musician makes love to his instrument or the tingle of new romance. It is the empty yearning of loss. These are the things I see, that beckon me to capture them, preserve them, enhance them, and release them on the world. I create because I need to, because I know no other way.

How long have you been producing your craft and why did you begin this form of expression?

I’ve been shooting for a little over 12 years. I spent my childhood experimenting with numerous forms of creative expression including writing, and various visual and performing arts. When I discovered photography at 17, it felt so natural and intuitive I soon abandoned all other interests in fervent pursuit of this one, all-encompassing desire. After spending years working exclusively in commercial ventures, I set out 2 1/2 years ago to explore the world anew–to refind the passion for art that lured me behind the camera in the first place. My work has taken a whole new adventurous direction. I see things in ways I never have before. I also devote a tremendous amount of time to manipulating my images into unusual methods of presentation, effectively blurring the lines between photography and painting.

What do you ultimately want to accomplish with your talent?

Simply, to place my work in front of an audience and convey the value of true beauty, and the one, fragile life we have to experience it.

Outside of your artistry, what other interests do you have?

Lately, I find my time outside of photography and art spent simply enjoying life with my children Riley, Rixie, and Bryndel, and riding and rebuilding motorcycles with my boyfriend, Brian.

What was your first experience with ArtLoveMagic?

My first experience with ArtLoveMagic was attending girlShow 2010. I was overwhelmed by the number of artists squished into one show together and the chaos of art flying at you from all directions. I’m thrilled to see my ArtLoveMagic experience come full circle and participate in girlShow for the first time this year!

What web address can one go to to view more of what you do?

http://www.breonny.com

How can someone contact you?

I can be reached via e-mail @ breonny@breonny.com, or phone @ 817.999.5201.

Artist Spotlight: Cassie Holt

Tell us a bit about yourself….

My name is Cassie Holt and I’ve been singing in clubs/bars in Dallas since I was a junior in high school. I’ve been blessed to work with many charities and talented artists over the years. I’m trying to get into songwriting for other artists now, but I will always sing. The only I time I feel like me is on stage.

As you have grown within your talent, what inspires you to create?

People, past relationships, my students, other music that moves me, anything that causes a strong emotion. It is always at the most random times.

How long have you been producing your craft and why did you begin this form of expression?

I’ve been at this for the past decade of my life. I see it as a blessing. I have been singing as soon as I could form words. I had so much in my head and the only way to get it out seemed to be with a guitar in my hands.

What do you ultimately want to accomplish with your talent?

I’d like to reach a larger audience with not only my voice, but my words. I’d love the opportunity to write for major artists. If I’m not creating, I’m not living up to my full potential.

Outside of your artistry, what other interests do you have?

I’m a high school English teacher during the day. And even though I will always be thick, I really enjoy working out. I brainstorm alot while I am in the gym.

What was your first experience with ArtLoveMagic?

I have worked with you on many occasions so it would be hard to remember the first event, but I want to say it was a purple themed show.

What web address can one go to to view more of what you do?

Tweets by soulfullady

http://cassieholt.bandcamp.com/

itunes and amazon

How can someone contact you?

holt_cassie@yahoo.com

girlShow & Walk the Light Special

girlShow 2012: Rewind will be partnering with Walk the Light Symposium: RE-Think for the evening of girlShow October 20, 2012. For a special price of $15.00 you can attend both of these amazing events. To purchase this special deal please follow the link below.

http://wtlrethink-es2.eventbrite.com/?rank=1#

To learn more about Walk the Light follow this link below:

http://walkthelight.org/

 

Artist Spotlight: Brandy Collins

Tell us a bit about yourself….

My name is Brandy Collins and I am a mixed media artist. I primarily work with acrylics, collage and ink. My works have been exhibited in festivals such as Deep Ellum Arts festival and Underground. I have
also shown my work at the Jeanette Kennedy Gallery.

As you have grown within your talent, what inspires you to create?

Inspired by nature, music, culture, movies and the human experience.

How long have you been producing your craft and why did you begin this form of expression?

Since childhood.

What do you ultimately want to accomplish with your talent?

To experiment with new mediums, continue to share my art with the public, and always hold sacred my time for creativity.

Outside of your artistry, what other interests do you have?

I’m a busy working mom, and I love life in general. There’s so much excitement out there. So many things to do, places to see, and friends to make. 🙂

What was your first experience with ArtLoveMagic?

It was meeting amazing new creative friends at an Art and Coffee. My first show a few years ago, I remember I focused on Day of the Dead folk art after inspiration I drew from a trip to Mexico.

What web address can one go to to view more of what you do?

http://www.brandycollinsart.com

How can someone contact you?

Brandco78@yahoo.com

Artist Spotlight: Micha Goolsby

Tell us a bit about yourself….

Hi! I’m Micha Goolsby and I am a professional musician, songwriter and teacher living in the Dallas area.

As you have grown within your talent, what inspires you to create?

I guess people (including myself) and the forces that drive them are my main inspiration. Other than that:

1. Great literature
2. Great visual art
3. Great performances (dance, theatre, opera, other types of stage shows)

I would say that nature inspires me, and it does, but it’s more like nature is a place where I find quiet and am able to think about the things that inspire me. Nature is a catalyst, of sorts, for creation.

How long have you been producing your craft and why did you begin this form of expression?

A long, loooong time. 🙂 I started writing songs because my dad did and I thought he was cool, so why not do something cool like him? Over time, I grew to appreciate other songwriters and forms of art.

What do you ultimately want to accomplish with your talent?

I want to take over the WORLD! No, seriously- I’d like to travel the world and tour and play my music as well as play keys and sing with other bands. I also am interested in acting and the stage, so I would like to both write and perform in professional-level theatre (including opera!)

Outside of your artistry, what other interests do you have?

Well, my artistry includes quite a lot other than my singer-songwriter self such as theatre, opera, writing, jazz singing and jazz piano and dancing. Other than those things, I like to cook and I really enjoy painting and drawing. I have a mild interest in politics, especially those that promote a sustainable economy, so I do spend a good bit of my time researching and promoting sustainability and the people that support those ideas.

What was your first experience with ArtLoveMagic?

When I went to an art and coffee at It’s A Grind and met Deb Driscoll and auditioned for Girlshow three years ago!!! Since then, I’ve been very blessed to have met so many talented people and I’m even more blessed to call quite a few of them my friends!

What web address can one go to to view more of what you do?

michagoolsby.bandcamp.com

If you like the music, you can buy a digital copy at the above address or I will be selling c.d.s (and maybe other merch!) at Girlshow. 🙂

How can someone contact you?

The best way to get in touch with me is through email- please email me at micha.goolsby@gmail.com

Artist Spotlight: Kathryn Petroff

Tell us a bit about yourself….

My name is Kathryn Petroff, and I am the owner of KLP Fine Art. I work as a full time artist/muralist, creating custom murals and portraits for residential and commercial clients. I also create and sell my own creative gallery works in oils and conte. I relocated a few years ago from my home town of Dallas to the small mountain community of Bailey, CO and travel between the two areas for projects.

As you have grown within your talent, what inspires you to create?

It’s a bit broad, but life inspires me. I don’t have to force an idea. Life just happens, and I pull from that. My style definitely combines an edginess that influenced me growing up in Dallas along with the peacefulness of nature that I am surrounded by today. I love layering visuals and their meanings in my paintings to mimic the complex layers of memories I hold onto.

How long have you been producing your craft and why did you begin this form of expression?

Well, I would assume I’ve been creating my entire life…at least, as long as I can remember. I grew up in a family of artists, and that was just part of everyday life in our house. It was how we bonded and shared ideas. When I went off to college, the question was never, “Are you going to major in Business or Science?” It was, “Are you majoring in Visual Arts or Dance?” I have always had great support with my creative endeavors, and there was never a question that this is simply who I am.

What do you ultimately want to accomplish with your talent?

I think the dreams of becoming rich and famous are a bit silly to hope for, and typically mean you are just good at following the trend of the moment. I just want to paint what I feel and know that it has inspired someone, whether it’s to look at something in a new way or to keep pushing in their own creativity. I’m going to paint regardless of if I sell work or not. It’s my oxygen, and I can’t live without it.

Outside of your artistry, what other interests do you have?

My husband and I are big nature fanatics. (Obviously. Not many people would pick up and move to the woods.) We hike every second possible, backpack, camp, bike, etc. Our one year old son comes right along with us and is so much fun to watch exploring the mountains. Darkroom Photography and Dance have always been dear to my heart as well, and you can see many visuals from them pulled into my artwork.

What was your first experience with ArtLoveMagic?

My first experience with ArtLoveMagic was several years ago, right after I had just started my business. I saw an online ad for an event they were having at the Janette Kennedy Gallery, and I contacted them to see if I could get involved. They were super positive and asked me to be part of the show. When I showed up people kept coming up to me saying, “Oh, you’re the conte chick!” I later found out that most of my art buddies from high school and college were already involved in their events too. It just felt like a good match from the beginning.

What web address can one go to to view more of what you do?

My website is http://www.klpfineart.com. You can also find KLP Fine Art on Facebook and YouTube.

How can someone contact you?

You can email me at Kathryn@klpfineart.com or contact me through my website.

Artist Spotlight: Stasi Tillman

Tell us a bit about yourself….

I am Anastasia Tillman (Stasi). I am 13 years old. I draw and dance. My goal in life is to give glory to the Lord, Jesus Christ, and to touch people’s hearts through my art.

As you have grown within your talent, what inspires you to create?

God inspires me to create. Watching masters of art perfect their craft and share their creativity gives me desire to improve. I have had amazing teachers who help me improve artistically.

How long have you been producing your craft and why did you begin this form of expression?

I have been drawing and painting for 11 years. I have been drawing in pencil for the past two and a half years. Ever since I could remember I always wanted to draw, and draw, and draw! I used to wake up early in the morning and sit down at the coffee table and draw for hours. God gave me love for this art.

What do you ultimately want to accomplish with your talent?

I want my art to glorify God, who is the perfect Creator of this world’s beauty. As an artist, my greatest honor and achievement would be to come as close as posssible to reflecting His originally perfected creation.

Outside of your artistry, what other interests do you have?

I am a ballerina.

What was your first experience with ArtLoveMagic?

I participated in Marinela Talent. It was an amazing first experience.

What web address can one go to to view more of what you do?

GivingGodGlory.org

How can someone contact you?

By calling Olga (Stasi’s Mom) at 714-356-6093
By sending email to bondservant@givinggodglory.org
By visiting GivingGodGlory.org
By liking Facebook page at facebook.com/GivingGodGloryStasi

Stasi was introduced to ArtLoveMagic by Jason Kinney, who is now Stasi’s teacher. Kathryn Petroff taught Stasi before him while she lived in Texas. She now resides in Colorado. Read Kathryn Petroff’s blog next!