By Justin Gerard
Monday, April 30, 2012
10 Seconds With Naama Kates
Writer Michael Shinafelt just conducted a quick interview with our own Naama Kates. Read it below, after the jump:
Naama Kates is a Los Angeles transplant whose move from New York left her feeling lost and lonely; feelings that inspired the songs that would become her debut album, “The Unexamined Life.” A tongue-in-cheek take on Socrates’ “an unexamined life is not worth living,” Naama spent a year reflecting on her life and the path that she had chosen.
“My life was nothing but examined,” shares Kates. “I had just moved to Los Angeles and everything that I was feeling got written into a song; my personal therapy. What I write tells me what I’m thinking, reflects what I’m going through.”
What started with a small keyboard that Kates purchased at Guitar Center led to an impressive catalogue of original songs about universal themes, such as loneliness and unrequited love. Written with a soft touch and a slight edge, Kates’ take on subject matter that could be dreary is light and hopeful, which is further elevated by her superb arrangements. Count backward from one-to-eight before you lose it…
MS: BTW I love your single “Before You Lose It”.
NK: Awwwwwwwwwwwwww, Thank You.
MS: One of the things I really like, that I typed in the intro, is the line - “Count Backward from one - to - eight” before you lose it…that was interesting I think most people take about twenty. (laughs)
NK: Well, it’s based on, ya know, you are supposed to count to ten before you say anything. I made it eight because music is in four/four time.
MS: That makes perfect sense. Do you write all of your stuff, or do you collaborate?
NK: I write all my stuff. I do the piano, lyrics and the chords, the song is fully written, and I work with a producer, he then puts it together with drums, guitars, bass, he plays the bass so he does that part. I don’t do the arrangements, obviously my producer does that. (laughs)
Read the full interview HERE.
-Lena
Sunday, April 29, 2012
The Beauty of a Second
-By JJ Palencar
A few months ago, the company Mont Blanc, makers of fine writing instruments and timepieces held a competition titled “The Beauty of a Second”. The challenge was to create a film lasting only one second. Mont Blanc created this competition to celebrate the 190th anniversary of the chronograph. The resultant one second clips (films) are truly inspiring. Strung together they make for a wistful experience.
As artists and illustrators our goal is to distill an image, to freeze it, to create a feeling and ultimately make our own one second image in paint. More often we tend to over study the image but if we retain the initial impression, the fragment that captured our attention, then we will have the raw essence and foundation to create a memorable work. Each of these clips could easily become an illustration or a painting. Are not our lives a series of images, fragments and sense impressions, strung together to form a life?
The competition is now closed. I could find four compilation groups on YouTube and I think there were two winners.
Below are the four compilations, the awards ceremony as well as a few other videos that I could find.
The music is by Marcus Lober, from the album “The Beauty of a Second “ soundtrack, created especially for the competition.
From Mont Blanc: 190 years ago, Nicolas Rieussec recorded time to an accuracy of a fifth second for the first time - the chronograph was born. To celebrate this unique invention, Montblanc created the one-of-a-kind "The Beauty of a Second" short-film contest presented by the famous film director Wim Wenders.
One Second Website
As artists and illustrators our goal is to distill an image, to freeze it, to create a feeling and ultimately make our own one second image in paint. More often we tend to over study the image but if we retain the initial impression, the fragment that captured our attention, then we will have the raw essence and foundation to create a memorable work. Each of these clips could easily become an illustration or a painting. Are not our lives a series of images, fragments and sense impressions, strung together to form a life?
The competition is now closed. I could find four compilation groups on YouTube and I think there were two winners.
Below are the four compilations, the awards ceremony as well as a few other videos that I could find.
The music is by Marcus Lober, from the album “The Beauty of a Second “ soundtrack, created especially for the competition.
From Mont Blanc: 190 years ago, Nicolas Rieussec recorded time to an accuracy of a fifth second for the first time - the chronograph was born. To celebrate this unique invention, Montblanc created the one-of-a-kind "The Beauty of a Second" short-film contest presented by the famous film director Wim Wenders.
One Second Website
1st round compilation - From YouTube
2nd round compilation - From YouTube
3rd round compilation - From YouTube
4th round compilation - From YouTube
Winning Clips - From YouTube
Friday, April 27, 2012
Daniel Coda's Film "Privacy" Picked up for Distribution
Congrats to our own Daniel Coda! Daniel edited the widely spreading music video for Naama Kates which was directed by Princeton Holt. He also edited the feature film Privacy, which just reached a distribution / sales agent agreement with CAMELOT DISTRIBUTION GROUP. First up will be the premiere worldwide film market, Le Marche du Film at Cannes! Check out the teaser:
Read more about the film at its official website.
Congrats to Daniel and the cast and crew!
- Lena
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Twin Peaks
by Eric Fortune
For any fans of Twin Peaks, you may be interested in the 20th Anniversary group show at Copro Gallery. Here are a few pieces from the show. There's even a mono print by David Lynch.
Dan Quintana
Martin Wittfooth
Chris Buzelli
David Lynch
For any fans of Twin Peaks, you may be interested in the 20th Anniversary group show at Copro Gallery. Here are a few pieces from the show. There's even a mono print by David Lynch.
Dan Quintana
Martin Wittfooth
Chris Buzelli
David Lynch
"Delivery" Wins the Award of Merit
Our latest short "Delivery" (formerly titled "Crystal Meth Jesus") was just given the Award of Merit from the Best Shorts Film Competition in California. Alongside its director Princeton Holt, the 20 minute film was also produced by John Greer and David Vaughn, 2 of its actors. The film also stars Kelsey Law, who is new to our family!
There are more updates coming, as well as some more exciting festival/award news. Stay tuned!
Congrats to the cast and crew!
- Lena
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Visit to the Metropolitan
-Donato
Once every couple of months I love to take a Friday afternoon and evening off from the studio and stroll through the Metropolitan Museum of Art and see some old 'friends', and discover some new ones.
It is always a wonderful visit, with a quartet playing in the main lobby entry hall, and most of the crowds off to dinner. For not everyone realizes that the Met is open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday. It is an excellent time to have the art to yourself and a few other die hard 'cognoscente'.
Enjoy the tour!
Caravaggio
The Room of Rembrandts
Edwin Austin Abbey
John White Alexander
A new Sargent in the American Wing! A brilliant piece...can you spot the two deer in the dappled light?
Here is a hidden secret. On the second floor of the American Wing is one of the storage areas which is glassed in. There is some amazing art to discover in these corridors!
One of these discoveries . H.O. Walker...who? Stunning work none the less by a previously unknown artist to me.
One of the Met's Maxfield Parrishs. You can see how they rate illustrators as I have never seen this image out on the main floors, but there is always space for plenty of deserted rooms filled with modern art. Don't get me started!
I always have to nod hello to the knights in armor.
Lastly, this entryway to the American Wing says it all.
Many have passed before, and many more will do so in the future. I am grateful to have the chance to live in this city with institutions that share the best of what artists have offered up to the world.
Once every couple of months I love to take a Friday afternoon and evening off from the studio and stroll through the Metropolitan Museum of Art and see some old 'friends', and discover some new ones.
It is always a wonderful visit, with a quartet playing in the main lobby entry hall, and most of the crowds off to dinner. For not everyone realizes that the Met is open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday. It is an excellent time to have the art to yourself and a few other die hard 'cognoscente'.
Enjoy the tour!
Caravaggio
The Room of Rembrandts
Edwin Austin Abbey
John White Alexander
A new Sargent in the American Wing! A brilliant piece...can you spot the two deer in the dappled light?
Here is a hidden secret. On the second floor of the American Wing is one of the storage areas which is glassed in. There is some amazing art to discover in these corridors!
One of these discoveries . H.O. Walker...who? Stunning work none the less by a previously unknown artist to me.
One of the Met's Maxfield Parrishs. You can see how they rate illustrators as I have never seen this image out on the main floors, but there is always space for plenty of deserted rooms filled with modern art. Don't get me started!
I always have to nod hello to the knights in armor.
Lastly, this entryway to the American Wing says it all.
Many have passed before, and many more will do so in the future. I am grateful to have the chance to live in this city with institutions that share the best of what artists have offered up to the world.
Guest
-Jesper Ejsing
It still feels like I just got back from the beautiful Stockholm. Even if it was already 2 days ago. I was teaching at a workshop there, called Northern Light. My great partners in crime of teaching were Petar Meseldzija and Justin Gerard. The reason why it feels like I am still kind of there, is because I brought one of the teacher back home with me.
These days I am enjoying the company of Justin at the studio. We are painting right in front of eachother and share thoughts, technic and criticism as well as bad jokes and stupid remarks…well I keep to the last and Justin handles the intelligent parts.
What is so great is that the both of us shows the other one what each of us thinks is so great about each other's technique. We are equally amazed at what the other one is doing.
I am trying to teach Justin to eat and drink like a Dane, and he strangely enough haven´t passed on anything I served him (even stuff no sane Dane considers real food).
It is a pleasure to have him staying and I wish he wasn´t going back when the week drags to an end.
More than ever, I regret that I am not attending the Spectrum Live.
It still feels like I just got back from the beautiful Stockholm. Even if it was already 2 days ago. I was teaching at a workshop there, called Northern Light. My great partners in crime of teaching were Petar Meseldzija and Justin Gerard. The reason why it feels like I am still kind of there, is because I brought one of the teacher back home with me.
These days I am enjoying the company of Justin at the studio. We are painting right in front of eachother and share thoughts, technic and criticism as well as bad jokes and stupid remarks…well I keep to the last and Justin handles the intelligent parts.
What is so great is that the both of us shows the other one what each of us thinks is so great about each other's technique. We are equally amazed at what the other one is doing.
I am trying to teach Justin to eat and drink like a Dane, and he strangely enough haven´t passed on anything I served him (even stuff no sane Dane considers real food).
It is a pleasure to have him staying and I wish he wasn´t going back when the week drags to an end.
More than ever, I regret that I am not attending the Spectrum Live.
 |
| Demo painting in Stockholm. Notice Justins ref of hairless monkeys. |
"Godspeed" by Celia C. Peters
Our friend Celia C. Peters has a new project she launched called Godspeed! Please LIKE her pages!
Here is more about it:
Godspeed is a new breed of science fiction feature film that is now in development. Please join their exciting journey to putting to this very special film on the big screen.
Godspeed is a near-future story that pushes us to consider the notion that we are not alone in the cosmos. The growing number of new star systems and planets being discovered every day suggest that this is more than a remote possibility. What if contact with other intelligent life is nothing like we expect?
This project also challenges us to think about film in a fresh way, without the baggage of meaningless categories and divisions that get in the way of character, story, talent and the art of cinema.
Keep up to date with Godspeed's official blog!
Follow Godspeed on Twitter.
- Lena
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Microvisions 7
For those in the NYC area, the Microvisions 7 exhibit is currently hanging at the Society of Illustrators. In just a few days, the auction for these miniature works will go live. All profits from the auction will go to scholarships for deserving art students across the country. Thus far, the Microvisions auction has raised over $35,000 these students.
The auction will go live on Ebay this Saturday, April 26th at 7pm EST.
If it is anything like last year, the bidding for each piece will start at just $50!
Here is a preview of all 12 pieces that have been donated:
The auction will go live on Ebay this Saturday, April 26th at 7pm EST.
If it is anything like last year, the bidding for each piece will start at just $50!
Here is a preview of all 12 pieces that have been donated:
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| Peter DeSeve |
 |
| Scott Gustafson |
 |
| Dan dos Santos |
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| Scott Bakal |
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| Brian Despain |
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| Chris Rahn |
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| Terryl Whitlatch |
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| John Picacio |
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| Rebecca Guay |
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| Nathan Fowkes |
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| Scott Brundage |
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| Julie Bell |
Corey Williams' Radio Interview
Our good friend Corey Williams of Golden Tiger Productions appeared on the IndieCapitol radio broadcast to talk about his prolific producing career and his latest project "The DMV Truth: Indie Film Artists." He mentions our very own COO Cassandra Riddick, and repository actor Jace Nicole.
He begins around the 22 minute mark:
- Lena
He begins around the 22 minute mark:
- Lena
Robert E. McGinnis
-by Arnie Fenner
Since John Jude recently gave a nod to Mark English here at MC, I thought I'd shine the spotlight on one of Mark's contemporaries, Robert E. McGinnis. I've talked about him before and I'll be delighted to talk about him again: I grew up a fan of Bob's mystery covers and movie posters (particularly those for the James Bond films) and consider myself lucky to have worked with him on his first art book, Tapestry, and a calendar in 2006.
Renowned for something like 1200 book covers and over 40 movie posters (plus stacks of editorial and advertising art), his body of work is astonishing, both for the quantity and quality. Whether painting hardboiled gumshoes, femme fatales, scenes from the old West, movie stars, or sensuous nudes, Robert McGinnis is simply one of the best—and his recent covers for the Hard Case Crime series shows that, even in his 80s, he hasn't missed a beat.
Donald M. Grant Publishing has a new book of Bob's paintings of women in the works, both from his mystery covers and from his gallery shows: I'm looking forward to that.
Bob's website is still under construction, but keep an eye on it to see when it becomes active.
Since John Jude recently gave a nod to Mark English here at MC, I thought I'd shine the spotlight on one of Mark's contemporaries, Robert E. McGinnis. I've talked about him before and I'll be delighted to talk about him again: I grew up a fan of Bob's mystery covers and movie posters (particularly those for the James Bond films) and consider myself lucky to have worked with him on his first art book, Tapestry, and a calendar in 2006.
Renowned for something like 1200 book covers and over 40 movie posters (plus stacks of editorial and advertising art), his body of work is astonishing, both for the quantity and quality. Whether painting hardboiled gumshoes, femme fatales, scenes from the old West, movie stars, or sensuous nudes, Robert McGinnis is simply one of the best—and his recent covers for the Hard Case Crime series shows that, even in his 80s, he hasn't missed a beat.
Donald M. Grant Publishing has a new book of Bob's paintings of women in the works, both from his mystery covers and from his gallery shows: I'm looking forward to that.
Bob's website is still under construction, but keep an eye on it to see when it becomes active.
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